Miss Priss Morgan

MissPriss Gets A Mister

2012-01-29T21:48:00.000-08:00

On January 2, 2012, I SAID YES!

Didn't I say 2012 was going to be amazing?!

Hello? Anyone?

2012-01-27T12:18:00.000-08:00

Once again, I find myself absent from the blogging world. Well not so much absent. I'm on here everyday, reading through my blog roll, but I'm not posting. Basically if Posting were a class, I'd flunk out for attendance issues...

I would love to be blogging, sometimes my head gets so full that I wish I had the time to let it all out. I know everyone is busy, but to be honest, after staring at a computer for 40 hours a week, I don't hardly even look at my home computer any more, let alone sit down and type...

I know I'll want my story someday, but   I just can't find the time to get it all out. Currently, a typical weekday for me goes like this:

6:00 am     Wake up
6:05 am     Work out
7:00 am     Shower & Get Ready
8:00 am     Work
12:00 pm   Eat Lunch
1:00 pm     Work some more
5:00 pm     Study
7:00 pm     Either study more or Church Commitments (twice a week)
8:30 pm     Eat Dinner
9:00 pm     Decide I'm too tired to study
9:30 pm     Pass out- Usually without taking my make-up off

And Saturdays look like this:
5:00 am     Wake up
6:00 am     Work (make-up time for any tests, quizzes that week)
10:00 am   Study
6:30 pm     Shower
7:30 pm     Family/friend/date time/eat dinner
10:00 pm   Pass out

It's not good. I have written a few posts over the last few months, and hopefully I can find time to balance all of my daily goings on to get back into the swing of things. There has been A LOT (to say the least) going on in MissPrissMorgan Land, and I'm so excited to share.

Maybe I'll do a weeks worth of blog posts on Sundays and just schedule them to run throughout the week...

Yea, that's a great idea.

Blingy

2011-12-29T09:21:00.000-08:00

I remember the day he first brought it up. "So, what is your DREAM ring?"

Almost immediately my mind flew away to a land of money-is-no-object and sparkling grandeur! I've known what my dream wedding ring was since I was in the 8th grade. I remember being in middle school and hearing my best friend's mom say, "anything less than a carat is a 'Friendship Ring.'" She was joking of course.. hers wasn't even a full carat. At the time I decided that I NEEDED more than a friendship ring. Silly little girl. My thought process at the time was "who wants another "friend?"

It was then I decided I NEEDED an engagement ring/wedding band set with prong-set eternity bands. I thought a channel set made the little twinklies look dirty. I wanted a classic round center stone held in place with 6 prongs, not 4. Four prongs would make the center stone look square, like a princess cut diamond. As far as size was concerned, I decided that 2 carats was a good size.

As I've grown up, I've realized that a friend is exactly what I wanted! A best friend. A companion. A "Friendship Ring" would suit me just fine.

But, when he asked about my "DREAM ring" I couldn't help but revert to the grandiose visions of my 12-year old self. So I told him... and he laughed at me. I then went on to specify, "I understand it's ridiculous, but you asked about my dream ring not a realistic one," trying to justify my silliness. "I'd still like that basic setting, but as far as size is concerned, I'll be happy with anything."

A few days later I went to a jewelry store to try on some CZ's. He mentioned that he was certain that I had no clue how large two carats actually was and that he wanted me to go look at other sizes so that I "wouldn't be SO disappointed." As usual, he was right. I tried on rings with center stones ranging from 0.25 - 1.5 carats. The store didn't' even carry a two carat cubic zirconium, let a lone a two carat diamond! I remember putting on the 1.0 carat ring and thinking... "that'sfreakinghuge!" I decided it looked semi-ridiculous on my boney-skeletor finger took it off, and thought no more about it.

I'm glad he made me experience that. I stopped worrying about what people might think or say, I didn't care about size. I knew that whenever I would get to open the box, I'd be tickled pink with what was inside. The size of the rock does not determine how much he loves me and I felt a little ashamed and a lot embarrassed saying anything. After all, I wouldn't just get a piece of jewelry, I would be getting the man of my dreams, and my best friend, for eternity!

the list

2011-11-29T21:10:00.000-08:00

One night at a church activity we were learning about marriage. At some point during the discussion, it came up that "Mr.. Perfect" does not exist, and we should never write off a potential spouse simply because he/she did not wholly meet every itemized condition on a "list" we might have. In fact, we were told not to have a list.

Immediately after the activity, I went home and scribbled down a list. I was 13.

My list encompassed all aspects of  someone's being; their character, looks, education, religious priorities, hobbies, family background, etc.; which was surprising because at 13, I was remarkably shallow... I still am.

I've always known that the silly wishings of a pre-teen girl are not exactly the things the adult-me would want in a husband, but it was a start.   Once I got older, I had a dear friend who taught a Sunday School class. Apparently she had experienced that same anti-inventory lesson in her youth as well. She had also chosen to ignore the advice. During her lesson she showed us her Power.Point.Presentation. of what her ideal spouse would be like. It was then, I decided to keep and continually update a mental list of qualities I'd like in a husband.

Through my 12 years of dating experiences, I have added to, removed, and modified my "mental  inventory " of Mr. Right. As time passes, I have come to know myself better, and therefore I  am more cautious of the kind of man it will take to be my perfect compliment, my equal, my other half.

I am not a typical girl who jumps into love feet first, wearing her heart on her sleeve. I am logical, I take my time, use reason and my head, not my heart when it comes to relationships.   Needless to say, I was surprised at how  quickly I fell completely in love with him.  I knew after two conversations and one game of pool, that he was the man I would choose to spend eternity with.

He seems to have almost all of the qualities I have admired in others (and subsequently added to the imaginary list), and I find myself searching, almost hoping for a flaw ; because really , who could be so right for me? Its as if he was created just to be mine. As if our life experiences, successes and failures have formed and shaped us into the exact person the other would want, and need.

Others have come close, but there was always something missing. And now I feel as though I've found my missing piece.

Just for fun, I pulled out the list my 13 year old self made 15 years ago and what do you know? He is everything.

Van Gough

2011-10-28T09:36:00.000-07:00

Since we've had our puppy Chael, we have all just fallen in love with him. He is the spoiled little prince of our house, and no one seems to mind. For a family full of people who would never in a million years classify ourselves as "dog people," we're quickly on our way to becoming them. Yesterday, however, I got some news that broke my heart for our little buddy...

Here at only 15 weeks, Chael is getting too big for my lap!

Chael is going to be a big brother.

The breeders we purchased Chael from had a litter a few weeks after Chael was born. While the mommy dog was cleaning the placenta off of one of her pups, she accidentally bit off his fragile little ear. Because of his deformity, they can't find anyone who will buy him. They've even discounted this pure breed (from a champion line) pup nearly 80%. Now that he is old enough to be sold (10 weeks) and not yet claimed, they offered him to us, for free.

So we're taking him. I'm picking him up from the airport tonight. My heart broke a little for Chael baby because as with any new addition to a family, he would no longer be the sole receiver of the love and attention. We're hoping, though that having a playmate will help relieve us of having to give Chael attention 24/7... It can be exhausting. Having a dog is like having a baby who never grows up.

Last night, I went over the importance of being a big brother with Chael. I told him that its his job to be nice to the new baby, and protect him from the other mean dogs, especially because he has a "very special ear," and he might get picked on.

I'm hoping it works out and they become best buddies... I'm also hoping that like Chael, Van Gough comes potty trained...

Conference weekend

2011-09-30T12:41:00.000-07:00

It's that time again, General Conference is here! To be honest, I've never before been "excited" about Conference. In fact, I've always dreaded the boring sit-and-be-quite-for-uber-long-periods-of-time sessions. I never really paid attention to the talks, and never got much out of it. When my parent's got divorced, I was really angry. Angry at a lot of people and a lot of things, but most of all, I was mad at Heavenly Father. By technical terms, I was pretty much inactive in church, and I didn't watch conference for close to four years.

I only recently became fully converted at the beginning of this year. I knew that if my life was going to start progressing, I was going to need the help and blessings that only my Father in Heaven and big brother, Jesus could provide. I remember this past April, I decided to watch Conference and it literally changed me. I loved the talks given, and paid attention, and even took notes on all of them, studying them later, and completely dominating my ward's Conference Jeopardy FHE activity the following Monday!

I've been looking forward to Conference for months now. I loved the General Relief Society mission, and especially President Uchtdorf's talk. Since President James E. Faust, Dieter is definitely my favorite general authority. His talk got me so excited to hear the other encouraging and uplifting words that will be spoken this weekend!

I have already taken the challenge to write down some questions that I have for my Heavenly Father, and will be anxiously awaiting my answer.

I also found a few great websites, with some of the cutest Conference Packets I've ever seen!

The Church website has lots of fun coloring and other activities to engage little ones while watching Conference

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Sugardoodle has a ton of Conference Packets for all ages from Nursery to Adults. I printed off one of them and am so excited to use it!

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Print photos of the General Authorities to paste onto your notes, or to play Conference Bingo!

Saturday morning, I'm making a delicious bacon, egg and cheese breakfast ring. Yum yum!

I'm also thinking of building a Conference Reverence Tent, & watching Conference from inside. Just like in Mosiah when the Nephites "pitched their tents," to listen to the Prophet, King Benjamin.

I hope everyone makes the choice to watch Conference this weekend, and receives lots of blessings for doing so!

The Garden Calendar

2011-09-26T08:32:00.000-07:00

The use of BC and AD for numbering calendar years was invented by Dionysius Exiguus in 525 AD. His purpose was to determine the correct date for Easter under the direction of Pope St. John I. While most people recognize the terms B.C. and A.D. to mean, "Anno Domini" (or Year of our Lord referring to the year of Christ’s birth) and "BC" as Before Christ, I've devised a new system, specifically for my garden.

B.C. = Before Chael

A.D. = After Dog

Sweet little Chael discovered this week that he's big enough to climb into my raised bed. One day after work, I noticed leafy plant limbs strewn all about our patio. "We don't have anything leafy or green in our back yard." I thought. And then, light bulb!

It was my broccoli! Chael LOVES broccoli... and bell peppers... and lettuce, and green beans, and tomatoes!

I saw my poor little garden, and it was destroyed. I couldn't get mad at little Chael, because at least he was eating his vegetables, right? Since there was nothing I could do, I allowed him to finish up digging (his favorite part), and rolling in the sweet smelling soil. And, rather than compost my now-vegetable-waste, I allowed him to eat all of it.

It's a darn good thing that fall planting for Las Vegas starts this week. Note to self: purchase large quantities of chicken wire.

ELDR2B

2011-09-22T21:58:00.000-07:00

ELDR2B was Evan's vanity licence plate before he went on his mission. I've mentioned before that while I was attending my first year of college, my parent's sold my car since no one was driving it. When I decided that I hated Reno, and came home, I drove Ev's car but my parent's wouldn't let me change the licence plate, "It's Evan's car, and if he wants the plates changed, he can do that when he gets home."

It was so embarrassing. We lived right next to a retirement community, so people either knew the licence plate was referring to a future missionary, or a future old person. Either way, the tires on that car got slashed almost every month.

But I digress. The point of this post is to talk about another brother. My little Gibber-Snibbs.

Griffin is going on a mission! Anyone who knows Grif, knows that a mission was never a goal of his. Growing up the kids in our ward chose Griffin as the odd man out, they never included him in activities or made him feel welcome, and all too often they were downright mean (a fact big sister didn't know until recently or you can bet I would have done something about). Because he didn't have a network of LDS friends, when he was never really "active" in the church. Once hit with our parents divorce he was lost. He became involved with alcohol and girls, and would not even claim to be Mormon.

Then, one Sunday Griffin decided to go to church. This was during that still-difficult time for our family, and no one was really going every week. But Griffin made it a point to go. He started meeting with the bishop every week and hanging out with his Fraternity less. He never said what he was up to, and when we'd ask he would assure us that he didn't know what we were talking about. After awhile the cat was out of the bag, we knew he had chosen to turn his life around and serve a mission for our church!

Tonight he got his mission call.

We knew that Gibbs as well as the people of Kentucky will be eternally blessed because of his decision to sacrifice and serve. We love you Gibbs, and we couldn't be more proud of our Louisville Slugger!

Help Find David Miller

2011-09-12T08:41:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday 9.4.11 one of our dear friends, David Miller went missing. I am posting this and asking anyone in the areas of Southern Nevada, Southern Utah, Arizona and Southern California to help aid in the search. We received a letter from David's family this past Saturday:

Dearest Friends,

Our hearts are grateful for all who are helping us in our search for our son, David. Our latest direction is that David could be somewhere between Las Vegas and Cedar City. We feel impressed that we need to find him right ...away.

We don't know for sure but feel the area between St George and Hurricane and perhaps as far north as Cedar City might be the most likely area to find him. His car is a light green Hyundai Elantra (see the attached photos below) and it will be the key to locating him. Most likely he will be off of the main highways and roads. We think he would seek a place of solitude away from any people. He would probably not hike much away from a car accessible road but could be in an area that is not readily visible.

There are several people planning to look for him and his car throughout Southern Utah tomorrow. We have been with limited phone access and bandwidth today so we are just responding to some of you who have offered to help. For those that are able, it would be helpful to have you travel to Southern Utah tomorrow to help with the search. If any of you have friends or relatives living between Las Vegas and Cedar City, will you please forward the attached photos below and ask them to use their own networking to get other people looking for David and his car.

Chris Jensen and Bill Karren are already in Southern Utah and others are on their way tomorrow by car, plane and helicopter. If you are able to travel and help with the search tomorrow, please contact Chris (702-499-5320) and Bill (702-372-3378) and we will ask them to organize the ground search efforts.

We thank you for anything you can do to help with this search. David is a wonderful man who is blessed to have your support.

Michelle and I are making our way back to Las Vegas and then Southern Utah. We may not have phone access for some of the day tomorrow but please leave us a message when needed.

Words are inadequate to express our love and thanks,

Kevin Miller 702-580-4251
Michelle 702-301-3456

As of today, I have the following updates:

David suffers from severe clinical depression. He is without his phone, wallet or medication. His parents are unsure if his going missing has to do with foul play, or is the result of a depressive episode, but have assured the police that he has never "just taken off" before without telling anyone, and that this occurrence is extremely unlike him.
The Henderson, NV police department found David's car in the parking lot of Jared's Jewelers on Saturday 9.10.11 at 1071 West Sunset Rd. However, upon further investigation the store owner stated that the car had been there since Monday, 9.5.11. David was nowhere to be found.
Large scale searches have been occurring all weekend in Southern Utah, as far north as Fillmore, UT. Two of David's best friends moved there a few years ago, and he visited them often. His parents felt as though maybe he went to see them, and was familiar enough with the drive to make it in one of his depressive episodes.
While this information is being updated frequently and spread across Facebook (we created a page for him this past weekend: Help Find David Miller), there is not a lot of news coverage, and other than word spreading through the Latter Day Saint (Mormon) community, it is not getting much publicity.
Because there are a few news anchors in my home ward (David's parent's ward), they were able to get out two news broadcasts this weekend on Las Vegas NBC news and Las Vegas ABC news- watch here.
Saturday, my family contacted all 20 Stake Presidents in the Las Vegas valley, as well as few bishops in Mesquite, Laughlin, and Pahrump.

I am asking you, my bloggy readers, to please help keep an eye out for our friend. If you have any information, please contact myself or the following:

Kevin Miller 702-580-4251

Michelle 702-301-3456

Thanks again!

2011-09-02T09:07:00.000-07:00

I didn't sleep a wink last night

Seriously, I feel like a kid on Christmas eve.

My bags are packed (overly so)

My tank is full, my oil is changed, my tires are new

And now I'm just sitting here

Counting down the hours until I embark on my very first solo road tip

I'm a little nervous

But mostly excited

Wish me luck!

Happy Labor Day Weekend!

Mid-Year Goals Check-up

2011-09-01T09:28:00.000-07:00

Back on July 1st, I wrote out a list of some mid-year goals. Because of my Spending Fast, I learned the importance of setting both short and long term goals, and putting them down on paper. It's important to be able to get them out of your heard so that they become real. Plus the satisfaction of putting a check mark next to each one is overwhelming! Here is a recap of the goals I set, and how they're going.

1. Read my scriptures every day and finish reading the Old Testament

I began a Book of Mormon Reading Challenge that started on August 1. I have kept up with the schedule and been "listening" (to the audio version) every day, so that is deterring my Old Testament reading. I love it! I do it first thing in the morning, and I feel like it just sets the tone for my whole day.

2. Go back to school, full time, even if my boss won't let me go to class

Holla! I am back and in 13 credits! I have worked out with my boss that while she won't let me go to all of my classes (except to take exams), she will let me go to the one where attendance counts!

3. Stop regretting/living in/wishing I could change the past; move on and progress

Done & done. I am surprised how much happier I am when I started doing this.

4. Pray. The real get-down-on-your-knees-bow-your-head-and-fold-your-arms kind not the quick-utter-one-in-traffic-kind, at least once everyday

Yes. I had a friend who made a comment in Institute (similar to a bible study class) last week that every morning before "[his] feet hit the floor, [his] knees hit the floor." I have literally done this every day. Plus its fun to slither out of bed without letting my feet touch before my knees! You know, like when you were a kid and the floor was lava... Awesome.

5. Read 5 non-school books

So far I've read four, and I'll start my 5th one probably over Thanksgiving break. There's just too much going on with school right now!

6. Start the Spending Fast, and stick to it.

Check! Follow my other blog, Morgan Makes Cents to read all about it.

7. Listen to more church music and learn the harmonies
Nope.

8. Exercise at least 3 times a week

Not so much. I've still been doing a mixture of Insanity, P90X and Cardio Barre, but I've totally been slacking. I'm lucky if I manage once a week. The past two weeks I've felt overly tired, and really sluggish, I need to get back on this ASAP.

9. Start studying for the DAT's

Nope. I think I might put this off until next semester.

10. Choose to be happy
YES! I love being happy! I have learned that happiness really is a conscious choice, not just a state of being.

11. Make at least 1 new friend every month

Yes, 100 times over. I have made an effort (and it's awkward and hard) to really reach out to people and schedule face time with them. But I have been blessed with tons of new friends!

12. Spend 5 minutes everyday "quick cleaning" my house, and deep clean every Saturday

Nope, look haven't I made enough progress already? Some things just aren't meant to change.

13. Do more service.
Sadly, no

14. Always be kind
Yes. what a difference this has made in my attitude!

15. Figure out how much school/books/parking, etc. is actually going to cost.
Yes! $125, bought and paid for!

Name them one by one

2011-08-31T10:40:00.000-07:00

{Image Source}

A few weeks ago, I bore my testimony at church. Everyone thought it was hilarious when I said, "if anyone is in need of blessings, come to my house, because it's raining over there!" I didn't say it to brag, I said it because it was true.

After years and years of heartbreak, trials, and bad luck, I think I'm at a point in life where I am able to easily recognize a blessing, because for so long it felt like I didn't get any. Every time I notice one, I stop and give thanks; this routine has really made me see just how blessed my life is. Sometimes it's hard to remember that blessings don't always come in the form of an answered prayer. Most of mine don't. In fact it's usually the opposite of what I want, or what I think I need that turns out to be the best blessings.

Sometimes, when I need something, really need something, and want it, and when I am living my life in accordance with the commandments of the Lord, and I'm doing everything in my power to make it happen, and then I pray, I dont' get what I'm asking for. Times like these stink, but I have to remember that I am on the Lord's time and he'll provide in His own way and at His own time.

"Some of God's greatest gifts are unanswered prayers."

~Garth Brooks

But other times, when I need something, really need something, and want it, and when I am living my life in accordance with the commandments of the Lord, and I'm doing everything in my power to make it happen, and then I pray, and my prayers are answered, that is the best!

I had a prayer answered this morning, and now a $3,000.00 weight has been lifted off of my shoulders. *Sigh*

Weekend To-Do List

2011-08-27T12:20:00.000-07:00

Holy smokes! It's already the last weekend of August! I always get so excited for the weekends! I've been working full-time for just over a year now, and I'm still not used to it. All of the required overtime does help either, it basically translates to working 11 hours every day. Those are long days! I feel like my weekend to-do list just keeps getting longer and longer because I am accomplishing nothing during the week.

Clean my room
Clean my car
Wash my car
100,000 mile tune up on my car
Sit by the pool & tan
Plant my fall-winter garden
Work overtime
Do some yoga or Cardio Barre
Play with baby Chael
Make this skirt... for real this time
Work on my talk for church
Enjoy my last weekend before school starts!

What are you doing this weekend?

Chael

2011-08-24T22:23:00.000-07:00

We've had a new addition to our family.

I'd like to introduce Chael .

{Pronounced Ch-ale. Sort of like Che-rries and Ginger-ale}

He is a Rhodesian Ridgeback. Notice the strip of hair on his back? It grows in the opposite direction, so it stands up and looks like a little ridge.

I like to call it his mohawk.

He was born in Michigan and today he turned 8 weeks old, finally old enough to leave his mommy and make the long flight here to Las Vegas!

It's amazing how much we all already love him!

So that's my good news!

Suddenly I'm craving a 7-Up.

Goodnight!

To the Maxi

2011-08-13T10:00:00.000-07:00

I love maxi dresses. I have close to 12 of them... While I love the summer time frock, I hate that they are ALWAYS sleeveless! What about us girls who practice the "Modest is Hottest" standard of dress? I rarely ever buy sleeveless articles of clothing, and I HATE how the white.t-shirt.layered.under.spaghetti.straps look. If you can't wear as is, just don't buy it, that's my philosophy (please save tomato throwing until after this post).

Imagine my excitement when I found a maxi dress with sleeves! Yes my religious ladies, sleeves! It was only about $20.00 at Forever 21 and so I bought it on an "I have to hurry and buy everything I can before my Spending Fast starts on July 1" binge.

I love how light and airy the fabric is, how comfortable it is (like work-approved-pajamas), and I like the summery tribal pattern! I also like that I can wear turquoise eyeliner to match! This really is my new love. I'm determined to learn to sew, so I can make a few more of these babies, because they're that amazing... even if a co-worker did, tell me that I looked like a Wiccan. Thanks.

The end is in sight

2011-08-12T16:41:00.000-07:00

On this bloggy blog, I have often ~~complained about~~ talked about the struggle I've had going to school because of finances. I've technically completed 4 years of college, but it has taken me almost 8 years to do so. After maxing out credit cards trying to pay for school, I tried another approach. Typically I would work for a semester, then go to school for a semester thus prolonging the process.

I've often wished for wealthy parents. I've longed for the day when I'll find a bag of money on the street, but most of all I've dreamed about the day that I finish and can move on.

Because of finances, I have never been able to see a light at the end of the tunnel. Graduating has just seemed too far away with all of the setbacks. After visiting with my academic advisor this afternoon, I found out that I'm in much better shape than I originally thought!

I'm currently enrolled to take 14 credits this Fall, which is a lot, but these classes are only offered in the Fall. Then, I need to take 5 credits in the Spring, and then I'll be done! Hooray!

The end is in sight.

Sew Amazing

2011-08-10T17:04:00.000-07:00

{Image Source}

I have big plans for this weekend. Namely, playing sweatshop. I'm still determined to make that Lace for Days pencil skirt I mentioned last week, but there's more... Oh boy, there's more. I've always loved feminine fabric, namely lace, chiffon, and sequins. I decided along with the skirt, I want to make a lace dress! I know I want it to be black, but I'm having a hard time deciding on the lining color... black or nude... What do you think?

Black on Black

Black on Nude

I realize Kate's is navy on cream, but you get the idea

The Temple

2011-08-09T11:07:00.001-07:00

This past Saturday, I was able to go to the temple and do baptisms with my ward. I haven't been to the temple since I was about 14, and I was so excited to be able to go with my brothers and friends. I think temples are some of the most beautiful buildings on Earth, and I love the feeling I get when I am there; even if I'm just hanging out or reading a book on the grounds.

{Las Vegas, NV We moved to Las Vegas just before this temple was built. We went to the Open House when I was 6 years old.}

Prior to going, I had a lot of questions from my co-workers about the temple. "How can all of the Mormons in Las Vegas fit into one building for church? What happens at the temple? Why are you going? My friend got married and his parent's couldn't go to the wedding cause it was in the temple, what's the deal?"

So I thought I'd take a quick second and explain a little about what goes on in the temple.

{Salt Lake City, UT This is where my parents were married}

Baptism

I have already been baptized. I was baptized when I was eight years old in a regular old church. Latter Day Saints (Mormons) don't baptize babies. We know that baptism is and essential step for salvation, but we believe that all little children are sinless in the sight of God. By the age of eight, a child is old enough to know the difference from right and wrong. Because of this discernment, we baptize children at the age of 8 in a chapel. I have many friends who ask me "but you have to baptize babies because of the fall of Adam." In our church, we believe that man "will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam's transgression." The fall of Adam was essential to Heavenly Father's plan, and so we don't view it as a "sin," but instead a "transgression." We don't believe that all mankind are damned to Hell because of it either. If I kill someone, should you be held accountable? No. Same goes for Adam.

{St. George, UT This is where my Grandparent's got married.}

We are also baptised to become official members of the church, to have our sins washed away, and receive the Holy Ghost as a constant companion. At baptism we also make covenants with Heavenly Father, like we promise to always remember him, and strive to live the way Jesus did. Sometimes though, people are not able to be baptized in this lifetime. Because our church is so big about genealogy, we often find names of friends and family who were not baptized, and so their names can be submitted to the temple, and church members will perform these kinds of baptism for them in the temple. No, we don't go around baptising corpses, that would be weird, and gross, and I'm fairly certain it's illegal. We baptize by proxy, meaning a living person does the work in the name of the dead person. In the New Testament, during Paul's time, baptisms were performed for the dead (1 Cor 15:29), and our church continues that practice.

So when I went to the temple on Saturday, this is what I did.

{Albuquerque, NM This temple was dedicated when my Grandparents still lived in Albuquerque, so we were able to go through and see it. As a service project, I helped clear the ground, picking up garbage and nails around the temple for the landscape!}

Marriages

It is a goal of every Mormon to get married in the temple. Not only is it free, but sacred ordinances are performed to seal a man and woman together for all eternity, not just til death do they part. Once this happens, all children born to this couple will automatically be sealed to them as well creating an eternal family. If a couple doesn't get married in the temple, however, they can always go at a later date, when they are able, and be sealed together, and to their children.

{San Diego, CA}

Why Can't Everyone Go?

The temple is literally, as it has been throughout history, the "House of the Lord" (1 Kings 6:1, 37). The primary purpose of the temple is to provide a place where sacred ordinances needed for eternal life can be preformed. Because of its sacred nature, attendance in the temple is limited to Mormons, who are baptized, who obey God's commandments and therefore are worthy to enter. There is literally an interview process that occurs with your Bishop, with very strict questions in order to determine who is worthy to go inside the temple. We have very strict standards that must be adhered to if someone desires to go inside.

{Hong Kong, China}

Non-Mormons and visitors are welcome to visit the temple grounds or Visitor's Centers at all of the more than 100 temples across the world, and attend open houses prior to dedication. However, only baptized members who are qualified and prepared are allowed to enter a temple after it is dedicated. This is why many non-members can not attend the marriage ceremony of friends and relatives inside the temple. However, many couples choose to have a separate ring ceremony for everyone to witness.

{Mesa, AZ This temple has one of the best Visitor's Centers around. Plus, they're always have really good movies playing, as well as yearly pageants}

What's the Difference Between Church and the Temple?

Churches are public places of worship. Anyone and everyone is welcome to go inside for Sunday meetings, or other social gatherings inside. They are often used for ward activities, basketball games, and wedding receptions. As mentioned above, the temple is different. It is holy, certain sacred ordinances are performed there, and only certain people may go in.

{Melbourne, Australia}

There is often confusion about temples, and the "top secret" or "weird" stuff that goes on in them. The work that goes on inside is not really a secret its just holy, and we hold it sacred. Most of the works center around bringing families together.

Balance

2011-08-09T08:56:00.000-07:00

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A few years ago, I went in for an interview with my Bishop. No, it wasn't that kind of interview, I wasn't "in trouble," it was the how's.your.life.going kind of interview. After talking for about 30 minutes, he basically told me that my "life balance sucks."

"Morgan, imagine you're a waitress holding a tray. Now picture the different aspects of your life like glasses on that tray. Part of having life balance means you can put all of the glasses on your tray, and organize them in such a way that you won't drop anything.... In your life right now, you dont' even have all the glasses... You've got school, you go to church and have good family relationships, but what about dating? Or career? Or friends? Or finances? Or your own home? Or personal improvement and hobbies?"

Uhhhhhh?

I said I'd work on it, but I never really did. I'm really good at substituting one aspect of life for another, but I've never actually tried to achieve "life balance," and I often wonder how in the world people do.

Lately, I've been really stressing about school. This coming semester I am enrolled as a full time student (14 credits); it will be the first time I've tried going to school full time while being employed full time. I know it will be tough and I'll be tired all the time, but I think I can do it, even with everyone else telling me I can't.

I know I can do school and work, but what about everything else? Where am I supposed to find time to date? Or play with friends? Or exercise? Or garden? Or keep up with my budget? Or anything else I normally like to do?

Any tips on achieving life balance?

Weekend To-Do List

2011-08-05T10:46:00.000-07:00

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Girls night with bestie Natalie
Go to the Temple
Find camera's battery charger
Charge camera's batteries with said charger
Practice photo session
Go on a date
Attempt to make a lace pencil skirt
Insanity once and P90X legs once
Choose colors for a basket weave afghan
Take pictures of my garden & update my garden blog
Plant fall crops: lettuce, spinach, peas & potatoes
Go to Church
Start a new book... I'm thinking either 1776 or The Alchemist...
Break Spending Fast and buy jeans that fit! This pants.on.the.ground with every step I take thing doesn't work. Darn it.
Catch up on the BoM reading challenge
Relax

Why I + Thursdays...

2011-08-04T09:23:00.000-07:00

Would you believe that I woke up this morning at 8:20 and was at work, in my office ready to go by 8:30? No I have not mastered the art of teleportation, I just really like Thursdays! I like Thursdays so much so that if you look really close at the left side of my face, you'll see lines that my pillow case left on my face...

But how did I get up, get dressed, hair curled, make-up on, and at my work computer in ten minutes?

Easy. As soon as I woke up, I threw on the outfit I had set out the night before... Inspired by a Pinterest pin, it looks totally cute, casual and "me."

I brushed my teeth and washed my face, and headed out for my car... Last night, after Insanity, I showered and blow-dried my hair and then used a curling technique called the "sock bun." I still haven't mastered it, because only one side of the head actually curled, the other side, well... Anyway, I took out my bun in the car and pulled my hair half up.

Hair done - in less than two minutes. That's record time for me! Next I shuffled through my purse and found some concealer, mascara and lip gloss. Because my skin is looking so clear and amazing, that's literally all I need! So folks, there you have it, a ten minute morning...

Now, back to why I love Thursdays...

★ Every Thursday morning at work, we get bagels. Yup, just for being such awesome employees. I look forward to my whole wheat, egg, or potato bagel (whichever is left by the time I get to it) smothered in reduced fat cream cheese. No it doesn't necessarily fall in line with eating raw, but it's too delicious to care. Nom nom nom.

★ Also, Thursdays at work mean Crazy Chicken Thursdays. There is a small group of us, and I must specify that we are not a "club," who get together and have El Pollo Loco for lunch. We have great conversations that keep most of us holding our sides from laughing so hard, and the food is delicious too.

★ After work, I usually go to institute on Thursday nights. Institute is sort of like a Bible study class, only because we are Latter Day Saints (Mormon), we study more than just the Bible. We have an amazing teacher who not only makes the hardest of doctrine easy to understand, but is so entertaining and funny.

★ Lastly, Thursdays = Jers-days. Roughly translated, that means "Jersey Shore Thursdays" at my house. We're obsessed! It's a time when my whole family can come together, and gather around the TV in our t-shirts (t-shirt time!) and witness the unavoidable train wreck that is this show.

So now you know. I love Thursdays!

Mid-Year Goals Check-up

2011-08-02T10:15:00.000-07:00

1. Read my scriptures every day and finish reading the Old Testament

Not completely accomplished. I began a Book of Mormon Reading Challenge that started on August 1 and will go until October 1, so that is deterring my Old Testament reading. However, I have been reading/listening (to the audio version) my scriptures almost daily. I love it! I do it first thing in the morning, and I feel like it just sets the tone for my whole day.

2. Go back to school, full time, even if my boss won't let me go to class

Holla! I am enrolled full time, and have worked out with my boss that while she won't let me go to all of my classes (except to take exams), she will let me go to the one where attendance counts! So I'll be leaving work an hour early three times a week, and then just making up the time on Saturdays!

3. Stop regretting/living in/wishing I could change the past; move on and progress

Done & done. I am surprised how much happier I am when I started doing this.

4. Pray. The real get-down-on-your-knees-bow-your-head-and-fold-your-arms kind not the quick-utter-one-in-traffic-kind, at least once everyday

5. Read 5 non-school books

So far I've read three, and I'm starting my 4th one today!

6. Start the Spending Fast, and stick to it.

Check! Follow my other blog, Morgan Makes Cents to read all about it.

7. Listen to more church music and learn the harmonies
Nope.

8. Exercise at least 3 times a week

Yes! I've been doing a mixture of Insanity, P90X and Cardio Barre. I'm in better shape than I have been in a long time, and I feel good. Plus I have tons of energy that will come in handy for long study sessions.

9. Start studying for the DAT's

Nope. While I would love to do go to Dental School, I'm not sure if it is the road I am actually going to go down. Lots of praying and fasting is currently happening so that I can make a decision.

10. Choose to be happy
YES! I love being happy! I have learned that happiness really is a conscious choice, not just a state of being.

11. Make at least 1 new friend every month

Yes, 100 times over. I have made an effort (and it's awkward and hard) to really reach out to people and schedule face time with them. But I have been blessed with tons of new friends!

12. Spend 5 minutes everyday "quick cleaning" my house, and deep clean every Saturday

Nope, look haven't I made enough progress already? Some things just aren't meant to change.

And just for good measure, here are a few more!

13. Do more service.

14. Always be kind

15. Figure out how much school/books/parking, etc. is actually going to cost.

A Big Thank You

2011-08-01T13:55:00.000-07:00

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I just have to give a shout out to all of the readers of this blog! I am so appreciative of all of the e-mails I have gotten over the last few months from my friends. Yes, even though we may not know each other in real life, you are all my friends. I have experienced heartbreak before, and it's never easy, but because of it I know that I am much more able to sympathize with others in the same situation. While I don't want struggles in my life, I am thankful for the opportunities to be humbled by them.

The last few months have been a little rough, but I am doing much better. I have spent so much time praying and am shocked at how fast the Lord truly can heal a broken heart. I know that he died not only so that our sins might be forgiven, but the Atonement of Jesus is all encompassing. It covers every sadness we feel, every pain we experience, in short, every negative emotion we encounter in this earthly life; he knows how to heal us because he felt it all first.

I know I made the right decision, and am almost overwhelmed by the blessings I have experienced in the last few weeks. I have met so many new people who have been a source of happiness to me and I can honestly say, "Life is good." For a while I felt "stuck" and was unsure about my future, and I feel like I can begin to move forward now. It's a very calming feeling.

Thank you all again for your words of encouragement and you support and your friendships! I hope to get back to blogging regularly to keep you entertained.

It's Friday

2011-07-29T15:20:00.000-07:00

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I could not be more happy that today is Friday. It's been a long, looooonnnnnnngggg week, full of work and lack of sleep. I was thinking that tonight I might go home and read the small library of gossip magazines on my nightstand. Then I'm going to bed hopefully by 7, and I don't plan on waking up until tomorrow.. I'm hoping for at least 12 hours of sleep.

My mom washed my sheets and made my bed for me - so sweet of her. There is nothing more exciting than getting to climb into a nice clean bed. I'm counting down the minutes!

A Letter of Encouragement

2011-07-28T08:46:00.000-07:00

I've been feeling pretty bad... Well, that's an understatement. I'm a mess. Colby sent me a letter today, and I thought I'd post it because often times, people go through hard times, and need a little encouragement. If you need encouragement, please read on:

Hi Fweetie,

I just said a prayer and I'm fasting for you. Keep your head up, you'll get through this. I know it's hard, but take it from me, it hurts now but it's so much better that you [were honest] rather than stringing Thomas along when you knew the relationship would no longer progress. Allow yourself to grieve, sadness is part of moving on, and an integral part of it. You can't move on without experiencing the sadness that comes along with heartbreak. Take a couple of days (at least) to really grieve, mope, and cry, and then get "outside" ass soon as possible so that you aren't consumed by the sadness. If you feel your decision was right, then it was right for both of you, even if neither of you can see it now.

It was a hard decision, but you were very brave for making it. Most people would continue on, playing with someone else's heart to appease their own. Most people would try to have their cake and eat it too. While you both greive, you need to cut ties, and not go back and fourth contacting each other. I know you think that is the worst thing you could do, but it's Hell having someone you love keep you around (whether maliciously or sincerely) to ease the pain when they know you won't be together again. That's a pain I wouldn't wish on Obama. You have to "rip off the band aid" quickly. Because you care for him, I promise it's best to just let him go. I know you loved Thomas and still do, you probably always will. He is a great guy but Heavenly Father has something else in store for both Thomas and you, and together, neither of you could be your happiest (even if it felt like you were your happiest together). One day, you will both find a level happiness you can not comprehend, I promise. It's just not meant to be right now, but it will happen in time.

I am here for you anytime, and will do anything I can for you. I love you. Maybe later we can play Wii, watch chick flicks and eat ice cream?

Colby

I am so glad to have loving and supportive friends and family right now.

Nothing is Fine

2011-07-27T10:58:00.001-07:00

I mentioned the other day that I have been experiencing some changes. Beginning a 60% raw food diet, and starting a Spending Fast are just a few of the changes happening at Casa de Morgana lately. One of the biggest changes is that after 3 years 6 months and 25 days, BF and I ended our relationship. {This is the reasoning for the lack of blogging} There was really no reason other than "it isn't right anymore." I've been struggling with the decision for a while and decided it was time to make it. We are both heartbroken, and I often wish that there were negative feelings between us, or that someone had done something to hurt the other one. That would be easier to deal with.

How is it fair to end something so good with someone so amazing and have "I know it just isn't what the Lord has planned for me" as the reason? It's tough, and I'm not handling it well.

The relationship I had with Thomas {yep, it's just like Mr. Big, at the end you learn his name} has been without a doubt, the best, most loving, and most healthy relationship of my life. I was able to be loved for just being me. On my good days, my bad days, my worst days, my pretty days, and my ugly days, my sick.and.pucking days and on my PMS days, he truly loved me. For anyone who hasn't had that experience, I sure hope you find it! I was really able to just be myself, which helped me to learn and grow and develop my character and my talents. I learned about who I want to be, who I want him to be and learned about really important things that are necessary for a relationship to grow and stay strong.

We both strove for 100% honesty, and in three and half years we had one fight, one semi-argument, 2 white lies and a few minor disagreements. It's not that we were perfect, we just worked really hard at making it work. Our relationship and the personal growing process that came with it was important for us. We had numerous problems, difficulties, and challenges in dealing with unemployment, deaths, births, divorces, family problems, insecurities and all of life's little thorns, but we made it a point to never raise our voices to each other, or call names. We tried really hard constantly communicate our feelings, needs, wants and concerns while being understanding of the other persons opinions and feelings. We took time to date often and constantly get to know each other and each other's interests and hobbies, and take an active role in participating in them.

I love the relationship we had, I love what a good friend he was to me, and I love how he was such a support to me during hard times - of which there have been many. I will miss him dearly. I will miss his love, his friendship, his support, his hugs, his smell, his smile, the songs he sings me, the way we always held hands, his kisses, how much fun we had, the way he rubs my neck when I'm getting a migraine, snuggling under his arm, his kind heart, his generosity, his cooking, how much we laughed, taking care of him, our nicknames for each other... I will miss everything about him. I love his family, and feel as though they were an extension of my own. I grew so close to them the last few years, and will truly miss their love, counsel and support in my life. I will miss the M's and am so sad that I will not get to see them grow up.

It will take time to heal, but I know the Lord will heal my heart. I pray daily that he will comfort Thomas too, and help him to know, in time, that this decision is for the best for both of us. I am thankful for the time I had to know him, and appreciate the person I am because of knowing him. I'd like to think that because of knowing each other, we are both better people.

As sure I am that I made the right decision, I am still so sad, devastated actually. The one person who could always make me feel better is no longer available to me, and I'm scared to move forward alone. While he Has been part of my life since before I started this blog, and is a part of many posts, I am sad that I didn't document every detail of our relationship, because I know I will cherish those memories forever. I feel as though there were many times I could have treated him more kindly, or done more to express my love and appreciation for him, but now I can't; so I hope he just knows how important he is to me.

It's a sad time, but I am determined to stay busy so that the sadness doesn't overwhelm me. I know that Heavenly Father can heal a broken heart if we only ask him to. "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more... sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain..." (Revelations 21:4) In time, faith and hope will replace heartache, disappointment, torment, anguish, and despair, and the Lord will give us strength to move forward with the plan he has for each of us. "For I will turn their mourning into joy, and will comfort them, and make them rejoice from their sorrow." (Jeremiah 31:13)

Weekend To-Do

2011-07-23T12:16:00.000-07:00

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The past few weeks have been nuts. Seriously. Our corporate office had a little "incident" with our computer system, and we've been offline for close to two weeks. How did anyone do anything without computers? I've been working crazy amounts of overtime just to get everyday tasks accomplished in a timely manner! Hopefully things will be up and running soon.

Because I've been going into work early, and staying late (and oh yea, I even worked this morning), I'm not getting a whole lot accomplished outside of work. While I was looking forward to a relaxing weekend by the pool it looks like my tan is going to have to take a back seat to my to-do list:

Get my oil changed, it's about 3 months over due... Oopsie!
~~Re-paint my toes, this corpse-blue color just isn't working~~
~~Do Insanity~~
~~Go to Church~~
~~Go to the Fireside~~
~~Laundry~~
~~Get my hair done~~
Catch up on blog posts
Watch a really good movie
Make the Tie-Dye Cupcakes shown above.
Start a new book
~~Relax~~

What's on your to-do list? Happy weekend everyone! Go do something fun, I'll be with you in spirit!

Netflix

2011-07-21T10:23:00.000-07:00

Hello Bloggy Readers!

It's been awhile, but I promise I've been here. I read my blogroll everyday, but with it being summer, I don't have a lot to say. It would be boring to post about how much time I'm spending by the pool and how tan I'm getting! {wink wink}

I wanted to do a quick should out to the Blogsphere about Netflix's price increases. Many people won't care, but because I'm doing a Spending Fast, I REALLY CARE! Netflix is one of my only luxuries, but maybe not for long...

{Image Source}

I wrote all about it over at Morgan Makes ¢ents, so run on over and have a little looksie! Thanks, and I promise I'll be back soon!

Lifestyle changes

2011-07-13T10:44:00.000-07:00

Lately a bunch of my co-workers and I have really been adopting a healthier lifestyle. Like most people who work 8+ hours in an office, I have developed a "sedentary lifestyle." I started my job back in August, and by November I had gained nearly 25 lbs! (Because I was so thin to begin with, most of that weight didn't bother me, but I felt awful- like a blob).

I'm not going to lie and say that I exercise frequently. I don't. After 8 hours of sitting at work, I am too tired to exercise for an hour. It would seem logical that after doing nothing (well not nothing, but you know...) my body would crave exercise, but no. It's just like Sir Issac Newton's first law of motion states, "An object at rest will stay at rest, and an object in motion will stay in motion." Yep that includes our bodies.

Something had to change, I decided the first thing I would do is change my eating habits. I haven't eaten fast food for about five years, but I still ate a lot of crap. Since May I have adopted a 60% Raw Food diet. I have fresh juice (cocktails from my juicer, not Ocean Spray) or a fruit smoothie for breakfast every day of the week. For lunch I have a great big salad, with fresh ingredients. Twice a day I have either Greek yogurt, fruits, vegetables, or nuts for a snack, sometimes I add salsa, hummus, guacamole or other dips. And then I eat dinner (this is usually the un-raw part of my diet because it consists of dairy, meat, etc.). I also only eat grains (breads, pasta, etc.) that are whole grain, or sprouted grain; and I've started to order fish whenever I go out to a restaurant (I've never eaten fish until now). I also have cut way back on soda. I try to drink water (with lemon), and I'm down to about one Pepsi a week and I usually don't finish the can.

Most of the time, by the time I get home from work, I am still so full from my lunch and snacks, that I don't eat a whole lot for dinner. The great thing is that I am eating as much as I want, and I'm never hungry. Plus, I have energy.

I often watch the M's (or other little kids play for that matter) play and they never get tired. They are constantly running and jumping and essentially P90Xing (seriously, the plyometrics workout is what we all did as kids on a daily basis!). I often think to myself, "What I wouldn't give to have their energy," and now, I actually do! Because of the extra energy, I've lost about 15 of those 25 pounds gained at the end of last year.

And if all that wasn't enough, I sleep better! I actually get tired, and stay asleep for 8-9 hours!

{Image Source}

I also recently just started exercising again (haven't done anything since finishing P90X last year), and have been doing the Cardio Barre workout. It's essentially ballet on crack. Yesterday I graduated from the Introductory workout to the Beginner workout, and that crap is hard! I don't know how those girls bend like that, but I certainly can't! Anyway, it's really challenging and fun!

PS, if you're interested, I only bought the DVD. and made my own barre out of PVC pipe. They sell a barre on their website for almost $200, so I googled instructions on how to make one. If ended up using PVC pip and it cost less than $10.

Mid-Year Goals

2011-06-30T08:51:00.000-07:00

I decided I really like Lauren's idea about setting goals during the middle of the year. I don't ever set goals... ever! I'm writing my goals here so that I can be held accountable for them. "They" say that when you write down a goal you are 75% more likely to complete it, rather than if you just think about doing it. Hopefully during the second half of 2011 I will:

1. Read my scriptures every day and finish reading the Old Testament

2. Go back to school, full time, even if my boss won't let me go to class

3. Stop regretting/living in/wishing I could change the past; move on and progress

4. Pray. The real get-down-on-your-knees-bow-your-head-and-fold-your-arms kind not the quick-utter-one-in-traffic-kind, at least once everyday

5. Read 5 non-school books

6. Start the Spending Fast, and stick to it.

7. Listen to more church music and learn the harmonies

8. Exercise at least 3 times a week

9. Start studying for the DAT's

10. Choose to be happy (I'm not miserable, but I guess I mean, make it a point to be happy everyday)

11. Make at least 1 new friend every month
12. Spend 5 minutes everyday "quick cleaning" my house, and deep clean every Saturday

I figure I'll start working on these July 1. It's a nice half-way-through-the-year point.

July 1 is also the first day I start my Spending Fast, I start school (I'm enrolled full time for Summer & Fall terms), and I'm starting my new workout regimen.

I'm going to be busy.

Wish me luck!

Happiness

2011-06-28T09:29:00.000-07:00

I stumbled upon this today, and decided I'm in love with it. It's so true.

"We often fall into the trap of thinking a new car, job promotion, beauty makeover, or fame will make us happy. And often they do—for a time. But it never lasts because wealth, power, beauty, and fame simply don’t bring lasting happiness, as much as we wish they would.

True happiness comes from following Christ’s example and developing Christlike attributes such as obedience, goodness, honesty, gratitude, humility, love, charity, and forgiveness. It comes from serving others and helping them to follow Jesus Christ. It comes from controlling the appetites of our human bodies and following the promptings of the Spirit. It comes from working hard and having a healthy lifestyle, friends, family, and personal achievements."

Create a Custom Drop Down Menu

2011-06-18T20:59:00.000-07:00

Recently, Blogger added a Pages widget to their template designer. FINALLY! I love blogger, but they are way behind the times when it comes to what us bloggers can and can't do easily to make our blogs "cute." I feel like after all the customizations I've had to research and learn, I should have a PhD in blog design!

Blogger pages is great because it allows us to create a menu of static links on our main blog page. What do I mean by static? A static post is basically a single post that, when it is published, goes directly to a menu item rather than to our normal archived posts. While this is a really fun widget, it still leaves something to be desired as far as customizations, including a mix of static and non-static links. A non-static link is a link that doesn't necessarily take you to one post it can take you to another website, or where ever else you want. Non-static links are still relatively easy to create simply add an "HTML/JavaScript" widget to your page, and enter the following code:

While that is all fun and dandy, that isn't the point of this post. I'm going to teach you how to create a drop down menu in your blogger header, just like the one I made yesterday for this blog, and for my garden blog!

***

Step 1 Adding the CSS Code to your blog's HTML.

First, you want to add the CSS code to your Blogger HTML. To do this, go to your Blogger Dashboard and click the "Design" tab. Click “Edit HTML” and then click “Expand Widget Templates.”

Push “Ctrl F” and in the search bar type:

Directly above that, enter the following code:

Take a minute and glance over this code. You’ll find it a lot easier to customize your drop down menu if you know what you’re looking at. This code created three parts of the drop down menu:

1. The Main Menu: This is what you will see on your page, a row of options.

2. The Drop Down Menu: There is a separate drop down menu for each main menu item.

3. Elements of the drop down menu: These are the individual pages you are linking to in your drop down menus.

In the CSS code you will notice there are things like: “font color of main menu,” “font size of main menu,” “background color of main menu,” and “background hover color of main menu.” You can change any of these options to customize the look of your main menu.

Next, you’ll want to customize the options for the “menu elements.” Customize these as you did for the main menu.

I’m no computer expert, but originally the menu I made was very small. I fiddled a lot with the “margin” sizes and “padding” sizes and that seemed to make it larger and the menu then spread across my whole header.

When you’re finished click “Save Template.”

Step 2 Add the Menu to Your Blog

Go to the “Page Elements “ area of the Design Tab. In the Header section click “Add Widget” and choose to add the “HTML/Java Script” widget.

You can leave the Title area blank, but then enter the following code:

I tried to make this code as easy to use as possible. This is a code to create your “Home” button, which will allow visitors to return to your main blog page, and has for 7 drop down menus. To customize it, replace the words “Page 1,” “Page 2,” etc ., with the names for you Main Menu items.

Next, replace the words “Page 1-1,” “Page 1-2,” etc., with the titles you are creating under each main menu tab. Before each of these replacement words there is a # sign in quotations. DO NOT DELETE the quotations, but simply replace the # with the URL of the pages you are linking to.

Example:

< li >< a href="MissPrissMorgan.Blogspot.com">HOME</a>
< li>< a href="#"
onmouseover="mopen ('m1')" onmouseout="mclosetime ()">MAKEUP</a>
< div id="m1" onmouseover="mcancelclosetime ()" onmouseout="mclosetime ()">
< a href=" www.eyeshadow.com">EYESHADOW</a>
< a href=" www.lipstick.com">LIPSTICK</a>
< a href=" www.nailpolish.com">NAIL POLISH</a> < /div> < /li>

< li>< a href="#" onmouseover="mopen ('m2')" onmouseout="mclosetime ()">CLOTHES</a>
<d iv id="m2" onmouseover="mcancelclosetime ()" onmouseout="mclosetime ()">
< a href=" www.shirts.com">SHIRTS</a>
< a href=" www.pants.com">PANTS</a>
< a href=" www.dresses.com">DRESSES</a> < /div> < /li>
< /ul>
< div style="clear:both">< /div>

The blue text will be what appears in the Main Menu, and the green text is what will appear below the blue text in the dropdown menu.

If you want to add a link to your main menu that doesn’t have a drop down menu, it’s just a link, like a “Contact Me” page for example. For these links, just use the code for the non-static link I talked about earlier, just be sure you place the link codes before the highlighted part of the widget code.

Click Save and there you have it, your very own drop down menu!

Hope you found this helpful. If you have questions, I will try to answer them, but like I said, I'm no expert and I was literally trying to figure this out for about 9 hours!

Ch-ch-changes!

2011-06-18T03:39:00.000-07:00

It's busy busy busy over here in MissPrissMorgan land! This little bee has been hard at work on some new projects, and continuing my education in the wonderful of HTML (blah!)! Below is a list of some of the things I've been working on this week:

I already posted about it, but I have grab buttons!
New Navigation Menu! Well, OK it's not entirely new, but I did add a new button. The cute Fun Stuff button was not at all fun to script. There's so many little characters to get just right! It's still not exactly what I want, but I quit when my brain stopped working at 3 am.
In my new Navigation button, there are two, yes two rather large projects I've had in the works for a while, but have just recently begun to execute. The first is Morgan Plays In the Dirt, my garden blog! I decided it should be separate from this blog, because I have a lot to say on the topic, and I realize that not everyone cares. Not only will I be posting updates from my garden, but I will be posting tos of "how-tos" and information, and I'm currently working on a a book customized to each person who buy one! It is going to be a lot of work which is why it is still majorly in the works. I estimate that this will be an ongoing project for the next few months.
The next project, I mentioned the other day. Morgan Makes Cents is the blog I've created to document my goal to not spend money for an entire year! This blog actually already has a ton of followers, and did before I even published anything!

I'm really excited about these two new projects, and just hope I can keep up with them. I know exactly how I want the headers designed, but I'm currently looking for someone who can do it in a timely manner... meaning ASAP, and for not crazy expensive, because I only have so much money before I start the fast. If you have any suggestions, please let me know!

I Have Grab Buttons!

2011-06-18T02:20:00.000-07:00

I finally figured out how to make some grab buttons for my blog! Feel free to take one, or two! I read that Grab Buttons are supposed to be about 200x200 pixels, but mine seem a little small... Any advice on sizing? If you're interested in Making your own button, keep reading!

What is a Grab Button?
A grab button is a button that you can put in the sidebar of your blog. Your viewers can "Grab" the HTML code under your button, and put it on their blogs! Grab buttons are a great way to advertise your blog. If someone has a ton of followers, and they put your button on their side bar, just think all of the people who can easily stop by your blog just by ckicking a button!

Create Your Own

Choose an image you'd like to use as your button, or create one in a photo editing program. Resize the image to 200 x 200 pixels.

Upload your picture to an image hosting site of your choice, I used photobucket.

In another tab, log onto your Blogger account. Go to the Design tab and then click Page Elements, and then Add a Gadget. Choose to add the HTML/JavaScript widget.

Copy & Paste the following code in the HTML area:

In Photobucket (or where ever you chose to store your button image), copy the URL or direct link to the image and paste it in the above code where it says YOURBUTTONLOCATION.

Then, replace the words YOURBLOGADDRESS with your blog address...

Tada!

First Fruits

2011-06-16T18:18:00.000-07:00

All of my hard work has paid off! Today I harvested my first crop! Radishes are really easy to grow, and they grow really fast; like seed to eat in 60 days! I could have plucked them all about a month ago, but I got busy, and sort of forgot...

They are crunchy and spicy and taste delicious! I only harvested about 1/2 of the crop, because I don't think the others are ready to come out. It's so rewarding to see "the fruits of my labor!"

Pantone 17-1547

2011-06-16T12:05:00.000-07:00

Summer is here, and I am officially in love with this color. I really think everything needs to be Coral during summertime! For Spring I was loving Mustard and Royal Blue, but now that it's summertime, this not-too-orange-not-too-pink color warms up everything right along with the weather! I know that I really love this color, because everything I touch lately seems to be coral...Call me Queen Midas.

Not that I'm actually turning things this luscious shade, but I see it and my brain thinks "Ooo, I need that," similar to the reaction it gives when I see sparkly things. For the last year or so, I grounded myself from buying makeup. I had so much that it was literally taking over my living space. It seems, however, that Coral is everywhere this season, and so I couldn't help myself and went on a little binge... Here's what I bought and some other things I'm loving in this perfect-summertime-color.

★ Benefit's Chachatint: The newest little beauty in the Benefit arsenal of lip & cheek stains, this mango-tinted stain beautifully blushes lips & cheeks with a tropical sunset hue. It's smooch-proof & smudge-proof, and dare I say, waterproof? This sheer stain will leave you looking deliciously sun-kissed for hours.

{Image source}

★ Nars Lipgloss in Wonder: Seemingly unwearable in the tube, this "mandarin orange gloss laced with pink and gold shimmer" wears surprisingly sheer. However, if bold is what you're going for, the semi-translucent shade is also very buildable! It goes on smoothly and evenly to give a plump, juicy, "I just ate a Popsicle" look that's perfect for summer.

★ Essie nail polish in Tart Deco: Unlike most Essie polishes, this one goes on streak free! It's a BRIGHT peachy-coral color that looks amazing on toes, but just as good on fingers. The best thing about this polish, is that it makes my skin look darker than it is - instant tan! I've had this on my toes since mid-May, and I swear whenever I walk into a room I feel as though my feet look sexier than everyone else's. This polish came in with the Essie's The Art of Spring Collection in 2010, so it should be pretty easy to find.

{Image source}

★ Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Tipsy: This solar-baked blush brings new meaning to the term "long-wearing." Infused with natural clay harvested from the banks of the Amazon River, this nutrient-rich blush benefits all skin types for a fade-free flawless finish for an amazing 12 hours. For oily girls like me, the clay minimizes oil to balance skin and keep the product in place. Dry skinned and combo skinned girls benefit as well. The clay has nourishing and hydrating properties, which naturally restore skin's moisture, and the ability to zero in on skin concerns and deliver benefits to restore complexion harmony! I could write a whole blog post just on how amazing this product is, but I won't... It comes in eight colors, and while I have seven total, and love them all, this is going to be my go-to color for summer!

{Image Source}

★ Mighty Mango Naked Juice: Recently, for medical reasons, I've begun to eat about 40% raw. I try to start every morning with a crap-ton of fruit, or fresh juice. Because I am always running late, I've been cheating by grabbing a Naked Juice in the mornings rather than using my juicer. I've tried every flavor but I keep going back to Mighty Mango. Mangoes, oranges, apples, bananas, and lemon... Yum! I know it's going to be a good day when I've got a bottle of this stuff.

★ Mangos: It's been warm enough here to sunbathe for a while, so that's how I try to spend my weekends, floating in the pool, soaking up some rays. When I go, I usually plan to stay for the day, to enjoy being outside, and not cooped up in an office. I often bring some fruit to snack on, and lately my favorite treat is mango {and it's coral colored!}. The taste of this summertime fruit reminds me a little bit of pine tree sap {does anyone else think this}, only in a tropical, beachy way. I feel like one bite leaves me standing on a deserted island, and the next takes me soaring to the rain soaked mountains! It's like being in two places at once, magical.

★ Coral colored clothing: Coral is one of the best colors to wear in the summertime whether it's in clothing or jewelry. Coral offers the same summer-fresh vibe that white offers, only more flirty, and without worry of getting dirty {I'm a poet and didn't know it}. Plus, everyone looks tan in this color!

The Spending Fast

2011-06-15T15:14:00.000-07:00

Lately I have become OBSESSED with money.

Don't get me wrong, since I was out of work for a year, I have been money conscious, but it's never been like this. I have always hated money. That tends to happen when you grow up in a house where there is always a money shortage... I just hate it. When I was out of work, I taught myself to coupon. Extreme coupon even. I learned to only buy things if they were on sale and if I had a coupon or multiple coupons. While I saved a-crap-ton of money, I still ended up with a bunch of stuff I didn't need, and had no room for. Couponing taught me that I was saving money, but my spending habits were still out of control.

Do you know how many times I've gone to Target for toothpaste, and come out with a receipt for $150 and a bad case of buyer's remorse? Did I mention I would usually forget to buy the toothpaste? But hey, I saved $94.63!

I don't know what it is, but for the past few months I have been really worrying about "being prepared" (prepared for what? I don't know, just prepared) and "money" and "saving" (as evidenced by previous posts, and my monthly Save Money Series). I feel like I am nowhere close to where I should be financially at this stage of my life, and the more I think about it, the more anxious/worried/sick I feel.

I do have a savings account to which I contribute 10% every pay period. But I usually chip into it to support unnecessary spending, so by the end of each month, my savings account is essentially non-existent. I am finally out of debt, and yet, I still find myself "broke" a lot of the time. Even though my current job is paying me twice my asking price, I keep thinking the problem is that I need to make more money (isn't that the case with everyone).

The real problem is that I have a "leaky bucket," and rather than fixing it, I'm just getting frustrated that all my water is leaking out.

I've tried budgeting. I create these totally awesome Excel spreadsheets where all I have to do is enter the total amount on my receipts. It tracks my money, tells me how much I can still spend, and would help me stay on track. I create it, and then never look at it again. I've tried being like Audry Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's and only using cash. They say using cash creates a mental drive to stop spending, because you physically feel the money leave your hands. I've tried only using my debit card- bad, bad, bad idea. The only thing I haven't tried is to just stop spending (Duh! Doesn't it seem like this should be the first course of action rather than the last?).

While cleaning my room this weekend, I had the TV on for background noise, and the Clark Howard show was on. He had a guest named Anna who became debt free in just one year! (Click here to watch the clip) How did this young, thirty-something State Clerk/part-time-photographer go from having $19,000 of debt to getting rid of it in just one year without getting a new job or adding income? I had to know.

I started reading her blog And Then She Saved, and ended up reading every.single.entry. Anna basically cut out unnecessary spending for an entire year. In 2010, she paid her bills, and bought only what she considered to be essentials - food, gas, insurance, phone, medical, and even a gym membership. She cut out everything else - travel, makeup, eating out, music, coffee, salon trips, entertainment, even gifts (all Christmas, Birthday, Shower gifts were handmade or re-gifted items) etc. By the end of the year, she had saved almost $20,000 and was able to become completely debt free!

While reading about The Spending Fast I thought, "eww fasting..." In our church we are encouraged to fast on the first Sunday of every month. If I'm being honest, I've never done it. I've tried, believe you me, but usually around three o'clock I feel a migraine coming on, and have to sneak a few Cheerios. The word "fasting" is kind of a dirty word, and even though many blessings come from any kind of fasting, it is, well, hard.

I decided that I want to ~~try~~ do this Spending Fast. I am going into this knowing full well that it is really going to suck, and at times I might fail, but a small failure is OK, I'm not going to let it deter me from the big picture. I am starting on July 1, 2010 and am going to continue for a year (I'll be blogging about the experience on MorganMakesCents). There are a few roadblocks in my way already, because I do have at least two trips planned this summer but again, I won't let it deter me. I am blinded by the lights and glitter of $20,000 which for me, would be a down payment on a house! I'm mostly kind-of-a-lot nervous, but a little excited. Not quite "I'm going to Disneyland excited" but more than "Tomorrow is the first day of school" excited.

P.S. This year, Anna is doing a Spending Diet, which is a little easier than the Spending Fast (this time she allots $100/month for spending money). For anyone who wants to try this out, check out her blog to get the rules!

It's Becoming a Problem

2011-06-11T11:21:00.000-07:00

Talk about De Ja Vu. Yes, it happened again. And it wouldn't be such a problem if I weren't running as fast as I can, shoving five and six year olds out of the way as I go... I just can't help it. When I hear that music, I drop everything I'm doing, grab a twenty and mad dash up the street.

Oh and yes, I do spend all $20.

Please excuse the mess that is myself. I had spent the whole day cleaning, more on that later...

Friday Night Live

2011-06-10T23:22:00.000-07:00

I L♥VE the community I live in. Yes the HOA fees are ridiculous, but unlike many other HOA fees, ours are used in ways that actually do benefit the community. Yes, yes we have people who clean up trash, mow grass, plant flowers, and other landscaping tasks every single morning, but our fees pay for so much more. For example, every 4th of July the community puts on a big parade (which has now become a city wide event), after the parade, they open all of the community pools for a free day of swimming as well as a free all-you-can eat BBQ, complete with live music and carnival games. This is just one of many yearly events that have become tradition so that we can enjoy living in our community.

One thing I love about summers in this community is that one Friday every month, they host Friday Night Live, a free concert series in a local park. This being Las Vegas, there is no shortage of entertainment, and so a band is chosen to play for friends and families alike. Tonight, I decided that BF and I should go.

We packed a picnic and walked over to the park. I couldn't believe how many people were there! There were also lots of food and treat vendors giving free snow cones, glow sticks, "adult beverages," etc. A 70's cover band called the Boogie Knights played disco and rock for over three hours! We found a good spot right up front to set up our blanket, kicked off our shoes, and spent the rest of the night dancing and singing. It was so much fun, I can't wait until next month!

Tuesday Tunes

2011-06-07T12:13:00.000-07:00

Quick!

Stop what you're doing!

Play this and...

SING ALONG!

Preferably, as loud as you can

Shoot, dance if you want to.

You're welcome.

Now enjoy the rest of the work day.

Another Storm

2011-06-06T11:37:00.000-07:00

I know I've said it before, but I'll say it again. I really hate when bloggers begin a post with, "I know I haven't been blogging but..." Everyone is busy, and everyone has REAL lives outside of the Bloggersphere, so daily posts aren't always possible. Lately, I haven't really been "busy," I've just had a lot going on. Personal stuff. Private stuff. Stuff that I don't necessarily feel the need to publicly document. However, I keep thinking that this blog started out as a way for me to document my daily comings and goings, my life. So I've decided to do it as best as I can while still keeping some privacy.

You know the saying, "when it rains, it pours?" I myself am quite familiar with it. However, in the last few years, the rain of my life hasn't exactly been a good rain. This saying more describes the... (how-to-put-it-nicely?) CRAP that always seems to be happening to myself and those closest to me. I have often felt tired of the storms and ready for the sun, but just as I catch a few glimpses of sunshine, BAM, I'm hit with thunder and lightening.

Three years ago, I remember driving alone in my car, and feeling an overwhelming sense of grattitude. "I am so thankful for my life," I thought as I pondered all of my blessings (everyone was healthy, I had a great family, and parents who were married for 31 years, everyone had jobs, etc.). Almost the next day, it started.

Since having that thought of grattitude, I have dealt with two divorces, court battles, custody battles, deaths, heartbreaks, betrayal, lies, financial worries, school troubles, threats of foreclosures, bankruptcies repossessions, and multiple unemployments, not to mention the daily stresses life always has in store for us. Now, these things have not all happened directly to me, but I have experienced them all through my close friends and family, and therefore I am directly impacted. I consistently feel helpless, angry, anxious, worried and sad. And it seems to be that whenever one trial "ends," another begins.

I don't mean to sound so negative. If there's one thing I hate more than lying, it's a Negative Nelly. But this is the reason for my blogging absence. Another storm.

In Memorium

2011-05-30T13:52:00.000-07:00

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

I will be gone gone gone far away from here for the next few days. Yep, I'm going up to the cabin to enjoy fresh mountain air, sunshine, and wicked ATV jumps& trails. I have literally been counting down the hours to this mini-holiday since last week! Due to unavoidable circumstances {ie: summer school tuition} I don't get to go on a tropical vacation/cruise this year, and so this is as close as I'll get to a real "vacation." Let me tell you mini or not, this holiday is MUCH NEEDED.

Save Money Challenge | Month 1

2011-05-30T10:45:00.000-07:00

It sounds so easy... too easy... But I saw this tip on Oprah a few years ago, and was amazed at how much money this woman saved on her power bill every month. What is this too-good-to-be-true device?

A Surge Protector!

Surge protectors are often found in home offices to prevent expensive electrics from getting zapped when there's a storm, or power outage. But did you know that they can help lower your elecectric bill by up to 10%-20% each year?!? While it sounds like a free lunch, I assure you, there is a catch. This money saving method requires a bit of work from the "operator," but it's not hard work, and once a habbit is established (after about 21 days), it will become second nature. Home electronics, even when not turned on, use a ton of power just from being plugged in. Cell phone chargers are reportedly the worst power suckers out there! By using a surge protector, the amount of electricity wasted in your home can be significantly reduced.

Step 1: Purchase a Surge Protector for each room in the house. These little babies can be found at just about any store, and I know that Belkin makes one with 6 outlets for just under $10.00. Because you have a month to complete this challenge (think in terms of pay periods), 2 pay periods, the total cost shouldn't be too devastating to your wallett. I have 5 bedrooms, a kitchen, a living room, a dining room, a family room, and 2 hallways (but only one currently uses electronics so I will only count the one) in my house. I did not count bathrooms, because most electronics used there are used briefly, then unplugged and put away. So I need to purchase 10 surge protectors. That comes to $100.00 over the course of the month, or $50.00 each pay period. $25.00 is easy to budget for, but maybe I'll take to plan two free date nights this month and use that money towards my surge protectors.

Step 2: Plug all "non-essential" electronics into the surge protector. What counts as non-essential? Anything that doesn't HAVE to be plugged in all day. For example, the refrigerator is an essential electronic. It needs electricity to keep the food in it cold. If I unplug it, my food will go bad. Things like the TV's, DVD players, Nintendo systems, lamps, stereos, etc. are all "non-essential." I only use them when I'm in the room. When I leave, they don't need power, so they don't need their own individual outlet, they can be plugged into a surge protector.

Step 3: Ignore the On/Off Switch. Now that all of your non-essential electronics are plugged into the surge protector, plug the surge protector into the wall. Most surge protectors come with an On/Off switch. Turn it on, and then ignore it. Seriously, don't touch it again. When you leave the room, unplug the surge protector, and thus, all of your non-essential-power-sucking-electronics. When you go into a room, plug in the surge protector for that room. EASY. Don't just think that you turn off the surge protector, because even in the "Off" mode, the AC circut is still able to suck power from the wall. This is why the plugs on electronics feel hot, even if they've been turned off.

It seems silly, but this little trick will save tons in wasted electricity costs. For rooms like the kitchen, you won't use your surge protector as much as, say your bedroom. In my kitchen surge protector, I have the Microwave, toaster, can opener, and magic bullet plugged in. I only use the surge protector when I need one of these devices. However, I use my bedroom surge protector 80% of the time I'm in my bedroom. My TV, cell phone charger, bed side lamp, computer and external hard drive are all plugged into that surge, and most of them get used when the surge is plugged in. Again, when I leave my bedroom, I disconnect all power supplies/ wasted electricity.

I should mention that simply using a surge protector won't reduce electricity bills. If I plug in my appliances and then plug the surge into the wall and leave it all day, I'm still wasting a bunch of electricity.

MissPriss Beauty Poll | May 20, 2011

2011-05-20T23:10:00.000-07:00

1. Mood: Energized & a little disappointed! There is one good thing about not eating solid food for four days... The finally getting to eat real food euphoria that follows! However, I don't get to revel in the euphoria for too long, seeing as the world is ending tomorrow {rubbish I say!}.

2. One great thing about getting older? Being comfortable in my own skin. I no longer feel self conscious next to the pretty girls at school. I like just being me. I don't feel the need to fit into a specific clique, because I can be friends with everyone. I wear whatever I want to because I don't feel peer pressure to dress a certain way, or wear a certain brand of clothing only royalty can afford.

3. What color do you use most in your eye makeup and why? I use mostly neutrals as far as eyeshadow is concerned. Sometimes I might get crazy and throw a light pink in the mix... I mostly wear dark brown eyeliner cause black is kind of harsh. And I always wear the blackest black mascara I can find. As far as lips and cheeks go, I usually wear pinks.

4. What’s one thing your mom was right about? Uhhh, besides everything? Well, to name a few: I did get over that boy, and he wasn't the right one for me, I do need lipstick in order to not look washed out, If I go out into public without getting ready I will see people I know, a clean house is a happy house...

5. What’s your favorite book series? I don't read a lot for pleasure... unless you count the fascinating series about Biochemistry I've been going over the past year...

6. Your last sweet treat? Fudge. My grandma makes really good fudge, and gave some to Gibbs for his birthday... I keep sneaking it... shh, don't tell him!

7. Do you collect anything? I collect vintage cameras. I started with a few super old ones I bought on e-bay and at thrift stores. Then, one day, my grandpa sent me three big boxes in the mail... It turns out, he collected vintage cameras too, and he gave them all to me! I love my grandpa.

8. Seersucker clothing — yea or nay? I don't know what this is... but anything that has to do with sucking and clothing seems to me like a bad idea. Like swimming in a t-shirt, just don't do it.

9. Eyes/Lips/Cheeks: MAC Shroom, Soft Brown, Soba & Espresso (my favorite combination), with Urban Decay Corupt Eyeliner and Tarte Lights Camera Lashes Mascara. Cheeks and Lips are Benefit Benetint with chapstick.

10. Weekly goals: Work on my tan! It's summer break and I plan on spending this entire weekend out by the pool! I went to the grocery store and got some non-alcoholic strawberry daiquiri and pina colada mixes... It should be a good time, and hopefully I won't burn.

It's Friday! And yes, I'm feeling much better as of yesterday evening. I've been following Dr.'s orders since Monday afternoon, only laxatives and clear liquids (which to me mean, water, Gatorade, Popsicles and Jell-o), and to be honest, it wasn't bad (well, it was kind of bad). Because of the infection, I wasn't hungry at all, it was more of a psychological "I should eat" sort of thing, but even then, the thought of food made me nauseous.

I realized I was better when, last night my mom offered to make me a tuna fish sandwich on sprouted 7-grain bread, and I said, "yea, that sounds really good actually." I only hate about 1/4 of it, and I ate slowly, but I was able to keep it all down!

Thank goodness I'm on the mend! Anyway, any fun weekend plans? Besides hitting the pool, I'm seeing Pirates of the Caribbean tonight! Yes, we are a little nuts to want to be out in the mêlée of people, but it should be a good time!

Your turn!

Fill out the survey below and post it on your blog!

1. Mood:

2. One great thing about getting older?

3. What color do you use most in your eye makeup and why?

4. What’s one thing your mom was right about?

5. What’s your favorite book series?

6. Your last sweet treat?

7. Do you collect anything?

8. Seersucker clothing — yea or nay?

9. Your go-to eye cream?

10. Weekly goals:

Some days I hate everything

2011-05-19T18:49:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I had a moment of weakness. A rare moment of vulnerability, and I hated it, but I needed it. I was in the car and the song "Wonderful" by Everclear came on the radio. As I sang along and listened to the words, it hit me. I completely relate to this song, in a way I never have before. My parents first separated three years ago, and their divorce was finalized last December. It still hasn't gotten easier, and I am still learing to deal with it. As the song came to the end,

♫ ... I don't want to start over again
I just want my life to be the same
Just like it used to be
Some days, I hate everything
I hate everything
Everyone and everything ♫

I did the only thing I knew how to do. I pulled my car over, and cried. I cried for a good four minutes, and then realized that I felt stupid, and that other drivers probably thought I was nuts. I don't wish my parents were still together, I realize that things are better this way. A lot of blessings have come out of this change, including stronger relationships with most of my family members. But still, it's hard sometimes.

The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

2011-05-16T14:57:00.000-07:00

The Good: I will survive this extremely painful stomach ache I've had for the past two days.

The Bad: It turns out, I'm not faking the pain to get out of things like working, heavy lifting, cleaning my room, etc. I have an intestinal infection... Yep, my intestines are sick and basically stopped working.

The Ugly: At this point in time, I cannot eat solid food for the next 48 hours because my sick intestines can't digest it. As for everything I've eaten in the past two days, it's just sitting there at the bottom of my stomach... Yes folks, I am literally "full of crap." (actually, I'm just full of food... "pre-crap" if you will.)

I hate going to the emergency room. I was trying to put it off, but mom was worried I had something wrong with my gallbladder, or appendix. I assured her it was neither, because those areas of my abdomen weren't hurting, the pain was just "behind my belly button." (Anatomy classes can come in so handy.) I decided to take mom's advice, and go to the quick care. I walked in, pale as a ghost, nauseous, and doubled over from the pain, and the first thing the doctor asked was, "Are you pregnant."

The thing with doctors is that they never believe young female patients who say, "no." No matter how many reasons or combinations of reasons are given justifying a non-pregnancy, "Birth Control Pills," "currently on my period," and "not sexually active (eww I hate that term)" they don't listen. And so, like Freshman Gym, there was no getting out of it, and I had to pee in a cup- so embarrassing.

Turns out, I was right. (Take that E.P.T.!) It's just a simple, very painful infection. How or why I got it, I don't know. What I do know is that I'm starving, but am confined to ingesting only Gatorade, water, and Popsicles for the next two days... I guess that's not such a bad thing. I L♥VE Popsicles!

After today's events, I'm left with more questions than answers. "Like, does being pregnant hurt?" Because if my state - extreme pain, doubling over, and nausea - is common amongst pregnant women, I want no part of that, and the stork is just going to have to bring me babies.

Fleetwood Friday

2011-05-13T12:22:00.000-07:00

Hooray for Friday! I know I say it all the time, but until recently I didn't think my job was stressful. I have noticed though, that I have more stress than normal, so much so that others are commenting on it, and I go home at least once a week with a migraine! I like my job, don't get me wrong, but I SO look forward to the weekend.

With finals also being this week, I'm spent. Most of my co-workers are out of the office today at a conference at Disneyland (jealous!), so I've declared it Fleetwood Friday. Yep, I've got the iPod shuffeling songs by Fleetwood Mac, and I'm chug-chug-chuging away at my work. I find myself exteremly relaxed, and despite other things on my mind, I'm in a surprisingly good mood.

I strongly recommend Fleetwood Friday.

Small Space Gardens

2011-05-11T08:25:00.000-07:00

Recently, I have gotten some comments and e-mails from discouraged followers who would like to start a garden, but have little or no garden space. To them I say, "despair not, for I have answers!" A garden does not have to be an entire backyard setup, it doesn't have to be big, fancy, or look amazing. Essentially, all anyone needs to garden is some dirt, water and seeds. Yep, that's it. In this post I'm going to talk about gardening in small spaces. After reading, everyone will be so determined to go out and start their own little garden!

Where can I grow?

I dont' know why people thing they need a five acre spread to plant a garden. I think, if there's space to walk, there's space to garden. I'm lucky that I have a backyard, but BF doesn't, he's always wanted a garden but felt discouraged because all he has is a teeny-tiny balcony. I showed him a few tricks, and now, we may as well call him Farmer John. I've read of people in New York City starting gardens on their fire escapes (like Mike), or in window boxes as well. The bottom line is that if you have any space where you can get 6"-18" {deep} of dirt, you're already on your way to success.

Mike from UrbanOrganicGardener.com grew a garden on his 2'x3' fire escape!

Whether you decide to plant on your balcony, in a window box or even on your welcome mat you need to make sure your garden will get enough sunlight for the "crops" you want to grow. Most fruits and vegetables require full sun, but there are some like lettuce, carrots, and raspberries that can get away with a little more shade. South facing areas are best, then comes east and west facing ones. Do you ever notice that the north sides of mountains stay covered with snow long into spring time? Since there isn't enough sunlight to melt the snow on a mountain, try to avoid planting on a north facing area. If it's all you have, well it will do. If you need to, you can go to a home store and pick up some growing lights for about $30.

Old dresser drawers, baskets and miscellaneous boxes and containers help this balcony garden

What can I grow?

Regardless of what people say, everyone everywhere can grow everything. However, depending on where you live, some crops may grow more slowly than others and some may produce more fruit than others. I live in a desert. We have two extremes really hot or really cold. I didn't think it would be possible to grow much, especially in the summer months when temperatures reach 120+ F, but to my surprise, there is a lot that does well here.

To get started, the most important things to know are your Hardiness Zone, as well as your zone's First Frost and Last Frosts dates. Based on these dates, you can figure out when to sow (put the seed in a planting cup), and when to transplant (put the seedling into the ground/dirt). Once you know when to plant, deciding what to plant, won't be difficult.

If you're just wanting to know, "Morgan, what are going to be the easiest, most-fool-proof crops I can plant?" Well, I'll tell you.

Leafy greens: Salad staples like Lettuce, Cabbage and Mustard Greens grow quickly, and you can harvest the outer leaves while the inside leaves are still growing. These greens prefer cooler weather, and will do well with partial sun and a little bit of shade.
Bush Beans and Peas: such as Green Beans grow very well once they emerge as a seedling. Although they don't tolerate cold weather very well, they require little attention.
Green Onions: these babies tolerate a wide range of cool to warm temperatures making them ideal for any planting season/location.
Zucchini and Summer Squash: These guys are from the same family and are probably the easiest crops to grow. Once they sprout, they grow like weeds, and one plant is enough to feed an entire family, however they need a little bit of room to grow, at least 12" per plant.
Cucumbers: Cucumbers are fairly easy to grow, but they spread out and take up a lot of space. Using a trellis is a good idea to grow them vertically, saving space.
Blackberries: Blackberries grow like weeds, and because they are a perennial, once you plant them, you'll never have to re-plant them. They grow in almost all weather conditions, and as long as they get adequate sunlight you'll have to work to keep them under control!
Radishes: radishes grow from seed to plate in just over two months! As long as they have warm weather, and full sun, these are easy peasy to grow.
Carrots: Small spaces are ideal for growing carrots. There is usually more shade than sun, and these babies aren't fussy. While they take a while to grow, once planted, very little needs to be done with them.
Raspberries: These berries can grow on a trellis and do well in shady areas.

But what about tomatoes? Tomatoes, although a staple in every garden, aren't that easy to grow. They require some care, full sun, and warm temperatures. In fact, if nighttime temperatures get too cool, the plants will bolt (flower) and they will stop producing fruit. However, for any small space garden, I recommend a small variety of tomato like grape or cherry tomatoes!

Get Creative with Themed Gardens

Since beginning gardening, one of the cutest ideas I've heard about has been themed container gardens. Do you like salad? Great! Plant some lettuce, spinach, tomatoes, carrots, and radish seeds all in the same container! Once it grows, there you have it, a salad garden! For fun, add some edible flowers. They make a tasty and colorful contribution to any summer salad. My favorite edible flowers are violas, marigolds and nasturtiums!

Another themed container garden idea is a Spaghetti garden. Grow a single tomato plant, as well as basil, garlic chives, oregano and parsley. Come harvest time, all you'll need is the pasta! Still in the mood for Italian? How about a Pizza Garden? Tomatoes, peppers, and basil. The simplest of all is an herb garden. These will grow inside or out and don't require much sunlight. I have an herb garden separate from my "big" garden where I grow Cilantro, Oregano, Basil, Sage, Rosemary, Thyme, and Parsley.

Growing Herbs in small spaces can be so cute!

What do I put it in?

"But Morgan, I don't have anywhere to put a bunch of dirt on my balcony/fire escape/window box..."

Small space gardening is often referred to as "Container Gardening." Yea, it's that easy, get a container- 5 gallon buckets are only $2.00 at Home Depot- put some dirt in it and get growing! Containers come in all shapes, sizes and colors. Obviously, flower pots are a good choice, but remember they need to be at least 12" in diameter for most crops. I recently found these at home depot, and of course bought the raspberry and lime ones for my two watermelon plants!

Other common options include, wine barrels, plastic trash cans or storage bins (like the ones from Target in your garage), or planter boxes.

Check out this video from my favorite garden guru at GrowingYourGreens.com

Window boxes are another good option. They can be found at any home or home improvement store and have been good garden homes for centuries.

The Topsy Turvey! While they are a bit gimmicky and a bit cheesy, these work so well for small space gardening. They hang from the ceiling, so as long as there is sun, you dont' need much else. Not only do they grow tomatoes, they grow just about anything (that isn't a bulb, like onions and radishes, or a root crop, like potatoes and carrots) with a strong stalk, such as peppers, bush beans, pole beans, strawberries, zucchinis, squash, cucumbers, etc. If it grows on a vine, you can grow it in a topsy turvey! Another amazing reason to buy a Topsy Turvey, it is IMPOSSIBLE to over-water the plant inside it!

While writing this post, I discovered another one of John's videos about the Phytopod! This thing is about $65.00, but holy cow, it is amazing. Watch and learn!

Get Creative with Containers

Just for fun, I google image searched "creative small space gardening." Below is just a sample of the gloriousness I found, and all I have to say is that if they can do it, anyone can do it!

How do I plant the seeds?

Uhh, you put in the dirt and then water it.... I'm just kidding. To be honest when I started my garden, I was a little nervous about this one. Do I just put one seed in each hole, or can I put in more than one? I started all of my seeds in peat cups and put about 2-5 seeds in each one, depending on the size of the seed. Once they sprout, and grow four sets of true leaves, it's time to put them in the dirt... the real dirt, like your container.

I have been using a method called Square Foot Gardening. Established in the 1980's, it was developed to get maximum crops from minimum planting space. Square foot gardening focuses on organic methods including compost, closely planted raised beds/containers, and a small clearly defined garden area. Essentially, the theory is to divide your container into square feet. The size of each crop will then determine how many plants/seedlings you can put in each square foot. For example, one square foot will hold one tomato plant, but another square foot might hold 16 carrot plants.

My 2012 Garden plan with black beans, peas, edamame, green beans, bell peppers, tomatoes, radishes, cucumbers, squash, zucchini, carrots, sweet potatoes, strawberries, celery, green onions, onions, garlic, chives, asparagus, endive, New Zealand spinach, artichoke, broccoli, cauliflower, bok choy, arugula, kale, leaf lettuce, crisphead lettuce, radicchio, Malabar spinach, swiss chard and spinach

When gardening in containers or small spaces, there is a loophole to planting more per square foot than you would think. For example, peas can be grown vertically on a trellis in a container, but you could also plant carrots in the same container, which don't take up much "air space" as they are a root vegetable.

For a list of plant spacing, click this link.

Now, You're Ready

But wait! I have a few side notes you may want to read.

When you purchase your containers, be sure to drill a few drainage holes in the bottom. Otherwise you plants may get waterlogged or grow a fungus.

Because you're growing in a small container as opposed to the large ground, you'll need to water and fertilize your plants more often. Since my plants are still in their growing cups, I'm giving them a decent watering twice daily. Once they go into the ground, they won't need so much. Fertilizing is usually done ever 3-4 weeks. With container gardens I would go every 2-3.

The most important thing in starting any garden is to use good soil. Ideal soil is made of 100% compost or worm castings (poop) with rock dust minerals. Many people are grossed out by the though of making their own compost, so luckily is sold fairly cheap at most nursery's. If full compost is not an option, get a good mix of 30% compost, 30% Vermiculite or Perlite (available at Walmart, Home Depot or Lowe's) and 30% Peat moss. Ready made planting soils are often a waste of money because they lack necessary plant nutrition, and you end up spending a fortune in fertilizers and soil amenders.

If you want to start a garden but don't want to fuss with watering, or if you are a little forgetful, you could try building a self-watering container. For a variety of different video tutorials, check out Mike over at Urban Organic Gardener. These containers are incredible and so convenient for our super-heated desert climate!

OK, Now you're ready. Good Luck!

My Mom is the Best

2011-05-10T23:06:00.000-07:00

Most moms get one day to celebrate how great they are. This past weekend, my mom got two. This is proof that she is the best mom in the world! Not only was Sunday Mother's Day, but Monday was my Mom's birthday. I would just like to give a little shout out to my mom.

Thank you for sewing buttons on my clothes, making me dinner almost every night, taking care of me when I'm sick, holding me when I cry, giving me good-I-need-to-hear-it-even-if-don't-want-to advice, being a good example, demonstrating faith no matter how many obstacles you encounter, never-ending selflessness, telling me to have a good day every morning when I leave for work even when you're still in bed, my "I love you" text messages every morning, wishing me luck before every exam, praying for my happiness, letting me borrow your shoes, all you have taught me, doing my laundry, helping me plant my garden, always being honest, cleaning my room for me, cleaning my bathroom for me, always thinking positively, making family your number one priority, helping me with homework, being supportive of all of my endeavors, and so much more. I love you mom, more than words can express.

"All that I am or hope to be, I owe to my Angel Mother."

~ Abraham Lincoln

Save Money Challenge | Introduction

2011-05-10T11:44:00.000-07:00

Lately I have really come to enjoy gardening and all of things that go along with it. So what "goes along with it?" To be honest, one of the major benefits, and reasons I started gardening is to save money. I love saving money at the grocery store, but I love getting stuff for free even more. My diet consists mainly of produce, and cereal, with a few rice/chicken/beef/pasta themed dinners thrown in somewhere. Because I eat a lot of produce, I was shopping for it once or twice a week, and spending a fair amount of money.

For example, I eat a salad with at least one meal every day. Typically I buy the pre-cut, pre-bagged stuff. Why? Because If I were to just buy a head of ice berg lettuce, I'm substituting cost for nutrition. Since I'm not willing to do that, I buy the more expensive, ready-to-go, healthier stuff. These bags of lettuce/spinach/mixed greens, etc. cost me close to $3.00 a bag (and I can eat the whole bag in one setting). Even if I don't have a salad every day of the week, and cut out a few days $3.00 x 5 days is $15.00 per week... just in salad! However, I bought a pack of lettuce seeds with 5 different varieties, as well as a pack of iceberg lettuce seeds for $0.75 each. That's $1.50 for a whole bunch of lettuce. It converts to the price of one head of lettuce, plus much more for FREE!

I realize that it takes a few months to grow lettuce from seed to harvest, but lettuce can be grown year round, so once started I'm not missing my salads during the overlap periods. Also, it is important to know a few things about lettuce in particular.

Stagger planting times. I planted 8 plants right at the start, and then planted 8 more about 3 weeks later. This means the plants will all come to maturity at different times, so that when I harvest one crop, I will have more lettuce ready in just a few weeks.
With lettuce, it is smarter to practice "sustainable harvesting." What is this? When it comes time to eat the lettuce, I have one of two options. First, I could cut the entire head of lettuce out of the ground, chop it up, and make a salad. Easy enough, but this leaves me in a pickle for future eating. If I cut the whole plant out of the ground, it won't grow back. It won't produce more lettuce for me to eat in a few weeks. I basically have to start completely over from a seed - which takes months. My second option is to go around each my 8-16 plants and pick 1-2 leaves from the outside of the plant. This will give me 8-32 huge lettuce leaves, plenty to chop up and put into a salad.

I Challenge You to Save Money

I know that many people don't have a garden, or an interest in gardening. But like I said, gardening has opened my eyes to other money saving lifestyle changes- like reducing my power bill by 75% ever year. Over the next few months, I will post an easy, inexpensive idea people can do to help them save money. Notice the key words EASY and INEXPENSIVE. The great thing is that I'm allowing an entire month to complete a task. After all the steps are complete, your cost of living will be dramatically reduced! So, if you're interested in saving some serious dough, stay tuned for more!

In Recovery

2011-05-09T14:20:00.000-07:00

I hate those weekends where all I'm left with on Monday morning is the need for another weekend. I haven't been feeling well since last Wednesday, but chalked it up to allergies. I ate a meal of Allegra, Benedryl and Pseudophed almost twice daily. However, early Friday morning, I was sent home for work with more than allergies. Turns out, I had been treating the flu with allergy medicine. No wonder I never felt better.

De ja vu from 2009

I wish I had amazing weekend pictures to share, or interesting things to write about. I actually do, but that will have to wait for another day when I'm feeling less coughy, stuffy, runny-noesy, and achey. I spent the weekend on the couch watching the DIY network. Have you seen it? It's my new favorite channel. I was able to make it to church with my mom for Mother's Day, but that's about it.

Today, I feel a little better, but I'm upset that it's Monday. I had a lot I wanted to do this weekend, you know, instead of studying for finals... So here's to Monday, the worst day of the week!

Happy Birthday Gibber-Snibbs

2011-05-05T22:25:00.000-07:00

My little brother turned 21 yesterday! I can't believe he's getting so big. I remember the day he came home from the hospital, how much I instantly fell in love with him, and the idea of being a big sister. Being a big sister meant that I had someone to look out for, someone to play with, and someone to dress up!

I love that as we get older, our relationship has changed from that of brother/sister to that of friends. I have so enjoyed this "little" guy. I loved his prayers when he was little (we still tease him about how he used to say them), and his dolphin laugh. I love that he doesn't mind when I call him Gibber-Snibbs in front of his friends, I love his random-off-the-wall conversation starters, I love just hanging out with him, I love how he quickly and casually says, "Love ya Morg," at random times, I love how he let's me call him "Debbie" because he was downgraded from "Nancy," and most of all, I love how he always has my back.

Griffin, the "single triplet," I love you so much, and am so glad you're my little brother!

Scenes From the Weekend

2011-05-04T14:29:00.000-07:00

♥ Big M has a lung infection. I made fun of her when she was taking her medication, declaring "It's not marijuana, it's salvia!"

♥ I visited the Las Vegas Springs Preserve for the first time. I liked it so much I signed up to be a volunteer. If you haven't been yet, GO!

♥ Have you ever seen Iceberg Roses? They are white roses that grow on a bush, not a vine. They grow in clusters, and are gorgeous!

♥ Speaking of roses, I bought a bunch of red Carpet Roses for my front yard. They are much smaller than typical roses, and grow outwards, covering the floor like a carpet. I nearly died I got so excited, they are so beautiful.

♥ My compost is coming along nicely. Would you believe that not even a month ago, this black dirt was actually all of my kitchen's organic garbage as well as some lawn and shrub clippings? Every time I walk by my giagantor compost bin, I expect it to smell like what it is... rotting garbage. But it doesn't! It smells like lush potting soil! Us Las Vegans don't get to smell that smell, our natural soil is just desert rock... I take every opportunity to get a big whiff when I'm watering and mixing it!

♥ I was craving chocolate so I made some cupcakes. Note to self, store bought cupcakes do not taste like the chocolate in Grandma's Surprise Cupcakes. Note to self #2, next time, check the expiration date on the frosting before putting on all 36 cupcakes.

♥ I finally finished my garden bed! I added another 6" of redwood, attached the poles (for the shade covering) and filled it with 50% soil and 50% compost! Ev ordered me some mycorrhizae (if you don't use this in your garden, get some ASAP, it's amazing). I also purchased some Rock Dust Minerals, and now I am ready to get my veggies in the ground!

It's like rain on your Wedding Day

2011-04-29T15:12:00.000-07:00

By the end of the Royal Wedding Ceremony, Evan had joined me in the oogling festivities. Right as the priest was finishing his shpiel, Ev turned to me and said with a grimace on his face like he was about to witness a car accident, "Here it comes..." and then the Priest said that part of the vows, "Til death parts us." Both William and Kate repeated him, word for word. Evan then turned to me and with a sad face exclaimed, "Aww they're getting divorced."

Not that they will get "divorced" in this lifetime, but it always makes me sad during weddings to hear that the couples only vow to be married until they die. It doesn't matter how beautiful the wedding, or how much money was spent, it's always the same.

I know that most people in their hearts believe that when they get married, it will be forever, but most religions don't follow along with this belief; it's stated right there in the vow! I am so thankful to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and to know that when I am married, I will be sealed to my husband for "time and all eternity."

So here some facts about what the Mormons believe about marriage.

1. First and foremost, Mormons are Christians.

I just thought I would get that out there, as many people think we are not. We believe in God the Father, his son Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost. We believe that they are three seperate beings working together in one purpose. We do not believe they are the same person, as many other Christians do. We worship God in the name of his son, and follow his teachings. Our church is organized the exact same way that Jesus' church was when he was on the earth. We also read the King James version of the Bible (with the Old and New Testaments), but we also have additional scriptures in the Book of Mormon and the Pearl of Great Price.

2. We believe that marriage should be between a man and a woman.

This may get me some nasty comments, but it's true, I believe this. This does not mean that I judge people who are involved in same sex marriage, or that I think they are bad people or "damned," but that practice just doesn't fall in line with my belief system. I like just about everyone I meet, and I try to see the good in everyone, and try very hard not to judge people, because I myself am far from perfect.

"Many people in the world consider marriage to be only a social custom, a legal agreement between two people to live together. But to Latter-day Saints, marriage is much more. Our exaltation depends on marriage, along with other principles and ordinances, such as faith, repentance, baptism, and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost. We believe that marriage is the most sacred relationship that can exist between a man and a woman. This sacred relationship affects our happiness now and in the eternities." {Gospel Principles, 2009}

3. We strive to get married in the temple.

While many people are not able to get married in our Holy Temples, it is always a goal of most to do so. Not just anyone can enter the temple, and there are very strict qualifications that one must have before they do. For example, we must be active members of our church for at least one year, we must lives our lives in such a way that we are worthy. We must be interviewed by the Bishop or Branch President again by the Stake President. Some of the interview questions include:

Do you have faith in and a testimony of God, the Eternal Father; His Son, Jesus Christ; and the Holy Ghost? Do you have a firm testimony of the restored gospel?
Do you sustain the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as the prophet, seer, and revelator? Do you recognize him as the only person on earth authorized to exercise all priesthood keys?
Do you live the law of chastity?
Are you a full-tithe payer?
Do you keep the Word of Wisdom?
Are you honest in your dealings with others?
Do you strive to keep the covenants you have made, to attend your sacrament and priesthood meetings, and to keep your life in harmony with the laws and commandments of the gospel?

Once we pass these interviews and are found worthy, we are permitted to marry in the Temple.

In the temple, Latter-day Saint couples kneel at one of the sacred altars in the presence of their family and friends who have received the temple endowment. They make their marriage covenants before God. They are pronounced husband and wife for time and all eternity. This is done by one who holds the holy priesthood of God and has been given the authority to perform this sacred ordinance. He acts under the direction of the Lord and promises the couple the blessings of exaltation. He instructs them in the things they must do to receive these blessings. He reminds them that all blessings depend on obedience to the laws of God.

If we are married by any authority other than by the priesthood in a temple, the marriage is for this life only. After death, the marriage partners have no claim on each other or on their children. An eternal marriage gives us the opportunity to continue as families after this life.

For those members who are not able to get married in the temple, they are not denied the blessings of an eternal marriage. Once they have done what they need to do in order to be found worthy, they may go to the temple as a couple, or even as a family and be sealed together as an eternal family.

5. We do not practice plural marriage.

Many people today believe that Mormons are Polygamists, but we are not. There are groups of people throughout the world who do engage in this practice, and some refer to themselves either as "FLDS" (Fundamentalist Latter Day Saints) and sometimes they go so far as to use the same nickname as us "Mormons." However, these people do not belong to our church, or else they would be ex-communicated.

At various times throughout history, the Lord has commanded His people to practice plural marriage. For example, He gave this command to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, David, and Solomon (Doctrine and Covenants 132:1). At other times the Lord has given other instructions. In the Book of Mormon, the Lord told the prophet Jacob “for there shall not any man among you have save it be one wife: and concubines he shall have none... for if I will, saith the Lord of Hosts, raise up seed unto me, I will command my people; otherwise they shall hearken unto these things” (Jacob 2:27-30).

In this dispensation, the Lord commanded some of the early Saints to practice plural marriage. The Prophet Joseph Smith and those closest to him, including Brigham Young and Heber C. Kimball, were challenged by this command, but they obeyed it. Church leaders regulated the practice. Those entering into it had to be authorized to do so, and the marriages had to be performed through the sealing power of the priesthood. In 1890, President Wilford Woodruff received a revelation that the leaders of the Church should cease teaching the practice of plural marriage.

The Lord’s law of marriage is monogamy unless he commands otherwise to help establish the House of Israel.

6. We believe that those who are married/sealed in the temple are married for "time and all eternity," not just until "death parts us."

As Latter-day Saints, we are taught to live with an eternal perspective, not just for the moment. However, we can receive blessings in this life as a result of being married for eternity. Some of those blessings are as follows:
We know that our marriage can last forever. Death can part us from one another only temporarily. Nothing can part us forever except our own disobedience. This knowledge helps us work harder to have a happy, successful marriage.
We know that our family relationships can continue throughout eternity. This knowledge helps us be careful in teaching and training our children. It also helps us show them greater patience and love. As a result, we should have a happier home.
Because we have been married in God’s ordained way, we are entitled to an outpouring of the Spirit on our marriage as we remain worthy.

Sources of Information:

Gospel Principles

Mormon.org

The Duke & Dutchess of Cambridge +

2011-04-29T14:04:00.000-07:00

Is everyone sick of hearing about Kate & Wills' wedding yet? Good, I'm not either! I couldn't quite make the 4am start time last night, but luckily, when I woke up this morning, E! was playing a rerun of the complete coverage. By the time I got out of the shower, the countdown was at 20 minutes to Ceremony. I was able to watch all of the Royal Family arrive at Westminster Abbey, and the Entire Ceremony. It was wonderful (even though I missed the kiss(es) to avoid being late for work)!

I just love Kate and William. The past generations of Royals have always felt a bit formal, cold, and stiff, but I think this younger generation is much more fun, charitable, warm and modern. The more I hear about the couple, the more I like them. Plus, they're both so good-looking, it's really hard not to like them. And doesn't Kate just seem like the sweetest girl? I think we would be friends in real life...

As a make-up fanatic, I love that Kate chose to do her own make-up, so as not to be "fussy." She looked absolutely beautiful didn't she? *Sigh* I always cry at weddings, and actually got a little teary while watching the excitement on her face as she walked towards her Prince.

For those wondering "Why the Royal Wedding is such a big deal?" I must answer by saying, A. because it's a wedding, and B. They're Royals! Duh. For those requiring a more in depth answer, I googled it for you. Just click the photo to be taken to search results.

For everyone else, I have to tell you my favorite parts of the wedding.

1. When Kate was walking down that football field of an isle, I didn't realize that the Prince's backs were to her. Prince Harry turned to look back at her and then he said something to Prince William.

I have been dying to know what he said. Some who knew Harry's personality speculated it was something like "Your Bird's Fit," which in British lingo translates to "Kate's hot." But in all actuality, he told his big bro, "Wait 'til you see her!" Precious.

2. My second favorite part was when William couldn't get the ring on Kate's finger. So cute. I'm glad to know that every wedding can't be perfect, even if it does come thisclose.

3. When Prince Charles married Diana, right before their first kiss, he leaned over and asked the Queen's permission to kiss his bride. William asked Kate for her permission to kiss her in public.

4. Kate's hands were shaking so bad as she made the four minute walk down the isle. Her dad was rubbing the back of her hand with his thumb to calm her. Most people didn't even notice.

Immortals

2011-04-28T07:43:00.000-07:00

I have bad news. My future hubby, Henry Cavill, is going to be in another new movie.

Why is this bad news? Because this movie sounds like it has the potential to be BIG. Appearing alongside Superman (oh did I mention he is the new Superman?) on the list of 2011 Potential Blockbusters, this 3-D "Greek Mythology Epic" is rumored to be filmed in the same style as 2006's 300, but with the budget of 2010's Clash of the Titans.

Acting alongside the gorgeous Brit are Mickey Rourke as evil King Hyperion, and Kellen Lutz as Greek God of the sea, Poseidon.

Henry's The character of Tarseus is pegged as a cross between Caravaggio (I'd never heard of this and had to look it up) and "Fight Club" which sounds pretty BAMF {source: http://teaser-trailer.com/2010/05/immortals-movie.html}. Originally, the director thought Henry was a little chubby for this role... uhh excuse me.... Chubby?

Yeah... he had to cut weight and tone up so he looks like this.....

I think he's TOO skinny, I prefer men with a little meat on their bones, and like Henry's look in the Tudors. Think bronze Greek statue... but real! He was juicy, that's for sure!

After glancing at some message boards, it seems as if Director Tarsem Singh is pretty BAMF as well. I'm not familiar with a lot of his work, I saw The Cell, and actually liked it; but thought his acclaimed work "The Fall" was just "OK." Apparently he is an "underground" "art house" type of director, and fans of his are actually worried at how mainstream he will become because of this movie.

This film has almost three times the budget of 300, but is shot in the same style style; using green screen effects mixed with "on location" scenery so it should look really good.

Although filming for this movie began in April of 2010, there isn't much information about it, but I'm excited to find out more. It won't hit theaters until 11/11/11 (neat).Unfortunately, if it is as AMAZING as fans are predicting, that means between Superman and this movie, Henry might jump to main stream celebrity. {Now I'll never get a shot at a date!}

Miss Priss Beauty Poll April 27

2011-04-27T09:53:00.000-07:00

1. Mood: I am so sleepy. I had a nightmare last night about zombies and it woke me up around three o'clock. I was too scared to go back to sleep after that, so I stayed up watching infomercials until I had to get ready for work. Stinkin' zombies.

2. Do you like wearing white in the spring/summer months? Is there anything better than white clothing against tan skin? My answer is no. I love wearing white. It looks so cool, so crisp, and so fashionable. I have 4 pairs of white pants/capris/shorts, and numerous white shirts. To be honest, most of my summer tops are white, because white doesn't show sweat... and I sweat a lot

3. How do you get yourself out of a bad mood? Lately I have been feeling the stress of being a full time employee, a full time student and a hobbyist photographer. I have found that rocking out to *NSYNC really helps! Corny I know, but seriously, guys I hope you're contemplating a reunion tour/album, and doing it soon.

4. Do you remember the last time you used a hula hoop? I used a hula hoop on Easter weekend. I seriously scored with the Easter Bunny and got seeds for my garden, a kite and a hula hoop instead of the dreaded candy. I played with it for a long time. We even had a hula hoop competition, and I am still the reigning champion. Have I mentioned that I have won every hula hoop competition I have ever been in since 1st grade? Want to challenge me? C'mon, I dare you...

5. What’s your favorite place to buy makeup? I don't have a favorite place, pretty much any place that sells makeup is my favorite place, because it depends on what I'm looking for.

6. Did someone teach you how to shave your legs, or was it something you figured out on your own? Here is the million dollar question, and Mom, if you're reading, don't get mad. I wasn't allowed to shave my legs, even when all of my girlfriends started doing so in the 5th grade. My parents thought I was still too young. The summer from 6th - 7th grade, all of my friends and I got Wet'n'Wild season passes, and I realized, if I was going to be there all summer, something had to be done. I decided to shave my legs, without instructions, or anyone teaching me. I learned quickly - the hard way - that I didn't need to push the razor against my leg, as this causes severe bleeding and ugly scars. I continued to shave them for the entire summer. Once school started again, I knew I'd get in trouble if my mom saw my naked legs, and she was sure to since I home a lot after school, and in our city, we wear shorts until November. About a week into 7th grade, my mom noticed that my legs were pretty hairy, so she taught me to shave them the right way.

7. A fictional TV character you’d like to hang out with? The Salvatore brothers from Vampire Diaries. They are so freaking handsome, and they both have pretty great personalities too. I'd give old Elaina the boot and take her place so the two of them could fight over me. My dream is to be in a Stephen-Morgan-Damon sandwich. *sigh* Awesome.

8. Solid perfumes: yea or nay? I have never tried one...

9. An article of clothing in your closet that you NEVER wear? I have a really cute khaki colored blazer that I've never worn. It's been sitting on its hanger for over five years. I can't part with it because it's so cute, and I always think, "I'll wear that soon," but I never do.

10. Weekly goals: Study! I have finals in a few weeks, and I really, really need to start studying.

How is everyone on this glorious Hump Day?! I feel like my week is really dragging. I picture it almost like an old fashioned, slow motion, horror film, where I'm slowly being sucked into a black hole, or pit of lava or something. Only, the black hole is actually Finals Week, and I'm clinging on to the ledge - metephor for "not studying." Grr. At least it's almost over... for now.

Your Turn

Fill this out and post it in the comments or on your own blog. Be sure to link back!

1. Mood:

2. Do you like wearing white in the spring/summer months?

3. How do you get yourself out of a bad mood?

4. Do you remember the last time you used a hula hoop?
5. What’s your favorite place to buy makeup?
6. Did someone teach you how to shave your legs, or was it something you figured out on your own?
7. A fictional TV character you’d like to hang out with?
8. Solid perfumes: yea or nay?
9. An article of clothing in your closet that you NEVER wear?
10. Weekly goals:

I am well

2011-04-26T08:48:00.000-07:00

I work with a man who is by far one of the smartest people I have ever encountered. I've noticed how smart he is because he talks a lot about sciences: the chemical properties of things, astronomy, physics, and he even quizzes me for my biology classes. I am not saying that only smart people talk about science, but it's tough stuff. Since I do not currently work in a scientific field, I often wonder why he isn't off somewhere else, doing something great with all of his knowledge…

Every morning, I tell him good morning as he passes my office, and we exchange "how are you(s)." Grammatically, I know that the correct answer to "How are you?" is, "I am well." Not, "I'm good," or just "good." The reason? The question is asking about one's condition, not their behavior. Make sense?

Anyway, every time I ask him, "how are you doing?" He replies, "I am well, how are you?" (He never uses a contraction or shortcut, always proper English). Even though I know better, how do I typically reply? "I'm good, thanks." Sometimes I'll say, "I'm doing alright, thanks." It is just habbit I guess.

Today, I decided I was going to show off my smarts and answer correctly. Then as it came out, I tried to stop it because it just sounded so stupid; but it was too late... He said, "I am well, how are you?" To which I replied, "I am well, as well."

*Facepalm*

Scenes from the Weekend Easter Edition

2011-04-25T08:53:00.000-07:00

♥ It's good to know that at 25+2 I'm not too old to color Easter eggs. This year I used neon colors, tons of glitter, and lots of stickers. They were beautiful!

♥ Ev helped me build my vegetable garden bed on Saturday. It turns out it I am not good with power tools. After cracking the wood, and stripping 6 wood screws, we went back to Home Depot and exchanged the screws for nails. It still took us a while, but after breaking 2 nails and 1 hammer, we finally found our "carpenter legs." The whole time we were pounding away we talked about how cool it would be if we were like the guys on home makeover shows who only need three hits to get the 3 1/2" nail all the way in the wood. Dad came out to help us finish up.... he's a three hit guy! Awesome.

♥ Easter morning's air was filled with the scent of honeysuckle. It was divine, but I got a migraine, itchy/red eyes and an itchy/stuffy nose from smelling them too much. Stinkin' allergies!

♥ That Easter Bunny is getting really good at hiding eggs. Some of them were really hard to find, and others just had clever little spots, like the one on Mr. Napping Frog!

♥ The Easter Bunny also brought me a Princess kite. Luckily yesterday was a windy day so I spent the afternoon flying and singing the kite song from Marry Poppins... "Let's go fly a kite and send it soaring."

♥ I forgot to take pictures of my Easter dress, because, as usual, I was running late for church, but this was my outfit for the afternoon. I'm pretty sure that these sunshine yellow, linen shorts are my new favorite article of clothing.

I hope everyone had a great weekend. I sure did, except I did have an extremely embarrassing moment... What's worse than breaking the Sabbath?

Breaking the Sabbath on Easter Sunday (cleaning up Saturday's mess included sweeping mountains of dirt off the front walkway) and getting caught by my old home teacher/ former Elder's Quorum President who's been away at Orthodontist school. Even worse? In my jammie pants, and tank top with a red Popsicle drip stain down the front, greasy hair, zero makeup, and un-brushed teeth. Did I mention it was hot, and I was sweating?

I was thoroughly embarrassed. He snuck up on me while I was sweeping, and gave me a big hug. *Please don't smell my stink* In stark contrast to my appearance, he was in his white shirt and tie, all ready for church. *Facepalm* We ended up chatting outside for over 30 minutes. It was really nice to see him, but the whole time we talked, I just kept wondering if he was looking at my dirty, un-flossed teeth.

Touche Sunday. You win, from now on, I'll remember to get all my work done on Saturday.

His Sacred Name

2011-04-24T09:21:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter. Today, amidst the fun, the candy, the eggs, and the dinners, let's all remember to be eternally grateful for the sacrifice He made so that we might one day live with Him again.

Miss Priss Beauty Poll | April 22, 2011

2011-04-22T10:00:00.000-07:00

1. Mood: It's Friday! Need I say more?!? I've been in a bit of a slump lately and I can't seem to force myself to do anything that doesn't involve relaxing activities in the sunshine. I have got a bad case of Spring Fever, and work and school aren't helping any. Luckily, due to "Staff Appreciation Week" next week, our office is closing super early today! Basically we're having a half day, but getting paid for all day! I'm so excited to get an early jump on the weekend and doing nothing, outside.

2. Food you’re craving *right now*? I want a red Popsicle. I'm not hungry because I ate a big breakfast, but I want something sweet. I think a popsicle right now would be such a treat!

3. Favorite eye cream and why? I actually haven't tried a lot of eye creams. I currently use, and have since high school, one from L'oreal. It has caffeine in it so my puffy bags go away, I've also noticed it helps with dark circles, AND lastly, I don't have any "crow's feet" or other eye wrinkles yet. But I'm not sure if that's due to the eye cream or good genes...

4. Ballet flats – yea or nay? Sometimes. I prefer heels because I feel like flats make me look "stumpy," but after a few days, my tootsies need some TLC so I opt for flats. It also depends on who I'm hanging out with and what I'm doing. I don't ever want to be the only person in high heels, or vice versa.

5. Which of your makeup brushes do you use least often? I have a whole drawer of brushes that I never use. In all honesty, I only use about 6 on a regular basis.

6. Is it better to be overdressed or under dressed? I'd rather be overdressed. At least I could use the excuse, "Oh, I have an Academy Awards after party to attend right after this." I went to a wedding once and I felt awful because I was coming from work and had work pants on *gasp.* When I got there, mostly everyone was in jeans, and one person was even in sweat pants and a hoodie. I was relieved and shocked! I realized it was a wedding, not a fashion show, and I'm sure the bride & groom would rather their guests show up as is than not at all, but still. Would it kill ya to throw on a dress/slacks?

7. Would you rather spend your Friday night alone or with others? It depends on the week I've had. I usually like to play social butterfly, but the past few weeks, I've been home alone doing movie marathons on the couch. Sometimes a little quality time with Number 1 is a good thing.

8. What colors would I see if I looked in your closet? No colors. Most of my clothes arent' in my closet, they're on my floor. But really, I have a little bit of every color except red. I hate red (but look good in it). I purposely try to not buy a lot of just one color. I like to mix it up. However, because I mostly wear neutrals I think maybe I should just buy those and not waste my money on stuff I don't wear. *light bulb*

9. Can you ride a bike while wearing a dress? Bad idea. I did this once. I was just learning to ride a two wheeler and I was wearing a maxi-dress. OK, it wasn't a maxi dress, it was my mom's old silk nightgown that I used as a "Princess" dress up because went all the way past my toes. I was on the bike, just getting the hang of it when all of a sudden, the end of the dress got caught in the bike chain. Needless to say, there was an accident, and I had to find a new nightgown to play "Princess" in.

10. Weekly goals: I have so much to do! I need to start studying for my final exams, read this book I bought (more on this in a few weeks), fertilize and aerate my lawn, build a raised garden bed, give myself a pedicure, get a haircut, find time in my schedule for 2 family portrait sessions, 2 children's portrait sessions, 1 engagement session, and 1 boudoir session all before June, and as always, clean my room. Golly gee!

Hola amigos! Lately, I've spending every free second outside, usually until after dark. This weekend includes more outside-ness. I've got a lot of yard work to do, and I'm building my raised garden bed for my vegetables (they're getting SO big!)... Maybe I'll post some before and after pics. I'm determined to make my backyard a "retreat," so that I can take full advantage of warm summer nights! Any fun plans for your weekend? Let me know!

There was a bee...

Your Turn

Fill out the questions on your blog or in the comments! Link back so I can read your answers too!

1. Mood:
2. Food you’re craving *right now*?
3. Favorite eye cream and why?
4. Ballet flats – yea or nay?
5. Which of your makeup brushes do you use least often?
6. What’s favorite eyeliner and why?
7. Would you rather spend your Friday night alone or with others?
8. What colors would I see if I looked in your closet?
9. Can you ride a bike while wearing a dress?
10. Weekly goals:

A Downward Spiral

2011-04-21T14:20:00.000-07:00

It is turning out to be one of those days. You know that kind. Time for my iPod and angry workout music.

Breaking Benjamin

AFI

Rise Against

Seether

Shinedown

Korn

Offspring
Eminem
Marilyn Manson

Nine Inch Nails

You're up... take it away.

Spring Fever

2011-04-21T10:04:00.000-07:00

Today marks the first official day of Spring! We made it through the dreary winter and can now say goodbye to sweaters for a few months. Here, we've been feeling Spring for a while - the weather has been in the high 80's to mid 90's for over two weeks, and I am getting full use out of all of my spring skirts!

The outfit I wore today is quite simple, navy blue t-shirt and a white eyelet skirt, but it is probably one of my most favorite outfits. I really like navy blue... and white... and neutral colors in general. I took a lot of flack for it at work. The co-workers who see me as a "little sister" and always have fun nicknames to give me based on what I wear that day sure had a lot to say about this one. "Little House on the Prairie," "Fraulein Maria," they said I "stole Batman's utility belt, now who's going to save Gotham?" and they commented that I do in fact work in an office, not a meadow full of flowers. All I have to say is, "Whatever, I look awesome." That seems to be my defense response to everything, "I'm awesome."

Apart from my crazy-bad-allergies (snotty nose and itchy red eyes), I've caught another kind of Spring Fever: Not-interested-in-heat-appliances-fever. It's bad. Anyone who knows me knows that my hair is done everyday, blown out, rolled in hot rollers and teased. Lately though, it's just been too hot. I'd rather not take a shower, only to sweat off the cleanliness whilst getting ready. So, I basically stopped doing my hair, except for a quick brush in the morning to get rid of the natural curls/waves/frizz and then tease it. Tada! Done. It's been looking pretty good too- and instead of being late for work everyday, I've been arriving early and picking up some overtime! Who knew?

Lastly, I believe the most severe symptom of my Spring Fever is extreme girlishness. Because of all this skirt wearing, I can't help it. I curtsy at any given opportunity. I curtsy at everyone at work and when I went to the Home Depot the other day I actually curtsied at a stranger when they said, "Hi!" Ladies, I think we need to bring back the curtsy, is there anything cuter?

Also, I find myself twirling a lot more than usual. I love to twirl, and lucky for me, it goes hand in hand with skirts. I read in a magazine this weekend that when Kate Hudson was little she would try on a skirt and twirl. If her underwear didn't show then she wouldn't buy the skirt. That's how you know you've found a good skirt, if it shows your underwear.

Hooray for Spring!

Broxer

2011-04-20T22:47:00.000-07:00

Fweetie recently moved back to Salt Lake City. To keep from getting too lonely, he adopted a puppy. Brock the Boxer = Broxer! Colby has been in contact with a breeder of Rhodesian Ridgebacks, and has another puppy, Chale, on order. He has been so excited for months for little Chale to come home and be his buddy. However, when Colb heard that Brock had been badly abused by his previous owner, he couldn't help but instantly adopt the 10 week old puppy and he couldn't have found a better master! Colby has always wanted his very own dog, and he's had a couple in his life. He has so much love to give, and this little guy was sure in need of some TLC. Brock L♥VEs Colby and gets so excited when he gets from work because they get to play and go to the park. We even talk to him via Skype so he knows some other "nice" people. My whole family agrees that Brock is kind of ugly, which makes him so cute. He has sad puppy eyes and and an under bite!

Colby says that having a dog is a lot like "having a three year old," it's a lot of work and Brock gets in to everything, so he needs to be watched every single minute. He has already tried to dig his way out of the bathroom when Colb is at work (he's almost dug a hole in the bathroom door), he likes to poop in the house just to see if Colby will get mad at him, and he chews on everything, but I've never seen Colby happier! Welcome to the family Broxer!

Do the Humpty Dance

2011-04-20T11:54:00.000-07:00

It's hump day! This morning, as I opened my garage to leave for work, it would only open half way. I closed it and tried again. Same result. Then I noticed something was stuck to the outside of the garage door...

To be honest, my first thought was that someone put a boot on my garage. I don't know why my mind works in these ways, it just does. I realize, now that I've had some breakfast, that "they" don't put boots on garages, high heels look so much nicer. :o)

What the?

Somehow the garbage can had got caught on the garage door handle and gone for a little ride. It took me a good five minutes to remove the it (opening and closing, and running around to the front door and then trying to lift - those things are HEAVY!) I just know that this little "incident" is going to set the tone for the rest of the day.

In other news. I went hot tubing last night and I'm pleased to report that the chlorine took off about 1/2 of the spray paint from my feet. Another week or so, and it should be completely gone!

A word of Caution

2011-04-18T09:36:00.001-07:00

Dear Self-

The next time you decide to get Spray-Paint Happy and resurface the patio furniture, please remember to wear the proper protective clothing. While the fine mist particles on your arms may look slightly like a Caribbean induced tan, there simply isn't an excuse for your feet.

Love,

Yourself

It's been four days. I've scrubbed and scrubbed, to no avail. It simply won't come off. Personally, I think it's hilarious, and often laugh at myself in these situations (I get into them frequently), but I have to admit, I do have a slight concern regarding lead poisoning.

On a happier note, the patio furniture looks great (more on that later)! So I guess it was worth it.

Green Thumb Week | The Plan

2011-04-13T10:02:00.000-07:00

Remember how I planted some vegetable seeds a few weeks ago? I have always loved gardening, and always planned on growing my own fruit and vegetables. I think it's a very responsible thing to be self sufficient, not to mention it saves a TON on grocery shopping. Last week, most of my little plants began to sprout, and I have to say the satisfaction of working on something and seeing it come to fruition is a really incredible feeling.

I planted seeds in individual peat cups, and placed the cups, organized by crop, into larger containers. However, they are not going to stay this way. Mostly because they are (hopefully) going to get much bigger. I've done a lot of research, reading, planning, and even joined a Garden Club at church. I don't want to give away any surprises, but I am really excited about "the plan" and decided I would show off what I worked on last night.

Behold, my soon to be backyard:

Currently, my backyard consists of a patio, a basketball court, mostly dead grass, a 5' tall raised planter along the back wall (full of weeds and rocks and a few rose bushes), and two side planters full of rocks and weeds, and some kind of fruit tree (no one remembers what it is... figs maybe? Or dates?). Above, is what I worked out tonight on the easiest gardening software program ever!

Along the back planter, I have planted some climbing ivy's. Hopefully, they will grow grow grow, and bring more green to the space.

This is a small representation of the herb garden I will have. I bought a few 14" flower pots and in them have planted Cilantro, Oregano, Basil, Rosemary, Sage, Chives, Parsley and Garlic.

The primary purpose for using my green thumb is my raised garden bed. It measures four feet by eight feet and will hold a plethora of fruits and veggies! In order to plan out my garden, I decided to use "Square Foot" gardening techniques. This method was created in the 1970's and was designed to get maximum results from small spaces. Because so many crops are growing in each "block," weeds don't have room to grow. Essentially I split my space into 32 1'x 1' sections and planted one crop per section. The number next to the crop represents how many of those plants will successfully grow in each square foot section. (I have planted Bell Peppers, Tomatoes, Green Beans, Lettuce, Onions, Carrots, Spinach, Peas, Sweet Potatoes, Broccoli, Radishes and Strawberries).

I also considered "Companion" planting techniques. Different plants use and produce different chemicals and nutrients. Each plant has different :companions: that produce the chemicals & nutrients it uses; conversely it produces the chemicals and nutrients the neighboring plants use. If done right, planting this way produces higher yields of crops which are more vigorous against disease and insects! However, each plant also has "enemies," which are incompatible with it. If planted next to each other, the incompatible plants will actually hinder each others growth, and even hinder production of fruits/vegetables.

Lastly, I used common sense and planned according to height. Taller plants should be placed on the Northeast end of any garden and shorter plants should be planted on the Southwest end. This is so the taller plants don't create shade for the shorter ones and block their sunlight. Bell peppers, tomatoes and peas are all tall plants so they will be around the northern and eastern perimeters. The other plants are relatively short (except for the green beans) and will be on the southern and western perimeters. I sowed bush green beans (as opposed to pole green beans) so they won't be tall, but they will be tall enough to provide some shade to the lettuce, which will wilt in too much sun.

Planning has, by far, been the most complicated process of planting my garden. But at least it's over... for now.

In the planter against the left (west) wall, I have planted three grape vines - 2 green and 1 red, all of which are seedless. These plants needed a "sunny spot" to grow, but not full sun, so this side was perfect for them.

Lastly, I planted my berries (blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries) against the right (east) wall. All of these plants are vines, except the blueberries which are more of a true bush.

I am so excited to have an official plan, so that when I am ready to stick everything in the ground, I'll know right where they go! I am so excited to find that I have a new hobby that I love, and I can't wait until everything is ready to eat! Yum!

I feel like a Door-matte

2011-04-12T10:55:00.000-07:00

And it is not too shabby!

It's been awhile since I posted anything about makeup or beauty products. This does not mean that I am not still a make-up and beauty product JUNKIE this just means that BFF Willy Billy told me to mix up the posts a bit. Plus, I grounded myself from buying any new makeups for 6 months (until June). It got to a point, where I realized I had a problem, and had zero space to store all of my treasures.

However, I have been still purchasing skin care products. I have been in a crazy-random battle with my skin since just after Thanksgiving. My skin declared war, worse than it ever did in high school, and in a desperate effort to avoid doing a round of Accutane, I stopped using everything I was using, and went back to the basics that have worked for me for years: Dermalogica products.

I need to take a second and give praise to Dermalogica's Welcome Matte from the new Clean Start line for teenagers. I first tried this product when it was sent to me as a sample enclosed in a purchase from my supplier (no, not that kind of supplier, although, if the stuff helps with cancer, maybe it can clear up acne?). From the first moment I tried it, I was SOLD!

It's no secret that I have oily skin. Not combination skin, not combination/oily skin, just plain oily! One time I went to the Cliniqué counter to buy some toner. "I'll have the #4 toner please." I said. She replied, "Level 4? Are you sure? That is really hard on skin, and you can't possibly be that oily, would you like to try #3?" To which I assured her, "No thank you, I need the #4."

Throughout the years, I have tried oil-free lotions, matte makeup- liquid and mineral, super expensive designer mattifiers, and all combinations of them. However, usually by lunchtime everyday, I have to whip out the oil blotting sheets and re-apply my powder and blush, which is tragically lost in the morning's battles. Welcome Matte is a daily lotion, SPF 15 and mattifier in one. While it controls oil, it doesn't dry out my skin, and the SPF doesn't clog my pores, and because it is Dermalogica, it actually helps clear up all of my problem spots! The best part? I don't usually see any traces of shine until about 12 hours after I put it on!

If oily skin is an issue, grab this stuff. I'm really really REALLY in l♥ve with it.

The First One's Free

2011-04-09T00:29:00.000-07:00

Remember how I offered to do free photo sessions this year? Well I have had zero bookings in relation to that promotion. ZERO.

However, I have had 6 bookings this past week from people at work who saw this photo and decided they need updated family photos, engagement photos, and new baby pictures. Looks like I'm going to be quite busy for awhile.

Color Me Mine

2011-04-08T09:08:00.000-07:00

Last night was date night! We went to Color Me Mine to embark on a ceramics adventure! I never took Home Economics in school, and I've never painted a day in my life - finger paints excluded. But let me just say, it was a hoot!

I never knew that doing a "craft project" could be so relaxing! I've always done crafts in the past, scrapbooking, knitting, crocheting. But I usually am making something as a gift, and am up against a deadline so it ends up being more stressful than needs be.

The girls at the shop were overly friendly (mostly to my hot side kick, they didn't pay much attention to me), good music played all night, and in between small bits of conversation I found myself loving every minute.

I chose to paint a mug, mostly out of practicality. I will use a mug frequently. I will not use a bobble head baseball player figurine. All of the colors look pastel for now, but once it's been glazed and fired in the kiln, my true "artistic" abilities will shine through.

I painted a little city skyline with a multicolored banner that obviously reads, "Live Laugh Love."