Law School Roller Coaster!

Let me just start by saying, this whole law school thing has been one crazy adventure! The stress of the LSAT, applying and waiting to hear back from schools is not very "exciting." Well  actually I guess it is exciting, but not when you are waiting, and waiting, and waiting. Trevor studied his buns off for the LSAT and was feeling super confident with his practice tests. Then he got nervous. I have never seen him so nervous ever in my life. He didn't sleep a wink the night before. He ended up scoring about nine points lower then he was averaging on his practice tests. Nine points might not seem like a lot, but in the LSAT world.... it is huge. He was pretty bummed out, but I tried telling him he should still be proud of himself.

He obviously didn't suck as bad as he thought, since he got into all 7 of the law schools he applied to, as well as some scholarship offers! At one point we thought we were for sure going to the University of Utah, then to ASU, and the finally we decided BYU would be the better fit for us (as well as it being Trevor's top pick!)

I just want to say I AM SO PROUD OF YOU TREVOR! 

&even though we wont be moving far, I am excited for this new adventure in our life. LOVE YOU.

So that rights people, we are going to BYU LAW SCHOOL!  

AND don't think for one second that this means I am a BYU fan now. I will be a die hard UTES fan for LIFE! &if I ever have any BYU apparel, it will clearly say LAW on it and the BYU part can be in the tiny  little hard to read letters, haha.

Bacon & Egg Breakfast Cups!

One of my favorite breakfast meals that my dad would always make for me were One Eyed Jacks. You know a piece of toast with an egg cooked in the middle of it? So when I came across these, it made me think of those fun mornings when my Dad would make me a One Eyed Jack. Isn't it funny how memories can be attached to food? Trevor could probably have eaten a dozen more of these!

What you need:
6 slices of bread
6 slices of bacon
6 eggs
1/2 cup of shredded cheese
salt & pepper

What to do:
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray muffin pan with butter non-stick spray.
2. Using a cookie cutter (or a cup, I always use a cup, even to make One Eyed Jacks), cut circles out of bread slices about 3 inches in diameter.
3. Take bread circles and press them into the muffin pan, set aside.
4. Heat a large skillet on medium-high. Cook bacon on the skillet until partially cooked but still pliable, about 3 minutes.
5. Shape bacon strips into the toast cups, fill with 1 Tbs of shredded cheese. Place in the oven for 5 minutes, allowing the bacon to toast just a little more. Remove from oven.
6. Crack your egg and separate out most of the egg white. Drop eggs into the cups, sprinkle with salt & pepper to taste. Place back in the oven and cook until white begins to set, about another 8 – 10 minutes.  The yolk should be creamy.
7. Remove from oven when done and pop out using a spoon, serve warm.

 Enjoy!

Happy Memorial Day and long weekend  :)

These would be the perfect sleep in morning breakfast snack!

random ramblings.

If the title of this post didn't warn you, this is a very random post about a bunch of different things on my mind as of late haha

I know I am late in the game but what can I say, I had the hardest semester I had ever had in school... but I finally read the Hunger Games! I read it in ONE day, haha. I can't wait to start the rest of the them!

P.S. I read the book on the Kindle Trevor's parents got me for graduation. I had always thought Kindles were pretty cool, but never had really thought of getting one for myself or anything. They sure are nifty little things! I love it. This may sound random, but I love reading in bed, and one of my biggest pet peeves is that when I am laying on one side it makes it mucho uncomfortable the way you have to hold the book if it is on the awkward side of the fold.... does that make any sense? Well with the Kindle there are no sides, because there is just the one, so it eliminates that problem right away, I love it! Also.... if you haven't read I get more blind every day, and I love that I can make the text as big as I want too haha :) I am such an old lady already, and I am only 22.

Trevor was sick all last week, and of course while I was taking care of him, I caught it. I had a miserable couple days, with a nasty head cold and the runny eyes and nose. I am not sure if I have talked about my Netti Pot on my blog or not, but if any of you have a stuffy nose due to sickness or even allergies, you HAVE to get a Netti Pot. Here in Utah I get bad allergies in the fall, and the Netti Pot has been my savior! It even works wonders when your sick with a cold. If you haven't tried one, you just need to! Trust me.

Does anyone know what is up with blogger these days? 

First they delete everyone's posts and comments or whatever because of some overdrive, earlier this month. I heard that this week people were having problems logging in and out and making comments. Then yesterday people's follower gadgets were disappearing... mine was just a big white space the other day! &then it came back then it disappeared again, whats up? You can still follow through the tab up above on my blog but blogger, the problems are becoming a little much!

On a happier note I got a pinterest! I am always finding inspiration online that I want to take mental note off, I have literally saved tons of images on my computer at home and work to save the ideas I find. So I love the idea of this online pin board for your creativity! Also being able to look at others and share is great. I have really just started, and have really only created one board so far, but it is so much fun! If you want an invite to join, just email me :)

Here is a kitchen I repined for my For the Home board. 

I love the colors, simplicity, &open shelving... just all of it!

Also, who doesn't love Adele? I have been a big fan of hers for awhile now. They are a lot of singers and entertainers out there who are famous because they have a decent voice or maybe a great voice but are really only famous because they have the whole package, look cute, can dance etc... do you know what I mean?

But every now and again there is someone who is so incredibly talented that they don't even have to try. Adele is one of those people. Her voice can give me goosebumps. Some people can just touch the soul with their voice, and she does that every time for me. Love her.

She will be playing live in Salt Lake City on the 29th.... wish I could be there.

he asked, &she said yes.

I love when special dates bring back memories. I know people don't celebrate the day they got engaged... well maybe they do, I don't know.... we don't. But you can't let the day go by without smiling, and remembering special moments. Two years ago today Trevor asked me to marry him. I obviously said yes. I said yes to have him as my husband, and the future father for my children. 

I said yes to a whole new life that night.

Dear Trevor,

I know you read this blog sometimes.... so this is for you. I know being married isn't always easy peasy lemon squeezy. Everyone tells you that before you get married, but you really don't understand until you are in the thick of it yourself. I know we have great days, and some not so great days, but I want you to know that I love you, and I will always be willing to improve on myself, and grow with you in this marriage. If you asked me again today, I would say yes.  

I LOVE YOU.

Love,

Alycia "aka" your little cutie :)

a beautiful person &friend.

When I first moved to Salt Lake City, one of the first people I met was Trevor. Seriously. Pretty much after we met, he was the sole person I hung out with. Because of this I didn't really make as many friends as I normally would have been able to, if I wasn't obsessed with spending all my time with him, haha. I got a job at the same place where Trevor worked and shortly met a girl named Taira. We instantly became good friends, and it feels like we have known each other much longer then we have. We just related so well with one another. Back in April Taira got married. I was thrilled for her and elated when she asked me to be apart of her big day. I had the opportunity to escort her through the temple when she went through for her first time, as well as be her escort on her wedding day. It was an amazing experience I will cherish forever. The wedding was beautiful and Stephen and Taira are about as close to a perfect match as I have seen yet.

Love them both.

Here are some pictures of me helping Taira get ready before the reception...

 

 

 

Bridesmaids and the Bride :)

 

Some fun pictures of the Bridal party with the Bride &Groom!

A Beautiful day with a Beautiful Couple!

 &this picture pretty much sums up our relationship :) haha yup. 

Mitch Albom.

Well today is Learn Something Friday.... I normally make short little lists of what I have learned from the week but I want to share something a little more meaningful today. As you have read on this blog, I recently graduated. You might remember me mentioning in my graduation post about Mitch Album speaking. Mitch Album is an American best-selling author, journalist, screenwriter, dramatist, radio and television broadcaster and musician. Some of what he has written is, Tuesdays with Morrie, and The Five People You Meet in Heaven.  As I said in my graduation post, he was really incredible and his speech really hit home to me on a deeper level that morning then it probably normally would have. Mitch talked about how "giving is living" and how important it is to do things in your life that will actually mean something to you when all is said and done. He made several references to the story that Tuesdays with Morrie was written on. He spoke about a lot of different things but really focused on appreciating those around you, and how giving to others in life will bring you more happiness then any of the material things in this world. He talked about how on your death bed, you don't ask to see and touch your big screen T.V. just one last time, but how you want your loved ones around you to know that you love them, you want people around you. He brought me to tears when he brought up 9-11 and the phone calls people in planes and burning buildings made to their loved ones expressing not, "GET ME OUT OF HERE!" but instead, how much they loved them and cared about them, thanking them for everything. He said all the phone calls were the same, everyone just wanted to say I love you.
This speech would have been amazing no matter what happened earlier that same morning, except something happened to me that made this sink in even more. That morning I realized my wedding ring was missing. I had been so tired the night before after finals and a huge event I had put on, that I couldn't even remember taking it off. I went into panic mode. My family helped me and Trevor look for it, and we spent well over an hour ripping apart the apartment. We looked everywhere. My ring wasn't insured, but it wasn't so much the money that was bothering me... I am an extremely sentimental person... and the thought of loosing something that meant so much to me, crushed me. I was a blubbering mess. I know this sounds really dramatic, but from one woman to another, you all know exactly how I felt. I was sick to my stomach. How was I going to suck it up for the rest of my big day? How could I stop thinking about this ring for one moment and enjoy my graduation? I didn't want to miss my commencement, so I decided to just go with my parents and try not think about it. Of course it was all I thought about. Then Mitch Spoke. I realized very quickly how insignificant that ring really means at the end of the day. Yes it cost a lot of money. Yes it represents something very special and important to me... but it isn't like I can take it with me into the after life. Like they say "You can't take it with you." Loosing a wedding ring doesn't mean I am not married. It is simply a symbol of my marriage, it doesn't define it. Then my emotions turned to guilt. I felt guilty for getting so upset when I thought about all the people who have lost rings and everything else they own in tsunami's and earth quakes. I know my reaction was only human... but I learned a valuable lesson about what is really important in life. When I am on my death bed I wont be looking at my wedding ring, I will want to be looking at my husband and children and family, and telling them how much I love them. Mitch Albom's words felt like they were specifically just for me. I was touched, and my parents were touched by what he had to say, and I know that I can apply what he said to all aspects of my life, not just a diamond ring. The following days I searched and searched and found nothing. I tried to wrap my mind around the idea that I might not ever find it. I was just starting to cope with that thought, when I found it. Although I am happy I found it... I learned that life would have gone on even if I hadn't. I learned yet again that Heavenly Father wants his children to be happy, and answers prayers... but also that some things are not eternal while others are.

My wedding ring is an earthly possession.... my marriage is for eternity.

I actually found a video of the whole speech, but it is the whole commencement, so if you want to just watch his you can click on this link and fast forward.

His speech starts at 51:53
http://www.kued.org/productions/commencement2011/

But here is a clip I found on YouTube that can give you an idea of how it went.

Blue Plate Diner.

My mom is the guru of finding cool things to do &places to go, so it was no surprise when she suggested we go to breakfast the day after my graduation to the Blue Plate Diner. It is pretty sad my mom has to introduce me and Trevor to amazing places to eat out in our own city. This place was practically down the street from us! Trevor and I don't get out much... something that needs to change. My mom read about this place in Relish Magazine a Southern California Paper that was talking about how Blue Plate Diner was on some show that features great diners around the country. Well it lived up to its reputation. It was glorious, how glorious you ask? Well lets just say if I go out for breakfast I always get pancakes, waffles, or french toast... I love me some carbs and sugar. But the eggs they had on their menu were blowing my mind, so I had to try their Greek Eggs Benedict, which has spinach, mushrooms, tomatoes, and feta cheese on it. When I read feta cheese, the menu had swayed me... if a menu description can do that then the food must be really good. It was delicious. We all enjoyed what we got and I would love to go back again and try other options, it was hard to make a choice because everything looked so good! The ambiance was fun as well, very eclectic, a great place to go for a quick bite on a Saturday morning. So if you are ever in Salt Lake and looking for a place to eat, I would recommend the Blue Plate Diner. I only had breakfast but the Lunch and Dinner menu looked great as well :) Can't wait to try more!

(Trevor's had spinach, avocado and mushrooms on his....*drool*)

Utah Esthetician School

I had the opportunity to go to a Utah Esthetician School last week! I brought my friend Taira along with me &we were both pretty excited :) We each got to pick one spa treatment. I have never been to a spa before so the whole experience was new for me. 

Since I am very fair and am sensitive to the sun, I decided to go with the Environmental Shield Vitamin C Infusion Facial. This facial treatment is scientifically proven to deliver the most powerful and stabilized formulation of pure Vitamin C. Enriched with antioxidants to help repair and prevent free radical damage from environmental exposure. The facial was amazing! The girl who did my facial was very sweet, and answered all of my questions. She was very knowledgeable and gave me some great tips and advice for my skin. The facial started with me going under this light that shows all of your sun damage. WOW.... if there is one thing that will help you put sunscreen on every day it is seeing yourself under this light! They should show kids this early on. It made me really happy I was getting this facial and reminded just how fragile our skin is under the sun. The room where I got my facial done was very relaxing and I wasn't expecting the extra bonus of a light massage on my shoulders and neck. I felt super comfortable throughout my facial and I felt great after. I am pretty sure Trevor is not going to love that I went and had this facial, because now I know how wonderful they are...I think I am addicted :)

My friend Taira had specific concerns with her skin when it came to breaking out and acne. She chose to go with the Clarifying Enzyme Facial, a professional strength treatment designed to improve acne prone skin. Exfoliating natural fruit enzymes of papaya and pineapple, plus antiseptics, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory ingredients will result in skin clarity and reduction of acne blemishes. She even went for a salicylic peel. Here are her words on the experience...

 (Taira buying six more sessions!)

I had a great experience, the girl was very nice and professional. I was so relaxed, and couldn't believe I was at a Utah Esthetician School, and not some high class salon. The salicylic peel was amazing! My face is already looking ten times better. I was so impressed with the facility and their prices that I bought six more sessions before I left! I will keep you updated on those!

 Taira &I after our facials... we have no make up on so don't judge!

So basically we both loved it! If you live in the Salt Lake or Utah County area I highly recommend you try them out. The Utah Esthetician School offers you affordable spa treatments, and a great experience. Plus it is super fun to do with a girl friend :)

Berry Lemon Muffins.

I am loving that with school done, I am having some more time to bake and cook. I wanted to make something yummy and I decided I wanted to make something for my co-workers at the University of Utah Library. Just to thank them for being awesome and being so flexible with me while I was in school. They were always so great :) and worked with me and around my schedule. I found this recipe which actually just called for raspberries but I decided to add all kinds of berries :) the more the merrier right?

Ingredients
Servings: 14 large or 56 miniature muffins
1 1/8 cups sugar, divided
4 teaspoons finely grated lemon peel (from two large lemons)
2 cups all purpose flour
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 large egg
1 cup buttermilk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/2 1/2-pint containers (about) fresh raspberries (I added raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, you get the idea!)

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375°F. Line 14 standard muffin cups (or 56 minis) with paper liners. Mash 1/8 cup sugar and lemon peel in small bowl until sugar is slightly moist. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in medium bowl to blend. Using electric mixer, beat remaining 1 cup sugar and butter in large bowl until smooth. Beat in egg. Beat in buttermilk, then vanilla and lemon sugar. Beat in flour mixture.
Divide batter among muffin cups (the 2/3-3/4 level worked well for minis). Top each large muffin with 4 raspberries (or mini muffins with one each). Bake muffins until lightly browned on top and tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 35 minutes (baking time was on the shy side of 20 minutes for mini muffins).

 Enjoy! :)

Graduation!

Well remember last year when Trevor graduated? Well I have officially joined him in being a college graduate from the University of Utah! I loved having my family drive all distances to come and be with me at my graduation. I love that I have family willing and able to do those kinds of things. My parents drove up from San Diego, and Trevor's parents drove up from St.George to come to my graduation. Trevor's sister Courtney and her husband Eric don't live too far away, but they made time to be with us as well.

Having them all with me just added to the excitement of the day!

I wasn't planning on going to my commencement, but then I heard that Mitch Albom would be speaking... you know the American best-selling author, journalist, screenwriter, dramatist, radio and television broadcaster and musician. You may recognize some of his books, like Tuesdays with Morrie, and The Five People You Meet in Heaven. So of course I had to go simply to see him, and I am so happy I did. He was amazing. He stole the show! My parents who have been to countless commencements said it was by far the best one they have ever been to or heard. I don't mean to sound corny, but the whole experience was kind a little life changing... I will have to get into why later, because that is a whole nother story! I decided to not dress up and sit with the other graduates at the commencement and just enjoy sitting by my parents, I mean they live in San Diego and I miss them, and I am happy I had that experience with them.

After the commencement we had decided to meet up with everyone for a big lunch. Unfortunately my college's convocation wasn't until 6:45 that night. Can you believe it was so late? We stuffed ourselves silly at the Cheesecake Factory... um yum. Then we went back and rested our big fat belly's until it was time for me to get all dressed up in my cap and gown. I was happy my friend Chelsea was at the convocation, because only SIX people graduated this semester in my major! It would have really sucked to sit by myself through convocation. It was fun sitting with her because it was just like all our classes we took together, we just chatted up a storm. The speaker at our convocation wasn't that great in my opinion, which made me even happier that I had gone to my commencement. Walking to get my diploma and hearing my name was exciting. I can't believe after all this time I have graduated. For those of you who are wondering, I graduated with a Bachelor of Science Social Science Teaching Composite and History Teaching Minor. I couldn't be more excited to go out and really help young students find a passion for learning and their education. To help them find a passion for the world around them, the histories of their families, countries, and cultures.

My education has taught me so much about myself, and what I am capable of.... I can't wait to go out and give the world what I have to offer.  

 

 

 (Don't you just love Trevor's little hair that is sticking straight up in all of these pictures?! haha)

GO UTES! :) CLASS OF 2011

So where have you been?

(this was taken on my phone on my way to graduation!)

Alright blogger friends.... guess who has finally graduated? Yup ME. So slap my wrist, because I know I have been a bad blogger the last couple months. But to my defense I had to focus on my school work. Sometimes real life is more important then the blog (I know, I just said that...)  
BUT I AM BACK &ready to go!

Happy to be here again :)