Lorina Lee

some of my classes

2012-02-16T08:30:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I have to stop myself and take a picture of the mountains. I know this is not the most flattering picture, but Utah mountains in the winter are breathtaking. I'll get a better picture next time.

So right now I'm taking amazing classes. I'm loving every single minute of it. My semester has been amazing. And I don't want to graduate, at least not yet. It's been incredibly busy, but so worth it because I feel like I'm growing intellectually and creatively in endless measures. Where do I even begin? Sometimes I wish I started Honors program when I was a freshman or at least took more Honors classes. This class seriously blows my mind. My teacher is the coolest teacher ever- she goes to Egypt every summer and studies pyramids and mummies. Her main field of study is textile archaeology. Her kids win the geography bee and they are in the debate team. Can I please have her life? In our class our chairs are in random disarray so we never sit in the same spot twice. In our last class we discussed about The Art of War and how that ties in with relationships and it was so fun. We watch amazing films every week that I cry and laugh and fall in love with them every single time. The foreign films and documentaries broaden my film experience 1000x. If you have never seen Life is Beautiful or Whale Rider- go watch them right now because you have not lived a full life until you've seen them! The thing about this class is that I feel like I'm enriching my life. I'm in involved in all the discussions, readings, and learning. I probably talk too much in the class! I feel like I'm not only getting an education, but I'm actually LEARNING and I realize how wonderful that is. I'm not a genius by any means, but this class makes me feel smart and I love it.

My ceramics class is the most time consuming, yet rewarding class at the same time. I spend several hours a week working on my projects. I don't even know how to describe them to you. The pictures below belong to the first project that I worked on- my teacher wanted something personal and unique so I made this. There is a lot of symbolism to it and it means a lot to me because I spent so much time thinking about it and working on it. One of my best moments I've had academically was how my teacher was really excited about what I've done and the potential it had. She wanted me to keep on working on it even though I thought it was already done. I just glazed the sculpture so I'm excited to see the finish product.

We just started throwing clay on the wheel and it is HARD. It's looks easy when professionals do it, but it seriously takes several hours of practice. I'm learning as I go, but it's teaching me patience. This class is teaching me a lot about putting your best effort and lot of patience and time. I realize that I can excel in anything if I just try my hardest and put my all into it. Not only is this class stretching my creative abilities, but also it has been very spiritual for me as well. I don't have to just take religion classes to feel spiritual, and this class is no exception.

I get so giddy every time I go to my floral class. I love flowers. It's been a blast learning all these different flowers and my teacher is such a hoot and so crazy! How can you not be happy with all the flowers surrounding you? Our apartment smells so good because of them.

All About Love

2012-02-14T10:04:00.000-08:00

I think a lot of people have Valentine's Day wrong. Valentine's Day shouldn't be just about having a significant other and romantic love. Yeah, it feels good when you have that someone special to celebrate it with, but honestly Valentine's Day should be celebrating ALL types of love. This morning I woke up and excitedly told Meghan 'Happy Valentine's Day' and talked about what our plans were for today. Our awesome roommate gave each of us a sweet card and a box of chocolates. Our guys friends made us Valentine cards and that made my day. I walked up to campus listening to Taylor Swift love songs. I went to Floral Design class and everyone got a rose. So today is going to be a good day because I'm grateful for the love I feel every day from people I know. That's what Valentine's Day should be about!

Audrey threw an awesome 'For Like Ever' party. She did such a good job!

museum and fashion shoot.

2012-02-10T14:14:00.000-08:00

Elizabeth and Allison are my soul sisters. We clicked right away when we found out we were in the same ward and started eating lunch together every week. These girls are cooler than cool. I seriously feel so lucky being friends with them because we have such a blast together and we all love the same things. Foreign films, art museums, antiques, and hoping to see the world. Allison did an internship in Bali last summer doing marketing for a non-profit orangutan reservation. What the freak? She got to save monkeys, live in Bali, and ride a moped all summer? She pretty much wins the coolest internship award right there. Elizabeth is so talented in whatever she does. Whatever she writes is pure magic. She also has amazing taste and is so artistic.

We have been wanting to go to Springville Art Museum for the longest time and finally did it. It was beautiful, so many talented artists and amazing paintings. I wish one of my friends would have a reception there because it is picture perfect.

I usually hate pictures of myself, but we all agreed to dress up and take pictures. I made sure I looked classy, I think the raincoat does a good job.

We finally got a picture with the three of us. It only took five minutes for the lady to take it. My camera is very confusing to other people.

Our impersonation of the paintings. Allison did the best job. Mine was scary.

We were on our way to an antique store and got lost in this magical wonder of a place. We couldn't believe our luck-the lighting was perfect- and the background was spectacular. These pictures are soo dreamy, I can't get over it!

I love laughing candid pictures. I know a lot of people say they don't like candid pictures, but you just have to take tons of them until you find the right one and they turn out to be priceless because that picture captures the essence of what's really going on.

So freaking beautiful I cannot get over it! This picture is just plain magic!

I look so mysterious. I feel like I'm in a suspense movie or something like that.

We are trying to do a serious shot, but inside I'm laughing really hard.

ok, you can't really see my face- but who cares? The lighting is perfect.

So the moral of the story is dress your best, get lost, find an awesome spot, take pictures while laughing until your crying, and plan for more fun times like this. We ended our day with Chinese food and comparing who is coolest by who-knows-famous-people stories.

cabin fever

2012-02-08T13:34:00.000-08:00

A group of friends went to a cabin at Midway to celebrate a special girl's birthday. Audrey B. was nice enough let a group of people go and spend the night at a beautiful cabin. We ate amazing food, watched BYU basketball, and played fun games. I experienced 'Just Dance' for the first time on the wii and it was a blast! That was seriously like a workout, I want to do that every day now. Utah is absolutely gorgeous during the winter. I'm so in love with Utah during this time, even though I don't like the cold. Wintertime in the cabin is just so fun. Note to self: Save tons of money and one day buy a cabin in Utah. Only good things come out of it.

wedding bells

2012-02-06T13:32:00.000-08:00

My best friend is getting married!!!!! I'm so excited! I'm pretty much as excited for the wedding as these two. Before they came back home I got so nervous and excited and was wondering what I should wear to the celebration. I made sure I looked cute, but of course I wasn't in any of the pictures. (The downside is now that I take all the pictures I don't get to be in them.) Anyways, I'm really happy for the both of them. Joey treats her like a princess and Meghan deserves such a great guy. They are such a great couple and it is awesome that all her friends consider him as a friend as well. They will be getting married on August 18th at the Salt Lake Temple. Now, it's time for wedding planning. I pretty much designated myself as their wedding planner sidekick. I hope they don't mind. Let the wedding plans begin!

The Year of the Dragon

2012-02-01T10:23:00.000-08:00

I was talking to my mom about Chinese New Year and I was debating whether or not I should have a party for it. I found out that this year is the year of the dragon and I'm a dragon so I couldn't resist. Chinese people are very superstitious and they believe that 2012 is a really lucky year and on top of that dragons are the best animals to be. So I just had to throw a party. I bought lots of yummy chinese candy and we made pot stickers and fried rice. We also had a little bit of calligraphy writing. It was the perfect party: not too many people where you couldn't enjoy it and not too little people where it was awkward. I noticed that I don't take that many pictures of people, I will be better about that. I wore a Chinese traditional dress and I didn't take a picture of that either. I need to work on taking pictures where it counts. Other than that, the party was great. Go year of the dragon! Should be my lucky year no?

these are a few of my favorite things

2012-01-30T09:17:00.000-08:00

bow ties and a red dress.

Goals for 2012

2012-01-28T16:25:00.000-08:00

I love looking back on the past years whenever I make goals for the upcoming year. It brings me great joy thinking that I always have something to work on or improve. I'm far from perfect and this is the opportunity to always reach a little higher and strive a little harder. I feel good about this year- full of changes and unexpected surprises waiting to happen. Sometimes I think life is kind of dull moments or maybe it's just me that I find boring, but when I really think about it- life is never intended to be boring. We make it, mold it, shape it to how we want our life to be. So if our life is boring, it's our fault and no one else's. So here's to a great 2012- The Year of the Dragon.

Spiritual

- Read General Conference talks

- Keep a spiritual journal when I'm reading scriptures

- Read the New Testament

- Read C.S. Lewis books (all of them)

Mental/Intellectual

- Read more classics and thought provoking books

- Write every single day

- Be more involved with writing group

Physical Wellness

- Focus more on beauty- wear more makeup, take better care of skin and hair

- Run a 5k or 10k

- Cook different foods, try the no sugar diet during the week, eat more fruits and veggies

- Take vitamins

- Deep condition hair once a week

- Join an exercising group

Social

- Plan and host parties ( The Great Gatsby in December, Midsummer's Day, and etc)

- Be a better friend. Make more of an effort to stay in touch with friends

- Serve more. Do service with Spanish

- Spend New Year's Eve at somewhere cool

Emotional/Inspirational

- Get an awesome internship and job

- Learn to budget. Save money

- Take an online photography class

- Travel to someplace new. Leave the country. Go back to Taiwan. Go to Europe. Go anywhere.

Andrea

2012-01-23T09:04:00.000-08:00

Andrea has this natural beauty that is striking. She is such a lovely girl and so fun. I wanted to do pictures where they focused on her soft beauty. Her long, blonde hair with apple cheekbones are just the little details about her that make her unique. She is such smarty pants too. I have such beautiful friends, inside and out.

'The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman is seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides. True beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It's the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows & the beauty of a woman only grows with passing years.' - Audrey Hepburn

A modern hepburn

2012-01-18T09:09:00.000-08:00

So I had a great opportunity to help out with a photo shoot. The photographer is such a cute sweet girl and it was a great fun learning experience for me. I told her that I have all these little ideas in my head so I think a beautiful photographer/stylist relationship will be starting. This shoot was so easy, because the model was a natural. I felt like I really wasn't doing my job because everything flowed so well. She is the perfect modern Hepburn.

photographer: Jess Dall

model: Aimee Blau

co-director: Briana Hunt

stylist: Lorina Binning

I saw the movie Super 8 over Christmas break and was inspired to do 8mm movies. I decided to record snippets of the shoot and I think it adds more charm to the experience.

Untitled from Lorina Binning on Vimeo.

Start sewing

2012-01-17T14:08:00.000-08:00

I took a beginning sewing class and it was one of the best decisions I made on a college course. There were a lot of students that were grateful for the learning experience, but didn't like the class. I loved it. I couldn't wait to go to class pretty much every day. I got excited about each of my project and planned how I wanted them to look. I also had a secret desire that I had to make mine the cutest project out of everyone's. I'm sure it wasn't, but I am pretty dang proud of my outfits I felt like they were the best of the class.

I know a lot of people want to learn how to sew, because honestly it is such a good skill. I'm one of the girls that have moms that don't know how to sew so I'm so grateful that I learned how to because it's the best thing ever. If you know sewing pretty well, Berninas are the best. They range from $500-$5000. They are so dang expensive, yet so good. One of these days I'll get a Bernina, but until then I got my lovely brother sewing machine. I did a lot of research and my parents got this baby for me for Christmas. I LOVE it. It's affordable and it's user-friendly and easy to work with. So if you want to start learning how to sew, get this sewing machine and a sewing handbook with lots of visuals and with lots of practice you can make just about anything your heart desires. I bought the handbook, because it got amazing reviews and it's very pretty. I highly recommend it. Sewing is daunting, but it's the best. You will not regret this. You can even learn how to sew through youtube! Thank heavens for modern technology. Anyone care to have a sewing party with me?

brother

Book review: Across the Universe

2012-01-14T08:52:00.000-08:00

I'm trying to be better about reading more classics, books that make you think, books that inspire you- but right now I'm just sticking to the fast entertainment I-don't-want-to-really-think kinds of books.

Across the Universe is a sci-fi thriller that will shock you, make you upset, and maybe make you think a little. I got sucked in right from the first page and couldn't stop reading it until the very end. It's a fast read so you'll finish it in a few days, but boy is this a roller coaster! I remember just thinking way too much about this book and how much it effected me. You know the author is good when you can visualize yourself as the main characters and you are just emotionally drawn to the story. I just felt like I could feel the same emotions as these characters. I didn't realize that this book was going to be a trilogy so I was upset after I read it, because it didn't end on a good note. The second book just came out recently so I'm definitely going to jump on that and find out what happens because it's kind of like Hunger Games where it leaves you hanging at the end. Read it when you get a chance because this book is not your typical dystopian book.

Premise:

Amy is a cryogenically frozen passenger aboard the vast spaceship Godspeed. She expects to wake up on a new planet, 300 years in the future. But fifty years before Godspeed's scheduled landing, Amy's cryo chamber is unplugged, and she is nearly killed.

Now, Amy is caught inside an enclosed world where nothing makes sense. Godspeed's passengers have forfeited all control to Eldest, a tyrannical and frightening leader, and Elder, his rebellious and brilliant teenage heir.

Amy desperately wants to trust Elder. But should she? All she knows is that she must race to unlock Godspeed's hidden secrets before whoever woke her tries to kill again.

Warning: There is an awkward part of the book where the inhabitants in the book are 'mating' because they are given drugs to increase their sex drive only on certain times. Nothing too graphic, just awkward. So you can skip that part when you get to it, but just understand that this information is kind of an important part of the plot.

Check out the website- http://acrosstheuniversebook.com/ (It has loads of information and visuals!)

winter playlist

2012-01-13T08:02:00.000-08:00

Lorina Binning's winter playlist by Lorina Binning on Grooveshark

My new favorite band:

I don't even know how to describe this band- it's more instrumental than lyrical. It's a European electronica band. You either love it or hate it. I can't get enough of it. If you like Massive Attack, this band is for you. And their newest album is a rockstar.

This video is also the bomb. How fun would this be?

life

2012-01-11T10:02:00.000-08:00

photo

my own photo

My thoughts exactly.

Get Schooled

2012-01-09T09:29:00.000-08:00

Ok, I had such a blast doing this. We woke up early Saturday morning and got ready. I curled her hair and busted my gut laughing so hard trying to do her makeup. I really don't know jack about beauty stuff, but I did my best. I coerced her to let me put red lipstick on her (her first time and LOVED it, but she won't admit it to anyone else). She looked so good. I picked out the outfits and she just modeled away. What good times!! She's beautiful, don't you agree?

Model- Rachel

Place- Karl G. Maeser building in Provo, Ut

"Knowledge is light and love and vision"- Helen Keller

last of the first day

2012-01-06T08:48:00.000-08:00

The beginning of this semester is bittersweet. I want to cry because it's my last semester of class ever, yet I'm excited because I have amazing classes ready to be conquered. My college days are coming to an end and my unknown future life is looming in front of me with decisions that I don't want to make. Sometimes I wish I could go back freshmen year and relive college all over again (well, most parts of it. Some parts I could skip over). Too bad I don't have a time warp machine. Anyways, I'm lucky enough where my major allows me to take classes that I want and I'm so grateful for that. Most of my friends didn't really have the liberty to do that.

The List

The Pen and the Sword
The class is really called that. This is the first honors class I'll be taking and I wished I took more of them, because the Honors Program offers some rockin' classes. Who knew that they offered a C.S. Lewis class because who doesn't love him and his works? You just spend a whole semester reading his books and talk about it. Sounds bliss to me. In this class we study about early civilizations and how war has affected their society. My teacher is really cool, she was wearing awesome oxford shoes that I wished I had and plays music before class starts. She made us move our chairs into a circle and we discussed which was more powerful to move people- the sword- fighting battles for whatever reason or the pen- written works to influence people for the better or worse. We also get to watch movies that no one else has ever seen. Pretty much the black and white ones in French and the Indie ones where you have no idea what's going on. I feel cultured already.

Floral Design
Ok, I wish I could buy flowers every day but my college fund prohibits the copious amounts of flowers that I would like to have. This semester my dream is coming true- I get to work with flowers almost every day! I'm just excited to learn the different types of flowers, what goes well together, what colors work, and I'm just dying of excitement!

Ceramics
I took a ceramics class one summer a few years back and loved it. It was only for a month and once a week so this class is going to be great. Throwing clay is tough, let me tell you. But it's the coolest feeling shaping pottery. It's very peaceful and relaxing. I'm ready to get super messy for this class.

My other classes are a capstone and a global communications class so I'm sure they will be good. I have awesome teachers so this semester is going to be the best one yet. I love college! And I'm really crying inside because I have to leave it soon.

the wonderful world of color

2012-01-04T11:34:00.000-08:00

taken at Tubac, Arizona

pretty little things

2012-01-03T11:30:00.000-08:00

I found this beautiful china piece and couldn’t resist myself and had to get it. I made this for my sister as a christmas present. I love it as a cake stand.

My mom bought some birdcages when we lived in China. I sometimes forget the beautiful chinese furniture we have since we’ve had them for so long. After so many years I just started noticing them. These birdcages are so pretty even though they are falling apart. I like how the broken pieces and cobwebs add to the mystique, personally.

oh man, I love this dog. He is my parents’ sixth child pretty much. This dog has been a big part of my life for 13 years. Every time I come home my parents always talk about how he is mine. We are buddies- we like to play out in the rain together and whenever I’m home he always chooses to sleep with me. I always give him a bath everytime I come home even though he hates it. I just love him, even though he kind of drives me crazy sometimes.

Pretty much the backyard of the house. I feel like the second picture needs a quote on it with something inspirational in some cool typography. Sunsets in Arizona are pretty awesome down here.

I love vintage and i love thrifting. Some places really surprise me sometimes. Like how I go to a little dinky thrift store in a middle of nowhere town and find these two beautiful dresses for a total of $11. I could not believe my luck! Getting awesome deals while you are shopping is such a good feeling. These dresses make my heart happy.

I love the red silk ribbon on the bottom of the dress. It makes me so happy! It’s really not very hard to please a girl. Buy the girl something pretty and she will love you forever.

New Year’s Resolutions

2012-01-02T09:46:00.001-08:00

I have many goals and aspirations for 2012, but I think this one pretty much sums it all up.

holiday scenes

2011-12-29T08:12:00.001-08:00

Didn’t really do much except watch tons of movies, read awesome books, shopping, and eating. I love the holidays because I can be lazy as a dog and do whatever I want until the crazy humbug of school life.

See a trend here? Food and baby nephew Jaden. He is adorable! Quite a rascal, running all over the place, but has the cutest laugh and smile. Everytime I say ‘kisses’ in Chinese, he’ll come closer and let me give him a kiss on his face. He also has the prettiest green eyes ever.

A Must See!

2011-12-23T10:15:00.000-08:00

Ok, my sister has been begging me for months and months to watch this show and I finally got around to it. And I’m OBSESSED! I cannot get enough of it. Seriously, this show sucks you in and you just want to watch all of it it one after the other. If you like BBC movies, I promise you will love this show. It just came out and has amazing reviews so it won’t disappoint. The best part is that the show is on netflix! Make sure you have some free time because you will need it. It’s so addicting! You fall in love and hate some of the characters and the plot is just juicy and awesome! Go and watch it now!!

There once was 12….

2011-12-20T13:29:00.001-08:00

Here is a story of two girls from Kentucky. They were best friends and wanted to go to BYU since they were little. Luckily, they both got in and decided it would be better to live in different dorms and meet new people. It was such a great decision. They remained best friends while making new friends! It was a dream come true. The two girls from Kentucky decided to live right next to each other the next year and the group of friends turned into 12. What does a group of twelve girls bring into this little story? Craziness, fun, party, a little bit of drama, laughter, and friendship. Now, most are married and gone- but this winter of 2011- there still remained 6 left. They decided to have a little get together before more people left to the big crazy world. What happened at this little shindig? Only food, laughter, chatting, and not enough of picture taking. One of the girls wants to beat herself over the head for the lack of pictures she planned to take. What can you do right? We learn from our mistakes. Hopefully, someday the group of 12 girls can come together all at the same time and go back to the good old days of sophomore year when they became their little clique and didn’t become friends with any other girls in the ward.

Homemade pizza is one of my favorite meals to make and it was my first time making cheesecake. It turned out great!

a winter wedding

2011-12-20T01:07:00.001-08:00

After finals were over I went to a companion’s wedding in Idaho. What a beautiful couple and wedding. Everything was great even the crazy cold weather couldn’t dampen our spirits. I am so happy for Kassi and Tommy. They will live a beautiful life, I just know it! I took as many pictures as I could at the reception. It was a blast! I had such a good time documenting all that I could. The decorations were so beautiful and well done. My favorite part was the love you can see that they have for each other. Just look at the way they look at each other. So priceless.

And my favorite picture of the day. It just seeps True Love. I can’t handle it.

christmas festivities

2011-12-15T08:54:00.000-08:00

Ok, I'm just going to warn you- there are a lot of pictures. We had a christmas party in our apartment and it was awesome. Our apartment was adorned with christmas decorations and spirit. Our apartment is pretty magical. We invited our close friends to come and celebrate the upcoming holiday. We had delicious food, sugar cookies, and gingerbread houses. We just really like to host parties don't we? Trust me, we will be having more.

Top 5 80's Teen Movies

2011-12-08T10:27:00.001-08:00

When I was in high school, I watched a lot of movies. My family had a personal little dvd player, the ones that you took on road trips so you wouldn't be bored and bother your brothers and sisters. I love that piece of gadget. Well, the summer of my senior year I got paid to spend a couple of nights with a 92 year old lady. I know that sounds super creepy, but the lady lived by herself and was fragile and needed a friend. They wanted to make sure she would be safe. Half the time I was terrified because I would be trying to sleep in the other room while she was coughing like it was her last breath- trust me I had many bad images of her choking to death while I was in the other room not knowing what the heck I was going to do if she ended up croaking on me. It took me awhile to fall asleep on those nights.

On the days that I saw her I would chat with her for an hour and listen to her talk about her past. Then she would go to her room to sleep, while I went to mine and watched movies on the little movie player. Those nights I got to fall in love with movies from the 1980's. John Hughes and Molly Ringwald were IT. The characters are timeless and wonderful and movies aren't made like those anymore and I'm so sad. At home I have this collection of all versions of chick flicks- BBC, modern day, adventure, and 80's. For those that haven't seen 80's movies- you are missing out! I promise you won't regret it and you will fall in love with the characters. So here is my top 5 80's movies.

1. Say Anything- Movie Where You Wished You Were The Smartest Girl In School Being Pursued By The Coolest Guy Ever.

I remember the first time I saw this movie and I was just blown away! I fell in love with John Cusack because of this movie. Lloyd Dobler- awful name, but you didn't care because you wanted him to be your boyfriend. He is a romantic at heart and he pretty much spoke poetry every time he talked. He was so wise, honest, and good. He knew how to love and show that love and he wasn't afraid to get hurt. I didn't care too much about the girl character but Lloyd Dobler loved her so I had to accept that. She was so lucky, let me tell you.

2. Teen Witch- Movie Where You Wished You Had Magical Powers To Get Your Dream Guy To Love You.

Not many people have seen this movie, but it is a gem! Disney channel used to show it back in the day, but now it's a rare classic. There's dancing, singing, and rapping! One of the coolest scenes is where a girl is having a rap contest with another guy. Totally Rad. It's like your typical high school teen movie- the girl is a nobody and then through magical forces she becomes the most popular girl in school and gets the most beautiful guy. This movie is the epitome of what 80's are like or should be like. The boombox, the fashion, the hair, and the saxophone playing in the background- I LOVE IT! The music and dancing just makes it 10x better.

3. Pretty in Pink: Movie Where You Wished You Might Actually Want To Have Awful Fashion Sense Like Molly Ringwald and Fall in Love with a Yuppie

I think this was the first John Hughes movie that I ever saw and this movie became the catalyst for my love of 80's movies. I LOVE the characters. There is no one like Ducky and one of the best scenes of 80's movie history is Ducky lip syncing at a record store. It is a beautiful performance. There are so many characters that you love and that you love to hate, you just can't help it! I think this is the best John Hughes and Molly Ringwald movie. So good. The fashion is atrocious, but it builds the characters. Just watch it.

4. North Shore- Movie Where You Wished You Moved to Hawaii And Become A Beach Bum.

There is something about Hawaii that no other place has. The atmosphere is toxic where you just want quick school and work and live the hang loose lifestyle. Sometimes I wish I could become a beach bum and be a surfer. Surfers, beach life, Hawaii... It doesn't get better than that.

5. Better Off Dead: Movie Where You Wish You Were A Foreign Exchange Student and Knew How To Ski Really Well

This movie cracked me up! It had the most random characters in the movie and sometimes it didn't make sense, but it made it so fun! John Cusack of course captures the audiences' heart.

Other Movie Recommendations- Any other John Hughes movie (I've only seen Sixteen Candles on TV so it was edited, I heard the unedited version has awful parts so be careful) and any other John Cusack movie (The king of 80's teen movies in my opinion). Check out VH1's I love 80's and see the suggestions they have.

a western christmas

2011-12-06T10:13:00.001-08:00

This is one of the best christmas parties I've been to. I spent my teenage years in Kentucky so I have an affinity towards anything western: cowboy boots, horses, country music (some of it), and country dancing. We celebrated the night at a decked out barn with good food, good people, and good entertainment. The family that owned the barn hosted the event with their own band complete with guitar, drums, accordion, fiddle, and of course singing. Everyone joined in on the fun and danced the night away while I was the unofficial photographer. Of course, I was part of the fun too. The only regret is that I wish I took more pictures, but my SD card got full pretty soon. The dancing was the best part- it reminded me of how they danced in Pride and Prejudice but with a western twist. We learned line dances, silly dances, and best of all stomp-your-boots-and-let's-get-rowdy dances. Made me feel like I was in a Taylor Swift song or in that Hannah Montana movie where they have a hoedown at the barn, yes that movie that I will admit that I like. I've been inspired to build a barn and start my own band- I'll sing and play the harmonica. It will be a real good time, y'all (said in a southern accent).

a must: cowboy hat

and cowboy boots

precious.

I should get paid to take pictures of them

A family that plays together, stays together. Aren't they the cutest?

hazy effect

so magical right?

Girls' Night Out

2011-11-23T08:17:00.000-08:00

Saturday night Rachel and I decided to go out to eat and go to the Riverwoods before the football game. It was a brilliant idea because we chose an exotic restaurant that we have never been to before. Banana Leaf is a Sri Lankan and Singapore restaurant located on University Avenue. None of us ever had Sri Lankan food so we were excited to try something new. We invited some girls in our ward to eat out with us and it was a blast. This restaurant is AMAZING! The food, ambience, place- it had everything just perfect. We walked into the restaurant and people were raving about the food to us. They had the coolest decorations and awesome Bollywood music. If you like Indian food, this is the place to go. It's really similar, just with different curries and spices. I tried the Avocado Juice (I know it sounds gross, but I promise it was sooo good) it's more like a banana/vanilla smoothie than anything else. I'm craving it right now- it really was that good. Even the plates were cool looking! We had such a good time and neat experience trying something new. It's not every day someone can say that they have had Sri Lankan food!

It's really hard to miss this place- they had Christmas decorations.

Avocado Juice! It doesn't even taste like Avocados. It blew me away.

I loved all of it!

We went to Riverwoods right before the game and that place is beautiful. It was just fun to walk around and see the fireworks of lights.

I haven't sat on Santa's lap in years. I pretty much bribed Rachel to do it with me.

Look how happy she is! I told Santa I wanted Prince Charming, Rachel wanted a DVD player. Bahhahah! I laughed so hard when I heard that. I'm sure her Christmas wish will come true. When she said DVD player it totally meant Prince Charming.

Museum of Art

2011-11-21T09:55:00.000-08:00

My campus job is really close to the BYU MOA and so sometimes when I have free time I go and check it out for a few minutes. I love it. It's quite inspiring. I found out that there was going to be an art exhibition opening so Audrey, Rachelle, and I came on the opening night and it was so cool. I snapped a few pictures before the security kindly asked me not to take any more pictures. The exhibition featured The Weir Family who were influenced by war, impressionism, and New England life. Their stories were fascinating and cool. It made me want to work for a museum and become a curator.

So many books!

I walked in and was blown away by this painting. It is absolutely huge and breaktaking.

This gelato was yummy. I like it plain and simple- chocolate.

An accordion player. So romantic.

caramel apples virgin

2011-11-15T12:17:00.000-08:00

I have here a tutorial of how NOT to do caramel apples. As you can tell my roommate and I are not pros. It was fun all the same, but the final product was as hard as rock so we had to throw it away. It would have been so good- we put melted Hershey's chocolate and then crunched nutty bars and we had crushed nuts as well. Sad day. Now I know to not use caramel candy as the caramel covering, but I had a blast making it and taking pictures so next time will be awesome.

11/11/11 at 11:11pm

2011-11-15T09:59:00.001-08:00

On 11/11/11 at 11:11pm we released sky lanterns and I can only think of one word to describe it- magical. I was waiting for the perfect opportunity and I knew this day had to be it. We had about 20+ people at Utah Lake and the air was full of excitement. We all wrote our wishes on the lanterns with the hope that someday they would all come true. We all have dreams right? I realize this past year that if I want something to happen I just have to do it. Just do it and don't think about all the complications. If we just sit there thinking about it and do nothing- that's exactly what's going to happen- nada. So here's to good friends, wishes released to the stars, and having a good time at the after party with laughter, s'mores, and hot cocoa.

( Don't know why the video is having issues, but just watch it on youtube)

P.S. These pics are awful looking bc blogger makes it look so ugly, I'm still figuring it out how to post nice looking pics. If you know how to do it, please let me know. I would appreciate it!

Music

2011-11-10T11:19:00.001-08:00

she's a poet and a mermaid.

Listen: Never let me go

Looking up from underneath
Fractured moonlight light on the sea,
Reflections still look the same to me,
As before I went under

And it's peaceful in the deep,
Cause either way you cannot breathe,
No need to pray, no need to say
Now I am under

And it's breaking over me,
A thousand miles down to the sea bed,
I found the place to rest my head.

Never let me go, never let me go.
Never let me go, never let me go.

And the arms of the ocean are carrying me,
And all this devotion was rushing over me,
And the question of heaven, for a sinner like me,
But the arms of the ocean deliver me.

Other noteworthy songs that are just as good by her:
What the water gave me.
No Light, No Light.

Not a waste of your time, I swear. Just listen to her. Pure talent.

Blast from the Past

2011-11-08T09:33:00.000-08:00

Christmas in the 1950's. The good ol' days!

My mom is beautiful. Wedding reception.

1970's at BYU. Guess where this is at!?

Right outside of Maesar building.

Mom taking missionary lessons.

Taiwan.

my sweet dad

We might have had too much fun...

2011-11-01T08:49:00.000-07:00

Juliet's crime: Being too mysterious and alluring and drama, drama, drama

Gypsy's crime: Casting curses and spells and looking too evil looking

Sandy's crime: Conforming to peer pressure just to impress a high school boy

Marilyn's crime: Too sexy and seducing JFK

sunday in the canyons

2011-10-25T10:00:00.000-07:00

Recently...

2011-10-19T14:30:00.000-07:00

Enjoying the fall Utah offers. Beautiful trees, loving the chilly breeze in the mornings, and great colorful mountains. Wearing the most comfortable pajama pants ever made with love and time by yours truly (Thank you sewing class and my TA who is so kind to me with great patience to my everlasting questions on how to do this and how to do that) and finally taking a roommate picture. I've got lots of photo shoot ideas streaming in my head. Just you wait!

my classes

2011-09-16T09:08:00.000-07:00

This is the first time that I can say that I LOVE all my classes. I get excited every day to come to campus and just soak in as much as I can. I wrote in my journal that I feel like this year more than ever my eyes are being exposed or manifested by the wonderful world of beauty. I'm taking classes that I've always wanted to and I'm loving it. Sometimes I think in my head- I was made for this. I love every single minute of my classes and I feel like I'm not just a student, but a scholar. Someone who delights in learning. It's not like I never liked my classes, but I didn't appreciate them like I do now.

When I was younger, I wanted to be a ballerina because a. It rhymed with my name and it helped people remember it as well- and b. who didn't want to be a ballerina?

I took ballet classes in Taiwan and learned so much and forgot it all until now. The little memories are all coming back to me and my body is definitely feeling all the pain, sweat, hard work, beauty, and power of ballet. This dance is pretty much an art I wish I mastered. But, yet again I like to eat food too much so maybe it was good that I never took it too seriously. Ballerinas pay a high price. They are the most dedicated dancers and I admire that so much. I get excited to go to class in the morning and go to the ballet studio and just learn how to dance in the most simple, beautiful way. It's the best way to start my day.

(Boticelli- Primavera)

I love the little angel smiling (Fra Filippo- Madonna and the Child)

I decided to take Art History the last minute and I'm so glad I did. If I could double major I would pick this one. I read an article by Pico della Mirandola 'Oration on the Dignity of Man' and fell in love with it. It is pure gospel from the 1400's! I was just blown away on how true this piece of writing was and he was declared as a heretic during the Renaissance time.

"the world, most evocative of wonder"

"What a great miracle is man"

"At long last, however, I feel that I have come to some understanding of why man is the most fortunate of living things and, consequently, deserving of all admiration... a thing surpassing belief and smiting the soul with wonder"

"Oh wondrous and unsurpassable felicity of man, to whom it is granted to have what he chooses, to be what he wills to be!"

"But upon man, at the moment of his creation, God bestowed seeds pregnant with all possibilities"

"Let a certain saving ambition invade our souls so that, impatient of mediocrity, we pant after the highest things and (since, if we will, we can) ben all our efforts to their attainment.

Aren't his words absolutely beautiful?

I'm also taking sewing class and I'm so excited! I've always wanted to learn and here was my chance to take advantage of it. This class is super hard, but I hear we learn a lot so I'm up for the challenge. Pretty soon I'll be making awesome clothes in no time.

My ethics class is also thebomb dot com. My teacher is hilarious and has this great small town Texan accent. It makes me miss the south so much. We talk about really interesting issues and what we would do if we were put into certain situations and what we think is moral/immoral. So fascinating.

I love my classes and I'm so excited for next semester. I've got a bunch of classes I'm planning to take!

Coldplay

2011-09-13T07:45:00.000-07:00

Coldplay is releasing their new album on October 24th! I'm so excited! I just heard this song and I'm obsessed.

senior year

2011-09-06T10:08:00.000-07:00

My last year at BYU. I never thought this day would come. I'm nervous all over. This is the time where I wished I did everything I could have done over the past 4 years of my academic career. Did I do everything that I needed to do? Did I take all the classes that I wanted to take? Did I have a great college career, one that I will look back with many fond memories? That's why this year is going to be my best year. I've had great memories every year, but this one- I want to remember as my favorite one. This fall 2011 is about new beginnings, getting involved, and being happy. This is my last year to being a college student and enjoy my young life. So a toast to my senior year- May all my wishes come true and have the best year!

One of the many things I'm excited about: My roommates! I've been lucky to have amazing roommates all of my college career and this year I don't doubt the tradition will continue! My roomies are fun, awesome, so cool, and also hott! I have really good looking roommates! How did I get so lucky???!!!! These girls are seriously amazing- any boy would be lucky to date them.

Meet Meghan:Starting MACC program aka pretty much one of the most prestigious programs at BYU. A master's in accounting is legit and she is really legit. She is pretty smart, but don't let that intimidate you too much. She is so lovable and fun. She also is really funny and cracks me up every time she busts out her ghetto southern accent. HILARIOUS. Also has been my best friend since 12 years old.

Meet Audrey:She is a church librarian(sort of) and loves her job. She is Pop music guru and loves Michael Jackson and Queen to death. She is really good at getting people to like her obsessions for instance, Graham Canyon ice cream. Apparently, it's been a famous BYU ice cream since the beginning of time that I had no idea about until a week ago. Hello? Where have I been all this time? The ice cream is pretty much heaven. Aside from introducing me to the ice cream, Audrey is a great planner and is super creative. She is going to throw awesome parties this year.

Meet Rachel:She is so sweet and amazing. She is such a good example to me. I look up to her even though she is younger than me! She is always saying great compliments to people and is sincere about it. I'm so glad that I got to meet her and become her friend and be her roommate! What a great influence she is on me. I'm a better person just being around her. Very few people are like that and I'm lucky to say I live with one of them!Whatever happens this year- I hope to look back with awesome memories of great classes, great people, great times, and becoming a better me. I'm excited to see what happens!

List of my summer goals

2011-08-30T08:04:00.000-07:00

I made a list at the beginning of summer and I think I did a good job of checking off the list.

Summer goals:

shop vintage and thrift stores: check!!
exercise more: check. Ran a few times a week and trained for my first 5k. It felt really good.
Road trip to California: sadly no
memorize poetry: one poem. She walks in beauty by Lord Byron.
make movies: no
lagoon amusement park: no
bike gang: I went cruising a few sundays with friends. good enough
moab: no
lake powell: no
karaoke night: almost went to pirate's island and just did it at some apartment. Not really the same, but I will count it.
haunted places: Why was this on my list?
concerts: U2!!
outdoor movie: check
zoo: check
mona: check
classic skating: check
stewart falls: no
camping: no. sad

I had a great summer- it was a blast! Now I just need to do camping and road trip to California!

Summer beats

2011-08-26T09:45:00.000-07:00

Some of my favorite things to do is find new music. New music that just got out, but especially music that has been around for awhile and I get to discover it for the first time. I also love finding music from other people's blogs and discovering them for myself. This summer I've been finding awesome music that I want to share. Anyways, here is a playlist of my summer music obsessions. Enjoy!

the book that changed my life

2011-08-08T10:41:00.000-07:00

just kidding. The book didn't really change my life. But it's pretty awesome. The best style book I've read so far. I'm so grateful for this book because it has helped me come out of the post mission uglies.

During the mission- my style or sense of it- plummeted. It pretty much became non-existent. I told myself I would not be the type of sister missionary that would wear jody dresses or ugly jumpers and look like a polygamist. I bought really cute clothes at the beginning, got a haircut, and was just ready to be the cute little sister missionary. Well, 30 pound gain and zombie-like tiredness later, I got to a point where I could care less if I looked like an underage sister wife. I embraced the jody dresses by the middle of my mission and outgrew all of my cute clothes and wore hand me downs and ugly thrift store clothing that I would never ever wear now. Anyways, when I got home for my mission I knew that I needed help on the fashion department and I found this book and it is awesome! I used to think that Lauren Conrad was overrated and I didn't care too much about her until I read this book and now I'm obsessed. She also created the best beauty website ever- thebeautydepartment.com. So if you ever need to read a book on style- check this one out because it's the best.

why i love arizona

2011-08-01T07:18:00.000-07:00

Four summers ago my parents moved to Arizona from Kentucky. I ended my freshmen year of college so I thought the move would be a nice little adventure. We moved from the beautiful, green pastures of bluegrass Kentucky to the HOT, barren desert of wasteland Arizona. I was in for a shock. I hated Arizona. It was so ugly compared to Kentucky- rolling hills with horse farms and good ol' southern charm to add with a little bit of humidity. I loved Kentucky despite the false perceptions of hillbillies and marrying cousins that wore no shoes. Maybe there were some in Kentucky, but Lexington was the exception to the rule. Arizona could not compare to Kentucky. I just remember not being able to leave the house because the outside was comparable to an oven ready to bake anyone into a piece of human pie. What's the point of having summer if you can't even go outside?? I didn't understand why the heck anyone would want move to Arizona. The only thing that I liked about Arizona were the sunsets and that was it.

Over the years I started opening up to the idea of Arizona. Although Arizona didn't have trees or grass, it had the desert. I didn't appreciate the desert until I went to Moab and then I realized how beautiful the desert can be. It's absolutely gorgeous when the sun is setting and it's amazing to see the colors of the rock formations that have been shaped over the years. Needless to say, I love Arizona now. Phoenix is one of the coolest cities and although it reaches over 100 degrees during the summer, it wasn't that bad as I used to remember. So here is my post dedicated to Arizona.

Why I love Arizona-

1. Can I just say their shopping blows Utah out of the water?? Maybe I need to look harder here, but Arizona knows how to have good deals and sales. I bought some amazing clothes in AZ for awesome prices.
2. I just bought my first pair of cowboy boots in the coolest vintage store- Desert Vintage on 4th Avenue. I'm in love.
3. swimming pools everywhere
4. Mexico is 30 minutes away from my house. I crossed the border for the first time in years and it was kind of like my mission. I love my payaya milkshake!
5. White Elephant charity shop- BEST THRIFT STORE EVER. I swear I've never seen a busier thrift store- people line up outside for it to open. I love that place.
6. Cool thunderstorms. I sat outside one night and just watched the thunderstorm for awhile and just enjoyed the beauty of lightning.
7. Phoenix- it has everything.
8. My family lives there
9. 80 degree weather during Christmastime. Can't beat that.
10. The beautiful landscape, what used to be my arch enemy- the desert.

my boots!

my cute daddy

my beautiful nephew. Watch out world, he is your next sports star

my parents

on the border of Mexico
ava the best compliment giver

P.S. It was so fun having friends drop you off at the airport. I want to do this every time now-leave four hours earlier and do something fun in Salt Lake. The zoo and Chiptole was an awesome before flight activity.

I'm re-reading Harry Potter and I'm loving it! Albus Dumbledore is so wise. My favorite line from the 1st book is- " It does not do well to dwell in dreams and forget to live. Oh Albus, you are awesome.

All things British

2011-07-19T16:08:00.000-07:00

I'm going through a British phase. From Harry Potter to tea parties, I can't get enough. They just make everything look so much cooler.

Things I'm obsessed with:

1. Matthew Lewis aka Neville Longbottom

I freaked out when I saw recent pictures of him. I can't stop talking about it and here is proof to my sister of how much he has changed. He has to star in more movies. James Bond maybe?

#2 Kate Middleton.

Her style is amazing! I've never seen anyone make modesty look so hot before. I'm obsessed with the way she dresses.

ok....

2011-06-29T16:36:00.001-07:00

Ok, so I haven't written anything good lately. I guess I'm having too much fun and forgetting to write what's going on in my life? Or maybe I'm too lazy? Or maybe I feel like only 5 people read my blog and everyone could care less? Either way, I'm a little bored with my blog. I'm trying to think of ways to revamp it and make it look cool, but to be honest I should NOT care if 5 or 1000 people read my blog. Sometimes I stop myself from writing stuff because I feel like it's not cool enough to be on the blog. I'm trying to come into terms with my blog so right now I'm just going to write what I want and just go with the flow.

I just finished Stargirl. What a great story. I read it in like 2 hours, but it was so awesome. I definitely recommend this book because the main star of the book is inspiring. She is such a unique person that it makes me want to become a better person. Have you ever met people like that? When it comes down to it- I don't care about being the richest person or the most beautiful girl. I just want to be someone good and everyone to say, "Lorina is truly a unique person and I've never met anyone like her." A girl can only wish right?

I listen to music 24/7. I'm obsessed. The first thing I want to do when I wake up is listen to music and when I walk to campus I just want to listen. And when I see someone I know on my way to school, I don't really care about talking to them- I just want to listen to music. When I'm at work guess what? I want to listen to music. When I'm all alone in the apartment I want to listen to music and dance around like no one is watching and many times I do. I guess you get my point. Anyways, sometimes it can be really anti-social but it's totally worth it because music seriously heals the soul. Right now, I'm really into Kings of Leon. They are so good. Why has it taken me so long to appreciate them? I love discovering new music, it's one of my favorite hobbies. I kind of have this obsessive trait where once I like something, I REALLY like something and I'm in love with it and I can't stop. I'm sure Audrey can relate to this. I guess everyone has something that they can't live without. Mine would definitely be music. And chocolate. I remember Audrey talking about if we had to pick a song to play whenever we walk into a room what song would we pick? Hands down- Bittersweet Symphony by The Verve. Top 5 songs ever written.

Sometimes I love being spontaneous. On Monday, something popped into my head and I told Rachel my idea. " What? Why? I've never done that before!" She replies. Of course, neither have I. That's exactly why I want to do it. Right here and right now. So she finally caves in and what do we do? We borrowed a key to a pool and with the whole world to witness our spur of the moment idea, we jumped in with our clothes on. Nothing crazy or extraordinary, but boy did that feel good. I can't wait to go again! Such a rush. Next time I want a bigger crowd to join in on the fun.

Anyways, those are my thoughts so far. I love summer. It's the best time of the year. I never want it to end.

I'm kind of obsessed

2011-05-27T10:25:00.000-07:00

I'm loving ee cummings. I also have some free time at my job and so here I am just messing around.

the little happy things

2011-05-25T07:43:00.000-07:00

First of all i went to an amazing concert last night and I just had to write about it today. I don't think I will be able to go to many of these once in a lifetime concerts, but I'm glad it was a spur of the moment inspiration and that I just did it. I don't know many bands that have a greater and deeper affect on the world than this band. Most music I listen to only have the sole purpose of entertaining, but this band inspires me! Listening to them makes me want to travel and change the world. Just by listening to them I feel like even though I am only one person I can still make a difference. I loved every single minute of the concert and I hope to go again because u2 is not just music- it is epic music, life changing music. If you ever get a chance to go, just do it!!! My ticket was $30 and it was the best seat in the house!

This is my new favorite song from U2. Don't they look handsome in this video? It's crazy that they've been together for almost 40 years. I have a crush on Bono.

My all time favorite song is not even an original song by them, but they do such a good job I love it better than the original singers. This song MOVES me.

Sometimes I walk on campus and I see this and my heart just melts!

Can I just tell you that one of my favorite things is going to antique stores. I can't resist them! They make me so happy. We found this place in American Fork and just fell in love. I found a saucer, teacup, old books, and an old picture of the pyramids in Egypt. Star Mill Antiques is a definite must see.

I got the cutest bike for the summer and I haven't ridden it very much because of weird bipolar Utah weather, but I know my bike and I will be great buddies. I've taken it on rides to the park so I can read a great book and bask in the sunlight. This bike is only $90 and the cutest bike on the block. Mint Green is a great color for summer. Don't you think? This picture makes me laugh because my roommate Alissa was adamant that we could fit a bike in her car. It took us almost half an hour trying to figure out how the heck we were going to do this and finally we got it with windows down to let the handles go through. What great fun!

I just recently bought a harmonica. I know super random, but I've always wanted to learn and play so I am so excited! We will see how good I get. Maybe our ward can have a talent show and I will be able to show off my awesome skills.

I'm taking a Greek Mythology class right now and I LOVE it. Well, for the most part. I don't really care for the Greek tragedies where kings take out their eyes because they killed their fathers and married their mothers or a woman delights in killing her husband and giving details about it. Other than that I'm obsessed! Greece has so much rich history and I'm just dying to go there someday. Their ancient culture is fascinating. The cradle of intellectual civilization started in a country where I've always wanted to go since I was 12. I hope one day I can see the ruins of the oracle of the temple of Apollo in Delphi and the places Paul wrote his letters to Greek citizens. So fascinating!

A few week ago I told my roommate that I wanted to run a triathlon and she busted out laughing. Ok, point taken- I'm not athletic the least bit, but I'm serious about doing some running. I decided that I will start with a 5k and I started training with a friend of mine and I'm super pumped! I've never been a good runner- A smoker got a better time than I did when I had to run a mile for high school gym. But with motivation and a people to run with you, it's awesome! I'm so excited to run an actual race and cross the finish line! It's going to be amazing.

I started a book club in our ward and it makes me so happy. I love talking about books. I have so many books that I want to read this summer I'm just booking it (no pun intended). I'm also kind of obsessed with movies. I live two blocks away from Provo library and I come back home with so many books and movies to watch. I know this movie isn't coming out until late next year, but Baz Luhrman directing The Great Gatsby with Leonardo DiCaprio is going to be an amazing movie. I cannot wait!!! I started a blog for the book club. Go check it out. www.thecharmedbookclub.blogspot.com

Mom would be proud of me. Now that I have a stable job I can afford to buy fresh food instead of nasty canned, processed food. I'm on a cooking craze right now. I just made a stir fry with vegetables and chicken and also homemade vegetable soup. It just feels good that I'm being proactive about food. Ever since the mission I just have a great appreciation for food and how food is such an important aspect of life.

I also got another job with a great company that I'm excited about. Mikarose is a local dress company that is booming. I will be the blogger and facebook social media person. They are opening up a store in University Mall right next to Nordstrom so get excited!! It will open up on June 10th so mark it on your calendars. The blog and the store is going to launch off with a giveaway so I will update you on when to sign up. Their dresses get cuter and cuter every season and I'm excited to be part of this whole process. It opens up your eyes about what it is like owning a small business. It's so cool.

I've been thinking a lot lately about what I want to do and next summer I have the strongest desire to just get out of the country. I really want to go to Europe and learn more about the history and the architecture and the culture. I want to plan a trip so if anyone wants to join me, let me know! I think it's about time that I get out and explore a little bit of the world.

Do

2011-04-26T10:44:00.000-07:00

Do: cut curb flowers and put it in your apartment

Do: intern/assist a photographer and do cool shoots

Do: eat at Chilean restaurant 'Pandrucas'

What's been happening

2011-04-10T21:29:00.000-07:00

General Conference

Daddy came to town! I wish my family could visit more often. I had a blast with him. He came on Friday and we went to his mission reunion. He hasn't gone to one in about 30 years. It was great going with him because I got to talk in Spanish and see his mission president. After that we went to see a movie together- a father and daughter tradition since middle school. We also got the chance to go to General Conference for one of the sessions. It was great! I loved hanging out with him and talking about life and future plans and silly stuff like frozen yogurt. I'm glad to say that Dad and I are best friends. Hopefully, my mom can come visit one of these days as well!

Internship

I scored an internship with an awesome photographer. Alyssa Vincent. I'm the assistant/photo stylist. I'm super excited to work with her on future projects. She works a lot with 21st and Ivy so I'm so pumped for what's the come. As of right now we are planning on a Easter photo shoot so I'll keep you updated on the awesome outcome we will have! I already helped her with a spa/message photo shoot and had a great time.

Sadie Hawkin's Dance

So My roommates and I decided to ask boys in our ward to go to a stake activity and boy did we have fun. I have to give us girls credit. We know how to plan a fun date! Pizza making, chocolate cake eating, late night dancing, and hot tubbing in the snow made a fun Saturday night. I love my roomies. They are the best! And so fun!

Viva el español

2011-03-04T09:11:00.000-08:00

ad labber

2011-02-18T09:07:00.000-08:00

So my life consists of the BYU ad lab: a spacious room full of MAC computers. I love it. I do homework and researching in that class (which pretty much means I surf the web). It's pretty crazy as well because I'm in a bunch of different campaigns and we have lots and lots of meetings. Sometimes I feel like my brain is fried and I can't think straight. It's hard trying to be creative all the time! You always have to think of crazy ideas from the top of your head. Being an advertising major requires a lot of work, but I love it.

Right now I am a blogger for the byu ad lab. I love blogs and this is a perfect way for me to practice my writing skills.

I AM A BELIEBER

Ok, who has seen the new Justin Bieber’s movie ‘ Never Say Never’? It’s ok don’t be ashamed* because I definitely saw the movie in the 3D version! Don’t deny that you love his crooning voice and flickable hair.The movie was awesome to say the least. Super inspiring and definitely heart-warming but I must say as an advertising major I learned a lot from this movie. It was basically ‘How to do digital advertising 101′ or ‘how to sell yourself 101′. Justin Bieber became a youtube sensation by singing pop songs requested by loyal viral followers. His popularity became bigger and bigger until a manager from Atlanta noticed his undeniable talent and flew him out to meet Usher. Justin’s fame rose as fast as anyone can tweet -’I just saw Jimmer Fredette eating a bagel. Ahhh!!’ Justin and his gang knew how to do advertising. Anytime he went to a radio station or a performance he would tweet telling his fans what he was doing and where he was going until the mobs crowded the place to a point the government had to take over. It was incredible to see how famous Justin Bieber became in such a short period of time and I believe it was all due to non-traditional advertising. Throughout the movie I realized that anyone can fulfill their dreams; they just have to do it creatively!

So if you ever want to become famous, forget putting yourself on the newspaper or trying out in several competitions. That takes way too long. Do it the Justin Bieber way: sing on youtube, get followers, get Usher to sign you, tweet all the time, and you will have success and fame on a plate waiting for you to eat it all up.

Sidenote: In one scene as Justin is pumping up ready to start his concert, he puts on his clothes, checks himself out, and then giant sweet tarts overtake the screen as he grabs one right before he leaves to start his concert. My best friend turned to me and said, “That was the best advertising! I want to go eat a sweet tart now!”

Motto: We can learn a lot from Justin Bieber. He knows the way.

*Editors note: You should be a little ashamed

I SPY WITH MY LITTLE EYE

On my first day of class, a good friend of mine called me up and told me she made a list. A list? Yes, a list. The list of what entails being an ad major. I am not talking about the program requirements. I am talking about the silly, yet true, subtle attributes of the advertising major. Even though many advertising majors like to claim they are unique and different, we all have a lot of similarities. So whenever you are walking on campus and you want to play the guessing game, here are a few clues to pinpoint the person who is majoring in the coolest, best major in the world.

How to spot the advertising major:

Moleskin journals
Toms shoes
The boys are more stylish and better dressed than the girls
Indie music that no one has ever heard of
Polaroid cameras with out of stock film
The ultimate procrastinators but somehow, by luck, they turn in their homework just in time
Always the computer nerd, never the studier
Sharpie pens
Addicted to: Facebook, Blogging, Twitter, Macs, iPods, iPad, and most definitely the iPhone
Anything vintage: Goodwill, DI, and Savers

a guide to a better me

2011-02-13T17:46:00.000-08:00

Starting this tomorrow:

recapturing beauty

I'm super excited. A girl always needs some sort of booster.

it's blogging time!

2011-01-25T19:04:00.001-08:00

So I survived my first month of school. I've got a lot of repenting to do. I've been back for 2 months and I haven't blogged in forever. Please forgive me for all those 10 people who read my blog. lol. But seriously I do really need to be better.

Updates:

- Taking 2 Spanish classes. I LOVE them. Today I ate Venezuelan arrepas. I'm having a blast in my classes. Me encantan!

- Meg and I are planning activities that we want to do every day.
Monday: FHE
Tuesday: Craft night
Wednesday: movie night
Thursday: dessert night
Friday: date night
Saturday: have lots of fun night.

We want to keep busy.

Favorite activities:
-long hot showers.
-naps on Sundays. I'm catching up for all the lost time.
- dinner with the roomies. Every Monday night one of us makes dinner for everyone and it's great!

Here are some of the pics that we've taken over the month. Went to Rachelle's open house and to Park City with some friends. Good times.

My mission

2010-12-27T16:21:00.000-08:00

Well, I am officially back from the mission and looking forward to my new life back at BYU.

How do I describe a year and a half in a few words?

I loved it. It was hard. Super hard. I learned. A lot. I struggled with a lot of things- the language, the people, my confidence, my imperfections/weaknesses. I loved the people with my whole heart. Loved the food- most of the time. Wanted to take naps badly but couldn't. Sooo exhausted. Cried almost every day. Most of the time good, a few times bad. Worked hard every day. Prayed my heart out. At the end, I realized how blessed I am. No one is perfect. We need Jesus Christ, our Savior. Faith and Atonement conquers all. The Book of Mormon is true. If we are true to the commandments, God promises to protect us and bless us.

I will never forget my mission. It was truly amazing.

I'm excited to go back to school and pretty much start all over. It's going to be so fun to see my old friends and new friends with their new lives as well.

I saw this video and cried my eyes out. It is soo good.

2010-12-13T08:57:00.000-08:00

I'm back!!!!!

this is my last post... for now

2009-06-25T12:43:00.001-07:00

It's been so fun having this blog. I am so glad that I started this thing. I will be going on my mission really, really soon so I just wanted to put out a last post.

I am so lucky to have met so many incredible friends here at BYU. I wish I could go back and add more memories to all the adventures we already had.

College so far has been an amazing experience for me and I have grown so much. In high school I was trying to figure out who I was and what I could become, but college is where I found out who I am and the potential of what I can become.

I've been thinking about how much I will change on my mission or how much the mission will change me. I don't think my personality will change but I will have experiences that I will never forget and remember for the rest of my life.

For all the girls that I have met and who I have become dear friends with I just want you guys to know that I am so grateful that I have met each and every one of you because you guys have impacted my life tremendously. You guys have been amazing examples to me. I hope that when I go out there to the field I can be as good as an example to the people of New Jersey as you have been to me. I believe with all my heart that just because I go on a mission doesn't mean everything has to change. I know things will be different but friendships don't have to change. I PROMISE that if you guys write to me I will write you back with the cutest letter about how much I love my mission. :) I don't expect letters every day but please write me once and awhile and tell me all the adventures you are having and I will do the same.

I seriously could put so much more pictures on here but I don't have access to all the pictures. These few will have to do.

Here's to the past three years!

My mission address is on the side bar so you will always have access for contact info.

young at heart

2009-06-16T18:06:00.000-07:00

This cool camera is the latest addition to my collection. Fisheye Lomography camera.It develops pictures like these

I'm still debating whether or not to bring this on my mission. I'm waiting for the results on the roll of film that I took. Hope it turns out cool!

Next on my wish list is this cute Diana Holga camera

P.S. A special birthday is coming up soon. I am quite dreading it because that just makes me one more year older. Can't I be 16 forever?

I don't care how old I am. No one is going to stop me from taking my blankie and my teddy bear to my mission.

let's be pen pals

2009-06-09T12:29:00.001-07:00

So I've been going to thrift stores a lot lately. There's this one in the town next door called White Elephant. This place is pretty much gold. A treasure chest full of random trinkets. And do you know why this place is amazing? Old people. I live close by Old Folks Capital of the World. Not kidding you. All of the 'junk' they have has got to be from the 50's or beyond. The only problem to this place is that everything good is taken within 5 minutes. I seriously wouldn't be surprised if there are people that go to this store everyday *cough* (me). I just want you to know that I struck gold and got the cutest vintage-y suitcase for $1 and this typewriter for $4! I paid it with all the change that I have in my house. The lady behind me was pretty annoyed but oh well. I'm so happy!!

If anybody wants me to write you a little letter just make a comment! I'll get your address and I'll write you a sweet little note. This thing is so fun and I can't get enough of it.

what's a girl to do

2009-06-03T11:24:00.000-07:00

when she has her favorite camera, her favorite things, and time on her hands?

un mes

2009-06-01T13:34:00.000-07:00

I have exactly one more month before I report to the MTC. Oh boy oh boy. It's just starting to hit me. I've just been hanging out with the family and enjoying my free time.

Ashley's wedding

2009-05-22T11:06:00.001-07:00

The Kentucky girls

Sweet Ashley married Devon Gibby on May 8th. Beautiful day. Draper temple is beautiful with an amazing view. Can you imagine if the Salt Lake temple had the Draper temple's location? I'm so happy for Ashley and Devon. They are a wonderful couple.

junior year obsessions

2009-05-15T20:03:00.000-07:00

* frozen yogurt
* my apartment (my friends were so sick of me talking about how much I love the apartment)
* my bed :)
* charlee (my teddy bear)
* my blue blanket
* hannah montana
* david archuleta
* zac efron
* muse
* south of provo homes
* missing my long hair

most of all.....

* BLOGS!!!!

Dear Sunset... From a rooftop admirer

2009-05-07T23:06:00.000-07:00

Do you know that every time I see you I fall madly in love with you? My favorite time together is during the summer. Oh how wonderful the car rides are. I love just driving along the road blasting fun music together. You make the mountains look majestic, you make the clouds looks marshmallowy puffy and soft, and you make the sky burst into a spectrum of wonderlust. When you are gone everything is so dark and dreary. But, I know that you could never disappoint me because you always come back . I love you.

P.S. Climbing the rooftop adds a whole new perspective to how I see you. I will add this to another one of our top memories.

Forever,
Rooftop Admirer

Red Mango

2009-05-07T20:32:00.000-07:00

Red Mango has a flavor that no one else has: Pomegranate. Of course I had to try it. I was actually surprised by the taste. I don't know how I feel about it. The flavor tasted nothing like Pomegranate. The frozen yogurt actually really did taste like frozen yogurt. The place was cute. I wouldn't mind going there again.

Rating 1 to 5:
Decor: 5. It even had a cute little fireplace
Price: 3. Around $4 dollars
Atmosphere: 5. I saw Max Hall there. Enough said.
Taste: 3. The taste was different from the other places. I still don't know how I feel about the frozen yogurt. Maybe I'll have to try it again.

VERDICT ON THE BEST TASTING FROZEN YOGURT

SPOON ME { This place will always have a special spot in my heart. I fell in love with frozen yogurt here.}

VERDICT ON THE WORST TASTING FROZEN YOGURT

CREAMERY ON THE NINTH { Sorry, I can't handle pineapple in a can full of nasty syrup}

Creamery on the Ninth

2009-05-07T20:09:00.001-07:00

I love Creamery on the Ninth. I really do. Just imagine my surprise when I heard that they have frozen yogurt. I was so excited. I got there and they only had original or mango flavors so of course mango is my favorite. I was so disappointed when they didn't have any FRESH fruit. So I got pineapple but it turned out to be this nasty pineapple in syrup. Oh boy, I just basically scooped out the whole thing and just ate the frozen yogurt. The frozen yogurt was good, but it's not the same without fresh fruit.

Rating 1 to 5:
Decor: 5. The atmosphere is just fun. Lots of people there.
Price: 5. $2- The best price yet!
Taste: 1. The whole pineapple syrupy thing turned me off.

hello yogurt

2009-05-07T19:46:00.000-07:00

I've heard many good things about this place so I had to test it out. It was a lot like YoZone. You get your bowl, pick out what frozen yogurt you wanted, and choose the toppings. I just couldn't stay away from Mango flavored yogurt. I also got strawberries, blackberries, and kiwi. It was pretty yummy!

Rating 1 to 5:
Decor: 3
Price: 4- I think mine turned out to be $3. I thought it was a pretty good price compared to others
Taste:3 - It was a lot like YoZone.

waiting for so long

2009-04-29T10:32:00.000-07:00

and finally it happened!

Meghan quoting (Audrey): We are so cute! I'm so jealous of us right now.

I want to do it again(!).....

Wanna come play with me???

i love my

2009-04-24T13:26:00.001-07:00

cute, red shoes!

Who would climb the Y at 11pm at night?

2009-04-16T19:30:00.000-07:00

WE WOULD!!!

So we have an ultimate list. Most of us girls are either continuing on with school, getting married, or going on missions. This will be our last time together so we are trying to do as many fun things as possible.

1. Hike the Y

We decided to go on the night that I got my mission call and we went at 11pm. I've never hiked the Y before so I thought it would be better to go now than later. We got to the mountain and realized that we were absolutely crazy because a. It was rainy b. It was freezing c. Only girls climbing up a mountain by themselves d. IT WAS AT NIGHT AND WE HAD NO FLASH LIGHTS. e. It started snowing when we got there.

After much convincing we all decided to do it anyways and not give up. Hiking the Y is not an easy task but we did it!! I'm so glad we did because when we got up there the lights were amazing and we felt sooo empowered(?) by the fact that we hiked the Y at such a crazy time as this. Yay for spontaneity! We also sang hymns which is such a girl's camp/efy dorkiness that later when Meghan told her mom what we did she called us 'zoobies'. Ha!!! Gotta love being a BYU student.

Gee, Hannah I wonder who you're texting.

Audrey giving us the evil look

The top of the Y!