Friday Favorites

I've been grumpy lately. I figured, what better way to force myself happy than to write down some of the things I've loved this week? We'll see how it works.

1. deadmau5. I can't stop listening to his music lately. The beats keep my brain alive.

2. the Millennium trilogy. You freaking guys. I started "The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo" on the 12th of this month, and currently I'm halfway done with the final book. I can't stop reading! I just want to know how the story ends but I know when I finish reading I'll be depressed about it being over. I suggest reading this series if you get time. I've got all three books if you want to borrow them; you just have to promise to get them back to me because I will read them a hundred times.

3. this handmade maxi skirt. I want this, right now. It starts as a sheet! How cool is that?! I just don't have a sewing machine so I can't make it. I really want it though. Will you make it for me?

4. Zero bars. I might be addicted to these. I wish they sold them in small sizes in the big bags. It's like a Snickers, but with almond nougat and white fudge and cashews. OMG yum!

5.

HAHAhahaha! hahahabaha I haven't stopped laughing about this for three days.

have a good weekend!

What to do in Utah Valley this weekend

For all of the things I hate about living in Utah, there are a lot of good things as well. There is always something to do, you just have to get off your ass and go do it! So here it is. My roundup of things you could and should do this weekend, down here in good ol' happy valley.

What: Provo Farmer's Market!
When: Saturday, the 30th, from 9am to 2pm (and every Saturday through October 27th)
Where: Pioneer Park in Provo - at the southwest corner of 500 West and Center Street.
Why: I have to still include this. I love the farmer's market. Go check it out.
How much: Free!

What: Outdoor Summer Cinema (a.k.a. a movie in a parking lot)
When: Thursday, June 28 at 9pm, or whenever it gets dark
Where: 20 N. 100 W. in Provo - across the street from Sammy's Cafe
Why: This week's movie is 500 Days of Summer. I love this movie, and it's a free movie in a parking lot on a Thursday night! I think the better question is, why not?
How much: free ninety-nine

What: Lehi Roundup
When: June 23 - 30, varying times
Where: Lehi Rodeo Grounds - 200 North 500 West
Why: The rodeo is pretty epic, and the atmosphere is awesome.
How much: prices vary depending on what you do

What: Stuffed Animal Hullabaloo
When: Friday, June 29; 10am-12pm, 2pm-4pm
Where: Springville Museum of Art - 126 East 400 South
Why: um, stuffed animal hullabaloo? Awesome! Take your kids and their favorite stuffed animal for a picnic. Think about the picture opps!
How much: free, but you do need to get a ticket from the museum prior to going

What: Ms. Utah Senior America
When: Friday, June 29th; 7pm
Where: The Covey Center for the Arts - 425 West Center Street, Provo
Why: Go support our hot senior women! There is a car show beforehand, and a bunch of talented ladies struttin' their stuff. They'll also present the "Woman of Excellence" award.
How much: $8 per person; $20 per family

Don't forget that we're surrounded by nature - go for a walk or a hike or a swim or you could even go sit in a park. Just please don't start any more fires.

Wordless Wednesday: the entire state of Utah is slowly burning down.

seriously, the entire state. burning down. destroying homes. leaving ash on my car every morning. please stop starting fires.

Whoever is rating Brave low on Rotten Tomatoes can SUCK IT.

If none of my things to do this weekend inspires you to get out of the house, how about going to see a movie? Movie theater popcorn is always a good idea, despite what the medical professionals may say.

Punk and I got to go see Brave this week and I was really excited, partly because Disney Pixar is my favorite pairing since Nutella and marshmallow creme, and partly because they have freaking Scottish accents! How cute!

I will admit, I did not expect the plot to lay out like it did. I think they could have done a better job of advertising so people would know what to expect. BUT, it's still really cute and incredibly well done. It's worth going just to see Merida's hair! It's amazeballs. For real. They put a whole ton of effort into making it look real (seriously, read this) and it was worth it. Her hair, especially in 3D, looks real! It moves like real hair and looks like real hair and it's just awesome.

Go see it. That's my two cents.

What to do in Utah Valley this weekend

It's time for another round of...

THINGS TO DO IN UTAH VALLEY!

*applause*

Too much?

Anyway, it's time for my personal view of what you should do this weekend. Do not hold me accountable if you do any of these things and they suck - it's probably you. Kidding. (Or am I?)

First, a couple of things from last week that are still going on...

What: Provo Farmer's Market!
When: Saturday, the 23rd, from 9am to 2pm (and every Saturday through October 27th)
Where: Pioneer Park in Provo - at the southwest corner of 500 West and Center Street.
Why: This is a fantastic farmer's market and I recommend you all check it out. When I have a spare Saturday morning, you can find me here. I can't resist the big bags of fresh peas, and the amazing food! Go check it out.
How much: Free!

What: 2012 Utah Valley Parade of Homes
When: June 8-23, Tuesday through Saturday 12pm-9pm
Where: All through Utah County - 19 different homes total
Why: It might just be me, but I love wandering through big, gorgeous, well-designed homes. So that's why.
How much: $12 through the website, $10 at any Osmond Designs location

And now, new things to do!

What: Strawberry FREAKING Days!
When: click the link to be taken to the calendar of events. There's a TON of crap going on!
Where: centrally, 200 South State Road, Pleasant Grove
Why: go get some strawberries and cream! It's the most delicious thing you'll put in your mouth this entire week. The rodeo is also pretty awesome. Just go.
How much: prices vary for what you want to do

What: Thanksgiving Point Rose Festival
When: June 21 - 23, 8am - 10pm
Where: Thanksgiving Point Gardens - 3900 N. Garden Way, Lehi
Why: flowers are pretty! Plus, there will be a ton of vendors set up so you can shop, too.
How much: $10/adults, $6/child (3-12), $9/senior (65+)

What: The Princess Festival
When: now through June 30th, minus Sundays and Mondays; 10am - 4pm
Where: Thanksgiving Point Children's Discovery Garden - 3900 North Garden Drive, Lehi
Why: take your daughter out for a date and make her feel like a for-real princess!
How much: $15 per person over 36 months

What: the Icelandic Festival
When: June 22 - 24, times vary
Where: Spanish Fork City Park - 49 South Main Street
Why: learn about the Icelandic culture! Enjoy food and entertainment, plus there's a children's village with free activities for kids. Put on by the Icelandic Association of Utah, so you know it's legit.
How much: free! Though, you probably have to pay for food.

Go somewhere and do something. If you stop in for strawberries, I'll be the big person slumped over in the gutter with strawberry stuffs drenching my body. Drop by and say hi!

Wordless Wednesday - my old lunchtime scenery.

At our old building, we had a cafe (with a really incredible salad bar!) and this was outside of the cafe right by where all the tables and chairs were set up. I'll definitely miss this scenery, and the little birds bathing themselves in the shallow end of the running water.

Brain dump: activated.

This weekend was a lovely weekend. I think whatever is off in the universe is possibly starting to right itself. Maybe.

We gave Punk back to her mom yesterday after having her since the previous Friday. It was crazy but super fun! She was a huge help around the house, which was awesome. I left her a note each morning with that day's chore, and it was always done when I got home from work. How lovely!

Punk's birthday was last week as well, and she absolutely loves her new 4-wheeler. We went to the dunes the next day so she could get a hang of the clutch, but it was so freaking windy so we came home after about two hours. Husband took her out on Saturday and said she did really well. Sweetness! Now it's time for me to get a new wheeler...

I ordered from a co-op last weekend, and had a coworker pick my basket up for me. Holy produce, Batman! I came into work this morning, with two reusable grocery bags full of fruits and veggies, plus another small bag of plums, waiting for me. Co-ops are the coolest things ever and if you aren't taking part in one, DO IT NOW. I don't think I'll be able to eat all of it but I'm sure going to give it my best shot. Do you want some cherries? Because I've got more than I know I'll be able to eat.

I read The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo last week. It was really good. Quite a bit different than I expected. Now I can see the movie. And then start The Girl Who Played With Fire.

I've been told by my mother for a long time that I'm allergic to bees and so just always assumed that it was the truth. Well, after a chopper ride up the canyon yesterday, I can officially say I am NOT in fact allergic to bees! I got stung by one right in my elbow pit as we were riding. It made my arm go numb and swell up for a second but that was it. WOOHOO something in this world I am not allergic to!

I signed up for Instagram (stepmomkendahl) but I am just not as in love with it as everyone else seems to be. I don't have internet on my phone so it's pretty much useless unless I'm connected to WiFi. And I can't save pictures to my phone after I've applied filters and junk. Is there something more to it that I'm not finding? Because so far I'm ready to uninstall it and pretend it never happened.

Wordless Wednesday - PENGUINS, bitches!

Looking for something to do this weekend? I can help!

I am absolutely guilty of saying, "there's nothing to do in Utah County!" I know sometimes it can feel that way, so I'm here to assist. You can think of me like the Batman of events in Utah Valley, but with cuter shoes.

What: Provo Farmer's Market!
When: Saturday, the 16th, from 9am to 2pm (and every Saturday through October 27th)
Where: Pioneer Park in Provo - at the southwest corner of 500 West and Center Street.
Why: This is a fantastic farmer's market and I recommend you all check it out. When I have a spare Saturday morning, you can find me here. I can't resist the big bags of fresh peas, and the amazing food! Go check it out.
How much: Free!

What: Velour Live Music Gallery: Battle of the Bands
When: June 11th through June 16th, 8pm each night; finals on Saturday night
Where: 135 North University Avenue, Provo
Why: If you didn't know, we have quite a bit of musical talent hiding in Utah. If you're into music that's not quite mainstream, you will love this battle of the bands. I've been before and the bands are typically pretty great, especially if you go for the finals Saturday night. If you go, let me know what you think!
How much: Possibly free, but I'm not sure... sorry!

What: 2012 Utah Valley Parade of Homes
When: June 8-23, Tuesday through Saturday 12pm-9pm
Where: All through Utah County - 19 different homes total
Why: It might just be me, but I love wandering through big, gorgeous, well-designed homes. So that's why.
How much: $12 through the website, $10 at any Osmond Designs location

What: Cedar Hills Family Festival
When: June 11-16, times vary depending on events
Where: Heritage Park - 4450 West Cedar Hills Drive in Cedar Hills
Why: I love the little city festivals we do here in Utah. There's a carnival Friday and Saturday, dinner & a movie (Puss In Boots) in the park Friday night, and fireworks Saturday night. So much to do!
How much: it depends on what you want to do. Check out their site for details on fun stuff!

What: Country Jam
When: June 14th at 8pm
Where: Boothe Brothers - 165 North Main Street in Spanish Fork
Why: They have a host band, and then you can also sign up to perform (with the band). Like live karaoke! Get drunk, then go belt out your favorite country love songs. Sounds like the best Thursday night ever!
How much: Free, homies!

And if none of that sounds appealing to you, remember we have a whole boatload of nature here. Go on a hike, or if you're opposed to hikes (like me), go buy a 4-wheeler and ride that bitch up the canyon. You're welcome.

Don't forget that it's Father's Day Sunday, so do something nice for all of the fathers in your life!

Wordless Wednesday - my new desk friend.

Isn't she cute? I kind of love her, and she keeps me company on my desk. Although, she doesn't have a name yet... what should I name her?

Do you read?

I love reading, when I get a spare minute. My biggest problem is finding something to read that actually keeps me entertained. I have a short attention span when reading so it's got to be engaging and pull me in, or it gets shoved into the corner of books-that-shall-not-be-finished.

The great people over at BetterWorldBooks.com have put together a top-10 book series reading list. I've read a few on the list and loved them; I am thinking I need to get around to the rest of the list. Pull up a chair, make a cocktail, and get to reading!

10. Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House series

9. The Sherlock Holmes series by Arthur Conan Doyle

8. The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins

7. Stephen King’s The Dark Tower series

6. The Tomorrow series by John Marsden

5. L.M. Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables series

4. Lord of the Rings trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien

3. The Chronicles of Narnia series by C.S. Lewis

2. Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander Series

1. Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling

What do you think? Have you read any of them, and if so, what did you think? Anything you think is missing from the list? (If you say Twilight, we can't be friends.)

Needing new books? You should check out BetterWorldBooks.com. They just reduces prices on a slew of books, plus you can get 20% off 3 or more books by using the discount code STARTSUMMER12. And you're supporting a good cause - BetterWorldBooks.com donates a book to someone in need for every book you buy. Awesome on top of awesome.

Also, I didn't get anything for posting this. For real. I just think it's a really great site, plus who doesn't like top ten lists? I know I do.

Yesterday was a great day. The first in a long time.

What is the point in post titles? Do you guys read titles? I don't know if I do or not. They're just kind of dumb and I don't ever know what to put.

Anyway...

I don't know what was up yesterday but the universe smiled down on me and it was kinda nice. I got up and was in this mood where things needed to be cleaned. I did a quick clean of the bathrooms and a full-house pick-up (honestly, this is pretty easy; my house is generally clean all the time). I asked Punk to vacuum upstairs, and she went to town - vacuumed the windowsills and curtains and pool table and everything, and didn't even complain or say a single negative word about it. Then she asked what else needed to be done. I told her that I didn't need her to do anything else but if she wanted to, she could vacuum the basement. And she did! All the while, I was sweeping and mopping the wood floors. During which, Husband went outside and mowed the lawn! I don't know what was up with it, but yesterday was a brilliant day in our household. Then we had a BBQ with about three hundred people (okay, 10) and it was pretty awesome and my house stayed nearly clean. AND THEN! (No and then!) We went and got ice cream. Terrific. I hope you all had as wonderful of a weekend.

It's weekends like that, that make me so damn happy. Things just mesh and we all work well together and it's great. They are not super frequent, but they are lovely when they do happen. Tonight we are going to pick up Punk's birthday present (a new 4-wheeler), and I am pretty excited to give it to her. I'm hoping she doesn't have any idea but I kind of think she does. We sold her other wheeler yesterday but she doesn't know that. And Sunday, we get to go meet penguins! Holy excited-ness.

I really have nothing else to say right now. I just wanted to share with you that my child and husband helped out on Sunday without any pushing or prodding. I was excited, okay? I hope you all had an amazing weekend and are a little more alive than I am today (my brain is completely dead).