Friday, December 31, 2010

Purchases

Since planning my wedding is pretty much my only focus right now, the majority of my posts will be wedding-y. However, I do start my internship in two weeks so maybe I'll throw in a few posts about that experience :)

Well, I bought my wedding dress! Ahhh! It was such a fun and exciting experience to try on dresses and really feel like a bride. The dress I bought was the very first dress I pulled off the rack and the very first one that I tried on. Fate? I think so. I don't think I will post a picture of it, not out of superstition (I already showed Mathew) but just because I don't think a picture will really show the dress. It's so pretty ahh I love it!

Next purchase, my wedding shoes. With a lot of encouragement from Mathew, I decided to go with these shoes instead of heels. I just ordered them so hopefully they will fit okay and look as cute as I am hoping.

I'm pretty psyched actually.

Well those are my only purchases so far. I have lots of other plans for the reception. This is so insane, I never thought I'd actually be planning a wedding haha.

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Dress

I'm going dress shopping tomorrow...and I might be DYING with excitement! Just thought all you bloggers should know! :)

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Engaged!

Hello friends! For those of you who didn't already know this, I'm engaged! This is the post I've been waiting to write. Yippee! 
I'll start off with this: "it'll happen when you least expect it!" Anytime someone said this to me, I would get seriously annoyed...but it's completely true. If someone would have told me six months ago that I'd be engaged I wouldn't have believed it. In fact, at the beginning of the semester, I made a bet with my roommate that I wouldn't get asked out on a date. Obviously I was a tad bit mistaken. But I am so incredibly happy and in love right now. Life is grand! 
So for anyone that would like to know, this is the proposal story. Enjoy!
Pre-Proposal
Okay Mathew and I have a system, we see each other once during the week, then Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays if we're lucky. It's not the most fun thing to do distance but in the end, it's completely worth it. Needless to say, I look forward to the weekends more than I ever did. Why do I bring this up? I was convinced every weekend that it would be THE weekend. Then the weekend would come and go, we'd say goodbye and I didn't have a ring. He even tricked me this last weekend and took me out to a fancy dinner and everything. Finally, I had to stop thinking about it because I was going crazy inside (trying my hardest to not let it show on the outside of course :) ). So, I convinced myself that it would be Christmas Eve/Day because he kept talking about my awesome Christmas present. What could be better than a diamond? Anyway, I accepted having to wait until Christmas.
Proposal Night
I had to go to Idaho Falls on Tuesday night because I had a dentist appointment Wednesday morning and was not interested in driving early in the a.m. Mathew came from Blackfoot and met me at my house to hang out. We ate dinner, ran to Wal-Mart for my mom and so he could buy Inception, then went back to make a gingerbread house. For some reason, I have been itching to make one and he never has so it seemed like a good time. While the house was drying before we could decorate, Mathew wanted to play some Super Mario World. So we went in my room and started playing. Sidenote: While at Wal-Mart, he wanted to find some peanut butter M&Ms (my favorite) for us but oddly enough, the didn't have ANY. So strange. He told me he had already bought a bag but wanted another. Back to the story. While we were playing, he pulled out the bag of M&Ms and handed them to me. (I'm still oblivious at this point) I opened them and they were small. I thought maybe they had changed the size or something...I dunno...but then I ate one and here were my first words, "they definitely put plain M&Ms in the bag." (still oblivious) He told me to dump them out so I did and out comes my ring! Oh jeeze! I was SHOCKED and completely speechless. He picked up one of the M&Ms and it said "Will you marry me?" How on earth did I not notice that the M&Ms had writing on them? My best answer is that I was totally not expecting the proposal that night...at all. I really thought the M&M company had just made a mistake, yeah I'm a genius. The other M&Ms said "I love you" and "Candace + Mathew." So, of course I said yes and he put the ring on my finger and I just could not stop smiling and giggling. Best. Night. Ever. I'm extremely happy that he found a way to surprise me, because of course I was expecting it at some point and I wasn't sure how he would pull it off. But he did and it was awesome! :)

The decoy bag
 The big bag of awesome M&M's :)

 The blue ones had the same phrases on them but you can see them better on the pink ones.
 He was smart and thought to get this picture frame to hold the M&M's. We will put a picture when we eventually take ENGAGEMENTS! :) Even though he got this cute frame, I can not bring myself to eat the other M&M's. I am way too sentimental.

If you took the time to read this, I wouldn't mind reading your comments...just sayin :)

Monday, December 6, 2010

Almost Done!

Obviously I got bored of that whole pictures from the past thing. I didn't have as many exciting pictures as I thought. Oh well! So, this semester is almost over and I am SO happy! I don't know how on earth I'm going to make it through the next week and half but somehow I will do it. I think I might get my first B this semester and I'm kind of sad about it :( Oh well. I can't do much now. I have learned tons from my classes though...more than any other semester which is kind of interesting.

Well, life is still going great other than the craziness of classes. I have lots to write about but I'm not going to write about it yet. :) I'll put you all in a little bit of suspense. So I can't wait until Christmas. I'm super anxious for it to get here. I love being home with the family and cuddling up in blankets and watching movies or reading. If only we had a fire place at my house, that would really take my Christmas love to another level. That's about it for my life right now. I wish I had something more exciting to say! :)

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Harry Potter

In honor of Harry Potter coming out tomorrow night here is one of my favorite YouTube videos. I'm sure you all have seen it...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tx1XIm6q4r4

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Locks of Love

If you didn't already know, I used to have long hair. Some days I miss it. Some days I can't believe I actually could stand it that long. Well, one day in AP Lit, Emily Wheeler convinced me to chop it and donate it. She had to walk with me to the office and watch me write my name down on the list. If she didn't basically hold my hand, I don't think I could have done it. Thanks Emily! :)

           
 I remember always thinking that my hair was short...even when it was this long. Obviously I was crazy.
         
 I was really sad the night before.
And here is my ponytail. I definitely don't miss having to wash and dry that much hair.

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Blasts from the Past

Now that I am finished with the blog challenge, I am again looking for something to blog about. In general, I don't have much I can "blog" about. I'm totally just loving life right now. So, here is my new idea for my blog for a while. It was inspired by the Day 24 post. While looking through all my pictures of Shadow, I realized I have a lot of random pictures from my past. So I'm just gonna post a picture or two...or three...or more and give a little story so you all can know random little things about me. Sound fun? It will be for me!


 Oh boy, this picture. Braces, hair pulled back, awkward smile, John Deere t-shirt, yep that was me! :) Oh yeah and don't forget to notice that I'm wearing mouse ears with a veil. One of my dreams is to be Minnie Mouse. Ever since I set foot in her Disneyland house as a child, I knew I was supposed to be her. She has an awesome vanity with lighted mirrors, ginormous perfume bottles, hair brushes and makeup, a super cute little kitchen, a white picket fence around her house with hearts on it, and of course there's lots of pink everywhere!
Mickey even asked me (well more like stuck out his hand to me) to dance at the California Adventure block party. He could feel that I was meant to be inside that Minnie costume.
Isn't she cute? Ah, I so want to be Minnie Mouse!

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Day 30

A photograph of yourself today + three good things that have happened in the past 30 days

Last photo booth picture! Yay!

Alright there have been many good things that have happened in the last 30 days. It's been a fabulous month. In fact, it's been such a good month, I'm not going to limit myself to three good things that have happened. Also, I have WAY too much homework and don't have time to decide on three things. Just believe me that good things have happened. :)

Monday, November 8, 2010

Day 29

Something you could never get tired of doing.

This is hard. I'm an antsy person and get tired of things fairly quickly. But I could never get tired of 

SHOPPING

It's true. I love that feeling of going shopping and having lots of different bags from different stores. Ah, such a great feeling. And I love finding good deals. 

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Day 28

Your favorite movie.

Tooooooooo many. 


I think this will always be one of my favorites. I never get tired of watching it. 
I'm sure that as soon as I post this I will think of a movie I like better...but oh well. Just know that I love movies and have many favorites. :)

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Day 27

A picture of you last year and now and how you changed since then?

Yucky. (Me not Kristin)


I am so tired of taking pictures of myself on photo booth. 

So that picture above...yeah...kind of speaks for itself. I have dramatically changed since last year for the better (I think). Old news, but I have lost 25 ish pounds and it feels amazing. I have learned the value of a healthy lifestyle. I still need to be better and have a lot to learn and probably some more pounds to lose but I never ever want to return to my "fat" days. I have changed in my attitude. I have become more positive and developed more faith in myself. I feel like a stronger person emotionally. Needless to say, I have changed  A LOT since last year and I am a much much happier person.

Friday, November 5, 2010

Day 26

A photo of somewhere you've been to.



Paris! This was the most amazing trip of my life. I'm sure all of you have already heard about it but it was a dream come true.

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Day 25

What's in your purse?

There is way too much stuff in my purse. But I have a wallet, sunglasses, chapstick, ibuprofen, my JCPenney nametag, a bunch of receipts, my keys, and sometimes a water bottle. I think that's it.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Day 24

A photo of something that means a lot to you.

I did intend to just put one picture...but as I was looking through my iPhoto, I discovered too many pictures that I just couldn't pass up. So here is the story of Shadow. :)


I love him. He likes to think he is human. I'm pretty sure he just tried to copy my position of sleeping.


At Christmas times, he always sleeps under the Christmas tree. Doesn't he just look so soft and cuddly? :)


For a while, I could never find him. I knew he was in my room and could hear his purring/snoring but he was no where to be found. My brother solved the mystery when he saw a big lump underneath my bed. He had torn the fabric down in my box springs thing and made a little home up inside. It was nearly impossible to get him out, we'd have to repeatedly hit the lump until he finally got sick of it. He would stay in there for soooo long.


 When I come home from school to visit, he does not like me to pay attention to anything but him, especially my computer. He makes it extra difficult to accomplish anything.

Isn't he just the most precious thing? Haha, I love him.

So yes, for day 24, I choose to put Shadow as something that means a lot to me. :)

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Day 23

15 facts about you.

This should be fun...

1. I love to play the piano and miss taking lessons and competing.
2. I wanted to be a vet for the longest time when I was a kid.
3. Sometimes...okay a lot of times I change my outfit multiple times in the morning.
4. It drives me crazy when people who play hymns in church/class don't just play the hymn and they embellish the hymn so it makes it impossible to sing parts.
5. I love looking at professional photography.
6. I wish I could afford to only shop at Anthropologie and Banana Republic.
7. Sometimes I strongly consider dressing terribly for a while so I can get nominated for What Not to Wear.
8. I love surprises.
9.I really really want a puppy.
10. I love my family so so much. I love laughing with them.
11. I love singing in choirs but I did not enjoy BYU-I women's choir because there were WAY too many divas.
12. Laughing is seriously one of my favorite things to do.
13. I hate falling asleep in my clothes and I am not a fan of staying in sweats/loungy clothes for very long.
14. I love excuses to get really dressed up. I looked forward to formal dances so I could wear pretty dresses.
15. The commercials about saving the abused animals with the song "In the Arms of an Angel" by Sarah McLachlan breaks my heart. I cry every time I see it so I always change the channel if it comes on.

Monday, November 1, 2010

Day 22

A letter to someone who has hurt you recently.

Let's talk about how much I don't want to write this post. This just feels really weird to be writing this on my blog. This is going to be a short letter.

Dear You,

I miss you. I know we have worked through things but I still miss how it used to be. I miss being able to tell you things. But things happened for the better and I know that. I'm always here for you if you need me. 

Yep, that definitely felt weird.

Sunday, October 31, 2010

Day 21

A photo of something that makes you happy.

There are many things that make me happy: shopping, piano, orange, laughing, the list could seriously go on and on. Not to be cheesy or anything but this picture currently makes me happy...


Well, Mathew, I hope you don't mind I exposed this picture to the blogosphere :)

Saturday, October 30, 2010

Day 20

The meaning behind your blog name.

Uhhhhhhhh...self-explanatory? It's just my name...

Friday, October 29, 2010

Day 19

Another picture of yourself.





 I am awkwardly sitting in class trying to take a picture inconspicuously. This is the best I could do :)

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Day 18

Something you crave a lot.

I don't know if there is one thing I crave a lot. Before my P90X weight loss journey, I would always crave fries and hamburgers. I loved that kind of stuff...sadly. Anyways, I got myself away from that and now I don't really have cravings. I love sweets and when they are in front of my I will eat them...but I don't particularly crave them. In my marketing class, we have been doing research for Idahoan potatoes, and since we started I have seriously been craving instant mashed potatoes. They made this awesome single serve product and I love it. Seriously check it out if you ever want a fast yummy salty snack.


Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Day 17

A photo of you and your family.

We just barely took family pictures last Friday so we are still lacking in a picture of all of us. This is the most accurate representation of my whole family. 


Most of us look pretty different now...I'm about 25 pounds heavier in this picture. We are also missing baby Lily and Steph's husband Dan.

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Day 16

Your celebrity crush.

I've kind of been dreading this one. I'm fully prepared to receive major mocking for this but if I'm being honest my celebrity crush is...






Monday, October 25, 2010

Day 15

Something you don't leave the house without.

This one is slightly difficult because I basically have two lives: school life and driving to I.F. life. School life involves me not leaving my house without 

this:




and this:


Driving to I.F. life I don't leave without

this:

But I never ever leave the house without

this:


Sunday, October 24, 2010

Day 14

A TV show you're currently addicted to.

I can honestly say I don't watch a lot of TV anymore. But my TV addiction is and forever will be...


 I seriously love this show. And I love owning the seasons so I can get my Gilmore fill anytime I want. Thank you ABC Family for playing reruns of this show before I even knew about the WB. I am eternally grateful.

Saturday, October 23, 2010

Day 13

Your favorite musician and why?

Does a band count?
 

Ever since my brother played their Bleed American album while I was in his car, I have loved Jimmy Eat World. I love every single song on that album and Clarity. Their newer albums are not as classic and awesome, but they still have some good stuff. I'm pretty sure I will always love Jimmy Eat World. I would die if I ever got to go to one of their concerts.

Friday, October 22, 2010

Day 12

A photograph of the town you live in.

Rexburg, ID. I have nothing else to say.

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Day 11

What's in your makeup bag.

My makeup bag has:
1. Mary Kay foundation
2. L'oreal quad eye shadow in lavender smokes
3. Maybelline quad eye shadow in emerald smokes
4. Maybelline quad eye shadow in amethyst smokes
4. Maybelline Lash Stiletto mascara in black
5. Maybelline Define-a-lash mascara in black
6. Covergirl perfect point eyeliner in espresso
7. Mary Kay eye makeup remover (can't live without it)

Well, there is the detailed list of my makeup bag!

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Day 10

A photo of your favorite place to eat.

I love Chili's. 

It is tradition for my mom and I to go here when we go school clothes shopping :) The paradise pie is one of my favorite desserts ever.

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Day 9

A photo of the item you last purchased.

We are finally getting family pictures again. Last time I was a sophomore in high school. So, this is my new outfit that I bought for the occasion.

Monday, October 18, 2010

Day 8

A song to match your mood.


 I will probably say this on the majority of these posts, but this one is HARD! I have been trying to decide on a song for a while and I can't decide. Pretty sure "If You're Happy and You Know It" applies right now. However, I will pick an actual recorded song:


Life is Wonderful by Jason Mraz


While most of the lyrics sound like just crazy talk...the chorus is why I picked it. Pretty much any happy song will match my mood right now. :)

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Day 7

Your dream wedding.

I've been staring at the screen for quite some time because I don't know what to write. The only thing I have really thought about is my dress. And of course I have not made a decision on what style I want, but I love to think about dress shopping (to be totally honest). I would love to have a late spring or early fall wedding. The temple will most likely be Idaho Falls. I have not decided on a color combination but I love purples and deep oranges and turquoise. I have no clue what I will actually decide on when that day comes but when it does I will find a way to make a decision. I will say this though, I will find ties EARLY...word to the wise, don't go in to JCP looking for wedding ties with a short period of time, we won't like you. :) Anyways, I want a fantastic photographer. And for my reception, I just want the parents in the line with us and I want a cute video and lemon bars and brownies for the refreshments. That's about as far as I've gone. Up until about a month ago I had never thought about wedding stuff but on a drive to Utah, my mom convinced me to talk about it. So here is my conclusion, I will have my mom and Aunt Shauna decorate everything because Shauna is the most amazing creative decorator I have ever met. 


Day 6

A photo of an animal you'd love to keep as a pet.

Ah, it's past midnight I know, but just pretend that this post was posted like 30 minutes ago. So I'm exhausted and I would really like to go to bed so here is an animal I would love to keep as a pet.

Ever since I saw the red panda at the Idaho Falls zoo, I've wanted one. I think they are the most adorable little creatures. :)

Friday, October 15, 2010

Day 5

A photo of yourself two years ago.

 Two years ago I was in my second semester of college. Needless to say I was a little awkward. I didn't utilize my camera very much then so I couldn't find very many options but here is my photo from two years ago: 


Story behind this photo: I was so happy because I finally got to go to Provo to see Megan. We went to a BYU football game in the morning. Then we went to this black and white dance that night which was so fun. She did my hair for me and I wanted a picture of it so there it is.

Day 4

Your favorite photograph of your best friend.

Best friend huh? Again, this may be a little difficult. I could post millions of pictures of friends that are very close to me and I consider "best friends." But, I don't want to start putting multiple pictures up in case I miss someone. So to avoid that fiasco I am going to pick Megan Cousin. I know you don't blog Megan, but in case you see this, I totally love you! Thanks for everything you have done for me!


Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Day 3

Your idea of the perfect first date.

I have been thinking about this one ALL day. I don't know if there is such thing as a perfect first date, but I will do my best here. The perfect first date would involve a boy who I know pretty well, not just a random guy who asked me out. This way, we are comfortable together and aren't spending the whole time asking questions like what's your favorite color. This boy would open my doors for me (not getting out of the car because I feel awkward waiting) and make me feel like he really wanted to be on a date with me. I honestly don't really care about the activity. I love anything creative. It seriously does not have to involve something expensive or money at all for that matter. It doesn't matter how much is spent, it matters how he treats me and how much fun we have. I also love when guys do that whole hand-on-the-small-of-your-back thing (just as a little side note). So basically, my idea of the perfect first date is doing something creative, with someone I know, who acts like a gentleman, but still knows how to have fun. :)

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Day 2

A photo of something you ate today.

Ever since I visited Angela back in like January or February of this year, I have been addicted to Special K. I seriously start every morning with a bowl. Preferably with bananas as well. I absolutely love Special K with red berries. I have tried other Special K flavors and none compare. So yeah, this is one thing I ate today!

Monday, October 11, 2010

Day 1

A photo of yourself and a description of how your day was.

So here is my picture...
 
I took this today prior to my wonderful marketing class. And although my day is not quite over yet, I've got a lot to do and don't want to worry about remembering to post later tonight. SO here is my day thus far. My alarm went off at 6:00 a.m. I have not had to get up that early in quite some time. It was a little rough. I did homework until my class at 11. I had to present for my team the research that we've been doing for our client. We had to do in-depth interviews about instant mashed potatoes. Pretty exciting. Then I did more homework until my New Testament class at 3:15. Usually I LOVE that class, but I was so tired today I struggled with paying attention. But anyways, the rest of my night will be spent doing...you guessed it...homework! I have a big test due tonight at 11 and I just started studying. Wish me luck! :)

Sunday, October 10, 2010

Challenge!

Alright, Courtney Cook, I admit it, I'm totally copying you here. However, I have not been very good at blogging lately and I'm desperate for something to write about, so here it is. The 30 day blog challenge. At least for the next month I will have something to write about! Thanks for giving the idea Courtney! I've been enjoying reading your posts every day! 

p.s.-I'm starting tomorrow :)

Day 1 - A photo of yourself and a description of how your day was.
Day 2 - A photo of something you ate today.
Day 3 - Your idea of the perfect first date.
Day 4 - Your favorite photograph of your best friend.
Day 5 - A photo of yourself two years ago.
Day 6 - A photo of an animal you'd love to keep as a pet.
Day 7 - Your dream wedding.
Day 8 - A song to match your mood.
Day 9 - A photo of the item you last purchased.
Day 10 - A photo of your favorite place to eat.
Day 11 - What's in your makeup bag.
Day 12 - A photograph of the town you live in.
Day 13 - Your favorite musician and why?
Day 14 - A TV show you're currently addicted to.
Day 15 - Something you don't leave the house without.
Day 16 - Your celebrity crush.
Day 17 - A photo of you and your family.
Day 18 - Something you crave a lot.
Day 19 - Another picture of yourself.
Day 20 - The meaning behind your blog name.
Day 21 - A photo of something that makes you happy.
Day 22 - A letter to someone who has hurt you recently.
Day 23 - 15 facts about you.
Day 24 - A photo of something that means a lot to you.
Day 25 - What's in your purse?
Day 26 - A photo of somewhere you've been to.
Day 27 - A picture of you last year and now and how you changed since then?
Day 28 - Your favorite movie.
Day 29 - Something you could never get tired of doing.
Day 30 - A photograph of yourself today + three good things that have happened in the past 30 days

Monday, October 4, 2010

Puppies!

I made a foolish choice just now. I had this desire to look at pictures of puppies after I finished my homework. BAD IDEA! I want a puppy so bad! They are so cute and just melt my heart. Here are some of my favorite pictures.


Seriously? How can you resist that face?!

Adorable? Yes.

I want a puppy!

:)

High five

I just thought the mullet took this picture to a whole other level

Doesn't this just make you smile?

This basset hound pup is in honor of my big brother Jason. Bro, I hope you get your basset hound named Lou someday.

Well, there are about 100 more pictures that I would love to post, however, I seriously need to go to bed. Maybe tomorrow I will do kittens. But, until then (and until I get a puppy of my own) I need to honor my wonderful, lazy, cuddly kitty Shadow:

Everybody say awwwww :)