elise's pieces

nailed it again

2012-01-30T14:20:00.000-07:00

I'm particularly proud of this flower.
So much so, that I'd give it a thumbs up.
Wow. That was cheesy. Make it stop.

I'm home for the day. Like, home home. Mis padres house, home. So, I don't have the names of the nail polish colors for you today. Also, don't feel too excited for me getting to be home. It's because I have to go to the dentist. I am not pleased. But, it also means I get free laundry. So, you can go right on back to feeling excited for me.

Also, you know how most people think Monday's suck? I like them. Don't judge me, please. Really though, it's a fresh week, back to the routine... I dig that. What do you think? Do you like Mondays?

Song of the ~~day~~ week:

Seriously, guys. I keep putting it on repeat. Which is potentially bad, because I'm sure I'm gonna get sick of it. But, for now, I'm loooovin' it.

Shirstin's Bridals

2012-01-28T17:15:00.000-07:00

I have been so excited to share this photoshoot with you guys. Because it's a bridal sesh, I had to wait until after they got married (which actually was like, a month ago) but then I spaced it for a little bit and got busy, etc. So, meet my beautiful, gorgeous, stunning cousin, Shirstin. I loved taking her pictures. (Even if it was so cold that I thought my hands were going to fall off. :)

If you're friends with me on facebook, you may have seen this shot. Isn't it killer? Seriously, the ice was awesome. And the lake was so frozen that she got to walk out on the ice for some of the shots.
Also, there was a film crew filming a music video over by us. Legit.

Favorite shot. Seriously. She is SO pretty.

f to the riday

2012-01-27T16:16:00.000-07:00

Guys. Friday afternoon is bliss.
Being graduated is awesome. You know why? Because I got off work at 2 and now I have the weekend ALL to myself. No homework, no reading, no studying, no nothing.

In celebration, I'm snuggling up with my laptop on my giant bean bag named Benjamin and together we're stalking all my new blog friends from the facebook follow fest. (Side note: welcome, new friends!)

Tonight, I'mma go to the institute activity. They've rented out an entire gym. (Like, not a church gym... but a get a gym membership kind of a gym.) Also, there will be a Zumba instructor there. And we all know how much I love the guts out of Zumba.

What are your weekend plans?

IDK, my BFF, Ashley??

2012-01-26T15:33:00.002-07:00

Hello Elises lovely readers! Elise's blog caught my eye over a year ago and I have loved it from day one, I am honored to be guest posting for her! She is a fellow aggie, a funny blogger, and I will never get over her bowling ball story! She is amazing, am I right?

My name is Ashley, and I blog over at Refreshing Imperfection. A lifestyle blog about everything I love, it changes everyday. I dont claim to be a relationship expert in the slightest, but I am very very happy with mine, and here are some tidbits of advice I took from others throughout my life- that I will pass via blog to YOU!

We are all at different stages, here is some advice to fit your life- wherever it may be..

So you think you want a DATE...

1- Be you. Dont pretend to like things you dont like in an effort to win someone. Don't pretend certain things don't bother you, if they actually do. I guarantee being YOU and finding someone who loves every bit of YOU will guarantee a more successful relationship.

2- Don't make a list. You know,THE list of what you want, need etc. Give everyone a chance. You never know how you will mesh with someone, and how sad would it be to miss out on someone who is great for you- because he likes star wars? cough cough ;) I am married to the polar opposite of what my 'list' was, and he is literally the perfect match for me.

3- Be the kind of person you want to date. If you want someone who cares about school, you need to. If you want someone who is spiritual, you need to be. If you want someone who is healthy, you need to be. Not only is this simple and practical- but you can guarantee you are improving yourself every day.

4- Its not me, its YOU. The best advice my dad ever gave me for dating was ask the other person about themselves as much as possible. I have a little ticker in my head running at all times, and I always try to ask people 2 questions about them for every 1 they ask me. If you sit in any date scenario and talk about yourself the whole time, you wont have a 2nd date.. guaranteed.

5- Have a well rounded relationship. The healthiest relationships have intellectual aspects, spiritual aspects, and physical aspects. You need to engage in all 3 aspects to keep things balanced. If you have a relationship that is strictly physical- but you cant carry on a conversation- it wont work out, and visa versa. Get balance!

Now onto MARRIAGE...

1- Make the most of the time you have together. Chances are you will be busy. Everyone is. My husband is gone at work, or night school from 7 am until 9 pm. So when we actually have time together we make the most of it. No computers allowed during our alone time. We make fun plans on the weekends etc. I also take Justin lunch everyday during work so the kids can see him too.

2- Go to bed at the same time, and no TV in your bedroom. This was one of my favorite pieces of advice when we were engaged. Pillow talk isn't only fun, its the key to constant communication every day. If we dont get to have a single uninterrupted conversation during the day thanks to the kids- we can count on our pillow talk time before bed.

3- Love Notes- we write a lot, sometimes its a just a text message, sometimes its on a post-it on his steering wheel, sometimes its on the back of a receipt he gives me for budgeting, and most of the time its on our shower wall. We have bathtub crayons in our shower, and each day we write each other a little note in there, our shower wall is covered in dorky little love notes, its my favorite part of the morning -seeing what he wrote for me before he left for work.

4- Don't husband bash. There are 2 things I despise: husband bashers, and husband molders. Of course there are things sometimes that drive me crazy, but I talk with him and only him about it. Also, I dont mold my husband. He is who he wants to be. I never asked him to change his job, or major, or hobbies to fit a mold of what I want. I never 'make' him to do anything. And it goes visa versa, I am me- and he lets me be everything I am. After all, I fell in love with HIM. Everything he likes, or has- is a part of him. I'll take the whole cake. thankyouverymuch.

5- Enforced Bedtime. While having kids was once of the best things for our marriage (nothing EVER compares to being parents together) it also added one of the biggest stresses. Our alone time was cut to almost nothing. Once we started enforcing an early bedtime (my kids go to bed at 7:30) it gave us at least 3-4 hours a night of alone time. We use that alone time wisely. Sometimes its eating dinner together, sometimes its games, sometimes its couching it up and catching up on the dvr. But we have this guaranteed time together every night. Its ESSENTIAL.

I would LOVE to hear any advice that you readers have for how you've made your relationships healthy and happy! Add them in the comments to share with us!

Thanks for reading, Elise's Pieces readers!

Feel free to stop by my blog anytime at Refreshing Imperfection.

-Ashley

Seriously guys, check Ashley's blog out. I ADORE her. And someday our lunch date plans will actually work out, I'm sure of it.

dear boys 21

2012-01-25T10:45:00.000-07:00

favie from last week comes from Miss Katrina whom I love.

Dear Boy,

Because we can't do the first best thing...

Love, Girl

And now...

Dear Eiffel 65,

You can walk past my window any time. Kthx.

Love,
The New Girl

Dear Captain Awesome,

Why are you even still here? I want to know what on earth you're doing.
I don't understand you at all.
Also, ignoring me in Panda Express is not very cool.

~~love,~~
"Supergirl"

Dear Pirate boy,

I may or may not have pretended you were an oreo and dunked your head underwater with morbid commentary about how now you couldn't breathe. Harsh? Maybe.
Then I ate you.

Love,
Elise

Dear Big Tuna,

Rumor has it that you like her. Actually, the entire universe knows you do. Man up and ask her on a date.

Love,
Elise

Dear Simba,

It's been real. Actually, it's been everything but real. And seven months of pining over someone who is too ~~busy~~ ~~chicken~~ everything to take a girl on a date is not healthy. So, I'm moving on.

Love,
Elise

Dear Superman,

Convince me.

Love,
Elise

Dear Copy Machine at Work,

I love you more than boys. Except it would be nice if you could properly print a 15" legal document on letter-size paper. Let's work on that.

Love,
Elise

Linky Party Time!

- Please link up only Dear Boys posts.

- You gotta put the button on the post. (Just copy the HTML below the button to slap that little guy on there).

- Make sure you check out the other Dear Boys posts that are linked up.

- Spread the Dear Boys lovin'.

my life in youtube

2012-01-23T22:58:00.000-07:00

in conjunction with my last post:

motivational song of the week:

watch it 17 times (and still think it's funny):

Also, I started work today. Mostly, I trained today. The only thing I legitimately did was email a fax. (P.s. I'm having a love affair with our copy machine.) I think I have officially learned enough to not break anything or hang up on anyone. So, that's good.

And now I'm doing laundry at 11:00 at night so that I don't have to wear swim bottoms as underwear tomorrow. (Perhaps I should have saved that one for a things I shouldn't confess post...)

how to date an engineering major

2012-01-21T13:09:00.001-07:00

Back in September, I was chatting with one of my friends about how many of the guys on campus are Engineering majors and how chances are, most girls at USU will try to date an Engineering major at some point in their college career. Thus, "How to Date an Engineering Major" was born.

I've been researching and interviewing Engineering majors here and there since that day. I also asked for input on Facebook this past week. So, without further ado:

How to Date an Engineering Major

Disclosure: This post is intended to be more humorous than helpful. The majority of statements made are generalizations and are potentially not true of every Engineering major. Not a lot of *real* scientific research went into this post. Oh, and I did use Wikipedia. There goes all my credibility right out the window.

First, get their attention.

Source: quickmeme.com via Elise on Pinterest

Though the quickest way to a man's heart might actually be through his ribcage, it seems the quickest way to an Engineering major's heart is through his too-busy-doing-homework-to-make-food stomach. If you're a good cook (see also: you can make more than toast), you've got an in.

If cooking your crush meals isn't your style, the next best way to get an Engineering major's attention is by using nerdy pick-up lines.

"Being with you is like switching to polar coordinates: complex and imaginary things now have magnitude and direction."
"How can I know hundreds of digits of pi and not the digits of your phone number?"
"Excuse me, I'm attracted to you. According to Newton's laws of gravitation, you're attracted to me too."
"Honey, you're sweeter than 3.14159265358979323846264338327950288419716939937510582097494459230781..."
"Hey, can you tell me the oxidation state of this atom and your phone number?"

Once you've got their attention it's time for conversation. I've come to the conclusion that you don't have to be nerdy, you just have to be accepting of nerdy. Also, don't fake understanding of things they talk about, simply be interested in the things they explain to you. After all, "the learning curve to converse to an Engineer is a steep one."

Nerdy things that you should act interested in include but are not limited to:

Mohr's Circle
Star Trek
Car Engines
Actually, any kind of Engine
Auto CAD
C++
Algorithms (see also: Rubix cubes)

Source: christinajax.tumblr.com via Ali on Pinterest

Next step: Impressing them on the date. Alexis, is married to an Engineering major and compiled this list of suggestions:

Ask them to help you fix something.
Always use a coaster.
Make sure your clothes match.
Ask them what they want to invent.
Tell them you built something.
Build gingerbread houses with them. Like woah.

Once you've reached this point, you have to realize that during the school year there are two kinds of Engineering majors: Already married Engineering Majors and single Engineering majors. So, if you've gotten yourself an Engineering major significant other (EMSO) over the break, once the semester starts you'll need to remember these things:

To them, homework might just be more fun than watching TV. (Unless Big Bang Theory is on.)
They're going to be very busy. Don't judge the success of your relationship by how much time they spend with you, but by how much of their free time they spend with you.
Engineers like to have fun, but not just any kind of fun. It's a lot more fun if they can do something that shows off their Engineering skills.
To the optimist, the glass is half full.
To the pessimist, the glass is half empty.
To the Engineer, the glass is twice as big as it needs to be.

When it all comes down to it, Engineering majors do often believe they don't have time for a girlfriend, but somehow many of them end up with wives. I think if you convince them you're worth their precious free time, they'll make it work. As with most relationships, be patient and "let the chips fall where they may". Your Engineering major crush might just need a little extra push.

Or, you may just need to have this conversation:

XKCD

Special thanks to: Karen and Mr. Fab for the pick up lines, James, Jaiden, Jay, Theresa, Kara, Wendy, and other facebook friends for their input, Alexis for her first-hand experience, and Sheldon Cooper for being awesome.

I am so insanely blessed.

2012-01-20T17:13:00.000-07:00

Today, I was going to post the "How to Date an Engineering Major" tutorial I've been working on/researching, but I'm postponing that until tomorrow. I've got something more important to blog about.

Ladies and the 3 Gentlemen that read my blog,
I got a job.

Here I was, graduated and freaking out. I have nothing tying me down I could do anything with my life. Yet, I feel at home here in Cache Valley. Something is holding me here. Maybe it's just my friends, maybe it's something more, but Cache Valley is where I want to be. So, I made a decision: I would job hunt in Logan until my housing contract is up in April and if I hadn't found an opportunity in Logan, then I would branch out and look elsewhere.

So, I hunted. I filled out application after application with all the same repetitive information. (In case you wondered, I type 70 wmp and yes I do know how to use Microsoft Office). I'll spare you all the details, but today, I was frustrated. I was expecting to hear back about a job yesterday and I didn't. I knew that if I didn't get the job, it simply meant there was another opportunity, but it still was discouraging.

Today, I almost caved in and just vegetated and watched episodes of "Good Luck, Charlie" all day while eating Mac and Cheese out of the pot. But then I realized, I have every reason to be happy and to keep going. Heavenly Father has heard my prayers for guidance and for an opportunity and I need to keep seeking those opportunities.

Source: freshpickedwhimsy.typepad.com via Elise on Pinterest

So, I came home and I filled out more applications and put together a portfolio. Just as I was finishing up my portfolio, I received a call and was offered the job I was expecting to hear about yesterday. I guess it's not up to me to define "perfect" timing.

Source: tissosweetcandy.blogspot.com via Elise on Pinterest

So, I have a job. One that I really wanted, that I feel will work well with my schedule and my wants. And I get to stay here in Cache Valley where I want to be.

When all else fails, keep the faith. Remember that God has a plan for you. Strive to do what's right, and he will bless you. Always.

super vague rant post

2012-01-18T22:21:00.002-07:00

I'm frustrated with stuff.

I'm excited about other stuff.

I spend waaaaay too much time in my day thinking about other stuff.

And all I really want is for some stuff to actually happen.

dear boys 20: pinterest edition

2012-01-18T14:26:00.000-07:00

Favie from last week comes from Karen @ All Because of Charlie

Dear Poopy Pants,
What have we been feeding you? You smell terrible. But I still love you. Also, remember that time today where you gave me a hug? That was nice. You should do it again some time soon.
Love,
Your Mommy

(I might be biased on this one because, well, Charlie is my favorite baby.)

Dear readers,

I've chosen not to black out my blog today but I am definitely in protest of SOPA. Click here to learn a little more about SOPA and sign the petition.

Love,

Elise

Dear world,

Source: Uploaded by user via Elise on Pinterest

Love,

Elise

Dear J-dub,

Source: redbubble.com via Elise on Pinterest

Love,

Sensei

Dear boyd,

Source: hawksconfusion.tumblr.com via Elise on Pinterest

Love,

Elise

Dear M@,

Source: i.imgur.com via Elise on Pinterest

Love,

Elise

Dear Simba,

Source: Uploaded by user via Elise on Pinterest

Source: dearrrdreamer.tumblr.com via Elise on Pinterest

Love,

Elise

Dear Captain Awesome,

Source: nerdquirks.tumblr.com via Elise on Pinterest

Yeah. Potassium to you too.

Ever-so-cordially,

Elise

Dear Bloggers,

Write your own DB post (pinterest edition or normal), put that cute little dear boys guy on it (copy and past the html below the button directly into your post), come back here and link up your post, read others, bask in the glory of dear boy-ness.

Love,
Elise

I like today

2012-01-17T15:17:00.000-07:00

Base coat: Essie's First Base, Pink: Peach Daiquiri, (some day, I might branch out to other colors, but right now I'm having a love affair with this shade of pink.) Glitter: NYC's Starry Silver Glitter, Top Coat: Seche Vite

Great hair day. Just sayin'.

Also, I went on a major cleaning spree today. This oven is sparkling.

I like today. My hair is rockin', I'm all cozy in a hand-me-down hoodie, and I got to do a photo shoot with the missionaries today.

Oh. And this totally happened:

Explanation: The "Angel Elder" is a model (when he's not spreading the gospel). We were way excited for him to be in the district photo shoot, but then he got called to be AP, so he wasn't able to come.

One of the sisters had joked with him that we'd Photoshop him in. So, while we waited for the Elders to be ready (yeah, for real) we googled his pictures and found this gem of him with angel wings.

Yep. It's been a good Tuesday.

things I probably shouldn't confess, take two

2012-01-16T17:26:00.000-07:00

I watched waaaaay too much of this show this weekend:

consequently, I'm in love with a fictional man named Grayson.

I ate an entire box of Mac and Cheese today. All by myself.

Once, when I was a child, I locked myself in my parent's room and drew all over the back of their door with a pencil. Then, I wrote my sister's name on the door so she'd get in trouble for it.

Today, I watched the Justin Bieber movie with my cousin. I teared up a little. As usual.

I think plucking my eyebrows is miserable. So, I vote that I either get a rockin' job where I make enough money to afford weekly eyebrow waxing or... okay, no option. That's my vote.

I get unreasonably anxious before photo shoots, dates, and certain phone calls.

Oh, not my confession, but yesterday my roommate wore two different pair of brown shoes to church and didn't realize it until the opening hymn.

I don't like Taylor Swift very much. That being said, I don't hate her anymore. Also, I have major T-Swift hair envy.

Your turn. :)

Growing in the cold

2012-01-12T10:05:00.000-07:00

Today, I just have a little present for you.
It's called, an entire free album.

No promotion, no reason.
Noise Trade gives out free albums all the time.
(You should sign up for their emails.
They didn't even ask me to say that.)

Oh, but really, I posted it here because I LOVE me some Jess Penner
So, let's be music twins and jam to this album all day.
YES.

dear boys 19

2012-01-11T18:47:00.000-07:00

Fave from last week comes from miss Becca @ Clogger's Life

Dear Institute Boy,

You are gorgeous. I wish you would ask me out. I actually dreamed about it last night.

I hope I see you again next semester.

Sincerely,

FB Stalker

I feel like I could have written that myself. Institute, FB Stalking... oh life.

Dear boys,

I'm sorry I lashed out at you on facebook and threatened to punch you all in the nose. Your noses can take comfort in the fact that a- I can't punch and b- I've forgiven you.
All the same, it would be nice if you all manned up a little and stopped frustrating us girls.

Love,
Elise

Dear pirate boy,

I don't even want to date you and I'm frustrated by the mass confusion you cause.

Love,

Elise

Dear Penny,

I miss you across the hall. Who are we supposed to tell our boy problems/stories to if you're so far away in your fancy-schmancy new apartment?

Love,

Elise

Dear Ronald McDonnald,

I heard that you were way awesome, but now I'm convinced you're just a jerk-face poo poo head.

So... put that in your crock pot and cook it.

Love,

Christina (The roommate)

Dear Big Tuna,

You are the one who sparked the whole "I want to punch all boys in the nose" thing last night. I have this roommate, and I'm positive you're diggin' her chili. So, man up and take her on a date already.

Love,

The roommates. (Aka, nose punchers)

Dear Simba,

Love,

Elise

Dear J-Dub

You know that thing... it's called dating... where you talk to a girl and ask what she's doing Friday night... and then you invite her to do something with you on Friday night? You should try that out.

After all, "the beginning of the semester is the best time to work your magic," right?

Love,

Sensei & Co.

Dear Bloggers,

Write your own DB post, put that cute little dear boys guy on it (copy and past the html below the button directly into your post), come back here and link up your post, read others, bask in the glory of dear boy-ness.

Love,
Elise

sweet cuppin' cakes

2012-01-10T20:49:00.000-07:00

Base Coat: Essie's First Base, Light Pink: Sinful Colors' Soul Mate, Dark Pink: Essie's Peach Daiquiri,
White: Sinful Colors' Snow Me White, Top Coat: Seche Vite
Also, I used a very fine translucent glitter over the top of the white.

Plus also, I'm adding cupcakes to my list of I'm-bored-and-graduated-and-can-only-spend-so-many-hours-a-day-applying-for-jobs hobbies. I made Butter Pecan cupcakes yesterday. And today, I made those delightful looking Chocolate one's with my cousin Alicia. Paula Dean mix, Paula Dean cupcake wrappers, and Paula Dean patterny sprinkle things. (I feel like I'm cheating on P-dub and Ray Ray).

They were delightful. Also, Alicia is a rock-star flirter. She delivered some of those tasty cupcakes to boys. Now they love her.

mustache

2012-01-09T17:38:00.000-07:00

Base Coat: Essie's First Base, Tips: Essie's Borrowed & Blue,
Stache & Dots: Pure Ice's Black (creative name, right?), Top Coat: Seche Vite

I thought about doing mustaches on every nail... but it took forEVER. So, I just put a stache on one nail.

Also, everyone went back to school today. I went to institute. You see, I don't have classes, and I haven't found a job yet, sooooo it's either sit at home and play Perplexus or go to the institute and make friends. So, I partied at institute. I went to 3 classes. And I kind of love it.

Oh, you don't know what Perplexus is? It's this.

Don't worry. I am on level 80.

today I am happy

2012-01-06T11:58:00.000-07:00

Today, I feel like I have hope.
Today, I feel pretty.
Today, I feel my Savior's love.
Today, I know my Heavenly Father has a plan for me.
Today, I will see my Mill Hollow friends.

Yesterday, I read almost an entire book. It's been a long time since I've been that absorbed in a book and I loved it.

I think I just woke up on the right side of the bed today.
Today, I am happy.

I paint my nails and I read

2012-01-04T18:18:00.000-07:00

Base coat: Essie - First Base, Blue: Essie - Borrowed & Blue,
Pink dots: Essie - Peach Daiquiri, Purple dots: NYC - Chinatown

Can we all tell that I'm not left handed? I re-painted all of my right hand after this picture and it improved... but still doesn't look anywhere near as good as on the left hand.

Guys, job hunting is not thrilling. Good news, though. I checked out 8 books from the library yesterday. So, that should keep me busy for a while.

I'm currently reading this one:

Next up is this one:

What are you reading right now?

dear boys 18

2012-01-04T13:34:00.001-07:00

Two favie letters linked up last week:

MJ from Daily Delight
Dear Thompson Square,

Do you know how excited I am I get to marry you? And spend eternity with you? I get all giddy like a little girl when I think about this and how much I love you. You put a smile on face and I can't wait to see you when we're not together. You make me so happy and I am truly the luckiest girl in the world because I get to be with you! Thank you for being the best and being all mine!

Love,
Your soon to be wife :)

Cute, right?

Also, Laura from Simpleton Pleasures
Dear Ex,

Don't forget about our lunch date next week. We can talk about your biceps and new girlfriend.

Your Friend,
Shut Up, This is Healthy

I died. You should go read the rest of hers because,well, you'll pee your pants.

Source: marzipan5toast.tumblr.com via Elise on Pinterest

Dear Jim Halpert,

We should be married. Minus the fact that you are a-fictional and b-your fictional character is married to Pam. If we ignored those things, it'd be bliss, I'm sure.

Love,

Elise

Dear Ogden Technaglass Man,

You are the nicest and cutest Technaglass Man I've ever met. I've only met three, but you beat out the other two by a landslide. I'm thinking about driving down to Ogden for all my future windshield needs.

Love,

Cracked Windshield Girl

Dear Simba,

You're still cute and you're still my favorite.

Love,

Elise

Dear Walter S. Bacon,

Man up and moisturize, okay?

Your friend,

Elise

Linky Party Time!

- Please link up only Dear Boys posts.

- You gotta put the button on the post. (Just copy the HTML below the button to slap that little guy on there).

- Make sure you check out the other Dear Boys posts that are linked up.

- Spread the Dear Boys lovin'.

nailed it

2012-01-03T14:01:00.000-07:00

Thanks to my BFF, pinterest, and my other BFF, Christina, I have an ever-increasing passion for nail polish.

Actually, back in the day I had this beauty:

and I loved the guts outta that book.

So, this passion isn't really new... more like re-born.

Anyway, Christmas was very good to me and my fingernails.

Base coat: Essie- First Base, Pink tips: Essie- Peach Daiquiri, Blue hearts: Essie- Borrowed & Blue, Top coat: Seche Vite

over and out, kids.

twenty-twelve

2012-01-02T23:46:00.000-07:00

Source: 2.bp.blogspot.com via Elise on Pinterest

Oh, twenty twelve. Oh, new years. Oh, resolutions.

I have mixed feelings on resolutions. On one hand, I think I should make goals all year long and resolutions are overrated and too easily forgotten. On the other hand, I love the idea of a new year and a fresh start and an opportunity to make goals.

The other hand is winning today.

My resolution for this year is simple: I just want to be happy. And I want to be happy now. I think I've forgotten that a lot lately. I've been working hard on a lot of things in my life, but I think I've let myself become careless and lazy. No me gusta. I really love what Dieter F. Uchtdorf has to say about not forgetting to be happy now. I need that in my life. I've always believed that life is too short to not spend it being happy.

So, I resolve to be happy.

Source: yellowbrickblog.blogspot.com via Elise on Pinterest

And, because I couldn't possibly make a resolution like this without making a list, I proudly present:

Elise's Happy List:

- good music

- trips to the temple

- singing/performing

- taking pretty pictures

- spending time with friends

- cute boys

- my family

- creating

- doodling

- reading

- eating delicious food

- blogging

- hugs

- learning new things

- serving others

- reading my scriptures daily

- praying daily

- popcorn

- strawberry lemonade

- being smart about my money

- splurging on something special every now and then

- dressing up

- life

Source: sundayinbed.tumblr.com via Elise on Pinterest

In 2012, I will not go a single day without being happy. I will choose to be happy, I will do things that make me happy, and I will share that happiness with others.

Source: 26.media.tumblr.com via Elise on Pinterest

two thou elev. - year in review

2011-12-31T11:09:00.003-07:00

January
Re-learned the i before e rule and started spelling elise's pieces right. (Note to self, it's not peices. CIP.) Discovered the best cupcake recipe ever, took super fun pictures with my favorite visiting teaching companion and teachees, threw a successful institute open house, and had a mustache party.

February
Made chalkboard mugs with Nichelle and the rest of the honken gang, decorated and went to the "Unforgettable" IWA dance, stained my Bosch pink (but not forever, thank goodness), almost ruined cute shoes on a weird date, and hung out with Winnie the Pooh.

March

Spontaneously taught Zumba at IWA Sisterhood week, threw a spring break bloggy meet-up with Nichelle, did a makeup tutorial, celebrated my 4th anniversary of not dying from a bowling ball and thus received wonderful emails from a bowling and pi fanatic who bowled a strike in my honor, invented National Get Some Cupcake Crumbs in Yo Mustache day with Nichelle, awkward and awesome-d for the first time, oh and there was that time that Nichelle and I made a vlog. Also, March was the great birth month of Dear Boys.

April

I confessed that "all I want out of life is some shepherd's pie and a boyfriend", got shepherd's pie, didn't get a boyfriend. Ashley got me a Justin Bieber T-shirt, my IWA chapter visited our namesake, Mary Fielding Smith's grave in SLC, I saw the JB movie and looooved it (there's a slight chance that actually happened in March), had a wonderful Easter, got released from my calling the the IWA inner chapter presidency and got called as the president of the Mary Fielding Smith chapter, played lots of swedish twister, discovered reverse charades, shot a gun for the first time, and got bangs.

May

My birth month! I posted a picture of myself without makeup, did a little hair-curling tutorial, dear boys-ed some more, met Sydney from The Daybook, went on the best road trip ever with Nichelle and Ashley, toothbrush dance-ed, and did not start working at Mill Hollow (see also: best summer camp job ever) because there was too much snow.

June

Went to Cheesecake Factory for the first time, sobbed through all of Soul Surfer in the theater, accidentally bought and fell in love with jeggings, got to teach English and GED classes to Adult Refugees from Japan, Napal, Taiwan, and Brazil. Finally got to go up to summer camp and start working, fell in love with wife beaters, hated vending machines, freaked out about upcoming graduation, and apparently didn't take any pictures.

July

Celebrated the 4th of July with ~~illegal~~ totally legal fireworks that my little brothers ~~brought back from Wyoming~~ got from a stand right here in Utah. (Actually, all but like, one of them, really were legal since Utah changed the firework rules this year). Also, hung out at summer camp some more, revisited my Harry Potter obsession, got free slurpies twice on the way to camp, went to Lagoon a couple times, got Naked (juice) in Kamas, potentially and unintentionally broke a boy's heart a little, and discovered Pinterest.

August

Painted a teepee, wrote the ever-so-epic "How to not be a pansy" dear boys tutorial with Nichelle, made a list of "how not to impress your date" at summer camp, celebrated wife-beater Wednesday and food baby Friday a lot, made shoes out of duct tape, went skinny dipping, finished up summer camp, packed up, and moved back to Logan, made a melted crayon poster.

September

Realized that I've been making cameos in many of the wedding pictures I take, dear boys-ed some more, did a bracelet tutorial, went to bear lake, took roommate pictures, enjoyed some Aggie football, won a ticket to Creative Estates, went to my cousin, Ashley's, pageant. Oh, and had a fling with a rich, Brittish boy that I never told you all about.

October

Fell in love with Pioneer Woman, turned a shirt into a pillow, wrote a very personal post that may never be published, dear boys-ed a lot, loved the rain, cooked one super delicious meal (and probably a couple less so, but still delicious meals), went shooting for the second time ever, gave up, got to take my beautiful cousin's wedding pictures, and had a waaaaay cool ~~totally not nerdy~~ Halloween costume. Went to the pumpkin walk, gave some boys black eyes, worked my tail off on a media law paper and made myself sick over it.

November

Started listening to Christmas music reaaaaally early, did laundry, worked my tail off on another media law paper and got an A, almost burned water, enjoyed Thanksgiving, and apparently didn't take pictures of anything except the laundromat.

December

Celebrated Christmas with a song of the day, worked even harder on my Media Law final paper and got an A, studied really hard for the Media Law final exam and got an A. Seriously, I think that's my accomplishment of the year. I am SO grateful and blissfully happy about that one. Also, I went on a Denny's run, learned a lot about Mary, bonded with Katilda over the ladder theory, had a wonderful Christmas, went to another cousin's wedding and got to take her bridals, and caught a bouquet. (Not my cousin's, though).

The end.

midnight thoughts

2011-12-30T00:22:00.001-07:00

I'm lovin' this video.

Just count your blessings that this isn't a post of every version of the song ever.

But really, listen to Katharine McPhee in my last post, look up Clay Aiken's version, and deeeeeefinitely treat yourself to the Karen Carpenter version. I mean, come on, it's Karen Carpenter.

I had a rough day today. I started out frustrated, then google deleted my blog and deactivated all my google accounts. So, I stared blankly at the computer screen for an hour, freaked out on facebook, and cried. Luckily, google fixed that one up in a about an hour. (Note to self: EXPORT, EXPORT, EXPORT.)

After that crisis was averted, I showered. Yeah, at 2:00 in the afternoon. And then, I didn't put on any makeup, I wore a t-shirt and jeans with a hole in the bum (tmi?), and I pretended to job hunt. And then I broke down.

I sobbed. My mom sat with me on my bed and just listened as I listed every single thing that is wrong in my life right now. I'll spare you the gory details, but just know that it was a long list. In retrospect, my life really isn't that bad. Really, my life is actually pretty great. But I feel so out of place and so lost.

Graduation is hitting me. Not in the oh my, I'm so excited kind of way. But in the oh crap what do I do now? kind of way. Nobody is telling me what to do anymore, but at the same time, everyone thinks it's their place to tell me what I should be doing.

I'm lacking motivation. I need a job, I need a routine, I need something new and consistent in my life. Everything I relied on before is gone. Except, of course, the gospel. And, boy, am I grateful for that.

Last thought: Despite my melt down and my not knowing what on earth I'm doing with my life, I am ever so excited for New Years Eve partying and the new year.

So, really, what are you doing New Years Eve?

catching bouquets

2011-12-29T10:30:00.000-07:00

"Oh my gosh! You caught the bouquet! That means you're next!"

"Nope, it actually just means I'm really tall."

I'd have to borrow somebody else's fingers AND toes to be able to count how many times I've had that conversation.

I am particularly proud of this bouquet though. It smells glorious.

Speaking of weddings, I fell in love with a new videographer last night. (Before you make your assumptions, I'll just inform you that yes I did come home from the reception last night, put my sweats on, and spend the evening watching other people's wedding videos. Go ahead, judge me.)

Back to the point: Love this videographer.

Case in point: These videos.
(The password to watch the videos is "McClain")

from Chris McClain Productions on Vimeo.

Also, Mr. hottie super tall groomsman can definitely hire a videographer with me if you know what I mean... ;)

Yep. Just go right on ahead and Vimeo-stalk him. And while you're at it, Vimeo-stalk this girl too. 'Cause if you haven't seen that crap load of adorable floatin' around on facebook yet, you're missing out.

Oh, and when you're done in a couple hours, please come back here to fangirl over Hailey and Brad and pine for videography-worthy love stories with me. I'll bring the Ben & Jerry's.

dear boys, part 17 and an announcement

2011-12-28T10:05:00.000-07:00

What Are You Doing New Year's Eve by Katharine Mcphee on Grooveshark

Dear Bachelor,

I'm writing to inform you that you've been moved to the friend ladder.

Please act accordingly.

Best Wishes,

Elise

Dear Superman,

I'm not sure what to think about you, but you're really very nice.

Love,

Elise

Dear Vanilla,

Pretty please stop trying to date girls ten years younger than you.

Thanks,

Elise

Dear Mr. Nice Guy,

I put you on my ladder last dear boys post and now I can't remember who the heck you are.

Not a sign in your favor.

Oops,

Elise

Dear Boy,

Somehow, we always come back to you, don't we?

Well, we're done. For realsies. No more secretly wishing or hoping, no more pretending it'd work, no more flirting and fighting for your attention. I officially, 100% do not care anymore.

Sincerely,

Better off without you.

Dear Simba,

I worry that I've fallen off your radar. But, you're definitely still on mine. Do I text you? Do I just wait to run into you? I think the ball is still in your court, but maybe you lost it? Would you like me to show you where the net is?

still crushing hard core,

Elise

Dear bloggers,

Aren't you happy we're back to the good stuff?

Write your own dear boys post, copy the html below my button to get this cutie little dear boys man on your post (it's required) and come back here to link up your post.

Dear boys and I had a DTR this week. We decided that Dear boys needs to be an official, weekly thing.
So, get excited for Dear Boys Wednesdays!
Oh! And, I'm going to feature my favorite boy letters from the people who link up.
Sooo, on your mark, get set, dear boys!

silent night

2011-12-25T23:30:00.001-07:00

Silent Night by Josh Groban on Grooveshark

It's been a busy busy busy couple days. Friday I was up at 7:30 in the morning and out shopping until 2:30 the next morning. Last minute Christmas shopping is serious business in my family. Saturday was full of shopping and our annual Christmas Tree Picnic. Then, we wrapped. And wrapped. And wrapped. And took care of some elf bidness. We got to sleep around 2:30 am.

We don't do the six in the morning present opening in our house. Nope. We started opening presents sometime after 9. It was glorious. We checked out our santa stuff and got ready for church. After church, we opened the rest of our presents and went to our grandparent's house for the family party. So, today's been a little more calm than the rest of the week, but it's just now that I'm really getting a chance to sit and relax.

It's a silent night. (Minus the dull roar of little brother playing Modern Warfare 3 on my new TV). But, I finally have time to really stop and think, and I am happy.

I'm happy that I have a wonderful family to celebrate Christmas with. I'm happy that I know the meaning of Christmas and that I know of the love Christ has for me. I'm happy to be alive, to have hope, and to be so blessed with so many gifts and also with the opportunity to give.

I love Christmas. I hope all of your days were as wonderful and as full of love as mine.

via

it's kind of, maybe, sort of beginning to look a lot like Christmas

2011-12-22T18:46:00.002-07:00

Minus the part where all the pretty snow we had this morning is practically gone.

Aggie pride, baby.

Looking up from under the tree.
When I was little, my favorite thing to do was to stick my head under the tree and just look up at the lights.

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas by Michael Bublé on Grooveshark

Here's to a wonderful year and wonderful blog friends.

Honestly, you guys are the best.

So, wishing you and yours the Merriest of Christmases:

I HAD A REALLY WEIRD DREAM LAST NIGHT

2011-12-21T22:27:00.000-07:00

I all-capsed that because I'm shouting.
Approximately 5 people get that joke.
It's fine.

I really did have a really weird dream last night though.
I lived in this giant, cabin-like apartment complex. Of course, Penny (aka Chris) lived next door.
I had friends coming over for a Christmas party, so naturally I had to go upstairs to borrow cupcake liners.
On our way, my friend, Aubrey and I were chased by a flying pink platypus.

Like this, only less balloon-like and more platypus like.

Oh, and it was evil.
So, I almost died.
Then we found its "Momma platypus" which was also pink, but wooden, immobile, and covered in carpet.

Any dream interpreters out there?

pictures, silk nog, and David Archuletta

2011-12-20T12:22:00.000-07:00

Photography by: Lauren Marie Photo

See the rest of my graduation pictures here.

CHRISTMAS QUIZ (copy-catted from Casey Wiegand who found the idea here)

1. Egg nog or hot chocolate? Egg nog. Actually, I love Silk's soy nog the very best.
2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? Santa puts our presents by our stockings actually. The tree is for family presents. (And they're all wrapped).
3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? White.
4. Do you hang mistletoe? Nope. When I have someone I want to make use of it with, I will.
5. When do you put your decorations up? Whenever there is time.
6. What is your favorite holiday dish? Deviled eggs. :)
7. Favorite holiday memory as a child? Writing Christmas plays with Ashley and forcing all of our cousins to be in them.
8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? When I was 11, I asked my mom and she told me. Then, I told my dad that I knew the secret and he tried to convince me that Santa, The Easter Bunny, and the Tooth Fairy were the Three Nephites.
9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? Yep. Pajama pants, every year. Love it.
10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree? I like redecorating every year.
11. Snow! Love it or dread it? Love it. Until February that is. Then it needs to go.
12. Can you ice skate? Yes! I took figure skating twice in college. I can even do tricks.
13. Do you remember your favorite gift? One year I got Adobe Creative Suite. That pretty much rocked my world.
14. What’s the most important thing about the holidays for you? Being with family and celebrating Christ's birth.
15. What is your favorite holiday dessert? Caramels.
16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? My family has a Christmas Tree Picnic every year.
17. What tops your tree? A star.
18. Which do you prefer: Giving. I get so excited to see people's reactions to what I give them. (Though, don't get me wrong, I love receiving presents too. :)
19. Candy canes: yuck or yummy? Yuuuum.
20. Favorite Christmas show? Christmas Shoes
21. Saddest Christmas song? Christmas Shoes. I actually used to think it was annoying until I saw the movie.
22. What is your favorite Christmas song? Yeah, definitely can't choose. That's why there is currently a Christmas song of the day on my blog.

Also, have you heard David Archuletta's big announcement yet?

Don't worry, I cried.
And that's why today's song is:

O Holy Night by David Archuleta on Grooveshark

this is why I love p-dub

2011-12-19T17:08:00.001-07:00

Pioneer Woman's actions are my BFF.
So much so, that I used nothing but PW actions on this photo.
Slight Lighten x 1
+ Flatten
+ Old West - kick the opacity down in the 40s
+ Flatten (again)
= Warm, glowy, make your heart melt for PW actions.

Get them, use them, love them - Pioneer Woman Action Sets.

What are your favorite actions/sets?

It's Not Christmas Without You by Katharine Mcphee on Grooveshark

Christmas song of the day: Fill your heart with love

2011-12-18T11:39:00.001-07:00

Where Are You Christmas? by Faith Hill on Grooveshark

What is Christmas?

To me, Christmas is picking a new ornament for the tree.

It's candy cane desserts and honey baked hams,

eggnog, hot cocoa, caramels, and chocolates.

It's "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" and Charlie Brown,

"The Little Boy that Santa Clause Forgot" and The Nutcracker.

Christmas is shopping with Mom the day after Thanksgiving;

and shopping with Dad the day before Christmas Eve.

It's giving and getting- they go hand in hand.

It's sharing and caring and loving a friend.

Christmas is music and singing in a choir.

It's caroling and praising His name.

Christmas is not just what they show on TV.

It's what you feel in your heart.

The smile on your face, the excitement in your eyes.

The reason for the season is the joy of His birth.

For the spirit of Christmas, is Christ.

dear boys: the ladder theory

2011-12-16T15:13:00.001-07:00

Back in the day when I went to Snow college, two of my roommates worked in the math lab.

*please insert all math lab jokes here*

Generally speaking, the math lab was a very boring place for me.

Except for the time Kustrina and I made homemade onion rings and took them to Karen.

Or the time Kustrina and I brought color by number pages to the math lab (the numbers were key to making it an appropriate math lab activity) and our markers soaked through the paper and stained the tables.

Or tuesday nights.

Tuesday nights in the math lab meant hardly anyone was in there studying, Rochelle was working, and so was the resident dating expert.

Some days, he would tell us funny proposal stories.

Some days, he would tell us about the girl he was in love with.

And one fine day, he taught us the ladder theory and changed my life forever.

Recently, I was reminded of the ladder theory by Katilda.

You should definitely go read her explanation of it.

Meanwhile, back at the math lab...

Dating expert walks over to the white board and grabs a marker.

He draws this:

He explained it this way: Boys have one ladder. If they want to date a girl, she's at the top of the ladder and they pay the most attention to her. Simple.

Then he drew this:

He explained it this way: Girls have two ladders. There's the ladder of boys that are just friends and there's the ladder of boys that she wants to date. The boy at the top of the love ladder is the one she pays the most attention to, but she probably also pays a lot of attention to the boy at the top of the friend ladder as well.

He also illustrated this:

And explained: A boy on a friend ladder (see also: friend zone) can work his way up that ladder. But some boys try to work their way up and make the leap over to the top of the love ladder.

This is what happens:

He falls and is suddenly in that awkward space between ladders. There is hope for him though. A boy can't jump from the tops of the ladders, but he can sometimes start on the friend ladder and very slowly and very carefully make his way up the love ladder. Keyword: sometimes.

And there you have the ladder theory laced with a little bit of my dear boy-ness. You're now an honorary member of the tuesday nights at the math lab club.

Song of the day:

Mistletoe by Justin Bieber on Grooveshark

Dear Baby Beibs,

I'll hang out under the mistletoe with you any day.

Love,

Elise

Who's on your ladder? Link up either a dear boys post or your dear boys ladder.

And don't forget the button:

A grumpy p.s. please don't link up anything not dear boys related. I'm sick of deleting links for essay help and SEO. Thank you very much.

takin' care of business

2011-12-15T14:35:00.000-07:00

The winner of the Whimsy Bits giveaway is: Lindsey! Lindsey, send me an email and we'll get you in touch with Ash from Whimsy Bits and get you your prize!

Also, I am a rockstar.

Not in the musically talented, stalkers and t-shirts kind of way...

More in the I am done with college kind of way.

Yeah, that's right.

Graduated.

And to celebrate? I spent last night editing pictures of these beautiful ladies! And guess what? I finished both their sessions! In one night. So, I'm a rockstar.

Aaand, since I've been a slacker, here's a mini Christmas playlist to make up for the last couple songs of the days.

Denny's run, finals week, and a song of the day

2011-12-12T13:42:00.000-07:00

Christmas, Baby Please Come Home by Anberlin on Grooveshark

Guys. It's finals week. T-minus 3 days until I am D-O-N-E. Aaaaand, I just got a 190/200 on my final paper for media law. That's right. Prayer works.

Last week, we went on a Denny's run. Which was awesome, because we haven't in a loooong time.

Fail, Penny.

Take two, much betta.

St-st-st-stina.

Strawberry Mango Pucker.

Elise-lise and Rya-chu.

We are fully geared up for finals week. When we're not studying, you better believe we'll be watchin' these babies and partying it up. I love me some finals week.

To those of you who are college kids, good luck with finals. Those of you lucky souls who have made it past that stage of life, count your many blessings. Anyone have exciting finals week plans?

Christmas song of the day: A birth story

2011-12-11T13:14:00.001-07:00

I'm one of those girls who cries through "A Baby Story" on TLC and sobs as I read birth stories on my favorite mommy blogs. This Christmas season, I've been thinking a lot about Mary. About her Christmas experience and what it was like to be the mother of the Savior. As I've studied Mary's story, I've imagined what her 'birth story' would be like. This is simply my interpretation of how I think she'd tell the story.
(Sadly, today's song is not on Grooveshark. Here's the youtube link so that you can listen to the song while you read the story.)

Agnus Dei

I was out one day, and an Angel of the Lord appeared to me. He spoke to me of God's love for me and explained that I would soon conceive a child and that that child would be the Son of God. I asked how this was possible. I was betrothed to a man named Joseph, and was still a virgin. He explained that the Holy Ghost would come upon me. He also explained that my cousin, Elisabeth, had also conceived a child even though she had been told she was unable to have children. I was overwhelmed, but faithful. I said I would accept the Lord's will and be his handmaid.

Joseph, who was to marry me, was doubtful. And who could blame him? I was with child, though I was still a virgin. Seeking comfort, I went to visit my cousin, Elisabeth. She tells me that when I entered the room, she was filled with the spirit and the child in her womb leaped for joy. I stayed with Elisabeth for three months as I waited for word from my betrothed, Joseph. Adultery was punishable by stoning and I was afraid that misunderstanding would lead to such punishment for me. The day that Joseph told me that an Angel had visited him, I was filled with relief. My faith and prayers for his understanding had been answered.

As I progressed through my pregnancy, I was continuously filled with gratitude and joy. From the little flutters of movement in my womb, to the constant presence of the spirit of the Lord, I knew that I carried a great blessing within me and I was humbled by the opportunity to serve my God. Joseph and I were married and I anxiously anticipated the birth of my child. As the days grew closer, we needed to journey to Bethlehem to be taxed. Being very pregnant, any traveling would be uncomfortable, but this journey would take seven days.

via

Joseph was very kind and caring, he made certain I was as comfortable as possible through the whole trip. Upon arriving to Bethlehem, I knew my baby was soon to come. Though we tried, we could not find an inn to spend the night in. The city was full of people coming to be taxed and the only place we could find room to rest was a stable. I didn't mind, I was grateful for a place to lay down and find some sort of comfort.

Joseph stayed by my side through the whole labor. I also felt the presence of angels surrounding me to bring me peace and strength. At long last, I was able to pick up my child, the Son of God, and wrap him up in swaddling clothes. We filled a manger with hay to create a cradle for him to rest in.

via

As I held that tiny baby that I had been carrying with me for nine months, I thought of how beautiful and perfect he was. That tiny little body held so much hope and joy. My entire soul was overcome with love for this child. Though the stable was quiet and peaceful, it was as if we could hear choirs of Angels singing praises to the child I held in my arms.

via

I brushed my fingers across his soft arm and his fingers clasped onto mine. As I fed my child for the first time, I felt a great humility come upon me as I realized how much this child relied upon me at this time. Only I could offer Him the nutrients He needed to survive. Yet, He was the one sent to earth to save us all. This very child that I was providing strength and life for, was the Son of God, sent to provide strength and life for us all. Though I was his mother, he was still my God.

We learn in the scriptures that Mary was the 'chosen vessel', foreordained in the heavens, to be the the mother of Jesus Christ on earth. We, too, are chosen vessels. We won't experience a miraculous conception or give birth to the Son of God, but we are vessels that can experience the miracle of carrying the spirit of Christ with us all our lives. Like Mary, we can be grateful for the opportunities God gives us to serve. We can bring Christ into others lives. This Christmas season, let us remember the spirit of Christmas. Which, truthfully, is the spirit of Christ.

Sources: Mary and Luke 2

two songer and being a frozen potato

2011-12-10T11:22:00.001-07:00

Today, my car won't start. And I am SO close to being done, but I still have 4 days of some serious studying that needs to happen. I'm going to make it, I am. But right now, I feel like crying. And climbing back into bed and sleeping through today.

Also, it's cold. As my old roommate, Breefa Jo, would say "I am a frozen potato."

Since I skipped yesterday, here are two fave Christmas songs. Good old Mariah, because her Christmas album is the greatest thing she ever did. And Rascal Flatts, because their version of God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen rocks my socks right off.

O Holy night by Mariah Carey on Grooveshark

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen by Rascal Flatts on Grooveshark

Christmas song of the day: best friends and teenage love

2011-12-08T14:44:00.001-07:00

I just updated my sponsor page and I'm starting to organize sponsors, guest posts, and all that exciting stuff for January. Email me at elisecreates@gmail.com to chat about opportunities.

Today's Christmas song:

Merry Christmas With Love by Clay Aiken on Grooveshark

In high school, I loved me some Clay Aiken. To a passionately obsessive ~~borderline~~ definitely creepy way. My best friend, Katrina, and I used to listen to his songs and radio interviews for hours. We'd sing "Solitaire" on the bus and hold our breaths for the whole time he held that super long note right at the key change. We practiced our North Carolina accents and made lists of words we'd ask Clay to say if we ever got to meet him. (Gasoline, pistachio, etc.) We covered all our notebooks, lockers, and walls with pictures of his face. In fact, I would print new pictures of him daily and bribe Katrina to do stupid/embarrassing things and reward her with a picture. We had earrings, t-shirts, bracelets, magnets, key chains, you name it. Oh, also. I still own his book.

It was a pure, 15 year old kind of love.

Or maybe we were pathetic.

Either way, our love for Clay Aiken is what bonded us.

We, of course, went to his concerts any time he came to Salt Lake. We make certain to text each other on March 26th of every year and celebrate the anniversary of the first Clay concert we went to.

The second concert we went to was the Merry Christmas, With Love concert in Abravanel Hall. We cried, we laughed, we screamed. And we also might have stalked his body guard after the concert and had a conversation involving things like "Can I shake your hand?" and "So, you've touched Clay Aiken, right?" and "You probably have some of his sweat on you right now..." and "I'm never washing my hand again!!"

Merry Christmas, With Love is more than a song. It's what got me through that awkward teenager pre-dating time of life.

Who was your teenage love?

Dear boys: Christmas song of the day style

2011-12-07T11:21:00.001-07:00

Or is it Christmas song of the day: Dear boys style? Either way, let's get down to business.

In my house, Christmas isn't Christmas without the Carpenters. And asking me to pick a favorite Carpenters Christmas Song would be like asking me to pick my favorite child. (Minus the part where I don't have children). So, don't be surprised if you see a couple Carpenters songs around these parts this month. For today though, we're goin' all Carpenters Christmas Love Song up in here. 'Cause it's dear boys day.

Merry Christmas Darling by Carpenters on Grooveshark

Dear _____,

The fact that I can't even come up with a dear boys name for you is probably a sign that it's not meant to be.

Kthx,

Elise

Dear Boondoggle man,

I'm sorry, I can't.

Love,

Elise

Dear bipolar,

You intrigue me.

Love,

Elise

Dear baby face,

I want to run my fingers through your curly hair. Or maybe date you.

Or maybe both.

Love,

Elise

Dear D-i-n-o-s-a-U-R,

Stop with the flirting. Just stop.

-Eli$e

Dear Fireflies,

Oh, hey.

Love,

Elise

Dear show-off,

I had a severe I-want-to-punch-you-in-the-face moment the other day. It was good for me.

I don't care what you do, because my happiness doesn't depend on anything about you anymore.

Love,

Elise

Dear Simba,

You're adorable. I'm adorable. Let's be adorable together?

Love,

Elise

Linky rules: Dear boy it up on your blog and this time, add your favorite Christmas love song! Then, come back here and link up. But don't forget to copy the html down in that little box there and paste it into your post to put my button on the blog. It's required, pals. Plus, let's be honest, who doesn't want that darling little dear boy santa gracing their blog with his presence?

Christmas song of the day, take two

2011-12-06T21:55:00.001-07:00

Arise and Shine Forth by Forgotten Carols on Grooveshark

Last week, I went to the Forgotten Carols. I love the story, I love the play, and I LOVE the music. Back in high school, I got to be in the choir for Forgotten Carols and it made Christmas for me. There is nothing like performing and sharing a message that you believe in. The spirit of Christmas is definitely a message I believe in.

Also last week, we had our IWA Christmas fireside. It was the last IWA meeting ever and it was such a bittersweet event. I think more sweet than bitter, because we left with our hearts full of Christmas spirit and hope for the future. The priesthood adviser who released us all from our callings made a very profound comment that has been on my mind ever since. He said, "Don't shine so that others can see you. Shine so that, through you, others can see Him."

That is going to be my motto this Christmas season. Actually, it's going to be my motto for a very long time. Because really, it's what life is all about.

P.s. The winner of the Shabby Apple necklace giveaway is Elisabeth. Congrats, girl!

giveaway for a frozen tuesday

2011-12-06T13:45:00.001-07:00

Today's giveaway comes from one of my fab sponsors, Whimsy Bits!
Ashley is recently engaged, has an adorable shop, and is a cowboys fan. (I knew I liked her!)

The prize is $20 to her shop, Whimsy Bits by ash.

To enter:
Mandatory: You must be a public follower of elise's pieces. Leave a comment telling me how you found elise's pieces. (1 entry)

Other entries:
-Follow Ashley's blog: Whimsy Bits. (leave a comment, 1 entry)
-Heart the Whimsy Bits by ash shop on etsy. (leave a comment, 1 entry)
-Blog, tweet, facebook with a link to this giveaway. (leave a comment for each, 1 entry for each)

This giveaway will close Tuesday, Dec. 13 @ Midnight. The winner will be announced the following week.

The parable of the Christmas Carol (repost)

2011-12-05T10:56:00.001-07:00

I wrote this in October 2008. It's one of my first ever blog posts. (Well, other than my rockin' livejournal blog I had in high school).
The other day, my friend Kamille and I were craftin' it up and rockin' out to JB and she asked what my favorite Christmas song is.
Here's the thing: I can't pick a favorite. It's been on my mind for 3 days now, and I still can't pick a favorite. I love approximately one billion Christmas songs and I think they're all favorite. So, for the next little while, I think we're going to have a Christmas song of the day. Sound good?

Little Drummer Boy by Various Artists on Grooveshark

Come they told me, pa rum pum pum pum
A new born King to see, pa rum pum pum pum
Our finest gifts we bring, pa rum pum pum pum
To lay before the King, pa rum pum pum pum,
rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,
So to honor Him, pa rum pum pum pum,
When we come.

Baby Jesu, pa rum pum pum pum
I am a poor boy too, pa rum pum pum pum
I have no gift to bring, pa rum pum pum pum
That's fit to give the King, pa rum pum pum pum,
rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,
Shall I play for you, pa rum pum pum pum,
On my drum?

Mary nodded, pa rum pum pum pum
The ox and lamb kept time, pa rum pum pum pum
I played my drum for Him, pa rum pum pum pum
I played my best for Him, pa rum pum pum pum,
rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,
Then He smiled at me, pa rum pum pum pum
Me and my drum.

Now for the comparison. This song is about our life here on earth.

Come, See the newborn king! Bring your finest gifts to honor him. Isn't that what life is all about? The savior invites us to come unto him. We will only be able to take our spiritual gifts with us in the next life, nothing temporal. I would submit that we work to gain the finest gifts (i.e. patience, hope, charity, etc.) because those are the things that will matter when we return to our Savior. Seek him, gain wonderful gifts of the spirit, and honor him. Always remember him.

Baby Jesu, I am a poor boy too. I have no gift that is fit for a king, but shall I play for you? I played my drum for him. I played my best for him. Picture meeting the Savior, knowing you've worked hard, but knowing you still haven't reached perfection. Then, you give him your best. That's what matters!

Then He smiled at me, me and my drum. Picture the loving Savior. He knows you've given it your all, you played your best for him. You've come to find him, and you've done your best.

Verse 3 of Come, Ye Children of the Lord

All arrayed in spotless white, we will dwell mid truth and light!

We will sing the songs of praise, we will shout in joyous lays.

Earth shall then be cleansed from sin, every living thing therein shall in love and beauty dwell. Then, with joy, our hearts shall swell.

That blessed day when we will have the opportunity to be all arrayed in spotless white, will you feel that you played your best for him? That you worked to seek him all your life? That you honored, and always remembered him? How glorious that day be when earth will be cleansed from sin? When every living thing there in love and beauty dwell. Be meek like a child, be the little drummer boy. Play your drum for him. Play your best for him.

things I probably shouldn't confess

2011-12-03T20:12:00.001-07:00

Jane Austen bores me.
I'm very sorry, but she does.

Also, I don't like socks.
I think that some socks are cute. But, you could frame them and appreciate them more.
That hem across the toe is, like, the worst idea ever.

I really don't like brushing my teeth.
I do like the clean feeling after. And I do brush my teeth, of course.
But the process... is gaggy. Yuck.

I don't enjoy working out and I don't like getting sweaty.
If I'm going to get sweaty, I've got to enjoy it.
That's why I love Zumba and Country Swing.
Those are worth it.

Sometimes, I hate texting.
So, I ignore my phone and don't text people back.
It doesn't mean I hate you, it means I hate texting.

I'm super jealous of people who can dance.
My biggest regret in life is that I didn't take dance lessons for longer.
I always dreamed of being a ballerina and I still secretly dream of dancing en pointe.

Your turn. :)

this is not a dear boys post

2011-12-01T16:25:00.001-07:00

Guys, I'm sorry I'm a boring blogger. (And I'm sorry I call you guys all the time, I know that only .3% of my readers are male. Actually, I made that statistic up.)

Really though. I'm sorry.
I do have exciting things to tell you.
I went to Forgotten Carols, it's December, I have lots of Christmas-y excitement to blog about.
I want to show you pictures of my Christmas tree. Plus also, I think I'm going to make some new ornaments.
So, you might even get a tutorial sometime.

Also, I wrote a song.
And I want to share it with you.
And there is a very special story behind the song. I plan on blogging all about that.

Aaaaaaand there are definite dear boy stories. I just don't have it in me to do a dear boys post right now.
Slash, sometimes I worry that I whine about boys too much.
Slash, sometimes boys are really dumb and deserve to be whined about.
Slash, ugh.

The truth is, I'm burnt out. It's the end of the semester, and I have major senioritis. (Note: in my youth, I totally judged people and thought senioritis was not real. Um, false. Senioritis is a real as a vacuum and it sucks just as much. Also, it turns your brain to mush and makes it so you can only tell lame jokes and stupid vacuum puns.) The moral of the story is, someday, I'll be a cool blogger again. But for now, you get spontaneous pictureless rambling posts.

And now, I'll leave you with this video of my sister.
She's the one in the apron. Also, if you look really close, you can see her shrine to me. It's to the left of the Christmas tree and it looks like this:

(Oops, there goes my promise of a pictureless post.)

check check

2011-11-29T14:03:00.001-07:00

Class presentation? Check.
Christmas Tree up? Check.
1/3 grad packet signatures? Check.
Other two grad packet appointments scheduled? Check.
Saw cute boy? Check. (Simba. :)
Final project for summer internship? Check.

My list is getting shorter and shorter and I am STOKED, people. I love the feeling of scratching each thing off the list and knowing I'm not going to add anything else. Pure bliss.

Also, I got my Media Law Case Study back yesterday. 96% baby. And I was just praying for a C. Let's just take a moment to appreciate answered prayers and faith and hard work. Prayer works, kids. No doubt.

And because I don't have time to take pictures of my outfit or anything cool like that, you get pictures of my favorite baby instead.

Oh yeah! Karen's family pictures edited? CHECK.

Do you not just want to snuggle him? More of their pictures over on the photo blog. Oh! And speaking of the photo blog, check out my new photography website! Elisecreates.com

Happy Cyber Monday: Shabby Apple Giveaway!!!

2011-11-28T09:49:00.001-07:00

Today's giveaway comes from one of my favorite shops, Shabby Apple. This Key to Wonderland necklace is handmade in the USA. I love how simple and elegant it is.

You MUST be a follower of Elise's Pieces to enter this giveaway. Also, this one's only for US readers.

To enter:
-Mandatory: go "like" Shabby Apple on Facebook.
For extra entries: (leave a separate comment for each)
-Follow Shabby Apple on Twitter
-Follow the Shabby Apple Blog
-Go to the Shabby Apple Website and tell me which dress you love the most.
-"like" Elise's Pieces on Facebook

The giveaway will close Saturday, Dec. 3rd and the winner will be announced the following week.

sometimes I forget

2011-11-27T22:03:00.001-07:00

Sometimes I forget that I'm in control of my life. I get to choose what I do. I get to choose how I react to things. And I get to choose if I want to be happy.
Nobody else gets to do any of that.
It's my life.
I want to be happy. I don't want to get down on myself over silly, unimportant things.

And sometimes I forget that life is meant to be enjoyed, not just endured.
I have a long list of things to do for the next three weeks.
An overwhelmingly long list.
But, it's going to be okay.
Because I know someone is watching out for me.

Source: etsy.com via Elise on Pinterest

I'm graduating. In 3 weeks.
And I don't know what I'm doing.
At all.

Source: thevirginiabelle.tumblr.com via Elise on Pinterest

But, I'm ready to rely on the Lord and go wherever He leads me.
And it's going to be soooo good.

Any suggestions?

grateful

2011-11-24T11:08:00.001-07:00

About four years ago, I learned this very important lesson. I had moved home from Snow College for Spring semester with plans to get married. All in one week, my grandpa passed away, my boyfriend broke up with me instead of proposing, and school was absolutely miserable. One day, as if to top it all off, I got a flat tire.

I pulled over to the side of the road and called my dad. While he was on his way to help me, I sat on the curb and stared at that tire. I realized I had two choices. Either I could sit on that curb and cry, or I could laugh at the irony of it all. As I started to laugh the words to the hymn, Count Your Blessings, came to mind.

When upon life's billows you are tempest-tossed,

when you are discouraged thinking all is lost,

count your many blessings, name them one by one,

and it will surprise you what the Lord has done.

I thought, "I can't possibly think of any blessings right now, this has been the worst week ever." But slowly, things came to mind. I was definitely blessed to be home with my family in such a trying time. I was definitely blessed to have a car and to have such minimal problems as a flat tire.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?

Does your cross seem heavy you are called to bear?

Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly

and you will be singing as the days go by.

As I thought of this song and thought of more blessings, my attitude changed. Then, verse four is the one that hit me the most:

So amid the conflict, whether great or small,

do not be discouraged, God is over all.

Count your many blessings, angels will attend.

Help and comfort give you to your journey's end.

I am here to tell you today that when you are grateful, there are angels at your side comforting you and helping you. Don't get discouraged, God is watching out for you. He knows you, He loves you. Ever since that day, I've done my best to continuously be grateful in spite of whatever challenges may come my way.

Today, I am grateful for an opportunity to focus on gratitude. I'm grateful that I get to spend time with my family. I'm grateful for a Heavenly Father who loves and knows me personally. And I'm grateful for wonderful friends, blog friends included. You all truly bless my life, and I am grateful for you.

Happy Thanksgiving.

laundry day. see you there.

2011-11-17T16:39:00.001-07:00

Under things, tumbling.

Clean.

Tuesday night I hid out at the laundromat down the street and wrote my media law paper. Also, I washed my clothes. Two birds, one stone. Woot.

Love me some laundromat.

Oh, also, remember how I was going to try this?

Source: thewonderforest.com via Elise on Pinterest

Yeah... it looked okay, but it fried my hair.
So, if you try it, turn your straightener's heat waaaaaaay down. Because hair just isn't meant to have that much direct heat.

dear boys, part 16 (linky party)

2011-11-16T10:49:00.001-07:00

Source: hofferphotography.com via Elise on Pinterest

Dear boys,

Just know, that when one of you falls in love with me, our engagement pictures are going to be stellar.

Love,
Your future, photography-obsessed wife.

Dear Shawty,

You're drool worthy. And I love looking at you. Plus, you're just a genuinely good guy. That's attractive.
The part where I saw you holding hand with a girl today, less attractive.
I hope she knows how lucky she is.

Love,
Elise

Dear Boondoggle Man,

I just am not feelin' it. M srry.

Love,
Elise

Dear Simba,

I'm impatient. Terribly. And you're busy. Terribly.
Any ideas?

Love,
Elise

Dear Fireflies,

I'm considering diggin' your chili. Yup.

Love,
Elise

Dear Stina (who is actually a girl and my roommate),

Don't talk to me about my pumpkin.
You ruin my life every day.

Love,
E-po po

Linky time!

Write a dear boys post on your own blog, slap my button on there, and come back over here to link it up!

Dear Elisabeth,

Hey, girl!

Love, Elise

IDK, my BFF, Beth?

2011-11-15T09:11:00.000-07:00

Best part of the blog world: making new BFFs. Seriously, Beth is a DOLL. Take it away, Beth!

Hey there I'm Beth from
Through the Eyes of the Mrs.

I'm super excited to be here today!
You are all her followers so you already know she's fabulous.
I'm a mommy to three beautiful children.All five and under so it can get a little crazy.What am I saying it's almost always crazy, lol.I don't think I would have it any other way. I'm beginning to think I work better with crazy.You can hear me saying...Put on your shoes, Who did that, We don't have time for this,Go to the naughty spot, You need to apologize,Get down from there, Share.My husband says my patience grows.I love him for thinking that but I'm pretty sure he'sWrong.I just have more patience then he does.Funny because it used to be the other way around.I'm a hopeful Etsy shop owner.I just haven't taken that step. Maybe for the right time.To grow my blog & followers. Truthfully I'm afraid of failure.This Spring is the opening & I'm working hard.I'm a perfectionist.Lover of all things Vintage.I'm a thrift store shopper.Craft making addict.

I love music and a clean house.Sweeper lines make me happy, lol.
I love being silly with my kids and seeing life as they do.
I'm inspired by blogging.Making new friends and all of the support is amazing.
I have a lot of fun things coming up very soon.
Like I can barely wait that's how excited I am.It's going to be awesome so check it out.
Black Friday Group Giveaway! Thank You so much for having me Elise & come see her at my place!You don't want to miss her post because she is cool like that.Through the Eyes of the Mrs.

that time where I almost burned water

2011-11-14T11:30:00.001-07:00

I'm not even kidding. I knew it was boiling and ready for my macaroni noodles. But I just let it sit there and boil... and boil... and boil. And you know how it gets all mineral-ey when you let it boil down that low? Yep. Dangerously close to some burning action.

That is your proof that my brain ~~is turning~~ has turned to mush.

This is what today looks like:

Media Law, Media Law, Media Law, Media Law, Media Law, Media Law, Media Law, Media Law, Media Law, Media Law, Media Law, Media Law, Media Law, and probably some more Media Law.

If I get two more paragraphs done, I'm allowing myself to try this with my hair:

Source: thewonderforest.com via Elise on Pinterest

If not, it's lookin' like a frizzy pony tail day for me.

Happy Monday!

some items of business and a killer shabby apple deal!

2011-11-12T10:17:00.001-07:00

Team, I have sad news.

That news, is that I might just be a boring blogger for the next 4 weeks. Because, as much as I hate it, I just don't have time to take pictures or do tutorials or share recipes.

But, I do also have good news.

I will still be around. Just for quickie blog posts. Because blogging is my outlet and I don't think I'd be happy if I just went cold turkey on y'all.

And I have some great news.

I graduate in 1 month. One. Uno.

Woah.

And finally, some fun shopping news for you. Shabby Apple is doing the 12 days of Christmas and it starts today!

Today's deal is on the Aristocrat dress.

Isn't it darling? Use the code: Day1 to get 25% off. The code only works for today!

Also, tomorrow's dress is the French Quarter.

Tomorrow's code is: Day2

Also, now through November 23rd, you can get %15 off ANY black dress using the code: BLACKOUT

So, go treat yourself to a new holiday dress or buy one as a Christmas gift! And keep checking back for the rest of the 12 days of Christmas.

what's on your mind?

2011-11-09T15:43:00.001-07:00

if I were to be completely honest when I posted my facebook statuses, my updates would go something like this:

I'm scared for my life that I'm going to fail media law and not be able to graduate this semester.

I'm crazy baby hungry. Not in the "I wish I were pregnant right this moment" way, but more in an "I'm excited for the future when I get married and I get to start my own family" kind of way.

I'm overwhelmed with all the things I've got going on in my life, but at the same time there is nothing that is going on in my life that I would give up for the world. (Except media law, of course. But that's not an option.)

I am just holding on and completely relying on the Lord to make it through these next 5 weeks. Then, I'll graduate. I hope.

As crazy excited as I am to graduate, I'm scared for my life. What on earth am I going to do?

I think no-shave November is vomitrocious.

It's 11.11.11. and I have no one to kiss tonight at 11:11. Epic moment wasted. ;)

I should spend way less time thinking about ~~a boy~~ boys in general and way more time getting my forever long list of homework done.

And that's what is really on my mind. What's on your mind?

dear boys, part 15 (linky party)

2011-11-09T12:53:00.003-07:00

Dear boys in general,

Here is the secret to winning my heart:

eat oreos with me and let me lick all the frosting off.

If you love the cookie part most, we can definitely be in love.

darling image via this blog

Love,

Elise

Dear class clown,

Thanks, but no thanks.

Love,

Elise

Dear Captain Awesome,

Wow. Just wow.

Elise

Dear english class boy,

I think I give up on you, unless you remember my name.

Then, I'll reconsider.

Love,

???

Dear pirate boy,

If only it were appropriate for me to explain to you just how much you frustrate me.

Love,

Elise

Dear green,

face palm.

Love,

pink

Dear Simba,

You're my favorite of all. And you have no idea.

Love,

Elise

K, team. You know the drill: dear boy post on your blog, button up, and link up.

it's time for Christmas music

2011-11-07T11:21:00.000-07:00

My name is Elise and I listen to Christmas music any time of year.
You read that right.

Today I had a moment where I was like "Okay, the next person who tells me I'm ungrateful for listening to Christmas music before Thanksgiving is going to get a fistfull of snow right down their esophagus." But I mellowed out, turned on my JB Christmas album, and started this post.

The real bliss of both holidays is spending time with family, rejoicing in things you have, and blessing others' lives. Isn't it? To me, it all starts with that first chilly day and the first glimpse of snow. Those are the things that make me want to cuddle up with loved ones. November begins and we put a focus on gratitude. Some of the things I'm most grateful for in my life are my family, music, and the life of my Savior. Tell me again why it's inappropriate to listen to music that celebrates the start of His life before Thanksgiving?

Christmas music is uplifting. It's happy, joyful, and much of it focuses on Jesus Christ. Give me some well-written, well-performed Thanksgiving music to listen to and you better believe it'll be on my playlist. The holiday season is a beautiful time for celebration, gratitude, and love. I'm going to listen to any music that I feel reflects that with a grateful attitude.

anual winter to-do list

2011-11-05T23:50:00.000-06:00

Source: tinywhitedaisies.tumblr.com via Elise on Pinterest

First snowfall last night. I'm being a grumpy-pants about it. I feel like we just got done with snow.

But, it's gonna snow whether I'm ready for it or not. So, I'm changing out of my grumpy-pants and into some i-really-do-actually-love-all-things-snow-and-winter-pants.

And because it's tradition...

hold hands in mittens
make a snow man
watch Christmas Shoes over and over and over
go ice skating
snow paint
do lots of awesome wintery/christmasy service projects
cuddle by a warm fire and drink hot chocolate
get Starbucks' caramel apple cider
ski the Beav
go sledding
wear lots of warm, cozy scarfs and hats
not freeze
freeze bubbles
see the lights downtown
see Forgotten Carols and The Nutcracker
kiss under the mistletoe

previous lists:

2010

2009

2008 (on my good old livejournal blog...)

What's on your to-do list this winter?

nailed it.

2011-11-04T10:04:00.001-06:00

Once upon a time, I used to always have my nails painted. Then, I graduated high school and went through this stage of never ever ever painting my nails. Aaaaaaaaand, now I'm back to loving having my nails painted. It just seems like the internets are suddenly exploding with all sorts of nail creativeness. And I'm LOVING it.

I love that glitter is so in right now. I'm 90% sure that glitter is my favorite color.

Some pinterest favorites:

Source: imgfave.com via Elise on Pinterest

Source: nailside.blogspot.com via Elise on Pinterest

Source: google.com via Elise on Pinterest

This one always makes me think of Nichelle. We love us some Tiffany's.

Source: Uploaded by user via Elise on Pinterest

This one was done by one of my best friends, ~~Christina~~ Kustrina. ;) See all her creative nails on her pinboard.

Source: cupcakesandcashmere.com via Elise on Pinterest

Source: madmanis.blogspot.com via Elise on Pinterest

This one is my favorite. It's just so... quaint.

Are you into doing your nails? What are your favorite nail designs?

these are the voyages of the starship Halloween

2011-11-01T13:07:00.000-06:00

This Halloween was probably the first time in about 7 years that boys haven't had to ask "Um, who are you supposed to be?" Though I did get a lot of, "Wait, which character are you?" And a couple red shirt jokes.

Then, when I explained that my costume was actually rather 'series confused' they'd try to tell me which character I was. In the end, I think the best option was a yeoman. I asked what a yeoman was and Jeff said they were the random hot girls on the ship. I'm down with that. However, if my costume had been red, I would have totally claimed Janeway.

Simplified less nerdy explanation: I was a character from Star Trek.

Dress: Forever 21
Pants: Vanity dress pants altered to be skinnies
Boots: Fashion Box 4 U
Command Badge: Found on Amazon
(It's an exact replica of the ones from the most recent film. Word.)

It had to happen.
Live long and prosper, yo.

I also spent some quality time at the DI helping these kids put together their costumes.

Roommate Christina as Cruella DeVille
Forgive the grainy picture, we were rushed.

~~Neighbor~~ Honorary roommate, Penny, as Ash Ketchum

What did you dress up as this year?

(I'm linking up)

sicky vicky is not my costume

2011-10-31T17:21:00.000-06:00

Sicky Vicky from Sonny with a Chance

This is me today. Only take away the pigtails and add a laptop. 'Cause I spent all morning doing final edits on my 8 page media law paper. Good news though, the paper is in. Shout out to the wonderful people who helped proof read my paper. You are all life savers. And a super big shout out to Brittany and her darling husband who probably worked harder on my paper than he did on the LSAT.

Anyway, as much as I love Sicky Vicky, that's not my costume. As soon as I stop blowing my nose long enough to change into my costume, I'mma take pictures. Sooooo, you'll probably get to feast your eyes upon the nerdiness that is my costume tomorrow.

Happy Halloween!!

halloween weekend and some black eyes

2011-10-29T16:49:00.001-06:00

Look at what I did to these boys this weekend.

Top: Mike said "Will you give me a black eye, please?" I offered to punch him, but he said he'd prefer makeup.

Bottom: Ryan said "Elise, I'm going to be a zombie today, will you help me?"

So I did.

Don't they look awesome?

I wish I had more time to blog this weekend. We carved pumpkins yesterday. My shoulder is still sore, but my pumpkin looks awesome. Also, the pumpkin goo might still be on the table. I guess you could say I love the guts out of those pumpkins. (Just kidding, I've been too lazy to throw them away.)

Do you want to know why I'm boring this weekend? It's because I'm writing a midterm paper for media law. So don't even mess with me or try to argue journalist privilege with me. Because I'll make you look like those boys. Potentially without makeup. ;)

Happy Halloween weekend! What are your plans?

followers fest and halloween hints

2011-10-27T15:57:00.000-06:00

Are you linked up?

If you're a new friend from the followers fest, I'd love for you to leave a comment with your blog address so I can follow back, just in case I miss you over on the link up.

I can hardly wait for Halloween, team. Slash, this weekend. Full of Halloween bliss.

Here's one more hint for my halloween costume, closeups of the dress:

Do you get it now?

Nerdy. I know.

North Logan pumpkin walk

2011-10-26T15:14:00.001-06:00

North Logan has done the pumpkin walk since the 80s. It's pretty much my favorite Halloween tradition. It is held at a big park and people create awesome scenes with painted pumpkins. Forgive me for being super picture heavy on this post, but just know that it was really hard to pick my favorites!

Despicable me, of course. :)

Go, Aggies!

My family is pretty in love with Winnie the Pooh, so I had to take lots of pictures of this one.

All pumpkins/squash. Aren't they incredible!?

This was a mini waterfall with zucchini trout.

LOOOOVE the lanterns.

Isn't the leg lamp awesome?

What is your favorite Halloween tradition?

who am I?

2011-10-25T21:09:00.001-06:00

Sometimes, I get a little grumpy and down in the dumps.
And sometimes I whine about boys and complain that dating is stupid and not worth it.

Sometimes, I think my life is really hard.
And I get overwhelmed by how busy I am.

And all too often, I get down on myself because of my skin, or my hair, or my clothes, or my talents.

But who am I to complain?
I've been blessed with very specific talents and abilities that are just for me.

I have clothes to wear. Enough that I had to use three washers to do my laundry tonight. So who cares if I'm not the most fashionable girl on campus?

I actually really do have great hair. It curls when I want it to, and it goes straight super easy. And I'm not going grey, or balding...

Perhaps I break out a lot and struggle with acne, but it's improved a lot. Tomorrow night, we're putting together care kits for Leprosy colonies in India. No matter how awful acne is, I'd take it over any other challenge. Any day.

via

Being busy can be overwhelming but how blessed am I to be having opportunities to do design work for people and take pictures. And have the talents to do so. And the fact that I'm able to be in school and be graduating in December with minimal student loan debts is a HUGE blessing.

And maybe dating sucks. Actually, no maybe. It does suck. But it's worth it. And some day, it'll all work out. All the heartbreak I've experienced will help me realize how awesome Mr. Right is. Whenever I find him. ;)

Who am I to complain? I am blessed with opportunities to learn and grow. I have an incredible opportunity to serve the lepers in India tomorrow night. I have a family who loves me, great roommates, and countless other blessings.

Tonight in institute we talked about how adversity is given to us for our benefit. Life is full of ups and downs and without the downs, we wouldn't appreciate the ups.

Who am I? I am a very blessed daughter of God. And I am grateful for my life. Trials, business, heartbreak and all.

dear boys, part 14 (linky party)

2011-10-25T14:21:00.002-06:00

Dear boots,

Ugh.

Elise

Dear boy with potential JB hair,

Ugh.

Elise

Dear Zach or Cody,

Ugh.

Elise

Dear Simba,

Ugh.

Elise

Dear Vaccum boy,

Ugh.

Elise

Dear boy,

Super big ugh.

Elise

Dear pirate boy,

Ugh to you too.

Elise

Dear bloggers,

Same as usual, write a dear boys blog post (which hopefully is happier than mine ;) and come link 'er up back here! Don't forget to put my button on your blog. Kthx!

P to the S, go check out the most recent pictures on my photo blog!

all hallows

2011-10-24T15:53:00.000-06:00

I just finished my halloween costume. This year I bought most of it, I just had to alter some pants. Last year I was Meg and that took a LOT more sewing...

But I looked good, right?!

This year, my costume is equally as awesome. And I'mma wear it for the first time tonight at FHE. Want a hint?

This is how I painted my fingernails to match my costume. If you get it, A-you're really nerdy and B-you get 5 brownie points.

How are you dressing up?

I should write a blog post

2011-10-21T12:30:00.001-06:00

I should also be reading my PoliSci Research textbook and taking the quiz for that class.
I should probably also start my Media Law midterm paper.
I should eat ~~breakfast~~ lunch.
I should do my dishes.
I should definitely shower.
I should finish my halloween costume.
I should already have a date for the IWA dance.
I should probably ask someone. Probably soon.

I should probably get out of bed.

a little pinterest lovin'

2011-10-20T12:01:00.002-06:00

Source: Uploaded by user via Elise on Pinterest

Source: themodbod.com via Elise on Pinterest

Source: made-by-rae.com via Elise on Pinterest

Source: quailshop.com via Elise on Pinterest

Source: ginakolsrud.typepad.com via Elise on Pinterest

Source: None via Elise on Pinterest

Pinterest doesn't want me to link up this bike, but I'm in LOVE with it. Via.

The thing I love about pinterest, is that it's inspiring. Yes, I still spend waaaaay too much time on it. But I feel better spending time pinning crafts I make than I do FBstalking people I'll never meet.

Kapiche?

linking up:

how to be a better blogger

2011-10-18T14:28:00.000-06:00

Whether you're just getting started as a blogger or you've been around for a while, there is always room for improvement. Maybe you want to gain more followers, maybe you're hoping to increase your page views, or maybe you want to have better content for the followers you already have. Regardless of your goal, it's always good to take a step back and evaluate what you're doing.

1. Think of your blog as a brand.

Realistically, your blog is a brand. You are a brand. Let's use Kellogs as an example. What do you think of when you think of Kellogs? Cereal, maybe granola bars, healthy, etc. And you picture a red K or the word Kellogs in a swirly font. Am I right? So, what do you want people to think of when they think of your blog/your name. When I think of Pioneer Woman I think of cooking and excellent photography. Big blogs have solid brands. Define yourself.

2. Work with what you've got.

Ask people what they think of when they think of your blog. Find out how you've branded yourself already. Then, take the things you like and highlight them and branch off of those things. If there are elements of your current branding that you don't like, down play those and learn how to not portray those things in what you post.

3. Present yourself well.

When selecting pictures to post, select only the best ones. One great picture is way better than four mediocre pictures. Be positive. Blogs are outlets, so yes, share your sad stories. Rant and rave away. But add in some humor or end on a positive note. Nobody likes a Debbie downer. All the same, remember to be transparent and real. Your life isn't always sunshine and daisies, so your blog shouldn't be either. Simple rule: Ask would I enjoy reading this if someone else posted it?

4. Cross your i's and dot your t's.

Remember, you are your own editor. That means you need to proof read. Make sure you have proper grammar, correct spellings, etc. But also make sure your post makes sense, flows well, and is easy to read. You want people to read your posts, right? Make it easy for them to do!

5. Analyze.

Use the business techniques you already know. Do a SWOT analysis on your blog. What are your Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats?

Question ideas adapted from here.

Try not to think of other bloggers as your "competitors". One blogger's success does not mean your failure. Good blog friends rejoice in other's success and build each other up. Use your SWOT analysis to pinpoint how you, personally, can improve.

6. Pay it forward.

The blog community is very giving. We share our favorite posts and blogs with other people. Whether it's a facebook post, twitter, or pinterest. That's how you get new views and followers. Remember, sharing is caring!

link

make a difference monday: I'm a belieber.

2011-10-17T12:29:00.000-06:00

I am obsessed with everything about this video. I love BYU, Vocal Point, boys that can sing, The Sing Off, and everything Bieber. But even more, I love that they care for their friend who lost his dad. And I love that it showed them praying together.

That's what makes a difference, team. Living your standards boldly. They weren't afraid to show that to the world. A simple example that they believe in prayer.

I try to live my standards and values in a way that by knowing me, others can come to know Jesus Christ. That's how I try to make a difference.

How do you make a difference?

Linking up:

And speaking of Bieber, how could I not mention that it's #MISTLETOEMONDAY!!! His new single, Mistletoe, was released on iTunes today and the music video premiers tomorrow.

weekend, song of the day, and a p.s.

2011-10-16T13:59:00.000-06:00

I had the best weekend ever. Girls nights with some of my favorite ladies ever, Psych and scones parties, Women's Conference at the Institute, and absolutely no homework. So, don't hate me for not blogging all weekend.

How was your weekend?

Song of the day:

P.s. Go check out my section on Kyndra's True Beauty project!
Also, if you're interested, she'd love to have you share your story.

sneak peak - Alyssa and Jason's Wedding

2011-10-13T17:24:00.002-06:00

I had the privilege to take my cousins wedding pictures last week.

It was so much fun! Only now I have 1400 pictures to sort through/edit.

My beautiful cousins.

This picture is SOOC, kids. I love it when this kind of magic happens.

Double posting here:

Photo blog

dear boys: who to take to the dance edition [aaaand linky party]

2011-10-12T15:52:00.000-06:00

There's a girl's choice formal dance coming up and I'm practically required to go. By practically, I mean I am. So, my roommates and I are discussing who we're going to ask to the dance...

Dear Hamlin Mortimer Pierre,

Go to the dance with me?
Except, nobody will know you're my date. 'Cause you're a ghost.

Love,
Elise

Dear M@,

Been there, done that.
Plus, you don't want to go with me anyway.

Love,
The 1337 of your life.

Dear Penny,

Hahaha.

Love,
Leonard

Dear Little Brother,

You're my back up plan. Just so you know.

Love,
Sister

Dear Boots,

I'm thinkin' about it...

Love,
Elise

Dear Boy with potential JB hair,

Can you grow it out and learn the JB flip in 3 weeks?

Love,
Elise

Dear James Blunt,

So maybe we haven't spoken in years. Or ever. How do you feel about dances?

Love,
Elise

Dear Freckle Face,

I'm kind of over you, but you'd still be a fun date.

Love,
Elise

Dear Simba,

If I have the opportunity, I'm asking you.
Unless I chicken out.

Love,
Elise

Dear bazillion married friends,

Luuuucky.

Love,
Elise

Dear blogga' peeps,

DB away on your blog (it doesn't have to be a dance edition, but it can!), put the button on your post, then come link it up here.

Love,
Elise's Pieces

when skies are grey

2011-10-12T12:49:00.000-06:00

Boots: Target, Jeggings: Old Navy, Trench: Forever 21
Camera Strap Cover: Mel [V] Designs

I've decided that I need to invest in a husband.

Particularly one who is photographically inclined.

And loves the guts out of taking pictures of me and my outfits.

But for now, mirror pictures will do.

Linky linky:

Are Mormons Christian?

2011-10-11T14:36:00.002-06:00

source

This debate has been pretty prominent recently and I want to share my beliefs. The first definition from Merriam-Webster defines Christians as "one who professes belief in the teachings of Jesus Christ". Friends, I am here today to tell you that I wholeheartedly believe in Jesus Christ. I strive to live by His teachings and be his disciple.

I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is His church. I believe the Bible to be the word of God. I also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God. (source) The Book of Mormon is Holy Scripture that contains divine guidance from God. It does not replace the Bible, it is 'another testament of Christ'. Often, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are referred to as 'Mormons'. This is a nickname given to us because of the Book of Mormon. Our church is not Mormon's church. It is Jesus Christ's.

I do not write this post to bring contention or prove anyone wrong. I am writing this post to give my witness as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that we believe in Christ. Mormons believe in Christ, live by His teachings, and seek to bless the children of God. We are not a cult, we are disciples of Jesus Christ united by our beliefs.

Believing in Christ and being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the source of happiness in my life. It is because of Christ that I know who I am and I have a reason for living.

My name is Elise. I am a Christian, I am a Mormon, I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I believe in Christ.

Sources:

Are Mormon's Christian - LDS.org article

The Book of Mormon

My Mormon.org profile:

Elise

giving up

2011-10-10T10:42:00.001-06:00

I'm having one of those I-feel-worthless days. Nothing I do seems to go right. I'm saying stupid things, I'm tripping over myself, and I feel just plain awful. I think I broke some really great boy's heart and I can't stop thinking about how terrible I feel. I am scared to death over my grades this semester, even though I'm doing relatively well. I just want to be done with school and graduate, but at the same time, searching for and getting a big girl job sounds like ZERO fun. AND I've got a small replica of Mt. Kilimanjaro on my forehead. So my self-esteem is about as high as our nation's deficit.

So, I'm giving up.

I'm giving up on anyone who tells me I can't do it.
I'm giving up on feeling worthless.
I'm giving up on worrying too much.
I'm giving up on feeling guilty.
I'm giving up on being afraid to progress in life.
I'm giving up on feeling unwanted.
I'm giving up on low self-esteem.
I'm giving up on the terrible thoughts and ideas that I know all come from Satan.

He wants me to fail. But you know what?

I give up on failure.

for the beauty

2011-10-09T15:50:00.001-06:00

When I drive home from Logan, I almost always drive through Brigham City. I did it before, but I especially like to drive through now so I can see the Brigham City Temple under construction. I just think Brigham is such a quaint town. And I love things that are quaint. (Plus also, I like to stop at the BC Wendy's and get some spicy chicken nuggets.)

I love temples more than I love spicy chicken nuggets.

music video

2011-10-09T00:08:00.000-06:00

Inspired by this, my roommate and I decided to make a music video while we were driving to get dinner tonight.

That's what happens when you leave us all by our lonesome. ;)

shoot, son

2011-10-07T18:19:00.000-06:00

Our home teachers took us up the canyon to go shooting this week.

I love that all the leaves are starting to turn colors.

Christina and I might watch America's Next Top Model.

A lot.

I was frightened of the hand gun.

It took both boys to teach me.

And I still screamed when I shot it the first time.

I loved shooting the shotgun. However, today it feels like my shoulder might just fall off.

Worth it?

Totally.