Friday Favorites // Happy weekend

p h o t o 

Oh I'm still sick. Coughy and sick and icky and more sick. But this weekend we are going to eat good food and do lots of homework. That's what's up. What are you doing? Do tell and enjoy these cool things I found on the internets. 

1 // I got Public Relations rep! I think I'm in the right major after all. 

2 // Aren't these business cards just the loveliest? 

3 // Rashida Jones is SO beyond beautiful. She glows from the inside people. 

4 // And Jenna Lyons! Oh gosh. She's terrifying but so cool. Plus, she shares the right way to cuff your sleeves! The J.Crew way. 

5 // Whoa! This brave girl wore the same outfit to every day of fashion week. 

6 // I LOVE THIS. 

7 // Netflix keeping you from working out? No excuses, follow this routine. 

8 // J.K. Rowling everybody. 

9 // Want to see your favorite fashion bloggers and their humble beginnings? Look at this. 

10 // A girl in my ward made these enchiladas for us on Sunday. They were so tasty. 

11 // Another goodie to try. These fries. Freak yum. 

12 // I have the perfect pizza dough for entertaining. Word to the wise...I like my pizza crust thin. Let it get to room temperature and then roll out that baby like there is no tomorrow. 

13 // It's scarf season. 

+ h a p p y // w e e k e n d 

& 

+ s t a y // g o l d

Things I've decided...

1. Roshambo is always in order.

2. A break from guys is good for the soul.

3. A run in the rain refreshes the soul and the mind.

4. A new pair of running sneakers will take you far.

5. When in doubt the Asiago bagel is always the best choice.

6. Go for the raspberry roll.

7. Have friends that are willing to share fantastic music with you.

8. A quiet friend is usual the wisest.

9. A little money spent at the J.Crew Factory store is money well spent.

10. Talking to beautiful people you meet on the street is always okay, even if it makes you uncomfortable it is ALWAYS okay. You will learn so much about the person.

11. Nintendo 64 will make you feel like a kid again and it will be one of the best feelings.

12. Sometimes when you are taking a shower you will have an epiphany. An epiphany to let things go. To be happy. To be better. To have a better heart. To love more. To stop being a petty child. To stop feeling jealous and sorry for yourself. To walk in the sunlight and let the shadows fall behind you.

13. Smiling and laughter are so much better than tears and angry words.

What have you decided today?
Are you having a terrific Tuesday?
Comment below and have a lovely day.
Stay gold.

Wishlist Wednesday: Camping, Fall Weddings, and Pinspirations

Last night I had a "Once Upon a Pizza Night" with my roommates and former roommates. I realized late last night afterwards, that I had nothing in my wishlist, except for the jumper I'm going to show you. That won't stop me though, get ready for a little blubbering over fall weddings and pinspiration.

So first, the jumper.

Fall makes me want to camp. I know, summertime is usually camping time, but seriously when it starts getting cool and the mountains start to change, I can't help but want to get out there. Wrap myself in sweaters and hats, and sleep in a tent under the stars. I want a camp fire, I want to cook food over it, and I want to share blankets with people I love. I have the camping bug right now. Thus, this sweater/jumper, whatever you want to call it.

1

How fitting right? Can I please have this? Who wants to get it for me for Christmas? Or for Thanksgiving? Pun intended, I would be a happy camper if I got this. Yep. Pretty much.

Because I have been on such a fall kick, I have desired a fall wedding. This surprises me, because I've always wanted to be married in June (Seven brides anyone?) There are so many problems with those when you're a college student though (including the fact that I'm no where near getting engaged).  I mean fall means school, midterms, interesting weather (if you live in Utah), but it would be so beautiful. Just look at these pictures and I'm sure I'll have you convinced.

Click here, here, here and here.

Pinspiration

Image Courtesy of Happily Grey

I even attempted to recreate this look. 

I know it's not even close to being impeccably styled, but when you're a college student and only have a bathroom mirror to take pictures, it's the best you can do.

When you would want to get married? Which season? Which month? Do you love camping? Do any of you want to go on a camping trip with me? What has been inspiring your wishlists lately? Comment below and have a happy day!

Terrific Tuesday: Ice Cream Sandwiches

Courtesy of Tumblr

This. This makes me happy. So if you ever leave me, please come back with ice cream sandwiches and we can be happy again.

Friday Favorites: So Busy, But SO Blessed

Favorites of the week.

1. Although I'm desperately trying to catch up in school, I have been so grateful for the moments of reflection I had this week. I had the opportunity to go chaperone some students on a hike this week. It was up this beautiful trail and at the end there was a waterfall. The trees were all vibrantly colored. Yellow. Orange. Red. Green. The sun was peeking through. It was so lovely. I was able to relax and breathe in nature. I was able to forget the stressful things I have had to do. Yes, I still need to write two papers, but I sure am glad I got a break from remembering them.

Here are some of the Instagrams I took while on the hike...

The Trail 

Fall is here. 

Just a hipstagram.

And finally...the waterfall. My calves were burning and my voice was giving out from yelling at students to stop running on the edge of the cliff. You would think they would be smart enough to know NOT to do that. 

2. BYU Football
I know, I can't believe I'm saying it...but it was a favorite. Yeah we lost and it was heartbreaking and I wanted to throw the TV out the window, but I was surrounded by the greatest people. And it makes it worth it. I mean really though. I love my ward.

3. Not having to go to the Sewing lab.
That is always a blessing. I get to sew at home with my mom. YES!

4. Passing my TSA.
Word, Excel, Powerpoint, and blogger. I owned you!

5. A visit from Valley Boy.
He makes me happy. What to do. What to do....hmmm.

6. Red Robin
YUMMMMM

7. Candles...specifically ones that smell like French Baguettes. Seriously though...it smells like freshly baked bread. Ohhh yes.

So I posted something everyday! I am back in the groove! Thanks for sticking around friends. Leave me your favorites in the comments and STAY GOLDEN! Always.

HAVE A VERY HAPPY WEEKEND!

Terrific Tuesday: Labor Day is the Best Day of the Year

You don't really know how awesome Labor Day is until you go to college. It's the first break after the first week of school. Who doesn't love a three day weekend? Especially at my happy university. We don't get a Spring break so we enjoy any and all breaks. So since Labor day is the first break of the year, it earns the name..."BEST DAY OF THE YEAR." That's right, it beats Christmas, Thanksgiving, New Years, Black Friday, and even 4/21.

Last year, I didn't think Labor Day was that great. My roommates and I were all Freshman. I was the only person with a car, we didn't have many friends. I'm pretty sure we spent the day doing homework, talking about what we wanted to do, saying we were bored, and eventually walking around University Mall like Junior High Schoolers. Yeah, that doesn't sound like the Best Day Ever does it?

Well let me tell you this, this year, Labor Day was the Best Day of the Year. The best. I have never had so much fun on Labor Day in my life. Really though. Why was my Labor day so great? Well let's look at some Instagrams because I'm obsessed with Instagram-ing everything nowadays.

Labor was the Best Day of the Year because...

I got a sewing kit.


I went to a ward BBQ, my ward does something like every day I'm not even kidding.

I made peach pizza with Mak.

I created a real life Pinterest Quote board. It is the easiest way to decorate a dreary bedroom. 
 
Kaitlyn planned a pretty fan-freaking-tastic FHE. So fun. Have you played the couch game? It was my first time and I was having a great time. Plus, the people in our FHE family are wonderful.

Then...to top it off...

A BONFIRE with friends!


As you can see, this year's labor day beat last years by a billion and one points. Way to go Labor Day. 

Did you have an awesome Labor Day? What made your Labor Day the best day of the year? Comment below and have a terrific Tuesday.

Friday Favorites: My Favorites in Instagrams

I am writing this sprawled across my little twin bed. I should be partying right now like any normal college student, but my stomach hurts a lot and I'm tired. Having 8 and 9 o clock classes, stressing out and crying over your sewing class, and trying to get to know new people takes it out of you. Really though. I know I sound like a party pooper, but right now I just need to sleep and get over this first week of classes. Oh boy, first week of classes? Don't even get me started. So how about some favorites? Some good old Dani's Favorite with a lot of instagrams.

1. WICKED!
This happened last Saturday. I have been wanting to see Wicked ever since it came out ten long years ago. The music has always been a favorite of mine, I wasn't a big fan of the book, but it was always a dream of mine to see this beautiful musical. Back in May, my dad surprised my mom with tickets for her Mother's Day present. I got to see it with my Mom, sister, and brother. We LOVED it. It was everything we dreamed of and more. I will now hold every musical up to this one and see if it compares. Really though, nothing beats "Defying Gravity." Nothing. Her singing was spot on, the lights, and the effects just brought tears to my eyes. Heck, I was crying the whole time. Since, the first note was hit in the orchestra. It was the best way to start my school year.
 

2. My Marriage Prep Class

I had my doubts about this class. I thought it was going to be full of returned missionaries and freshman girls all ready to tie the knot and make babies. I was COMPLETELY wrong. This has to be my favorite class so far. There are a lot of readings but every single one has so many truths and insights. On the gospel side of things and the secular. Also, there is a variety of the people in the class. Returned missionaries, long time married students, senior girls, people like me doing it for their major. I just know that this class will change my life. I feel it already.

3. College Survival Kit
A snack, preferably grapes in a plastic baggy, a trusty laptop, preferably one called Apple, and a Camelbak waterbottle. They are the only way to go. These three things have been my lifesavers during class breaks and moments where I have been worn out from first week anxiety and lack of sleep. 






4. Free gelato


Every once and awhile some college or organization will give out free goodies. This has been the best I've gotten so far. Yum. Mango flavored.

5. A night in the park


While everyone was monkeying around...I was being a rebel and standing on the bar closest to the ground.


6. My floral pants in the picture above.

7. The fact that this post is over and I can go to bed.

Keep calm and Friday on my friends.

OH and I forgot to mention...

 I got to meet these cool guys. And when I say cool. I mean cool. This was also a dream come true...no matter how zoooooobie that sounds. Kyle Van Noy and Brandon Davies people. The real deal.

5 Facts Saturday: Favorites of the Moment

1. Favorite Song: Re: Stacks by Bon Iver
It's just one of the most beautifully written songs I have ever heard.
"Your love will be safe with me." 

2. Being a Y-Group leader for New Student Orientation. I was back in my groove again. It made me miss my glory days of being a student leader in high school.

3. Roommate reunion. I love those girls.

4. Peaches.

5. WICKED tonight! Ahhh...I have waited 10 long years for this one.

Have a wonderful weekend lovelies. I think I'll be back on schedule this next week. School is starting but that means MORE inspiration. Woo! Until then, stay golden.

Terrific Tuesday: Stop Bullying

Like every morning, I logged onto Facebook to see if I got the ever desired notifications. I know I should really stop finding worth in notifications. I should just stop logging onto Facebook every morning. I should take the time to look outside, open the window, and breathe in some fresh air. That's the great thing about this blog, it helps me see the many things I need to work on. So NEW GOAL this Terrific Tuesday: STOP LOGGING ONTO FACEBOOK THE MOMENT YOU WAKE UP. I'll let you know how that goes.

Anyway, so yes I logged onto Facebook and my friend Spencer had posted this video that I'm going to share with you today.

I truly believe that everyone can take something from this message. It is beyond powerful. It is true. We need to all remember that people are creatures that need love. Really though. We need love to survive and go on with life. I know that sounds very cheesy but it's so true. Thank you Spencer for making such a courageous and beautiful video. Everyone should watch this. Just do it.

Let's not forget the impact our words can have on others. Let's not forget how we feel when we are mistreated. Let's remember to spread the love. I mean it.

Have an absolutely stupendous and terrific Tuesday!

Stay golden.

Terrific Tuesday: 10 Ways to Survive Getting Your Wizzums Out

1. Go under. I don't care what you say. I don't care if it costs more money. If you have a queasy stomach like I do. Go under. That way you don't have to hear the cracking, breaking, ew...you know?

2. Invest in a great caregiver. And when I say invest, I mean say your please and thank you's. Tell them you love them. Plan days out with them. Give them hugs. Don't snap at them. They are giving you care after all. Thank you Mom. Thank you for the sleepless night you spent with me the first night, thank you for the water, powerade, medicine, love, hugs, comforting words, and ultimate TLC.

3. The Olympics. Let's be honest, you spend half your time on your back...drugged. You might as well watch super athletes from around the world compete for medals, honor, and glory.

4. A Peeta blanket. No other blanket will do.

5. Great friends. They send you uplifting texts and facebook messages. They make you happy.

6. A good sense of humor. Although it hurts to laugh, you need to. Especially when your awesome siblings compare you to Mr. Fredrickson, Rocky Balboa, and chipmunks. When they write statuses about you, and when your dad keeps telling people you forgot to shave. (The bruising makes it look like I have a 5 o clock shadow.) Eh.

7. Medication. Yeah.

8. A Valley Boy. When you're on a date, he'll bring you home early when you start feeling sick to your stomach from the antibiotic that you have take. What a catch. 

9. Great music. Oh what would I do without Tash Parker, Bon Iver, Passion Pit, The Lumineers, The Shins, and Young the Giant?

10. Sleep. Seriously. Sleep. It's so important.

Honorable Mentions:
-Liquids and soft foods would be good.
-A positive attitude. That comes with laughter though.
-Pinterest 

I hope this brought a smile or two. Have a terrific Tuesday friends.

Terrific Tuesday: Happiness Is...

I have been so excited to write this post ALL week! Well...since last Tuesday anyway. Guys, today is the beginning of something that I really think will change my view on life. I think it will make my summer and coming school year so much better. So much happier. So much clearer. I know that this will help me get through the tough stuff, because let's face it...tough stuff happens. C'est la vie. It's nothing new and I'm sure you have seen it before, but I love it so much that I want it to be a part of my blog. So since today is TERRIFIC TUESDAY I thought, why not?! Today's post is the beginning of my "Happiness Is..." posts. The other day while I was updating my tumblr, I saw this: 

When I read this...I felt happy. I felt inspired. It made me reflect upon what makes me happy. What is happiness to me? That's why I want to do these posts every once and awhile on Tuesday. They will help remind me what happiness really is. The simple things. The special things. The rare things. The oh so normal things that you don't even realize are there. I know for a fact that I have felt this happiness when a simple sheet keeps me warm enough that I drift into a deep sleep. I have experienced that hot night and the cool relief. It really does make you happy. Happiness can be found in the strangest and most interesting places. With these posts, I want to share what happiness is to me. Hopefully we can all see happiness in life. Without further ado...

Happiness is...

1. Lime Rickies on a hot summer night.

2. Listening to your sister laugh at the nerdy pins she finds on pinterest. She will laugh at anything that makes a joke that is LOTR, Star Wars, Star Trek, Harry Potter, etc. related. Hearing her crack up makes me happy. Laughter is good.

3. Days at the pool. The other day my sister and I went to the pool and it was such a fun day. Granted, my swimsuit faded and I am now swimsuit-less. It still was a fantastic day. We got to eat pizza and splash water. It was great. We know how to party! (I put in a picture of the suit...you can imagine how sad I was that I had to return it.)

4. Fruit. I feel like summer is the season for fruit. My dad loves eating it with caramel. He says it was a very rare treat from him childhood. I got some cute pictures of him eating a fruit salad and dulce de leche. He was on foodee heaven. That makes me happy because he is happy. Face it...food makes you happy too.

5. Finally, happiness is the beautiful morning that I am able to witness as I write this post. I am sitting on the back patio and the sun is creating this beautiful glow. The birds are singing and everything is green. What a beautiful earth. As they would say in Oklahoma, "Oh what a beautiful morning!" Yep this makes me pretty happy.

Have a wonderful Tuesday everybody. Are you feeling happy today? Have you seen a little snippet of happiness in something recently? Please comment below I would love to read about it. Also, stay tuned for more of these posts! I have a wishlist for you tomorrow, so I'll see you then! Peace.

Terrific Tuesday: Facebook Chat and We Bought a Zoo

IT'S TUESDAY! Yes! I hope you all had a wonderful Memorial Day. I sure did. It was just a beautiful and very relaxing Monday. I spent it with my family, we watched The Memorial Day Concert in DC, we ate probably the best food on the planet, and we just enjoyed each others company. It doesn't get much better than that. Right? Wrong! Because today is Terrific Tuesday. I actually have something really great to share with you today. It won't be like last Tuesday when I wanted to kick a wall. I don't really kick walls but I'm sure you know what I mean. So why am I so chipper this morning? Well let me tell you.

It all started with a status on facebook. Next, a comment from a roommate from school. Then a comment from our lovely neighbor from across the hall. Then a whole onslaught of comments, one right after the other. My other roommate got involved and then I started posting pictures. And then my other roommate started commenting, and to make this all more understandable...Let's just say that we started a huge love fest with our facebook likes and comments.

I didn't realize just how much I missed these beautiful people in my life. Don't get me wrong, I love being home. I love being with my family. I love it here, but I miss school and the people there SO much. Most of my roommates live out of state, and then my other good friends are all going to Spring semester. I realized how much they really are my real friends. They are people I am going to cherish for the rest of my life. I mean I love my friends here but they are few. That's just life though. We move on, go our separate ways, make new friends. In college though, I feel like you start making the friends that you will have for the rest of your life. Maybe I'm wrong, but I like to think that I'm right.

Heavenly Father put these people in my life for a reason. He knew that they would make my first year at college the funniest and sweetest experience I have had in my life so far. I know that I can go to these girls and talk to them about ANYTHING and EVERYTHING! They are honest and real. They will tell you what they think. They will support you in your decisions. They give the best advice. I am so grateful that I got to spend my first two semesters with them. We aren't living together this coming fall, but I know that if we try hard enough we can spend time together as we did before. Maybe not as often, but that will just make those moments even more special. I love them and I thank my Heavenly Father every day for the blessings, tender mercies, and examples they have been. Thank you friends for being so wonderful and special!

Now onto my little inspirational quote of the day. Back when I was in school with the fantastic people I mentioned above, we went on a ward activity. We were having a huge combined Family Home Evening. We were going to go see We Bought a Zoo. I remember the week before we had this activity, my roommates and I were pretty skeptical about the movie. We thought it was going to be one of those cheesy and ridiculous talking animal movies. (If you like those...that's okay). We just weren't that enthusiastic about it. I wasn't anyway. Well that night came, we met up with our favorite people from across the hall. We gathered with our ward, piled into cars, and headed to the theater. I wasn't expecting much. Just a great time with my ward family. Little did I know, I was about to watch a movie that would become one of my favorites. Little did I know, we were all about to be inspired by one little quote. In the movie, Matt Damon's character probably has the most dysfunctional relationship with his son. They are constantly yelling at one another. His son is depressed about moving and his mother's death, Matt Damon is trying to make something out of his life while trying to come to terms with his wife's death. He buys a zoo. His son hates him. They yell at each some more and then Matt Damon bonds with a Tiger. His son bonds with the awkward zoo girl that helps keep the zoo restaurant running. Well after a particularly hurtful and poisonous fight one night, Matt Damon goes to talk with his Tiger, and his son as a not so pleasant encounter with his zoo girl. His son goes to talk with his dad about his trouble with this girl, and Matt Damon tells him like the best thing in the entire world. Something that I have tested and something good did come of it.

 

I think this really is what stuck with us for the rest of the night. Just recently, I used my twenty seconds of insane courage, and something great did come of it. Yes it was slightly embarrassing, but hey, it was worth it.

So today, this Terrific Tuesday I want to leave you with this...if there is something that you have always wanted to say or do. Hopefully it's something good and uplifting. If it's a challenge that you have had for quite sometime. If it's something that is just growing in your heart and trying to burst out of your chest, just say it or do it. Use your 20 seconds of courage. There will be many other 20 seconds. Just do it though. Just be brave. Say I can do this...and if something great doesn't come of it now, I'm sure something great will come later. It always ends up that way. I believe in you. Now you just have to believe in yourself. 

Have you had any "20 second" experiences? Comment below and have an awesome day.

Weekend Adventures and Memorial Day Brunch

Time for another Monday musing.

Happy Memorial Day everyone! May we remember those who sacrifice and fight for our freedom and lives everyday. May we be eternally grateful for the service men and women in our lives. God bless them. Also, please remember the loved ones in your life. Life is beautiful. It should be lived. Cherished. God bless us everyone!

This past week, my sister got out of school! You don't know how excited I have been for this. No more going to bed early because she needs her rest. No more having to wait to do things with her until the weekend! My sister is basically my best friend so this is a big deal. So what was the first thing we decided to do? WE DECIDED TO GO TO CITY CREEK! WOOHOO! Okay this is also a big deal because City Creek is probably the nicest mall in the whole state. Seriously though, the mall in my hometown is a loser. We wanted to try to hit up some memorial day sales. Unfortunately, there weren't that many. I did get to try on some pieces from a wishlist though, and I got a cool pair of pants at American Eagle. They are having a sale right now if you wanted to know. I always like sharing great deals with you guys. They are having a 40% off the entire store sale (in store), so if you have the chance jump on it! That was the only place where we got anything but we had a great time exploring the huge mall. I met some very nice people at J. Crew and Michael Kors. I just really love nice sales associates. They make the experience a whole lot better for you. After a day of doing girly things, we got a caramel apple and called it a day. When we got home, we went to see the Avengers and ate junk food. It was great. I am so glad I got to spend that time with my sister. She is the best.

Among other things that I did this weekend was my great hang out with a great friend from school. We played this game where I picked my favorite word and each letter of the word would stand for something that we did. I chose this word...

It's really not my favorite word, but the sun is my favorite and I think it's a great word. So the first letter H, was where we were supposed to eat. He handed me a phonebook and I had to find a place that started with an H. The only place I found was called Ho Ho Gourmet and it was 25 minutes away. We actually drove down to the city it was in, but we chose IHOP instead. I mean H...and the word Ho are in IHOP so it counts right? We ate French Toast. I have never been a huge fan of french toast, and now I really love it. IHOP's french toast is fluffy goodness, and if you put boysenberry syrup on it...it's heaven. So yes, that is a french toast success story! Yay! Then the second letter stood for what we were going to do. Eat. Explore. We did both. We were supposed to talk about things that started with L because it was the third letter. So we talked about just about everything that started with an L. It was hilarious and very interesting. Then we got tired of thinking of something for every word, so we skipped to the second to the last letter which was dessert. Of course we had ice cream, because what other dessert starts with an I? If you can think of anything comment below! Word to the wise. Do NOT get ice cream from Baskin Robbins. The scoops are failures and are so expensive. So lame. Just don't do it. Go somewhere that gives you ice cream worth your money. Get it together Baskin Robbins. Anyway, I just thought that it was a really cute idea. I had a lot of fun. So if you need help thinking of ideas to do with friends. DO that.

More things that happened this weekend: 

-Guitar

-Somebody that I Used to Know duet 

- Special Needs Mutual Sacrament Meeting (there was not a dry eye in the congregation) 

Alright, I'm sorry that this is so long. I just have a lot to say and a lot of pictures to show you. This morning we had a brunch and it was delicious. My sister planned it all and made it. She's so great. Yum! What did you do this weekend? What are you grateful for this Memorial day? Make sure to tell me below! See you tomorrow! 

There was a Star Wars Convention going on at the Radisson by the Mall. Krystal and I love Star Wars so we had to get a picture. 

 

City Creek you are so classy. Waste Bags for your doggie. 

 Mom and sister. 

YUM! 

Have a great day everybody!

Terrific Tuesday #1

To help me post regularly enough on this blog, I decided to come up with fun little alliterations for the titles of my posts. Monday Musings (Medieval Monday), Terrific Tuesday, Wednesday Wishlists, Thursday doesn't have one, Friday Favorites. Ya catch my drift? Yeah so today was supposed to be Terrific Tuesday #1...but I realized that my Tuesday hasn't been so terrific. I want to post something positive and uplifting to you today, but I'm not feeling that way. How am I supposed to do that?

This icky feeling I have started yesterday evening. I realized how much of a loser I am now that I am not away at school. I realized how little I do at home and how it's hurting me spiritually and in fact physically. I realized that I really needed a job other than teaching piano part time on the side. My job search as of today...is not going well. I know it has only been a day but seriously no one is hiring, and it is very discouraging. I am just hoping and praying that things will work out. If they don't...then I guess it just wasn't meant to be. I was meant to teach piano this summer. I miss school. I miss my friends. I miss some of the freedoms. I guess I'll just try a little harder and work a little harder to make myself useful while I'm jobless. Wish me luck!

Gee, I'm sorry that this post is so mopey. It's supposed to be TERRIFIC TUESDAY! So...I am going to look through my files on my computer and find you a lovely picture/quote.

 

I will be honest. Just looking at this makes me feel brighter. Shake it Out is one of my favorite Florence + the Machine songs. I need to listen to it and take the advice that is found in the lyrics. 

Chin up Dani! Things will work out. They always do. Have a terrific Tuesday everybody. See you tomorrow with a Wishlist.