all the lovelies

Corner View: Sweets

2010-02-02T17:36:00.005-07:00

I am a sucker for all things sweet. Yum! When it comes to sweetness, perfection exists in Europe. I love French pastries, crepes, Belgian chocolates. My mouth is watering just thinking about them.

Here in Utah, some of my very favorite sweets are Belgian waffles with ice cream and chocolate from Bruges Waffles. I've posted about their heavenly goodness before.

My very favorite sweet thing of all time, however, has to be my wedding cake. It was so yummy. Chocolate cake, white chocolate curls over sweet buttercream frosting. Delightful. It was moist and perfect. (If you attended my wedding and disagree--just don't tell me! :) ) Since it is from my wedding, it falls into the other definition of sweet, which is my hubby. Since it is Love Month, I thought I'd throw that in there.

For more sweetness, visit Jane for a list of links.

Happy February!

Corner View: My Style

2010-01-19T23:00:00.005-07:00

Right now my style is on hiatus. Right now it is just whatever fits. Will this baby weight every go away? I refuse to buy too many clothes, so my style sucks!

You typically find me in classic black suit pants, with a flowy top, a cardigan and heels. Now, my heels may frequently be red or yellow. See, my style right now is all about the accessories. And that includes painted toes...

However, there is one unique piece that I own and love. Please check out the website www.niviempowerment.com to see. It is a fabulous skirt, made by an Indian woman, in the Indian style. It is fabulous.

Also, if you feel so inclined to take a look, if you purchase a scarf, purse, headband or skirt, you are directly helping women in India better the lives of their families. (If you need contact information for the company, let me know. Their website is still new.)

And when it comes down to it, helping people is always my style.

Please check out Jane's blog for more styles from around the world.

Thanks for visiting!

Corner View: Holidays

2010-01-12T21:19:00.004-07:00

I will admit--I have taken quite the blogging break.

I hope to be back now that the busy holiday season is over. I have missed this!

We celebrate Christmas at our house.

This year was delightful. It was the Squeeze's 2nd Christmas, but the first one that she was aware. She was in awe the entire season. We loved every minute.

She loved taking ornaments off and putting them back on the tree.

Our tree.

We hope you had a wonderful holiday as well!

Please visit Jane for more corner views.

Corner View: Water

2009-10-28T08:03:00.003-06:00

I am a water baby. I love the water. I could be a fish.

Bear Lake is some of my favorite water (well, Lake Powell too.)

These are images from the amazing blue of Bear Lake. Now that it is snowing here, I am missing the summer blue and fun times. Although I have to admit, I love water in snow form as well.

Happy Wednesday!

(So blogger doesn't want to upload my images....I'll try to add them later!)

Perfectly content.

2009-10-18T21:29:00.003-06:00

You know that feeling you get when you take a step back and take a moment to be "in the moment?" I had one of those moments today. It was lovely.

We took a lovely drive with the family. The leaves are beautiful. The mountains are home. The lunch was delicious. The company was fabulous.

It was the perfect day and I remembered how my life is absolutely perfect. Don't get me wrong...there are hard days and hard things and struggles just like everyone has. But, I am more than content. Perfectly happy. Maybe that is the difference. It is never going to look perfect on paper--it is never going to be struggle free. But, I am perfectly happy in spite of it all. And I remembered just how perfectly happy today.

I love days like today.

Love.

2009-10-13T22:48:00.003-06:00

Because I think holding hands is lovely. The perfect expression of love.

Please visit Jane for more love stories.

Corner View: White

2009-09-29T21:52:00.003-06:00

White is one of my favorite things...it means snow, wedding dresses, clouds, milk, vanilla ice cream, baby onesies. White is good.

It also means:

my {usually} trusty Mac

wonderful ocean foam

and, from our adventure last weekend...a sky so bright it is white against the beautiful red rock and green grass. Favorite things.

Thanks for playing! Please visit the lovely Jane from Spain Daily for more "white" experiences.

Out My Car Window...

2009-09-22T20:58:00.004-06:00

We didn't go anywhere too much fun this week, so out my car window is on my drive to work.

Happy sunrise. I am so excited for fall!

Pretty Mountains...behind the ugly cement wall.

And my favorite part of my drive...The domed white building in the center is the Utah State Capitol. I love it.

Happy Wednesday. So glad that Corner View is back! It's so good to "see" you all.

Visit the lovely Jane to see corners from around the world.

Where Has the Time Gone?

2009-09-18T23:15:00.003-06:00

random firework pic from this summer. just because I like fireworks.

I am trying to be back--trying to lose my major writer's block.

We opened a new office, so I have been traveling for work. It was a new and interesting experience now that I have a child, and I have to say, it is not nearly as enjoyable. I used to really like traveling for my job, but I find that now I prefer to stay home. And I'm okay with that. Luckily work understands, and only sent me for a fraction of the time. I greatly appreciated that. I did enjoy the work though. And I was ok with that too. I think I am making progress!

I have found myself catching up on blogs today. I feel like I haven't visited with good friends in forever! It is good to see what the blogging world is up to, and be able to feel like I am again "in the know." Now that life isn't so busy, I am trying to get organized again!

And a few random thoughts:

*What happened to good actors/actresses in movies? Actresses like Megan Fox that are basically talentless leave me not wanting to see movies. (I have to admit I am really enjoying Bradley Cooper and Zooey Deschanel lately.) (Oh, and I wish I had Zooey Deschanel's hair. That's all.) Does anyone have any good movie suggestions?

*I do love going to the movies-I love the whole experience. I love the big diet cokes, the candy, the previews and the loudness and enthusiasm of it all. I think I need to go see something really great, and soon.

*I am so, so very glad that it is September. Football Air is finally here--chilly at night and in the morning, but still warm during the day. I love football, and I love football air. I am ready for fall. I love wearing sweaters, and the Squeeze has darling fall clothes she is ready to debut. And did I mention that I love football? Preferably the college variety. And the World Series. I love October for the World Series. That developed after I was married. However, I have always been a Yankees fan. It is a point of contention at our house, as Pierre is a die-hard Red Sox fan.

*I am so, so tired lately. I know it is because I have to get up so, so early, but I can't make myself go to bed at night. Thus the rambling blog of this evening. I need to get my schedule back. It's messing everyone in my house up!

All right, I'm heading to bed now...hopefully to sleep.

I hope you have a fantastic weekend. We have lots planned that I am excited to do, and plans to see lots of my favorite people. I hope you are doing something great too!

Too Early?

2009-09-08T20:23:00.003-06:00

Doesn't this look heavenly?

I'm kind of wishing I had a vacation planned...

I managed to pull myself out of bed at 5:00 this morning, the Squeeze out by 5:20, dropped at the sitter's by 5:45 and doing circuit training by 6:00.

I feel good about that.

I am trying. Hard.

Tonight I am tired, but I am still sure it was worth it. I hope. Seeing some results would help me be more sure about the whole thing.

The circuit training class is actually really good. The instructor is excellent, and the time went by really quickly this morning. I am grateful for that. I have had way more energy since starting this program, but not today.

Today I am tired, and so after work, I picked up the Squeeze, we played and now that she is sleeping, I am vegging.

And that's ok. Tonight I am doing nothing and I am perfectly ok with that.

I hope you have a great night too!

In My Mind...

2009-09-04T22:55:00.002-06:00

In my mind I have so, so much going on.

For some reason, I can't seem to get it all into words. I'm sorry for the lack of posts. Something just isn't clicking lately.

This blog has served as my creative outlet, but I'm not feeling very creative, witty or passionate as of late. I am feeling like a bit of a slacker, however.

I find myself wishing I could figure out all of these thoughts and articulate my wants, needs and frustrations. Instead, I find them all swimming around in my head, bumping into each other and pushing each other around. Nothing is getting solved that way.

I'm feeling a little bit boring and frustrated. I know the inspiration will come--I know this funk will pass. For now, I am trying to be patient and figure it all out.

Do you have any suggestions?

A Little Too Much...

2009-09-02T22:10:00.003-06:00

So this video is a little much for me. A servant to Barack Obama, our President? Really? There are multiple things in the video that I agree with--I think we can all find a goal to help others out and better our country in some way. That is a great thing! However, I do pledge allegiance to my country, not the president. Even more disturbing? This has been shown in schools in Utah. Sorry Oprah and Harpo Productions--you lost me with this one.

Happy Weekend!

2009-08-21T22:37:00.004-06:00

Take some time to relax and enjoy the scenery.

We plan on:

taking walks

seeing 500 Days of Summer

seeing good friends

attending a wedding

maybe breakfast out

taking long baths

church

& doing our favorite things.

What are you doing this weekend?

Link fun...

2009-08-19T23:12:00.004-06:00

Some random things that made my day...

It may be really embarrassing that I am proud of this...or maybe more embarrassing that I have an intense addiction to Crown Burger. I found this link at your heart out. Love that too!

Found this interesting....so CEO's aren't allowed to have an opinion of their own?

And Camille Paglia is one of my favorite opinion columnists. Sometimes I agree with her, sometimes I don't. However, her writing is always interesting and I think she is hilarious. Found this article to be fascinating--even more fascinating, the comments. Have we lost all ability to be respectful and civilized in this healthcare debate? We are so busy yelling we are missing the facts.

And this made my day. I may have laughed hysterically. In the office. It was great. Fake? Maybe. Funny? Absolutely.

Happy Wednesday!

Question, question. I have a question.

2009-08-16T13:49:00.003-06:00

Random question. I don't want this blog to get too political.

However, as many know, the United States is involved in a large debate surrounding health care and government involvement. Both sides are slamming the other side...it is all too "typical politics" for me.

Each side is claiming to know the minds of those {from around the world} that are currently participating in a health care system that is government involved/sponsored.

So, I am curious. If you live in a country where the government is involved in your health care system...what has your experience been? Was it positive? Negative? Neutral? Do you like it the way that it is, feel you get good care? Would you rather the government stay out of it? Is the care marginal? Are they rationing care? Can you see the doctors you want to see?

While I have traveled around, I have never lived in another country, so I have no experience with another health care system. Seeing as I continue to hear two sides claiming that the people (all of you) would agree with them, I want to know what you think. (And please tell me what country you are from...) I am over the political mumbo-jumbo and want to know the true life experiences.

Educate me, please.

(and thank you, in advance.)

Random Tuesday...

2009-08-11T22:51:00.007-06:00

.I love, love, love chocolate chip cookies.

.They make me happy.

.I really like movies too.

.Girl's nights can make everything better.

.I have fantastic parents. I really like them.

.I am married to the best man ever. He is perfect, for me.

.I am very excited for fall, which is unusual for me.

.I don't drink wine, but I love the smell.

.My sister-in-law went in for in vitro fertilization today.

.I have been thinking about them all day.

.We are praying hard that everything works out.

2009-08-04T20:49:00.003-06:00

We spent the weekend at Bear Lake.

Bear Lake, to me, is perfection.

We go every year, with some of my favorite people, and we look forward to it all year long.

This year was special because it was the Squeeze's first year.

We thought she would like it, and oh, were we right!

Even though the water is notoriously chilly, she loved it!

(and isn't the color of that water amazing? it is a lake.)

And P spent lots of time water skiing and wake boarding. He was awesome, as usual.

I had a blast wake boarding too, but I don't post photos of myself in swimwear.

Believe me, it is for the benefit of all.

It was a fantastic little vacay.

Next post: Raspberry Days.

We've been vacationing...

2009-08-03T21:38:00.002-06:00

water skiing, wakeboarding, boating, playing on the beach, visiting with good friends and lounging in the sun.

oh, and eating the best raspberry shakes in the world.

it has been perfection...I can't wait to share!

Corner View: Best Kept Secret

2009-07-28T23:04:00.005-06:00

There are many hidden gems in little Salt Lake City, UT. The best kept secret? Do I really want to reveal it?

I have already told you about Bruges Waffles on my blog, so I guess that doesn't qualify...although those waffles are divine.

One of my favorite little hidden places is called The Oaks. It is tradition in my family to visit every chance we get. They have outdoor tables, and it is right on the river. It is beautiful to sit and listen/watch. The many humming birds that come to visit their feeders are quite delightful. We love it there! (And the food isn't half bad either...)

No pictures of the humming birds this time. It started to rain and I wasn't fast enough with my camera!

But, the true best kept secret of Salt Lake is something that I don't have a picture for. Pierre and I love, Love, LOVE pain au chocolat pastries. Love them.

We eat them daily when in France.

Salt Lake City has quite a few yummy bakeries, but none that

could come close to the fabulousness of the true pain au chocolat.

Until now.

We have found the most authentic pain au chocolat in Salt Lake City. We haven't told anyone where. It is our little secret, but today I'll share it with you.

The best pain au chocolat in Salt Lake City....the Target bakery in Sandy. Yes, that's right...I said Target. Amazing, unexpected, and perfection in my mouth.

(No picture today...I am trying so hard to lose this baby weight and I couldn't tempt myself!) But, don't tell me I didn't let you in on my little secret.

Just don't tell anyone else...

For more best kept secrets, please visit Jane.

Enjoy your Wednesday!

Rejuvenated...

2009-07-26T22:33:00.005-06:00

and ready to start the week.

It's a good thing...look at those trashed pants. I needed a good weekend!

Monday, bring it on.

Beyond Glaze

2009-07-23T08:00:00.000-06:00

Have you heard the rumors behind Beyond Glaze? The rumors about the yummy-ness, the beauty and the absolute perfection of a donut?

We had heard. We had to try.

They were absolutely beautiful, I will admit.

The reviews were mixed. I personally was sold on the key lime crumble and the grasshopper donuts. Some loved it, some thought they were good, but over priced.

I say it is definitely worth a try. I may still be a little partial to the gourmet cupcake over the donut, but I thought our Beyond Glaze experience was delightful. And they are just so pretty, too.

Corner View: Weekend Evenings 7:45

2009-07-21T23:00:00.006-06:00

We had quite the enjoyable weekend. It was oh, so busy and oh, so delightful.

Friday evening was spent at Deer Valley listening to the fabulous Utah Symphony with guest Frederica von Stade. It was up at Deer Valley and was quite divine. Even the Squeeze loved it. And we loved the opportunity to expose her to some fantastic music at such an early age.

Saturday was quite a busy day for us. It was Draper Days, which involved a parade, picnic, swimming, donuts and napping. We were unavailable at 7:45. We had taken a nap and a friend came to visit, so this picture is a couple hours late. Does 10:00 work? We saw some fantastic fireworks that evening!

Sunday was much more laid back. 7:45 involved watching the Squeeze play around...

and watching the always hilarious Ghosttown.

As a bonus, since technically I missed Saturday night, this is a picture from our walk this week, at 7:45. Welcome to our Monday.

Please take a look at Spain Daily to see how the lovelies from around the world spent their weekends.

Calling All Working Moms

2009-07-20T21:53:00.004-06:00

I am desperately in need of ideas.

I love my career. I truly do. It is fascinating and nerdy and exciting and so much fun to me. I love helping people with their money and following the stock market.

But, I don't love any of it as much as I love being a mom. I feel like I have this personal battle raging every day. The professional me and the personal me. I want the personal me to win. Desperately.

My favorite days are the days that I get to spend with the Squeeze. When I get to leisurely bathe her, when we can spend hours in the kiddie pool and take naps together. I love playing with her and feeling like there is nowhere else in the world I need to be.

I can't wait until I get to stay with her everyday. But, today is not that day. Some days are so hard to leave in the morning. Some days I still show up at work in tears. I know that working right now is an investment in our future as a family. And I know that it won't last forever. But, I still feel like I am missing out on the huge part of what is her every day.

I get to do the big things...I always take her to the doctor, I'm always there when she gets her shots. I usually get to put her to bed and I do all of her shopping. It's the little things I miss. I didn't see the first time she crawled. I miss her giggles in the morning and I don't get to feed her breakfast. I have to pull her out of bed way earlier than she would like so that she can go to her grandma's. I'm not there when she is crying during the day because her gums hurt, and when I am there at night, I am so tired that the next day I can hardly function. Some days she is so tired that I only get to see her for a couple of hours before she is down for the night. Those days break my heart. I still have a hard time letting her sleep in her own bed all night because I want that time to be close to her. I desperately need to feel her next to me and know that she knows that I love her.

I love her more than I ever thought possible. I love her so much that it hurts. And, I love her more and more every day. I need ideas for how to be close to her. How do I make sure she knows how much I love her, cuddle her, play with her and just be with her and still make sure my other obligations are met. I think it is a myth that we can have it all as mothers. Something has to give a little. My career has been the thing that I let go. I leave on time and I drop whatever I am doing when I have to take the Squeeze to the doctor or when she needs me. And I'm okay with that. I take sick days when she is sick. I don't know how women do it all. My house is often a disaster. It is a very good thing that my hubby is such a good sport.

I am not meant to do it all. Being a working mom is really, really hard for me. Perhaps it is because I always dreamed of staying home. Maybe I need to adjust my expectations. I need suggestions and help. How do I organize everything so that I feel like I am accomplishing all I need to do?

Time to go...a certain little girl is stirring and I desperately need to play with her for a while before we head to bed.

Corner View: The Unveiling

2009-07-14T20:41:00.007-06:00

There are so many parts to my true self.

At this very moment, as I hold my tired, but still delightful baby girl, my true self is the mother part of me. I love being a wife and a mama and I would not feel like "me" if these things were ever taken away. I loved this Corner View theme!

Please visit Jane's sidebar for unveilings from around the world.

Perfect Weekend.

2009-07-10T23:18:00.001-06:00

Enjoy.

Today

2009-07-09T22:18:00.003-06:00

Today has me feeling lucky.

I enjoyed gorgeous flowers for a full 10 days after my birthday.

Being a mom is way more fulfilling than I ever even imagined.

Sometimes I love the Squeeze so much that it hurts.

Job security is nice, but I would love to have people do their own jobs sometimes instead of saying "I'll just let you do that."

85 degrees, with blue skies and white clouds makes for the perfect day.

Today, I am dreaming of the beach because today is the perfect beach day.

The kiddie pool makes a fantastic substitute, however.

I am so glad that the Squeeze loves water, just like her dad and me.

One of my oldest and closest friends came to visit last night and stayed at our house.

Today I am way too tired, very content and so, so happy.

Corner View: Where I Go to "Just Be"

2009-07-07T23:25:00.003-06:00

My little corner is full of places that I go to reflect and "just be". I think pondering, listening and reflecting are such important parts of our lives.

I need to make more time.

Salt Lake City is a wonderful place to live. We are close to so many things! (We are sorely lacking in the ocean/beach department, however...)

I love to "just be" outside, whether in the middle of nowhere, or people watching in downtown. I had a couple pictures to share with you of my favorite places, but either blogger or my computer is being difficult and refuses to upload any photos....

So, I will try later in the day. Know that I haven't forgotten, I do have places of reflection, and I can't wait to share them with you.

In the mean time, take your weekly trip around the world through Jane's Corner View list on Spain Daily.

Fantastic...

2009-07-06T21:54:00.004-06:00

One of my favorite bloggers, Meg, aka the Brunette Bombshell is doing this fabulous thing called "The Perfect Body Initiative." I pretty much think it is fantastic because it helps remind me of why my body is such a blessing, even on days when I feel it is trying to betray me or tear me down. Meg asks for comments on why your body is perfect, and guess what...I was featured on day 4.

My reason mentioned that I think my body is perfect because it was able to carry the Squeeze and give birth. The last few days I have fallen even more in love with her, so it was a perfect reminder for me. Even though my waistline has grown more than I would like, I would do it all over again to be able to have her. I think she is perfect in every way and her smiles, cries, giggles, talking and smell all just light up my day in a way that I never thought possible.

The other part of my body that I feel is perfect lately: my fingers. Weird? Possibly. I have been wiping away tears--from myself and my loved ones and I feel so blessed to be able to do that.

Meg has given me the perfect reminder. And I needed it this week.

Corner View: "Staple Foods"

2009-06-30T22:28:00.005-06:00

We love food at our house. We especially love to barbeque. Our staple restaurant is Outback Steakhouse. Always perfect.

We turn to our barbeque, even if it is snowing outside. Unfortunately, we haven't bbq'd in the last week, and our hard drive ate our old photos. So here are some other staples in our lives:

We really like French Fries. But, I won't admit to this while trying to lose baby weight!

Chocolate is always a staple food of mine. This is a fantastic chocolate fountain located in the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas, NV.

We love cheese at our house. Love it. Especially if it is from Europe!

We love fruit too. Sorry for the bit of blur...This is from a wedding. We don't usually have such fancy fruit at our house!

The other staple you will find around here is baby food. All kinds of baby food. The Squeeze likes it, anyway. And, I am open to the avocado debate. Any suggestions?

Please visit the lovely Jane from Spain Daily to see some staple foods from around the world.

26.

2009-06-29T08:00:00.006-06:00

I'm 26 today.

I feel a little bit older, but at the same time I still feel 19.

We spent a lovely day together yesterday taking walks and playing. We found out that the Squeeze happens to love hammocks. So fun. Today I have to go to work. Not nearly as fun. My family is taking me to a nice dinner tonight though and I am very much looking forward to my steak and the fabulous company.

I think I have everything I could ask for this year. I have a nice, new place to live with the 2 loves of my life. This year I am content and happy and enjoying every minute.

I take it back...there is something I would love for my birthday...I would love to lose some more pregnancy weight. That would make me even more happy!

It is no secret that I love birthdays. I am so excited for the celebrations planned for this week!

And as a plus, one of my best and oldest friends moved back to the US this last week. That was a great birthday present too!

On a side note, in addition to our friends we will miss in our old neighborhood, we are going to miss our buddies below:

The Squeeze and I love our little ducks so much. We don't have any ducks at our new house.

(But we love it anyway!)

Corner View: Music

2009-06-24T01:00:00.000-06:00

Music is something that is so important to me. It has the ability to manipulate my emotions in a way that nothing else can. It can make me screamingly happy, unfortunately melancholy, ridiculously silly and incredibly spiritual.

Having said that, this post has taken a much different turn than I originally anticipated.

I work in downtown Salt Lake City. There is a square in town where local artists put on concerts during the lunch hour in the summer. I can hear the concerts from where I work and I love to take some time to sit in the sun and listen.

Also, Pierre and I went to dinner at a lovely little place called La Caille a couple nights ago. We always sit on the patio and eat dessert and talk about all the important things that couples talk about. We don't go very often, and when we do, it is always my favorite. Since we sit on the patio, there is usually live music. This last time there was a fantastic saxophone player. I loved every minute. There are also peacocks that have run of the patio, which I love.

And this time there was a baby peacock that I absolutely fell in love with. If they would have let me, I think I would have taken her home.

I always get bananas foster with my live music. It is my absolute favorite.

Thank you for visiting my corner. Go take a listen around the world from Jane's sidebar on Spain Daily.

It worked!

2009-06-23T21:49:00.005-06:00

Thanks to all of your positive thoughts, prayers and the multitude of crossed fingers, arms and legs, everything worked out with our new home.

Our "corner view" has officially changed and we couldn't be more thrilled.

We closed, packed and moved all within 4 days. It has been a whirlwind, and now our days are filled with unpacking boxes and lots of decorating.

Thank you so much for all of your positive thoughts. It obviously negated the negativity from the mortgage broker. We so appreciate the positivity and nice comments.

Thank you! We are so excited!

Corner View: Street Fashion

2009-06-16T23:18:00.007-06:00

I was so looking forward to

participating in this week's view.

I think it sounds absolutely fabulous and can't wait to see all of your photos.

This week has been overwhelming, stressing, fantastic and going way too quickly.

We have some exciting news coming up

(exciting to us, anyway...)

But, tonight I am way too tired to make the official announcement.

Thank you for all of your crossed fingers and prayers.

You have all made my week with your kindness and sweet thoughts.

This week has completely passed me by... I hope you will forgive my absence this week and I fully plan to be back with my Corner View next week.

Check out Spain Daily from the lovely Jane to see the list of Corner Viewers and see some street fashion from around the world!

xoxoxox

Corner View: From My Back Porch

2009-06-09T21:54:00.005-06:00

I have been a bit of a blogging slacker lately.

I hope this post explains a little bit of why...

We have been in the process of buying a home the last couple of weeks. We are extremely excited and hoping/praying that it all works out! It isn't a done deal yet, so you get 2 views from my back porch for this Corner View.

(And we aren't moving far...Currently we live in Salt Lake City, and we will be moving about 20 minutes South to Riverton, Utah.)

This is the view from my back porch as of tonight.

I'm hoping this will be the view as of next week! (Minus the construction vehicles, and hopefully plus some grass soon!)

So, cross your fingers for us, and visit some porches from around the world:

jane, kim, ladybug-zen, ian, sunnymama, kyndale, samantha, karen, kristina,angelina, dorit, goldensunfamily, sophie, janet, nicki, ruth, mcgillicutty, desiree,

di, travelingmama, aimee, bonnie, esti, sophie, cele, modsquad,caitlin, joyce, ani,couturecoucou, a day that is dessert, natsumi, epe, kaylovesvintage, trinsch,c.t.,jeannette, outi, schanett, ritva, dongdong, francesca, state of bliss, jennifer,dana, denise, cabrizette, bohemian girl, ruth, dianna, isabelle, amber, girl in the yellow shoes, mister e, janis, kari, jgy, jenna, skymring, elizabeth, audrey, allison,lise, cate, mon, victoria, crescent moon, erin, otli, amy, ida, caroline, lisa, dorte,kimmie, la lune dans le ciel, nicola, malo, vanessa, britta, virginia, april, rebecca,b, jenell, guusje, juanita, pamela, inna, daan, myrtille, cris

So, so much...

2009-06-09T20:00:00.000-06:00

So very stressed at this moment...

Mortgage brokers that don't do their job frustrate me.

People who don't understand urgency frustrate me.

Getting yelled at for things I didn't do frustrates me.

Planning for the unknown scares me.

I expect people to do the job they are paid to do.

I don't want to pay commission when I do someone else's job for them.

I am trying to bite my tongue a lot lately so I don't put my foot in my mouth.

I want to be nice to people I need to work with, but some people are making it difficult.

I am trying desperately to develop more patience.

But, more than anything, I love my husband and daughter and I am so very glad I get to spend each day with them. They make everything better.

Corner View: Beaches

2009-06-03T00:00:00.000-06:00

We don't have any ocean beaches in Utah. We do have a few lakes though. My very favorite lake is a good 6 hour drive away, but it is worth every minute. Some of my very favorite memories are at Lake Powell. Early morning and dusk water skiing are heaven. The combination of the red rock against the water and blue sky makes my heart melt. It gets rather warm in the summer, so the water feels like a bath tub. Our days are spent cliff jumping, water skiing, wakeboarding, hiking, tubing, jet skiing, getting tan and laughing constantly. I absolutely love Lake Powell

Sand castles are always fun.

Pierre is the water skiier in our family.
He wakeboards too.
Ah, that gorgeous rock.

Lake Powell, with a nice ice cream cone & loved ones may be heaven on earth.

You have to add the ice cream though.

Go and lounge at some beaches from around the world:

Ummm...Yum!

2009-05-28T22:27:00.005-06:00

It's no secret that I pretty much adore all food that is European.

My brother will be in Brussels next month and enjoying some of my favorites. In celebration of my little bro, we headed to the always fabulous Bruges Waffles.

Pierre, the owner is from Bruges and makes some of the best European food.

It was yummy and delightful and fantastic company.

Frites with Flemish Stew. I was skeptical, but I liked.

Yummy plain frites. Pick your mayo dip to go with them.

Waffles with chocolate? Can't go wrong, especially when the chocolate is imported!

And my favorite. I am a sucker for whipped creme. (It is supposed to be creme fraiche, but it isn't right.)

I loved every minute.

Anyone craving waffles?

Corner View: Cityscapes

2009-05-26T21:30:00.000-06:00

Since there are 3 of us in the Salt Lake City area that participate in the Corner View project, I took a little bit of a different take on the cityscape theme.

The city of Salt Lake is beautiful and the photos of the skyline can be gorgeous. It isn't a very large city, but I love it.

For my city photos, I focused on the buildings in the center of our city, in a square called Temple Square.

I couldn't resist this one. It doesn't show the whole building, but I just love the sky!

Temple Square is one of my favorite places in the city and I absolutely love the buildings there. It's a little bit different, but I hope you enjoy my take on my cityscape.

Also, please take a quick trip around the world:

jane, ladybug-zen, ian, bonnie, esti, sophie, cele,modsquad,

caitlin, joyce, ani, kim, a day that is dessert, natsumi, epe,kaylovesvintage, trinsch, c.t.,jeannette, outi, schanett,ritva,

dongdong, francesca, state of bliss, jennifer, dana,denise, cabrizette, bohemia girl, dianna, isabelle, amber,a girl in the yellow shoes, mister e, janis, kari, jgy, jenna,skymring, elizabeth, audrey, allison, lise, cate, mon,victoria, crescent moon, erin, otli, ida, caroline, lisa,dorte, kimmie, la lune dans le ciel, nicola, malo, vanessa,britta, virgina, april, rebecca, b, sunnymama, kyndale,samantha,

karen, kristina, angelina, dorit, goldensunfamily, sophie, janet, nicki, ruth, mcgillicutty

2009-05-25T08:00:00.001-06:00

These made me happy.

Happy Memorial Day to those of you in the US.

Happy Monday to all!

2009-05-20T22:33:00.005-06:00

Wednesday Thoughts...

I think I NEED this jacket.

To do list....

1. Play with the Squeeze

2. Mandatory over-time

3. Write the youngest on the mission

4. Paint my toes

5. Bathe the Squeeze

6. Some quality time with the hubby

7. CLEAN

8. Buy groceries

9. Costco trip

10. Buy a house

Now, where is the time to get it all done?

Shopping for a home is dang hard. Way harder than I thought it would be.

Getting a new manager at work is tough too.

I think I don't have enough time with my little girl. Or my hubs.

Being a working mom is hard stuff.

I like movies. I get to go to Angels & Demons on Saturday. The hubby is actually excited to see it. That makes going extra fun.

I need more hours in my day, a lot more. I need more awake time and more sleep time.

My life is hectic and I feel like I am never home, but I love it anyway!

New babies are the best thing ever--especially when they belong to good friends.

It's almost Friday! (And this weekend is 3 days.) I am stoked!

I need to get the hard drive in. I think I am putting it off because I'm afraid the guy will tell me he can't fix it and my only hope is to send it off and will cost too much money!

Mean people suck.

Maybe my brain will be a bit more relaxed now and maybe, just maybe, I'll be able to go to sleep!

How was your Wednesday?

Corner View: Coffee

2009-05-20T00:00:00.001-06:00

image found at www.limbeck.net

Ugh. Serious hard drive issues continue at our home. No fun. Thanks for all of your well-wishes last week. We are praying for a good fix--and hopefully quickly!

So, I am picture-less this week. I apologize and hope to be up and running for next week.

For this Corner View, however, I wanted to write a quick note. I don't drink coffee (although some days I seriously wish I did!) So, my coffee looks suspiciously like a fantastic hot cocoa complete with either whipped cream or mini marshmallows. (Or, if it is hot outside, it looks suspiciously like a Diet Coke--either from the can, or my favorite, a 7-11 fountain drink...)

Please check out the other Corner Viewers and see how they enjoy their coffee. Enjoy your trip around the world!

jane, ladybug-zen, ian, bonnie, esti, sophie, cele,modsquad,

caitlin, joyce, ani, kim, a day that is dessert, natsumi, epe,kaylovesvintage, trinsch, c.t.,jeannette, outi, schanett,ritva, dongdong, francesca, state of bliss, jennifer, dana,denise, cabrizette, bohemia girl, dianna, isabelle, amber,a girl in the yellow shoes, mister e, janis, kari, jgy, jenna,skymring, elizabeth, audrey, allison, lise, cate, mon,victoria, crescent moon, erin, otli, ida, caroline, lisa,dorte, kimmie, la lune dans le ciel, nicola, malo, vanessa,britta, virgina, april, rebecca, b, sunnymama, kyndale,samantha, karen, kristina, angelina, dorit, goldensunfamily, sophie, janet, nicki, ruth,mcgillicutty

Corner View: The Great Outdoors

2009-05-13T00:00:00.000-06:00

I had some great photos for you this week, but we are experiencing major hard drive failure at our house. (We know....back it up!) Our Mac was only 11 months old and the hard drive is dead. (With most of our pictures.) We had just been talking about backing it up, but we were too late. I am devastated, as all of the Squeeze's photos and videos were on there. It still makes me cry when I think about it.

So, instead of some interesting photos, this week Corner View is a little make-shift for me...

This is how we play outdoors in the snow:

This is Hawaii. Not in my corner. Just wish it was. Especially this week.

That is a building in the background, but I do love the plants here!

One of my favorite things about Utah is that we have everything (except a beach)! We have red rock, mountains, valleys, lakes, fields, etc. I love it!

So, that sums up the Great Outdoors in my corner. (sort of.)

Hopefully we'll get this hard drive drama fixed. Clicking hard drives are never a good thing, I have learned too late.

Any recommendations for fixing this? (If it is possible...)

Also, take a trip around the world from your computer.

The other Corner Viewers are:

jane, ladybug-zen, ian, bonnie, esti, sophie, cele, modsquad,

caitlin, joyce, ani, couturecoucou, kim, a day that is dessert, natsumi,epe, kaylovesvintage, trinsch, c.t.,jeannette, outi, schanett, ritva,dongdong, francesca, state of bliss, jennifer, dana, denise, cabrizette,bohemia girl, ruth, dianna, isabelle, amber, a girl in the yellow shoes,mister e, janis, kari, jgy, jenna, skymring, elizabeth, audrey, allison,lise, cate, mon, victoria, crescent moon, erin, otli, amy, ida, caroline,lisa, dorte, kimmie, la lune dans le ciel, nicola, malo, vanessa, britta,virgina, april, rebecca, b

Miss Saigon

2009-05-11T23:02:00.009-06:00

Headed to Miss Saigon at Pioneer Theatre this evening.

I have loved this musical for a good 10 years.

The story is absolutely haunting and the music is beautiful.

I was turned on to this particular run

by Miss Natalie Hill of Mormon in Manhattan.

I must say, she was fantastic! I may have passed her on my way in, but she was in the middle of a conversation, so I was too shy to say hi.

(Sometimes I have to remind myself that I don't actually know her.)

The entire cast was great...especially the actor that played John.

I was elated by how well done the production was. I sat in the audience, loving every minute. I laughed and cried. I truly felt the message of the story. I must say, it is much more powerful as a mom than it was when I was in high school. I had to come home and just hug and kiss on the Squeeze (and my hubby.)

I am thrilled that I was able to see it this time around!

image courtesy of broadwayworld.com

2009-05-07T21:59:00.007-06:00

It was Bro1's girlfriend's birthday, so we had to celebrate!

(The whole fam don't ya know...They've been dating 8 years.

She is family.)

They picked a restaurant that I hadn't seen in quite some time. We loved it when we were little--we would dress up like cowboys. It was so much fun!

Take a look...

Front of the Prairie Schooner

Oh yes, this lovely wagon is out front also.

Entrance to the restaurant.

Oh yes, this is the inside. You eat dinner in those wagons.

Is it obvious that we live in the Western United States?

The Squeeze loved the fire inside, and dinner was pretty good.

We headed to Bro1 & Girlfriend's new apartment after. It is darling.

(And they have a massage chair. I may move in.)

All in all, we had a good night.

What did you do on your Thursday?

Corner View: Shopping

2009-05-06T00:00:00.001-06:00

Shopping is one of my favorite things. I love a good find.

I also love something that is fairly unique.

I am located in Salt Lake City, UT, USA.

One of my favorite shopping areas is called 9th and 9th. It is a little boutique district downtown. I can always find something I love in one of these little shops.

This is the sign when you enter the area.

This is my favorite shop in the area, Hip & Humble. It has everything.

I love The Children's Hour for clothing for the Squeeze.

That's what shopping in my corner looks like!

(And look--blue skies this week, finally!)

Thanks to Jane for starting this fabulous project.

Here are the other players:

jane, ladybug-zen, ian, bonnie,esti, sophie, cele, modsquad,

Real Date: Part II

2009-05-04T07:42:00.001-06:00

After our fabulous dinner, we walked over to the theater to see Wicked!

On our way we saw an actual sign of true spring...

(maybe we will see some sun soon!)

Pierre stopped to look at the clock,

and we made it to the theatre.

Hadn't seen it. Loved it. Worth the wait.

It was a great date!

Thoughts...

2009-05-01T19:40:00.001-06:00

I am in a deep sleep when I feel something next to me rustle. My eyes fly open and I look at the clock. 1:37 am. Is that all? I hold the little one near, while praying that she won’t wake up. She stirs for a couple more minutes, and then tries to suck on her absent binkie. This goes on for a minute or so, and her fiercely blue eyes fly open with a scream.

This seems to be a nightly occurrence now. A binkie doesn’t help—this little one is teething and miserable. I quickly rub her gums down with orajel and wait to see. She screams even harder. I get her a small bottle, but she won’t even suck on it. Those blue eyes are staring at me, pleading with me to make the pain stop. She has to have some Tylenol…her screams of pain are breaking my heart. After a few minutes, she will suck on her bottle and eats about an ounce before the screaming resumes. All I can do is hold her close, talk and sing to her and pray she will go to sleep quickly. It only takes about 10 minutes this time. In that short 10 minutes, she has screamed so hard that her little voice sounds hoarse. She finally drifts off to sleep and I am able to fall asleep for awhile. Her sleeping isn’t deep or sound, unfortunately. She wiggles and squirms the whole night through until the process repeats at 5:45.

The squeeze is a great baby. She has slept through the night since she was 5 weeks old. This teething thing is breaking my heart! I can’t take listening to her tragic wail and see those poignant, pain-filled eyes.

Does anyone have any teething ideas? She needs something that works better than orajel. (Or, it would help if the stinking tooth would come through—which I’m thinking we are far from!)

Real Date: Part I

2009-04-30T15:00:00.001-06:00

Pierre and I had a date on Saturday. A real date that involved grown up events and people.

It was absolutely delightful.

(We did miss the Squeeze a bit though.)

We ate at a lovely new place (well, new to us,) called Caffe Molise.

Our food was absolutely divine. Both of our dishes were fantastic and the creme brulee was yummy. We will definitely be going back.

p.s. We had the best server ever!

Darling, no?

This was my dinner--gnocchi with sauteed veggies in a white wine cream sauce. It was the special, and I LOVED every bite!

Pierre is anti-photo and blogging at the moment and kept sabotaging every picture I took of his yummy panini. It was good though!

Part II of our lovely evening later.

Winning is Awesome!

2009-04-29T19:42:00.003-06:00

Doobleh-vay: YO Mama

Check this out. I think I NEED that bag!

Enter and you may be the lucky winner...

At least take a peek at the website. It pretty much made my day.

Getting Around in My Corner

2009-04-29T01:08:00.007-06:00

Corner View: Modes of Transportation

In my little corner of the world, we get around by driving.

Instead of a picture of my Ford Fusion, I thought I'd show you a little of what I see when I am driving around.

And this is how the Squeeze rides.

*Don't worry--I was safe while driving!*

As always, please check out all

the other Corner View posts.

If you haven't played before, the lovely Corner View project was started by Jane from Spain Daily. It is a group of bloggers from around the world who all post on a weekly theme about their "corner" of the world. Check them out and take a trip around the world from your chair! (And if you want to play, let Jane know!)

jane, ladybug-zen, ian, bonnie,esti, sophie, cele, modsquad,

caitlin, joyce, ani, couturecoucou, kim, a day that is dessert, natsumi,epe, kaylovesvintage, trinsch, c.t.,jeannette, outi, schanett, ritva,

dongdong, francesca, state of bliss, jennifer, dana, denise, cabrizette,bohemia girl, ruth, dianna, isabelle, amber, a girl in the yellow shoes,mister e, janis, kari, jgy, jenna, skymring, elizabeth, audrey, allison,lise, cate, mon, victoria, crescent moon, erin, otli, amy, ida, caroline,lisa, dorte, kimmie, la lune dans le ciel, nicola, malo, samantha,kyndale, capturereflection

Random Monday Thoughts...

2009-04-27T23:40:00.004-06:00

1. Yelling out "I guess I'm the only one who can answer the effing* phone" in the office, where all co-workers and clients can hear, is NEVER appropriate.

*effing is my substitute for that word (which was used in this case,) but which you won't find on my blog.

2. This is perfection at my house.

3. Sometimes secrets with your significant other are not only necessary, but delightful.

pics by me *1

& Moxi *2

Spring Sunday.

2009-04-26T19:36:00.006-06:00

Snow in the mountains...

Blossoms in the valley.

I'm in love.

Sinus Infection

2009-04-23T22:08:00.001-06:00

I have a nasty sinus infection. What, in April? Yes, in April. I'm hoping it will be cleared up oh so soon and praying that the Squeeze doesn't get sick!

In the mean time, this made me laugh. I hope it makes you laugh too!