WEBSITE WEDNESDAY-- [framed] photo site

I can't even remember how I found it. But I'm sure glad I did! Their weekly episodes are my new guilty pleasure.
Along with Moose Tracks.And maple bars.And those Little Debbie chocolate swirly cakes with frosting in the middle.
But anyways...
Every Tuesday, [FRAMED] posts a 15-minute documentary-style video about a different photographer. They've hit up photographers in the Salt Lake area of various styles: film, digital, high fashion, family, children, etc. Next, they're headed to Portland, Oregon.
It's been fun to learn about what entails a photo shoot, a photography business, and the editing process. I get a weekly behind-the-scenes look at the real deal. SO cool.
If photography is your kind of thing, visit their site and take a look around. When I first found it, I spent an hour at least, getting lost in their older episodes. I dare you to do the same. Have fun!

Well, I'm gonna go now. I wonder if Andrew left me any of that ice cream...

SNAPSHOT SATURDAY--the mashed potata'

Found this picture on a blog I like to stop in on every once in awhile. C. Jane is a clever, entertaining writer from Provo, Utah. You can read her full post HERE.

But enough about her. Look at her daughter!

Little Ever Jane was granted the privilege of having her way with a blob of mashed potatoes. Who knew that smooshing potatoes in your hair could bring such pure joy? I didn't until I saw this snapshot.

But now I'm a believer.

Next time I have a bad day, I'm going to roll around in my own blob of mashed potatoes. If for anything, just to see Andrew's reaction when he happens upon me, my potato encrusted hands resting on my head, my face making that same joy-filled expression.

Let me show you Ever Jane again, just so you can picture it.

Okay, I'm finished now. Just hoping that photograph brings as much happiness to your heart, as it did to mine. Ciao.

HAPPY HEART MONTH--freebies!

Valentine's Day is probably my favorite holiday. (Next to Christmas.) It is simply so happy.
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Life has dished out some bummer deals the last few weeks, and so as a way to distract myself from the blues, I have been all about the cheerful Valentine trimmings in my house.

I feel kind of bad that Andrew has to live in such a froofy, girly household.

He'll live, though.

This was given to me by my sister-in-law as a gift a few years back. If you still can't see it...each picture represents a letter of the word "LOVE."
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You like? Grab a camera! Very easy to make!

This teddy bear is but one of many many knick knacks gifted by my students. To make it look "valentine-y," I hastily embroidered a little heart on its sweater.

I found these free downloads on the blog of Becky Higgins. Print them from your computer, put them in any ol' frame, and you've got yourself a quick, cost effective Valentine pretty for your house.

I printed this one out for me.

eighteen25 is offering this free subway art download.

They come in two color schemes. I printed this one.


Happy Heart Day from me to you!

TAG YOU'RE IT!

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Nicole and I at good 'ol Mesquite High School my sophomore year.

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I had a friend in high school named Nicole. High school was not a happy era of my life, but all the memories including Nicole were bright spots. She was one of those friends I regretted losing contact with, so I was very pleased to reconnect with her recently. If you're looking for a light, happy, uplifting blog, go check hers out.
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You'll like her too. I promise.
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She recently, posted the following:
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Consider yourself tagged. Yep all of you. :)

questions for you...

1. Name 5 songs on your mixed cd from high school.

2. What is your favorite board game of all time?

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3. What is the strangest thing you have ever done with your hair?

Comment me if you play so I can check out your answers

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I haven't done many of these tag posts, but with the extra bit of time I've had lately, I figured why not? I'll play!
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ONE. Name 5 songs on your mixed CD from high school.
Well, it's hard to pick, but here are a few that I remember jammin' to back in the day (click to listen):

• Because I am a Queen by India Arie
• Cleveland by Jewel
• I'm Like a Bird by Nelly Furtado
• I Knew I Loved You by Savage Garden
• No Such Thing by John Mayer

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TWO. What is your favorite board game of all time?
It is way too hard to pick one. But here is my latest fave. Heard of Ticket to Ride?
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THREE. What is the strangest thing you have ever done with your hair?
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I went back through old picture trying to find some "strange" examples. It was kinda hard. I suppose I haven't been very adventurous with my hair.
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Here I am at age four when my parents apparently hated me. I looked like a flippin' boy.

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My cousins and I used to do our hair up all crazy and march around the neighborhood singing silly songs (Ah, to be young again!). Luckily...I mean, unfortunately, I'm not in this picture, but I remember my hairdo was pretty strange.

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This isn't my hair, but it is on my head. In high school, I went to an opera. Backstage, my mom's friend (a very nice but very persistent lady), insisted I model this costume for the camera. This is my, "I am humiliated and want to melt into the floor" smile.

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Here are Becca and I as teenagers, modeling poofy wigs at the mall.

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And, because it seemed appropriate for this time of year, here I am modeling flags in my hair the summer before my senior year.

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Now I am tagging all of you who might be interested in my silly game. And because I am a fan of pictures, here are my assignments:

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1. Photograph the front door of your home.

2. Photograph your favorite piece of furniture. Why do you like it?

3. Photograph the inside of your fridge as is. Don't hide that moldy cheese!

4. Photograph the shoes in your closet. How many pairs do you own? Be honest now!

5. Photograph the view from any window of your home.

6. Photograph your view from where you lay on your bed.

7. And photograph yourself--right now! No primping beforehand!

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If you accept these challenges, leave a comment so I can see! Have fun. =)

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LOVE THE BLOG

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*The Koivisto Blog Header

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So, I want to pass on another favorite blog of mine. (Why not pass on a good thing?) See that guy up there? That is Jyri. He is an old friend/FHE brother from 4-5 years ago. His lovely wife, Katie, is seated next to him. I only met her once...briefly at an Albertson's grocery store back when they were engaged...an event, I'm guessing, she has no recollection of.
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However, I have been following their blog for a few months now, and I love it. Let me share why:

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1. Jyri is from Finland. Katie is from Kansas. They recently graduated college in Idaho before moving across the world to Finland, where they are pregnant with their first. I am drawn by the interesting and often humorous perplexities that arise as a result of their very different cultures. (You should read the post about picking a baby name. American or Finnish?)

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2. Every post title is written in English and Finnish. It's a fun, creative way to see the progress Katie is making with the new language.

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3. The thought of being a new, young wife, pregnant with my first baby, and living across the ocean from everything familiar is so terrifying, that her confidence and good humor captivate me. It's like those extreme sports videos on YouTube. No matter how horrifying the content matter is to the fear center of my brain, I can't look away. Her bravery is the coolest.

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4. Katie is a good writer. Funny, clever, and honest. Plus, I really am a fan of short, sweet, and to the point.

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5. Her daily problems and experiences are so different from my own...and yet somehow, so similar. It's fun to peek into the life of a woman living through the same stage of life as me...yet on the opposite side of the planet.

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Intrigued? Go check it out HERE. Hope you enjoy!

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BEDBUGGS

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Meet Krista.

She is an old friend of mine who has started up her own Etsy Shop.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/bedbuggs.
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I like her cute ideas, so I am passing them on to you. Wouldn't these make the cutest gifts? {sneak peek below} If you like what you see, leave a friendly comment on her blog , buy something fun, and help support her new business!
http://jacobkristaflamm.blogspot.com/
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She makes:
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Hairbows
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Hats {love the brim!}

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And my favorite--her own original invention:

BedBuggs!

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These hot/cold rice packs come with a removable, washable flannel cover (like a pillow sham). They can be zapped in the mircrowave, or placed in the freezer depending upon on your needs. .

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Just a few of the options. {scarab beetle}
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More to choose from on her site. {bee}

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PLAYING HOUSE

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*Rachel Meynder's Blog Header

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I've been meaning to bring up the blog of Rachel Meynders for awhile now. It's my favorite. She's a hip, LDS, stay-at-home mother of 2, in the Portland area. Her blog makes me happy for several reasons:
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1. She paints such a beautiful, honest picture of what young, every-day family life is really like. It's not always easy, fun, or glamorous (think along
the lines of baby barf and laundry) ...but she still manages to find joy, humor, and artistry in even the simplest of situations.

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2. She can make me laugh, smile, cry, sigh, or think deep thoughts. I like the mix of silly and significant.

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3. Rachel gives depth and distinction to the homemaker's life that I appreciate in this cynical society of ours.

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4. I love how she can transform the mundane into something truly entertaining. Like, the shoes she wore to the grocery store? Or last night's
dinner? Somehow, she totally makes me care.

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5. I like her pictures. They're unique. Often times, they have the ability to tell the entire story or convey the overall mood without any words whatsoever.

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6. She's creative. She'll occasionally post fun crafts, recipes, etc.

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7. She keeps it simple, short, and sweet.

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8. She blogs every day. I like being able to count on the fact that she'll have something new and different each time I check up on her cute family.
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I thought I might as well pass it on to you fine people. Hurry and check out the blog HERE now! I bring it up because Rachel is going private on Sunday. If it looks like something you'd like to stay in touch with...leave her your e-mail for an invite. She's super chill about it. As she said in her last post:

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"Let me know if you want in on this action! Whether I know you or not. (don't feel weird if I don't, we all blog stalk.)."
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I see blogs of note, give out 'awards' to other blogs that they deem worthy of recognition. I experimented with an award button that turned out kind of pretty, I guess. I just couldn't find a way to word it that would appear in any way, I don't know...desirable. I mean, I do not have a blog of note. Why would anyone want to advertise that they've been acknowledged by little 'ol me??

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I mean, seriously.
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So, sorry Rachel. No fancy award. Just know:

I think your blog is pretty darn cool.

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