Apartment Update: Living Room Progress

It's officially summer (though I haven't been to a baseball game yet, so is it really summer??), and I can't even explain how lovely it is to not deal with East Coast humidity! I miss DC, but I definitely don't miss the weather this time of year. Utah summers for the win!

I actually started out this post with the intention of writing about a lot more than just my apartment, but it was taking me a while to get through even just the living room part of this, soooo here goes...

The good news is I'm definitely starting to feel more settled in my apartment. It's amazing what NOT living out of boxes can do to make a place feel like home! I think I've settled on my living room furniture arrangement, and I'm actually pretty proud of the little space I've put together. (Though in full disclosure, I've eliminated two of the throw pillows on the couch since this photo was taken, and I've added a wooden catch-all tray to the left of the TV (though I may change my mind on this. TBD; the suspense!) and a vintage green desk lamp to the right of the TV. I just googled how much these lamps sell for, and geez, the $5 I paid at the DI for my lamp was a friggin' STEAL! There's also a floor lamp riiiight in front of the AC window unit (you can sort of see the pole just to the left of the unit) with a yellow/turquoise floral lampshade from Target. I've had both the lamp and the shade since DC, so I don't have links for them.)

Check it out so far:

And just for fun, here's where everything is from –

The Great Couch Search of 2015

So, I moved in to my new apartment a few weeks ago, and I've been spending nearly all my free time shopping, thrifting, yard sale-ing, and generally hunting for furniture and those key pieces to help me turn my house into a home. (Two weekends ago, my mom, brothers, and I did a DI Tour of the Wasatch Front: we started in Ogden – Harrisville, technically – and made our way to EVERY DI, Savers, and Goodwill between Ogden and Sandy. It was amazing! Our favorites were definitely the Centerville and Murray DI's, in case you were wondering.)

The biggest ticket item I've been looking for is a COUCH! I've been researching online, searching for inspiration on Pinterest, and looking on KSL, Craigslist, etc., but I was struggling to find what I was looking for. So I made a Google doc and asked Facebook for help. I then spent the day texting and emailing with girlfriends across the country (thanks, ladies!), and I'm SO happy to announce I FINALLY bought a couch last night!! I'm a little nervous, because I bought it online and didn't get a chance to sit on it beforehand, but the online reviews were pretty positive, so I think it'll be OK. :)

Below, is the info that was on my Google doc, but if you want to just scroll to the very end, you'll see the couch I ended up with. ;)

(more after the jump!)

Good Things

Here are some good things that have happened lately:

The time J.Crew emailed to give me a $50 gift card

I placed an order with J.Crew before Christmas and had the order shipped to my family's home in Utah. The order took a little longer than expected to arrive, but nothing too crazy. I figured things were behind with the holidays, but it really wasn't a big deal.

And then last week, they emailed me an apology, and a $50 gift card!! Guilt-free shopping for 2014!! What?? J.Crew, I love youuuuu! Will you be my valentine? xoxoxo <3 <3 <3

The time I was sick, went to work, had a work lunch, & the food was amazing

I love food. I had to stay home from work last week bc I was sick, and when I returned to the office, I had a work lunch at Luna Grill & Diner. I was still feeling a little under the weather, so I ordered the creamy tomato soup and mozzarella/basil/tomato panini. It was basically a glorified tomato soup + grilled cheese, and it was AMAZING! If you've never had it, GO! Right now, go!

The time we invited a new friend over to dinner, & he made this amazing apple pie

I don't like sweets. (Chocolate and cheesecake being the exceptions.) I know it's crazy, but I just don't. But a new friend of ours came over for Sunday dinner, and he brought this homemade (from scratch!) apple pie with him. It was so, so good! Coming from a girl who doesn't like sugar, that's a huge compliment! Ryan, I am seriously impressed! Look how pretty it was! Lattice crust and everything!

The time we celebrated Caitlin's 28th birthday, and it was really fun

Also, the cake was awesome. (Props to Jacks!) And HBD, C!! xo

(See C-lin's previous birthdays here: 2013. 2012.)

This link:

Celebrities reenact scenes from Disney movies (So good!)

#TheYearWithoutShopping

#TheYearWithoutShopping (image via)

OK, now that it's basically February, I thought I'd write a little about one of my goals for 2014. Some of my goals are more personal so I won't share those, but let me tell you a little about one of my goals for 2014: #TheYearWithoutShopping.

#TheYearWithoutShopping

I took some time last year to analyze my finances, and after a mild panic attack, I've re-worked my budget and decided that my main financial priority (you know, aside from keeping a roof over my head, saving for a rainy day, etc.) is to get out of debt. (Stinkin'... student loans....) I need to lower my debt and start putting more towards long-term savings and other personal financial goals. It sort of makes me wonder whether spending so much on school was a good idea, but it's kind of too late for that, so I'm focusing on how to get out of debt instead.

One way I'm saving $$ this year is by NOT BUYING CLOTHES OR SHOES FOR ALL OF 2014!! (With a few exceptions -- I'm budgeting for a pair of brown boots for next autumn (my old ones are shamefully beat up), and you know, if I'm a bridesmaid or something, I'll obviously buy the outfit. The other exception would be if a STAPLE piece were to break/rip/get ruined. Like... My pair of black work pumps breaks, or... you know. But that probably won't happen.)

SO, in general... no clothes or shoe shopping in 2014! (hence, #TheYearWithoutShopping) It's been reeeeeally hard so far (I really like to shop, and I get a genuine high from scoring good deals!), and I've had to unsubscribe from all my normal shopping sites. And yet I still find myself online browsing? And several times, I've gone into Gap, Anthropologie, Target "just to look" and nearly broken my resolution.

On January 8th, I saw Natalie H. wearing this ADORABLE buffalo check coat, and I IMMEDIATELY bought it! (I justified it, bc I'd had to take back a different coat I'd bought, on account of the pocket lining ripped.) The second I clicked on "purchase," I knew I'd made the wrong decision! I IM'd customer service right away, and they were able to cancel my order. PHEW! Other than that, so far, so good!

I did something similar once while I was on my mission. My goal was to NOT buy any clothes/shoes the whole time, and I actually did it! I had to buy a new white undershirt mid-way through my mission, but other than that, no new clothes or shoes! I survived by borrowing from other sisters, and "shopping" in the sisters' closet at the mission home, sorting through any goodz left over by sisters who'd gone home.

I think in addition to saving me some $$, this challenge will help me be more creative with what I already own (and motivate me to fit into things I haven't fit into in a while? Ha!). Maybe I'll learn to sew so I can alter items I don't wear frequently, bc they don't fit me properly? (You know, in my loads of spare time?) And I definitely see clothing swaps in my future! I don't have a "sisters' closet" this time, but the past few clothing swaps I've participated in have been fun. Let me know if you're interested!

#TheYearWithoutShopping, I am SO going to own you! 1 month down, 11 to go.

Hipster, Hobo, or Thug?

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** Spoiler alert: Be sure to take the quiz at the very bottom! **

I had the loveliest weekend this weekend. I attended a beautiful wedding, ran errands by bike, enjoyed a great Sunday at church, and spent the perfect Sunday afternoon at the Bishop's Garden at the National Cathedral with Melanie. But first things first.... I need your opinions!!

Last year, I bought a slouchy pink beanie for $1 (brand new at Goodwill, baby!), and ever since, I've wanted another slouchy beanie in GRAY. (A "hipster" beanie, as I like to call it.)

I'm pleased to announce... I bought one! I tried it on at home, and my roommate said, "Oh, a hobo beanie." She thought I looked like a homeless person!!?!

Then, when I told Melanie the story yesterday, she said, "Thug beanie." Seriously, Meli?? Come on!

And so, I'd like to ask for input here. What do you think -- hipster, hobo, or thug??

in SHOCK that you'd consider this anything other than HIPSTER

Yándary is not amused.

i can't keep a straight face to save my life.

vote HIPSTER, & i'll love you foh-EV-ah

Vote here, and stand up for urban chic hipsters everywhere!



**Polls will remain open until Friday, October 25th.**

True Meaning of Memorial Day (+ Sales!)

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (From my family's trip to Arlington Cemetery a week and a half ago.)

TRUE MEANING

This post will cover both the true meaning of Memorial Day and... the superficial meaning.

My friend Chase shared a quote in church yesterday about the reason behind Memorial Day. The following quote is from President Harry S. Truman's Prayer for Peace on Memorial Day 1948.

"Memorial Day each year provides a fitting occasion upon which American citizens, who have ever been devoted to the ways of peace, may direct their attention to the human losses resulting from the ravages of war.

From the sacred memory of beloved friends and relatives who were sacrificed in the ordeal of battle, we may derive inspiration for renewed prayers and redoubled exertions in a mighty striving for peace.

Although the months and years after the end of hostilities in the world's most tragic war are steadily passing, mankind has not yet found the long-sought basis of an unbreakable, righteous peace. In all humility we wish to acknowledge our need for divine guidance.

Now, Therefore, I, Harry S. Truman, President of the United States of America, pursuant to a resolution of Congress approved May 28, 1948, do hereby call upon the people of the United States to observe Sunday, May 30, 1948, as Memorial Day by praying to Almighty God, each in accordance with his religious faith, that permanent peace may prevail among men."

May we remember that today is more than a day off; it's a chance for us to honor those who have served their country and those who have fought for peace across the world.

MEMORIAL DAY SALES!

In addition to being a reverent day, Memorial Day also happens to be a really great shopping day. My sister gets married next month, and I need to buy a dress! (If you see anything while you're out, it has to be yellow, turquoise, or lime green + must have sleeves, please!) I forwarded an e-mail about a Gap sale to my friend Caitlin (She's been wanting a particular dress, and it's discounted today! Go get it, C!), and I decided I may as well share a few other finds here, too.

J.Crew Factory

• 50% off EVERYTHING!! No code required. Priced as marked. (Maybe I'll buy this dress for my sister's wedding?? And could THESE be the perfect nude wedges I've been searching for for so long???! Camille, why are you at the beach today?!!)

J.Crew

• 30% off Sale items with code: "HELLOSTYLE"
• $5 shipping!
• Free returns on all orders

Banana Republic

• Take an extra 35% off with code "BRDIVEIN." (Mom! This sale is for you!)
• Free shipping on orders over $50
• Free returns on all orders

Gap

• Certain items marked up to 40% off
• Extra 20% off your order with code "GAPGIFT"

Lime Ricki Swimwear (modest suits for women & men!)

• Take 25% off your order with code "MEMDAY25"
• Shipping is always just $5

These sales are good today only, so hurry up! As for me, I'm off to my local J. Crew to try on sizes before buying online. :) Happy Memorial Day, y'all!

How to Buy Saltwater Sandals (and How to Shop Kids' Shoes)

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I've gotten a lot of questions about where I bought my fuschia Salt Water sandals, so I thought I'd write up a little post on tips for your Salt Water buying.

I've seen Saltwaters a lot online and had been thinking of getting them, but what tipped me over the edge was when I was at Camille's house one Friday night and saw her TWO NEW PAIRS!! Red and pale pink! And they were so cute, I wanted to take them home! Especially the piiiink ones! (C and I are pretty much the same size in shoes, so it totally would've worked!) I went home and looked them up online, and Camille was sweet and even sent me the link to where she bought her two pairs from Zappo's ($42 + free shipping).

BUT! In my online searching, I had discovered a few things.

1- They were $36.95 at Nordstrom! (ie- cheaper + free shipping and free returns)

2- They were $20-something on Amazon! (ie- even cheaper + free shipping with Amazon Prime!)

3- They came in HOT PINK!! (OK, fuschia, technically...)

Obviously, I bought the pink ones. From Amazon, of course. :) I bought them online late Saturday night, and they arrived on Tuesday. I was one HAPPY customer!

Now a word on BUYING KIDS' SHOES (when you're NOT a kid)... 

I wear a size 6 in women's, but before I buy certain pairs of shoes (obv not shoes, like, high heels, you know?), I look in the kids' section to see if they have a similar version. Kids' shoes are usually significantly cheaper. Both of my pairs of Toms are from the kids' section, and they were $15 cheaper than their identical adult counterparts. I don't get it. But hey, I'm not complaining! Often, a brand will make adult/kids shoes that are EXACTLY the same. If that's the case, I'll buy the cheaper kids' version.

Other times, the shoes may LOOK identical, but the construction is NOT. Sperry's are an excellent example. (Also running shoes. Do NOT buy kids' running shoes. They have zero support! Learn from my mistakes...) The kids' Sperry's look just like the adult Sperry's, but they don't have the CUSHION and ARCH SUPPORT that the adult shoes have. THAT is worth paying more for! My Sperry's are one of the few pairs of shoes I haven't bought on sale, but they are also ridiculously comfortable, and I wore them practically every day last summer, so I still think the $90 was worth it. (btw Camille and I both have the Angelfish Sperry's! Great minds have similar taste in shoes! ;) Hers are gold, mine are rose gold. Like this.)

If you decide to buy the kids' shoes, you can calculate your correct size by subtracting 2 from your women's shoe size.

For example, I wear a size 6 in women's shoes. Subtract 2, and you get my kids' shoe size, which is 4 in kids' shoes. Magic! Same shoes, but cheaper!

May (Thus Far)

I know, I know. We're only five days into May, but here's some stuff from the last few days:

>>> My friend Jason got engaged this weekend! Back in September, we had a conversation about how much he liked this girl, but he was afraid to ask her out, etc. etc.. She was really nice to everyone, so he couldn't tell if she actually LIKE liked him, or if she was just being her usual nice, friendly self. I told him to not be a chicken and just ask her out! The worst that could happen was she'd say no, etc., and he did it! He asked her out! And guess what?? She LIKE liked him! And now they're engaged!! The moral of this story? 

"When in doubt, ask her(/him?) out!"

Remember this adorable picture of me with them from this post??

>>> Camille and I wore our Saltwaters! It was a hard decision choosing to buy the fuschia pair (mostly because I'm afraid of looking like I'm six years old), but I love the color, so whatevs! Who cares if I meet a six-year old with the same shoes, right? (Right??)

For reference, I wear a size 6 shoe, but the size 4 kids fits great! If you wear up to a size 7 in women's and are interested in buying a pair of these sandals, let me HIGHLY suggest you buy the kids' sizes. They're usually cheaper, and they look exactly the same! Also, AMAZON has Saltwaters for cheaper than anywhere else I've seen! (I paid just over $20 for mine!) This is the link I used. (Don't worry; it has adult sizes in a few colors!) You can see the price has gone up from when I bought mine, but they're still a pretty good deal!


>>> Steph and I rode our bikes to church again! (And this time, we rode them back, too!) In hindsight, it probably wasn't the smartest idea to ride 13 miles roundtrip on Fast Sunday (I may have had a few sips of water when I got home... Ooops.), but it was so fun! I look forward to many such bike to church outings this summer!

Guys, I rode in a PENCIL SKIRT! High fives for all! (photo by Steph)

(photo by Steph)

>>> I watched my friend Ali's little girl for a few hours one morning. Ali just had a brand new baby boy, and I wanted to give her a few hours off from double-baby duty. But this woman, I tell you, she is definitely an overachiever. What did she do with her morning off? Did she take a nap? Relax? Take some me-time? Nope! She painted her front door! Crazy girl...

Isn't her daughter adorable?? Such a cute, smart kid!

>>> I finished a paper for one of my  classes that literally took every ounce of courage and faith and energy I had to finish... I even resorted to googling "Grad school inspiration," because I felt SO demotivated... What I found was actually pretty amazing. There's a website called www.writtenkitten.net, and I did a little trickery to find the puppy version of it! Essentially, there's a space for you to type your paper, and every time you write another 100 words, the website shows you a new photo of an adorable puppy! So brilliant! That and Spotify (and God? praying? Gah!) are what helped get me through one of the hardest, most frustrating papers of my grad school career...

>>> The CES Fireside tonight (CES = Church Educational System. These "firesides" are 1-hour broadcasts targeted to young single Mormons. The speaker usually picks a topic (such as faith, etc.) and gives a talk about it.) was A- awesome. B- about President Monson. (Pres. Monson is the current Prophet and President of the LDS Church.) My favorite part was when Elder Walker said President Monson is a lot like Nephi. Why? Well, you may or may not know that Nephi is my BoM (Book of Mormon) "crush." (I know... That's SUCH a nerdy Mormon thing to have!) Nephi is just the greatest! He's faithful and obedient, he likes to learn and asks questions, he's ever the optimist, he's "large in stature" (I maybe like tall men? Yes, I know I'm 5 feet tall...), what's not to love?? President Monson is equally amazing. And let's not forget he's a UTE! ICYMI or want to watch it again, the broadcast is available online here.

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Aren't President Monson and his wife just the cutest??  (via)

Speaking of everyone's favorite spiritual crushes, how adorable is this photo of young President Uchtdorf?? (Pres. Uchtdorf is another LDS Church leader.)

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>>> I got hit on at the public library on Friday (where I spent the ENTIRE day. 10am-6pm...). A guy came up to me and asked if I'd watch his laptop while he ran out to his car. I said sure. Then he handed me a note that said, "Hello, I couldn't help noticing you, because I found you quite beautiful. By the way, my name is  (something illegible that starts with an A?), and if possible, I'd love for us to get to know each other and possibly exchange contact info. Regards, A?)" It was all very unusual. Unfortunately, I was NOT interested, but I made sure to be kind and gracious in my response, because it takes a lot of guts to walk up to a stranger and say that... Also, it made me wish Mormon men would be as assertive as non-Mormon men. Confidence is attractive, fellas! Try it some time!

And with that, I'm off to bed. I'm working for a few hours in the morning and then studying for my LAST FINAL OF THE SEMESTER!!! Think of me at 7pm and say a li'l prayer for me?

What Happens to Me When I Go to Target

In case you didn't know it, I'm a most excellent shopper! Last night, I went to Target to get some of this:

But, as always, Target SUCKED ME IN, and I ended up ALSO coming back with all of this:

You should have seen all the stuff I DIDN'T buy! Does it make it better if I say I used TWO coupons?

I blame C-lin for not coming with me. ;)

In my defense, how can you pass up salt/pepper shakers shaped like a rabbit and an Easter chicken?? Which obviously meant that I needed to buy black pepper... And you can never have too much craft glitter (only $1.25!)... or too many socks (3 pairs for $1.78!)! And I've been needing glue sticks for ages. Also, the ice cream was only $3.25 (and ice cream and ibuprofen just go together sometimes, amiright? tmi? meh.), and the shoes were (wait for it) $5.96! Less than $6! How was I to pass them up?? And umm, I was out of milk and eggs anyway. Also, I decided last night that it's time to finally become an adult and start taking one-a-day vitamins. (Are you proud, Mom? You've only been telling me for about 10 years now.) And guys, I know that shirt is WAY out of my regular price range, but I used a $5 off coupon, plus my wardrobe has been chambray-less for long enough, so it's all good, right?? Oh, and why did I buy sweet hot mustard? Because it was $1.24, of course! (And for the pretzel-making party I've been wanting to host ever since returning from Amish Country!)

Sigh.

You win this time, Target. (OK... Let's be honest; probably next time, too. Unless Caitlin comes?)

PS I also did this yesterday (BEFORE I bought the < $6 shoes):

Homemade hot pink Toms!

I've been wanting another pair of Toms for summer, but due to the grad school thing + the "My Car Failed Emissions and Then My Tire Exploded, Too" thing PLUS the "I GOT ACCEPTED FOR A ONE-WEEK STUDY ABROAD IN TURKEY THIS SUMMER (but it costs a million dollars)" thing (but YAY anyway!), it just ain't in the cards. I decided to get all crafty and revamped my two current pairs. I haven't yet decided if I'm "done" with the silver ones (I made them shiny again with a coat of metallic silver spray paint and sprayed the soles metallic gold), but I patched up my red ones (rather clumsily, I might add. Oh, well.) and turned them hot pink! I sprayed the soles a dark gray, taped them off, and used hot pink acrylic paint and a sponge brush to paint the red canvas hot pink. :)

And then I bought new green canvas shoes. Oh, well. Can't say I didn't try!

Over the Weekend

This is what I did:

• Celebrated Ali's birthday with dinner at Bethesda Row.

• Wanted to buy this nail polish but didn't (...YET!). DID buy this nail polish (Confetti, not OPI. Please, people. Do I look like I'm made of $$? Ha ha.). Wearing it now on 6 of my 10 fingernails. :)
  
• Had to literally pull over when I saw these GORGEOUS red trees! Fall is my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE season!

• Went shopping with C-lin (So fun!). Bought too much stuff. (That's what returns are for, right? No? OK.)

**QUICK POLL: Which coat should I keep? Gray wool coat (with ribbed gray trim on the neck and sleeves but NO HOOD-sad-day!) from Express? Or black, glorified trench coat (with warm lining and a hood!) from Macy's? (PS Official product photos are from these same links.) OR, should I just buy this puffer coat from J. Crew Factory (also with a hood)?? Decisions, decisions!

• Baby-sat this little cutie (who insisted on wearing her Halloween costume all night) and her brothers.

Yes, I did her hair. Cut me some slack, OK? All I helped raise were brothers!

•  Spent a night in the dark when the power went out due to the rainstorms.

• Served at the Temple (Loved it!).
• Went to a Halloween party, where I saw some great costumes! (Can you tell what my costume was? And no, I wasn't a pirate! There's a cookie in it for you, if you guess right!)

 

This is my crazy friend Chris, whom I've known since undergrad.

#HeightDifference

These two crack me up! Their costume was "Falling in Love." Get it? Get it? Ah ha ha!

Such an attractive couple. ;) (Love you, C!)

Cutest condiments ever!

• Finally gave Warren and Hannah their wedding surprise! (Whoops!)

• Went to church. Felt the spirit and also loved it! Learned about the importance of self-reliance and the gathering of Israel and that God answers prayers. (It's true! He does!)
• Joined the ward choir! Eeep! And no, h*#1 has not frozen over. Those who know me know that I only sing in church choirs when there's a General Authority involved and well, Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles is coming to DC next Sunday to dedicate our new chapel in the District, and I really want to go, OK? The last time I was in the choir was when Elder David A. Bednar came about a year and a half ago. (Sorry, Michelle!) It's just that these guys are a big deal to us Mormons. We sustain these men as prophets, seers, and revelators. I know each of them has truly been called of God to help lead us today.
• And last, but certainly not least, I partook in a gorgeous Sunday drive through Rock Creek Park (where I saw a park ranger on horseback), baked the season's first pumpkin choc-chip cookies, and gloried in a Sunday nap. :)
  

Can you see the tiny horse?

Here's to a great week!