Portfolio // Check, check, check it out.

I JUST SPENT 12 HOURS WORKING ON THIS: 

LOOK AT IT .

LOOK AT IT RIGHT NOW. 

http://daniellaabbott.weebly.com

Style Profile // Emilee

Oh my friends. My friends, my friends, my friends, my friends. I am so so so incredibly excited, words really can't describe how excited I am for this new series for the blog. And I am so grateful for my sweet friend Emilee who was willing to be my guinea pig for it. Guinea pig is a crude word to use...but I don't know what else to use. Anyway, yes a new series for the blog called STYLE PROFILE starring you and all the cool cat girls I know.

Today's style profile is Emilee. She has been one of my best friends since 9th grade! 9th grade people! That love runs deep. She was also my freshman roommate and she lives in my apartment complex today! She's in my ward and she's literally the greatest girl. She's sweet and kind and smart and funny and all around awesome. Plus, she's got great style. Oh and her hair...let's just look at her hair and marvel at it for one moment.

I asked her some questions about her personal style (this was inspired by Cup of Jo Beauty Uniforms). She has some wise and wonderful things to share. ENJOY!

p.s. her husband Ryan took the pictures. He took over 100 photos. How cute is that? Thank you Ryan, and thank you Emilee for being the best model for my first Style Profile.

How would you describe your personal style? This was tricky for me, because I don’t necessarily feel like I have a set, distinct style. Some days, I am wearing a hoodie and jeans and then other days, I am wearing my favorite sparkly pants and some heels. But in some ways, I guess that reflects who I am, because my style matches my personality. So I think that I would describe my style as charming, classic, and comfortable.

How did you “find” your personal style? It took some time for me to find a style that fit my personality, rather than me trying to fit into certain styles. Interestingly enough, I found solidarity in what my style was at the same rate that I understood and appreciated who I was and what my interests were, the things that make me unique. It took some experimenting and I’ve learned to appreciate other’s styles while recognizing that it may not fit my own style and that is okay. I think my style is still growing and changing as I move through life and gain new experiences and find new inspirations.

P.S. – it was a certain freshman roommate of mine who has taught me the majority of what I know about fashion and style and, although my style is my own, she is the one who made me aware of it. Thank you Dani.

How do you plan your outfits or put them together? Honestly, I had never thought too much about it until I started answering this question. Turns out I have a method of planning outfits that was subconscious, but very real. I just discovered that I put outfits together based on color. I put colors together to make a basic color palate and then I incorporate accessories into the outfit that match the palate. Sometimes, I like to have one main pop of color, while other days I prefer my outfit to be cohesive. (On special days, I will sometimes even take inspiration from movies for my color palate, hence Dani’s super sweet post about my interest in Disneybounding.) Also, I love wearing navy and polka dots and stripes. On good days, I will even wear polka dots and stripes together. So that tends to play a part in my decision making too.

Do you have any style “splurges”? I have loved dressing up since I was a little girl and I think that has influenced my style splurges. Dresses and skirts, fancy pants, an awesome pair of shoes… I love them all. I never really outgrew wanting to be a Disney princess, so anything that makes me feel whimsical or special is hard for me to resist.

How does wearing your “uniform” make you feel? Comfortable and confident. It’s really that simple. I wear clothing that makes me feel comfortable, but also beautiful, which helps me to feel confident.

What do you like about your sense of style? Like I said, my style is based on who I am and I like that my style allows me to feel like myself. I also feel like it is a wonderful way to use creatively express myself.

Any style secrets we should know about? I think that the secret to having great style is to be true to yourself and your interests. While certain clothing items may look cute or be deemed very fashionable, it’s hard to rock them and be confident when they make you feel uncomfortable or awkward. Don’t be afraid to be yourself because you are interesting and beautiful and worth more than diamonds. Style is simply a way to show the world who you are.

Any signature item? While this may sound odd, I think my signature items are my jewelry. I’m a very sentimental person, so my wedding ring is one of my favorite accessories, along with my necklace I got from Ryan for my birthday that says r & e on it. They are subtle reminders of what is the most important to me and how much love fills my life.

Any trends you tried and regretted? Oh way too many, although I don’t necessarily regret too many of them. Looking back on pictures throughout my adolescence can be kind of embarrassing, but I remember absolutely loving those same outfits at the time so I don’t think that I can actually regret wearing them. I guess the one trend that never really fit me, but that I tried a few times were the shirts with the brand written in large ostentatious fonts of the front. While these shirts work for other people and are sometimes really soft, they just were not my style and the trend for me didn’t last too long.

Anything you absolutely won’t wear? I believe that my body is a wonderful gift from my Heavenly Father and I want to show my respect for Him, myself, and the covenants I have made by maintaining standards of modesty. While many of the immodest trends and styles promote fashionable and cute clothing, I choose not to wear them because of my personal beliefs.

Do you have an overall fashion philosophy? I guess my philosophy would be that my clothing should reflect who I am and my values and I should feel comfortable in it. Never comprise who you are for an outfit. I believe in trying new things, but also staying true to myself. So, while an outfit may be incredibly cute, if I don’t feel comfortable in it, I won’t wear it. Instead, enhance the best parts of you. Oh and I also believe that it is always better to be overdressed rather than underdressed.

+ t h a n k s // e m i l e e 

+ 

+ s t a y // g o l d

Playlist Thursday: Figuring it out

p h o t o 

What am I figuring out? My life? Yes. This playlist? Perhaps. My feelings about the future and where I'm going? Always.

Today is the last day of school. It's my second to last fall semester. Next semester I will have my last Winter. And then my last Spring/Summer in California and then the last semester of college ever. I'm nervous. I'm unsure, but I have this little light of peace in my heart. Deep down in the pits of my soul. A feeling of joy and peace that always warms me up when I'm sitting in the shower over thinking things. This light keeps growing even when I'm still trying to figure things out.

The light gets brighter when every day little things happen. Things that I don't expect.

For example, yesterday was the last day of my News Reporting class and I got the awarded "Most Dependable Reporter" for the Life Desk. I almost cried. I couldn't believe it. I spent the whole semester beating down on myself, and here was someone telling me I was good. Better than good. That I was great. Great at something that I have always wanted to do. I want to write. And I want to write the way I want to write. But I learned how to work with editors and I learned how to take criticism and I learned the brutality of deadlines and news publications. I learned things that made me better. I'm one step closer. Now I have a professional portfolio and I'm just one step closer.

This feels really good. It just does. I remember being so afraid. Afraid of moving up and doing things that I'm passionate about. Being afraid can either hurt you or be a catalyst to your success. Some days I let my fear take over me, but this semester I learned to fight it and let it drive me.

I don't know if I'll ever be a successful lifestyle writer or a contributor or editor for some fancy publication that advertises minimalist clothing or Scandinavian furniture and terrariums. I don't know if I will change the way girls look at their bodies. I don't know if NYFW will ever ask me to do an interview or comment on a designers line of work. All of those things would be pretty darn great. Working for one of these beautiful websites on the internet would be a dream. Being a Man Repeller is also a dream and seeing my face on the cover of something would be another dream. I have lots of dreams, but I can make small differences here and I can be where I am right now. I can share goodness here. Dreams are good to dream, but don't forget where you are and where it's taking you. Didn't Dumbledore say something like:

“It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live.”

And don't forget the people that have held you up along the way. That's one of the greatest meanings of life. The people. The ones that are helping you along the way.

And just to Christmas-fy this message...I would just like to say pass it along. Pass along the love and service and goodness. Lift where you stand. As cheesy as that sounds. Just do it. Don't forget to give back.

Because I have been given much, I too must give. 

And now for a playlist full of songs that invoke contemplation and daydreams of good books, trees, rainy days, and coffee shop bagels.

1 // Turning Page by Native Men (Sleeping at Last cover)

Karly Jade, I just want you to know that I love you and I am so grateful for your friendship and your really great taste for beautiful music. 

2 // She Treats Me Well by Ben Howard 

Tyler, I sometimes I replace the "she" with "he". Thanks for treating me well. 

3 // River by Cee-Lo Green (Joni Mitchell cover) 

Mom and Dad, this song makes me miss you so much I can't breathe, but I am grateful that you aren't far away. I know this Christmas I won't be with you and I'd like to get a river to skate away on, but I need to remember my new family and that you will always be my family. Sometimes I forget that. Merry Christmas you two. I love you. Thanks for all the other Christmases. I promise to be a the best daughter-in-law to the Abbotts. 

4 // Run to You by Pentatonix 

To my baby girl. Thanks for showing me this gem. You showed it to me at a time where I felt really hopeless about school work and finals and everything school related. 

5 // Higher Love by Steve Winwood

To everyone who has brought "higher love" to me and who will bring it in the future. 

Now let's jam. 

+ s t a y // g o l d 

Happy are we! Happy are we!

I've found that sometimes it's not the best to always believe what everyone tells you about the first year of marriage. 

I think it takes away from you having your own true experience. The experience of experiences where you have to try it out yourself. 

Where you have to discover and learn and cry and try again and smile again. And remember that you really are happy, because it's true, you are the happiest you have ever been in your life. You really are. 

Then cry some more and then hold each other in the moment. That's what learning is about actually. And it's great. It's really great. Sometimes you get discouraged and disappointed and sometimes people are lacking on both sides in the appreciation department, but if there is one thing I've learned so far in this short period of marriage time is that it's WAY better than engagement and that love is more deep and that understanding grows and so does the appreciation. And so does the learning. 

And it really is beautiful. And it really is worth it all. 

p.s. if anyone wants to know. the sully blanket (or the blue fuzzy one) is from qvc courtesy of my abuela, and our duvet is from Nate Berkus for Target. I love that thing. 

Now here are some more pictures!

I have no idea if I have shared this one yet, but despite the terrible quality, it is my FAVORITE wedding photo. It's even better in it's "not uploaded from the iPhone" state. 

We had our first "date night" as a married couple. It consisted of Chile's, BYU Basketball, an old man photobomb, and Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs 2 at the Dollar Theater. We are classics. 

A random photo I took recently of this gorgeous sunset. Just thought I would share. Maybe I should insert a random poem about how Tyler and I's love being like a sunset. Ah, better not. Cheese alert central. 

Alright well, I mused enough. Stay gold.

Step aside Kelly Cutrone...

There's a new PR girl in town. So back in the day, I was a Family and Consumer Education major, because I thought that the sub par Fashion Merchandising track was the only way I could make it behind the scenes of fashion campaigns and magazines. I definitely was selling myself short, and even though it felt wonderful and perfect and easy at the time...I knew that something didn't feel right. I knew that there was something else that I had to do. And I found it. My roommate who was previously trying to get into the advertising program introduced me to the Public Relations program in the Communications department at BYU. A Limited Enrollment major terrified me. It stressed me out completely, but for some reason it felt more right than anything else in my education ever did. It felt right. And it was. After completing the prerequisites, nailing an interview, and crying over a case study analysis and group campaign...I was admitted. I got in, you guys. And oh how grateful I am. I can't believe it. I can't believe I get to be part of something that I was meant to do. I get to support a cause I believe. I get to be one step closer to the world I love. The world of blogging and business, creativity, and fashion. The world of representing an organization that I love. I can't wait. I'm so so so happy and grateful. Thank you for being on this journey with me you guys. It has been the biggest blessing. I can't wait to be a Public Relations student here at BYU. Here's to a new adventure.

Stay gold.

P.S. Tyler and I celebrated with Red Robin and Monsters University. It was absolutely lovely. Boy, I love him.

Monday Musing: A Guide to Eating at the Cougar Eat. Yeah that place.

Oh luscious life. Food is probably one of my favorite things about life. I love it. I love food. There I confessed. Now you know. Here's the deal though people, when you're a college student, sometimes grocery shopping goes on the back burner. And when you're trying to pay rent and trying to survive and don't have a car...sometimes you end up having to go out to eat to the nearest place possible. Which just costs more money and isn't that healthy. And then you have found that you have gained 10 pounds and you are sick to your stomach whenever the idea of chicken nuggets from precious Chick-Fil-A comes to mind. I think I have reached that predicament. Oh yes...yes I have.

So whilst in this predicament and stage of eating life, I thought I would write a musing about the Cougareat. Because this is where I am. And I just finished eating food. And I feel sick. And I want to eat colorful foods from now on, and I need to go on a run. And I need to write this so I can feel better about myself. Ya dig?

So here's tip #1: Don't go at lunch time. And when I say lunch time, I mean like the time between 11:00-1:00. Especially NOT at 12:00. 12:05 to be exact. That's the definite worst. I got lucky today because one of my classes is awesome and the teacher always wants to let us out early and it's probably because he's old and has the coolest accent and he probably has way better things to do with his time like read the newspaper or edit the newspaper for heaven's sake. Let's get real. Don't go at lunch time. Go at obscure times like 11:27, 3:00 if you want a late lunch, 12:18. But really people.

Tip #2: When your stomach is in a bunch, eat a healthy lunch. Yeah I just made that up on the spot...it worked though. If you have a bunchy stomach and when I say bunchy...I mean like maybe you have a little roll of pudge, or maybe you don't feel good, or maybe you are on a clean eating streak...just stay on that streak and eat healthy. Now here's the deal. Those healthy things are hard to find. Like really hard. Especially when you really like Taco Bell, and that freaking new Chick Fil A or Freschetta (that's a straight up joke. No one likes Freschetta). Something leafy, green, fruity...what have you isn't always appealing when you could be munching on a bean burrito after a hard day of morning classes. But go for it. It's SO worth it. The Hawaiian Luau wrap is dang tasty at the L&T. Did I mention it is chuck full of salad, nuts, mangos, and veggies? Oh yeah. Go eat that right now. The Cougar Express also has a great array of salads, sushi, and fruit smoothies.

Speaking of smoothies Tip #3: Don't know what to eat? Power size it up at Jamba Juice. That will fill you up. Plus, if you have a BYU planner, you get a free upgrade. Booya. (I really hate booya...but lately I've been saying it SO much. I gotta stop.) Does anyone want to power size a peanut butter moo'd with me?

Tip #4: Mix it up. I know no one ever wants to end a real good thing, but this isn't Thai Chicken Pizza at SLAB people, this is the Cougareat we're talking about. The place where there's probably only ONE good thing at each restaurant. Don't get that same subway sandwich each and every time. Try something new. I'm a living testament that an obsession with chicken nuggest and chick fil a sauce will only end in tummy misery and a slight dizzy spell.

Tip #5: Get a water. Bring a waterbottle. Just do it. Oh and...if you want a different drink, the DragonFruit Power-C Vitamin Water is the way to go. No contest needed.

And finally, Tip #6: Bring your own lunch. This tip is more for me than anyone else. GO grocery shopping, get some veggies, get some snacks, get some bread, meat, cheese, healthy things. Take it home. Pack a lunch and enjoy. Munch all you want. Feel accomplished while preparing it. Get a cute lunch bag to carry it in if you want. Do anything that will make you stop spending money on over priced fast food and eat a lunch that will make you feel good about life and your body and everything else.

And that's all my friends. That is all.

Stay gold.

Oh what shall I say.

It's been a while. During my hiatus, I have driven across 4 states to the beautiful state of California. I went to the happiest place on earth, I ate lots of In-n-Out and Mexican food. I met some parents and a dog. I even got in a car accident, but the beach was way better than that so let's focus on the salt air and breezy hair. Because it was bomb. As Newport is.

So that's what I did, and yesterday I was going to write but I didn't, because my back hurt (whiplash is a ....I won't say it because I go to BYU and that's not how we do.) So I'll just write another update today. And hopefully it's terrific.

So I work here on campus. So I start sentences with SO a lot. I just realized that, just noticed it. I work here and it's the greatest job I could ever have. It is the most fulfilling thing and it has been consuming my life, but that's okay because I get paid to be a peer mentor. To be a a guide, to be a friend, to be a scholar coach. It's the coolest and I love it. And I want it forever. I mean, that won't be possible, but it's totally cool and I just wanted to say that I have the best job ever. I grow spiritually each and every day and I get to meet the most beautiful and cool people. And yeah. So there.

One more thing. Tyler got a job. You know what that means. That's all. Stay gold. Stay happy. Stay terrific and stay tuned for some wishlistin' tomorrow.

Intramurals Observed.

"That is bull****!" You are a 50 something year old father and your 20 something year old son just said that in an INTRAMURAL flag-football game. Not to mention you literally traveled hundreds of miles to be there from the great (?) state of Georgia. How do you feel? Perhaps slightly disappointed that your son would completely lose his temper over a game that literally means nothing? Yeah, me too. And you'd think that this Georgian father would think something similar. The following words protruded from that Georgia mouth: "Ref, you suck." Welcome to the wonderful (?) world of Intramural sports on the Lord's campus.

It reminds me of when I was kid, we had this game called "Fill Or Bust." Every time it came to be my turn, I flipped the card with the green-eyed ambition of a 10 year old before his weekly Saturday morning Pokemon installment. Occasionally however, my turn would be skipped. And I would lose it. For some strange reason, I would have a miniature brain aneurysm and freak out like a Pacific Rim kaiju on an unsuspecting Asian community. Only not as loud, and my freakout would probably have made a better movie. Anyways, I had an out of body experience as I observed this particular incident first-hand. It was the worst side of my 9 year old self, in a grown man. With another even more grown up man encouraging it.

Intramural sports is a tricky physiological experiment. Considering BYU is basically Mormon breeding grounds, pride plays a fairly huge role. Like with gorillas. Or ducks. Thanks, Dani. Apparently ducks do that. But anyways, Intramural sports is the sweaty hot-bed of these breeding grounds. Men beat their chests as they go to great extremes to impress their potential mates anxiously sitting on their blankets. Don't get me wrong, we all want to impress our girls, and stretch our legs a little bit. However, here's a few things to consider when participating in intramural sports.

1) The measure of a man is not proven in an intramural game. I too have felt the sting of my opponent beating his chest a little harder than I beat mine. Then something dawns on me: it don't mattah. It really don't. Plus, I get to go home with Dani. Find your personal Dani, that's what really counts.

2) Believe it or not, you probably won't convince a girl that you're worth pursuing on the intramural field. At least not the kind of girl you really want to be with. I asked Dani to sum up her experience on the intramural sidelines, she basically said, "...so many sweaty butts." Yep, there you have it. She didn't glorify some diving touch down, she was just grossed out by the amount of sweat on those butts. So ask yourself, is there anything of worth behind that sweaty butt of yours? Yeah, I know what I said. Well if there is, that's what really counts, and a good girl will see that.

3) Never, ever bring a video camera to your game. The year was 2009. I was yet again suckered into thinking flag-football was fun. Which actually happens sort of often. Sorry, flag-football is sort of fun. So this guy was basically forcing his doting wife to balance a newly born baby along with capturing all of his intramural sport moments of glory on film. And he also got sort of mad when his wife seemed a little more focused on the baby. This actually happened.

Okay, so there will be more words of advice to come in the future. You see, the world of intramural sports would take a book to properly breakdown. So I hope you enjoy these random installments as they come. So be the guy who makes intramural sports wonderful, which they can be. Be the guy that reminds everyone it's all about having fun and getting a little exercise. So uh, basically, stay gold.

Introducing...my boyfriend

The (friend) Zone Defense

By Tyler Abbott

                  In the enthralling world of pickup basketball, there are a number of unspoken laws as old as time itself. There’s always going to be that “guy” who tries much harder than necessary and who will without fail, foul at every opportunity given. There’s always going to be the other “guy” who is convinced there are NBA scouts hiding somewhere in the dark corners of the gym, and this is their opportunity to shoot literally every time and show their potential. Everybody loves the” guy” who makes the extra pass. The “guy” in the goggles is an enigma; the “guy” with the headband is more than likely a schmutz. The black “guy” is always picked first. And perhaps the oldest law of all: man defense is ALWAYS better than zone defense. It just is. Not surprisingly, this simple hoops observation applies directly to the other hardwood floor known as Provo dating.

                  It’s nearly impossible to go an entire week in Provo, Utah without hearing a tragic tale about someone being “friend zoned.” And I must confess, I too have been on the receiving end of the friend zone cannon. Imagine you’re the captain of the ship. You’ve got your map, you got your crew backing you up, and you’ve got your eyes fixed on the infamous treasure that is surely calling your name. You end up getting to the precise “X” where the treasure was placed, only to find that the shovel you brought won’t really be of much use considering the treasure is protected by layers of reinforced metal. What you really needed was some dynamite. Only problem is you don’t have any dynamite. So what do you do? Stick around the “X” and wait for some dynamite to fall out of the sky? Or do you just up and leave and embark for some new adventure? Welcome to the grand friend zone dilemma. You have your eyes sight on this girl (or boy), you do everything possible to call them your own, but at the end of the day you just don’t have what they’re looking for. You brought a shovel, when what they really needed was some dynamite.

                  Alright, I don’t mean for this to be all gloom and doom. In fact I’ll let you in on a little secret: I broke the friend zone. I did it. I’m the kind of guy who wears garage sale t-shirts from the 1980’s, started my freshman year of college at BYU’s red headed little step brother Salt Lake Center, and  tries to apply almost everything to the NBA. Long story short, if I can do it, so can you. Have you ever wondered why zone defense is so rarely used in pickup ball? It’s because there are so many holes and ways to get to the basket. Zone defense falls apart when you make the right passes, and take the right shots. It’s something similar with the friend zone. It’s very much so breakable.

So this is my story about a girl named Dani Ruiz. I met this girl and we hit it off better than I can remember hitting it off with anybody. Our ward quickly picked up on our chemistry, and the rumors started a flowin’. At this point in time, both Dani and I were playing zone defense. We both expected nothing but a solid friendship, maybe even be each other’s wingmen. I remember her telling me once, “are we going to have a problem with this?” referring to the fact that people were already assuming we’d be dating in no time. Like a dysfunctional YMCA rec team playing zone defense, I reassured her there wouldn’t be a problem. Turns out what I was basically doing was opting to pick Darko Milicic or Sam Bowie (the single life) instead of going after Lebron James or Michael Jordan (Dani Ruiz). Within a couple of days I realized that this was no ordinary girl, she was incredible! She had touch around the basket (amazing sense of humor), makes the extra pass (unselfish and loving), a killer jump shot (super, super cute), all the talents of a 2007 Lebron James, or a 1986 Magic Johnson. (I’d make a Kobe Bryant reference, but she’d hate that because of his uh, poor social decisions.) And I was playing zone defense against it. I had no chance. I quickly started playing man defense doing everything I could to get her to laugh (maybe even snort a little), think I was interesting, and basically seem like a team that she could potentially sign a long term contract with. I was the 2010 Heat, and I was looking to fill my cap space. After about a month of presenting my case, trying to differentiate myself from all the other New York Knicks and Denver Nuggets who had similar intentions of a long term deal, the unthinkable happened. She signed with my team, and it’s been glorious ever since. She definitely didn’t consider the Heat (me) at the beginning of her free agency, but over time I managed to create a pretty ideal situation for her. So yeah, it’s possible. Here are my Collin’s Keys to that process:

·       Patience is key

·       Love the small victories when you can get them. A laugh here, playful touch there, good conversations

·       Don’t be complacent, be her BEST friend. Make sure she trusts you

·       Don’t think about the competition, just think about what you’re bringing to the table

·       Try to be at the right place, at the right time – and then know what to sort of say

·       Stay positive, it’s a working progress, and it’s definitely do-able.

 There you have it Danidownsideup fans. Your shovel can become dynamite. You can fix Darko Milicic sized kind of mistakes, and sign big agents regardless of your market size. It’s tried and true. And it’s worth it. Couldn’t have said it better without the………….myself.

My capacity to give profound advice is limited..

But, I keep getting asked to make a list of "Things I wish I had known before I started my first year of college" kind of thing. So here goes, take it as you will, in all seriousness, or with a little bit of wit and winsome in there. Who knows, maybe you'll learn something.

1. Be prepared to eat one meal by yourself every single day. And don't be embarrassed about it. I mean, sure you will feel a little awkward and lame because you are sitting on a bench or in the student center and you have no friends and you are stuffing your face full of bagels and pizza or a subway sandwich dripping in honey mustard, but that's okay. That's life. You get to spend some time with yourself. You get to write a blog post without interruption and sometimes you're lucky enough to listen in on some great dating conversations.

*GASP* "She's not Mormon? No wonder she asked YOU out."

"Maybe she just wants to watch a movie and cuddle."

"Yeah I don't want to get into any trouble, you know making out and stuff."

"What IS the difference between snuggling and cuddling?" 

So what if you're eating by yourself, you've got 99 problems but eating that dribbling sandwich ain't one.

2. You don't have to have your major decided on your first day. Or your first week. OR your first year. Unless you are trying to get into the Marriott School of Business at BYU...or anything in the Communications program...then you should probably have an idea. Unless you're me, but still you don't have to have it all figured out right away. Take some classes, explore a little bit, and DON'T YOU EVER LET ANYONE TELL YOU THAT YOUR MAJOR IS WORTHLESS OR USELESS OR THAT IT WILL LEAD YOU TO A LIFE OF POVERTY AND ENDLESS WOE. It's not true and you should study what makes you happy, because heck, you are putting in the money and hard work. You might as well be doing something you love. And that's all.

3. It takes two to tango. If you're going to BYU maybe it's a different story because boys and girls will tango with whoever they please and they will try and try again even if the other person can't dance or is tangoed out. Really though, if you want to get to know someone or hang out with them...put in the effort. It works. I promise. Sorta.

4. You are not a loser if you are alone on a Friday night.

5. The dollar theatre is always a go-to.

6. Find the best pizza place in town.

7. Don't take yourself so seriously (laughing at yourself is very theraputic) and stop comparing yourself to others. There will always be someone who is better than you at something. There will always be a valedictorian, a student body president, a champion athlete, a blonde/brunette/ginger bombshell that has better hair, there is always something. It's fine though because girl, you're amazing. Just the way you are.

8. College is NOT high school, and high school does not prepare you for college. It takes hard work, a lack of sleep, talking with professors, a few tears, and a lot of stressed out days but it is completely and totally worth it. Believe me, high school was the easy part and it definitely wasn't the best part of your life.

9. Road trips.

10. Finally, but probably not my last bit of advice or things you should know but something that I'll end on. Go on a journey to find yourself. Find who you are. Discover what you love to do. Develop a sense of style, watch sports with your friends, paint your nails, buy that blouse you have always wanted, get a job, go looking for your dreams, talk about intelligent things, don't let people tell you who to like and who not to like you can like whoever you want even if someone else likes you you really don't have to like them just because of that, don't worry so much about what others think of you, because their opinion isn't all that matters in life. Find those that do matter. Those who are helping you become better because those people will really help you on your endless journey of self-discovery and it really is a beautiful thing.

What would you add to this list? 
What advice would you give the little graduates?
How is your journey going?
Comment below.
Stay gold.


"NO, guys we are done NCMOing!"

Outfit of the Day: 5.1.13

Long Sleeve I'm wearing a VS one today // Jeans // I'm wearing one my Momma made me a while ago that looks like this. // Timex // Lucky Brand Flats // Lotion and Body Spray // Makeup

Summer skipped Spring and pranced its way in here.

Yesterday I was actually hot. I mean I get overheated a lot but really yesterday I felt summer sticky-ness! It's here! This is the most exciting thing in my life. Summer time is adventure time. So here are some pictures of my most recent adventures. Have a terrific Tuesday and if you are taking classes this Spring, happy first day! Let's all get A's (because Lord knows I need them...please pray that I will be able to keep my job.)

Real Salt Lake game with Tootie, Daddy-O and big brother.

Krystal and I really wanted Real to win, unfortunately, LA Galaxy took the prize and we hate them for it.

I want to cry when I see this, because I see pure happiness in my Dad's eyes. I see it in his peace sign, I see it in the wrinkles on his face. I'm so glad I got to spend the weekend at the game with him.

Everyone must know that Krystal and I make these faces at each other. It's like we are creatures or something. No big.

Makenna wanted to go shopping and so we did! And we stopped at the Gap and found shirts for $7.99. We couldn't decide which ones to get. She got all three and she deserved. I got one because I need to stop buying clothes. Another fast? You betcha!

One of my favorite things about a new season and new school term is the opportunity to meet new people and make friends and to welcome home friends that have been away. 

Look at Mak's swanky shoes? What is the story behind this? Tyler Jones went home for a week. He asked Tyler Abbott and I to go pick him up from the train station. So we did. And we brought signs because we wanted to make him feel special. I think we did just that.

We may have gotten there reallllll early, so we decide to dance around the platform and admire the interesting statue. I look pregnant, but at least my legs look good.

What adventures are you excited for this summer? What is making your Tuesday terrific?

Stay gold.

Life Lately...

I just wanted to remind every body that the 1 year anniversary of this blog is on May 16th. Should I celebrate? Is there reason to? Do you guys even read this anymore? Truth is, I don't know what I'm going to do but I'm still glad I have had this blog around for so long and I can't wait to have it around for much longer.

In other important news, yesterday I completed all of my final exams and today Spring/Summer break started. It won't really be much of a break seeing as I'm training to be a Peer Mentor and then I will be taking one class for a couple of months, but STILL a new adventure begins! Even though it comes every year, it still is my favorite adventure most of all. Bring on the shorts, t-shirts, bare foot days, ice cream consumption, late late LATE nights, concerts, shopping, road trips, family vacation, more shopping, more laughs, and more SUN! Yes I can't wait.

Also, bring on the instagram pictures...

So in the life of Dani lately I've...

Taken loads of pictures of trees with really dark bark and lovely white blossoms. It's really too bad, because they start to smell awful after a week of looking just lovely and smelling like the Garden of Eden. 

LOOK AT THOSE THINGS! AND THE SKY!

This is my most favorite of them all. No filter pretty ladies, no filter at all.

I had a finals week all wrapped up in Karly Jade, fancy pants, and a selfie of me missing my Daddy-O. (Plus the obligatory picture of notes that EVERY ONE takes...honey badger don't give a ----)

Karly. Miss Karly.

She made it into the Illustration BFA here at BYU. You go girl! You go, Glen Coco!

Oh notes. Notes. Notes.

This one time unknowingly, I took out a bowl from the cabinet and filled it with water. And used it as a cup.

My glasses in this picture. Top notch. I love my Miklis. 

These pants. LOVE!

And that's all folks! 

 

Did you just finish your college semester adventure? Let me know how it was. Also, what you are most excited for this Spring/Summer? Comment below and stay gold! 

P.S. The formatting on this is SO lame. Sorry about the gajillion spaces.

This is getting crazy...

Really though, another Friday? All I can say is that I'm incredibly grateful. Oh and not to mention that it's General Conference weekend, bring on the cinnamon rolls, tears, and enlightenment. Bring. It. On. Elder Holland I am ready for you! (P.S. I will say President Uchtdorf and Elder Scott are my favorite speakers, well I like them all, but sometimes Elder Holland scares me. Just sayin' He's just so powerful.)

Favorite #1: I GOT THE JOB! I don't think I ever mentioned that I was applying for a Peer Mentor position here on campus, and if I did I was probably talking about all of the other jobs I was applying for, but this one was at the top of my list and I got it! Oh words cannot describe how grateful I am for this opportunity! I cannot wait to mentor young freshman. I can't wait to be surrounded by the kindest of people. I cannot wait to work hard, to grow, to change, and to see my students grow and change. I am so incredibly grateful for this tremendous opportunity. I won't let you down! I won't!

Favorite #2: Bean and Cheese Burritos
I know, I know, probably not the healthiest thing but I seriously love those things. I was at Winco the other day and I wanted to buy one frozen meal and I chose those and I'm sure glad I did, because I was starving yesterday and needed grub and those were the easiest things to whip up. I mean you put it in the microwave for 2 minutes. Add a thick slice of colby jack and salsa and call it dinner for a college student minus the ramen.

Favorite #3: 100 Rules of Dinner 
(Yeah, I just posted this after talking to you about my bean and cheese burritos. Not ashamed.) 

Favorite #4: Life of Pi
I watched it with a friend yesterday and I was mesmerized by the outstanding beauty.

Favorite #5: Raspberry and Blueberry Granola and yogurt.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, snack of Zeus. I am a sucker for that combo. 

Favorite #6: #mightlove 
#mightylove
#mightylove
Pretty much the best internet spamming ever.

Favorite #7: This tree.

Who could not be in love with those blossoms?

Favorite #8: The fact that Everlane has belts now.

Favorite #9: My birthday is in 8 days! AH! 20 years old can you believe it?

Favorite #10: This pretty bauble for the wrist.

Favorite #11: Pointed-toe flats for the win.
And if these sandals aren't the cutest, I don't know what cute is anymore.

Favorite #12: The fact that Talor is on Instagram. I die. Beware Miss Cunningham, I am coming for your photos...expect a #mightlove gram soooooon.

So what have been your favorites of the week? What are you cooking up for dinner tonight? Any suggestions? Anything you'd like to say? If so, comment below. Stay gold.

AND

Have a very happy and very safe weekend.

oh what a night

So I was supposed to write this last night, and I really was going to but stuff happened and I am writing it this morning. Groggy from sleep and breath like a morning. So these are favorites. On a Saturday. As usual.

1. Bruge's Waffles and Frites
A vanilla Belgian waffle with creme fraiche and raspberries. It was scrumptious. I didn't even get a picture, but I got a picture of the place. I need to go back and try their "Machine Gun" sandwich. Lamb and frites on a sandwich? I'm in.



2. Call Your Girlfriend by Robyn

3. Bus Stations
I love looking at everybody and wondering where they are off too.

4. Trains
I want to go on a train excursion to a far off place and have a lot of adventures in that place.

5. Whiteboard Notes
My roommate is gold. Pure gold.



6. 100% on a BYU test.
SO. HAPPY. D&C I ate you like I ate that waffle! P.S. I stood there in disbelief. I didn't think that was my score. I should have a little more faith in myself.

Well, I think that's all because I seriously need to go get ready. And brush my teeth. And decide whether or not I want to drive home with this weather.

Have a happy and safe weekend.
Stay gold.

Pancakes, Potato Chowder, and Panda

It's Friday Favorites time again and as you can see by the title I will be talking about food...mostly. Yeah maybe just food. Okay I'll try to fit a few moments and people in there. This is going to be long and rambly but fortunately there are pictures at the end. Eeee!

1. South African
Now I know that sounds weird, but there is this pretty darn good looking kid in my Family Finance class and we had been making that awkward but totally butterfly inducing eye contact thing that college students do for several classes and then he finally stopped to talk to me. Now I'm pretty sure he has a girlfriend but it doesn't hurt that he complimented my shirt and says hi to me every time we see each other. ALSO, he's from South Africa, he plays rugby, and he has the best accent on this planet. P.S. I know his name but I don't want to be EVEN MORE CREEPY than I already am by sharing this little story.

2. Cool Runnings
Did you know that Jamaica had a bobsled team? Classic movie and it never fails to make me feel good inside.

3. Weekend visits from my oldest brother Frankie. I'm grateful for the Jamba Juice and Del Taco that he buys for me. What a quality guy.

4. Retail Therapy with the roommates. The sale at Gap and Bath and Body Works was grand.

5. Cheddar Pretzels...yeah pure deliciousness in a snack. Give me some and I will love you forever.

6. Rays of sunshine.

7. When my brother came for his visit he brought a little rice cooker and some BCBG Generation bracelets that my mother so kindly sent my way. I love her to pieces.

8. Cutie Clementines and Chaela Mcdonald.

7. Whoosh Cecil! Ice cream from the BYU Creamery. Caramel, chocolate, and sugar cashews. So good. Oh and let's not forget Megan Fairchild and the chicken strips we devoured.

8. National Pancake Day and a free short stack from Ihop.

9. Homemade Potato/Corn Chowder.

10. Homemade Panda Express Noodles

11. Staying up WAY too late and talking to roommates about life and love and things like that.

12. A little sister to miss and to make me so happy. 

13. Snow. Large flurry snowflakes that make the perfect snow ball.

14. OH AND I ALMOST FORGOT...I won an iPod nano. I am sharper than a cheese grater. I go to BYU so it's only natural. ;) (teehee) 

15. P.S. Is anyone else watching The Bachelor? Does anyone else hate Tierra as much as I do? Comment below. Sound off!

That's all. Now enjoy Instagrams of my life.
 
 
 


 

Have a lovely weekend.
Stay gold. 

Life Lately...

Where have I been, you ask? I'll tell you! Or...I'll just show you.

 
  

 

1 & 2. I was Santa's little helper this Christmas. Now I know what to anticipate when I actually have to be Santa. It's hard to act surprised when you know exactly which presents you wrapped, and what's inside of them.

3. I celebrated one of the most beautiful Christmases. I miss it so much. Why did it have to go away?

4. I saw the most beautiful movie. If you have not seen it yet, you NEED to stop doing what you're doing, and go. Seriously.

5. I shoveled a bunch.

6. I marveled at the beauty of snow. How cute is that bush?

7. I went to the big New Year's Sale at Dillard's. Can you say craziness? I have a whole post about the madness.

8. I got new glasses! What do you think? I love them!

9. My siblings and I wished you a Happy New Year!

10. My mom and I had to put away Christmas. And I cried.

11. I ate a delicious Bento Box and some top-notch sushi. If you are ever in the Ogden area, go to Tona Sushi on historic 25th street.

12. I had to pack up all my stuff to head back for Winter Semester. Mind you, I left a lot of that stuff there. I just had to sort through it all. Thank you, parents for convincing me. Also, I'm giving away some shoes here. In particular, an old pair of Sam Edelman boots. If you are a size 7 and interested, lemme know.

13. I reunited with friends. How is it that we are on separate couches. This is BYU. Hastag: Do Better.

So...I started Winter Semester. Get ready for new adventures...and another post today. Weee!