Call Me Cake Boss!

If you know my mom, you'd wonder where I got my love for cooking and baking (no offense mom). Growing up, we didn't do much baking and cooking was something done only when absolutely necessary. My mom was always on the go and slaving away in the kitchen was never her idea of a good time. I started to become interested in baking when I was about twelve. The result: a HUGE red food coloring stain on the kitchen carpet, a few ruined cookie sheets, and even fewer decent results. I've always loved finding new recipes to try and putting my own twist on them. When I moved away from home, I was determined to become a good cook. I didn't want to be one of those college students that constantly ate fast food and junk. I've recently been doing a lot of experimenting with new recipes and decided to try my hand at cake fondant. I found a pretty simple recipe and gave it a whirl. I didn't have very high hopes seeing as how I've never been so great at cakes, but the result actually wasn't too bad. Here's some pictures:

I used two 8" round white cakes.

Here's the pink fondant I used for decorating.

Here's the finished product.

I have to admit I was a little impressed with myself :] you may call me Cake Boss if you like ha ha....or not ;]

Where the Wild Things Are: Hogle Zoo

The day after Memorial Day, Frederick and I both had the day off work so we decided we should do something fun. He has been begging me to go to the zoo for a few months and since the weather was beautiful that day, we headed up to Salt Lake City to the zoo. It was a hot, fun day and I took quite a few pictures (despite the fact I forgot my digital camera and had to use a disposable one). Here's a few of the them :] enjoy!

Some Real Photographic Finds :]

So the other day Freddy and I were scavenging the internet and decided to check out his mom's blog. She's always posting funny things and great pictures. I came across these and they were so fun I just had to share them :]

Baby Fred and his big brothers.

This is Fred picking flowers in Jamestown, VA when he
was just a little guy :]

Fred & his mom in Virginia. Love this picture :]

Fred and his big brother Nick.

Nick, Fred, and Sam in the tub (he's going to
kill me :])

From left to right: Fred, Nick, & Sam when they lived in Fort Irwin, CA

Freddy & his grandpa. It looks like something that would be sold
in an art gallery. Classic :]

Looking sharp!

Feeding My Addiction

Newsflash! I've recently discovered a few more ways to feed my undying love for scrapbook supplies. It's amazing the things you learn when you work with avid scrapbookers and I have to say this is one of the best tips I've picked up on the job.
The first website I've discovered is cropchocolate.com which sells strictly Making Memories products, but for very discounted prices. They advertise a new product every 24 hours and it is always at least 50% off. It's insane. I've seen some products advertised on this site that are amazing deals.
The second is another website called peachycheap.com (check out my "I'm Addicted" button to the right). This page displays dozens of products from various lines including American Crafts, Petaloo, Basic Grey, etc. and I've seen some things discounted up to 80% off.
Fortunately, both websites offer relatively cheap shipping (about $4 an order) and if a product sells out, they are quick to post a new one to finish out the day. They both post new items every night at midnight central time....so eleven o'clock mountain time. Just wanted to share the great discoveries and happy scrapping everyone :]

Through the Headphones, Pt. 1

So anyone who knows me well knows that have an extreme music obsession. I can't get ready in the morning without listening to some Jack Johnson or Between the Trees. I have over seven hundred songs on my iPod, all of which I'm deeply in love with. Therefore, I've decided to do an update every two weeks on my blog letting everyone know what I'm listening to. Here's the first installment of the ten songs that have been shorting out my iPod adapter lately.

10- "Flightless Bird, American Mouth" By Iron & Wine: I discovered this band after seeing Twilight in theaters (one of the only good things that came from that experience---no offense). They are very relaxing....good stuff to fall asleep to.
Sounds like: MGMT, Lifehouse, The Fray

9- "Ho Ho Hopefully" By The Maine: These guys are pretty typical mainstream, but their lyrics are a little more unique. This is one of their acoustic songs (also a Christmas tune). Check it out.
Sounds like: Relient K, Mayday Parade, Cute Is What We Aim For

8- "This Town" By OAR: This was the first new single from this 90's hit band in a LONG time and I wasn't disappointed. It's pretty upbeat and sometimes it makes me dance (I'll admit it).
Sounds like: Ben Folds, Barenaked Ladies, Noah & The Whale

7- "America's Suitehearts" By Fall Out Boy: I know, I know. I was a little surprised with myself too. I really do not like Fall Out Boy usually, but the sound on their latest album is a little different. The jury's still out on the new record, but this song is sweet.
Sounds like: The Postal Service, Mika, The Academy Is....

6- "You'll Ask For Me" By Tyler Hilton: I first started to listen to Tyler Hilton when I became an avid One Tree Hill fan. He's very classy and guitar-heavy. This song is a little more soft and chill.
Sounds like: Matt Costa, John Mayer, Jack Johnson

5- "The Mixed Tape" By Jack's Mannequin: So this song is a little old, but I've been a fan of Andrew McMahon's work since Something Corporate. The piano is this track makes the whole song.
Sounds like: The Rocket Summer, Jimmy Eat World, Straylight Run

4- "Always Love" By Nada Surf: I absolutely love this song. When I discovered it, I realized it put in to words everything that so many people were trying to say. It's pretty catchy too.
Sounds like: Sherwood, Paramore, Goo Goo Dolls

3- "9 Crimes" By Damien Rice: I've always been a fan of angry, starving-artist music and Damien Rice definitely fits that mold. This song has female vocals in it as well and they are amazing.
Sounds like: Sarah McLachlan, Joshua James, The Postal Service

2- "Seventy Times 7" By Brand New: This is one of my favorite bands of all time. This is an old song, but it's classic. Jesse Lacey has the best scream :]
Sounds like: Incubus, Blink 182, All Time Low

1- "Wedding Dress" By Matt Nathanson: I'm a sucker for singers with guitar talent and good vocals so Matt Nathanson has been a recent favorite of mine. This album "Some Mad Hope" has such a variety on it and with a powerful voice like his, you're bound to get hooked.
Sounds like: Ben Harper, Allred, Coldplay

Politically Correct

Have you ever been on a journey, an adventure really, or an odd attempt to accomplish something you were not exactly sure was right? Have you ever worked really hard at something only to realize that maybe it wasn't what was best for you? I recently realized I was in one of those situations. This past fall/spring was my first year at Utah Valley University. I began studying for a Bachelor's of Science degree in elementary education. It was a couple semesters full of trials and triumphs. I learned so much and took some classes that I definitely wouldn't trade for anything. Yet during April of this year, I started to wonder. What if this isn't the right path for me? Last week I started to explore that idea a little bit. I was up late one night unpacking a few boxes of books when I came across some old favorites: The Jungle, Confederates in the Attic, and The Kite Runner. Then it hit me. I figured it out. I want to be a history teacher. Perhaps it was flipping through these novels and recalling the way I felt when I read them....the guilt for being so unthankful for what I have, the appreciation for those who suffered so this country could become great, and those who continue to go through tribulation every day so America can remain the symbol it currently is in the public eye. I got goosebumps. I knew this was the right choice. It reminded me of something one of my favorite high school teachers Steven Player once said to me: "History is so important because it is what allows the future to unravel." I must also admit that Mr. Player's influence was a huge factor in what guided me to make such a sudden decision. His love for history and politics played such a large role in my high school experience. It's something I have learned to appreciate whether I'm watching CNN, checking polls in the last presidential election, or just recalling crucial facts from the Civil War. If I had the power to impact a few students' lives in the way he did mine, why wouldn't I take advantage of that opportunity? The next day I called John Macfarlane, the history education advisor at UVU, and his positive attitude and helpful nature enforced the fact that I've made the right choice. I'm taking a few classes this summer that will go towards this degree and I must admit I'm very excited. I'll keep you updated on my journey towards becoming an educator....thanks for reading :]

A Quick Update....Finally :]

Sorry it has been so long since I've updated everyone on what's been going on in my life. Between work, finals week at school, and moving to a new place, I haven't been able to find the time to sit down and catch you all up. So today I decided I'd take a minute to let everyone know about the recent updates in my life. Here goes:
Fred and I moved in together about a week ago. We now live in Provo in a two bedroom duplex just down the street from 24 Hour Fitness. The place is amazing and we both love it. We've been working on getting all of our stuff moved in and decorating a little. Once we get a little more set up, I'll post some pictures.
I also got promoted at work. I'm now a floor supervisor and I still work mostly nights and weekends. It's been a great opportunity and there has been lots to learn. I'm loving it.
I am also just about done with my first year at Utah Valley University. It has been so awesome. I have taken so many great classes this year and I've learned so much already. I'm very excited to apply to the professional education program in the fall. I will also be taking a couple classes this summer to finish up my pre-requisites. Wish me luck!
Now that you are all up to speed, keep your eye on my blog because I'm going to work on posting more often now that this busy time in my life is slowing down a bit. Thanks for reading!