a bicycle built for two

I Joined Blogher

2012-01-25T13:55:00.003-07:00

Back in November I met Jesse, brother of Stephanie Nielson (the author of the blog Nie Nie) and he was innamered by my awesome working dog Charlie Pants. Well over the course of the last couple of months we have conversed on how to increase my blog readership on Super Dog Charlie Pants, my blog about traveling with a dog and my daily life with Charlie. He suggessted I join Blogher, a female blogging network, and so I did and I wanted to share with you my first post. If you haven't already I would love you to become a follower of Super Dog by going to the blog and clicking the Join This Site button on the right hand side.

Here is My Post on Blogher. Enjoy.

Standing Out in a Crowd by Leah Stone

Little Darlings by Sharon Montrose

2012-01-23T05:00:00.000-07:00

I love Sharon Montrose's work. I blogged about her HERE as my dream job obsession. She is a brilliant photographer and one of her specialties is photographing animals. Check out this new line of photos for a nursery called Little Darlings. These photos below are all by Sharon Montrose and are found on her blog sharonmontrose.com/blog. You can see the entire collection of Little Darlings HERE.

Decorating for Valentine's Day

2012-01-18T22:55:00.002-07:00

I just love the decor for Valentine's Day. Totally a cheesy holiday and forced recognition of love to the one you should show love to year round, but hey I will still decorate my house all pink and red and full of hearts.I found this print called Valentine Subway Art on Eighteen25 blog and think you should download this print and print it out and frame it. I did and it looks adorable. Go Here to download it from eighteen25's blog.

Sandra Bullock

2012-01-16T15:38:00.001-07:00

Image via, edited by Hip Hip Gin Gin

I love Sandra Bullock. Loved her in Miss Congeniality, The Proposal, The Blindside, and I really want to see her new movie with Tom Hanks about September 11 called Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close. Watch the trailer. It is a tear-jerker. Plus I agree with her quote, I only want to do things I love and not say yes when I don't mean it. I find I say yes to things I don't want to do all the time. New year, new goals.

Winter Bike To Work Day in Boulder

2012-01-11T03:00:00.000-07:00

Jan 18, 2012 - Winter Bike to Work Day

300 Days of Sun + 150 Miles of Bikeways = Ride All Year!

Winter Bike to Work Day is Wednesday Jan. 18, 2012

Give winter cycling a try and you will be rewarded. Sign me up!

The City of Boulder is celebrating its fourth annual Winter Bike to Work Day (WBTWD) to reward those who ride their bike all or part of the way to work, school or another destination around town. Ride and receive a free breakfast at participating locations from 7 to 9 a.m. Additionally, enter the WBTWD drawing for fabulous prizes by telling us about your ride using our WBTWD online registration form. You could win cycling gear that will make winter riding less breezy and more easy!
This year's festivities are presented by the City of Boulder/GO Boulder in partnership with the CU-Boulder Environmental Center and Boulder County Transportation Department.

You can see more HERE.

I Heart Boulder, Colorado and its Weather

2012-01-10T10:54:00.001-07:00

I have a secret for you. Ssshhh don't tell anyone, but the weather in Boulder and the surrounding areas (Louisville, Lafayette, Broomfield, Denver) is absolutely amazing year round. It is January 10 and today it is going to be almost 60 degrees F (I think 58) with full sunshine. On Thanksgiving it was 70 this year, and right before christmas it was 65, and last week we had a couple of 60 plus degree days.

I know all you lucky Californians think, well today it will be 75, but what you don't get is a variety to your weather. Tomorrow it is going to snow (yes!) in Colorado and Thursday it will be sunny again and like 55.

Did you know that this area is one of the sunniest areas in America? Well it is, like over 300 days of sunshine a year. Amazing. I grew up in Salt Lake City and loved the weather from like May through November and then hated winter because of the blasted inversion.

via

Some winter days in SLC are beautiful like they are in CO, but many a times it was so smoggy that you couldn't even see 20 feet in front of you. Also, moving to CO from Virginia I have to say I much prefer CO to the DC area. I have no humidity, I see the sun all the time, and it doesn't rain every stinking day. I heart Boulder. Plus Boulder has bike to work day twice a year. Winter Bike Work Day and past Summer Bike to Work Day

Happy New Year's Kisses

2012-01-06T12:36:00.000-07:00

Image Via Amanda Pair

Okay so I am a little late in posting about the New Year, but I do hope everyone had a fantastic New Year's Eve and rang in the New Year with a smooch. I remember a couple of awesome New Year's kisses when I was younger and let me share.

1. Bret Baker (who looked like Elijah Wood and at that time Elijah was really famous so it was extra awesome that my boyfriend looked like someone who was hot and famous): our first kiss was New Year's Eve and we had been dating and were both really nervous. I think I was like 16 at the time. All of Bret's friends were standing around singing "Kiss the Girl" from the Little Mermaid which made the whole situation incredibly awkward. It is still a funny memory though so thanks for that Bret.

2. This one is for you Katelyn Banks Hunt. Remember the New Year's where you, Kelly and I all kissed the same guy? Kind of scandelous but he was so incredibly good looking that it didn't matter. I would like to point out that while he only pecked the two of you, I got like a 10 second open mouth kiss. Awesome.

3. New Year after getting engaged to Paul. Most favorite New Year's Kiss.

So please share, does anyone have a fun New Year's Kiss memory? I want to hear it.

Ps. did anyone see the movie New Year's. Was it any good?


image via Justin Beiber singing in NYC for New Year's Eve 2011-2012

Speaking of New Year's and new goals, if you have always wanted to learn how to sing like a Star you should try singing lessons with Charlie Pants Music.

Vocal lessons are available for the beginner student all the way through to the advanced and professional student. Some reasons singing students love taking singing lessons online.
1. Don't have to battle traffic to rush to lessons
2. It is convenient and easy
3. Sound quality and quality of lesson are just as good as in person vocal lessons
4. Singing students can live anywhere in the world and study with Leah Stone, a certified Speech Level Singing Instructor.

Charlie Pants Music also offers in person lessons at its vocal studio location in Denver/Boulder, Colorado . Leah Stone also travels regularly to teach singing lessons and vocal classes in Boston, New York City, Chicago, Boulder, Washington DC, Richmond, and Los Angeles.

Leah Stone has an associate vocal teacher, Jessica Johnson, in Salt Lake City, Utah. If you live in the Salt Lake Area contact us about in person singing lessons there and click HERE to read about singing lessons in Utah.

Decorate the Mantle

2011-12-28T22:16:00.000-07:00

Now that Christmas is over and today I put my Christmas decorations away I am thinking about what to put on my mantle next. I found this post about cute ideas for the mantle on Shelter and thought I would share a couple of them for you. You can see more here.

What do you have on your mantle? What do you decorate with during January? Any suggestions.

Home Alone House For Sale

2011-12-20T14:46:00.000-07:00

I love, love, love the Christmas movie "Home Alone" and I saw this on the internet and thought I would share.

'Home Alone' House for Sale at $2.4 Million

| By Stefanos Chen | Posted May 5th 2011 8:00AM

0 Comments ∨

Ahhhh! The house from the holiday blockbuster "Home Alone" has hit the market for $2.4 million.

Located in the well-heeled Chicago suburb of Winnetka, Ill., the 4,250 square foot, three-story home looks just as picturesque today as it did for the 1990 theatrical release of the film.

(See photos of the "Home Alone" house here.)

The owners, John and Cynthia Abendshien, had only lived for a year and a half in the house when Chris Columbus, the film's director, came knocking at their door.

"'Are you ready yet?'" the couple recalls Columbus asking. Prior to moving to the property, the Abendshiens were approached to have their previous home appear in "Uncle Buck," another film written by John Hughes and starring Macaulay Culkin.

"I think what attracted Hughes to the home is what's exemplified in the movie," said Coldwell Banker agent Marissa Hopkins during a phone interview. "It's a beautiful home with a lot of space and a warm feel. He liked to have real homes as his stage."

Gallery: See Photos of 'Home Alone' House

The 1920s-era, Georgian-style property includes 14 rooms, many of which house hunters will recognize from the film -- from the attic bedroom (poor Kevin--it wasn't his fault!) to the staircase where Harry loses a tooth.

The Abendshiens lived in the home for much of the five and half month filming period and said they were gifted scores of props by the studio. But there's one set piece that the couple rejected that "Home Alone" fans will miss above all others.

"They also offered to leave the tree house," the couple said in a statement. "But because it was placed so high up in the tree, we thought it would be dangerous."

The home is available for viewing by appointment to prequalified buyers only. And judging from what happened to the last intruders, it's probably best to heed the warning.

Film Still

Current Home

Film Still

Current Home

Film Still

Current Home

Real Floor Plans

Kevin's Floor Plans

More on AOL Real Estate:
Find out how to calculate mortgage payments.
Find homes for sale in your area.
Find foreclosures in your area.
Get property tax help from our experts.

Paul Please Build Me This House

2011-12-14T18:52:00.001-07:00

Cool Yule...

Found on a life's design blog

courtesy: atlanta homes & lifestyles

Have a Great Weekend

2011-12-09T14:18:00.002-07:00

Hey Friends Got any fun plans for this weekend? I am undecided, but would love some ideas.

I just thought I would share some fun things I have see on the web or posted about recently.

Maybe we should do a cookie swap party. I want these.

A bike with antlers. Seriously?

Or how about this rickshaw bike from Anthropolgie? I think Yes.

Have you heard of the singer Nathan Pacheco? Check him out.

Back in November I went to DC and NYC with Charlie and Paul and we went sailing in the Hudson.

Love these most famous cities in the world prints here

Nie Nie Anthropologie Gift Card ($250 value) giveaway here
Don't forget to upload the button to your blog like this

Lastly, I don't know what to get Paul for Christmas. Everything he wants is too expensive. Any ideas? I want to surprise him with something great.

Happy Weekend
PS.

Have you heard about Charlie Pants Music? It is a virtual music studio offering online vocal lessons to students around the world.

Vocal lessons are available for the beginner student all the way through to the advanced and professional student. Some reasons singing students love taking singing lessons online.

1. Don't have to battle traffic to rush to lessons
2. It is convenient and easy
3. Sound quality and quality of lesson are just as good as in person vocal lessons
4. Singing students can live anywhere in the world and study with Leah Stone, a certified Speech Level Singing Instructor.

Charlie Pants Music also offers in person lessons at its vocal studio location in Denver/Boulder, Colorado . Leah Stone also travels regularly to teach singing lessons and vocal classes in Boston, New York City, Chicago, Denver, Boulder, Washington DC, Richmond, and Los Angeles.

VOCAL AND MUSIC TRAINING OFFERED IN:

- Singing lessons
- Guitar and Piano Accompaniment lessons

- Songwriting/Arranging lessons
- Stage Presence and Performance lessons
- Executive Speech Presentation Coaching
- Rock, Pop, Alternative, Folk, Jazz, Country, R&B, Indie, Broadway, and Classical lessons and more to all ages and all levels of experience

- Read about Online Singing/Songwriting Lessons

SKILLS YOU WILL LEARN:

- How to make your natural tone sound its best
- How to develop great vocal control
- Smoothing out the vocal breaks in your voice
- Vocal Stylization
- Stage Presence and Performance
- Songwriting and Lyrics
- Accompanying yourself on guitar and or piano

Contact the vocal studio today to learn more about how you can enhance your singing voice either by in person singing lessons or by online singing lessons via Skype.

Check out what Charlie Pants Music singing students have been doing.

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RUE, the Online Magazine

2011-12-07T03:00:00.000-07:00

I just love this online magazine, RUE. I totally want to start one of these. Anyone want to help me?Check out the Holiday Issue.

Open publication - Free publishing

2011-12-06T00:30:00.000-07:00

Want some cool and unique Christmas songs this year? Check this out.

Get last year's and this year's albums totaling like 30 songs all done by unique and upcoming artists. Be the coolest kid on the block rocking awesome Christmas songs.

Adoption: Sweet video

2011-12-05T11:23:00.001-07:00

I saw this sweet and heartwarming video about a couple who have been waiting a long time to adopt their little girl from Uganda and finally she came home. Watch it- it will just warm your heart.

the lovely plain. from andrew+carissa on Vimeo.

FREE Giveaway Ends Tonight

2011-12-02T18:58:00.001-07:00

Merry FRIDAY!

THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
WIN &GIVE
THE GIFT OF MUSIC

You can enter to WIN a FREE 30 min. voice lesson and also GIVE afriend or family member a FREE 30 min. voice lesson.
(a $120 value).

Becauselessons are offered online via Skype, you can live anywhere and win.

Hurry Ends Tonight!!
Offer expires 12/2/11 atmidnight MST.

How to Enter

Complete these steps to enter to win (don't forget step #3or else I wont know you entered):

1. LIKE IT
LikeCharlie Pants Music's Facebook Page. Click HERE

2. SHARE IT
Copy andpaste this paragraph including link below on YOUR Facebook wall or Twitter.

I want to win & give a FREE voice lesson with CharliePants Music. Method to 120 Grammy Winners. Lessons are done via Skype so anyonecan take lessons. So cool! http://charliepantsmusiclessons.blogspot.com/2011/11/1website2-3facebook-4online-lessons.html

3. TELL ME
Post on Charlie Pants Music's facebook page saying whyyou want to win and a winner will be chosen at random on Friday, December 2, 2011.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | ONLINE LESSONS | CONTACT

Online Singing Lessons, Vocal Lessons Online

2011-12-01T09:57:00.002-07:00

VOCAL AND MUSIC TRAINING OFFERED IN:

- Singing lessons

- Guitar and Piano Accompaniment lessons

- Songwriting/Arranging lessons

- Stage Presence and Performance lessons

- Executive Speech Presentation Coaching

- Rock, Pop, Alternative, Folk, Jazz, Country, R&B, Indie, Broadway, and Classical lessons and more to all ages and all levels of experience

- Read about Online Singing/Songwriting Lessons

SKILLS YOU WILL LEARN:

- How to make your natural tone sound its best

- How to develop great vocal control

- Smoothing out the vocal breaks in your voice

- Vocal Stylization

- Stage Presence and Performance

- Songwriting and Lyrics

- Accompanying yourself on guitar and or piano

Contact the vocal studio today to learn more about how you can enhance your singing voice either by in person singing lessons or by online singing lessons via Skype.

Check out what Charlie Pants Music singing students have been doing.

Cyber Monday Giveaway! FREE Singing Lessons

2011-11-28T00:01:00.000-07:00

Merry Cyber Monday!

THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
WIN & GIVE
THE GIFT OF MUSIC

You can enter to WIN a FREE 30 min. voice lesson and also GIVE afriend or family member a FREE 30 min. voice lesson.
(a $120 value).

Becauselessons are offered online via Skype, you can live anywhere and win.

Offer expires 12/2/11 atmidnight MST.

How to Enter

Complete these steps to enter to win (don't forget step #3or else I wont know you entered):

1. LIKE IT
LikeCharlie Pants Music's Facebook Page. Click HERE

2. SHARE IT
Copy andpaste this paragraph including link below on YOUR Facebook wall or Twitter.

3. TELL ME
Post on Charlie Pants Music's facebook page saying whyyou want to win and a winner will be chosen at random on Friday, December 2, 2011.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | ONLINE LESSONS | CONTACT

Using a Leather Skirt to fix an Antique Chair

2011-11-25T01:00:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago I was shopping at Switch Boutique, a cute clothing consignment store in Louisville, CO, and I found this fantastic green/gold leather skirt from the GAP that I just had to have. Plus it was $13 and 100% leather. Score. I tried it on and it didn't fit. Sadly I skulked to the rack to put it back, when I had a thought, I am going to use this leather and make something fantastic out of it like a pillow or chair cover or something.

I found this fabulous old antique chair at 8th & Pearl Antiques in Boulder, CO.

This is what I did.

I got cardboard and drew an outline of the chair seat hole to make a template and then cut the template out of the cardboard.

Then I traced the template onto a beg board (you could use particle board).

Then I got to use the jigsaw and cut out it. By myself. I made sure to leave about a half inch extra all the way around so the wood sits on top of the chair hole.

Fits perfectly.

Then I needed to create a way to secure the wood insert it in the chair hole so I cut out 4 squares and glued them to the 4 corners on the inside of the wood.

I bought a chair pad form at Hobby Lobby. Make sure it is only 1" thick. I made the mistake of buying a 2" one and it was too thick and ended up having to thin it out with scissors, which was a major pain. I secured the form on the peg board seat using toothpicks by poking them through underneath. Then I cut the leather leaving about 2 inches of overlay on each side. I folded the leather under and used furniture tacks to secure it in place. The wood was incredibly hard and pounding the nails in was terribly difficult. This was the only part where Paul had to help, but I will say I did about 99% of the project.

What do you think? Ta-da.

Gold Glitter Toes

2011-11-23T18:30:00.001-07:00

So apparently glitter is BACK! All over the blog-o-sphere I have been told to try gold glitter nail polish so when I got a pedicure last week I got gold glitter and now it looks like I have a toenail fungus. Please don't be scared by my lint between my toes or my freakishly long toes. God made them that way (except for the lint, I did that!) So today for Thanksgiving and the day of gratitude, I am so grateful I don't really have a toenail fungus. For all you nail fungusions, I have heard that if you put lavender oil underneath your nails it will get rid of the fungus.

Here is my revision to the gold/silver glitter nail polish trend, if you have light skin do silver glitter polish and dark skin you can rock the gold. Fair skin ladies stay away from the gold toenails aka fungus nails.

This is from Ampersand Design

Glitter!!! gold, silver, even rainbow flecks of sparkly, shiny glitter are showing up everywhere! It's almost like the six-year-old-version-of-myself has just been waiting for this level of pure sparkly fun to be acceptable for the adult-me!! Fashion, home decor, and beauty are all jumping on the glitter train! So, let's all come aboard, and don't save the glitz for something fancy! Wear a sparkly bag with rolled up jeans. Wear glittery nails (or nail) during the day, and use the sparkly measuring spoons for breakfast!

{Links: 1. Ritchie Embellished Dress by Alice and Olivia , 2. Kate Spade New York Charm Heel, 3. J.Crew skinny glitter belt, 4. Deborah Lippmann "Happy Birthday" Glitter Nail Polish , 5. Deborah Lippman "Boom Boom Pow" Gold Glitter Nail Polish, 6. Glitter teaspoon set from Leif, 7. Glitter Platform from Elle.com via pinterest, 8. Kate Spade New York Sparkly Missy bag }

Holiday Tradition & Gifts: Alicia from Mim&Meg Blog

So excited that fab fashion blogger, Alicia, from Cheetah is the New Black, is sharing her holiday picks & tradition with us!

1. J.Crew Printed iPad case / 2. Jonathan Adler eyelashes canister / 3. Jonathan Adler L Pillow / 4. J.Crew Invitation clutch in leopard / 5. Deborah Lippmann I Love the Nightlife / 6. Jo Malone Vintage Gardenia Home Candle / 7. Chloé Paraty Medium python and leather bag / 8. Warehouse Knit Leopard Mittens / 9. Malin + Goetz Peppermint Body Scrub / 10. Deborah Lippmann Shake your Groove Thing / 11. Dannijo Hixon necklace
This is from Cup of Jo

The perfect nail polish for the holidays.

Wedding Album Giveaway

2011-11-23T17:20:00.001-07:00

from Ruffledblog

For the chance to win a free album, Head on over to Muujee’s Facebook fan page to enter their contest they are currently running! The contest runs through the end of November, so hurry up and spread the word.

Muujee Custom Wedding Albums + Giveaway!

Many of you may have your pictures on CD, but never actually found the time or money to put them in a book. With the help of Muujee, you can simply upload your images, choose the album format you like, and their team of creative graphic designers will craft a beautiful customized wedding album for you! Once the initial design is done, you can request as many revisions as needed before the album is printed, so you can rest assured you’ll be completely happy with it.

Whether you want an embossed leather-bound album, a colorful fabric covered album with a photo window, they offer professional quality albums that are far from your typical photo book. This is immediately apparent as you take a stroll through Muujee’s website.

Other cool giveaway HERE at Cup of Jo, win this shoe and its match. Good Luck!

Fantastic Picture

2011-11-21T16:04:00.001-07:00

I just couldn't resist posting this amazing picture. My brother-in-law, Aaron, is an amazing photographer and he took this photo of my niece the other night.

You can see the rest HERE.

Oh man it makes me want to have a little blonde haired girl just like her. I love this picture. So today I ask "Did your kids turn out to have the same hair color as you or did you get some random ginger and go...hmmm where did that come from?" I want to know.

PS. Red hair runs in my family, my dad was quite the ginger man. Scary for my future kids. My only saving grace is if Paul's gene pool is minus the ginger root.

Cool Handbag Giveaway

2011-11-14T15:29:00.001-07:00

Cool Handbag giveaway from Ruffled Blog. Check it out. Enter to win on Ruffled Blog.

Ila Handbags Giveaway

Paula and Brian are a wife + husband team behind Ila Handbags. Using vintage-inspired fabric patterns and fresh design, they handmake the most delectable little clutches right in Minneapolis. They marry modern design with vintage nostalgia so perfectly, there really isn’t a way to resist them. I’m giddy with excitement to announce that they are giving away 8 clutches (4 vintage prints and 4 Frenchies) to some very lucky readers. Pretty phenomenal way to kick off your weekend, wouldn’t you agree?

Visit Ila Handbags and let us Ruffled know which bag is your fave and come back the blog and let them know which one you would choose if you win. The giveaway is for any Vintage or solid color Frenchie collection bag, so choose away!

You can also enter by liking Ruffled Facebook page for an additional entry to increase your chances of winning. They will pick 8 random winners and announce them on the blog and on its Facebook page next Wednesday, November 16th. Good luck!
Please note: If a potential winner cannot be reached after a reasonable effort has been exerted within 3 business days from the date of the giveaway drawing, another winner will be picked.

Twins

2011-11-11T17:16:00.001-07:00

My dearest, sweetest, bestest of friend had her twin boys this week and it has got me thinking about twins, babies, and all that cute stuff. Although this article thankfully does not apply to my friend as her babies as doing really well, I saw it and thought, "Now this is worth sharing."

Enjoy and happy Friday!

Ok, I saw this last night on Tralalère!

This picture is from an article called the “RESCUING HUG”

The article details the first week of life of a set of twins. Apparently each were in their respective incubators and one was not expected to live. A hospital nurse fought against the hospital rules and placed the babies in one incubator. When they were placed together, the healthier of the two, threw an arm over her sister in an endearing embrace. The smaller baby’s heart stabilized and temperature rose to normal.

Read more about the story, here. Read this to learn more about the proven benefits of skin-to-skin care for preterm infants.

Thanksgiving Tables

2011-11-10T01:00:00.000-07:00

via

via

via

via

Fall Trips in the Northwest of the US

2011-11-09T18:16:00.003-07:00

I want to go on a fall road trip here. Pictures found here on Sunset Magazine.

Washington's Bainbridge Island

Or Here

Cannon Beach, Oregon

Or go running here.

Pacific Crest Trail

Betty White

2011-11-08T15:33:00.001-07:00

Thank You Betty White for the insightful wisdom. I too agree with your bold statement. This goes out to all my female friends, especially the mothers. May your vaginas continue to take a pounding and prosper.

Favorite Halloween Movie: Hocus Pocus

2011-10-31T01:00:00.000-06:00

I absolutely love Halloween and my all time favorite Halloween movie is the classic "Hocus Pocus."

I found the full video link on youtube and thought I would share it for anyone who wants to watch the full movie version of Hocus Pocus for free on the internet.

Have a Happy Halloween and be safe!

Free Giveaway: Jo Totes Photography Bag

2011-10-30T23:46:00.001-06:00

Found this on the Little Green Notebook blog, one of my favorite blogs, and thought I would share it here so everyone can have a chance to win. Here is the post... Click HERE to go and enter! Hurry it is over November 1.

Up for grabs is an adorable camera bag from Jo Totes! Each bag is lined and padded with completely customizable interior compartments. I think I would pull out our fancy camera more often for day outings if I had one of these.

To enter to win any bag on their site (check them all out HERE), leave a comment on this post on little green notebook blog before Tuesday November 1 at midnight. For a second chance to win, join the Jo Totes Facebook page.

PS. An additional giveaway for a Jo Totes is also on THE HOUSE of SMITHS blog and ends today so enter both!

Chick Flicks

2011-10-25T10:56:00.000-06:00

Do you love chick flicks? I sure do. Yes I know they are so predictable... boy meets girl A, they fall in love, fall out of love, new girl B comes onto the scene to steal boy, and then last five minutes of the movie boy and girl A fall back in love. As predictable as they are, I still find myself going to the theaters to watch them.

My question is "what is your favorite chick flick?" I love You've Got Mail (I watch it like a million times each fall), When Harry Met Sally, The Bridget Jones Movies of course, and 500 Days of Summer cause it has a twist ending from the usual chick flicks.

I saw this hilarious take on the chick flick stereotypes by Mindy Kaling and thought you should read it. Really, click on the link and read it and tell me which one is your favorite.

Pretty Sure I Should Have Added This To Our Wedding

2011-10-24T14:28:00.001-06:00

I found this awesome post on Ruffled and wanted to share it here. As many of my readers know, I am a lover of music and own my own music studio called Charlie Pants Music offering singing, guitar, and songwriting lessons via the internet and in person and find this to be one great wedding idea. Check it out!

Johnny Cash Inspired Wedding

I am not kidding when I say that Jesi Haack Design crafts the most beautiful weddings I’ve ever seen. Pair her talents with equally amazing vendors such as John Robert Woods Photographer and Crafthouse Productions, this Johnny Cash inspired wedding sweeps me off my feet. I highly recommend viewing the entire gallery. It’s that good.

Instead of petal or rice toss, they had guitar picks! Guitar picks, people!

At the entrance of their ceremony setting, Jesi placed two guitar cases and two amplifiers, one on each side of the aisle.

They used a guitar for guests to sign on, with a faux vinyl record cover using one of their engagement photos.

Jesi Haack made their escort cards with harmonicas and guests received posters as wedding favors.

The groom Zak sang to his bride to propose, so it was only fitting that he would sing during the ceremony as well.

View all images from this wedding in the gallery

Wedding Vendors and Venue (Aliso Viejo, CA):
Venue: Soka University / Photographer: John Robert Woods Photographer / Designer + Coordinator: Jesi Haack Design / Videographer: Nick Bowser of Crafthouse Productions / Bride’s Jewelry: Stella and Dot / Hair and Makeup: Jessica Young / Bridesmaid dresses: ModCloth, HM, Macys / Wedding Cake: Groom’s mom / Desserts: Grooms mom and friends and family brought their favorite family favorite desserts / Flowers: Honey and Poppies

Serve Apple Cider in an Apple

2011-10-19T15:29:00.001-06:00

Happy Fall! Today the weather in Boulder, CO is absolutely delightful. A sunny 65 F so I spent my break between students lounging at the pool and reading a book. Rough.

I bought some yummy mulled apple cider from Sunflower Market today and saw on Better Homes a Gardens this great way to serve apple cider to guests, in carved out apples. I guess I need to have an autumn party.

Hot Spiced Cider

ingredients

8 cups apple cider or apple juice
1/4 to 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
6 inches stick cinnamon
1 teaspoon whole allspice
1 teaspoon whole cloves
Small apple slices

directions
1. In a saucepan combine cider and brown sugar. For spice bag, tie cinnamon, allspice, and cloves in double layer of 100-percent-cotton cheesecloth. Add the spice bag to the cider mixture.
2. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove the spice bag; discard. Serve cider in mugs with small apple slices, if desired. Makes 8 (about 8-ounce) servings.

Great New Blog: The Color Issue

2011-10-18T15:33:00.006-06:00

Great blog that uses color for inspiration. Check it out.

Some cute posts

Awesome Giveaway for $150 worth of stuff. See how to win by Oct 21. Click HERE to see how it is so easy.

pink glitter nails for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Fun Halloween Pumpkins

Best Baby Halloween Costume Ever

2011-10-11T14:34:00.003-06:00

Picture found on Cup of Jo Blog.

What are you going to be for Halloween? What about your kids? Dogs?

Another Cool Giveaway: A Hipster Camera

2011-10-10T15:46:00.000-06:00

Found this on Emily Henderson's blog. Click HERE to enter and must be done by Friday, October 14, 2011.

Calling all hipsters. Or just general cool people. This is kinda a requisite awesome thing to have. In case you aren't aware of the amazingness of these cameras, basically they make things look cool, and they make you look cool carrying it. I'm the least high tech person i know, so stuff like this has to look cool and be easy to use in order for me to grab on to it. And this thing is both. Win yerself it.

Check out this and other fun stuff for yourself and your home at Modcloth!

Giveaway Entry Info:

Prize: One (1) Special Edition Diana Mini Camera in Fern Green from Modcloth.com MSRP $109.99
How to Enter: Leave a comment and tell me why using 35mm film is great!
If you want to be fun (extra entry): Tweet: Snap to it with @em_henderson and @ Modcloth and win a killer camera!
Giveaway Ends: Friday October 14th at 11:59pm EST
How Many Lucky Winners?!: One! (1)
Ships to: US Only
Also: Please be kind and only enter once, unless you used the extra entry option, you can enter twice. I will select the winner using random.org and will notify the winner by October 18th via email. You will have 2 weeks to respond with your info, or we will select another winner. If you have won a Modcloth.com sponsored contest in the last 30 days, we can't allow you to enter this one!

Cool Giveaway

2011-10-07T12:50:00.000-06:00

As I have posted before I really enjoy the colorful posts and creative ideas from the dynamic duo Carrie & Morgan at Ampersand Design Studio.

Anyways, today they are offering a cool giveaway so you should all click on the link and check it out and enter to win. May the best Woman (and man) win.

You read it correctly--a free gift for one lucky Ampersand fan! We're really excited to celebrate our 100th sale in our etsy shop, so, for the winner of this little contest, any single item from our shop is all yours (a print, a platter-you pick)! Really, all we want to do here is let you know that we appreciate you coming by our blog and visiting our shop now and then!

Click HERE to go to their site and enter to win. I love the bike with the rainbow wheels.

Do you go Gaga for Glee? I Do.

2011-10-03T12:46:00.003-06:00

Fashion Throughout the Decades

2011-09-30T11:45:00.002-06:00

I am sure many of you have seen this amazing video floating through the blogosphere but I wanted to post it too cause it is just so much fun. Happy Friday.

Hot Potato

2011-09-27T21:30:00.000-06:00

That is what one guy is calling me after watching me play in my first rugby match. Every time I got the ball I would immediately pass it on as if it was the kiss of death. Funny how that works. You would think I would want the ball cause maybe I could score a try or at least help gain some yardage and receive fame and glory from my teammates. But the truth of the matter is that getting the ball means getting chased and tackled. Getting tackled meast having big girls break my bones and broken bones means difficulty in life :)

Which explains the hot potato passing. Not what I recommend since I wasn't actually looking for my teammate, I was more just hucking it to the side and hoping she was there to catch it. Who knew that maybe it is important to look where I am throwing the ball. I am working on that. I might actually be getting better at this game. I might actually understand about 10% of what is going on, which is a huge improvement. But I do love my teammates. I am feeling more and more accepted and that is a cool thing to find something like this at 29 years old. I thought my chances of being a cool athlete were behind me (who am I kidding...it never happened) so this is fun for me.

Did I mention that I have another game Saturday. Want to come cheer us on?

UC Berkeley is at it Again

2011-09-26T09:51:00.000-06:00

Controversy erupts over Campus Republicans bake sale plans

By the CNN Wire Staff

updated 7:52 AM EST, Sun September 25, 2011

Here is an excerpt please read it and tell me what you think. I think they may have a point.
...But it's not your everyday collegiate fundraiser they've got in mind. They've developed a sliding scale where the price of the cookie or brownie depends on your gender and the color of your skin.

During the sale, scheduled for Tuesday, baked goods will be sold to white men for $2.00, Asian men for $1.50, Latino men for $1.00, black men for $0.75 and Native American men for $0.25. All women will get $0.25 off those prices.

click HERE to watch the video

(CNN) -- Campus Republicans at the University of California Berkeley have cooked up a storm of controversy with their plans for a bake sale.

But it's not your everyday collegiate fundraiser they've got in mind. They've developed a sliding scale where the price of the cookie or brownie depends on your gender and the color of your skin.

During the sale, scheduled for Tuesday, baked goods will be sold to white men for $2.00, Asian men for $1.50, Latino men for $1.00, black men for $0.75 and Native American men for $0.25. All women will get $0.25 off those prices.

"The pricing structure is there to bring attention, to cause people to get a little upset," Campus Republican President Shawn Lewis, who planned the event, told CNN-affiliate KGO. "But it's really there to cause people to think more critically about what this kind of policy would do in university admissions."

Lewis says it's a way to make a statement about pending legislation that would let the California universities consider race or national origin during the admission process.

But the young Republicans have been on the receiving end of a fierce backlash. Reaction has been so negative they've been forced to cancel their customary lunchtime tabling duties, according to KGO.

Lewis told CNN's Don Lemon that they expected a certain amount of opposition but not the level of outrage they experienced.

"We didn't expect the volume, the amount of response that we got," Lewis said. "In the first few hours, hundreds of posts on our Facebook page. And the tone of some of the responses -- we expected people to be upset. We didn't expect personal threats to be made. They were implicit and explicit threats made to the organizers of the event, from burning down the table to throwing our baked goods at us and other kinds of physical threats."

Tim Wise, author of the book "White Like Me: Reflections on Race from a Privileged Son," calls the bake sale a "sarcastic and rather smarmy slap at people of color."

"There are a lot of ways to make a point about your disagreement with affirmative action," Wise told Lemon Saturday night.

"I get the joke," he continued. "How very original. It's been done for 15 years. The point that I think needs to be made ... is that by the time anyone steps on a college campus ... there has already been 12- to 13-years of institutionalized affirmative action for white folks, that is to say, racially embedded inequality, which has benefited those of us who are white. And it's only at the point of college admissions that these folks seem to get concerned with color consciousness."

Lewis insists, however, that Campus Republicans will go ahead with their bake sale and are committed to their controversial pricing structure.

Homemade Fall Wheat Wreath

2011-09-14T16:55:00.002-06:00

I have wanted a beautiful fall wreath for quite sometime now. I looked at several stores and either found ones that I loved that were too expensive or ones I could afford and I thought were nasty ugly. So I decided to make my own, which is the one pictured above. I was inspired by these Martha Stewart wreaths below.

This is how I did it.

1. Bought a Grapevine Wreath from Hobby Lobby. Mine was 14" in diameter and it cost me $2.70 cause they were having a sale. SCORE. Normally they cost $4.

2. Bunch of Wheat (I got mine at Tai Pan) for $3
3. Ribbon

Cut the wheat stem to be about 6 inches long (not including the wheat flower part). Randomly stick the wheat into the wreath and try to lay it flat so the wheat pieces don't stick up weird. Remember to continually go in the same direction with you wheat. It took me about 20 minutes to do, so it is fast and I think looks pretty cute for only costing like $6. Tie the ribbon on and BAM you are done.

Survived My First Rugby Match

2011-09-12T09:16:00.002-06:00

Yesterday was my first rugby game. After only having 3 practices in my whole life, I was extremly nervous and had high hopes that my coach was planning on having me just warm the bench and watch how the game is played. Oh man I couldn't have been more wrong. We played three 30 minute thirds. In rugby the ball/game never really stops moving so there are no resting periods. He called me in about half way through the second third and had me playing right wing. About 3 minutes into being on the field, I got the ball and froze cause I didn't know what to do with it. It was as if all the practicing and logical processes left my brain. The whole game went silent. Girls were yelling at me to run, but I was frozen in fear. Well that fear ended really quickly when a girl weighing about 200 pounds charged and tackled me. Yep, woke me right up and I figured out what to do after that. My coach was laughing on the sidelines and yelled "Leah, welcome to the game of Rugby!"

I played the rest of the second third and then at the beginning of the third third he moved me to outside center (a position that runs all over the field). I did alright and almost scored a try (a touchdown in rugby). I was so tired when the whistle was blown. Oh my goodness. I had so much fun and pretty much didn't know what I was doing out there, but my teammates were amazing and coached me through the whole thing. I am already feeling much more like a part of a team. Go Boulder Babes! I had a huge cheering section too. My cousin Kristen, her husband Dan, their baby, my hubby, and our two great friends that live across the street, Kristy and Collin. Thanks for the support guys.

PS. We won like 55 to 0!

10 Years Ago

2011-09-11T10:10:00.002-06:00

My dearest friend Katelyn posted an eloquently written story about her experience coupled with my experience of that dreadful day ten years ago. Please read it. Here is hers and here is mine. As I read the names of those on United flight 93 I am sick with grief to think what if...what if I had used my dad's United miles...what if he wasn't inspired to tell me to use his Continental miles instead? What if the terrorists decided to take my plane instead? How terrifying that must have been for those on board. Both of our planes left an hour apart from each other at the same airport. My heart is heavy and tears are right at the surface. I think of that dear family that housed me in Houston, Texas. I think of the fear that that day brought to so many. My heart goes out to those who lost loved ones to such a tragic act of violence.

Like Katelyn so beautifully expressed...
September 11, 2001 was THE defining political moment of my generation. Much like the assignation of Martin Luther King Jr., or the bombing of Pearl Harbor was to those before me. The image of 3 firefighters raising a flag at Ground Zero has become as iconic and recognizable to me as the image of 6 soldiers raising a flag a top Mount Iwo Jima is to my grandparents. It’s hard to believe a decade has past since that harrowing day, I can remember so much of it, so vividly, I think we all can. I give it several moments of my thoughts every year and tomorrow may get a few more. I love my country. I love the hope and opportunity it resonates. I hope this ten year anniversary can help us, or remind us of that commonality we once all shared there for a while. As we heard so often those several months following…May God continue to bless the USA.

The coverage in New York Magazine has been beautiful.

iac test

2011-09-05T13:42:00.002-06:00

I Joined the Rugby Team

2011-08-31T10:40:00.001-06:00

So on a whim the other night, I was checking out Meetup.com to find an organization of ladies that I thought sounded like fun to join and hang out with. I ran across the Boulder Babes Rugby Team, noticed that they take rookies, and thought "what the hell why not," and joined the team. I had my first chalk meeting on Monday night and last night was my first practice. Luckily, I am still a fast runner, but am going to have to start running sprints again (ah back to those fun high school days of track). I will have to work on passing the ball and learning all of the crazy rules to the game. My first game is Sunday, September 12. I am so excited.

PS. Some of these girls could seriously kick my trash. I am just saying I am going to get very close to God through praying for His protection.

Bananna Split for Breakfast

2011-08-30T05:00:00.000-06:00

This looks tasty! From the Kitchn Blog

Breakfast Banana Split
makes 1 serving
1 ripe yet firm banana, peeled
1/2 cup Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons fruit jam or preserves
2 tablespoons sliced almonds or other nuts
Handful fresh berries or cherries
Split the banana lengthwise and lay the two halves in a shallow bowl. Use an ice cream scoop to scoop out the yogurt and put it on top of the banana. Warm the jam in the microwave for 15 to 30 seconds or until it is very runny. Use a spoon to drizzle the jam over the yogurt, and sprinkle the nuts over everything. Top with the berries or cherries, and dig in!

A Home Birth

2011-08-29T14:00:00.004-06:00

So my sis had a baby at her home last night (on purpose...and by the way he was almost 9 lbs...ouch!) Way to go sis. It is her 4th baby (technically 3rd pregnancy cause the first time around was twin girls) so her body seemed to know what it was doing. She had him in water, I am guess a small pool or portable tub of some sort. Anyways, I found this post about a home birth using a pool awhile ago and never really had a reason for posting it until today. Watch it--don't worry you wont see a placenta or anything else scary and gross. It made me cry.

Leo Hart from The Panic Room Videos on Vimeo.

So I ask you readers, "Would you ever do a home birth?" My answer is Hell to the No for several reasons regarding my health and fear of pain. What is yours?

Back To School and School Pictures

2011-08-23T20:36:00.001-06:00

I hope everyone is enjoying their lasts days of summer or their first days back at school. I remember how important it was to wear that perfect outfit and the worries and excitement over who would be in my classes.

Speaking of back to school...I found this fantastic offer for people who live in the Salt Lake City to Provo, Utah area. Back to School pictures done professionally with Sandy Whitaker Photography. What a great idea. Check out these cute scenes. I am in love with the music ideas and the pictures set out in the open field. LOVE IT!! If I lived there I would dress Charlie up in his best sweater and hat and make him pose for his back to school photos (maybe in something like this but most definitely needs a hat). See more of her work HERE.

Laws of Parenting

2011-08-22T10:36:00.000-06:00

Since I have been thinking quite a bit about the prospects of being a mother and the fact that I am an aunt to a zillion little kids and have tons of friends with wee ones, I found this post and found it quite humourous.

crappy laws of parenting, top 8 countdown...illustrated with crappy pictures™

I have two kids. This means that if one kid does x and the other one does y then I can conclude that 50% of all children do x and 50% of all children do y. This makes me a parenting expert.
Since I'm an expert, I've decided to start a new series called the Crappy Laws of Parenting based on my scientific research. Here is a countdown of the first eight laws. There are more. Tons more. But if I didn't stop at eight I'd never finish this post.
Crappy Law of Parenting #8 (belated poop warnings)

When a toddler spontaneously says something like "No Poops!" while in the pool or bathtub, it is not an accurate status update. Poop has already been produced.
-----------------
Crappy Law of Parenting #7 (volume control)
When the phone rings, children will detect the level of importance and adjust their volume accordingly.
Telemarketer calls to get you to switch car insurance? Silence.
Husband calls to discuss dinner plans? Murmurs.
Friend calls to tell you a funny story? Slightly louder than inside voices.
Family calls to tell you about a cousin's heart condition. Yelling.
Work calls with concerns about your ability to work from home? Cacophonous shrieks. Deafening.
And so on.
-----------------
Crappy Law of Parenting #6 (naps are never safe)

If you've remembered to turn off your phone ringer during a nap, the doorbell will ring. Followed by loud knocking.
If you go to the door, it will be someone trying to sell you something you don't want. If you pretend to not be home, you'll find out later it was a friend bringing you chocolate and wine. She tried to call you, but your ringer was off.
Either way, it wakes up the baby.

-----------------
Crappy Law of Parenting #5 (inappropriate art surfaces)
Dry-erase markers will be used on everything except the dry-erase board.
-----------------
Crappy Law of Parenting #4 (the swearing parrot)

They are very precise about pinpointing the very best words to repeat over and over.
-----------------
Crappy Law of Parenting #3 (video cameras and genius defection)

The presence of a video camera immediately eradicates any talent they were just demonstrating.

-----------------
Crappy Law of Parenting #2 (quiet destruction)
The moment you think "they sure are quiet" it is already too late.

You run, but you can't run fast enough.
However!
Sometimes, sometimes what you find in the quiet will not be what you were expecting.

Which brings me to my all-time favorite law because it is totally awesome...

For Rule #1 Click Here to read.

So moms, dads, aunts, uncles, grandmas and grandpas, what rules can you add to this? (I don't need a crappy picture drawing to prove your point).
Happy Monday.

Men

2011-08-16T21:53:00.000-06:00

A couple of days ago Paul had a hair growing off of his ear, we are talking like a good inch this hair was sticking out. Just one hair all by its lonesome. Of course I reached in there and yanked it out. He screamed at me and said "Thanks a lot, now you have taking away my wisdom."

Yesterday Paul had one single hair growing on his chest, I know sad for him that he doesn't grow chest hair, but great for me. Again, I yanked it out and he yelled "Great now you have taken my manliness too."

Poor Paul, I have not only stolen his wisdom, but now his manliness. Sounds like the perfect concoction for a marriage if you ask me. :)

Do you pick hairs off of your husbands too or am I just a big jerk? I want to know. I have to chase him around the house with tweezers and wax to do his eyebrows.

This Would Make Me Poo My Pants

2011-08-15T10:14:00.002-06:00

A family were on holiday in Australia for a week and a half when husband, wife and their 15 year old son decided to go scuba diving. The husband is in the navy and has had some scuba experience. His son wanted a picture of his mum and dad in all their gear so he got the under water camera ready to go. When it came to taking the picture the dad realized that the son looked like he was panicking as he took it and gave the ‘OK’ hand sign to see if he was all right.
The son took the picture and swam to the surface and back to the boat as quick as he could so the mum and dad followed to see if he was OK. When they got back to him he was scrambling onto the boat and absolutely panicking. When the parents asked why, he said ‘there was a shark behind you.’ The dad thought he was joking but the skipper of the boat said it was true but they wouldn’t believe him.

As soon as they got back to the hotel they loaded the picture onto there laptop and that was what they saw.

(via yanilavigne)

Dear readers, have you ever scuba dived with sharks? Scary. PS. Do you think this picture is real or Photoshopped? Why or why not. I found this and agree that it is fake.

School Loans

2011-08-11T12:18:00.000-06:00

Yes I walked with Charlie. He sat in every class with me, my professors loved him, and so did my classmates and I felt he should walk with me as he is huge part of my life since he is my working dog.

Paul and I made a biggish dent in our school loans this week, mostly because we thought this particular loan wasn't accruing interest and then we found out that it had already accrued a whopping $1,000. So we bit the bullet and paid off $17,000 towards our graduate degrees. The next batch of loans don't start getting interest until November.

I am curious to know how you paid off your loans or if you are still paying off your loans? Did you consolidate your loans into one and take out a small loan at a bank? Our interest rate is high for loans a whooping 6.5%. What is your interest rate and how do I make ours smaller?

I realize that my cap is on backwards in this picture. Argh! Still love it though.

OohLaLa! Apple, Cheddar, and Thyme Galette

2011-08-09T06:00:00.001-06:00

Doesn't this look insanely yummy. Since I don't cook (as you can read about HERE and HERE) I am going to ask Paul to kindly make this for me. What a great dish for the fall. I realize it is only August, but I am already thinking of all things fall (pumpkins, soup, crisp air, autumn leaves). Jo at Little Jo Home I guess great minds think alike.

The recipe can be found on Fresh 365 blog.

PS. Who does the cooking in your house? Did anyone else marry an amazing chef to save them from the horrors of the kitchen?

An Ex-Boyfriend Dream

2011-08-08T11:29:00.004-06:00

image via

Totally had a dream about an Ex last night. I always find it so crazy how the mind works. I wonder if dreams really mean anything (like I will run into the sunset with a past love) or maybe it is just that something throughout the day triggered a subconscious memory that later showed up in my dreams. I read some article that said if you have a sexy dream of an ex it means that you are ovulating. Who needs ovulation strips when you have dreams to tell you when to or when not to have sex...

Curious if anyone else has dreams about their Ex or if I am all alone on this? I hope I am not or else I feel really bad for Paul.

Let me know and please share.

New Motherhood Part 2

2011-07-27T13:04:00.003-06:00

Image Via Stephanie Rausser

Okay so I got quite a few responses from my post on being a new mother and I like it. The most common threads from the comments:

1. Never getting to do what I want when I want to do it

2. I can't take a nap when I want

What I want to know is when did you take naps before kids? College maybe? I guess that is one of the drawbacks to waiting to have kids cause I haven't taken a nap in years unless I took a day sick off of work.

As requested, now I want to know the top reasons why being a mother is so great. You could sway me either way so you better make it good!

I love this post on Rock Star Diaries just shared today about her baby learning her first word. Now that to me would make it worth it! Check it out.

New Motherhood

2011-07-26T14:48:00.002-06:00

Image via Stephania Rausser, ps her work is amazing.

I hope everyone had a great weekend. Today I am thinking about new moms and babies.

I love it when I run into a new mother and I ask her how being a mother is going and she gives me this total look of panic and then continues to tell me how hard it is and gives me tons of advice on waiting till I am ready to have kids and to never let anyone pressure me into it. I find this refreshing and so true. This situation has only happened to me twice out of I would say 50 close women in my life. So many times women feel it is their job to always be put together, they can handle anything, and that being a mom is the...

Best thing in the world
Their calling in life....and they weren't complete before
They don't miss their jobs one bit
They love spending every second with a pooping and crying machine
etc.

So today I ask "What do you miss most about your life before you had a kid (s)?" Come on new moms I know you read my blog, I have ways to track you so out with it. No more blog stalking, I want a response.

Happy Friday

2011-07-22T10:39:00.000-06:00

Hey friends, what are you up to this weekend? I think I'm itching for another road trip adventure day. We have had lots of those lately. Been to places like...

Estes Park, CO

Grand Lake, CO

Fort Collins, CO

Also, Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs as seen HERE.

Paul and I love road tripping. Check out our Fall trip back East last year. We went from DC up North in NY to Canada through Quebec and down into Main, Massachusetts, etc back home.

Tell me about your most favorite road trip or better yet post the link so we can all check out your photos!! Happy Friday.

Embracing the Small

2011-07-20T09:00:00.002-06:00

Yesterday I wrote about turning 29 and the stigma society puts on age and beauty. I discussed my insecurities about having a small chest and asked what everyone thought about plastic surgery.

I found this great article by Hallie Seegal titled Letting it All Hang Out: How I Made Peace With My Small Boobs

I remember the first time I made a step in the right direction of making peace with my small boobs and it was when I saw Kate Hudson in How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. You know the scene where she goes to Matthew McConaughey's character's house and she wears the tiny little white tank top. I remember thinking, Kate Hudson is beautiful and look how small her chest is. I keep hoping she never gets a boob job.

Anyways, I liked Seegal's article so much that I am posting it here on my blog...

Last January, I stopped wearing a bra. I haven't put one back on since.

I don't remember buying my first bra. I just know that at some point around age 12 I started wearing one -- long before I "needed" to. There wasn't much to support, as friends in my 8th grade dance class informed me, joking that they could cut an apple on my chest. It wasn't funny then, but I suppose I can laugh about it now since I just bought my first cutting board and I don't see much of a resemblance.
Over the next 10 years, as I graduated from high school and college, I also graduated from a kitchen accessory to a solid A, while clasping a bra around my chest every day in between.

Then, seven months ago, I had a brassiere epiphany. After waiting just a little too long to do my laundry, I ran out of bras. I could have forced myself to head to the laundry room right then, or worn the less than fresh Cosabella number I'd worn the day before, but I realized the only visible difference for me between wearing and not wearing a bra was a bulky bra line. So I didn't wear one. Yes, I went braless.
Sure, my boobs had a bit more point to them than before, but that's how they're made to look, right? Other than that, nothing terrible happened. No chafing, no slips, no perverted stares directed downwards. In fact, when I confided in my friends that I was bra-free, they admitted they couldn't tell. I suddenly thought, what if I could be this free all the time?

It was as if I had finally opened my eyes. That was that. Since then, it's just been me and my small boobs, hanging out together. And I'm happy.

I wish everybody else could be happy like this too, but today it seems we women are more insecure with our size than ever. Today, large breasts wield tremendous power, and the truth is we -- women -- are partly to blame for supporting that status quo.. This past year alone, 300,000 women put themselves under the knife for breast augmentation surgery. 300,000 women felt that unhappy with their bodies. For what? Certainly not for ourselves, as one major risk of the surgery is losing the best thing your breasts give you: sexual pleasure. To add insult to injury (literally), last month the FDA issued a new warning. Ladies, while the loss of sensation may be lifelong, your silicone implants may not be. According to a new report, at least one-in-five women will need her implants removed due to serious health complications. These are complications that far exceed the perceived problems of having small(er) breasts: Implant rupture, scar tissue hardening, breast wrinkling, and in the most unfortunate and rare cases, anaplastic large cell lymphoma. Let me repeat, removal due to these complications isn't a one-in-a-million chance. It's one in five.

Do women not know the risks involved, or do we just not care? I believe it's the former, not the latter, because you know what else has a one in five risk? Smoking. In the United States, one in five Americans die each year due to tobacco use. The difference is that while massive nationwide campaigns are shifting our impressions of smoking towards taboo, breast implants haven't lost their sex appeal... yet.
So ladies, this is my appeal to you. Don't hold yourself to ideals of epic proportions. Let's just all hang out, together.

Being a Girl and Turning a Year Older

2011-07-19T17:41:00.004-06:00

image via Stephanie Rausser

I just turned 29 on Sunday. It was a fantastic Leah & Paul day filled with a long bike ride, brunch at the Huckleberry in Louisville, CO, an afternoon matinee of Horrible Bosses (check out its trailer HERE), and then a classical violin concert at Chautauqua Park Amphitheater in the evening. I decided I needed a little perverted, the movie, and a little culture, the concert, on my birthday.

Turning 29 has me thinking. I am going to be 30 next year (shouldn't that have been obvious). I know, I know that is still so young, but somehow to me I thought I would be a CEO or Executive Director by 30 or maybe a college Professor. I also thought I would have a kid by 30. I guess I have a lot to accomplish this next year. Paul always said he would be retired by 30, so I think he has a really busy year ahead of him as well. He just needs that million dollar idea.

Did you ever see the movie 13 Going on 30? I guess I feel the same way as that little girl and that at 30 I would be thriving and running the world. I guess that is societies way of telling us how to believe. This leads me to my next point. My friend Jo at Little Jo Home posted this great article called How to Talk to Little Girls , by Lisa Bloom, that I think is spot on and really has me thinking. Please read it, but the skinny of the article is about we as adults can interact with young girls so they realize that their minds and accomplishments are more important than their appearance.

"Teaching girls that their appearance is the first thing you notice tells them that looks are more important than anything. It sets them up for dieting at age 5 and foundation at age 11 and boob jobs at 17 and Botox at 23. As our cultural imperative for girls to be hot 24/7 has become the new normal, American women have become increasingly unhappy. What's missing? A life of meaning, a life of ideas and reading books and being valued for our thoughts and accomplishments."

The article made me think about how I have always been self conscious of my chest. It is quite small. The funny part about it is that its not like I chose to have a small chest, or blonde hair, blue eyes and only being 5'4". God made our bodies the way he made them. I remember always being so self conscious in high school and at swimming parties. I still remember high school health class and the teacher talking about pectoralis major and a boy yelling out "Leah has pectoralis minor!" (thanks brad curtis) and the whole class laughing. Thankfully I had a speck of self-esteem or a statement like that would have crushed me for a long time. For years I have considered getting a boob job. I don't know how I feel about them. The jury is still out. I don't like the idea of changing who I am to fit societies view of what makes a woman sexy. Paul finds me sexy just the way I am. But sometimes I see women with a hot body and think "Damn, I want boobs like those." So there you have it.

What is your opinion about plastic surgery, boob jobs, and botox for cosmetic reasons?

Happy Birthday Love of My Life

2011-07-14T19:02:00.000-06:00

Dear Paul,

Thanks for being you. Happy Birthday. I didn't get you anything by the way, but I do appreciate you letting me buy things I like, like towels. Please read HERE about how this lady dealt with the fact that her husband wouldn't let her buy towels. Funniest story ever I promise. This will help you to realize that you need to pick your battles

Dear Sam and Shari,

Thanks for learning about and reenacting the birds and the bees so Paul could come into the world. Much appreciated.

Love,

FREE Giveaway

2011-07-05T17:49:00.002-06:00

So you want to learn how to sing like your most favorite pop, indie, rock, folk, broadway, r&b star ,well here is your chance to actually learn something that will improve your singing voice. Win a FREE thirty minute voice lesson, a $60 value, with Leah Stone at Charlie Pants Music and you will be amazed at what you can learn in one lesson. Lessons are done via Skype so you can live anywhere and win this contest.

Here is how you enter to win:

1. Like Charlie Pants Music on Facebook by clicking HERE and liking the page. www.facebook.com/charliepantsmusic

2. Copy and paste this paragraph including link below on your Facebook wall...

I want to win a FREE voice lesson with Leah Stone at Charlie Pants Music. Charlie Pants Music is a Speech Level Singing Studio owned and operated by Leah Stone. Sign up for lessons in singing, guitar, songwriting, and stage performance. Lessons are done via Skype so anyone can take lessons with her. How cool is that? http://charliepantsmusiclessons.blogspot.com/2011/07/win-free-voice-lesson.html

3. You can be entered in twice if you blog about the studio & the contest, and make sure to link to the studio website www.charliepantsmusic.com and facebook page www.facebook.com/charliepantsmusic.

4. Write on Charlie Pants Music's facebook wall saying why you want to win and (a link to your blog post if you posted) and a winner will be chosen at random on Friday, July 8, 2011.

Good Luck and happy singing!

7/8/11 update: Congrats to Sophie Thomas for winning the free lesson. Thanks for playing.

Posted by:

Leah Stone

Certified Speech Level Singing Instructor

Charlie Pants Music

801 809 1258
www.charliepantsmusic.com

Skype Name: leahstone17

charliepantsmusic@gmail.com
facebook.com/charliepantsmusic

How Was Your 4th of July

2011-07-05T11:01:00.000-06:00

Yesterday Paul and I finished reading the Hunger Games Series, went swimming, had some friends over for a little BBQ, and went hiking up Chautauqua in Boulder, Colorado so we could watch the fireworks go off all over the valley. It was beautiful and magical and the weather was perfect.

So I have 2 questions:

1. What did you think of the ending of Mockingjay from the Hunger Games Series?
2. What did you do for the 4th?

Have a Great 4th of July Weekend

2011-07-01T11:02:00.001-06:00

Hello Lovelies. I hope you are doing something great for the holiday weekend. Paul and I wanted to drive home to visit family, but thanks to Jack's fiasco that wont be happening. Jack is doing fine by the way. He thinks he is fine and that he didn't just have surgery and get 28 staples in his belly. He is way too hyper for his own good and I can not wait to be able to take him to a dog park for like 2 hours and let him run until he can't any longer.

Any plans for the weekend? I want to go to the Colorado Music Festival to hear the symphony play patriotic music at Chautauqua in Boulder.

Maybe you should go see an awesome concert like I did this week. HERE
Or make a yummy citrus Stella cake. HERE
Or how about these yummy cookies pictured above by the lovely Martha Stewart. HERE
Or try one of these 23 mouth watering burger recipes found at Sunset Magazine HERE
Or maybe do a really fun bike race HERE and HERE

Whatever you do please be safe & don't drink and drive.

The Importance of Leaving a Note

2011-06-29T13:34:00.001-06:00

Some of you may have seen this on my facebook the other day, but since I think it is so funny I am posting it here as well. So the other day I woke up and Paul had left on a bike ride. Because of Jack's current situation we have to give him antibiotics and pain meds and I didn't know if Paul had given them to Jack. I kept trying to call Paul, but since he was out riding he wasn't answering his phone. Argh!

I found this great video as a way to teach Paul the importance of always leaving a note. Thanks Arrested Development for never failing to make me laugh. The moral of the story is always leave a note of where you are going, when you will be back, and anything else of importance like I gave the dog his meds.

Fun Blog: Ampersand Design Studio

2011-06-27T22:42:00.000-06:00

Have you heard of this awesome blog Ampersand Design Studio? If not then you need to check it out. Every post has these fabulous photo collages with lots of great colors, images, and fun ideas. I just love their Etsy Shop as well. Ampersand Design Studio is ran by 2 friends Carrie and Morgan who live in Kansas. They remind me a lot of me and my buddy Jo.

I want this bike picture so badly. Isn't it adorable? It also comes in a melamine platter. Love It!

Here is a great example of their posts. I also have posted about them in the past HERE and HERE. Keep up the fun posts.

The weather here in Kansas City has been perfect. If we weren't buried up to our eyeballs in work, we would be packing up the picnic basket and eating al fresco. Would our picnic look like this? Unlikely, but we can dream.

1- Awning Stripe Tablecloth, 2- Sea Grass Carafe and Highball, 3- Just Add Flower Plate, 4- Red Galvanized Citronella Candle, 5- Woven Picnic Basket, 6- Fiesta Dinnerware Melamine Oval Tray

Help Me Boost My Followers

2011-06-26T10:11:00.005-06:00

I ask you to help me spread the word of my blogs. If there is a blog of mine that you follow, I would love it if you would do a facebook post, twitter post, or blog post about the blog or something I have written about and link them to the blog. Also, send me the link so I can check it out!!

If you follow any of my blogs please click the FOLLOW button on either the right or left side bar so you can get the latest and greatest news.

Here are the blogs I update regularly
A Bicycle Built For Two: a blog about interior design, weddings, marriage, love, life, and anything else I want to talk about.
Super Dog Charlie Pants: a blog about service dogs, my seizure-alert service dog, and dog tips.
Charlie Pants Music: a blog about the commercial music industry, up and coming music stars, CPM news, and singing tips.
Mountain & Road Cycle Coaching: a blog about biking, outdoor adventures, and fitness & weight loss.
Image Arts Consulting : a blog about marketing trends, social media, and branding.

Also, if you want to LIKE any of these pages on Facebook that would be great too
Charlie Pants Music on Facebook
Mountain & Road Cycling on Facebook
Image Arts Consulting on Facebook

I appreciate all the continued readership and hope to expand it even more! Have a great weekend.

If anyone has a story about a product, event, or something you love that you would like to share I would love to post it here. Just send me an email and I will talk with you about posting it.

Lots Going On With the Dogs

2011-06-24T16:15:00.000-06:00

We have had a bit of excitement around here with our dogs this last week.

1. Charlie did a stellar job of alerting me of a seizure this past Saturday. Click HERE to read about it.

2. Jack had emergency surgery. Check it out HERE.

3. We had to construct a dog potty station for our now injured pup. Give it a LOOK.

Other than that we are all doing well and excited to have a relaxing weekend with only good things and no more health issues.

Wedding Proposals

2011-06-22T20:07:00.002-06:00

I saw the cutest wedding proposal on the Cup of Jo blog today. Check it out.

Jake wanted to propose to his girlfriend Kristina, so he started a whisper chain through 59 people, a new world record. His message ("Kristina, will you marry me?") slowly passed from person to person, around the crowded room, until it finally reached the last person: Kristina herself. Shocked, she jumped, shrieked and accepted. How cute is that?

(By Jake, via Swiss-miss)

So the question I ask is how did your special someone pop the question?

Summer Dinner Parties

2011-06-20T15:54:00.000-06:00

I want to have a dinner party. I have 2 problems

1. I don't know very many people in Denver/Boulder
2. I don't have a yard

Check out this great table done by JL Designs.
The whole spread can be seen HERE check it out it is beautiful.

green succulents spilled out of white ceramic vases from ikea...

the glass candles hanging on our wall are from cb2 and they are a steal at $2.00 each!

Cute Brunch Ideas

2011-06-13T15:28:00.002-06:00

I found theses at Ampersand Design Studio Blog.
Check it out.

Happy Friday: Heading to Colorado Springs

2011-06-10T09:01:00.000-06:00

Happy Friday everyone! Is anybody doing anything fun this weekend? Paul and I are packing up the dogs and the car and heading to beautiful Colorado Springs to see Pikes Peak, the Garden of the Gods, and the Olympic training center. I am pretty excited.

PS. If you have kids and are going out this weekend you should read this great idea so you can keep the party going all night. I read it and thought it was clever. Check it out HERE at Cup of Jo Blog.

Body Media Fit Spokesbody: Go Owen

2011-06-07T09:19:00.004-06:00

This is a friend of mine from my childhood and I just think this is way impressive. He has lost 60 lbs using Body Media Fit and his transformation is inspiring. Check it out. I hope you win Owen.

Moving and Colorado

2011-06-05T13:25:00.003-06:00

Well I never made a major announcement, but Paul and I packed up the moving truck and journeyed back West. We now live half way between Denver and Boulder in a fantastic area called Broomfield, Colorado. We are really excited to be here and bike the mountains again and enjoy the dry non humid air.

We live in a great place called Bradburn Row in a very cute townhouse. We can walk everywhere we need to go and so I really love that. Paul's mom helped us drive out and my parents came to Denver to help us move in. We are so grateful for all their help, as well as the help from some dear friends in Virginia and Denver. Your help will be forever appreciated. Thank You so much!!!

I Graduate Today

2011-05-20T09:00:00.001-06:00

Yippee! Today I will graduate with my Masters of Arts in Arts Management and a Graduate Certificate in Public Relations and Marketing. On Thursday I was honored with the Director's Award for outstanding Leadership to help advance the Arts Management Program. I am very excited and touched to receive such an award.

Anyways, just thought I would share the good news that today at 2 pm I will official be done with Grad School! I am hoping I can make everyone call me Master Leah for at least the rest of the weekend.

PS. Paul graduates this Saturday! Oh and Charlie will be walking with me across the stage with a green graduation cap. Check out his pre photo shoot HERE.

Cool Artsy Chair I Am Loving

2011-05-18T21:51:00.001-06:00

How great is this chair from British company, Graham & Green!?! Love the pattern, love the color palette. I would love this in my music studio. The colors work great for Charlie Pants Music. Love it!

via ampersand design studio

Wonderland

2011-05-15T10:50:00.002-06:00

I found this beautiful post about Wonderland on the Kiss the Groom blog and it describes exactly how I am feeling today.

some days i get lost…not sure what direction to turn…these are not bad days though…inside of confusion lies little sweet bits of beauty…it is in the pauses, the sense of feeling lost that i find solace in the small things….a soft blanket…a cup of tea…the wind on a lazy afternoon…so what if you the key doesn’t fit….beauty is in the imperfections…may you all get lost in wonderland….xoxo

Happy Sunday! I hope you get lost in the solace of the small things today.

Very Cool Art Made From Buttons

2011-05-09T21:26:00.000-06:00

If you have buttons lying around at home and don't know what to do with them check this fantastic project found at the Little Green Notebook. So clever and so cute. I think I want to try something like this.

Done With Grad School

2011-05-02T22:35:00.000-06:00

Tonight was my last grad school class as a student. I have two more classes as a TA for another class, but all I have to do is sit there and observe final projects, but tonight was my last class as a student. It was bitter sweet. I am tickled to be done with school and in awe that I made it and that these two years have gone by fairly fast.

I loved my program. I have made dear friends with other students, teachers, and directors. The Arts Management Graduate Degree at George Mason University is a fantastic degree filled with relevant information, great professors, and exciting classes. I will miss it dearly. The homework not so much, but the feeling of learning something new and the feeling of being energized by learning about working in the arts I will miss so much. I hope to find a teaching job in this field or a related field like PR, Marketing, music, or business management. I guess that will be step 2.

Ahh...tonight I might just watch a movie in bed. And tomorrow I am sleeping in until 10 am. Tomorrow night I may watch another movie. Any suggestions? The joys of no more school.

Graduation Day is May 20.
PS. Did I tell you that I am getting some mystery award at graduation? I don't know what, but I am hoping it is awesome.

A Day To Remember: Justice For America

2011-05-01T23:18:00.008-06:00

As many of my friends and family know, I flew out of NYC on that somber and horrific morning of September 11, 2001. I remember watching the NYC skyline in the early dawn light. I remember seeing the twin towers standing strong.

I was visiting NYC to see the Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Concert with the Jackson Five, Usher, Mya, Deborah Cox, Monica, Liza Minnelli, Missy Elliott, and many more performers. It was a fabulous concert, one that I think back to and say "I can not believe I was there." I flew out alone to NYC to met my dear friend Katelyn, who came up from Washington, DC.

When I was booking my ticket for my last minute, impromptu, once-in-a-lifetime trip, I was using my father's miles. He told me to use his United miles and as I was in the process of booking my flight with United flight 93 from Newark Airport to San Francisco leaving Tuesday, September 11, 2001, my father was inspired to tell me to change my ticket and use his Continental miles instead.

I will never forget the moment when my plane landed at the Houston airport, my scheduled layover from NYC to SLC, and I exited the plane. I remember walking to my gate and noticing several people crowded around the televisions. As I looked up at the television, I watched a building crumble to the ground and was completely unaware of what was going on. The speakers at the airport announced that all flights were grounded for the next several hours. I had no idea of the devastation that was happening to America until I sat down and asked an older gentleman what was happening. As I watched the TV in horror, I saw my original flight, United 93, crash in a field in Pennsylvania. I immediately turned on my cell phone and called my parents and family who were an emotional wreck unaware if I was alive or on a high-jacked flight. I will never forget the moment I talked to my brother Aaron who got on the phone and was sobbing at the thought that his little sister could have been killed.

I was stuck in Houston for four days. I was terrified to get back on a plane to fly home. When I landed in Salt Lake City, Utah I cried with joy. It was eerie to exit the plane and not have my father waiting at the gate to pick me up, but instead having to walk out of the secured section to find my father in tears.

My brother says one major reason he joined the Army was because of the attack he felt on his little sister that September 11. He always would say "That could have been you." Today I am grateful that my brother's service was not in vain, that his service and all military service since 9/11was to protect mine and America's freedom and to help bring justice for that horrific day. Today I reflect back on this terrifying moment that happened almost ten years ago, and think of the loss and tragedy that so many felt in New York and around the Nation, and THANK YOU men and women of the United States Armed Forces for protecting our rights and freedoms. Thank you for helping bring justice to that horrible day that killed hundreds of men, women and children. Thank you to my father for telling me to change my ticket to Continental. Thank you to the family who hosted me in Houston.

Today Osama Bin Laden has been killed. I realize it is not the end to the War on Terror, but maybe the beginning of healing for those that lost loved ones due to 9/11. My heart goes out to those families. I pray that God will continue to protect our great Nation and that one day we will can live in a world of peace and where celebrating one's death is not a triumph, but a day of mourning.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Royal Wedding Fun

2011-04-29T10:17:00.002-06:00

Royal Wedding Attire: What is a Fascinator?

Similar to the Kentucky Derby and church-going women, wearing a fancy hat to a royal wedding is essential. But these over-the-top headpieces aren't just feathers, blooms, and netting springing off of heads -- they're called fascinators, a style of former millinery that is popular among British women.

As the world watches Prince William, 28, and Kate Middleton, 29, (soon to be the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge) tie the knot, a sea of fascinators will be in the backdrop. For such an occasion, a woman would ensure that a fascinator would sit atop her head. (Victoria Beckham was spotted wearing a navy pillbox creation.)

The fanciful headwear became popular in the early 20th century and is often worn to the side or the front of the forehead, making the accessory look oddly bird-like at times.

PHOTOS: Get Kate Middleton's style

A popular London milliner who specializes in fascinators is Philip Treacy, who's work has been seen in Sex and the City. Middleton is rumored to be such a big fan, that she's commissioned him to create the headpieces that her bridesmaids will wear today.

I think I would have worn something like this...

HAHAHA!

Congrats Will & Kate. May my envy of wishing I had just become a Duchess not be so bad that it turns my fascinator green.

Give Me Strength

2011-04-27T14:42:00.000-06:00

I am only 5 days away from turning in my last grad school assignment. I am about 4 plus hours away from it being done. I am at that point where I don't care anymore and want to curl in a ball, eat ice cream, rock back and forth, and cry. Is this normal?

Please someone tell me what they do to get that extra kick in the behind at the last leg. I need some words of encouragement. I think I might even be fishing for strength, is that allowed? :)

Happy Earth Day

2011-04-22T21:28:00.002-06:00

Check out all these cool celebrities and their pledges to the Earth!

Rock on!

According to Silicon Republic, actors, such as Leonardo DiCaprio and Edward Norton have joined others in the Billion Acts of Green Campaign hosted online by the Earth Day Network. The campaign is a pledge over 100 million have committed to since last year to better the environment.
DiCaprio and Norton not only did that, but DiCaprio donated $1 million to the World Wildlife Fund, and Norton ran the New York City Marathon with Maasai warriors for their Conservation Trust.

Brandi Carlile

Pearl Jam Wins Prestigious 2011 Planet Defender Award on Earth Day

Procrastination

2011-04-18T21:58:00.003-06:00

Let me first start off by asking "Do you remember this post?" If you don't, I suggest you click on it to refresh your memory. Anyways, the older post was about how I don't want to be a procrastinator anymore. Well I just want to let you all know that I finished my taxes at 7:45 pm tonight, April 18 on Tax Day. Why do I do this to myself? Tears, anger, frustration, stress, and really ugly hair.

Did anyone else wait until today or even this weekend to file their taxes? More importantly, I am speaking to those who own their own businesses because you don't know anything about doing taxes until you own your own business. Am I right or am I right?

How To Fold Paper Flowers

2011-04-13T20:34:00.000-06:00

I have received several requests for how to make these beautiful paper flowers that I posted about HERE

And I have found you all the tutorial on the Folding Trees Blog

how to make the flowers part 1 HERE
part 2 HERE
Good Luck!

Early Stocking Stuffer Ideas

2011-04-13T07:59:00.000-06:00

I can think of a ton of guys I am giving this to this Christmas!

Want a New Band to Listen To

2011-04-06T19:10:00.001-06:00

Blind Pilot is a wicked awesome band and I promise you wont be disappointed if you check them out.

give this song a listen. Love it!

Building a Facebook Welcome Page

2011-04-04T19:36:00.017-06:00

Want to create a Facebook welcome page for your business? Click on this cool tutorial to see how.

Like Me on Facebook

2011-04-01T09:09:00.005-06:00

So I just created a Facebook page for my business Charlie Pants Music and it is a bit embarrassing because as of right now it only has one person likes this...and that person is ME! HA. I am curious if all of you can help me out by clicking on this link
https://www.facebook.com/CharliePantsMusic#!/CharliePantsMusic?sk=app_106878476015645
and select LIKE my company!

I promise to post pictures of our Southern States Trip. School has been a bit tedious this week. So for fun lets check out this sweet girl in ballet class. So cute.

Cherry blossom festival 2011

2011-03-26T17:47:00.002-06:00

Paul and I zoomed downtown tonight cause we heard on the news that it is going to snow tonight and that all the cherry blossoms will be blown away by tomorrow. I hope it doesn't snow because Paul and I and some friends are planning on riding our bikes down here next weekend. Either way, here is a picture of the trees at dusk.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Vote For My Friend Anna Kaelin

2011-03-24T12:16:00.004-06:00

My friend Anna Kaelin is competing in the Utah Stadium of Fire Talent Search. Click on the link to vote for her. Here is her video as well.

Stadium of Fire Talent Search

Thanks to all who submitted their videos for the Stadium of Fire Talent Search! Below you can view our Top 40. You may vote for up to three of your favorites. Vote by clicking on the button in the sidebar to the right or at the bottom of the page. You have until April 15 to cast your vote! The 25 most popular performers from this group will qualify for our live public auditions in May. From there, the three most talented contestants will be chosen to perform LIVE at Stadium of Fire on July 2, where one lucky act will win the contest and $10,000! Good luck to all our contestants! Note: The order of videos will rotate on this site each day. Scroll down this page to see all of the videos.

Check out what David Archuleta's singing coach Dean Kaelin, aka Anna's Dad, has to say

Anna Kaelin

Hello David Archuleta fans!
This is Dean Kaelin, voice coach for David Archuleta. I want to thank you all for your support of David and his career. You have been great and David and all of us that work with him are so grateful for your support of David and his music.
I wanted to make you aware if you weren’t already that my daughter Anna Kaelin is a Country/Pop singer whose career is rising. She was on American Idol season 8 and has been touring since last Summer. We showcased her for some labels and music industry people in Nashville in October. She will be moving to Nashville full time in March so that she can really get things going.

The labels are very interested in her, but are sitting back and watching how her fan base develops to see if she can generate some buzz and excitement among the listening public. If you enjoy David I think that you would really enjoy Anna.

I wanted to reach out to all of David’s fans and see if they would take just a few seconds and vote for Anna so she can get into the top 10 today. It would help show the labels that Anna has the ability to attract fans. I thought it would be an interesting experiment to see how active and strong David’s fans still are if they could generate some excitement for Anna as well! It would also be great if you could join her fan club on Facebook (just google Anna Kaelin Fan Club). That way you could keep up with all she is doing and be a part of things as her star rises! You could be one of the ones that says, “Yes, I knew her BEFORE she was famous!”

Anna has an EP that is available as well. You can find her songs on i-tunes, just search for Anna Kaelin. Thanks again for all your support of David and all he is doing!

Dean Kaelin – David Archuleta Voice Coach

Road Trip

2011-03-18T08:17:00.003-06:00

This was our view from our campsite this morning.

Isn't it great? We are in Asheville NC and are heading into town to check out all its excitements.

Happy Friday!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Camping

2011-03-14T21:42:00.003-06:00

So Paul and I have packed up the car once again for a week long adventure. In the fall we headed north to look at the leaves and so this spring for our spring break we have decided to find the warm weather and head south.

Last night we camped at this great KOA in Wilmington, North Carolina and I woke up refreshed and excited about being with nature.

We spent today traveling along the coast in North and South Carolina stopping at beaches at sights of interest. We toured a navy battleship, which was amazing! I have no idea how those men stayed on those boats for so long.

Tonight we are in South Carolina just north of Savannah, Georgia. We pulled into a camp sight and noticed that there is only one sight for a tent and everything else is for cabins or RVs. Why do you think there is only one tent spot? I think it is for the person dumb enough to camp in a tent 40 feet from an alligator pond, that is why. So tonight dear friends I write to tell you that camping is not always like it is in the pictures and movies. Paul is sleeping in the tent with Jack ( the Doberman) and Charlie and I are hiding away in the car! I wonder if I am just a big wuss?

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Making Waves in the Blogging World

2011-03-10T17:10:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to say that apparently I am becoming cool as I have been blogged about in Canada by this awesome chick named Caitlin. Check it out. If you (meaning any of you that read my blog) want to blog about me then that is cool too! Unless of course you call me an ugly b-otch and draw mustaches on my pictures :) That I feel would be uncool.

Check out Caitlin's blog HERE and HERE.

Speaking of mustaches...check these wicked things out

Cool Hair Do

2011-03-09T01:00:00.000-07:00

I love to read A Cup of Jo blog and the other day she posted this way cute hair style. I tried to recreate it and mine totally sucked and I ended up looking like a bad Princess Leia with 3 buns instead of 2. When Paul saw it he said "what the heck do you have in your hair?' so awesome for me. Apparently I suck at 3 twisted buns, but the style is so cute that I want to try it again until I get it right.

The full tutorial can be found here.
Try it out and send me a pic and let me know if you can do it.

Married 6 Years

2011-03-08T00:01:00.001-07:00

I am proud to say that we have been married (click Here to see other past wedding post) six years as of March 5. I realize that this isn't really all that long in the grand scheme of things, but in today's society where divorce is rampant and marriages are lucky to last two years, I am really proud of us. I guess now we have to make it through the 7 year itch.

Here are 6 Reasons Why I Wont Be Running Anytime Soon
1. He is 100 times more patient than me, which is a great balance to my NOW NOW NOW mentality
2. He cooks delicious food, which is just an added bonus considering that since he cooks- I don't have too
3. We push and support each other to be the best versions of ourselves
4. He loved me and took care of me during my horrible seizure every day multiple times a day period of our lives
5. He is my favorite person to travel with cause he is fun, easy going, and also cause we have similar travel styles
6. He is thoughtful and I love him

Our anniversary was spent enjoying brunch at a local restaurant called "Artie's" and feeling like we had gone into a diabetic coma after we ate the yummy Brioche French Toast (sweet bread dipped in sugary batter and then dipped in brown sugar granola), riding bikes together, going to see the movie "The Adjustment Bureau", and dancing. Paul was so excited to give me my gift that he made me open it up the night before. He had been talking about it for weeks and that alone was enough, just knowing how excited he was to give me something that he knew I would love. The best part is that I had mentioned that I wanted this in passing like 6 weeks ago. I had been shopping at some little store and saw cowboy rain boots and I thought they were absolutely adorable. So when I opened up my box I was stunned and surprised to see...

They are dang cute and I love them and I love that Paul bought me something that I would have never bought myself. Thanks babe. Happy Anniversary!

Turn a Closet into an Office

2011-03-07T00:01:00.000-07:00

I can not wait to own a house again. I love this idea of turning a closet into an office. Such a great color and great wallpaper. Here are the details on how to do this project found at Country Living.

What do you think?

Buying the Caged Free Eggs 2

2011-03-04T08:43:00.002-07:00

It is nice to know that my friends are so forward thinking and cool! I am planning on watching Food, Inc. tonight and recommend it to all my readers. I will blog about what I learned and what I think. I checked and it is available to watch instantly on Netflix.com if you have a subscription. Maybe we should have a date night? Lets all watch Food, Inc. tonight.

Lauren, I love that you have chickens in your yard. My old neighbors in Sugarhouse have chickens and my dear friend has chickens too. I saw this post on Sunset Magazine that made me think of everyone in Salt Lake City, Utah. If you don't get Sunset Magazine and you live in the West you are really missing out. I highly recommend it. I love this magazine. It has such great stories of cool earthy things to do, gardens, recipes, places to visit, etc.

Here is the chicken article.
Backyard chickens
Written by Vanessa Chang

Fresh eggs from your SLC backyard

One word: chickens. A new Salt Lake County law means you can now keep hens in your yard. Get a jump-start on spring with an intro class at the University of Utah. This month’s Coops de Ville: How to Raise Backyard Chickens gives you the 101 on which breeds to choose, how to care for fuzzy little chicks, and how to keep them safe in the suburbs. Mar 2 and 9 or Mar 3 and 10; $51; continue.utah.edu

How cool is that? Charlie and Jack would probably eat my chickens, but I like the idea. Go buy a chicken and have fresh eggs.

Have a great weekend. Tomorrow is mine and Paul's 6th Wedding Anniversary. It is so weird to think about. We are planning on playing all day in Washington DC and then going to a play or music concert or something or other.

Buying the Caged Free Eggs

2011-03-03T00:01:00.000-07:00

Do you spend twice the amount to buy caged-free eggs? Recently, Paul and I have switched to caged-free as I watched an intense video on battery-caged hens and it made me realize that it was worth the extra money to know I wasn't helping fund their animal cruelty. Here is an interesting article by the Humane Society on the subject. Tell me what you think.

Tree House Bed

2011-03-02T08:41:00.000-07:00

I would have loved one of this as a little girl! This is seriously so cool and magical. I bet I would have pretended I was Repunzel or something fun like that. I want to have Paul build something like this for our little kids one day. What do you guys think? Also, the whole room is simply fabulous. Love the rug and all the fun colors in the room. Check out the full post on The Slow Life.

Not Fair

2011-02-28T13:40:00.001-07:00

When I was younger I wanted to be famous, as I am sure most of my readers would agree that they experienced the same desires. The idea of wearing beautiful clothes, being in magazines, making lots of money, handsome men, blah blah blah, were all a big draw for me. Later I realized that in exchange for this fame many celebrities have hard love lifes, drug addictions, scary stalkers, and no privacy so I decided to change careers (well that and that I didn't have any idea how I would actually be famous!)

Well now that I am a bit older I have decided to come back to my original idea and try to be famous once again. My reason...

Anne Hathaway was paid $750,000 to wear jewelry by Tiffany & Co at the Oscars and Gwyneth Paltrow was paid $500,000 to wear some stunning Louis Vuitton jewelry.

I have decided this is painfully unfair. Does anyone want to dress me up in a Dior dress, cover me with some bling, and pay me some cash? Hey I would even accept $100,000.

What did you guys think of the Oscars last night? Were you happy with the results?

Have a Great Weekend

2011-02-25T13:43:00.003-07:00

I am curious if anyone else has this problem. Paul insists on making his side of the bed with his pjs tucked under his pillow (at least when he decides to help make the bed). This sounds good in theory, but somehow he manages to just throw it in the corner of the bed and even though the bed is made it ends up looking like a big mess. Sometimes I dream that my bed looks like this
or this

but usually it looks a lot like this (if you imagine pjs sticking out) this is not my actual bed.

I am not sure why he can't just take off his pjs and put them away in a dresser. I realize that I need to pick my battles so I try to let this one go. So my question is...

"What weird things does your spouse or loved one do?"

Paul also can't seem to figure out where our laundry bins are. I am just saying.

Have a great weekend. I am heading off to my college class at Northern Virginia Community College to see my students final presentations. This class is called Overview of the Recording Industry. We have a good time researching and doing case studies on artists like Lady Gaga, Dave Matthews Band, Radiohead, the Beatles, Michael Jackson, Justin Beiber, and many more. Tonight my students are presenting me with their press kits. I am excited to see what they have created.