Gotta love bagels...

Black Friday

Is any product worth this much effort? I just don't think so. I mean, do any of those people look happy? I understand you can't see their faces in this picture. But they look cold, and tired. I hate being cold and tired. And I just don't care that much. Are you planning to shop on Black Friday? I don't mind shopping on this day-but feel no need to get up at 4am to wait in line. I will go out around noon, and shop at the Park City outlets, and possibly pick up some signature items from fabulous stores such as Banana and JCrew. That is all I need.

Banana Pudding

I know I have already shared this recipe with some of you, but I feel like more should benefit from this treasure. Mom sent me this a few weeks ago (courtesy of the one and only Paula Dean-so we know it has to be good, right Aly?), and told me I HAD to make it. So I did. It was divine. Not only do I love banana pudding, I love the memories that go with it. We used to always make banana pudding together sophomore year, in the good old Foxwood-remember? Oh how I miss those days...

So instead of our fast/easy banana pudding that we made as starving students-here is something more sophisticated for our grown up lives. Enjoy my darlings!

Not Yo' Mama's Banana Pudding

Ingredients:
2 bags Pepperidge Farm Cheesmen Cookies
6-8 bananas sliced
2 cups milk
1 (5 ounce) box instant French Vanilla pudding1
(8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 (12 ounce) container frozen whipped topping thawed, or equal amount sweetened whipping cream

Directions:
Line bottom of a 13 by 9 by 2 inch dish with 1 bag of cookies and layer bananas on top. In a bowl, combine the milk and pudding mix and blend well using a handheld electric mixer. Using another bowl, combine the cream cheese and condensed milk together and mix until smooth. Fold the whipped topping or cream into the cream cheese mixture. Add the cream cheese mixture to the pudding mixture and stir until well blended. Pour the mixture over the cookies and bananas and cover with the remaining cookies. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

My recent obsession

Maybe it's just me, but I am in-love with cake stands lately. They are just so darling, and can make any cake look good. These can be found at Williams Sonoma, Pottery Barn, and Macy's (You are welcome). Do yourself, and your cakes a favor.

Thankful

One week from today, I will be with my WHOLE family, in a cabin, in Park City, eating turkey. This is our first Thanksgiving in 2 years all together, since Michael is back from his mission. I am so excited to see mom and dad, to go shopping, and to just relax! It has been a while since I have done that...

As I think about the things in life I am most thankful for, it always comes down to the people I know and love. I am so blessed to have a wonderful family, and the best friends in the whole wide world. There is nothing more important in this life than our relationships we build with our family, friends, ourselves, and our Heavenly Father. I hope we all feel this during Thanksgiving, and always.

What is everyone doing for Thanksgiving this year? I hope that each of you have a wonderful time! I miss you all dearly. Megs and I are holding down the fort in P-town. Please come visit soon-all of you! The snow isn't too great yet-but I am certainly not complaining! This is the first year I have not cried when it snowed.

I can't wait to see Thomas, Alta and Krew the beginning of December, as well as Kels and Brandon! The end of December, Birdtree comes home from her mission! I just can't believe that. And then we will all be together...bliss. I miss you all! Everyone needs to get Skype, so we can at least see each other. That is my one request!

The Sweetest Thing

I came across this video today as I was searching blogs for trends for a project I am working on for my job. You will not regret watching this!

Farewell Summer...

This weekend will officially end summer bliss. However, a lot of fabulous things will be taking place to ease my mind from the inevitable first snow that is sure to come sooner, rather than later.

Tonight we will be heading up the canyon for a back to school bonfire. This is the third year we have done this-and it is always a success (until we get in trouble for having a fire outside of a fire pit). Tomorrow will be filled with Seven Peaks and BYU's first football game! Sunday will be filled with meetings, as always-but I don't mind it. We now have church at 12:40, which allows for more sleep--which is essential in my life at this point! Monday we will most likely have a BBQ, which is always a good time!

Any plans for Labor Day? Have a lovely weekend!

Perspective...

Wow. I think this is such a good reminder of how blessed we truly are. We get so caught up in what people have around us, and constantly have the mentality that we need more. But if we only realized that we already have WAY more than 75% of the world, we would be less eager to go out and buy that new pair of shoes, new car, or condo on the beach.

I know that no one has the perfect life, where everything works out exactly the way they want. We all will experience our own trials, helping us to grow. I have had a lot to think about lately, and it seems like every time something goes wrong, I try to think of what I am supposed to learn from the experience. This has helped me to gain perspective. I am currently studying D&C, and recently re-read one of my favorite scriptures, Section 122:7 "And if thou shouldst be cast into the a pit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good." In every trial, the Lord is preparing us to be stronger so that we can face what is ahead. He will never give us anything that we cannot handle. And He will be there to lift us if we just ask.

Not only are we blessed to have food, clothes, a place to live, and the best friends in the whole wide world, we also have the gospel in our lives. I hope that we all make the best of each day, and are thankful for the trials that make us stronger. How I went from coats and football to this post, I am not sure. But it has just been on my mind. Thank you for being in my life, and have a lovely end of the summer weekend my friends. I just love you.

Two good things about Fall...

Lovely coats and BYU football. Bring it on fall. I am ready for you.

Mmmm.

I just want this to be mine. The only thing I would want to add is a build in bbq and fireplace, with darling outdoor furniture. And a lot of pillows. One day...

Embrace Change

Lately, I have experienced a lot of change in my life. Best friends have moved away, new roommates have moved in, a new ward starting Sunday, I could go on and on. I think change can be a good thing, although it is not necessarily a comfortable feeling. I believe we have the opportunity to grow the most when we are out of our comfort zone, and experiencing new things that life has to offer. I know all of you are going through big changes at the moment as well-living in new states, new apartments, having new jobs, adapting to a new culture and a way of life. I guess we can all just embrace and endure this time of life together. So enjoy my friends. Life will never be the same.

The Taste of Summer

I love watermelon. It may or may not be one of my favorite fruits. Why, you might wonder? Well, it just reminds me of all things summer. Whenever we go to the beach, we bring watermelon. When you have a BBQ on the 4th of July, there is watermelon. When you go to a pool party, watermelon is sure to make an appearance. You get what I am saying. To me, watermelon is the taste of summer.

Here are some of the things that remind me of summer more than anything else:

• Corn on the cob
• Pool parties
• Bonfires
• BBQ's
• Sunscreen
• The lake
• Camping
• Cherries
• Sun glasses
• The park
• Tennis
• Night games
• Movies in the park
• Bike rides
• Hiking
• Popsicles
• Otter pops
• Flip flops
• Water balloon fights
• Volleyball
• Road trips
• Disneyland
• Baseball

There are so many more things. But sometimes it is best to keep a list shorter rather than longer. So, you're welcome. I am not looking forward to the warmth of the sun leaving me soon. But I know that it always comes back, which is really very kind.

So what are some things that remind you of summer?

Bouquet of freshly sharpened pencils...

By far, my favorite season is Summer. I love the warmth, the playful atmosphere, and spending time outdoors with friends.

However, I always look forward to the fall. You know that exciting feeling you get before you are about to start school, meet new people, learn more about the world and yourself? I have been getting that feeling lately as August comes to an end. But I have to constantly remind myself that this fall will be a bit different. I will not be buying school supplies, books, taking classes, and all that is included in a normal September. No, instead I will be continuing to work at Provo Craft, doing what I absolutely love. I have a diploma. I have experience college-although that concept in itself is still hard to comprehend. I envy my friends who are still in school, and wonder if I would actually feel that way if I were starting a new semester in a few weeks. But college cannot, and definitely should not, last forever.

I am reminded of the famous line from my all-time favorite movie, You've Got Mail: "Don't you love New York in the fall? It makes me wanna buy school supplies. I would send you a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils if I knew your name and address." Oh how I want to buy school supplies. And have a man send me a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils. Even though I am not starting school, I might just have to go buy school supplies. And use them at the office. That could help. If any of you would like to go shopping for school supplies (or in my case, office supplies), I would greatly enjoy your company.

Have a lovely day. And buy yourself some pencils. You won't regret it.

Eat, Pray, Love

So last night I went with Janna and Lindsay to see Eat, Pray, Love. It was fabulous, as expected. I would highly recommend it. Please let me know what you all think of it when you see it-especially Aldog. I would say that I enjoyed the movie more than the book. Then again, we all know how much I love reading. So that might play a role!

Basically, the movie just made me want to travel! Italy is just so lovely, and everything I want and more in my life. Janna, Lindsay, Meredith and I are planning on going to go to London and possibly Italy or other European destinations. The plan is to visit Thomas, Alta and Krew while they are living the dream at medical school! I am so excited. If we go to Italy, I will be sure to partake of the gelato. A lot of gelato. And when I return, the gym will be my best friend.

Oh, also, yesterday I had lunch with Megan and Aaron. It was just such a pleasure hanging out with them and eating J-Dawgs. Thanks for hanging out with me Young's! I just love you both. Have fun in Peru, and you better post a ton of pictures when you return to the states. I feel like me and Megan are holding down the fort here in P-town. It is a pleasure to do so.

Well, that's all for now. I hope you have all enjoyed your weekend, for tomorrow, we return to work. Sadly.

It's Friday.

Have a lovely weekend my darlings.

Update...

Hello bff's. I would like to apologize for my lack of posts as of late. Life has been a bit crazy!

Things that have been happening:

• I was sick for about 3 weeks straight (think Meg Ryan in You've Got Mail)
• Brother came home from his mission!
• I went to San Fran for work
• I went to Chicago for work (which sounds a lot cooler than it is. I basically saw the airport, my lovely hotel room, and a conference center.)
• I have been hanging out with some fabulous people in my ward, who are for the most part moving away soon
• Working/loving my job
• Playing a lot of tennis-a lot!

That's basically it. But things are going well! I miss you all like crazy! It was not fun saying goodbye to Kels, then Aly, then Alta. I just don't think I can take any more.

Other things to look forward to this summer:

• This weekend I am going to see Eat, Pray, Love, and I wish that you could all be there with me. I am expecting it to be a fabulous performance-especially with Julia Roberts.
• The demolition derby-never been to one, but I feel great about it.
• Mom and sister coming to town next weekend
• Mom, Dad and brother coming to town the weekend after that
• A new ward (I am not moving, but everyone else in my ward is!)
• More tennis
• A possibly camping trip
• Bonfire
• Football season (while not necessarily this summer, it will certainly be here soon!)

That is all I really have to say for now. I will be back soon. I love you all.

Love,

Crizzy

Interesting...

The Minivan Is Cool Again...Apparently

I came across this hilarious advertisement for the Toyota Sienna (or should I say "Swagger Wagon") today while I was at work (searching for fun, cool ads). I loved it. And surprisingly, it applied to Provo Craft--since most of our consumers are busy moms, and most likely drive something just as cool as this little gem. So do yourselves a favor, and please watch this ad. And if you happen to get a minivan, I will no longer judge you.

Modern Family

Please tell me you are all watching this fabulous show! I do not think I have ever laughed harder. This may or may not be a very bold statement, but I think it is even better than The Office. There are just so many funny moments that I think we can all relate to when it comes to our families. Also, did you know that the (bigger) gay man is actually straight in real life? He does such a fantastic job and is probably my favorite person on the show. My favorite episode is the one with the iPad. I had no idea you could blow out candles on it! Are you kidding? Ah, it made me want to go buy one right away (I refrained). I also loved the episode where the kids start to be embarrassed by their parents. I think we all went through this stage. It's interesting how that changes the older you get. I have found that I love and appreciate my parents so much more the older I get. That episode was just so perfect. Anyway, my point is, if you have not watched this show yet, start. The end! Hope you are all having a lovely weekend.

Costco Water

Maybe this is a weird thing to say, but I honestly believe that there is no better water than the water bottles you can get at Costco. I mean, for only $3.88 you get 32 bottles of refreshing heaven. Arrowhead has nothing on this jazz. Do you agree, or am I just crazy?

My latest obession

If you know me at all, you know that I have been dreaming of a Kitchen Aid basically my entire life. I came across this "boysenberry" one today. I want it. Even more than the stainless steel. Crazy, I know. It is just such a good color. I guess if I don't get this, I can at least use it as inspiration for the next time I go with Aly to get my nails done. I love getting my nails done almost as much as I love Kitchen Aid's. And that's a lot.

How genetics work

Have any of you seen this picture? It makes me smile every time. It's just so clever, don't you think? And quite tender...

Want to hear a funny story?

Have you ever had someone ask you "want to hear a funny story?" I feel like I hear this on a daily basis. I also feel like I have never said "no" when asked this question. Of course I want to hear a funny story. I like to laugh, don't you? This is just something I have been thinking about a lot lately. I guess it is a good disclaimer before beginning the story. You should also hope that the story is, in fact funny before asking this question. If not, it could be slightly awkward for all persons involved in the conversation. I am sure I have asked this question before. I will try to refrain, and just start telling the story. That's all I really have to say. I hope you all have a lovely weekend.

Welcome BFF's

Since all of you married's have a blog, I thought I would start one since we will soon all be going our separate ways. So here it is. I will try to post as much as possible! I just love you all. I will be back soon with funny things to say, naturally.