The Low Down on LV (extended version)

Hey Homies--I'm BAAAACCCCKKK! 


I know I've only been gone for a few days, but I've missed this.  I guess I really have become a true blogger to the max because everytime something happened on the trip, I immediately thought of a cool way to blog about it.  But as promised I will just give you the Vegas update!


Sorry, this is going to be a super long one and I'm still waiting on the friendlies to post the pics so those will have to come later. [BOO!] You don't have to read this whole thing.. but just know that I'm not even going to be able to do the trip justice in this one post but I want to be sure I have some of the good parts down so when I'm old and filled with botox, I will be able to remember the deats of this trip.


With the help of some of my buds on the trip, we've come up with a name to describe each day of our mini vacay. 


Day 1---Boobies and Blowouts
[note to N, A, W & E--Sorry,  I had to change the title a titz (no pun intended) because I remembered some of the people who are avid readers and well, I just had to make the adjustment, k?!]


Our plan to leave SW around 4pm was a success.  We got on the freeway and realized that the car was shaking quite a bit and pulling to one side.  When I say shaking, I mean, the people in the back felt like they were getting a deep massage and the rearview mirror was moving like crazy.  Easton ensured us that his dad had brand new tires put on the car but he just didn't feel right about how it was shaking when we reached 65 mph...


My, Anna, Nieko and Willy's reactions?:


"I think it's supposed to be like that."


"It's probably just the road..." "see? Look at all the rivets."


"The tires probably just have to be broken in or something"

Excuses much?  haha. We were way wrong.  Watered down version of it all: We pulled over to the Les Schwab in Sandy just to be sure and noticed the tires were indeed a little flat.  The guy working insisted it was an aligmnent isssue before he even checked the car himself.  Um, wrong again, dummy.  Let's just say, if the idiot working had an indian name it would be "Tire Blow Up In Face."


No Joke.  It was SO loud.


We finally ended up getting a guy who knew what he was talking about.  One new tire later, we were on the road, Vegas bound.  Most people would let that little incident put a major damper on their trip, but we made the best out of it.   I mean, hey, at least we pulled over and weren't stranded on the road AND we got free stale popcorn and matching BFFF bracelets. presh.


The rest of the car ride we did a good job of making our own fun.  It included lots of singing/rapping and one handwritten napkin sign about boobs (don't worry, PG-13, people) and a young hottie who's night was pretty much made thanks to us. Trust me.  He was hot.  Anna and I decided he was our new bf.  We continued to wish he was with us a couple of times on the trip.  Buuuuuut, he wasn't.  Meh. Whatev.


Once we pulled into Vegas at about 11 it was time to "oooo and ahhhh" at the lights and our sweet villas right off the strip, walk around, see to water show at the Bellagio, and gamble a little.  I figured out real quick that I'm not a gambler at all.  But I guess I didn't really try.  All I know is that all of a sudden it was 4 am.  That place doesn't sleep!

Day 2--Shopping, Stratosphere and Secret Pizza

Laying out by the rooftop pool was the perfect way to start out each morning.  I L-O-V-E it.  I would do it all day everyday if it didn't have the painful consequence of a massive sunburn.  I mean, my goal was to get a nice burn that would turn to a tan, but no one wants to be in THAT much pain so that means that time laying out had to be limited.

After laying out we did lunch at Pampas which can be described in one word: Meat.  Seriously.  SO much meat.  Next, we decided that we wanted to do what we do best--Shop :)  So we did.  I could have shopped more but with so many people it's hard to REALLY shop.  But I did get some really cute boat shoes and helped Carli find the most adorable fedora and she looks BOMBBB in it. I really think I could be a personal shopper for people.  I'm honest and they trust my opinions of what really looks good and fits a certain style.  Can't say much for some of the others in the group who almost had me convinced to buy a bright coral colored zip up/hooded onsie get up from H&M.  Granted it made me look super tan and was beyond comfy but it just went against all of my beliefs.  Shoott. Now I kind of wish I would have gotten it because I can't find it online. BOO.  I should have listened to Easton when he said, "J Dog, you should get it!"

Next was the stratosphere.  We got the unlimited wrist band and pretty much, I got anxiety on all three rides. The Big Shot=scarrrry.  But amazing.  The other two?  Let's just say, I pulled the ugly cry/laugh a couple of times and I really believe that it shouldn't be allowed to have a ride dangle and spin you off the side of a huge-a building.  Just saying.  All in all, it was way fun and no one threw up.  yay us!

After the stratosphere it was pretty late and everyone was super hungry.  Most of the peeps decided they were going to get Little Ceasars and take it back to the hotel but Me, Liz, Nieko and Willy decided we'd venture out and try something that we couldn't get in Utah. That's how a vacation is done in my book.

We still were feelin' pizza so I "googled," Nieko "yelped" and we found out that there was a pizzeria in the Cosmopolitan, which I had wanted to go check out anyways [gorgeous hotel but be warned--if you go there on a Friday or Saturday night, you best be in your sexiest clothes or else you'll feel super under dressed.]  We went up and down the floors of the Cosmo in search for said "pizzeria."  Nieko found out (thanks to Yelp) that it was hidden on the third floor.  It really was like a treasure hunt looking for this place and it was SOOO worth it.

We followed the unmarked, long, dark hall only to find a pizzeria that doesn't have a name or menus.  We immediately fell in love with it.  We dubbed it our Secret Pizzeria.  The feel of the place was so great.  It was plain, looked like it was ran by the mafia, was super cheap and the pizza was amazzzing.  I could go on and on.  If you're in Vegas, just go to the Cosmo and give it a try.  You won't regret it.  We went there twice to be sure we didn't just love it so much because we were SUPER hungry the first night we found it.  I loved it just as much the second time :) no joke.

After a long day of walking around so much, a few of us soaked our feet in super hot water and drank lots of ice water.  If you haven't done that before, stop what you're doing right now and try it.  The combo of the hot and cold is amazing. Throw a sunburn into the mix and you even kind of get the chills. Awesome.

Day 3--Heat and Hooker Cards

This day is pretty much the definition of LV. Carli and I got up early to lay out by the pool and everyone else came up soon after. The sun was super hot but we enjoyed it. Like I said, our goal was to get some color. Almost all of us burnt on this day, especially the boys. Luckily I had a pretty good base so I barely burned. I'd have liked to get more, but what can you do.... I can't be a walking lobster. That's just embarrassing.

You've heard the saying: "Don't look down in Vegas," right? Well, good luck with that. The crap is everywhere. And those people flicking the cards are pretty good at what they do. It almost natural just to put out your hand and take what they are trying to give you. But it's like they say on all of those meth commercials--"not even once" because really, if you take it once, even on accident, the rest of them on that same corner will attack you and you'll feel like a perv. Even if you don't look at the cards. Or you won't feel like a perv. Whatever. "Thank You!...Thank You!.....Thank You!" bahahahaha.

That night a few of us decided to go eat at the Buffet at the Bellagio. For those who really know me they know that there are multiple things that make me nervous. One being Buffets and another being surrounded by lots of Asians [no offense.. I think it's just all of the scary movies I watch.] Well, that night the Bellagio had some kind of Asian tour going on at that exact time we decided to go eat and there were HUNDREDS of them. no joke. C-c-C-crazy. The buffet was expensive but had some awesome food. But pretty sure a couple of us were high off food when we were done because we couldn't stop laughing and we were miserable because our tummies were so full. Worth it? idk. But it was tasty :)

The buffet is probably what kept me so awake talking with Liz until 4 am. Love her!

Day 4--Uhhh Repeat?

We had to check out pretty early on Monday morning so we got our little drained/sunburned bodies out of bed and pretty much did a repeat of everything from the first three days.  We got a little sun, walked around like crazy, shopped some more...H-H-H and M-M-M [sang like Rhianna's S&M song] and some even ate at the Secret Pizzeria again.  It was 103 degrees outside and we were ready to head home.

The car ride home was just me and the boys and well, we always seem to have interesting conversations.  I'll leave it at that.

All in all it was an awesome trip.  I seriously hadn't laughed that much in a while.  I love that everyone seemed to get along great and we just had so much fun together.  It didn't matter what we were doing.  I learned a lot about all of the people we were with, gained a better appreciation for hand sanitizer as well as BMW's and other fancy cars and decided that you really can't beat getting away with friends :)  Even though I was the oldest of the bunch, I really took away some good lessons from each of them that I want to work towards in myself.

I know I left some stuff out but this gives you a little taste of it.

Pictures to come.  Happy Hump Day :)

Roadtrips, Babies, Weddings, Plays.... ahhh Summer!

I just want to take a quick moment to talk about all of the exciting things that will be happening over the next month.  Most of which, I've already blogged about before but I think they deserve to be put into one post together because this morning I woke up and was overwhelmed with excitement! :)

1.) The brother and I leave for Vegas with 8 of our Utah friends tomorrow :) hello sun, swimming, shopping, people watching, gambling, craziness and fun!


Source: google.com via Lauren on Pinterest


2.) Can you believe that the nephew is coming so soon?!  He's due is less than two weeks and I'm starting to freak out.  I can't wait to see what he looks like and to hold him and spoil him.  Heaven knows I'll be the favorite aunt.  Alright, so what if I'm the only aunt. How cool is that ?:)




Source: ediblecrafts.craftgossip.com via Erin on Pinterest


I've already told Jamie that I'm going to call him "boy."  I think it's fun.

3.) Did I mention that Hyrum is getting married in same week that the nephew is coming!? Perfect!  It's going to be a great week.  AHHH...hopefully I won't get bags in my eyes from being all hopped up on joy.  Just sayin'.. it might happen.

Source: graphicdesignblog.org via Yehudit on Pinterest

4.) Then two weeks later it's off to home again to see Megan get married. really?  Two hometown bff's married off in a matter of weeks?! (Oh and my work Bestie is getting married on the same day...Amy this is me publicly saying I'm sorry that I won't be able to go...:( I will make up for it in gifts! ) This is all crazy.  I'm so happy for them and can't wait to help them make their day special. Party! I mean, we've been talking about this day since I can remember.

5.) I just purchased tickets to see my friend Alex star in High School Musical at the Playmill in Yellowstone on July 16th!! The niece, Regan, is even going to come with me!  I love HSM, I love plays, I love yellow stone and I love A. Trost.  I couldn't be more excited [except if Zac Efron made a surprise appearance of course]. But as Alex said in reference to the excitement, "Soarin', Flyin..."  That's pretty much how it is because we are THAT excited to go.

Like I said, this next month or so is jammed packed.  Don't worry, pictures to come :)

I won't be posting in Vegas so just stay tuned.

Have a safe weekend everyone! Wish me luck at the slots :) haha.

OMB...I'm a Belieber!

I can't stand when my nails aren't painted.  But do you ever start picking at your nail polish because it's already started to chip away and then you can't seem to stop yourself until it's ALL off?

I know, horrid habit. I only do this sometimes, but once I start, I can't stop! My coworker, Amy thinks I need to be on the TV show "Strange Addictions." We agree to disagree. It's not like I'm eating the nail polish chips or anything.  If that ever starts happening then you have my permission to submit my name to the show.  But that's beside the point.  Like I said, it doesn't happen often. But it bugs when I can't get it all off. Like right now. Buggggggs.

Then she brought up something that I, as a Justin Bieber Fan, am ashamed to say that I didn't know about.




JB Nail polish collection? Shut right up.  This kid's people are GOOD.  I must not have known about it because I usually only stick to my OPI "Linkin Park at Dark." But now I want to go and buy some of his collection just because it's JB and I love the names of polishes.

Seriously, check out the names. My faves? I'm a Belieber and Step to the Beat of my Heart (although I would never wear that one..I would still buy it because it screams 'Tween JB Fanatic').




The one I would wear for realsies because I love the color? The I've got Bieber Fever. Fab.
To quote one of the girls on the website... "OMB!"
 
Are you a Belieber too?! haha

Source: nicolebyopi.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

"Chill" is the new "Dramatic."

I'd like to mention something about Drama... 

Source: karencivil.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

get out. no, not about Christopher "DRAMA" Pfaff who *guilty* I have a bit of a crush on.  [yes, I've been watching too much Fantasy Factory with the brother I think].

I'm talking about the emotions running high, everthing blown out of proportion, "My feelings are the only ones that matter", "whoa is me" kind of drama.... 

It happens with everyone but it's SOOOO last year.  Trust me.

I'm not talking about anything or anyone in specific at all because most are guilty of it. myself included, but really..

chill is the new dramatic.
and who needs lessons in being chill?  It just happens. so shhhh just go with it, man.

Here's to a chill week!  I mean, Hellerrrrr Vegas Roadtrip with the utah crew in 3 days...  yesss!!!:)

ok, Yum!

You know I love any excuse to throw a party.  This weekend we had a birthday party at my place for my friend Jordan.  I made some food that was of course a hit.  Here's one that you MUST try.  Cowboy Caviar from here.  It's super easy and mucho bien.

Source: tipjunkie.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

All you need:


2 cans (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (17 oz) can whole kernel corn, drained
2 large tomatoes, chopped
1 or 2 large avocados, peeled and diced
1/2 red onion, chopped
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Top with:
1 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
3-4 Tbsp. lime juice
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper

Enjoy :)

MTV Movie Awards

One of my favorite nights on MTV [in addition to any night a new episode of Jersey Shore is on] is the MTV Movie awards.

WHYYYY You Ask?

1.) I'm an avid movie watcher.

2.) I love all the hot men.

3.) I love celebs in general.

4.) I love the looks especially how everything is laid back with it.  OKkkkk, did you see Emma Watson's dress? --KNOCKout.

Oh and there's the casual jean/suit jacket combos. and Ummm hellrrrr JB's earrings SAY whaaaaaa? 

JB, I love you but your little "surprise" entrance thing was a little awkward.  And your g/f is a little sllloowwww.  She totally slipped on the Red Carpet and said you were there and then retracted it because the whole surprise thing was planned. DUMB.

5.) I love the different awards.  Did you SEE Tom Felton [Draco]? Looking good.  And he totally deserved the best Villain award.  yea.

6.) I love the sneek peeks!  HP, Breaking Dawn :) LOVE <3  Still not sure how they are going to do the whole baby thing in Breaking dawn but we'll just see I guess.

7.) I love all the little surprises.  Mila and JT groping each other, Robert and Taylor macking.  Like whoa.  Seriously, I wouldn't mind being on either end of that kiss.  haha. not joking.

I don't think the world was ready for this...

Things I don't understand:  Why the one dude announcing during the breaks and on the red carpet was wearing that FUGLY hat?  Really? You're in LA, it's hot outside and it's ugly.  Sorry.  Oh and seriously?  Where was my Zac Efron????  boooooo.

Forget Failure.

Source: observando.net via Jennifer on Pinterest

Forget failure.  Go for what you want!  If you fail...learn from it, brush yourself off, embrace the fact that you tried, and move on.

Life would be boring if we didn't try.  Don't fail by default. 

Goal for today: Do that one thing that you've really been wanting to do but were too chicken to do it :)

LIVE, people, LIVE!

Big Love--A great Morning.

I woke up at 6 this morning feeling well rested, jogged, watched the sun rise [gorgeous] which provocked great thoughts AND ate a breakfast at my table that required real utinsels!

Source: None via C on Pinterest

The only thing that could have made this morning more perfect?  If my hair didn't take so long to dry.  Ahh to have shorter hair again....  Now I know why all my roommates used to be so jealous that my hair would only take a minute to blow dry.

Chop it off again?  I'm thinking about it.  But my love for braids and messy buns are REAL big.  Big Love.  We'll see.

Nevertheless, I feel real good this morning! Happy day, loverrrrrs ;)

"Not Me, Not Hermione, YOU!"

HP Fever?

Source: tinywhitedaisies.tumblr.com via Emmalee on Pinterest

 My friend posted a trailer on FB today and AHHH. We're counting down to the last movie along with everyone else!

Isn't this image awesome?

"Not Me, Not Hermione, YOU!" (said with accent of course)

OHHH speaking of Harry Potter.. last week a bunch of us were graffiti-ing (not a word, I know) the town with chalk and reader Jackie wrote "Lord Voldemort Lives!" on a driveway. Hilarious and Creepy at the same time. hhaha. had to share!

Happy Day, Muggles.

Has it really been 1 year?!

 A little over a year ago I graduated from college, was new to Utah, didn't have any friends that lived less than 3 hours away and I was jobless. It was a dark place but I got a lot of tanning, reading and TiVo in to say the least. After a month of hard job searching, praying, and turning a few things down, I landed a job that I would soon come to realize was the perfect starting job for me!

                   Today is my 1 year Anniversary at Franklin Covey!
        Here's to lots of laughs, files, emails, hotels booked and events organized
                                     Yay me :) Yay You :) Yay FC:)

            Oh and don't worry... I'm pretty pro at this whole Utah thing now and I have friends who think I'm pretty cool!