are you a "blurker"?

Josh's sister Sophie posted this new word on her blog...it is so clever. I admit that in the past, I have been a blurker, but no more. Now come on, you must have something to say!

chirp, chirp

I think I might actually need this necklace by Utah's own Armelle Jewelry .

a taste of my own medicine

So, apparently when you tag others, you run the risk of being tagged back. Thanks Jill.

no.1 What do you want to be when you grow up? A handbag designer or "stay at home me".

no.2 If you were an animal, what would you be? I think I would be a dog (with a good owner) or a wild horse.

no.3 If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you choose? This list is too long to post...

no.4 If you could meet a famous person (alive, or not) who would it be? Coco Chanel or Jackie Kennedy

no.5 Describe your perfect day. Sleep in, yummy breakfast, snowshoeing or pilates, picnic lunch, spa treatment, play with Henri, shopping, hang out with friends, date night with Josh, kiss goodnight. This might fit into a day if it was 72 hours long.

from cyber space to your place

I recently stumbled upon blurb, a website that helps you create your own blog books. Their interface is compatible with most blog formats, it's really user friendly, and it's affordable to print the books. Now you don't have to worry about servers crashing someday.

I can't wait to create my own.

Image from Blurb.

big big thanks

What a lovely suprise to be featured on a little sussy, one of my favorite blogs in the whole wide world. Thank you so much, Nicole.

dear diary

I LOVE these mini diaries by Marta Designs. This is a diary I could stay committed to. Simply simple.

tag, you're it!

So, I haven't been tagged, but I'm starting the game.

no.1 What do you want to be when you grow up?

no.2 If you were an animal, what would you be?

no.3 If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you choose?

no.4 If you could meet a famous person (alive, or not) who would it be?

no.5 Describe your perfect day.


I tag Jill, Josh, Bobby, Nicole, and you.

officially official

{some of Josh's recent work}

Last week Josh was named an Associate Principal of the firm we both work for.

Having worked with Josh for 5 years before we started dating, I have a unique perspective on his career at MHTN. If there is anyone who deserved this promotion, it is him.

He is a talented designer, a team player, and a great leader (and best partner a girl could ask for, but I don't think they considered that).

I am so happy for him, and I know he is the man for the challenges and rewards that lie ahead.

Congratulations!

desk mates

{kangaroo desk organizer}


{piggy bank}

I LOVE these Argentinian Amigos made out from reconstituted leather by Vaca Valiente. Henri got me hooked on them last year when he bought me the kangaroo for my birthday, and expanded my collection with the pig this year at Christmas.

They make me smile every time I look at them.

brand new buckaroo

Our dear friends Chad and Catsy are expecting their first child in April, naturally a shower was in order.

Above is the front of invitation I designed...with a little help from Josh of course.

sundance review v: fields of fuel

Film Title: Fields of Fuel

Genre: Documentary

Description: Most Americans know we’ve got a problem: an addiction to oil that taxes the environment, entangles us in costly foreign policies, and threatens the nation’s long-term stability. But few are informed or empowered enough to do much about it. Enter Josh Tickell, an expert young activist who, driven by his own emotionally charged motives, shuttles us on a revelatory, whirlwind journey to unravel this addiction—from its historical origins to political constructs that support it, to alternatives available now and the steps we can take to change things.

Bree's comments:
"The best film I saw at the festival."
"I want a diesel car now!"

Josh's comments:
"I'll have the bio-diesel/ethanol vinagrette."

Great News: This film one the audience award for documentary at the festival...well deserved!

Final verdict:
MUST SEE! You will learn a lot.

Check it out here.

sundance review iv: hamlet 2

Film Title: Hamlet 2

Genre: Comedy

Description: The plot revolves around an ex-actor, ex-user, relentless dreamer, and sometimes-delusional high school teacher. When his students rebel and his job is threatened by budget cuts, he is forced to kick ambition into high gear and shoot for his ultimate dream: staging an original production of Hamlet 2, a sequel to Shakespeare’s classic. Let’s just say the film takes many a twist and turn, and the finale is definitely worth the wait.

Bree's comments:
"Hilarious! Totally worth seeing."

Josh's comments:
Out of town on a business trip. :(

Great News: This film was purchased at Sundance for $10 million, one of the largest sums ever paid at the festival. This will land in theaters.

Final verdict:
Must see, not for the faint of heart.

chicken pot, chicken pot, chicken pot pie

{perfect sunday dinner}

This morning, we made chicken pot pie for tonight. Yum! I can't wait to eat.

must have

I've believed for a long time that people shouldn't have to pay for some things. Things such as black dress pants, or running shoes, they are things you have to have, but they aren't fun to buy. For a long time, comfy clothes also fell into the 'this should be free' category.

Last year I purchased my first piece of lululemon clothing. It was the Shape Jacket. Although a little pricey, I have certainly got my wear out of it, and would trade all my other hoodies for one of these.

This year, I received a pair of the Still Pants as a gift. I LOVE them. I wear them almost everyday. They are perfect for working out (even though I don't actually do that, they help me maintain the illusion) or just hanging out at home. You NEED a pair of these pants. They might change your life.

Thanks Vic!


{shape jacket}


{still pant}

mastering the bedroom

{a combination of existing pieces and some new ones too}

Tonight we talked about a direction for the master bedroom at 123 house. This room has received very little attention since we moved in, but now that we have started to paint, the projects are coming fast and furious.

What do you think?

doing our part

{the retro collection}

Every now and then, we all stumble upon something that really changes how we do things. Josh and I bought Envirosax resuable grocery bags about 6 months ago. They hold almost twice as much as a plastic grocery bag, and they are very strong...more importantly, we get to be the most stylish people at the local grocers.

our pet monster

Photos from Henri's shoot this weekend.

a day in the life of gumby and pokey

{gumbi and pokey's day from waking up to night cap}

My first documentary assignment for my photography class was to document a day in the life of _____. I chose to follow Gumby and Pokey. They really enjoyed being out, they don't usually get around much.

sundance review iii: flow: for love of water

Film Title: Flow: For Love of Water

Genre: Documentary

Description: Water, the quintessence of life, sustains every creature on earth. The time has come when we can no longer take this precious resource for granted. Roused by a thirst for survival, people around the world are fighting for their birthright.

Bree's comments:
"The film made me consider things in a new way...I'll need some time to process this. One point that was made that I really liked was that 'if somthing is transient, it cannot be owned.' A light came on for me when I heard that, it is so true in life."

Josh's comments:
"I'm going to bed..." (the film ended late)

Final verdict:
We may stop buying bottled water.
A definite improvement from the last 2 films.

We have a day off from films on Wednesday this week.

sundance review ii: the order of myths

Film Title: The Order of Myths

Genre: Documentary

Description: The oldest Mardi Gras celebration in America takes place in Mobile Alabama amidst floats, parades, masquerade balls and secret mystic societies. This time honored ritual has always been racially segregated.

Bree's comments:
"I was totally cheated...why didn't I get to debut at a ball? Is it too late for me to be a debutante?"
"An eye opening film, but without an angle..."
"It seems sad to me that this sort of segregation still exists."

Josh's comments:
"I spent a month in the south one night..."

Final verdict:
Skip the movie, eat moon pies.

guilt free spree

Today I went on an imaginary shopping spree. This is what I picked out.


{my imaginary purchases}

1. jacket 2. scarf 3. blouse
4. sweater 5. jeans 6. bag
7. belt 8. red flats 9. pewter flats

I got confused for a minute, and forgot this was imaginary, but I only bought one shirt.

sundance review i: casting a glance

{the spiral jetty}

Film Title: Casting a Glance

Genre: Documentary

Description: A landscape documentary about the Spriral Jetty in the Great Salt Lake. Built in 1970, this 1500 foot long spiral shaped jetty created from 7000 tons of basalt rock and earth was underwater for alost 30 years.

Bree's comments:
"It would have made a better coffee table book, than film."
"This is a great film to nap to!" (I know this from experience)

Josh's comments:
"80 minutes of casting a glance was more like an 80 minute stare down. As dull as this may sound, the real entertainment was watching the fashionista pour out of the theater like rats in a barn fire."

Final verdict: See the Spiral Jetty in person.

'c' is for cookie

A quiet evening at home called for chocolate chip cookies...yum!

I have tried a lot of chocolate chip cookie recipes, I keep coming back to this one, it has the perfect amount of salt.

Chocolate Chip Cookies:
1 c. butter
1/2 c. sugar
1 c. brown sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs
2 1/2 c. flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
2 c. chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 375.

In large bowl mix butter and sugar. Beat in vanilla and eggs. Combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir dry mixture into sugar mixture. Finally, mix in chocolate chips.

Drop by tablespoons onto ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake 8-10 minutes.

Makes 3-4 dozen cookies...more than I should ever have access to.


Let me know what you think.

we're sundancing

It was a close call this year, but looks like we'll be Sundancing after all.

We picked up our tickets today for the Sundance Film Festival, and our first film is on Sunday. We were able to get tickets to six screenings.

I can't wait!

if the shoe fits

sleeping in + coffee + bagels + snowshoes + fresh snow
= a perfect Sunday morning


{bree on the trail}


{josh and bree}

pet couture

Check out these beautiful jackets that Dianne (Josh's mom) made! I am totally impressed. Every fur child should have one!


{bijou and maggie modeling their new threads}

say cheese!

Watch out, new photographer on the loose!

This week I started my photography class with Nicole Hill. I have been a daily visitor to her blog for quite some time, and I am a major fan of her work. When I found out she also lives in the beehive state, I had to sign up.

Elena and I had dinner at Pizzeria 712 in Orem before class began. It is worth the drive, amazing food, and great atmosphere.

I'll post some of my assignments later this week. Please stay tuned...

apple of my eye

XO Bree

dear martha

Dear Martha (Stewart),

You and I have always had a love/hate relationship, we both know this is mostly because I am jealous of you. When Josh and I started talking about painting 123 house a few months ago, and he professed his undying love and commitment to your line of paint, it added salt to my wounds. However, I am willing to move on...for now.

Thank you for your well edited line of paint available at Lowes. I was not a believer until recently, but I admit, I am impressed. The quality of the paint is outstanding, and the colors are gorgeous.

This week we began painting 123 house, and we love it, we absolutely love it. Martha...we love you!

p.s. Please feel free to stop by anytime.


{color palette for 123 house}

hotdog anyone?

One of my goals for 2008 is to learn new hobbies. Tonight I began embroidery.

Sublime Stitching has super cool graphics that are easy to transfer and make it really fun! Their slogan "This ain't your gramma's embroidery!" sums it up.

While I realize I do need some practice, I think Josh is quite pleased with the hotdog embroidered onto his Banana Republic t-shirt...don't you?

So many possibilities...


{josh modeling his new hotdog t-shirt i made him}

not the crown i was hoping for

When the dentist told me I needed a crown...I agreed! I've waited a long time. When I went to the dentist today, all I got was needles, pain, and a temporary tooth. This was not the crown I was hoping for. I always imagined the day I finally got my crown would be so much different...jewels, a free car, maybe a trip around the world? No one prepares you for these things. Sniff, sniff...

words to live by (i)

"Rediscover the romance of a past aquisition."

I often read or hear quotes that I enjoy, some are nice sentiments, some are thought provoking, some are life changing. I will try and post one from time to time.

Quote taken from Body and Soul Magazine, January 2008, "More than Enough" by Terri Trespicio

a must see

Today Josh and I went to see a matinee showing of Juno. It is an absolutely charming film...a must see!

a new year is upon us

to dream.
to delight.
to hope.
to trust.
to pray.
to be.
to heal.
to love.
to become.
to make.
to learn.
to grow.
to complete.

to you, from us.

May all your wishes come true this year.

Image from Getty Images