weekend happs

i really try very hard not to wish time away. it's so easy to wish life away waiting for the next holiday or vacation or weekend. i try to be happy everyday and enjoy where i am right now, but i really do love the weekend. this weekend was no exception.

the weekend started with a fun, low key galentines party. i only took one picture all night probably because i spent most of the night chatting/laughing with chandra, brielle, and ashley. somehow we started looking up oldest living animals. did you know the average well cared for goldfish lives 10-20 years? the longest goldfish was 43 years old. #randomfacts

getting up in the 4s makes me kind of grumpy, but my saturday morning run was too great to be grumpy. the weather felt like spring. the sky was beautiful. we ran a new route. i'm not running a marathon anytime soon, but i'm training for the ogden marathon with a few of these ladies. i'm hoping training will help me get a little stronger and faster. 

carolyn, a, shawnie, me, renae, barbara, joann

we think we own the road

i went to lunch with the generation gap ladies. these 3 showed up #matchymatchy and i love that. we always take pictures and see each other in our running clothes.

citris grill with these lovely ladies

anytime we hear the door when we're not expecting anyone, we get a little scared. saturday afternon it was just our neighbors coming over with a little treat. they really are the best neighbors.

i always have painted nails, but i don't always have fun designs. i got together with laurann for nail night on saturday. after a busy day, it was the perfectly relaxing way to end the day.

my instagram feed was pretty full of sugar cookies over the weekend. i just about died at the cuteness of these.

sunday is for churchy things. i finally finished the primary bulletin board thanks to monthly prints from etsy.

how was your weekend? any exciting happs?

make sure to come back on wednesday for what would you do...with a date night. come link up your date night posts.

blogging the bach is on thursday this week.

foodie friday...loaded twice baked potatoes

i had a little incident making the loaded potato bites from last week. i lost the potatoes in the pantry. i looked everywhere and couldn't find them. we should all be a little concerned about my brain because they were right on the shelf. unfortunately i didn't find them until i already bought new ones. since i had extra potatoes and leftover ingredients from the potato bites, i decided to try something new.

ingredients 2 large potatoes  1 c sour cream 1/2 c cheddar cheese 1/2 tbsp chopped fresh chives 5 pieces cooked turkey bacon 1/4 tsp minced garlic preheat oven to 400 degrees wrap potatoes in foil, poke holes bake potatoes at 400 degrees for 40-60 minutes depending on size unwrap and let cool

hollow out potatoes mix potato, sour cream, cheese, chives, turkey bacon, garlic spoon mixture into hollow potatoes bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes top with cheese bake 3-5 minutes

enjoy

midway ice castles

ever since the ice castles started coming to utah, i've been dying to go. someone i seem to miss it every year. it feels like i am the only person in the entire state that doesn't go. my social media feeds are full of posts, and i'm super jealous. the ice castles are usually open for several weeks to a month, but winter isn't really happening in utah this year. because of the warm weather, they were only open for a few days.

last monday at work co-worker tiffany and i were talking about always wanting to go. on a whim, we decided to go that night. after struggling with ticket reservation for a couple of hours and convincing ourselves it wasn't going to work out, we were on our way.

we came in and immediately started taking pictures. i'm pretty sad i didn't take my camera although maybe my iphone was a better choice.

sage and tiffany

some pictures turned out and others not so much

i sat on this huge block of ice to attempt to get a decent picture. mostly i just ended up with a wet booty

sage jokingly ran up to elsa and anna to get a picture

all the music all night was frozen. what did they do before frozen?

we tried all night long to take a good picture. it never really happened.
the ice castles were amazing! i am so glad i finally got to go. we had such a fun night.

blogging the bach 19.5

i watched on tuesday night. i got so many texts on monday night about how crazy this week was. who's watching...celsey, husband shawn who always pretends he doesn't care, sister in law amanda and roommate alexis who joined part way through date #1...carly...let's come together what i saw so much awkwardness carly's eyelashes that need a fill asap what i heard why do they make it sound like they're in africa?--celsey this is so embarassing--amanda can we not just keep saying deeper and other weird things--celsey i feel like this would be awkward for me and cel and we've been married for like 3 1/2 years--shawn what i thought i feel so bad for her eyelashes. can't someone give her a fill? i'm prob distracted by her eyelashes to avoid the awks of the situation that was probably one of the worst dates in all of bach history date #2...jade, megan, kaitlyn, whitney, mckenzie, samantha, becca, ashley, kelsey...i'm rapidly falling in love what i saw lots and lots of pink lipstick jordan making a fool of herself what i heard i hate that girl. she has stupid bear california socks.--shawn(definitely pretending not to care) why does megan act like she has a chance?--cel what's the girl with the weird dress? she looks like she shops at wet seal--alexis what i thought ashley is absurd and whitney should def not discuss it with chris date #3...britt...sky's the limit what i saw britt waking up with her full face on (smart girl) britt's instagram cleared up what happened behind closed doors-talking lots of talking what i heard is she always wearing lipstick?--alexis why is she already crying--amanda i love kising you--chris what i thought chris really likes britt. i like her too, but i think she's prob the arie of this season pre and rose ceremony what i saw i legit had a freak out about kelsey. it was so horribly awkward and uncomfortable which led us to google. she was in fact married. she deactivated her twitter after this episode. probably for the best. what i heard she's so manipulative. she scares me--amanda about kelsey how did it hit home--cel about kaitlyn these people here are freaking psychos--shawn what i thought i'm dying that we don't see who leaves. this kelsey situation is so out of control. what i predict... i love becca a lot, but i'm nervous for her. she hasn't gotten enough air time. i really hope she sticks around, but i'm afraid unless she's on the 2-on-1. ashley i looks like she's on  the 2-on-1 and will obviously leave we think/hope kelsey gets sent home word tally farm...0 journey...0 love...16 amazing...0 future wife/husband...1 this week was completely crazy! i'm dying to hear what everyone thinks.

bloggers night out..cobbler cove

last week i had the opportunity to check out a fun spot in davis county. i've been to station park a couple of times, and i love it so much. when i found out there was an event there, i was excited to attend. amberly, alacia, and i met up at cobbler cove for a night of chit chat and a serious sugar coma. the cobbler options were endless and so delicious. if you're local, you definitely need to check it out and make sure to enter the giveaway below.

i got great suggestions and service 

loved spending the evening with amberly and alacia

pineapple cobbler with pineapple coconut drink. i was promised to feel like i was in hawaii. it really was amazingly delicious

here's a little more info about station park...

Station Park is Farmington's hidden gem and I am so excited to give you a little sneak peek into some of my favorite things there. Be sure to enter to win the $300+ prize package from Station Park's amazing businesses below! If you need a date night with the hubby (hello couples massage!) or you are looking for something fun to do with the kids (ice skating and yummy cobbler!), Station Park is your place.

With upscale retail, dining and entertainment, a children's play area, an outdoor winter skating rink, and a world-class show fountain - there is definitely something for everyone. Station Park expertly combines luxe surroundings with family friendly amenities. You will want to stop, stay, and play at this beautiful shopping and entertainment destination right off of I-15 with easy access to Front Runner.

Whether you are checking out the latest in fashion at DownEast Basics, dining at the ParkStone wood-fire grill, grabbing groceries at Harmon's, working out with lululemon on Saturday morning, or having a spa day at Sanctuary Aveda, you are going to want to cap off your fun with fresh-baked cobbler from Station Park's newest dessert restaurant Cobbler Cove! You are going to want to cozy up by their fireplace and enjoy America's favorite dessert.

One lucky reader is going to be spoiled with some of our favorite things from Station Park!

$30 gift card to Cobbler Cove

Cooking Class from Harmon's

A Yoga Starter Kit from lululemon athletica at Station Park

A $25 Gift Certificate from ParkStone Restaurant

A Couples Massage with Stress Fix Soak from Sanctuary Aveda

A $50 Gift Card from DownEast Basics

Six ice skating passes from The Salt Project

Enter on the Rafflecopter below!

Thank you to these amazing businesses for donating our prizes!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

2015 goal update...FOCUS on...FITNESS

january went by really fast this year. i can't believe it's already time to FOCUS on something else. so how did january's FOCUS on FITNESS go?

st george marathon finish line

1. exercise 6x/week-check. 

i'm glad i didn't say go to the gym 6x/week. i worked out at home a few of those days which isn't my favorite. this month i'm going to continue to work on getting to the gym daily

2. lift weights at least 2x/week-check

i did it, but i kind of did the bare minimum. 

3. 100 situps daily-check

february is FOCUS on LOVE

the dictionary says love is a profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person; a feeling of warm personal attachment or deep affection. my goals for this month encompass multiple aspects of love.

1. explore online dating. 

i know that's not very specific, but i need to do a little more thinking/research before making the goal specific

2. prep birthday cards for the year

i love sending birthday cards in the mail, but i am almost always behind sending them out. it's one of my favorite ways to show love to my friends. make sure i have your address/birthday if you want a card in the mail

3. weekly random acts of kindness

there are almost daily opportunities to do something nice for someone else. i'm excited to take advantage of those opportunities.

an important part of setting goals is setting up rewards. if i accomplish my goals this month, my reward will be a new date outfit.

did you set goals for january? link up below so we can all encourage and support each other.

An InLinkz Link-up

churchy...kindness

a few days ago i talked about the book 52 weeks to fortify your family.  i started on week 1 this week, and i am so excited for the next 51 weeks. the topic for this week is kindness. i've talked about kindness before. being kind is one of the most important qualities of a Christian. what does it mean to be kind? it doesn't just mean to take dinner to neighbors and give friends rides to the airport.  "kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see."--mark twain kindness means treating others with love and respect. it means extending charity to everyone. it means treating others the way Christ would. my focus for this month is LOVE. part of my goal is to work on being kind to everyone.  what does kindness mean to you? i'm giving away a copy of the book on my instagram, head on over and enter. wendy is also talking about churchy things today.

foodie friday...loaded potato bites

the superbowl is in 2 days. some people are pretty excited for the football game, and other people are excited for the food. surprisingly i actually know who is playing this year, but i tend to care more about the food, commercials, and entertainment than the actual game. i don't have any plans for this year, but if i did, i would for sure make these.

ingredients 2 large baking potatoes sour cream cheddar cheese fresh chopped chives 3 slices cooked turkey bacon slice potatoes brush olive oil on potatoes bake 400 degrees 30 minutes, flip and cook 20 minutes top with cheese bake 3-5 min top with sour cream, turkey bacon, chives  salt and pepper to taste what superbowl snacks are you making?

book review...52 weeks to fortify your family

i like to read, but i rarely have time for it. i have a book club, but it's a little more club than book. i am definitely the worst in the group about reading the books. when i have an opportunity to read, i really do love it. i recently had the opportunity to review 52 weeks to fortify your family. it's not a sit down and read it all in a day kind of book. it's a year long guide to increasing spiritual strength. don't let the family part of the title scare you. the book is perfectly applicable to marrieds, singles, parents, non parents, and families big and small. each week has a theme such as kindness, charity, happiness, etc. within each week, every single day has a short thought/scripture to go with the weekly theme. it's the perfect addition to add to current study or a great way to build spiritual strength through study. i started reading the daily thought/scripture before i go to bed. i love ending the day with a spiritual uplift. find out more about the book, author, and where to purchase here. i highly recommend it.
***i received a copy of the book to review. all opinions expressed are my own.

blogging the bach 19.4

who's watching...the usual crew was busy so it was just celsey and me until husband shawn came home and asked what was going on (pretending like he doesn't care) date #1...let's do what feels natural/girls at the mansion megan, kaitlyn, ashley s/i, juelia, samantha, mackenzie, kelsey what i saw jillian's blocked out everything-enough with it several girls i swear i have never seen carly with a yucky sand dollar necklace what i heard/said if you show up to a date with no makeup, you're a moron this is a date made for bimbos--kelsey (has she ever seen this show?) where is ashley s? nevermind she and her crazy just showed up i don't think ashley s is here for the right reasons because i don't even think she knows where here is--kaitlyn i wonder if she's going to rape him in the woods--cel about ashley i so the muslim is like a freaking ----- apparently--shawn what i thought ashley i needs to GO kelsey was a total grouch kaitlyn is starting to grow on me we still have no idea who samantha is date #2...something about princess jade what i saw bling. lots and lots of bling she tried on some pretty dresses and ended up dressing like a bird what i heard/said did she like that dress because it has a train--cel like disney paid them to get the inspiration--shawn about cinderella inspiration why was he practicing the waltz? he's just doing the deacon shuffle now he's not dancing. he's not a good multi-tasker, he's a farmer--cel about chris when the movie came on and he couldn't keep dancing what i thought they both seem a little too reserved to make this work/it's maybe too late in the season for her date #3...let's get dirty nikki, jillian, whitney, carly, britt, becca what i saw jillian looks so awkward in a wedding dress+she's wearing the worst shoes what i heard/said how can he even lift her?--cel about chris picking up jillian cody junior--cel what i thought why is jillian even on this date? she's obviously going to win jillian should look up cody code. they seem like a good fit i don't drink, but if i did i wouldn't get drunk on a one on one date on national television rose ceremony/cocktail party what i saw ashley i is in the her same cinderella dress what i heard/said if we don't know who it is, and she has brown hair it's nikki--cel after i said who's that for the 10th time i am continually so embarrassed for ashley i--me her poor family--cel what i thought talking about other girls is a huge waste of time. we all know that. have these girls ever seen this show? we like britt a lot, but she was dumb word tally (i did even worse this week or maybe they just weren't said) farm...2 journey...0(is this for real?) love...7 amazing...3 future wife...2 who's still here...kaitlyn, jade, whitney, carly, megan, samantha, mackenzie, kelsey, becca, ashley i, britt what i predict.. final four-kaitlyn, becca, britt, whitney ashley i will continue to be psycho until she gets sent home which hopefully is soon. ps it's not because she's a virgin, it's because she's a freak. girls keep acting like they've never seen this show what did you think of this week?

An InLinkz Link-up

wear it wednesday on tuesday...conference attire

due to a scheduling conflict, blogging the bach is moving. it will mostly be on wednesdays. so instead of bach talk today we have fashion talk.
i love love love getting together with other bloggers. it's one of my most favorite things about blogging. sometimes the pressure of what to wear stresses me right out. it's bad enough trying to figure out what to wear to meet ups, but dressing for conferences and other events gives me anxiety. you want to look cute but maybe not too cute. you want to be the right temperature. comfort is generally out for me.
until last week i didn't have any set plans for blog conferences this year, and all of a sudden i'm going to build your blog next month and elevate in may. i'm already worrying about what to wear.

urban outfitters sweater, old navy chambray, gap jeans, fergie boots, nordstrom bag

this outfit seems pretty perfect especially for a conference in the utah winter. it's cute but not too dressed up. it's actually relatively comfortable. layers are always a good idea, and the bag is big enough to hold everything i need.

speaking of build your blog, i would love for you to join me. use code BYBcon25 to save $25 on your registration.

i'm normally a fashion over function believer, but this outfit does both. what about you? what would you wear to a blog conference in the winter?

***i received a ticket to build your blog for writing this post. all opinions are my own.