{This American Life}

Okay, it feels like forever since I've felt the heart wrenching torture of breaking up with someone you care about. I'm happily married now, so I don't need to worry about going through that again (thank goodness), but today I was listening to an episode of This American Life and it was on Break-Ups. Even if you are married or in a relationship, you have to listen to this episode!

The first part of it is about writer Starlee Kine on her breakup. She finds so much comfort in breakup songs that she decides to write one of her own.

These are a few of my favorite things she said...

"There is something so satisfying about listening to sad songs. They make you feel less alone- they don't judge you- in fact, they understand you. Before the breakup, I had no idea how much breakup music was out there, for example, every song ever written...or at least every third. But once you're heartbroken, you notice it everywhere. You find yourself in the supermarket, listening to a song you've heard before, but never really heard, thinking to yourself, 'It's just so true...'"

So much of what she said brought back memories of my own breakups. Thinking...no...knowing, that I would never, ever heal. Left wondering what happened, why it had to happen, wondering how long it would be before I finally felt normal again, and if I would ever love again. Of course, I did move on, and looking back, I'm grateful for those breakups. They taught me so much. With every break up, I learned what I wanted, and most importantly, I learned what I didn't want. I knew I wanted someone spiritual, someone kind and sensitive, someone manly who could fix things and help me build things- a mans man, someone patient and laid back, but not in a pushover way, someone compassionate, sexy, and fun- and you know what? I found him.

I wish I could go back in time and console myself during those hard times. Now I know why people always tell you, "Don't worry, it gets better", because it does get better. It gets better and better until you finally find what your looking for, which makes all those terrible breakups completely worth it in the end.

{my secret}

It's time that I share a dark secret with you all that I've hid for a long, long time...

I've been battling this since I was 16, and although I've tried everything humanly possible to stop it, it's gotten worse over the years. I'll never forget the day I was diagnosed. My friend Andrea was with me, sitting in an adjacent chair, as I waited nervously, not knowing what the outcome of my appointment would be. The woman who was assigned to perform the procedure was uncomfortably chatty, and stood behind me, examining my head while she ran her fingers through my hair. She asked me a few questions, and then began. All of the sudden, she gasped and said, "Oh my! This is very unusual from someone your age!" then leaned in closer to get a better look. I had no idea what she was talking about, until I looked in the mirror. I was mortified. Staring back at me, was a gray hair.

After my hair cut, I ran home, grabbed the tweezers and plucked the impostor, but months later, I saw it again...only this time there were a few more. As the years passed, I couldn't just keep plucking the stray gray hairs that were invading my brunette locks, so I started dying them. When I'd get highlights, I'd have to tell my hairdresser to do an all over color, and then do the highlights to make sure the grey was covered, which wasn't cheap! Now, I'm all one color and I have to dye my hair on a regular basis to keep my grey roots from showing. To be honest, I really don't mind going grey, but for heaven sakes people, I'll be 26 soon- isn't that a little, gee I don't know, young to be going down that path?! I've been researching how to gracefully go grey and I've found some pictures of beautiful women who've done just that...

This is what I want my hair to look like when I'm 45- because at the rate my hair is changing, it is inevitable!

Even Ms. Stacy London has embraced her greys! She has the Rouge thing going on with a streak of gray in her hair! (it's a little hard to tell from this picture though)

{laughter is the best medicine}

Made my day!

{my boo}

I wanted to give a quick shout out to my boo! He's done with school till fall and I'm so excited to spend time with him this summer! I can hardly wait for the demolition derby, camping, reunions, concerts, and spending quality time with my man! I'm so grateful for such a sweet, caring, hardworking, and sexy husband!

Love you hon!

Oh, and congrats on the new job babe! I'm so proud of you!

{it's free to be nakie}

It's a known fact that people like to be nekkid- it's invigorating, devious, and freeing (in the privacy of your own home of course)! My hilarious friend Shellie just posted the funniest naked story ever and I had to share one of my own.

Way back in the day when I was a sophomore in high school, I was enjoying a nice, lazy Saturday, as most teenagers do. Around 2 o'clock in the afternoon, I decided to finally get ready for the day, and made my way upstairs to shower. Since I was the only one at home at the time, I spent the majority of my shower time belting out ballads by Maria Carey & Celine Dion (huge hits at the time). I finished up, turned the water off, and went to reach for a towel, but there was nothing on the towel rack. I was sopping wet, so I stood there for a minute dripping off. I still couldn't hear anyone, so I yelled out "MOM!!!" to see if maybe she was home and if she could bring me a towel, but there was no answer. I stood there for another minute freezing. Since nobody was home, and my room was only about 12 or 13 feet from the bathroom door, I thought I'd just make a run for it. I stepped out of the shower, opened the door to the bathroom, and bolted for my room. ***IMPORTANT DETAIL***My room is the first door at the top of the stairs at my parents house. Seriously, if a burglar decided to break into their house, my bedroom door is the first he'd see when looking up the staircase. It's the perfect view.

So there I was, making a mad dash to my room when I caught a glimpse of someone out of the corner of my eye at the bottom of the stairs. Suddenly the world started moving in slow motion. I looked downstairs to see my brother's senior high school friends sitting in our living room. Surely, they had heard my performance in the shower, and now they were enjoying the finale. My bedroom door was closed, and it seemed embarrassment had ceased all brain functions because I couldn't figure out which way my door opened. This all happened in about 5 seconds of course, but it seemed like hours! I finally got the door opened, ran inside, and slammed the door behind me with my heart pounding. I could hear them downstairs now, some laughing and some awkwardly talking to each other. I was mortified! I waited until long after they left to come out and wondered how in the world I was going to finish up my sophomore year after what happened. Seniors heard me trying to sing, and saw me naked. Oh the humanity!

I can't really remember how I got through the next few weeks, seeing those boys in the halls, at my house, and at school sporting events. I think I just tried to play it off and not think about it, but I still remember the horror!

As you can see, I've illustrated the moment to give you a better idea of the horror. I've sensored out body parts to keep this post PG.

{what the fuzz?!}

Is it just me or do the rest of you struggle like I do when it comes to these word verifications? I get all discouraged because I can't figure out what the freakin' thing says, which leads me to just give up on leaving a comment! I swear, 99% of the time, I cannot tell whether it's an o or a c or a f or a t that I'm supposed to type! Darn these word verifications!

So really, is it just me?

{cinco de mayo fiesta!!!}

That's right, Andrew and I are throwing a CINCO DE MAYO party this Saturday and ya'll are invited!

When: Saturday May 3

(we know it's not on the 5th, but it's close enough aight?)

Where: Our place

(email me for directions and to prove you're not an Internet crazy)

Time: 7:00

Bring: Your favorite Mexican dish to share

RSVP: shans_design @ yahoo.com

Bring your spouse, wear a sombrero, and be prepared to par-tay!

{Ah, nuts!}

Okay, when you read this you are either going to...

A: Be Offended because it's a little crude and disgusting, and you will never read my blog again.
B: Be Offended because you own this particular item and even have them attached to your vehicle, and you will never read my blog again.
C: Laugh your head off like I did and wonder who the heck these people are!

So there I was on my way home from work, stopped at a busy intersection, when a shiny glare caught my eye. I looked around and saw light reflecting off of something swaying from the trailer hitch of the Ford Expedition stopped in front of me. I leaned forward to get a better look, squinted my eyes, and gasped! "Are those? (eyes are getting wider while jaw drops)...No it can't be!" So, I pulled up a bit closer and alas, it was true...hanging on the back of the SUV were...dare I say it..."truck nutz". Yes, ladies and gents, you heard right. The vehicle had genitals. *shudder*

I was afraid nobody would believe the awfulness of what I saw, so I whipped out my camera phone and captured a photo that I will cherish forever and ever. Wait...I just threw up in my mouth a little bit.

In case you need a closer look, this is exactly what they looked like. And yes, they were chrome. Even classier!

Anyway, after hearing my story, my mom sent me a link to an article entitled, "Florida moves to ban fake testicles on vehicles". Now, I don't get way into politics, but I'm forwarding this to my state senator in hopes that Utah does the same! Honestly, it's gross, weird, and a disturbing. I mean really, what woman in her right mind sees a guy driving a vehicle with these dangling from the back and thinks, "Gee, what a classy guy? Man, I hope he's single!" Maybe, just maybe, they're compensating for...something! I'll give them the benefit of the doubt for now.

{Mr Pibb + Red Vines = Crazy Delicious!!!}

This is the video that gets me through all my bad days.

Lazy Sunday- SNL

{downtown farmers market}

I got a lot of comments on my last post about the farmers market- where and when it starts, and such. Here's the information!

Opens on June 14, 2008!!!

When: Saturday's June - October

Time: 8:00 am - 1:00 pm

Where: Historic Pioneer Park (300 S & 300 W)

"The Downtown Farmers Market is a local growers’ market, featuring fresh produce from over 70 Utah farmers. In addition to the produce, the Market also offers a variety of fresh baked breads and pastries, cheeses, meat and seafood, jams and honeys, house and garden plants, arranged planters, and numerous handmade arts & crafts. Unique food vendors also are a part of the Market, offering prepared foods and beverages. " - downtown slc.org

Here are a few tips for the newbies out there!

~Arrive early! Parking can be a bit of a doozie, so it's usually easier to find a spot if you get there around 8. Also, when you go early, you get first pick!

~If it's your first time, take your time. Look at everything, listen to the music, and enjoy a yummy pastry!

~BYOB (bring your own bag)- it's the chic thing to do & it's environmentally friendly.

~Eat breakfast there! My favorite is Rio's Mexican breakfast burrito! Oh, and make sure you stop and get an Italian Soda from a local coffee vendor!

So there you have it! If you've been, share your favorite vendors with us!

Oh, and I'd love to get a group together and go one Saturday!

{These are a few of my favorite things...}

I can't wait for our local farmers market to start again! It's a Saturday must!

The Hills- my guilty pleasure.

Desserts! Especially pie! Here's the recipe to this Ricotta Pie...mmm mmm good!

You can never have too many of these!

Saturday shopping at local boutiques.

Having a clean house.Museums- especially the Getty in California.

{monday moment}

Tonight after work I thought I'd run out to Hobby Lobby and buy some frames so I can finally put my wedding pictures up (almost a year later)! Even though the store is clear across the valley, I wanted to go there specifically because their frames are all 50% off, and I can't resist a bargain! Well, after walking around the entire store looking at everything, I ended up with a glass cutter, some bead supplies, and only 2 frames (they were the only ones I liked). Thank goodness the store was practically empty, because when I went to pay, I realized I had left my wallet sitting on my kitchen table. Good one Shan. I told the lady I was so sorry and that I'd come back tomorrow (I probably won't), and left with my tail between my legs. It didn't help that I switched the radio station over to country on the way home, right when the saddest song in the world was on (you know, the one about the soldier writing the letter home that says "if you're reading this..." *sniff, sniff*). About 10 seconds into the song, I was bawling, which was not a good thing since I couldn't see that well from all the moisture in my eyes, and I didn't have a licence with me. After the song was over, I decided enough was enough, switched stations, and got my groove on with my girl Beyonce.

I still need picture frames though, so if you know any places to look, let me know! I'll remember my wallet this time...

{potty training woes}

Having problems potty training your kid? My friend Lisa has the solution!

Bye bye wee wee!

{green thumb}

I thought I'd take advantage of the nice weather yesterday and finally put some flowers in my pots! It's nice to finally have something on our sparse back porch! I need to find another metal bistro table to put out there (I used the one I have as a side table in my living room), but with my lights strung up and my turquoise start on the wall, it's starting to look cute and summery!

Pumba was quite curious about everything, and was sniffing (even tasting) some of the plants!

It looks like it's snowing, but it was just super windy!

{oh what a night!}

girls night out

Okay, so let me just start out by saying that I haven't laughed so hard with girlfriends in a long, long time! Shelley, Karlie, Katie, Jess, McCall, Lisa, Erin, & Amber- you guys are a freakin' riot! Last night was so fun!

Here's a little recap for those of you who didn't make it (you'd better be there next time!) I called ahead so we wouldn't have to wait hours on end for a table. I was the first to get there, and only had to wait about 5 minutes for them to put the tables together. Then Lisa came followed by McCall, Jessica, Erin & Amber, Karlie & Shelley, and then Katie. I was a little worried about the social situation, because most of the people there only knew 1 or 2 of the girls, but everyone chatted it up and sooner than later we were all cracking up like we were all old friends! After a few hours, some of the gals had to head out, but Shelley, me, Jess, & McCall ended up talking outside till 11:30! We're definitely doing this again gals! Thanks again for such a fun night!

Here are a few photos to recap the night...McCall & Lisa enjoying some chips and salsa...mmmmm....

Shelley, Jessica, & Me (you can also kinda see Katie walking in- she's on the right side of Jessica's head)

Group shot attempt numero uno

Erin & Amber

The funnest group of gals ever! (borrwed pic from Shelley- her camera is cooler than mine)

McCall & Lisa hammin' it up. I tried to take a candid shot of them, but my camera was too slow, so they started smiling. This is their attempt at being candid. haha!

And last, this was our theme song for the night...

{guest bloggin'}

Last week my BFF blog buddy Ashley asked me if I'd be a guest blogger on her blog while she and her man are away cavorting with dolphins and sea turtles in Costa Rica. I've never guest blogged before, so I was a bit nervous, but I stepped up to the challenge. Anyway, THIS is the final result.

P.S. In a few weeks I'll be sippin' pina coladas south of the border with my man, and well, I'm gonna need some guest bloggers myself. So if you think you're up to the challenge, let me know! I have a few peeps in mind already that include, but are not limited to: my mom, Shellie, Lisa, Ashley, Barry, McCall & Bridgette (just to name a few).

{i wanna be sedated}

I have three things to say about this video:

1. Good for them- long live rock and roll!

2. From what I can tell, at least 1/2 of the people in this video really do look sedated.

3. I can totally see mysel doing something like this when I'm 90+....not sure what to think about that....

{and the winner is...}

I know the 3 of your who entered my contest are dying to know who the winners is! So tonight, I wrote down all 3 names on some paper, put them in a bowl, and had Andrew choose the winner. This is who he pulled out....

Sorry for the sloppy handwriting!

Congrats to Katie and thanks to everyone who participated! Katie- email me your info so I can make your pendant! shans_design@yahoo.com

{happy birthday barry}

Who else has a an older brother who...

parties like a rock star (literally),

is incredibly talented (yep, he drew that...),

and is a handsome devil?

Happy Birthday Barry!

I hope it was a great one!

love, sis

{my favorite losers}

Please tell me you watched The Biggest Loser finale tonight! Can I just tell you how much I love that show! I feel so motivated and inspired after I watch it, and tonight was amazing! I cry and cry every time I see how much these peoples lives have changed. I don't even know them, yet I am so proud of their accomplishments and their transformations. My favorite contestants were mother/daughter team Bette-Sue and Ali. Bette-Sue is such a funk-a-licious woman! I just loved her personality and her super funky style! And she lost a shiz load of weight! Ali is seriously amazing...check out her hot bod! She worked so hard, landed in the final 3, AND BECAME THE FIRST WOMAN TO BE THE BIGGEST LOSER!!! If anyone has struggled with their weight and knows how hard it is to lose weight, it's me. Ali & Bette-Sue you guys are my inspiration. Thank you for your hard work, your motivation, and your stamina!YOU GO GIRLS!

{nutritious and delicious}

Yesterday was warm, and today it snowed. The weather in Utah has been nuts! So when I got home from work, I thought some scrumptious, hot soup sounded fitting for a day like this! I love tomato soup, so I thought I'd try this recipe from The Best of Cooking Light cook book. The results were delicious and also nutritious! I thought I'd share the love with all of you and post the recipe!

Tomato-Basil Soup

4 cups chopped seeded peeled tomato

4 cups low-sodium tomato juice

1/3 cup fresh basil leaves

1 cup 1% low fat milk

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper

1/2 cup (4 oz) 1/3 less-fat cream cheese, softened

Basil leaves, thinly sliced (optional)

8 (1/2-inch-thick) slices diagonally cut French bread baguette

1. Bring tomato and juice to a boil in a large saucepan. Reduce heat; simmer 30 minutes.

2. Place tomato mixture and 1/3 cup basil in a blender or food processor; process until smooth. Return pureed mixture to pan; stir in milk, salt, and pepper. Add the cream cheese, stirring well with a whisk, and cook over medium heat until thick (about 5 minutes). Ladle soup into each of 8 bowls, garnish with sliced basil, if desired. Serve with bread. Yield: 8 servings (serving size: 1 cup soup and 1 bread slice)

NOTE: Refrigerate remaining soup in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

CALORIES 133; FAT 4.4g; PROTEIN 5.4g; CARB 18.7g; FIBER 1.9g; CHOL 12mg; IRON 1.5mg; SODIUM 310mg; CALC 77mg

{embarrassing journal entry challenge}

Aight peeps, it's been 6 days and only 3 people have entered the embarrassing journal challenge! What's up with that?! Don't worry, there is still time to enter! In the meantime check out these entries! McCall, Katie, & Shellie- it was so fun reading and hearing about your past! Thanks gals!

So, if you haven't entered it's not too late! Here are the rules...

-You must either take a picture of the journal entry or write the entry out in your blog.

-You need to take a picture of your old journal.

-Be sure to put how old you were when you wrote the entry and why you think it's embarrassing.

-Post it on your blog and link my blog. Then leave a comment on this post with a link to your blog!

-Entries must be submitted one week from today (so by April 16).

The winner gets one of these babies...A customized initial pendant!

See, so you need to enter! Wednesday night I'll put the names of those who entered in a bowl and let you know who won Thursday morning! Good luck!

{I fake it}

I have a confession. A few years ago I was a "fake baker", and I would go tanning religiously. I had a pass that allowed me to go as many times as I wanted in either a Ruva or Wolf bed (I still don't know the difference) for only $30 a month! The funny thing is, I hated tanning. Laying down on a hard plastic surface wasn't that comfortable, and then closing the lid on myself was kind of creepy. The buzzing...the lights...it just wasn't that fun or relaxing. So why did I do it you ask? Well, I liked how I looked tan! I felt thinner and felt smokin' hot! (No pun intended) After about 4 or 5 months of this, and after seeing a Dateline special on skin cancer that scared the shiz out of me, I decided to quit. I canceled my tanning pass, and my skin faded back to it's original hue (not super pasty, but definitely not bronzed).

So anyway, I haven't been tanning in a long, long time, and for the past 8 months, Utah has been frigid and cold...I dare say freezing! Yes, when it's summer time, I do enjoy getting my tan on. I can justify laying out because I use SPF 15 and I'm only laying out a couple times a week, but until today, it wasn't really warm enough to lay out. So until I can start laying out again, I've been using this.... Yes, tanning lotion. It's definitely the safe way to tan, and this brand doesn't streak or leave an orange hue. The only downside is the smell, which I don't think is that bad, but Andrew hates it! So what's a girl to do? Does anyone know of a tanning lotion that doesn't have a "smell"? I'm hoping this warm streak we've had this weekend lasts awhile so I can spare my poor husband from the lotion smell, and lay out! But until then, I'm fakin' it!

{my bad...}

I'm baaaack! For those of you who didn't notice, I haven't posted for a couple of days. If you didn't notice, that just means you're not freakishly attached to your computer like I am. In other words, you're not an addict...to blogging that is. So I apologize. I feel kinda like a hypocrite because I religiously check every single persons blog on my lists and if they haven't added new stuff, I get bugged. Hey, I'm just being honest. Seriously though, is it really that hard to post something every single day people? I think not...psh!

Anyway, here's an update on what's been going down in S-town. Yesterday the fam and I went down to the BYU Blue & White Scrimmage. It was finally nice and warm...about 55/60ish. For you folks down in Phoenix, that's freezing, I know, but to us it was glorious! Here are a few action shots. Oh, by the way BYU won....I heard some girl asking on the way out of the stadium. Lol.

The Brotha's and the hubster

Hammin' it up.

There was this little boy sitting across from us and he had the CUTEST stuffed beaver! I thought it was funny cause you usually see kids with a bear or a bunny...but nope, this kid had a beaver!

{well it's about time!}

Check out what's new at LuLu Girl!

introducing customized soldered pendants and charms

http://lulujewelrydesign.blogspot.com/

{nervous nelly}

So, today Andrew and I went to look at a condo in Salt Lake- it's in a great area, the whole complex has been completely remodeled (inside and out), has knotty alder cabinets & granite counter tops, and the price is pretty good for the area. So why do I still feel nervous every time we start looking at homes? We're not looking outside of our means, but seriously...buying a home is a pretty big deal. The fact that I suffer from buyers remorse probably doesn't help either. Just the other day I was at Walgreen's and saw some nail polish that was 50% off. I did need a new shade, and I never buy nail polish, so I went ahead and bought it (after walking around the store for about 1/2 hour with it in my hand, contemplating the purchase). Then I got home and started questioning myself. Did I really need that pink nail polish? I still have some old nail polish left, even if I do have to tilt the bottle to get it out, and it's a little thick. Augh...I should have saved that $2. Yes, I know, I'm ill. Anyone you ask who knows me well will tell you I am the most frugal person they know. I say frugal, because it sounds less harsh than cheap. Cheap is what you call a guys who takes you on a first date, and then since he paid for the $15 meal to Cafe Rio, he expects you to buy the $6 ice cream dessert, because I mean, that's the "fair" thing to do. *rolling eyes* (that's a story for another time...) So, back to the BP (big purchase). Did you freak out when you bought your home? We're paying a shiz load right now in rent, so really, what's another $150-$200 a month? (This is where you ease my mind with your riveting comments.)

On a lighter note, I had so much fun with Andrew this afternoon! He got off work early, so we went to lunch at Sweet Tomatoes (my fav soup/salad place)! On the way home, there was a baby your baby commercial on the radio. Andrew tenderly reached across the center console of the car, grabbed my hand, and asked, "Honey, when do you think we'll know when its time for us to have a baby?" I of course said the first thing that came to my mind, "Well sweetie, probably when I don't have my period." I laughed because I thought it was pretty clever, and he chuckled a little while shaking his head and then mumbled something that sounded a lot like "smart @#$" but I'm sure he was saying "I'm so blessed to have such a funny, witty wife." Then I felt bad because he was being sensitive and sweet, so I said, "Honey, I don't know...probably when we're both...ready?" Great answer, eh? I'm a good wife.

{embarrassing journal entry challenge}

Two of my favorite blog buddies have posted blog challenges. Ashley did the embarrassing childhood photo contest, and Emily has a weekly photo challenge (which I've sadly fallen behind on...sorry Em!). So now it's my turn!

A couple of weeks ago, I was rummaging through some boxes and found an old journal. As I flipped through the pages, I was flooded with past memories! Some good, some not so good, but it was nice to reminisce. This particular journal was about 5 years old (from my college days) and talked about guys I thought I loved, friends I adored, and roommates that drove me crazy! Then I started thinking about my first journal that I started 10 years ago, in 8th grade. So, last night I drove to my parents house and rummaged through some more old boxes until I found it. I laughed and even cried as I read old entries. Oh, how dramatic I was as a wee little 15 year old!

This is the inside cover of my journal- I glued just about everything on here- pictures, ticket stubs, and valentines! And yes, that would be my friend Karlie's face surrounded by the sun! We were BFFs in middle school!

Below is my very first journal entry! If you can't read it, here is the gist of it...One night, my mom and I drove to Media Play because if you bought something you got a certain magazine for free. Why did I want that particular magazine so bad you ask? Well my friends, I was a bit obsessed with the band Hanson, and there was an article about them in that magazine. *shudder* Yes, it's true. My name is Shannon and I was a Hanson fan. Moving on...so, I bought the journal, and started writing about boys I was crushing on, friends, etc. But the most embarrassing part about this entry is this:

"...Maybe I should give you (referring to my journal) a name. I think I'll call you Taylor, because I like (I had originally written love) Taylor Hanson! In case you didn't know, I love Hanson. My mom & brothers think I'm crazy! But who cares. I really like their music and their sort of cute..."

*sigh* Yes Shan, little boy bands who look like girls are sooo cute!

So, after reading my very first journal entry and cringing, I decided that I would host a new challenge- Embarrassing Journal Entries!

Here are the rules-
-You must either take a picture of the journal entry or write the entry out in your blog.
-You need to take a picture of your old journal.
-Be sure to put how old you were when you wrote the entry and why you think it's embarrassing.
-Post it on your blog and link my blog. Then leave a comment on this post with a link to your blog!
-Entries must be submitted one week from today (so by April 16).

***The winner will receive a SWEET prize! I'll get into more detail about the prize later this week, so start rummaging around and find that old journal!***

It's time to reminisce baby!

{thanks Mom!}

Random, pretty gifts from my mom- just one of the many perks of being the only girl! She picked up this little beauty at a local store called Nest!

Plus, I love gifts wrapped in a simple cellophane bag with pretty ribbons!

{oh yes it's ladies night....oh what a night!}

Hey Ladies! (I would say Gentlemen too, however I don't think any men read my blog...I just wanted to clear that up, so you didn't think I was, you know, sexist or anything.) Anyway, here's the date for the girls night!

Friday, April 18 @ 7:00

Does that work for ya'll? Email me at shans_design@yahoo.com if you want to come! I'll email you the location where we'll meet up. That way the crazies that read this blog won't show up and crash our party...you have to at least know me, or someone coming, or have left a comment on my blog.

That's just how I roll.

Oh, and I highly recommend that you show up, because if you don't, I am going to take it personally, and I will know that you don't like me, and to make it up you will have to do something incredibly creative and nice so I know you still adore me. Unless of course you live out of the state, then I understand...but there are some pretty good deals on flights right now...I'm just saying.

{gal pals}

So, lately I've been thinking a lot about friends- not just any kind of friends, but girlfriends. There are many of you out there who I've met or become better friends with via blogging, and I just want to say, "Holla, to all my biznatches!" Seriously though, you guys are SO funny, creative, supportive, talented, etc, and I wish we could chill for real! It's a shame we all live in different states (with the exception of a few of my Utah peeps- Sup?)

So, in my effort to hang out with my girlfriends more, I propose this:

A Girls Night!!!

I'm extending this invite to anyone who wants to come! I'm thinking Chili's chips and salsa, but we can talk about details later! This will also be a great way to network and meet new, fun friends (maybe more for me, than you, but you never know!)

So for real- leave a comment and let me know what day of the week works best for you and what time and I'll coordinate something!

{monday favs}

I decided I'm going to start posting about whatever tickles my fancy, or in other words, my favorite things every Monday. I encourage you to do the same.

I dedicate this post to my favorite summer past times, since it was raining/snowing when I woke up this morning. A very wise woman once said, "It's beginning to look a lot like WHAT THE HELL!" Seriously, if it doesn't start to look and feel like spring soon, I'm running away to Balboa Island where I will open a little bookstore/coffee shop, live in a fantastic little beach house, and enjoy the sunny bliss!

roasting marshmallows

camping

bbq's

football

fireworks