Home State DIY.

Soooo I made this today:

It's a home state DIY wall mural. I was feeling extra crafty today and this is what became of it... And ther best part is that it cost less than $5! I am pretty proud with how it came out... It's such a creative way for Cole and I to display our entrenched Oregon pride. So here is the process to the final product:

As far as materials go, you will need a wood board, sandpaper, paint, paint brushes, a state stencil, blue tape, a pencil, and some pride in your home state.

I started with a wood sample board! I don't know why I hadn't thought of this sooner! It's the perfect way to get quality wood without having to nail any pieces together. I found this one at Goodwill, but I'm sure you could also go to any flooring store and see if they have any old samples that they don't want anymore. 

Once I took the wood off the board (it was just glued on so it came off pretty easily) I used super glue to glue the pieces into place. Gorilla glue works wonders. 

Next I took sand paper and sanded the surface. I wanted to board to look kind of "beat up" and antique. Plus it had a super glossy finish that I wasn't too keen on. You can see the antique-y look on the left hand side.

Here is how it came out after I sanded it. Much better!

Next I took a damp rag and wiped away any excess dust from the wood.

Next I printed out a cutout of Oregon onto card stock and cut it out. 

Next, using blue masking tape I secured the back of the cutout to the board and moved it around until it was in the right place to stencil.

Using a sharp pencil, lightly trace around the cutout.

Then, peel the cutout and tape off of the wood.

Next is the fun part: painting! I used a fine tip paint brush to outline the shape. Then I used a wide foam brush to paint the remaining inside portion. 

This is coat #1.

Coat #2. It took me about three coats total in order to get nice even coverage over the board. 

Now, the final product!:...

Ok maybe I'm biased but I think it looks so neat! Shabby chic for sure! 

But overall I just love how simple it was! No hammering, staining, or any other complicated mess. Definitely an easy DIY.  Go Oregon! 

My Fall.

So this is how my Fall semester st BYU is shaping up. I decided not to overwhelm myself so I'm only taking 12.5 credits. Last semester I took 16 and planned a wedding... So I decided to give myself a break this semester by taking these classes:

New Testament-- I have Brother Johnson who is one of the absolute sweetest, caring, and knowledgeable religion professrors I've ever had.

First Year Italian-Part II--I am equally excited and nervous for this class. It is only taught half of the semester which means that it's an accelerated course. I know I'll have to work my butt off for this class but I am completely in love with the language so all will be well.

Honors 292--This class is one of the three honors classes that is required for the honors program. It explores the unities between physical science and culture. I am not quite sure how they are going to teach us about these disciplines simultaneously... But I am anxious to see how this class turns out. I don't enjoy science though so this could be interesting. 

Honors 293--This class is another one of the classes I need for the honors program. This class discusses the connections between social science and art. I really enjoy social science and I am anxious to see how they tie art influence into this class. 

Indoor Cycling--Now I am sooo excited for this class! It's a spin class! I can't wait to strengthen my legs and stay in shape thanks to this class. 

I know it's only June, but I am already so excited to get back to school. Cole thinks I'm crazy, but honestly, I just love learning. The opportunity to go to college is really a priviledge, so I want to make the most of it. I also just completely love BYU so it is such a fun atmosphere to learn at. Now I'm sure that during the midst of midterms that I'll be wishing for these easy summer days, but as of right now I'm so antsy for school. Fresh pencils, back to school clothes, everything! Agh is it September yet??

Happy Half Christmas!

Ok well I thought my phone uploaded my post but it didn't! Sooo even though it's a few days late here it is:

Yep, it's that time of year again: half-Christmas! This is Cole and I's second time celebrating this blessed holiday. Of course decorating the fireplace was in order:

Time for presents!

I love Cole.

Our Half-Christmas card! Happy half Christmas! I can't wait for the rest of them with my best friend. 

P.S guess who turns 22 tomorrow?? Cole! Agh! So stoked! 

22!

Cole turned 22 today! He's getting so old! Unfortunately the weather was somewhat chilly and overcast so we had to get creative with our birthday adventures! 

We went to Dick's Sporting Goods where Cole got a brand new FIFA soccer ball in honor of his World Cup tradition. P.S. The US is still in the World Cup! 

It's pretty sick looking. Then we hit up Nike for some birthday swag.

Next was mini golf where Cole kicked my butt with his putt-putt skills. I live to frolf, so it's not quite my game. Jk. Office joke! 

Then we got to spend the evening with his family. Taco Casserole, Lemon Poppyseed cake, and presents. 

Oh and I made Cole some Reese's cupcakes. I also made them last summer for his b-day so I had to out of tradition! They are to die for if I say so myself! 

Also they have actual Reese's cups inside the cupcakes! 

Overall it was a perfect day because I was able to spend it with my best friend. The thing I love is that we get to spend all of our future birthdays together... Forever! I love you Cole! Happy 22nd! :-)

Welcome Boston!

Last night the Hayden family gained a new family member! Boston Reed Powell was born the other night. Almost 8lbs! He's Ashley and Justin's newest edition to their family. 

Cole and I love having a new lil nephew! Welcome to the family Boston!

This is How We Pizza.

Made this yesterday: grilled personal pizzas.

This is such a simple and easy review for summer. Plus: no prep work! Also it's fun for hosting because everyone can create pizza that they love. Basically they're perfect for a summer get together. So here is the secret to these creations.

Ingredients:

1.Pizza dough--I used the pillsbury dough that comes in the can. I rolled it out and cut it into good "personal pizza" size. 

2. Sauce--we used pizza sauce and also BBQ sauce for BBQ pizzas.

3. Toppings. Now this is where you can get creative. We used: Cheese--Mozzerella and Gouda, pepperoni, bacon, ham, grilled BBQ chicken, artichoke hearts, kalamata olives, red onion, peppers, mushrooms, pineapple, avacado, cilantro Basically whatever fits your fancy! 

The first step is to set your grill to the lowest setting and spray it well with cooking spray. Then place the rolled out dough on the grill for a few minutes. Now you only want to cool the dough on ONE side so don't flip the dough. Once one side is cooked take the dough off the grill. Then put the toppings on the pizza on the COOKED side only. Once everyone has put their desired sauce and toppings on their personal pizzas then bring them back out to the grill and place them on the grill UNCOOKED side down. You may want to respect the grill prior to doing this. Grilling the pizzas this way it will allow the pizzas to cook thoroughly. Make sure to watch the pizzas so they don't get too dark. Once the toppings are nice and melty take them off the grill. Let them cool and enjoy! My favorite combos were just a classic pepperoni, or BBQ chicken with Gouda and fresh cilantro. You can't go wrong with any combo though! 

Swag.

Swag=stuff we all get. This swag came in the mail:

Free Oregon swag is the best kind of swag. Can't wait for all of Cole and I's adventures this summer as we explore our home state. Also a shoutout to Travel Oregon for hooking us up! 

Thankful Thursday!

Today my thankful Thursday post goes out to dads. Dads rock. So do future dads. A.k.a Cole. Now I know that Father's Day was several days ago but I still just had to post this one. This is what he got for Father's Day this year:

It fits perfectly! Just kidding. Cole and I LOVE baseball T's. I found this one online. It's a shirt for a 6 month old. Melts my heart! 

So. Cute. 

Plus he is sooo cute with Piper. Best uncle. He's so good with kids! 

I also just want to express my love and gratitude for my dad. He has been with me through thick and thin. He has taught me how to work hard. I admire his testimony--especially of Jesus Christ. He has taught me how to work hard and try to do what's right. Thanks for everything dad! 

Yes. Yes. Those are colored contacts.

Unhook the gator! 

4th festivities.

Yes, I was a VERY big baby.

Me in dad's shoes.

I love you both Cole and dad. I'm so thankful to have you guys in my life! 

2nd.

Second wonder of Oregon down! Also a year ago yesterday was Cole and I's first date to Smith Rock. So naturally we had to hike it going with tradition. Gosh I just can't believe it's been a whole year! It's been a busy one too. We fell in love, moved to Utah, got engaged, got married, and then moved to Oregon. Crazy! 

Love me some panoramas.

Beautiful. 

Also we saw some slack-liners trekking across the rocks... So freaky! 

After the sunset it got dark. I don't know why this is always Cole's go-to.... Haha so cute.

Rocks rock my socks.

Night at Smith's.

So this is the panorama we took last year ...

And this is the one that we took in the exact same spot yesterday...

It was definitely a LOT colder. But gorgeous nonetheless. 

The hike we did is called "Misery Ridge" and it's a grueling uphill climb. But when you're with the right company it's delightful. One year down. Eternity to go. Can't wait! 

Hazels.

Ok new obsession: colored contacts. I have steel blue eyes but I have always wanted brown. I mixed it up the other day and tried them... LOVE! I tried the hazel ones on today...

They're really super subtle but you can definitely see the flecks of green in them. 

Also I've been searching for a new pair of frames and I think I may have found them! They're Dolce and Gabanna frames--neon pink! It's definitely bold but I figure why not?? They're FUN!