Update Shmupdate

Do you want to know why I love this blog? Well, it's because after months of not posting anything, I can come back and pick right back up where I left off.  It's like a good friend. Always here to let me share my thoughts as if we've been talking every day.  Blogging rocks.

It's been so long since I've blogged that I'm not even sure if I've told you that I am now a married woman! Mrs. Evans.  Such a normal name, but one that makes me excited when I say it.  My Mr. is my best friend, and going to bed together every night is something I don't remember not doing.  It's so natural for us to be living together, eating together, watching episode after episode of Arrested Development. It's great.

The only thing I have to complain about is the fact that my husband feels the need to scare the jeebies out of me every time he gets the chance.  Doesn't matter if I'm on the phone with my mom, hopping out of the shower, giving a friend a tour of the house... he just LOVES to see the look on my face as I jump and run the other direction.  Obnoxious? Very.  Hilarious? Even more so. 

We've been working on making our house a home.  I've been hanging a lot of pictures I've been collecting over the years as a renter with my best friends, and we're slowly but surely beginning to collect necessary furniture.  I know I need to take more photos of things as I'm going, but I just keep forgetting... I haven't even put our wedding photos on Facebook yet!  Shame on me!

I hope to be posting more updates shortly.  Fall is coming soon, and I'm finding myself needing my own place and outlet to share my thoughts and life with. See you soon!

How to Make Stress Your Friend | No, Really!

I would have to say that one of the toughest battles for me growing up and especially now as an adult(ish..) person, is stress.  I think that's a pretty common battle for many people.  I stress about absolutely everything.  It's a basic part of my every day journey.  Some days it's more difficult than others.  Some days the stress gets unbearable until all I want to do is sleep.  Some days it's just a light stress, but it's still there!  Again, I think everyone can relate.

But, did you know that you can see your stress in a different way, so it actually can be healthy for you to be stressed.  If you're anything like me, when you're stressed you feel your heart pounding and it stresses you out even more.  No bueno.  Anyway, I plan on watching this 15 minute video several times a week until it's a normal part of my thinking process.  I like what she has to say.

Weekend? Is That You?

This quote is literally motivating me to get through the next two days.  Yesterday, I took a sick day and sat on my couch watching Madmen for about 5 hours straight.  

Yep. That happened.  

And it was all I could do this morning to finally get out of bed at approximately 11:00 AM in order to be at work at noon.  I decided to buck up, put my greasy hair into a bun (but a styled bun... I even teased my hair for a little volume! Classy.), put on some mascara, a REAL outfit, and dragged my tired bum to work.

Sometimes, you've literally got to follow my homegirl Mindy's advice.  And this weekend, I'm planning of making the most of my 3 days of freedom and enjoy Express's 40% off sale, cook some delicious food, and spend an entire day at the GIGANTIC Smiths down the street from our house. (Seriously, that store is going to get a post of it's own here soon). 

Friday is tomorrow, and I am PSYCHED!

P.S. I just got this book in the mail. $4 on eBay. Hardcover.  BOOM. Sure love me some Tina Fey!

Oh, Hey Monday!

Can you believe it's already Monday again?  I swear, this weekend flew by.  But really, time always flies when you're having fun, right?

Also, I don't have any pictures for today's post.  Sorry!

Trevor and I were able to spend a night in the great outdoors over the weekend!  It was the annual Robertson reunion - my mother's family - and it was a blast, as usual.  These family gatherings never disappoint, with many pranks on/from my aunts and uncles, a lot of operatic singing, and about a hundred rambunctious kids.  To me, that's home, and it was so great to spend Friday and Saturday at Heber Valley Camp with those great people.

We are finally settling into our new home.  It was actually nice to return "home" after a trip into the woods. Last week we took several trips to Ikea - which is only a short 10 minute drive from our house! Eeek! - and grabbed some necessities such as night stands, a dresser, and a TV stand.  I had been warned by many people about visiting Ikea as a married couple.  I'm pretty sure we got into our first married argument that day... and our second.  But really, once we had everything set up and were admiring our hard work, all was forgotten. Ohhh, the beauty of twue wuv.

Getting into a routine can be rough, but I'm pretty happy with our current arrangement.  Trevor likes to do laundry, which is fine with me.  I get to cook and organize, and he does the dishes.  We'll see how long that consistency lasts, as I'm sure as life gets busier we'll both have to be helping out with whatever during whatever times we have available, but I'm liking our low key life at the moment.

Anyway, I'm sure this life of mine is super interesting.  Can't wait to start planning posts again! Keep an eye out for some of my favorite fashion finds and highlights of some of my favorite blogs, movies, recipes, etc.  

in.spi.ra.tion

a : a divine influence or action on a person believed to qualify him or her to receive and communicate sacred revelation 
b : the action or power of moving the intellect or emotions 
c : the act of influencing or suggesting opinions

.


Inspiration.  I feel like it is more of a moment than an action sometimes.  It comes and goes.  It's something brought to us by the grace of God.  Something that warms your soul and pulls you to do something meaningful.  There are many things in this world that make me feel inspired.

I find inspiration in nature.  There's nothing more beautiful to me than getting away from the hustle and bustle of the city and taking a drive through the mountains. The crisp air, crunch of twigs under my feet, and all of the green bring me to a happy place.  Recently, Trevor and I were able to spend a wonderful and short week in Maui.  The smell of salt water, the sand between my toes, and the cool of the waves on my body were heaven.

I find inspiration in music.  I am a musician, and would love nothing more than to sit at my piano all day every day and play music from each of the great composers I so long to meet one day.  I swear, they better all be there to greet me at the gates of the afterlife when I pass.  I will be disappointed if I don't see my dear Debussy eagerly waiting to finally meet me.  I swear we're kindred spirits.

I find inspiration in family.  My family is the world to me.  They bring me such peace and happiness.  My younger siblings, parents, and husband make me want to be a better person, and I'm sure my future children will inspire me even more.

Inspiration is what drives us.  It helps us to be better, keeps us on our toes.  It helps us feel things. We need it to survive.

What inspires you?

  

A Love Letter to Autumn

Dear Autumn,

My husband is not quite ready for you, but I have already begun preparations by purchasing numerous pumpkin scented candles. I hope this encourages you to come a little sooner than you normally do, as I never feel like I get to spend quite enough time with you each year.

Autumn, you are my favorite season.  You are better than Winter, Spring, or even Summer.  You are the most welcome of all the seasons.  Within your wonderful months come some of my favorite things:  sweaters, blankets, and drives up the canyon.  I have a whole list of things I love about you, but I won't go into that today. I promise to show you lots of kindness when you come to visit for a few months.

I'm ready for the leaves to turn, the air to cool, and for an excuse to make a new soup every night.  It's time, Autumn, for your return.

I miss you, and am eagerly waiting.

Yours truly,

Becca

Untitled

Wow! It has been a very long time since I have last blogged here, and I think I'm ready to talk again.  Between planning the wedding, buying a home, and trying to have some time to myself, I took a little break from the blogosphere.  Please forgive.

It's been almost 3 weeks since the wedding, and it seems like a lifetime ago I woke up ready to promise to be loyal to the love of my life for eternity.  It was a wonderful experience to be sealed to my husband, and so far, marriage has been both what I expected and not what I expected.

What I didn't expect was how normal being married would feel. Life goes on. We spent a heavenly week in Maui, filled with beach time, snorkeling, and long drives.  Then, all of a sudden, we snapped back into our normal routine.  We both went back to work, had bills to pay, errands to run, dinner to cook.  It's been wonderful, comforting, and very normal. I'm very happy to not be in shock from a gigantic life change, although I must admit some feelings of homesickness have washed over me several times.  Not for home, but for nights watching movies at Trev's parents house, our long drives and slurpee runs.  I'm sure we'll get back to that once things settle in a bit, but oh how I have missed it as we've been planning and running around getting the necessities done.

I've also become a little more thoughtful lately.  Maybe it's because my mind is no longer filled with flowers, cake, and wedding decorations.  I'm ready to pursue some bigger things in life.  I recently saw this quote: "Die with memories, not dreams", and it's really made me think about the dreams I have and what I can be doing NOW to make them a reality.  I'm ready to buckle down and pursue some of my wants and wishes I've been too tired, overwhelmed, or lazy to pursue.  I'm a professional procrastinator and I'm ready to change my ways!

You may be thinking to yourself "Wow, Debby Downer, way to kill the mood".  But really, I hope to be able to make changes in my life now to really feel fulfilled.  I hope to be someone reliable, put together, and kind.  I know these things are already part of who I am, but I really want to emphasize them.  I'm ready for a full makeover, if you will.  Do you get what I'm saying?

I am very excited to begin sharing many photos from the wedding day with you, but for now, here's one from the happiest day of my life so far....

And here's to many, many more happy days with my one and only by my side.

How to Survive a Lousy Day

Well, everyone, today has just been a little bit of a lousy day.  Nothing in my life is going wrong, but I've been at work all day, feel a little groggy, and just want to curl up into a ball and sleep.  I have some remedies for my lousy days, and always rely on these to help me survive those rough 16 hours of self pity.

1. Listen to music that inspires you.  

I have had Sigur Ros on loop all day long.  A little Rachmaninoff or Chopin doesn't hurt either. 

2. Spend some of your rainy day money.  

There's nothing that gets me out of a bad mood than purchasing something.  Anything, really.  Whether it be a yummy treat, some new beauty products, or a cute new pair of shoes, my day is instantly better. Treat yourself!

3. Find a creative outlet.  

As women, or men, it's important to express our delicate feelings (for some, more than others...).  I find that having a creative outlet is a great way to release some unwanted blues. 

Today, I'm choosing to blog.  I also am very fond of playing the piano, doodling, or even throwing together a mess book.  I have many of these from my high school years: a binder full of magazine clippings, pretty pieces of ribbon or buttons, and glitter. These are fun to look back on years later to see what made you tick. (Most of my high school books are full of tattooed men on motorcycles and vintage black and white photos.)

4. Snuggle up with your favorite blankets and watch a good movie. 

Have a movie you've been dying to see? I still haven't seen Les Mes, so if it weren't 3 hours, that would be on my agenda for tonight.  Instead, I'll probably cuddle up wit Trev and watch a few episodes of Supernatural on Netflix. It's good to escape from the realities of life for a little while.

5. Just have a good cry.  

Some days this works for me, and other days, it's just not something I need. Don't be afraid to let it all out if steps 1, 2, and 3 aren't working for you.  Sometimes all you can do is run yourself a bubble bath and blubber for a few minutes. 

And don't worry, your husband, friends, or significant others will be concerned at first, but after you explain your rough day, they'll be happy to let you cry it out.  My fiancee is already familiar with me having a good cry every once in awhile, and knows I'll be fine after a few minutes and will return a new person.

What do you do to put an end to a lousy mood?

#backthatazzup Friday | It's a 3 Day Weekend!!*@#$&*(&!!!

Memorial Day Weekend is upon us.  I cannot tell you how much I have needed this 3 day weekend.  I cannot wait to spend time sleeping in, snuggling with Trevor while watching Netflix (Supernatural, to be more specific), and spending time with our families.

We've also reached the 70 day mark to our wedding.  Tonight my mom & I are meeting with a caterer who I think will be a great option.  It's all desserts for our reception food, we're thinking, and we couldn't be more excited.  I also get to pick up my wedding dress today, which is monumental and fantastic.  Wedding plans could not be going more smoothly.

Here are a few very nice things I've run into this week that I'd like to share with you before the weekend.

The Express 40% Off Sale.  Ends on Monday. I may have bought these and these and this. 

This sweet family. Fundraisers like this are everywhere I look, and always leave me 

wishing I had a million dollars to give each of them.

Are you following Whitney yet?  I'm obsessed with her.

I'm also going to start participating in her weekly 

#backthatazzup Friday!

Here's my pick of the week, it's more of a throwback as I was reliving my Aaron Carter obsession earlier this week on Facebook.

 Needless to say, Trevor was really confused. He just doesn't understand my 90's pop obsession.

Click Here to Enjoy: Aaron's Party (Come Get It) by Aaron Carter

   

Wedding Cheesiness

Today, I need to blog.  I'm getting extremely excited for my coming wedding (79 days!), and this morning I was able to have my final fitting for my wedding gown.  I had debated on which belt I wanted... yes, real big problems here... and finally chose the perfect addition to my gown and belt placement as well.  Turns out depending on where you put the belt can change EVERYTHING about the dress, and I am beyond excited that we found the perfect look today. 

Let me tell you a little bit about my gown.  It is fairly form fitting, and makes my bum look extra great.  It's actually two separate pieces, one is a lining, and the other is a beautiful lace and mesh overlay.  I can hardly stand how beautiful I feel in this glamorous gown.  It is sparkly and hangs just right in all the right places.  I haven't been too emotional about it until today, and it was such a great experience to have so much support as I am preparing for one of the biggest days of my life. In fact, here's a photo. 

But to be honest, it looks way different in person on my body & with our alterations, but you can still get a general idea:

Trevor and I have decided that he is not to see the dress until we take our bride & groom photos (but he has seen this photo on the model).  Our photographer is going to take a first look photo for us, and I couldn't be more excited.  I have always pictured my husband seeing me on our wedding day for the first time, but I am even more excited about having that moment captured forever. 

You sick of my wedding cheesiness yet?

These past few weeks have been zooming by scarily fast, and just this morning it really started to sink in that very soon I will be marrying the man of my dreams. 

*siiigh*. 

Life is good, people. I hope I never snap out of this twitterpated phase.

Weekend Plans & Made by Girl

It's Friday, and this weekend is going to be extremely productive.  I can hardly wait to get stuff DONE.

First of all, I got paid today, and I'm sure all of you can relate when I say that there are a few things on my list I have had to wait for because I needed some money. (I do not live in a rich man's world... unfortunately, although I do enjoy ABBA) For example: I am 300 miles over my oil change mileage limit... and about a month over the date limit.  Yeah, my poor car is probably really unhappy. 

Also, engagement photos are happening this coming Thursday and I couldn't be more excited!  Trevor has agreed to let me have a makeover this week, so I'm getting my hair done, and investing in a set of extensions.  Haters gonna hate, but my hair is too thin and grows too slow for me.  Also, I'm still a pageant girl by heart, so wearing someone else's hair is like second nature to me.

Lastly, I'm sure you've all heard of the Made by Girl Blog.  If you haven't, you've got to check it out. Links Galore!

Anyway, Jen Ramos (the editor of Made by Girl) is an extremely talented artist, and I'm obsessed with her prints and paintings.  A lot of them actually inspired my wedding colors.

I actually just splurged and bought the foil prints, both the LOVE print, and the Paris 4 pack.  I'm very excited to incorporate these things into my wedding.  You can find all these items at her shop.  Or you can simply click here.

Enjoy!

Kitchen Dreams | Julia Child Kitchen Renovation

Lately, I've been dreaming about kitchens.  I cannot wait for Trev & I to have our own home, and to be able to cook whatever I want, whenever I want.  Mostly because we will have the fridge space... (remind me to never share a fridge with 3 independent adults again).

Naturally, I've been using houzz.com to entertain myself during work, and ran into an article about a renovation on Julia Child's childhood home, specifically focusing on the kitchen.  Needless to say, I now have some serious kitchen envy, as Julia Child is my inspiration for all things cooking.  I really need to read her biography one of these days...

BEFORE:

AFTER:

Traditional Kitchen by Pasadena Interior Designer Charmean Neithart Interiors, LLC.

Traditional Kitchen by Pasadena Interior Designer Charmean Neithart Interiors, LLC.

Traditional Kitchen by Pasadena Interior Designer Charmean Neithart Interiors, LLC.

Traditional Kitchen by Pasadena Interior Designer Charmean Neithart Interiors, LLC.

I am almost drooling over the gorgeous black counter tops, retro stove (which the owner has moved from home to home...) which I love in this perfectly updated space, and of course, the gigantic fridge.  Be still my heart.

I think we could do something like this, right?

For more photos and information on this amazing kitchen, and the history behind it, click here.

 

Bloggers Block

Oh hey there, little blog! (brushes off dust)

It's been awhile.  Where have I been?

Well, here and there.  I've been feeling a little, well, pooped lately.  Blogging has turned into more of a chore than a break, and I found myself comparing my measly little blog to other great and beautiful blogs, and feeling a little small.  Yes, I know this is no true measure of my character, my success, or my value as a human being, but it's hard to see all the great things other people are blogging about and not feel a little left out.

He's a quote that explains my problem:

"The reason we struggle with insecurity is because we compare our behind-the-scenes with everyone else's highlight reel." -Steve Furtick

And I firmly believe it is true, but does anyone else feel like they don't have any highlight reel moments? At all? Man, I sure do.

I feel like that would be exhausting.  I feel like I may have been blogging for the wrong reasons, but I still want to blog.  What is wrong with me?  PMS?  Probably. I don't know what I want.

That's really what it's like, fellas. ^

But anyway, I feel like this week is going to be a good one.  I have some very exciting news I want to share, but I am waiting just a bit longer until the good news is 100% set in stone.  I'm a little skeptical that it's actually happening. But it involves me, Trevor, and Lehi, UT. Whoopie!

I'll be back again soon, I swear!

Spring Feverrrr & a Few Updates

Man, I seriously have the worst writers block lately!  I feel like I have nothing interesting to say lately.  Probably because my Spring Fever has taken over and all I want to do is move out and into a new place with Trevor.  Seriously, I obsess over it.  I may have even shed a tear or two over dishes and vacuums and dirty toilets.  Heaven help me!

I've also been really into drawing with my new Staedler Fineliner pen set.  I've been designing many dreamy wedding invitations and signing my name in different colors over and over with my soon to be new last name.  My boss probably thinks I'm a weirdo because I'm always drawing "Evans" in one way or another.  High school much?

We've also been waiting to hear back on a short sale that we want REALLY BAD. (<-- Underlined AND bolded... yikes!) I mean it.  It's giving me anxiety like you wouldn't believe.  It's perfect for us.

I've been trying to hide how much we want it, in case our offer was not accepted -- I mean really, who wants people to pity them? I know I don't! -- but here in this MY blogosphere space, I cannot contain it. We want this house so. bad. Pray or cross your fingers for us to be able to move forward with whatever decision the stupid slow inconsiderate bank chooses.

Also, how are you feeling about the new blog layout?  The colors make me happy, and I'm very pleased that I did it all by myself.  Hooray for Google & PicMonkey.com. I owe it all to you, guys.

Hey Monday! What's the Haps?

How was everyone's weekend?  To be honest, mine went by WAY too fast.  I seriously don't know if I did anything productive.  Goal for this week? Have a productive weekend.  Yeah!

How do you like my new layout?  I do think it could still use some improvement, but it's a work in progress.  I'm doing everything myself so there's a lot of trial & error going on in these parts.  I am NOT blogger savvy... yet.

So, that being said, if you happen to check my blog on a daily basis (because my blog is so incredibly entertaining), and you're realizing things are seeming a little schizophrenic, you'll know why. 

Trev and I put a bid on a house this past week, so we're crossing our fingers it goes through!  We're ready to know where we're going to be living for the next 5-10 years, or as Trevor and I say, for the first 2-3 kids.  Our future kidlets are the determining factor in our living situation, we're so excited to have babies in 2... no, 5... no. 10 years.

Also, I just barely checked my online banking as I was writing this post - pro multitasker here - and saw that my tax return has already been deposited.  Thank you and no thank you to the government.

No thank you for the taxes, and yes thank you for the new summer wardrobe!

No? There's still snow on the ground? I'm being a little over ambitious?

Okay fine.

But how cute are these swimmies?!?!  

*Click on each item for details*

hello, hi, howaya?

Sorry I've been MIA!  

I've been working on revamping the blog and haven't actually BLOGGED in awhile.  I just wanted to check in and say hello, hi, howaya?, see ya soon, peace out, and ttyl... all at the same time.

New things coming soon!  I'm really excited!!

TGIF

Is it just me, or does bacon sound really good right now? IHOP anyone? 

Have a great weekend!

The Selby

Have you heard of The Selby?  

The Selby is a website, filled with photos of the homes & businesses of some fantastic people.  I have to remind myself to stay away from this site while I'm at work or I won't get anything done...

Check it out!

Are You an Instagrammer?

How does everyone feel about Instagram?  Do you all have an "Insta" account?

My friends are obsessed with it, but I struggle to find things in my daily life that I remember to take pictures of.  I think I might also have the problem of being a little bit boring... I find myself wanting to photograph my lunch every day, but find that people are always poking fun at "foodstagrammers". I just want to respond and say "I do what I want!"

I don't know... social media can be a bit above my head sometimes....

What do you think?

Give me a follow @becskar so we can be friends there, too!  I need "instaspiration".

My Dream Job Would Be...

Sometimes when I am at work, I like to daydream about jobs that I wish I had.  I like to imagine that money is no object (maybe an unknown & wealthy relative has died and left me their estate..? Or maybe we win the lottery...) and that I could work wherever I wanted to.

I think the job that would make me the most happy would be to work at a zoo.  Yep, that's right.

A Zoo.  

I know that I would fit right in.  I picture myself wearing some great safari gear, kind of like Scarlett in "We Bought a Zoo", and I would know everything about every single animal there. I would spend my days feeding the giraffes, giving the elephants a bath, and bantering with the guest.  Someone else would take care of the nasty that comes back out of the animals... that job is not for me.

I'm sure that's not really how working at a zoo would be, but this is my dream job.
I create it how I want it. ;)

Comment below and share what your dream job would be! Blogging is about sharing, and I want to get to know my followers better, too!