Tis the Season for change

I have been feeling slightly "blagh" every time I look in the mirror for the last month or so. It was time for a change, but I honestly had no idea as to what I should do. Then, the opportunity arose. Yesterday, in Logan, Utah, a local hair salon was doing a special fund raiser for an adorable 4 year old girl who has recently been diagnosed with Lukemia. All hair cutting fees would be donated to this little girl for the therapy that she needs. So, I thought there couldn't be any better cause for me to cut my hair and then donate some money to this sweet little girl. Luckily I got the hair stylist who has been cutting hair for 16 years and is a seasoned professional. She cut 5 inches of my long locks of hair off...which is a big change! I have had my hair long for YEARS!! Bless my lucky stars the hair cut turned out adorable!!!! I couldn't be any happier! (Except for now I wish that I lived here so that she could continue to be my hairstylist! She was really, really good!) Now, when I look in the mirror it is so fun. It is like a new me! I love it! Have any of you made a drastic change like that? How did it go? Were you happy or mortified at the end?

Oh What a Beautiful Morning!

I woke up early this morning (of course my body is still used to Eastern time, so it probably wasn't all that early.) I was able to put some carmel rolls I had been raising all night into the oven, and do some other tasks that have been hanging over my head, hours before anyone was awake. It has been wonderful! (Except for the fact that I burned my rolls and the carmel on the top of them flowed over the top of my pan so now I have to go clean out the oven, my most dreaded house job! Erk.) I wish I was more of a morning person. It would be nice to watch the sun come up every morning. So, I'm wondering what my readers prefere: Sleeping in, or being an early riser?

Honest Abe Quote

My mother has a quote on her computer desk that I have been staring at, every time I sit down to the computer. It is a fridge magnet that she bought at Abraham Lincoln's birthplace museum, in Kentucky. The quote is:

"It's not the years in your life that count, its the life in your years."

Thanks Abe for being filled with wisdom and deep thoughts, that we can hang on our fridge, and hopefully put our lives back into perspective. Do you have any inspirational quotes that you would like to share?

"Will Work For Food"

Last night I was driving down main street in Logan, UT and saw an older man on the sidewalk holding a piece of cardboard that said "Will work for food." I was instantly hit with compassion and a desire to help, but because of my own safety and well being I had to keep driving. He looked like a decent man, I have no idea what road he has been down to be in this current situation, and I do not judge him harshly. Times are hard right now. It is so discouraging to me that I have had to succumb to current safety guildlines in America. Perhaps they are self-driven safety measures, but I feel to be able to make it I have to look out for myself and my family. So, I am sorry to the man I drove past last night, please forgive me for not being able to give, even though everything inside of me wants to help you out and give you the simple pleasures of life.
When I was in Salt Lake City the other day we were driving around and ended up passing a food Kitchen, with a line up of people outside of the doors, just needing food. This has alway's been something difficult for me to see. When I was younger if I ever saw someone on the side of a road with a sign I would litterally start crying for them, because I knew that they were hurting in some way. I guess the most I can give right now is a little money when the opportunity arises and a prayer that the Lord will watch over these people and take care of their needs. Do any of you have any stories or idea's to share when you see someone in need?

Thank heaven for Jane Austen

I arrived in Utah yesterday with a very happy baby, (Thank-you for the plane tips!) I of course was worn out and tired, but happy to finally be here! While I have been away my parents took a trip to Europe and had a blast! They were able to see so many sites and experience things that they had read about. My Mother planned most of the activites because my father is a little lacking on the Romance side. They stayed in a hotel in London that had a perfect view of Big Ben, Westminster abby, Parliament, and the thames river. They went on a ride on the London Eye which was absolutly amazing according to my mother. They also were able to watch the Broadway Les Miserable on the West end of London, and see the London Tower and the crown jewels. But, most importantly they went to the Jane Austen Centre in Bath. They were able to go to various locations where parts of different Jane Austen movies were filmed. She said it was just beautiful! Jane Austen is one author where every book I read I love and feel that I can relate to various characters. The next Jane Austen book on my list is "Persuasion." I have heard that it is a great story, even though it is not as popular as her other books. Mom got me a bag she bought at the centre that say's I (heart) Mr. Darcy!
I told my husband about this bag and he laughed, but he doesn't quit understand the man that Mr. Darcy is! I have decided that every woman in her lifetime needs to have a Mr. Darcy, who is level headed and cool, and caring. Thanks honey for being my Mr. Darcy! I am one lucky chick!

I'm leaving on an Airplane

I am leaving for a three week trip to Utah tomorrow morning with my 8 month old daughter. My husband will be flying out later for Thanksgiving. I have not flown solo with an 8 month old before and am very nervous, as she is VERY busy right now! I am trying to think up ways to distract her and keep her happy, and hopefully not annoy the passangers sitting around us. Does anyone have any flying with infants/children tips? I am needing advice!

TGIF

My baby woke up way too early this morning! Or maybe I went to bed way to late last night. Either way, I am super tired today. I think it is a great day to take a nap! Does anyone have any great plans for a Friday night? Let me know, because I definatly need some idea's. I'm considering it to be a great movie night tonight!

The very Yummy Late Night Dinner

I was definately over-achieving last night with my dinner desires, but I had watched "Down Home with the Neely's" on the food channell and they were making the most delicous sounding Hamburger and Home made Onion Rings. I got onto the web page and luckily had everything in stock that the was needed to make the meal! Yay! It was AWSOME!!!!! I wish my little brother still lived here because I definately would have scored some points as the greatest cook in the world last night. My Husband has to keep me humble so he has become a food snob coniesiour, but he still enjoyed the meal A LOT! Be sure to make the Neely's Secret Sauce recipe first to let it sit in the fridge while you prepare everything else. It is sooooooooooo Yummy! We used it on the burger and dipped the onion rings into it. (Caution: this is probably not considered a low fat meal! But everyone should enjoy this recipe at least once!)
Here is the web address for the Memphis Beale Street Burger:
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/patrick-and-gina-neely/memphis-beale-street-burger-recipe/index.html

The Onion Ring Url is:
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/patrick-and-gina-neely/pats-old-school-onion-rings-recipe/index.html

Happy Eating!

Is it the weather?

So, I am sitting in my comfy computer desk chair and realizing that I have a ton of stuff to do. The organization that used to be present (for at least one day) is now unorganized and screaming at me to attack, yet again. So, where do I start? The kitchen, my room, the bathrooms, the junk corner or the computer desk. I have zero motivation. Maybe I will just go brew up a steaming cup of hot cocoa and watch the Sound of Music, since the baby is asleep I could watch it uninterrupted, and probably get a good cat nap also. It is slightly overcast out and cold, perhaps that is why my energy is zapped today. Does anyone have any tips for the lazy and unmotivated person I would like to be, for just one day? What are your "pick-me-up" tips?

The Shopping Mall

Yesterday I had to stop at Babies R Us to get a new diaper bag for a trip home I am taking soon. I needed one that would zip shut so that my stuff won't be rolling around the airplane. I was there for at least two hours. They had way too many diaper bags to choose from! (And I also had to walk around and see the cute things that were available in the toy/bath department.)
I also had to make a stop at the mall to pick up my favorite eye liner, which is only sold at Macy's in the mall. As I walked into the wide double doors I was instantly reminded about how out of style and old all of my cloths are. I realized that my hair was probably hair blown, my makeup needing some refreshing and I should have worn a much more showy top. I also should have left the Croc's at home and traded them out for a nicer pair of black dress up shoes. Luckily I was able to keep my head on straight, get to the makeup counter, make my small purchase and escape before too much vanity sunk into me. As I was backing out of the parking spot I realized that I wanted nothing more at that moment then to have a shopping spree with a donated $5000 dollar or more limit.
I am not complaining about my life, I am very blessed, and do appreciate my simple, small wardrobe, I just like to dream periodically, and maybe hope that someday I can buy a shirt from "Express" which I absolutely have to ban myself from entering because I will fall in love with all of their cloths and accessories!
What stores do you have to ban yourself from? Am I the only one who has to avoid Babies R Us and the mall?