Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Recipe Tuesday! and a little bit of insight.

Hey friends! I had a great weekend.
We played and hung out a lot.
I had so much fun.
Good things I have awesome friends and an incredible husband.
When I first started here people said that as soon as you get married you can kiss your social life goodbye.
In all honesty, that was a lie.
Sure, there are nights where I'd rather just cuddle up next to Adam, pop popcorn, and watch Lost...
Here is the secret: you choose your own social life. Your marital status doesn't determine it. You do.
I have been married for 2.5 months. If you ask who is my best friend first person to comes to mind is Adam.
Here is the thing, don't whine and complain how you don't have friends. Make them. (and that my friends, is applicable to everyone, not just the married peeps)
It's hard and awkward, but it is better to get out, laugh, and play.
Honestly, there is no point in wasting your youth on a couch with your husband or wife.
Believe or not someday you will have kids, then you will be stuck inside a lot of the time.

With that being said... Who wants to make my mom's AWESOME banana bread?

You will need...
5 large bananas
4 eggs
1 cup shortening
2 cups sugar
4 cups flour
2 tea soda
1 tea salt
Desire amount of choco chips (optional)
Don't screw up... JK...
Bake at 350. It’ll take roughly 40 minutes for a medium sized loaf in a metal pan. It’ll take 10-14 minutes for mini muffins (my favorite)—the speed that it cooks really varies with altitude and your oven with these. Don't forget to spray down whatever you are cooking them in- it sucks scraping these out of the pan.
This recipe is flexible if you have...
3 Small bananas—half the recipe, 4 shrunken bananas still half it- it’s better to have more moist banana bread than dry.

Good luck!!

Friday, May 27, 2011

Some Sweeeeet Giveaways to enter!

Hey people, I thought I'd post a couple of awesome giveaways that I have found on other blogs :)

First is one from Oh, Mishka. She is giving away some really cute wedges. Click here
Second, is one from The Daybook. She is giving away an awesome tote! Click here

Hope everyone is having a great Friday. :) I know I am!! T-minus 3 hours and forty-five minutes till Adam gets off work!

Hola!! Happy Top Five Friday :)

So basically, I'd say the husband did a knockout job last night posting on my blog while I was drooling into the pillow (TMI? I don't care!)
Anyways, today's top five are the top five places that you should travel in life based on the places I have been. (Don't worry I have traveled A LOT)

TOP FIVE
5. Paris, France. The French really aren't that rude. Their food is worth it. If you get the chance go to Champs Elysees. We went during Christmas time and OMGSH the whole place was covered in Christmas lights. As I ate those wonderful chocolate covered marshmallows, while being serenaded by sounds of the streets, I fell in love with Paris. Plus, I got to see Versailles. It was AMAZING.
4. Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. This is where I saw Chichen Itza (when said out loud it sounds like "chicken pizza"). While this is an impoverished area it truly was BEAUTIFUL. Chichen Itza is a Mayan ruin, and it was incredible of how close their beliefs are with ours (other than the Mayan calendar and knowing when the world will end). In short, they were visited by a white man who taught them and then left and said that he would return again. In the Mormon belief our Book of Mormon is largely based on Christ visiting the Americas after leaving the twelve apostles in the Middle East. Despite the incredible scenery, food, and jungle feel-- The etching and carvings they have on the ruin itself of the man who visited them, looks like Christ. Call me crazy, but I think Christ visited Chichen Itza. Oh and by the way did I mention it is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World? Way rad.
3. La Paz, Mexico. I LOVE LA PAZ. It was one of the ports we stopped at on our honeymoon and we both fell in love. It is straight up Mexico. As soon as you walk two block back, you are in the real part of Mexico and not tourist land. We had the craziest street tacos there and despite my pro-skill Spanish I still don't know if we got what I ordered for us. Holla at Mrs. Sepe for teaching me how to order food en Espanol. We had fun walking through a real supermarket, eating "paletas" (aka BOMBDIGGITY Mexican popsicles). The beach was incredible,the people were fun, and the weather is to die for. We decided we could definitely retire there.
2. Edinburgh, Scotland. Adam and I, both, absolutely adore this city. It is truly incredible. I love it for its history, architecture, food, culture, fashion, weather, and way awesome places to stay. Despite the rumors that the whole place is haunted (there were SO many "haunted tours"), I found great joy in visiting here. We stayed in a bed and breakfast and it was AWESOME. We hiked the royal mile, ate in pubs, got rained on, bought Scottish apparel, visited a graveyard, and took a tour all over the country. Loch Ness was beautiful. This city definitely was a contender for my favorite place, but alas London won.
1. London, England. London is incredible. End of story. I have never laughed or smiled so much in life than when I was in London. I saw SO much art. The best museum was the Winston Churchill museum. In that museum you go down in the old war bunkers. Who would have guessed that they would be located right in the heart of London? I love WWII, so for me it was a history goldmine. The food- excellent. The people- hilarious. The shopping- A+++. The architecture- TO DIE FOR. I love everything about London. I told Adam if he ever gets a job offer in London or Edinburgh don't even bother calling to ask- just take it. I love the night life in London and the culture. I could vacation there FOREVER.

Happy Friday!!
Have a great weekend!

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Awkward and Awesome Thursday :)

Hey guys... this is Evi's husband writing because Evi got tired so I figured I would scribe for her. For starters... I am not an english person. Well, technically I am white. But what I mean is that I am really really bad at spelling. So i guess deal with it cuz I am the one typing. Anothoer thing about me... I have never blogged before! So you guys are pretty lucky to be reading this. Oh! I guess I have blogged before, but it was only for those online class assingments where you don't really do the reading and it is due at ten at night and it is like 9 30 in the Pm and you remember that you have to make a "blog post" on the discussion board. So you rush to your compy and read the other comments real fast and formulate your "own" ideas. But the whole time the only original idea you have is that the first person to post really stinks because they wrote so much and you cant think of a single idea for yourself... so yeah I have done a few blog posts, however none of them were at my own free will.

So yeah I guess that is a good start to Awkward and awesome thursdays..... those people that show you up in your classes....AWKWARD.

Awesome: your wife making tacos for you. even thought the ingredients are like the cheap stuff like western family and off brand things... coming home to a house that smells like tacos is AWESOME.... and a bit awkward too actually when I think about it.

Awkward: IRS people on the phone in the AM.... Evi had some bad times with them today. All I can say is 40 min on hold before an answer.

Awesome: OK she would never say this.... but the Modern Warfare 3 trailer was released this week..... SOOOOOO primo guys. If you ladies are looking to impress a guy, just watch that video and next time there is a dude conversation be like, "Oh have you seen the new MW3 trailer... That Macarov guy is one bad dude." Oh yeah.... AWESOME!

Awkward: I just asked Evi how many of these she does and she said like five each....... I will not be able to come up with that many..... AWKWARD

Awkward: typing the word "AWKWARD".... it really sucks to type. Like I have to stop and think about it every time... awkward

Awesome: I have to give a shout out to my home town Carlsbad. It is in southern sunny California and I just love living there. In one sentence, I would say that it is a quite surf town nestled in between oceanside and the ENC. AWESOME

Awkward: When people not from California or from California refer to the state as "Cali." (pronounced: Kal-ly) Oh this is soooo bad it is seriously like nails on a chalk board. I can not stand it. No native calls it that and just because people on MTV do does not mean that we do. So spread the word, friends dont let friends call it Cali. SO AWKWARD!

Awesome: Evi... even though we get in some spats I really do like her. I think I would go crazy if she was the type of girl who just accepts everything I say. I love ya Evi! AWESOME

Well that is it folks. I am gonna go play some video games cuz I think she is like legit asleep. See ya!

P.S. here is the video that I was talk ing about. Just watch it... it is only like 2 mins and you will be all caught up on whats going on in the world. click here

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Why I Blog?

Yesterday on one of my favorite blogs she challenged us to blog about.. well... why we blog. I blog for a lot of reasons. Here is the list people:
1. It is so relaxing. As a writer I find this little site an easy way to express myself.
2. It is fun. I think it is fun to design and post pictures.It's also fun to see how many people visit my blog and read the comments. I guess it just makes me feel even more loved than I am. :)
3. It is a form of record keeping. Honestly, my journal... yeah, it has like 5 entries. All five of those entries are from high school. I haven't even written about the first date, proposal, going through the temple for the first time, or getting married. Nada. I suck hardcore. So this is the closest thing I have to a journal.
4. I blog because I love. I love my husband, religion, family, school, friends, crafting, music, food, and the color pink (I promise I love more than that, but hey it's what I can think of right now). Blogging helps me keep my gratitude in line. When I blog I stay positive (my blog is not one to be used as a "I hate my life" log, the very best things in my life go on here).

And there you have it.
I blog because it is worth it.
I hope you all enjoy reading my blog, I am always open to suggestions.

Xoxo,
Evi

Monday, May 23, 2011

Top Five Friday that didn't get posted Friday!


So basically, I should be writing a paper about Anne Bradstreet's "The Author to Her Book" or maybe a post about my weekend; but, I really need to tell someone... anyone... how much I'm in love with my husband.
If you think this is whole lot of cheese crapola then discontinue reading... now.
I continuously fall in love with Adam. Every day.
We are SO young and so incredibly in love. Everyday gets better and better.
There are days when we want to rip limbs off of each other, but I'm quickly learning that love definitely conquers all.
It is funny-- somedays, like today, I swear I think about Adam more than I ever have.
I think about Adam more than I did the days before our first kiss, or the days we were apart, or even the days leading up to our wedding.
I think about what I promised to him, what I promised to me, and I really can't help but to keep falling in love with him.
I do not want anyone to think that we are finding this marriage thing easy, but what I am finding is that he is quickly becoming my everything. He consumes every free thought, every prayer, and every dream.
I was telling Adam the other day, that I really feel like we have been married for a long time but at the same time for the shortest time in all of history.
We fight like we are an old married couple.
We laugh and play like toddlers who crush on each other (other than the whole push your crush in the mud thing- Adam knows he would get in trouble for that).
All in all, I love him.
I cannot imagine life without him.
I find peace in knowing that we are forever.
If I die tomorrow I know I will have forever with him.
That gives me comfort.
He gives me comfort. He gives me strength. He gives me hope. Best of all- he gives me love.

On that note of cheese and crackers...



Here is a list of my favorite love songs...
1. The Luckiest- Ben Folds
2. Can't Help Falling In Love _ingrid Michaelson
3. Make You Feel My Love -Adele (First dance song)
4. Rhythm of Love -Plain White T's
5. Love Like Crazy -Lee Brice

Oh and Bonus song!!
6. Smile -Uncle Kracker


I love you all. I hope this post finds you well.

Friday, May 20, 2011

Yeah, most people have done it...

Yeah, you know at one point in your life some way, you have cheated. So watch this. It's called Cheating In High School. It's hilarious. (And don't worry they aren't saying the real 'F' word. They use replacements, trust me I replayed it just to check.) Happy Friday!!

Thursday, May 19, 2011

[Awkward and Awesome Thursday]

Okay, people you know what day of the week it is... therefore, it's awkward and awesome time!

Awkward

1. Not having anything awkward to write. Weird, because I know I'm totally awkward!
2. Dark parking lots. Rape central much?
3. Speaking before thinking. There a number of things I should not have said this week. Oops!
4. Accidental burps. Burps= straight up nasty.
5. Looking like you've been crying when running into friends. Why do I always look like crap at the most inconvenient times?

Awesome
1. Netflix Instant Watch on the XBox. I swear it's a love hate relationship with that machine.
2. Having time to paint my nails. They're a pretty shade of orange today!
3. Naps. Holy crap, I swear they save my life on a daily basis.
4. 50% coupon to your favorite store. I love Downeast Outfitters! I got three adorable shirts for $14!
5. Friends and family. I swear that they know exactly what to say and when to say it. As the Beatles, "I get by with a little help from my friends."

All my love people. I'll try my hardest to post again tomorrow. :) If not, have a great weekend!

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Two months!!

Isn't he so handsome?!

So it is official, Adam and I have been married for two months!!
I have learned so much about him. I love everything about being his wife.
We have SO much fun! It is so much better than I expected.
Life is good, as always.

Adam, you are my very best friend. I love you. Thanks for the last two months. Things just keep getting better.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

The Ugly Truth About... College

Okay my college experience has been nothing short of incredible...
I met my husband
Have maintained a high GPA
Landed a sweet job on campus
and learned more than I ever hoped.

But here is the thing people... BYUI or any college has some bads that go along with the goods.

Homework. I seriously thought that I could skate by at my school and just party it up. However, this is what I quickly learned... Your social life, grades, and enough sleep are difficult to balance. You learn very quickly that it is usually your sleep that suffers.



In addition, I have learned that there will be at least one teacher every semester that decides to suck the life out of you, kinda like Mrs. Trunchbull.




Cafeteria food is one of two things... crappy or way too expensive. Here at BYUI it is too expensive.




For most of us one of two things happen: one, you really do gain the freshman fifteen or you lose weight because you're too busy to feed yourself. To those of you who have nothing happen... You suck. hardcore.



Other than that, life here are BYUI is pretty sweet.
Hasta luego friends!

Monday, May 16, 2011

Monday-Not-So Fun-day; but my weekend was great!










- Friday night dinner at Mackers (new for Mickey D's, Golden Arches, and McDonald's). Definitely had a giant Diet Coke. :)
- Concert at Sammy's!
- Eating Klondike bars... What would you do for a klondike bar?
- Going shooting. Yeah, what's up? I totally shot a 12 gage shotgun :)
- Napping in the sun at the park
- Eating BBQ at Famous Dave's (yummm. I swear they have the BEST mac n' cheese EVER)
- Having our first ever Winco experience! That place may be a wannabe Costco but it is AWESOME.
- Making bomb potato salad with Adam.
- Church. I love my religion!
- Going to a BBQ with friends.
- Watching my husband "borrow" one of his best friend's bikes! It was pretty funny.
- Watching like 6 episodes of Lost with Adam.
- Falling asleep to thunder/rain
- Adam modeling his new jacket... So cute :) Or should I say punk?

My weekend was AWESOME. Let's do it again this weekend, yeah? Only 4 more days people. Let the countdown begin!

Friday, May 13, 2011

[Awkward and Awesome Thursday]

Hello anyone who cares enough to read my blog!
So basically, blogger was down yesterday/this morning sooo that is why I'm posting Awkward and Awesome Thursday on Friday!
I promise I had it written all just for you... :)

Here we go!


Awkward:
-Walking from one side of the campus to other without knowing that my backpack had pulled my dress up enough to see my underwear. Yes, that really did happen and yes, no one told me.
-Telling the kid that came into work (I work as an advisor in the College of Language and Letters here at BYUI) convinced he was going to be president in 20 years that we do not have a specific major for that. I kept a straight face and am very proud of myself. All I can say, it'll be way rad if he becomes el presidente and was wrong!
-Someone talking to you from the other stall in the bathroom. Can't I pee in peace?
-Tripping into someone you don't know and giving them a flat tire. Oops!
-Seeing someone right after you cry. Yes my face is red. Yes, it is puffy. No, I do not want to discuss the cause of the recent waterworks.
-Zoning out, not listening to the teacher, talking to your friend about unrelated subject matters, and then laughing very loudly at the exact moment the teacher brings up a death in her family.
-Toenails. Maybe these nasties belong on a gross list? But, yes they are awkward. People in Rexburg REALLY need to discover the power of a pedicure!

Awesome
-A quadruple date with friends :) BLOG IDEA: I'll do a recent dates post for ya'll. We've had a lot of fun lately.

-The show Lost (we're on episode 37! We started watching April 17... do the math!) We are obsessed. We love it. Secretly I'm in love with Jack (shhhh! Don't tell Adam!)
-The book Aurora Leigh written by Elizabeth Barrett Browning. It is an epic poem- literally. It is basically a few hundred pages long. Oh my gosh, can I please be as witty and smart as Elizabeth Barrett Browning?
-Thirsty Thursday-- MORMON STYLE. We have place called Horkley's in Rexburg and on Thursdays you get a 44 oz. drink for like 70 cents; thus, Thirsty Thursdays Mormon Style. :)
-Flag Football. I joined an intramural team this semester with all of my work friends. I suck hardcore, but I love it. I'll be playing linebacker since I can't seem to catch the ball... :) Our team name is Victorious Secret. Isn't that rad!!
-Getting paid. *Please play "Just Got Paid" by N*Sync for full effect)

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Crafty Felt Bows :)


To all my crafty friends, I thought I'd reblog this for you.
I found it over at Simple Serendipities.
Go check out her blog, it is awesome.
I know what I'm making this weekend :)
Love,Evi

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Worms

Yes, you read that right. The title of this post is "Worms."
Why you may ask?
Well, let me tell you.
For the last two days it has been raining like CRAZY here in Rexburg.
It is relentless.
So as I am trudging up the hill to the Benson building for my Robert and Elizabeth Browning class I notice brown thin lines sparaticly placed along the sidewalk.
As I looked closer I noticed these weren't pieces of wood or wood chips.
No.
These brown specimens were worms. Everywhere.
I have always wondered why worms commit suicide every time it rains.
The thing is I have learned from my studies in science (yes, I have taken science classes and passed them with flying colors- Amazing, I know.) is that usually creatures survive through conditioning. Each generation is conditioned closer to perfection for survival.
Worms, clearly, were not.
Each time it rains, they wriggle their way out of the soil just so I can play don't-step-on-the-worm hop-scotch.
It is a great game.
Nevertheless, inevitably one always finds its way underneath my shoes.
Whose fault is it?
I don't know. Go take it up with the big man himself.
For now, I will call it another animal default- similar to that of the stupid turkey myth (yes, it is a myth that turkeys are so stupid that they turn their heads up when it rains and they drown.)
All in all, worms... WISE UP and stay away from my pink rain boots, because those boots are made for walkin' and that's just what they'll do and one of these days these boots are going to walk all over you. (Sorry couldn't help it!)
Happy Tuesday everyone! May you all stay dry.

Love, Evi

Saturday, May 7, 2011

Happy Mother's Day!


Dear blogger world,
You should know a little secret.
My mom is the most incredible woman.
She has raised me through all of the best and worst times.
When I was adopted, she quit her career to take care of me. Because of all of her sacrifices...

She was there when I went to the nurse the third day in a row and she had to come pick me up from school.
She was there when boys broke my heart.
She was there at every dance, choir, and piano recital.
She was there when I thought I was ghetto.
She was there when I thought I was worth nothing.
She was there when I moved into my first dorm.
She was there when I said, "Yes" to forever with Adam.
She was there when we packed the car to leave California for a very long time.
Best of all, she was and has been there when I needed her most.

Rena Hayhurst has been the most incredible mom. She is more than I could ever ask for.
I am and will be her daughter forever.
I love you mom. Thank you for raising me to be the best wife, daughter, and friend that I can be.
Thank you for all of the sack lunches that you often found smashed in the bottom of my backpack, the messy rooms you picked up, the tears you wiped, the hugs, the laughter, and above all... the love.
Happy Mothers Day mommy.
You are my hero.

Love, Evi

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Happy National Star Wars Day!!!




Hello fellow star wars geeks :) Adam and I recently began watching all of the epic movies; however, here is an email to celebrate the occasion (I got it from my dad).

May the Fourth be with you! Here is a list of all time favorite Star Wars quotes - Enjoy!

10. "Aaaaaaargh!" - Chewbacca, "A New Hope"

Han Solo's hirsute co-pilot may have been denied his medal at the end of "A New Hope," but he did get the final line of the movie. Chewie's voice was mostly remixed growls from Tarik, a black bear who lived in a zoo in San Jose, Calif.

9. "I have a bad feeling about this." - Luke, Han, Leia, C3PO, and others.

Variations of this foreboding expression appear throughout the Star Wars saga. In "A New Hope," Luke says it as the Millennium Falcon approaches the Death Star, and then Han says it just before the walls of the trash compactor begin to close. In "The Empire Strikes Back," Leia says it in the belly of the giant asteroid slug. In "Return of the Jedi," C3PO says it as he enters Jabba's palace, and then Han says it again after the Ewoks capture the Endor strike team. In the prequels, the line is delivered twice by Obi-Wan and once by Anakin.

8. "It's a trap!" - Admiral Ackbar, "Return of the Jedi"

In stating the obvious, Ackbar reveals that he is the last person in the Rebel Alliance to realize that the Empire had set them up. Fortunately, instead of fleeing, the Mon Calimari commander took Lando's advice and ordered his ships to engage the imperial fleet at close range, and, well, you know the rest.

7. "Do. Or do not. There is no try." - Yoda, "The Empire Strikes Back"

A staple of high-school yearbook quotations, Yoda's dictum perfectly captures George Lucas's idiosyncratic blend of Zen Buddhism, Jungian analysis, and sportswear slogans.

6. "Aren't you a little short for a stormtrooper?" - Leia, "A New Hope"

This is how Leia greets her long-lost twin as he bursts into her cell to rescue her from being executed. She's not only ungrateful, she's wrong: At 5'9", Mark Hamill is actually almost two inches taller than actor Temuera Morrison, who portrayed Jango Fett, the template for the stormtrooper clones.

5. "Why you stuck-up, half-witted, scruffy-looking nerf-herder!" - Leia, "The Empire Strikes Back"

In lashing out at Han, Leia betrays her aristocratic upbringing and her disdain for those working in animal husbandry. Stuck up?! Takes one to know one, Your Worshipfulness.

4. "I know." - Han

In the shooting script for 'The Empire Strikes Back,' as Leia expresses her true feelings for the smuggler as he lowered into the carbonite freezing chamber, Harrison Ford was supposed to say "I love you, too." But after many attempts to get the scene to work, director Irvin Kershner just told Ford to ad lib it. Which he did, in true scoundrel form.

3. "May the force be with you." - Various

The line has been said by at least one character in each of the Star Wars movies. Viewers heard it first from Jan Dodonna in "A New Hope," after the Alliance general explained the attack plan on the Death Star.

2. "I am your father." - Darth Vader

On the set of The Empire Strikes Back, Luke's parentage was such a closely guarded secret that even David Prowse, the actor who played the body of Darth Vader, was kept in the dark. Instead, he spoke the fake line "Obi-Wan killed your father," which was later overdubbed by James Earl Jones. Mark Hamill himself was only told moments before going on to shoot the scene, which goes a long way in explaining his overacting in that scene.

1. "Hold your fire. There's no life forms. It must have short-circuited." - Anonymous Imperial gunnery officer

Think about it: If this order had never been given, the escape pod containing R2D2 and C3PO would have been blown to smithereens, never reaching Tatooine. Luke would have lived out his days as a moisture farmer and would never have become a Jedi. Were it not for this Imperial officer's efforts to save on ammunition, the whole story would have never happened.

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Death

Okay, so this could either get really ugly really fast or you can hear me out (if anyone is actually reading this).
On May 1, 2011 Osama Bin Laden was announced dead.
The reaction amazes me, thus leading to this post.
I am not supporting Al Qaeda by saying this BY ANY MEANS; however, isn't it a little messed up that people are celebrating the death of a man, more than the fact that a little bit of evil has left this earth. In addition, when has anyone ever celebrated the death of someone else.
A large portion of our country believes in Jesus Christ and God. In fact, we are proclaim that we are a "nation under God."
Keeping this is mind, can anyone think of a time when God or Christ found joy in the death of anyone?
When Christ was sought out by Jarus and went to go heal Jarus' daughter, he cried with him upon finding that she was dead. I am not saying that daughter of Jarus ever did something even comparable to that of Bin Laden; however, Christ wept over the dead. Furthermore, do you think God was excited when Lot's wife looked back and was turned to dust for her disobedience? I do not believe He did.
Please don't take this the wrong way. I am happy that our country has found some peace and retribution for the attacks that took place on 9/11. I just don't think that people are handling it the right way. Life is life and death is death- no matter who it is.

Also, quick note on Obama. Stop hating. He's our president, whether you like it or not. I know at least in the LDS church we are taught to support our government. Are you supporting him by hating on him publicly for all to read?

That's all.