Thankful Thursday!

So much to be thankful for! A wonderful husband, a supportive family, a comfortable job, an awesome school, and so many adventures and experiences coming up! But this thoughtful act today takes the cake:

I came home from work and what is waiting for me? a handwritten note by my sweet husband. Cole is truly the best! He's so kind, thoughtful, and caring! It truly is the little things that are the big things. 

Bliss. It doesn't get much better than this! 

Portland.

I'm finally blogging about Cole and I's big-city weekend!:

So Cole and I have been saving saving saving, but we had a "treat-yo-self" weekend in Portland as a way as rewarding ourselves for our hard work. Cole has totally put his nose to the grindstone and has been working hard, I'm so thankful to be married to someone with such a work ethic--it makes me motivated to work hard. 

We started off at one of the 7 wonders of Oregon--the coast. We headed off to Canon Beach. Luckily for us it was sunny and warm (which can be pretty rare with the temptemental Oregon weather).

Sandy toes and happy hearts.

Fun fact: last summer Cole and I went to The beach together and we took this photo :

In honor of this photo we took this one:

Bliss.

Cole is almost as tall as Haystack rock! 

Next we headed to Portland for fancy dinner. We were the Senator's VIP guests so we got some special treatment. The restaurant (Portland City Grill) overlooks the entire city... And at sunset it's illuminating.

The view. Unbelievable..

We stayed at the cutest little B&B! 

The little town we stayed in was covered in twinkle lights... So much character!

Cute room.

For breakfast we tried the Waffle Window... It has basically any type of waffle you could imagine. Cole and I tried Banana Nutella, and Pranut Butter Chocolate. 

Does it get any better than this? Answer: no. Perfect breakfast. Perfect weekend!

We ended the weekend with the BEST hike I have ever been on. Seriously... You need to try it! You have to scale over a log jam, and wade through water up to your neck (or higher... I'm 5'10'' and it was up to my neck... Good thing I'm not short!). The hike is to the Oneonta gorge which is a gorgeous waterfall surrounded by super talk walls of greenery. Gorgeous!

Cole is such a trooper!

Couple waterfall selfie.

Me wading through the water right before it got deep. Look how green it is! 

Overall it was a perfect weekend because it was spent with my best friend. We don't need any fancy getaways or trips I've realized, as long as I'm with him I'm content. I can't wait for all of our shenanigans! 

nyc.

August 6. NYC. Girls Trip. Stoked.

I'm going to NYC on August 6th. It'll be a girls trip with my mom, sis, and I before Cole and I head back to Utah for school. We have been talking about a New York trip since I was a little girl and I can't believe it's finally happening...unreal! I have to say though, even though I'm sure this trip will be unforgettable, it'll be hard being away from my best friend for so long! I'm gonna miss you Cole! I'm so lucky to have such a loving and supportive husband. He's already been to NYC and he loved it so It'll be fun to go as well. Thank goodness for FaceTime though because I'm gonna miss him like crazy! 

We are gonna go see a few shows on broadway (Les Mis and Phantom) which will be state-of-the-art I'm sure!

I have to try an authentic NYC hotdog from a roadside cart (I know, I'm weird but it's always been a dream of mine). 

Now I'm especially excited for the HAMPTONS! This place is the epitome of New-England prep! I've been in love with this place ever since a thing "Something Borrowed". Luckily my Madewell order is on it's way (thanks mom!). 

Cheers for NY! 

City of Roses.

Guess where we're going this weekend?? Portland! Portland is one of those places that will always be special to Cole and I because it's the first city we visited together. Portland is awesome because it combines the beautiful river, the city, and the lush greenery. "Keep Portland Weird" isn't an exaggeration. I've never run into a city with more charm or character than Portland. Compared to Salt Lake... Well it doesn't even begin to compare! Cole and I are going to be spending this weekend in Portland for our very first couple retreat! I'm already so excited and I just want to get packed! 

One of the things we're planning on is hiking this bad boy:

Look how green and well... Mysterious it looks! I'm stoked! 

And then there's one of our favorite eateries:

We are trying to cross off 3 of the 7 wonders off our list on this trip! Including:

The Oregon Coast. Cole and I have swam here.... It is frigid! But isn't it gorgeous?

Mt. Hood-- one of the only places in the world with year-round skiing! 

Needless to say... I'm so excited! This is Portland at night...it's beautiful! We love Oregon! Cole has been working SO hard for us to be able to have a fun excursion. He's the best and he motivates me so much to work hard! Thank you thank you thank you Cole! 

My Fall Revised.

Ok so a few weeks ago I posted my class schedule. However after doing the math about how many credits I needed, and when I going out that you can only apply for the accounting program for the next fall semester (gasp) I just knew that I would have to rearrange my classes a bit.  I must be crazy or something because I registered for three of the top hardest classes at BYU... Not to mention the Honors class I'm taking.... Basically I'm crazy! Even though it's only 14.5 credits, it's going to be a VERY trying term. So here is how my Fall is shaping up:

New Testament-- I'm taking this class from Brother Johnson who is without a doubt one of the sweetest people on the planet! He's so knowledgeable too!

Indoor Cycling-- because you have to have at least one fun class. Last year that class was Scuba. I'm stoked to really tone up my legs in this class.

Unexpected Connections: Phsycial Science and Culture. This is the honors class I'm taking that explores the connections between physical science and culture. I am so excited for this class because the reading list looks really cool! We are reading Hotel Rwanda so I'm guessing we will be talking about the Rwandan genocide which I studied about on High School and really became fascinated about it--even though it's terribly sad.

Principles of Finance-- This class discusses financial management, emphasizing profitability, liquidity, and long-term financial planning. In other words... I'm terrified.

Principles of Accounting-- This class is about financial and managerial accounting principles, basic accounting statements, processes, and management application. Yikes... Ok actually I'm a nerd because this class actually sounds pretty darned cool. 

Marketing Management-- This class discusses marketing's role in society and the firm, marketing opportunities, the consumer market, and management of marketing. This one could be interesting and I'm guessing I'll learn a lot about advertisement! 

Please wish me luck! In a few months in the midst of midterms while I'm pulling out my hair in sure I'll regret my decision to take all of these classes at once, but oh well! Bring it on BYU! Also I cannot wait for school supply shopping!... But that's another post! 

ARE.

I've been thinking a lot recently about image. Especially social media image. I recently saw a quote that said: "Women should be more concerned with how their lives actually are rather than how their lives appear". How true this is! As women especially, we try to broadcast the glittering "candy coated" moments in our lives. It's only normal. I mean we all want to put our best foot forward, don't we? However I believe that sometime as women we can become obsessed with how our status sounds, how our profile pictures look, and how many followers we have. In the mean time we are neglecting how our lives actually ARE. 

I believe that part of the reason that we try to paint an idyllic picture of our lives on social media is due to an obsessive impulse we have to try and compete with others. Consider the times when you've been tempted to post the photos of your beach vacation in order to "them" how wonderful your life is. Or perhaps after seeing the seemingly never ending influx of selfies in your feed you post one of your own that is much classier.

All I'm saying is that as women we need to remember that we're all human. Before comparing your family a Facebook photo of that seemingly perfect family (with their perfect Christmas card and their perfect house and their perfect life and their perfect dog and so on), think about how many shots it must have taken for her to fix her hair and to get the boys to stop hitting each other. When you see a selfie that makes you jealous of how milky her skin is and how naturally pouty her lips are, consider how many shots it took her with those duck lips in order to find one that actually looked decent, and how much foundation she was wearing. 

All I'm saying is that as women let's stop becoming obsessed with how our lives look on social media. Let's stop believing that other women's statuses and pictures are actually how their lives actually are--because they're not. Instead, let's start focusing on how are lives actually ARE. Because at the end of the day, the statuses and photos do not even begin to contend with the people you actually have in your life.

Chevron Kicks!

Guess what I made today?? Chambray Chevron Kicks! I'm in love with how they turned out! They have a bright creamsicle orange which really makes the chambray pop! Plus they were under $7.00! Curious? Check out diyki.blogspot.com for full instructions!

4!

This year Cole and I celebrated our 4th wedding anniversary! We had a famous Bend slice and got to see this beaut. 

I love Cole so much. Perfect date night. Also how beautiful is this??

P.S I am absolutely in love with the necklace he have me! Go Oregon! 

Time and All Eternity.

I love this phrase. I love the temple. I love that families can be together forever through Heavenly Father's plan. 

Today I would just like to shed some light on marriage. I got married this spring at age 18. And trust me when I've said that I've heard it all about people not supporting my choice to get married at such a young age. 

This is my one pearl of wisdom for anyone who is getting married at a young age: When you know you know! It doesn't matter if you end up knowing when you're 18 or 105. When it's right you will know. After months and months of prayer and pondering I knew that it was the right choice to marry Cole, and for us to be married for forever. Age is not a factor in knowing. It does pain me though that people seem to have opinions about Cole and I's marriage. I wish we could all just be happy and let others love their lives without the snide remarks and comments. All I can say is that Cole and I's marriage is not something that will fade, and it certainly isn't some little crush or impromptu union. I am so blessed that I get to be married to my BEST FRIEND forever! All of that is made possible because we were married in the temple. I am so blessed for that! 

I love the San Diego Temple where Cole and I were married!

Nighty Night.

Date night! Cole and I are doing this new thing where one of us will pick and plan date night--on an alternative by basis. It was my turn to plan last night. For starters we ate at the cutest little Italian restaurant--Jackson's Corner in Bend. The place had such a quaint "neighborhood feel" which we love. 

Pesto Pizza and Cheesy Bread. No words.

Then we took a still around Drake Park which is a picturesque wooded park bordering the Deschutes river. It was such a wonderful stroll. 

And of course we had to take some silly pictures! 

I didn't know this one was happening haha he's hilarious!

'Dem Choppas.

Crazy eyes. We have way too much fun.

All in all it was a wonderful night. I can't wait to see what Cole will plan for the next one! 

Speedy Gonzales.

My hair is speedy Gonzales. In case any of you didn't know, I've been trying to grow out my hair. I've been using coconut oil about once a week in order to help moosturize and strengthen the follicles. I took a picture in early May (left) and early July. So in two months I've noticed substantial hair growth change. See for yourself!

My hair has easily grown several inches! Thank you coconut oil! I'm sold! 

Traumatic Brain Injury.

Due to events that have transpired over the last several weeks, I feel strongly to write about Traumatic Brain Injury--TBI. Several weeks ago my Grandad was in a horrible car accident. He was hit by a careless drunk driver going approximately 90 MPH. He was life-flighted to a neighboring hospital and is currently seeking treatment for a severe and debilitating concussion--otherwise referred to as TBI. The reason this is especially poignant to me is 1. this is a member of my family. 2. I am on the road to recovery (still) after receiving a TBI due to a car accident several years ago. 

First off, I would just like to express my concern about careless driving. As a driver of a motor vehicle, whenever you put your keys in the ignition you are taking on the responsibility for the lives of those in the car, others on the road, along with your own life. Please do not accept this responsibility lightly. Be it texting, drinking, eating, talking on the phone, etc.--IT CAN WAIT. Please please please remember this responsibility the next time you are out driving. At least do it for the other drivers if not for yourself.

The other thing I would like to mention is that concussions are REAL. I spent a good portion of my high school career being teased as the "girl with the broken brain", or being accused of "faking it". The tough thing about concussions is that they are an internal injury. People only see the external "you". They have no idea what kind of physical, emotional, and mental hell you're going through on the inside though. Even if you think you're fine after sustaining a blow to the head it is so important to make sure that you see trained specialists in the neuro-field. I am so thankful that my parents took me in to get treatment. I cannot emphasize enough how crucial every day is when you're dealing with a brain injury.  My advice is even if you have a slight suspicion that you might have a concussion, get an appointment…yesterday! After all, this is your brain! 

I apologize for this rant. Ever since the accident I have been extremely adamant that there needs to be more awareness and understanding regarding brain injuries. They're REAL. So please, if you have sustained a brain injury get treatment. If you know someone who has sustained an injury of this magnitude please please please try to be understanding of the challenges they are facing. And also, do not be a distracted (or drunk) driver. 

Blessed.

 I just wanted to express my love and appreciation for my husband, Cole. He is the most supportive person I know. I am so blessed to have him in my life and to be able to grow old with him. I love his spirit, kindness, work ethic, fun-loving personality, and his sense of adventure. I know people say this often but I honestly have no clue where I would be without him.

I also just wanted to express my gratitude regarding the atonement and our savior Jesus Christ. I am so thankful that as our savior and redeemer and through the atonement of Jesus Christ, we can not only be forgiven of our sins but we can also become completely changed individuals. The best part is that this blessing is available to everyone! No matter who we are or what we've done we can be forgiven and changed. I love that! 

Our New Addition.

irst I would just like to announce the launch of another blog of mine. It's called D I Y * K I . The reason for this new addition is because I will be working as a freelance blogger for a DIY company. Therefore I wanted to have a place where I could put all of the projects I create. Well that and also fashion, trends, hair, makeup… ya know, all of those fun girly things. Click here for a link to it!

DIY*KI

Hello Hello! I just wanted to say that I'm excited for the soon-to-be launch of my 2nd blog--DIY*KI.  am going to be crafting, photographing, and blogging for a DIY company and so I figured that I wanted a place to share all of my creations. I'll add the link as soon as the site is up and running. I am hoping to use this blog in order to document my DIY projects, fashion, hair, makeup, etc. If that's your game then this blog will be totally your thing! 

DIY*KI

…coming soon!