Steve and Jess

a simple valentine

2012-02-14T09:19:00.000-08:00

Dear Steve,

thank you for loving me even when I'm ridiculous.

thank you for working hard for our family.

thank you for holding me when I wake up from a nightmare.

thank you for leaving me roses on the dashboard of the car.

thank you for doing the laundry because you know I hate it.

thank you for being the best valentine a girl could ask for.

love, Jess

Here's a picture of the caramel cinnamon baked french toast I made for my valentine (one day early)

I hope you're day of love is as smashing as mine is turning out to be!

Here's a peek at our special day from last year.

recipe here

Watson at the Park.

2012-02-13T06:28:00.000-08:00

This basically turned into a mini Watson photo shoot.

We're so obsessed with this cute little ball of fluff!

The park was heaven for Watson.

he played fetch, rolled down the hill, laid in the mud.

puppy heaven I tell ya.

He even made friends with the sweetest little kids, they played with him for around 1/2 an hour and I think he was just as enamored with them as they were with him!

It was so fun to watch.

We just love you Watson!

Happy Birthday Dad

2012-02-12T12:26:00.000-08:00

This morning I woke up with "Amarillo by Morning" playing over in my mind,

which I deemed appropriate, considering today is my Dad's birthday.

Not many things remind me of my cowboy father more than that song!

Dad, thank you for being an incredible father, example, and confidant to me.

You're a good man and deserve all the happiness life can offer.

49 years young!

i love you.

lazy afternoon perfection.

2012-02-11T08:16:00.000-08:00

my ingredients to the perfect, lazy weekend afternoon:

good book+fresh mint tea+wool socks+plaid blanket.

happy weekend everybody!

mint tea is always better when cut it straight from the plant, don't you agree?

Girls Night

2012-02-10T09:42:00.000-08:00

We went out for Ellen's birthday the other night.

I failed to snap pictures from dinner (tsk tsk)

but it was amazing.

We came back to my place for the delicious salted caramel layer cake that Erin made,

no big deal.

and of course a few good hours of girl talk.

I love my friends.

Happy Birthday Ellen!

best. shirt. ever.

2012-02-09T05:51:00.000-08:00

As my sister and I perused through the many isles of Forever 21 (looking for something totally unrelated...) this glorious article caught my eye. It was love at first sight. I had to have it. Luckily we were at Forever 21 and not Saks. If any of you are aware of my love affair with Diet Coke, you would probably agree, this needed to be a part of my wardrobe.

hello little lover.

Happy Wednesday.

the watson diaries, part 1

2012-02-08T05:52:00.000-08:00

Hi friends, Mom wanted me to stop by over here and say hi. Apparently you all think I'm cute or something. I think I'm really big and tough but the second something loud comes around (yes you, evil red vacuum) I run into my little cage and bury my head in my stuffed animals. Mom and Dad think it's the cutest thing ever. I do not. I love to run as fast as my little stumpy legs can carry me... and as a result, I high center myself quite often. I have an insatiable appetite, Mom never seems to give me enough food! My favorite activities include; chewing on everything, herding Dad in the living room, getting treats, meeting new friends on my walks, and sleeping with my back legs sticking straight behind me. Things I hate above all else? Bath time.

Yours truly,

Watson

Oh hey, it's me Jess again!

I just wanted to mosey on back here and let you know who won the giveaway from last week!

Congrats Elisha!

Email me your info via my contact page and I'll refer you over to Corina!

February 2012.

2012-02-07T06:02:00.000-08:00

February, the month of pink,

love notes,

fresh flowers,

and paper heart chains.

Welcome to the month of love my friends.

the irrationality of a woman.

2012-02-06T05:40:00.000-08:00

We were driving home on Friday night. Our leftover popcorn was in a bucket between my feet. It spilled, and I sobbed. Don't ask me how a bucket of popcorn could elicit that kind of response from me, but I think it wasn't the only culprit. It could have been the homesickness that had been welling up inside me for a few months now. The longing for my family and for open spaces. It could have been the failed attempt of redeeming our February VIP voucher at Happy Sumo (an hour wait was just too long at 9:00pm). It could be those feelings of inadequacy that find their way into my heart every so often. Or it could be the unrealistic expectation that my husband and I should have the same opinion on every film we see. If he didn't love The Artist as much as I did what's wrong with our relationship???

Oh the irrationality that comes with being a woman. I reminded myself of this.

Never fear, the night ended up ok. We used the ever-helpful Yelp app on our phones to find another great sushi place with no wait at all. And though I would have preferred discussing the aforementioned film we had just seen, I'm ok with the fact that a black and white silent movie set in the 1930's doesn't speak to my husband as much as it does to me. What a Friday Night.

Darcy

2012-02-04T17:09:00.000-08:00

I've probably seen this movie over 50 times!

I'm not kidding.

So in the spirit of love and Valentine's Day...

Happy Saturday night,

enjoy.

warm spaghetti dinners.

2012-02-03T06:05:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite things to do?

cooking big bowls of warm spaghetti for friends.

I've said it once and I'll say it again,

there's nothing better than good food and good friends.

recipe found here.

Insta Life.

2012-02-02T11:03:00.000-08:00

Here's what my life looks like according to my iphone.

I don't usually put pictures from my phone up here,

but I thought you might want to know what life looks like when I don't happen to have my dslr handy!

1. having a softserve cone in the grocery store with my gloves on. What's wrong with that picture?

2. Grading papers in the classroom.

3. Rearranging my mantle.

4. Pizzeria 712

5. My boots.

6. Snuggling with Watson.

7. Watson in the car.

8. Watson sleeping on Dad's toes.

9. Watson and Dad at the park.

10. Matching PJ's. So satisfying.

11. 50's hair on Sunday.

12. Homemade chicken sliders for dinner.

13. Watson at the grocery store.

(and yes I'm obsessed with my puppy)

14. Little drummies sticking out from under my chair.

(intstagram username: jessicaholly)

a giveaway!

2012-02-02T07:14:00.000-08:00

You guys are so lucky.

The charming Corina has offered to giveaway one of her custom watercolor paintings to one of you readers!

These are seriously fantastic

...can I enter?

To enter:

1.) Follow my blog

2.) Follow Corina's blog

For additional entries:

1.) favorite Corina's Corner on Etsy

2.) Tweet about this giveaway and provide a link

3.) Blog about this giveaway and provide a link

4.) Update your facebook status with a link to this giveaway

Good luck!

watson's bath.

2012-02-01T06:02:00.000-08:00

I almost feel bad looking so happy in these photos...

Watson did NOT enjoy his bath.

not at all.

but it was just too cute,

and kind of funny.

I had to document.

for posterity.

he shrinks to about half his size with his fur all wet.

so so funny.

he'll probably resent me for a few days...but he'll get over it!

We love you Watson!

a sunday morning stroll.

2012-01-31T05:50:00.000-08:00

nothing beats a lazy sunday morning stroll with your man and your pup!

take me back.

Look at those dashing guys. How did I get so lucky?

date night in park city with our celebrity puppy.

2012-01-30T05:52:00.000-08:00

for date night on friday we decided to head up to park city to experience the film festival and grab a bite to eat. we didn't see any films, but we did bring our little pup up and enjoyed the twinkling lights and the magic that is park city. it was so fun. main street was packed with people going to and from the films, we didn't see any celebrities but that didn't really matter seeing as we had one walking around with us on four furry legs. we couldn't walk two feet without being stopped by someone to pet watson. seriously. not that i'm complaining, i kind of feel like it's my duty to let as many people enjoy his cuteness as i can. seeing as before we had this little guy i lived for encounters like that! he wasn't complaining either. corgis are social dogs and he was more than happy to be best friends with anyone who so much as glanced at him. he kills me.

i love weekends.

Happiness is...

2012-01-28T10:41:00.000-08:00

flowers in your home.

especially when everything is dreary outside.

don't you agree?

happy weekend loves!

a royal skirt.

2012-01-27T06:09:00.000-08:00

well, it happened again.

I always do this...

I go thrifting.

I fall in love with a waistline, a print, a color.

only to find it about 20 times too big.

my sister always tries to talk me out of them.

sometimes she succeeds.

sometimes I make a project out of them.

this navy crown printed skirt was just too much, I couldn't resist.

I think it turned out rather well.

thoughts?

watson's first walk.

2012-01-26T05:37:00.000-08:00

well, technically it was his second...but whatever.

he's not quite sure how he feels about the leash.

he told me it seems more like a chew toy than a "leash",

we're working on that.

but let's be honest, when you're as cute as him

you can pretty much get away with anything.

we're just more smitten with him by the minute.

Bear Lake

2012-01-25T06:42:00.000-08:00

this weekend we stayed up in bear lake for a couple of nights with friends.

we played lots of games,

watched movies,

snacked,

ate homemade popcorn,

read A LOT,

snacked some more,

watched the snow fall,

played on the frozen lake (not one of the smartest things I've ever done),

and relaxed.

it was just what the doctor ordered. sometimes you just need to get away, even if it's just a two hour drive! besides the fact that we were delayed leaving three hours because of a flat tire...the weekend was perfect! thanks for inviting us issac and meg! we had a blast.

an introduction.

2012-01-24T05:43:00.000-08:00

I'd like you all to meet the newest member of our family.

Watson is the sweetest little gentlemen.

You can count on him being the newest star of this here blog!

dress re-fashion

2012-01-23T06:27:00.000-08:00

I found this dress at the local consignment shop and immediately fell in love with the shirt,

but was not so enchanted with the over-sized top.

So, I cut off the bottom,

cut out the zipper,

stitched it up,

and viola.

new skirt.

what do you think?

along abbey road.

2012-01-20T16:19:00.000-08:00

Hi friends, today I'm over at Abbey's blog talking about my most embarrassing moment with Steve...

it's back from our Jerusalem days, and pretty funny!

you should check it out.

click here to go to the post.

food blogger

2012-01-20T09:00:00.000-08:00

so my friend and i started a food blog

it's mostly for selfish purposes,

i mean to steal as many of erin's recipes as i possibly can.

that girl's got game in the kitchen.

but seeing as many of you have asked for some of my recipes

i figured i'd let you know about it as well!

it's called two kitchen promenade

enjoy!

his and hers: wedding attire.

2012-01-19T05:53:00.000-08:00

i've been feeling some 1930s fashion love lately,

mostly due to seeing Hugo again and the length of my hair these days.

hence this outfit.

(with a modern twist)

what do you think?

earrings: Target

button up: vintage

belt: Anthropologie

lace skirt: Banana Republic

red pumps: Dejavu Boutique in New York

Clearly Steve is not happy with me for making him take this picture

(I love you honey!!!)

but i couldn't help myself

that bow tie?

he was just too handsome to resist!

Tony + Elora

2012-01-18T05:46:00.000-08:00

Saturday we got to go to the breathtaking wedding of our (very attractive) friends Tony and Elora. First, can we die for just a minute about how cool her name is? Wait until you see the fabulous blush pink gown she wore. Only a girl named Elora could pull off something like that.

The wedding was at the McCune Mansion in Salt Lake, and it was breathtaking. Tony and Steve have been friends since middle school and it was fun to see him so happy. Elora is absolutely perfect for him. Congrats you two!

brass pony diy

2012-01-17T05:49:00.000-08:00

i've been on the look out for a small brass horse,

but never seemed to find one I liked!

insert 50 cent plastic horse from the consignment store,

a little gold paint I had on hand...

and voila. brass pony.

thank you very much.

easy, and considerably cheaper.

i love thrifting!

using spray paint probably would've been easier, but my gold craft paint worked just fine!

If you try something similar, link up in the comments so I can see!

Marley's

2012-01-16T08:25:00.000-08:00

steve and i have become regulars at Marley's

we can't help it.

those shoestring fries speak to our souls,

and my midsection.

heaven help me.

and yes i was dressed to the nines at a burger joint,

that's just how we roll.

burgers for date night?

it just doesn't get much classier than that.

Lazy Saturday Mornings

2012-01-14T09:27:00.000-08:00

this is what my morning looked like.

dreamy white sheets, steel cut oats, toast with fig preserves and chamomile tea.

oh how i love a lazy saturday morning.

My Bosom Friend

2012-01-13T05:20:00.000-08:00

So before you jump to conclusions and think that the title of this post is super weird and semi-creepy...

I have a question.

Have you seen Anne of Green Gables?

I love Anne.

I want my future daughters to be like Anne.

Anne has a "bosom friend"

(Diana)

and every time I watch Anne and Diana,

I think of my friend Erin.

Do you guys have friends like that?

Those friends where you immediately met each other and connected?

Where no amount of states or time zones between you could make you less close?

That's how it is with Erin and I.

This week, as previously stated, was rough for me!

I got in my first car accident on Monday (I'm not hurt, nor is anyone else....just my car)

which kind of turned the rest of my week into a big hot mess.

and what did I find on my doorstep today?

This little package of happiness.

Of course Erin knew exactly how to cheer me up!

cupcakes and corgis...

could anything be more magical?

Probably not.

I just love her.

So three cheers for bosom friends and 3-day weekends!

midweek meal

2012-01-12T05:57:00.000-08:00

This has been a horrible, terrible, no good, very bad week.

but really.

I needed some comfort food.

insert relieving my frustration in the kitchen

and chicken and apples with apple gravy.

hallelujah.

Hopefully a long weekend will make up for it!

Kindred Spirits

2012-01-11T05:33:00.000-08:00

My Grandma and I share a love of reading.

Every time we see each other we have books to recommend

or at least she always has books to recommend to me, this woman is amazing.

This is the woman who introduced me to Harry Potter in the 6th grade.

I give her most of the credit (along with my mother) for sparking my obsession with reading.

So I guess it's no little surprise that unbeknownst to us...

we both sent each other books for gifts this year.

of course we did.

I'd like to think we're kindred spirits, Grandma and I.

I can only hope to be half as classy as her in my lifetime.

That's her reading to me as a child.

Isn't she lovely?

Meaningful Gifts

2012-01-10T05:53:00.000-08:00

one of my favorite things in the world is to give or receive meaningful, sentimental gifts.

i love it.

it took me a while to realize it, but it really is my love language.

i don't mean huge expensive gifts,

i mean the thoughtful ones.

the gifts you get where you know your mom was paying attention to when you lingered next to those flats 6 months ago

or the ones where your husband noticed your lusting after a peter pan collared shirt

or when your sister passed something in the aisle

and just KNEW you had to have it

it's totally you.

i just live for that look in the eyes of the person tearing off the wrapping from your gift.

the excitement and surprise. they never expected it. they never knew they couldn't live without it.

this year I've been particularly spoiled.

i'm one lucky girl!

top to bottom: birthstone earrings, HP series, Audrey Hepburn canvas, old Marcum family books, macaron cook book, french cook book, flats, peter pan collar shirt, swede driving gloves, table napkins.

P.S. the 8th and 9th photos are Christmas gifts from Steve. How good is he?

The 6th Grade

2012-01-09T04:56:00.000-08:00

Well friends, I am now teaching the 6th grade. My school asked me to switch grades in January, so here I am. I consented to leave my cute little Kindergarteners with the consolation of even more hugs when I pass them in the hall (which has proved true...nothing like a mob of 6-year olds to make you feel like a celebrity). I'm loving my new students and look forward to many more witty comments and discussions on the similarities between Gandalf and Merlin.

It's been a bittersweet move for me. When I was looking for a job I never dreamed I'd be teaching younger than 4th grade, so when I got offered a position in Kindergarten I was a little apprehensive. That said, I never could have expected how much I would love it! Teaching them was such a joy. I really loved my students. Then, when they asked if I would be willing to move, I was so conflicted! Here I was, being offered a position in 6th grade, the grade I always wanted to teach...but how could I say goodbye to those sweet little children? It was hard, but I did it. I just feel so lucky to get to experience both grades this year before we make our move. Kindergarten to sixth grade...what an adventure.

Sistas

2012-01-06T05:48:00.000-08:00

Can I just tell you...

I don't know how I'm going to survive in Boston without this girl.

My heart seriously ached without her over Christmas break!

Tonight, we reunited.

We worked out.

We got dinner.

We got our nails done.

We went grocery shopping...

I know, so glamorous right?

We just love each other.

I need her in my life!

Potato Pizza

2012-01-05T05:33:00.000-08:00

Homemade potato pizza with parmesan and caramelized onions.

be still my heart.

It was so good we had to break out the Martinellis and make it an occasion.

I love evenings in with my man.

Can you tell I was craving this again?

Happy Wednesday!

Boston

2012-01-04T05:40:00.000-08:00

So, we're moving to Boston.

Do you remember this post?

yeah....this is what it was about.

Besides the fact that we're moving even farther away from family,

we're very excited!

Steve graduates with his masters in April, we'll spend the summer here in Utah,

then come August we'll be heading out east for his new job!

Any Boston recommendations would be much appreciated.

and you bloggers out there from MA?

Let's be friends.

Little Norway

2012-01-03T05:27:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite places to visit in WA is downtown Poulsbo

it is so quaint right there on the harbor

people refer to it as "little Norway"

it has the most darling little bakery and one of my favorite bookstores.

a perfect way to spend our last day in town!

don't mind my make-up free face. vacation!

20 things for 2011

2012-01-02T09:27:00.000-08:00

1. We attended a few fancy soirees.

2. I donated 17 inches of hair.

3. I visited Erin in San Diego and got to meet her little bundle of joy!

4. I graduated from BYU!

5. We got to visit Brittney and Justin in Dallas... everything is bigger in Texas.

6. We moved to New York City for the summer.

7. I started my shop, Linda's Vintage

8. We visited Boston for the first time. and ate one too many cannoli.

9. I saw Wicked on Broadway with my Mom and sisters. amazing.

10. We moved back to Provo and into our favorite apartment yet!

11. I started teaching the cutest class of Kindergarteners.

12. Steve and I were Bert and Mary Poppins for Halloween

13. Steve grew out his hair

14. Tay and I took a spontaneous weekend trip to Vegas to hang out with my Dad.

15. We spent Thanksgiving in Coarsegold with the Veaters

16. We got the cutest little Christmas tree... and named him Earl.

17. We celebrated our 2 year anniversary in Seattle.

18. We spent Christmas with the Marcums on Bainbridge Island.

19. I got to see one of my best friends get married in the LA temple.

20. My stud of a husband accepted an awesome job in Boston! Which means August 2012 will bring us back to the East Coast and back to Mike's Pastry. We're pretty excited.

2011 has been good to us, but I have a hunch that 2012 will blow us out of the park!

Cheers to that!

(here's 2010's little review if you're so inclined)

.

2011-12-31T16:07:00.000-08:00

P.S. if you need some last minute party outfit inspiration, you can catch me over at Awkward Girls!

a best friend's wedding.

2011-12-31T09:28:00.000-08:00

I took a brief 24 hour trip down to L.A. for one of my very best friend's wedding yesterday.

It was such a dream, I just had to share some photos with you that I captured throughout the day!

I love weddings,

and really anything that celebrates love in general.

Enjoy.

and yes you are not mistaken....this is Abbey!

One of my college roommates and favorite people.

I even got to rub her cute belly and stay at her apartment....are you jealous?

Christmas Morning 2011

2011-12-28T22:37:00.001-08:00

In my opinion,

you can't experience the true magic of Christmas

without watching a child open their gifts.

Pure magic I tell ya.

It was so fun to have the nieces and nephews here this time around.

How to host a murder.

2011-12-28T22:26:00.001-08:00

My Mother-in-law put together a little murder mystery dinner for us last night.

My character?

eccentric clairvoyant, sister of the murdered.

do I look the part?

I tried my best with the polka dot loafers and pink striped socks.

There may or may not have been a time where,

my first introduction to Steve's (whole) family was at one of these little shin digs.

My part then?

prostitute.

Not that that would have been awkward or anything.

good times!

today I'm off to a wedding in Southern California for a brief 24 hrs.

I'm so excited!

Pictures to come I'm sure.

Guest Posting

2011-12-28T11:11:00.000-08:00

Today I'm over here talking about my intended New Year's Eve ensemble.

This year we're forgoing the typical sequined cocktail dress bash in favor of a more casual evening with the family.

Head on over to Emily K Designs for some casual New Years inspiration!

Iron Chef.

2011-12-27T10:10:00.000-08:00

Seeing as we had everyone together for the first time in over a year, we decided to have our traditional "Iron Chef Amarcuma" competition over the break. Based on the show Iron Chef America, we split up into two teams and had an hour to prepare and plate four dishes for the judges, all containing one secret ingredient...apples. My father-in-law has been the reigning Iron Chef since the traditions' birth, and this time I was asked to be the challenger chef. For my team Andrew, McKenzie, and Justin were chosen. Oh yes, Steve and I competed on separate teams. The competition was intense! I was seriously restless the night before tossing and turning, stressing over the event. It was a big deal. The kitchen was buzzing like crazy and in the end my team won by a hair with a pear apple and fennel salad, pork tenderloin with golden applesauce, honey mustard chicken and apples, and a french apple tart. I was so proud of my us! Say hello to the new, iron chef.

Christmas Outfits and Beautiful Estates.

2011-12-26T11:07:00.000-08:00

We visited the most beautiful estate with the family

Bloedel Reserve on Bainbridge Island is an old estate with the most gorgeous gardens.

We loved exploring the grounds,

it was breathtaking.

enjoy.

Christmas 2011

2011-12-25T06:59:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas.

2011-12-24T08:43:00.000-08:00

Happy Christmas Eve.

Love, The Marcums.

Family Pictures.

2011-12-23T09:37:00.000-08:00

I love family Christmas pictures.

They end up being so entertaining.

Here's the Veater family photo from 2011...a little different from 1992 no?

Can you tell who's who?

My favorite part?

Fake tree in the background....hands down.

a 90's classic.

adventures in canoeing.

2011-12-22T09:51:00.000-08:00

Wow, this break has been so relaxing.

I'm already getting anxiety about having to go back...

real life, stay away a little longer.

Our days have been filled with sleeping in, good books, and lots of glorious family time.

This morning we all biked (or boarded) down to the shore for some canoeing,

followed by an intense game of soccer.

Nothing like a little friendly competition to bring us all closer together right?

I think we'll all feel it tomorrow.

so worth it.

a seattle kind of anniversary.

2011-12-21T09:39:00.000-08:00

Our anniversary was a dream,

Seattle is so beautiful.

We started by getting some Starbucks

how could we not?

Seattle?

then strolled through Pike's Place, bought a book, enjoyed the oceanside views at our hotel,

and had the best sashimi I've ever tasted.

It was perfect.

Then we ended the night in typical Steve and Jess fashion,

with a movie.

(Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol)

and ridiculous amounts of popcorn and milkduds.

Call us boring,

but nothing really beats dinner and a movie in our book.

Happy Anniversary to us!

Here's to another amazing year to come.

Anniversary.

2011-12-19T10:14:00.000-08:00

Happy anniversary to my best friend.

Here's to the best two years of my life.

How did I get so lucky?

We're spending the day together in Seattle.

last year San Francisco, this year Seattle.

Do I spy a tradition starting here?

Next year?

Boston...

more on this later.

Sunday Walk

2011-12-18T17:36:00.001-08:00

Sunday evening we took a walk around the Marcum's neighborhood.

Washington is so beautiful,

I couldn't help but snap away the moment we left the door.

We're so lucky to be with family for the holidays.

Something to sip on.

2011-12-16T06:02:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite things about Christmas,

and winter in general...

is snuggling up with a book and something warm to sip on.

so I thought I'd share some of my favorites with you guys!

if you see a tea cup laying around anywhere,

it probably contains

spearmint tea, peppermint hot chocolate, or hot apple cider.

(and most likely spearmint tea...easiest thing ever.)

So have a happy holiday.

and enjoy some yummy drinks!

The boots.

2011-12-15T05:58:00.000-08:00

Well friends,

a few of you asked about these boots I've been traipsing around in...

so I decided to do a little fashion post and include a link!

They were my birthday gift from my parents last year,

and the warmest things ever.

Essential for any winter wonderland.

Outfit details:

faux fur coat: vintage

black dress: Talbots

tights: F21

boots: Sorel (in flax)

Digital Christmas Card.

2011-12-14T06:11:00.000-08:00

If only I had all your addresses, I'd send you one of these little numbers.

but alas I do not, so this digital copy will have to do.

I have so enjoyed getting to know all of you,

thank you for your friendship and sweet comments!

They really do make my day.

Merry Christmas Friends!

Christmas "Morning"

2011-12-13T05:42:00.000-08:00

On Saturday we had our "Christmas Morning"

My mom had sent us home with presents from my family,

so we decided to open them before we took off to Seattle!

First of all,

we must really be friends now...

I mean,

now that you get the pleasure of seeing us in all our PJ/bed-headed glory.

Second,

I must address the fact that these presents were wrapped by non other than my talented mother!

No professional wrapping here (for those who asked)

We opened up our presents,

made ourselves a Christmas brunch,

(baked egg white frittatas, toast, strawberries, bananas, blueberry pancakes, clementines from our stockings, topped off with mini bottles of sparkling apple cider.)

Delicious.

Then settled in together for a viewing of The Polar Express.

It was a perfect Christmas morning.

Happy Holidays!

and yes,

that is a satin red pajama set that I am wearing.

My favorites.

Our Christmas Card Photo Shoot.

2011-12-12T06:21:00.000-08:00

Nothing says Christmas like a spot of snow, red lipstick, and bottled Coca Cola,

no?

(photos taken by Tay)

A Christmas Party.

2011-12-10T14:34:00.000-08:00

Christmas isn't complete without friends, family,

and parties featuring Santa.

Yes I'm 23

and no I'm not too old to enjoy this!

The party last night was so fun.

Friends, white elephant gifts, yummy food, and some friendly (or not so friendly) competition.

Christmas perfection.

Meg and Lauren thanks for throwing such a fun bash!

Merry Christmas.

Cravings.

2011-12-09T05:28:00.000-08:00

Can you tell I was craving pizzeria seven twelve?

The white bean hummus and veggie pizza did the trick.

yum.

As much as I like going out to eat...sometimes it's more fun to get to create it myself.

Happy Friday!

I'm so excited for this weekend.

There is going to be a LOT of Christmas cheer going on around at the Marcums!

Starting out with Christmas card photos and a Christmas party tonight,

and our first "Christmas morning" on Saturday.

(to open up the gifts from my family, seeing as we'll be in Seattle with the Marcums for Christmas)

I'm beyond excited!

I hope your weekend is as magical as ours :)

Fur.

2011-12-08T06:46:00.000-08:00

Do you know what I'm really into this winter?

(besides pink tights and my Christmas tree...)

faux fur collars.

$14 well spent I say.

Christmas around the house.

2011-12-07T05:46:00.000-08:00

I've loved decorating for Christmas this year!

I don't know whether it's the vintage records playing in the background...

or something in the air.

but I'm all about it.

I've made a few Christmas crafts this year that I wanted to share with you!

pine cone ornaments,

ruffled tree skirt,

and sparkled branches.

I would explain how to do them but I feel like it's probably self-explanatory!

fell free to e-mail me if you have any questions!

Merry Christmas.

Communal

2011-12-06T06:10:00.000-08:00

This weekend Husband surprised me with reservations to Communal.

(for my birthday)

What a guy.

I've been wanting to go for SO long!

and I have to say,

even after lusting over the menu for more a year....

it did not disappoint.

It was such a treat!

outfit details:

pearls: vintage

turquoise strands: Rodeo vendor

plum ruffle sweater: J.Crew

velvet dress: Zara

jeweled belt: Anthropologie

white slip: vintage

plum tights: Banana Republic

nude pumps: Nordstrom Rack

purse: vintage Dooney&Burke (birthday gift from Tay)

Heaven in our mouths.

Scenes from a Birthday Weekend.

2011-12-05T05:50:00.000-08:00

My Birthday Weekend included:

fun packages in the mail,

LOTS of notifications on facebook,

surprise dates with my love,

voicemails from loved ones,

a surprise party,

and the most fabulous birthday lunch with my sister.

It was perfect.

Thank you for all the love and birthday wishes!

I feel so blessed to have you all in my life.

My Surprise Party.

2011-12-03T10:37:00.000-08:00

You guys.

I'm so spoiled, I have the best friends.

ever.

I set off last night for dinner with the girls, and ended up at my surprise birthday party!

I had no idea,

literally,

not an inkling.

Erin hosted it in her fabulous new apartment

with the help of Leeny, Tay, and my sneeky hubby.

It was so perfect,

Erin had every little detail covered,

down to the Louis Armstrong Christmas music playing in the background.

Can you see why we're best friends?

I'm so grateful to have such wonderful friends and family!

I felt so special.

Oh and Caroline, if I haven't said it enough,

those salted caramel cupcakes...

were heaven in my mouth.

Photos courtesy of the lovely Taylor Ann

aka my bombshell sister.

It's my Birthday.

2011-12-02T05:23:00.000-08:00

Well guys, this little girl turns 23 today.

I've started it out right (thusfar)

by redeeming my birthday giftcard last night for some yummy sushi,

followed by a movie.

My man knows me oh so well.

cinema, popcorn, milkduds, and an ice cold diet coke

a killer combo.

a perfect way to kick off the birthday weekend.

Let the festivities begin.

P.S. Get excited, today I will definitely be dawning a homemade pink, princess birthday crown I made for myself.

oh yes.

We take birthdays very seriously round these parts.

Dinner Last Night

2011-12-01T05:59:00.000-08:00

Last Night I was in the mood for a light, simple meal.

Sometimes those are the best.

We had a green salad

with goat cheese, pears, blackberries, apples, candied walnuts, and artisan bread on the side.

It was actually quite delicious, and so easy!

Steve said he felt like an ancient King.

It made me laugh but I do think that we often over-do food,

sometimes it's best to just let the natural flavors play together.

YUM.

Happy Thursday!

The Silver Lining.

2011-11-30T05:40:00.000-08:00

Today was kind of a blah day

It probably occurred due to a combination of not spending enough time in front of our Christmas tree

and female hormones.

which are yet to be understood by anyone,

least of all myself.

(no bitterness here...)

Despite my small case of the blues

I found some beauty to brighten my day, in the form of:

cotton candy sunsets.

twinkling lights.

a dashing husband.

and homemade poached pears for dessert.

There isn't anything a good dessert can't fix,

in my opinion.

(especially when said female hormones are involved)

Happy Wednesday Friends.

Christmasing.

2011-11-29T05:34:00.000-08:00

Last Night was a total dream.

Steve and I bundled up and went to pick out the perfect little tree,

then headed home to dress it.

We decorated whilst sipping hot apple cider and listening to vintage Christmas records

(thanks to my lovely friend Kim :)

it was perfect.

We even had our annual "first kiss under the Christmas tree".

Now, I don't think you could pay me to leave my living room,

The lights are off and the tree is giving the most beautiful, twinkling glow,

it's magical.

Happy Christmas!

Thanksgiving on the Ranch

2011-11-28T05:48:00.000-08:00

Home was so fun.

I didn't want to come back,

but alas, real life was calling my name.

So here I am, leaving behind my sunny (70 degree) California for frostbitten Utah.

but I digress.

This week will be something to look forward to!

We're bringing home a Christmas tree tonight

and Friday... is my birthday.

but for now, I leave you with some pictures of my beloved ranch.

We had a shipment of pairs (cows with their calves) come in right before we left

so my dad, my sister, the husband and I saddled up to drive them out.

The fall colors were beautiful ,

I soaked in the wide open space and breathed the crisp mountain air.

It was just what I needed.

plus Steve looked super hot in his wranglers....just sayin'.

top to bottom: my cousin Griffin conquering the quad, Lucy the cow dog, the old barn, mossy trees, Steve's boots, husband, fall leaves in the grass, Dad and cows (2), fall trees, Dad leading Blackie, white tree, fall color, Steve Brooke and Dad, Big Red and a calf, Dad looking over the ranch.

I hope your Thanksgiving break was just as refreshing as mine.

Happy Monday!

Thanksgiving Love

2011-11-25T08:09:00.000-08:00

We had a lovely Thanksgiving over here.

It was filled with family, friends, and A LOT of fabulous food.

I don't think I'll eat for a year,

but it was worth it!

so worth it.

Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T10:07:00.000-08:00

Today I'm thankful for God, family, friends, and good food.

Which, I think, is what Thanksgiving has always been about.

Happy Thanksgiving friends :)

Homemade Pumpkin Pie

2011-11-23T08:37:00.000-08:00

This weekend I made a homemade pumpkin pie.

a real one.

No, not the kind where you add a shake of cinnamon and nutmeg into the pumpkin from a can.

The kind where you bake a real pumpkin, and harvest the goods.

I know, who knew anybody even did this?

I feel like I've reached a new level of domesticity over here.

*note: I do not usually bake in a dress and high heels, I started in pajamas and ended in church clothes...Sunday cooking at it's best.

It turned out so well!

I didn't follow a recipe so I was a little worried...(there weren't any online that I fancied)

but the flavor was so rich and authentic.

Making it was instinctual and actually pretty easy!

If you're a food nerd like me I'd definitely recommend making one for Thanksgiving dinner!