kindness journal

christmas tree taken from my iphone 

As you can probably tell I am Obsessed with the Christmas Season. I love it! I know there aren't many people who don't like Christmas. But I just live for this time of year. I smile all December long. The other night my mom and I had a long conversation about Service. Last year I read the book, The message by Lance Richardson. GO buy it here. I just took the parts out of this book that I already believed but wanted to be better at in my own life. Not as a principle. This book strongly emphasises the importance of service. It brought a whole new perspective to what service means to me. When I was little I used to say "I want to become a doctor, and move to Africa, and help the sick people there." I wanted to save the world. But where to start? How do you go about saving the world? It's overwhelming. Well I am here to tell you it doesn't need to be. And you don't need to go to another Country to do service. It starts in your very own home. Then maybe your next door neighbors, and on and on. My family has many many wonderful Christmas traditions. But we never spent much time doing service during the holidays. Tonight my mom gave everyone in my family a red journal. She came up with a plan that every time someone does something kind for you, you write it down on the front of the page and on the back you write down some acts of kindness you did for someone else. They don't have to be huge, planned out acts of service. Many people serve me every single day, and I hope this will help me appreciate all the wonderful people in my life. I also hope this will help me get better at serving others without having to be asked. I know this will bring more meaning to this wonderful Christmas season. So tonight I invite you, starting tomorrow Dec 1, 2010- Dec 25, to join my family in the kindness journal. It will make you happy, more aware, and will bring meaning to this Holiday. It's easy.


onto the christmas music for today
just one song for today.
Sarah McLachlan--she has been my favorite singer for years and years. This song is so beautiful. I love her voice. Take a listen. You won't be disappointed.

swimming down like a cardboard fish

Lights low, red and green elf hats scattered everywhere, the distant sounds of hammering and cursing coming from the back where dad sets up the Christmas tree, I look up from the grueling game of Christmas solitaire on my phone to realize I'm not the only one in the room.  My brother sits next to me, a real-life breathing human being with feelings and thoughts and desires just as much as anyone else.  He may not like Celine Dion like I do or appreciate dresses from Anthropologie  like me, but his heart beats on average 100,000 times per day, just like me.  And just like me he needs to feel love.  I'm struck with a realization, a revelation of sorts.  We may seems completely different on the outside, but deep down within the very ectoplasm of what makes us who we are there is some spark, some bridge that connects the very fibers of our being.  Some deeper unspoken understanding that transcends all barriers and defines what it means to be alive on this planet of ours at this time.  I've gained a totally new perspective.  That's it, I've made my decision.  I'm going to go get my brother a bowl of ice cream.

29

I missed yesterday so I am going to do two wonderful songs to make up for it. These songs are both on the album The Hotel Cafe Presents Winter Songs. It is so beautiful and modern.

Winter song

You can buy this song and album here


 All my bells are ringing by Lenka

29 Days of Christmas Music

I was going to wait til Dec but I don't think I have enough days in December for all the songs I love. I will try and post everyday some great Christmas songs! Sometime I wish I could run the Christmas radio stations, because I would do a much better job.

Drum roll...... For the first song of the 29 days of Christmas music. I want to share on of my all time favorites. It is called In the Bleak Mid Winter by Sissel, who was the guest singer at the annual Mormon tabernacle Christmas concert, my favorite Christmas concerts. Her voice is so pure, angelic, and perfect. It make me cry every time. I could listen to her beautiful voice and never get sick of it.


p.s. you can buy this whole album here or here trust me the whole album is amazing.

The second song I would like to share is very different from the first one, so don't compare. She has a very different kind of voice. I like this song better on a CD player or from itunes but I can't really share it through itunes. If you know how let me know. It's called bring me love by Marie Digby.
It's just fun, cute song.


 You can buy it here

The third song is also pretty different. Stings winter album is so great, kind of sad, but still really good!
This is a unique xmas song, and I really love it.


You can buy it here!



Hope you enjoy!

Holiday mocktail party

It has been my dream to have a holiday mocktail party since I was about 14 or 15. It would be in a huge ballroom--that was in my house, of course-- and anyone and everyone would be invited from age 0-100. You would have to wear your fancy black, winter white, red, green, or gold dresses or skirts and ties. There would be a band and ballroom dancing--which we would all know how to do--. Maybe some day when I have a husband, or even a boyfriend, I will be able to pull this kind of party off. These are some of the dresses I might wear.

Maybe one of these two beautiful dresses from Ann Taylor

OR this fabulous dress, you can find it at LuLu*s

Of course one from Anthropologie 

or maybe this vintage 50's dress 

I have been looking for a gorgeous gold dress for ages, this was the best I could find. 

You are all invited! 

Thanksgiving week!

 

After I eat my grandparents fabulous thanksgiving dinner, I'm sure there will be some of this.

I am really excited to spend time with my family. To eat amazing food. To not have school. To be grateful. To play silly games my grandpa has made up. To just relax and laugh with the people I love the most. What are your thanksgiving traditions? 

Some things I enjoyed on google reader today

*Perfect Favor boxes/ Place settings for Thanksgiving

*For some relaxation in this busy holiday season, go enter this Massage Giveaway 

*This Cake is excellent 

* Lately I am really into smelling so good people just want to be around me 

* Mindy Gledhill's song Anchor hit 100,000 views on you tube. She is incredible.

* This stunning locket 

Have a great Monday! 

     

I want to go here

As seen on the style files

This beautiful resort seems but a dream, simple and relaxing. I love white with a touch of color here and there. So pretty. Take me there!

Look at this room, seems so peaceful

The view 

Sleeping! 

Some day I will see you,

                                    santorini, greece

If you want to go there go here perivolas

I do not bake nor cook, but I want to get better!

I am going to try making this

For Thanksgiving! 

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup powdered sugar (to sprinkle on towel)
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2/3 cup LIBBY'S® 100% Pure Pumpkin
• 1 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
• 6 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar (optional)

Directions

1. PREHEAT oven to 375 degrees F. Grease 15 x 10-inch jelly-roll pan; line with wax paper. Grease and flour paper. Sprinkle towel with powdered sugar.
2. COMBINE flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves and salt in small bowl. Beat eggs and sugar in large mixer bowl until thick. Beat in pumpkin. Stir in flour mixture. Spread evenly into prepared pan. Sprinkle with nuts.
3. BAKE for 13 to 15 minutes or until top of cake springs back when touched. Immediately loosen and turn cake onto prepared towel. Carefully peel off paper. Roll up cake and towel together, starting with narrow end. Cool on wire rack.
4. BEAT cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter and vanilla extract in small mixer bowl until smooth. Carefully unroll cake; remove towel. Spread cream cheese mixture over cake. Reroll cake. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least one hour. Sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.

 

Found this recipe here http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Libbys-Pumpkin-Roll-with-Cream-Cheese-Filling/Detail.aspx

More christmas list

 This cute backpack you can find here  http://poketo.com/shop/accessories?product_id=1180

I love some of the other wonderful things they sell in this shop, go look! 

If you need a laugh

Pretty self explanatory. 

I love life

I love that I was brought to this earth.
I love that I have feelings.
I love the many wonderful conversations I have had.
I love to laugh at my dad's sense of humor.
I love dancing in my room by myself, just because I feel like it.
I love to spend time with my family.
I love that I have a sweet tooth.
I love the many wonderful people who have come into my life and made it better.
I love animals.
I love weather changes, and seasons.
I love to cry.
I love that I am tested and have trials because they make me stronger.
I love all kinds of food.
I love the way music affects me.
I love to smile.
I love the feeling I get when a boy smiles or makes eye contact with me.
I love wonderful smells.
I love christmas
I love clothes.
I love change.
I love God.
I love to sing, especially because I have a funny voice.
I love where I live.
I love new experiences.
I love that I am who I am.
I love meeting new people, even if I'm shy at first. 
I love the beauty of a pregnant women.
I love diversity. 
I love trees.
I love that I have a purpose here on earth.
I love interior design.
I love that everyone has unique talents.
I love advice.
I love hair.
I love my ancestors.
I love art.
I love children.
I love my glorious bed.
I love hugs. 
  I love that all of these things make up my wonderful life! 

Dear Future Husband

When I was in 5th grade my mom made me write in a journal. I am so grateful, I cherish that journal. It is basically a journal full of letters to my future husband and kids. So I am going to start a segment of my blog dedicated to things I want them to know. 
Dear FH(future husband)
    My favorite time of day is the evening when the sun is going down. I love loungewear the best, and put them on as soon as I get home. I love watching tv shows and just relaxing from the craziness of life. So hope you enjoy evening as much as I do, and snuggling up in your loungy clothes too.
love,
  your FW (future wife)


p.s. the loungewear I am talking about it not necessarily just huge sweatpants, and a baggy t-shirt. I like to stay fashionable all day long! 
                       

Perfection! 

You can find this here http://www.anntaylorloft.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=28818&N=1200013&pCategoryId=3359&categoryId=3259&Ns=CATEGORY_SEQ_3259&loc=TN&defaultColor=Charcoal%20Ivory%20Stripe&defaultSizeType=Regular

Christmas wish list continued.

http://www.sundancecatalog.com/product/womens+clothing/womens+outerwear/womens+coats/que+sera+coat.do?sortby=ourPicks

I personally hate peace sigh t-shirts. So I don't really like the t-shirt they paired it with. But isn't this jacket stunning. I love cool collars/neck lines. Good job Sundance clothing 

sleeping

                                                                            

How much do you sleep? Can you sleep anywhere? Well I can. Most people don't get enough sleep, is there such thing as getting too much sleep? I get more than enough sleep. I sleep about 8-12 hours a night and then I take naps during the day. Am I crazy, I sleep all the time. Yet I am still tired all the time. I'm not sick and I don't lack sleep, so what is wrong? Any advice or suggestions would be lovely.  

p.s. I am also really good at catching people on camera sleeping (as you see above) so watch out! 

     

some good music for your tuesday

 Great song. I don't love the talking part in the middle but the rest of it is just fabulous, and happy.


 This has a sad tone but the first time I listened to it I got the chills. You must listen with your eyes close and headphones. 



 Couldn't find a good music video, but Joshua Radin is excellent! I have loved him since I was like 14.

Christmas wish list

Since the holidays have started in the blogging world, I just want to add what's is slowly going on my christmas list. I just am going to keep posting about them and then pick one to buy myself for christmas.
Pure DKNY is the perfect scent.

http://dkny.donnakaran.com/products/2n1w-01/puredkny-1-7oz

Underwater hotel

How awesome is this? Someday I will go here.

Get your reservation here http://www.poseidonresorts.com/poseidon_main.html I really love the idea of unique hotels. Since I was little, I dreamed of owning a hotel or bed and breakfast, that was like no other. Right now I am planning on how to upgrade Anniversary Inn in Utah, because it is a great idea, just needs a little polishing. 

http://www.anniversaryinn.com/ Especially the website. 

Bedroom loving

As seen on http://www.stephmodo.com. I love everything about this room besides the curtains, and the joy pillow. I especially like the lamps, and night stands. The colors are fit so well together. This room would make me feel peaceful. 

Cool Music Video

I really like the way this music video was done, really cool colors.