Friday Night

Last night, Kirk and I decided to have a fun date night.

We had originally planned to go to Salt Lake for a fun dinner, followed by a game or two of bowling and end the night with a movie.

Kirk said I could choose any restaurant in Utah besides Chef's Table. (I have never been, but would like to go.) I chose a pizza place in Salt Lake that neither of us have ever been to, Setebellos.

After learning there was a Jazz game, we quickly changed our plans and decided to stay in the Provo/Orem area.

We went to Pizzeria 712 which I absolutely LOVE. Seriously. So delicious. We have been a few times before but, it was particularly delicious last night. I thoroughly enjoy the close quarters and charming atmosphere of this little pizza place. I almost feel like it belongs in either the movie The Holiday or New York City. Two favorites. So, I like it.

After we were sufficiently satiated with salad and pizza, we did what we usually do after a satisfying meal. Laid down. We stopped at a bowling alley, just to see what a wait would be for a lane. We were not willing to wait an hour so laid down we did.

I had been wanting to see a movie for a while and thought it would be fun to see The Lovely Bones. I have not read the book but heard it was good so I thought, what the hey, I'll take my chances.

Um, I probably had one of the worst movie theater experiences I have ever had.

I don't want to ruin the movie for any of you who still plan on seeing it, but between the couple next to me who decided to comment to each other after ever single scene, and the guy behind me who kept hitting my seat with his feet and then decided to just keep his knees against my seat making me sit at a 90 degree angle the entire movie, and the actual movie itself, NO BUENO.

So now I am going to proceed to hate on this movie.

Sorry for all you who want to see it or actually liked it.

I would say save yourself the $9.

First of all, you could TOTALLY tell this was a book made into a movie sort of movie. There was no flow. I am no movie critic. But I am pretty sure it is my biggest pet peeve if movies don't have any fluidity. I mean, isn't that the point of a movie? To make it all work and come together to serve a purpose of a MOVIE? That's why I do not like any of the Twilight movies. They don't make any sense to me. I believe all books made into movies should make sense to all people who have not read the books so a more wide audience can enjoy.

Secondly, who decided to write/make a movie about a serial killer who preys on children?

Not only was it completely and utterly disturbing to me, but it angered me. I did not understand the point. To me, this movie just showed me how happy and innocent people can have horrible things happen to them. Now, what part of that is uplifting? None of it.

And lastly, the guy next to me smelled like a creepy pedophile so every time I would get a whiff of his cologne, I would think that's what the murderer would smell like and instantly HATE the guy next to me. He doesn't deserve that. Look how this movie makes me hate innocent people.

And that, my friends, is why that movie is on my top-hated movies of my life.

Sincerely,

Alix.

on the hunt

I AM ON THE HUNT!

For a new purse/handbag/satchel/hobo bag...

I am totally drooling over these kate spade bags.

I wish I could have one.

Minus the price tag please.

So I am on the search for a similar bag. Mostly like the white leather with navy trim and/or navy and white striped with the two fold-over pockets in front. GAH! I want them! I'm so vain.

la musica

Anyone who knows me well, or who has lived with me should know my obsession with music.

LOUD music.

Pretty much any and all music.

I seriously listen to the most random music sometimes.

I'll never forget the time bff Heather came into my room whilst I was blaring Sheryl Crow's, "IF IT MAKES YOU HAPPY!"

and she goes, "WHAT? Who blares Sheryl Crow?!"

Yeah, I'm awesome like that.

I love country. I especially love twangy country. Even though I am from Seattle and like, NO ONE listens to country there. In fact, I remember hating country growing up. And getting annoyed with other bff Brandi when she would play it. And then, one day, I woke up and I said to myself, "Vivian, (yes, that's what I call myself) YOU like country music!"

So now I like it. A lot. I'm persuasive like that.

I like rap.

Like gangster, runnin' around with my blue/red (I don't choose sides. Plus, I don't want to get shot) do-rag hanging out of my back pocket - rap.

I like new songs. I usually like those songs that everyone says, "I HATE this song."

Sometimes it's reversed and people say, "I LOVE this song." I tend to hate it.

I like girly love songs.

I mean Mariah Carey and Celine Dion - eat your heart out.

I like depressing Dashboard Confessional songs.

I like Frank Sinatra. I probably would like it more if I could dance to it.

I don't like African Tribal music. Well, maybe I do. Just not played while I am trying to sleep. Yes, that has happened to me before.

SO many great memories made with music.

I am in such a weird mood right now.

Which brings me to my next point.

I am currently digging and listening to 70's Disco. I don't even know if that is a genre. Maybe I made it up. Regardless, I am seriously jammin' out to a little Earth, Wind and Fire, some Stevie Wonder, sprinkled with Kacie & The Sunshine Band... I LOVE it. If you saw me right now, you would see me swaying and rocking to the beat and possibly singing. Even though I don't know the words!

Anyway, all this is to say that I am severely in love with music. And my favorite part is whenever I borrow Kirky Lirky's car, he leaves it on my current favorite station - 94.1 fm which I believe is a get out your dancing shoes, 70's disco station.

Alright, so maybe Kirk only leaves it on that station because he listens to his iPod when he drives. It's ok though. Because part of me believes that he actually DOES leave it on that station just for me. Because he loves me. And that's allllllll that matters.

Bananas

Alright alright alright.

I know I do a lot of product reviews on this here blog. And I don't even get any sort of compensation from it! Nonetheless, I will admit I am somewhat of a "product junkie" and when I find something that I LOVE, I just want to share it with the whole world!

Currently, I am hooked on these little shake mixers from Herbalife. (Cuzzo Rachel sells them. Inquire if you would like some!)

I am currently using the Wild Berry flavor and mixing it with some Tropicana 50 and some Yoplait frozen smoothie mix into the magic bullet and VIOLA! A healthy and DELICIOUS meal!

I have been making them for breakfast for about a month now and I enjoy them since I never really ate breakfast before.

Then I came across an article on BANANAS and I learned how amazingly good bananas are for you! I actually am not a banana person myself and I kind of get grossed out by them. I think it's their shape and texture which I do not enjoy and I can remember at a young age, my sister chewing bananas in my ear and I would gag at the sound.

WEIRD, right?

Well, I am trying a whole new different approach.

Bananas in my smoothie.
While not super noticeable, I am still maintaining my healthy breakfast AND adding a few more benefits to my meal. Oh yeah, killing two birds with one stone. LOVELY.

Well, I tried it and I still couldn't eat it.

I was a little disgusted by the flavor and texture of my smoothie and it was hard to eat it all.

But alas, I finished my breakfast without one gag.

I am training myself to eat healthier and so even though I have an aversion to bananas (no jokes please) I am learning to incorporate them.

And that, my friends, is my spiel on BANANAS.

THE END.

Helping Haiti

My lovely friend, Brittany Barnes and her husband, Grant are leaving for Haiti on Friday.

To help.

Brittany's mother-in-law has organized Children's Hope and they will be working in coalition with them.

I admire their courage and their strength.

But we can help.

They are collecting donations until Thursday.

They need:

powdered baby formula

costco (bulk) advil (ibuprofen)

costco (bulk) tylenol (acetaminophen)

children's vitamins

prenatal vitamins

You may also visit their blog to receive more information and to help.

nordstrom: my hero

Let me tell you reason #783 why I LOVE Nordstrom.

I bought a pair of Hudson Jeans. An investment, let me tell ya.

A few months later, a HOLE was ripped in my jeans and you could see my BUTT! Not as attractive as one may think.

I was nervous about bringing the jeans back because I had heard some horror stories about t.b.d. not returning Hudsons with ripped holes because they are just thinner and it comes with the wear of the jeans and I hate to be confrontational. I don't want a fight. I just want a new pair of jeans.

I decided to try anyway. I simply explained to the saleswoman that my jeans ripped with only a few months of wear and that I was so sad about it.

She quickly looked up my transaction and told me she would return the jeans and asked if I would like to order a new pair.

WHY YES! I replied.

I was ecstatic about her inquiry and her swiftness to solve the problem. I mean, what was I so worried about.

Then the woman informed me that the jeans are now on sale and that I will be receiving $80 back!

AWESOME!

I win.

Seriously, made my day.

Baby Names

I am not expecting any babies any time soon. No need to fret.

I have been writing down names since I was about 12. Every time a baby name would pop into my head I would archive it. Save it. So I would never forget it. Of course this list has gone through countless rounds of revisions only ever leaving about 4 or 5 names.

I just like to have my handy dandy baby name list around so I can be sure I have a good name for my kiddlets.

As I was surfin' the web today, I happened upon a list of current hipster baby names. I am ashamed to tell you that 4 out of my 4 names are on this list, and it makes me sad. Looks like I am going to have to re-think this list of mine. I don't want names for my kids that will go out of style like POGS came and went.

No, no. I need names that will be timeless classics but also unique.

Looks like I gotta start choosing names with a different approach.

Oh would you like to know my list?

Olive.

Lola.

Lila.

Roman.

Don't judge me. :)

kittens and chapstick.

Ahem, let me begin by saying that I have been wanting a kitten for about 22 years now. (I mean, I am sure I wanted one when I was 3 months old. I just know it.) I would always envy everyone else's cat. I always have wanted one to cuddle with and to pet while pondering the things of this life. I'm deep like that. And secretly, yes, I do want to be that cat lady. Minus the crazy part. I just want like a few cats. Not like a million. Like that lady on Hoarders who doesn't even know how many cats she is housing. No, nothing like that.

I am weird, I know this. No one REALLY wants cats. Most people would rather have dogs. I get it. Dogs are loyal and fun and playful and protecting.

Cats... well cats just wander the house, meowing, and rub against your leg as if to tell you, "HELLO! Don't you realize I am here! Give me some attention."

The thing is they are independent creatures with minds of their own. They would rather spend afternoons napping in the sunlight and quite honestly, that is what I would rather be doing as well.

So I guess that's why I want one so much. Go ahead, judge.

I have had kittens before and sadly they were too sick to keep and I had to give them away.

Kirk knows about my slight obsession with kitties and told me that I could get one for Valentine's Day.

Well, today we went to petsmart because I am 5 years old and like to look at all the animals there. While there, I found some kittens in need of a home and became very attached one in particular whom I like to call Linus. I told Kirk that I wanted that one and we just about walked out of the store with it when I realized Kirk can't breathe. And he was crying. Not out of joy for me and the kitty, no. Because his eyes were watering from all the cat dander and his throat was closing up.

Then, we remembered that Kirk was in fact allergic to cats. So much in fact that when he was 12, him and his brother had to go to the Emergency Room. So much in fact, that while staying at a friend's house for a wedding, his throat did actually close up causing him to stop breathing.

Well my friends, I have chosen the higher road and opted to keep my boyfriend over a kitten.

And that is how the cookie crumbles.

In other news, my lips have been ever so chapped lately. Not the kind where you have layers of skin peeling off. SICK. The kind that makes your lips burn and burn and there is no end. They burn all the time, no matter the amount of chapstick or vaseline I apply. Not even the hardcore neosporin. It is just not letting up. Any suggestions on how to cure this slight ailment of mine? It would be greatly appreciated.

Also, I happened upon this little bloggy blog. she blogs she blogs. This girl is funny. And I enjoy her wittiness and vocabulary. Maybe that's a weird thing to admire about someone, but I sometimes have a hard time finding the right words I want to say. (Actually, more often than not.) Vocabulary aside, she is a little cynical and a little bit sarcastic and has a major crush on Diet Coke which reminds me a little of someone else I know :) And she is crafty. You may have seen a few of her cards in boutiques around Utah County. They are gems.

I like.

Love Always,

Alix

a few lessons in retail.

Alright everybody.

I never thought people could be so darn rude until I worked in retail.

I never knew people acted so entitled until I worked in retail.

Well let this be a little lesson to you all... a little shopping 101, if you will.

Listen, learn, take notes!

FIRST, if you make a mess, do your best to clean it up. Even if it's not the greatest job, it shows us that you aren't a heartless snob who expects everyone to clean up after you. We are not your mother. And hopefully if you are old enough to shop, your mother is NOT cleaning up after you.

If you need help finding a size, we are more than happy to assist you in your search. Don't pick up EVERY single shirt and throw them every which way as if through the manic search one will appear right in front of your eyes.

If you decide you don't want said shirts, don't leave them where ever you feel like it. This includes the floor. NO. BAD. Seriously people, did your mother teach you ANYTHING? Our store isn't even that big. You can take the 4 extra steps to the original pile of clothing. OR, I wouldn't be offended if you handed me the clothing that you do not want.

SECONDLY, if something falls off a hanger, and you make direct eye-contact with me, don't stare at me as if to say, "Sorry. This is not my job to clean up." Enough said.

THIRD, there is no need to show me the shirts that you hate. I really don't care about the ones you do not like. NOR do I care about the reasons behind such hatred. Tell me what you do like. Don't walk into the store, grab hated shirts, bring them to the counter and explain to me why you are disappointed in them, and then say you don't want to buy anything because you have worked yourself into a frenzy and hastily walk out. You have made your point.

FOURTH, don't even get me started on the dressing rooms. There is such thing as dressing room etiquette. It goes as follows, no clothes on floor. Seriously. May I remind, the dressing room is not your bedroom. You may leave clothes on your bedroom floor. You may not leave clothes on the dressing room floor.

I don't know why people have been just getting on my last nerve lately. I really shouldn't let it bother me and I shouldn't take these offenses personally, but I totally do! I act like every single one of these delinquents is my arch nemesis and is trying to destroy my life which includes my workspace! Alright, I'm off my soapbox. The End.

Cilantro Lime Quesadillas

Kirk came over a few nights ago - starving.

I wasn't planning on making some dinner so I searched through my fridge and pantry and found some ingredients for these.

DIVINE. and EASY.

1 whole wheat tortilla

2 chicken tenders or 1 chicken breast

1/2 lime

1/4 cup cheese (I used mexican blend shredded, but any kind you like is delicious)

8 or 9 sprigs of cilantro - chopped

cumin

pepper

seasoned salt

garlic salt

Season chicken with cumin, garlic salt and pepper. Cut and cut into cubes. (I used the Gorge Forman grill. Delicious.) Squeeze lime juice and add cilantro to chicken and stir it up. Spray pan with non-stick spray and heat up tortilla. Spread cheese and chicken onto half of the tortilla. Fold tortilla over and cook on both sides until cheese is melted. Sprinkle seasoned salt and cumin on top of quesadilla and slice up. It's delicious with salsa, sour cream and guacamole! ENJOY!

which one does not belong?

Anthropologie

Anthropologie

Anthropologie.

Anthropologie (Mine)

Forever 21?

Spittin' image of my bag... at least style-wise. $24.99 as compared to the $88 at Anthropologie.

Another thing, has anyone noticed that Forever 21 has makeup!? Has anyone tried this stuff? I want to know about it but I'm too scared to buy any. Which I guess isn't really a legitimate fear considering all the makeup is like $5 and under.

Also, Forever 21 has some los jeans that I would like to purchase. I have done it in the past, and I will do it again. Surprisingly, they are amazing. The prices range from $12.50 to $34.50. I recommend them. Take it or leave it.

HERE.

I almost died today.

Ahem,
Well a few of you had questions about my connection to Tenley.
Sadly, I am not her sister, cousin or her best friend.
HOWEVER my sister's cousin's (who is also MY cousin) best friend just so happens to be TENLEY!
So that is how I know her.

Secondly,
Deva Curl can be found at any salon or salon shop.
May I warn once more that it is in the pricier side but, if you are willing to sacrifice a few dollars,
you will not be disappointed my friends.

In other news,
I amost died today.
Ok, maybe not as near death as it may seem, but I felt fear.
And that's all that matters.
I have a great story for all of you fellow readers.
Today, I went to the bank to make a few deposits and get some change. The line was long as expected the day after a holiday. I mean, I probably waited for about 20 minutes. I was in no rush. I caught up playing Bejeweled on my phone.
One of the tellers closed his window and informed the next woman in line that he was closed. The man being helped next to him became irate at the situation and started yelling,
"Are you KIDDING ME! These people have been waiting for well over 20 minutes and you are closed? You people do absolutely NOTHING! You don't work! And you are SO slow! And the customer service is piss-poor. (he said it, not me) I am never banking here again! I am done!"
I was so shocked at this man's behavior and his ability to become so angry so quickly in a public area. I was a little bit uncomfortable and decided to maintain eye contact with my iPhone. (Ok, I was petrified this guy was gonna pull out a gun and take everyone hostage. He was THAT mad.)
Then one of the tellers yells back,
"We ARE working as hard and as fast as we can! We are trying to catch up from yesterday! Give us a break!"
The man replied,
"I think I have given you guys ENOUGH breaks! I pay for you guys to work and you guys don't do a thing!"
THEN,
A third party -customer- enters the scene and begins to yell back at the man,
"Yeah, you pay for it with your $20 a week job!"
(good comeback. seriously.)
The yelling man then replies,
"WELL I DON'T CARE! I know you guys are just going to talk about me behind my back when I leave and you know what? I don't even care! Go ahead, talk about me. See if I care!"
umm... Oh, sorry we didn't realize we were listening to the center of the universe on his soapbox at Zion's Bank today. Thank you for your permission to speak about you after you leave.
The man then exits the branch and the customer says,
"I'm sorry I yelled at him. I just love Zion's Bank!"

And then everyone clapped and cheered.
Dead. Serious.
BIZARRE.

Needless to say, I am very thankful that the man spared my life.
I'm so glad I am alive to be able to tell such a tale.

Bachelor Roundup #3

Ok,

Seriously.

Jake is quickly becoming my favorite bachelor.

I am starting to wish I was one of the lucky ducks on the show. (Sorry, Kirk.)

I am SO glad he got rid of the major crazies in the house NAMELY,

MICHELLE,

You girl, have got some issues going on. I was squirming in my seat during that awkward kissing scene and I screamed for JOY when Jake said SIONARA.

Elizabeth.

It bugged me SO much how Elizabeth was such a tease and didn't understand why Jake found it hurtful. It's a shame because you're very pretty. Cryin' shame.

Ali,

I love ya girl but you need to relax on the possessiveness of Jakey. Stop gettin in the middle. Seriously.

Vienna,

I feel like there is something off with you and all the girls hate you in the house, but I can't exactly figure out why. Also, Jakes attraction to you baffles. What's up girl?

Tenley,

You are still my favorite. Call me biased, but I feel like your connection with Mr. Pavelka is the most genuine. I enjoy.

Deva Curl

Let me tell you about the most amazing stuff I have ever found. For all you curly hair lovelies,

I FOUND IT!

Get ready...

It's a little diddy called "Deva Curl" and I am absolutely IN LOVE with it.

My curls are perfect.

They are not frizzy.

They have bounce.

They have volume.

I LOVE it.

It's a little pricey but, I am totally willing to spend the extra dollars on this product because it is SO worth it.

I was a little skeptical of the no-suds shampoo but, I haven't had hair this healthy since NEVER.

Seriously.

Try it.

It doesn't MAKE your hair curly, it just enhances your curls by locking in that moister so for all you non-curlies out there, this is also for your healthy tresses.

Obviously I am obsessed with this stuff... I mean listen to me, I'm raving.

some things...

A few things...

Yesterday, I was CRAVING some cheesy fiesta potatoes from Taco Bell and then I ate some cheesy fiesta potatoes and while I was eating them, I was thinking, "This is the best $1.30 I have spent in a while..." Once finished, I quickly regretted.

That is what pure remorse feels like.

In other news, the Bachelor was on last night.
I thoroughly enjoyed all the drama it entailed.

I will admit that Tenley is still my favorite although Ali is quickly growing on me.

Elizabeth and her note is very reminiscent of a time I received a high school-like note recently. And freakin Michelle needs to take a chill pill.

Also, I have one of those vases you can fill with cute things and stick on your mantle... do you know the kind? Well for Christmas I filled it with sparkly red ornaments but now, since the holidays are over, I need something to fill it with! I want to do lemons, but I think I want to wait until it's a little closer to summer for that. Any ideas? Any at all would be greatly appreciated.

And one last thing...

I really want to see THIS movie:

hummm de dummm

Saw Avatar in IMAX 3D this weekend.

I will admit that I was not too excited to see it and poor Kirk was DYING to see it again.

I absolutely LOVED it.

Not so much the story... but the movie itself was pure eye candy. I have never seen anything so amazing on screen before!

I highly recommend seeing it and paying the extra cash to see it in IMAX. So worth it.

In other news, I went to visit cuzzo Rachel at Paul Mitchell on Saturday to get a luxurious scalp treatment.

I wasn't really having any issues with my scalp but this was probably the best thing I have ever done for the well-being of my hair. It is shinier, healthier, bouncier... who woulda thought that such a seemingly tiny thing would change my hair!

LOVE it.

And today I made some homemade alfredo.

Want the recipe?

Well I am feeling generous.

Enjoy.

• 1 lb of your favorite pasta (I like to use rotini or penne)
• 1 16 oz. can chicken stock
• 1 package of 1/3 less fat cream cheese (you may use any kind you want, that's just what I use)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3-5 cloves of garlic (depending on flavor)
• 2 chicken breasts or 5 chicken tenders
• 1 1/2 cup broccoli

Bring water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente. Add chicken stock and cream cheese on medium heat and whisk together. Once fully mixed together, add parmesan cheese and garlic. Try not to let the mixture come to a boil because it could turn the garlic bitter. You may cook the chicken any way you prefer. I like to use the George Forman grill but, you can boil it or cook on the stovetop. Chop into cubes and set aside. Microwave broccoli with a little bit of salt and pepper. Stir all ingredients together and serve! It is seriously so easy and so delicious.

Christian the Lion

have you seen this? because i love this. there may have even been tears. so adorable and amazing.

"True simplicity consists not in the use of particular forms, but in foregoing over-indulgence, in maintaining humility of spirit, and in keeping the material surroundings of our lives directly serviceable to necessary ends, even though these surroundings may be properly characterized by grace, symmetry, and beauty.”

~Book of Discipline of the Religious Society of Friends, Adopted by the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting, 1927

I was thinking about New Years Resolutions today.

2009 taught me that life is not predictable.

New Years Resolutions are fun to make but hard to keep.

This year I just have one:

Simplify.

And I will do just that.

For now, I will enjoy my messy room and my unmade bed I am just about to sleep in.

Lovely night.

Mondays...

Hello?

Are you there?

It's me.

Ok.

Mondays are naturally tough. I don't like to complain. I'm really not one to.

Ok... maybe a lie?

If you would have asked me what kind of day I was having at 5:47pm this evening I would have said "it's PLAIN awful!"

From the annoying customers that came into the store today, to the 12 minute wait for a parking spot at Smith's, to not being able to find the right kind of canned tomatoes, to realizing AFTER I started making dinner that I bought the wrong kind of canned tomatoes 10 minutes before the bachelor... oh yes my friends, things were going MY WAY.

Then, I watched the Bachelor (hottest bachelor ever!) and watched cousin Rachel's bestie, Tenley, win Jake's first kiss and the first impression rose. And I ate my weight in candy and diet coke. I felt much much better.

My blood sugar must have been low.

That would explain the irritable mood I was in.

I do realize that the Bachelor can be seemingly staged, cheesy and pretty much fake, but I LOOOOVE it.

I love all shows cheesy, fake, trashy and dumb.

YES. That's me.

Embrace it.