Happy Things

Once upon a time I lived in the dorms at BYU-Idaho. 

I was hesitant once I got to school, found my dorm room, and saw cinderblock walls all around me, not to mention the musty smell that was coming off a few pieces of furniture... 

I was a little nervous.

One thing that helped tremendously in getting over my worries and fears about my apartment, and college in general, was making friends with my neighbors!

My apt, as well as the next three apartments down from mine would all remain pretty close throughout the semester, and some of us would remain close for the next four years of our college life.


One of those girls, who started out as my neighbor and turned out to be one of my closest friends, is miss Terra Lora Lee.

Terra is one of the smartest, most considerate, laid-back, and overall coolest people that I know. I can't wait to see what this girl does in the world {no pressure...}



Speaking of the things she'll do....






She's getting married!



To this guy!

Right?!?!? 

Terra and Joe will have gorgeous little blonde-haired children.



I am just over the moon for them and can't WAIT to attend their wedding in just a couple short weeks!


They were also kind enough to ask me to design their wedding announcements for them, which was such a blast for me, really. I love designing in general, but when you get to incorporate the style elements of a good friend into your design, it really becomes something special.


So here is it's blog debut :)

Congratulations Terra and Joe!

Things I ♥ ...

... about summa time!

Sorry if this is coming a little late for most people. Trust me, I do realize that most everyone's summer is quickly coming to a close {Arizona school system much? My little sis has already started her senior year!}

But me? I'm still soaking up eeeevery little bit of sun, naps, and reading time that I can!

This morning, while I was doing some laps in the pool {HA. I say this like it's a regular occurrence. Trust me, it's not.} I was thinking about why summer is one of the best seasons EVER! 
I'm sure that I could come up with a hundreds of items-long list, but there's a few special reasons why I personally think summer is bestest. 

1. The food. 

Detox Salad via Iowa Girl Eats

  

Mango Lassi Strawberry-Honey Yogurt Popsicles (right?!) via Dessert for Breakfast

Maple Glazed Chicken Kabobs & Jalapeno Salsa via (my idol) The Pioneer Woman

Raspberry Pie via The Pioneer Woman

Raspberry Sorbet in Lemon Cups via Someone's Tumblr

Chicken & Barley Salad via Iowa Girl Eats

Heirloom Tomato & Asparagus Salad via Iowa Girl Eats

Watermelon Side Dish via Oh My Veggies

Let's be honest, most of my favorite things have a connection to food. I live and love to eat, and summer BBQ's, juicy fruit, vibrant-colored dishes, and fresh lemonade-y drinks make it the ULTIMATE season for food! 

Don't believe me?

Visit your local grocery store and take a little walk in the produce section. Most of my {and hopefully your} favorite items are wayy discounted!
Still don't think it's all that great? Go take a whiff of those plump peaches near the front. Repeat. As many times as possible.


2. We all look hott in the summer. 

4th of July 2011 w/ the roomies

For several reasons:

- It's hot most places, so we drink more water. H20= Healthy glow & energy!
- Appetite can drop in heat so we're not gorging ourselves like its pre-hibernation. Despite the afore posted pictures and their deliciousness. You're usually eating less, and even if you're not, you're eating healthier, fresher foods!
- Tans. Thank goodness for the changes a good tan can bring. {p.s. for all you fair skinned ladies out there who get frustrated over their lack of pigment, you pretties will stay looking young FAR longer than the rest of us!}

3. That tired, worn out feeling after a day out in the sun. 

Haha. We were all sooo burnt.

This is one of my favorite feelings in the world. Your body is absolutely drained from all of that sun and outdoor activity, and the only thing that sounds good is spending the rest of the night showering, watching a movie, and playing some cards. Mmmm...

4. Warm nights.

I love to be outside. And there's something so satisfying about enjoying an evening in perfect temperatures with your favorite people. Whether it's a roasting marshmallows at a bonfire, watching a game at the fields, or just taking a walk, I relish that feeling of the day coming to a close and watching the skies change. 


Especially when I have this guy to enjoy it with. 

Yup. I love most everything about you summer. So stick around for a while, will ya?

Summer Aspirations

One thing I enjoy most about summer is the time to soak things in and appreciate the things around you that school and work can often make you to busy for. I have time to be inspired by a lot of things that I might not have really taken into consideration before July, so I thought that I would share some. 

Things that are inspiring me lately:

1. Tranquil pictures of oceans and other bodies of water.

2. Empowering quotes

"I am the master of my fate. I am the captain of my soul"

"The standard of your circumstance does not have to dictate your level of happiness or humility towards life"

3. Good reads

You see this man?

This is Dale.

Dale Carnegie.

You see that book in his hand?

He wrote it.

It's called 'How to Win Friends and Influence People'

And it happens to be a great book that I would put on any man, woman, or child's list of things to do to improve themselves as well as their overall outlook on how the small things in life really are what matter most. 

"Are you bored with life? Then throw yourself into some work you believe in with all your heart, live for it, die for it, and you will find happiness that you had thought could never be yours"

- Dale Carnegie

4. Past journal entries and the fact that they hopefully mean that there is progress in my life.

5. Traveling pictures via Pinterest

I am just itching to pick up and travel places.

I love the time that summer gives you to think and do the things you don't normally have time for. 

Not to mention the time it gives you to lounge by the pool.  

Hey, a summer tan is a good aspiration, right?