SO MUCH TO LOVE

If you love organic skincare you'll love Pangea. I'm completely smitten. Their story. The sustainable packaging. The organic scents. It's beautiful in the simplest ways. And the best part of it all; it's great for your skin. I hear things like, "your skin glows", and "are you 15"? No, not that last one. I'm just kidding. But it is good and the smell will make you want to escape to Pangea land everyday, all day.
Don't forget to plant the box once you make your purchase. It promises to sprout herbs in due time. Brilliant.

ESCAPE FROM LIFE IN THE GARDEN

Tonight I'm particularly stressed about everything at work. A lot to do; some a little out of my comfort zone. When I got home I decided to relax by nurturing my newly planted tomatoes, peppers, squash and herbs with a healthy dose of Miracle-Gro. While I was out enjoying the evening winding down, I took a few photos of how everything is blooming.

1. I'm jealous of how long and lean my shadow is
2. Herbs
3. Peppers in a row
4. Hallowed jalepeno
5. Me in the backyard with our garden and the hella big air conditioner
6. Geraniums and my feet

LOSS OF ZEST; TAKING TIME OUT

I've been a negligent blogger AND I've been so busy at work that I've got no time to generate interesting blogging ideas. Unless you just want to hear me go on and on about how busy I am at work. So, I'm gonna take a few days off {a few more than I've already had}. I'll be back. Hopefully fresh. Hopefully interesting.

MOST INFLUENTIAL BLOG

I'd like to identify a few of the most influential blogs out there. I'm not looking for most popular or most read, I'm looking for most influential. Blogs that would pique your interest in something just by a mention. Blogs that seem to always know of the latest, greatest, and coolest thing. Name up to five that impact you {just leave a comment}.

EVERYONE NEEDS ACTING LESSONS

I cannot think of a single profession, including parenthood, where acting would not make things hella better. I heard this book discussed {where else, Diane Rehm} and added it to my must-reads. Nate and I also decided that if we had a few free afternoons each week we'd sign up for community acting classes. "Stella!"

I'D LIKE TO THANK THE ACADEMY

One of the products at my company may be receiving an innovation award today. If it does win, which I hope it does, I'll be accepting the award and delivering a little 60 second speech. Two things have ever stuck out in my head when women have taken the stage.
1. Diane Rehm walking on stage at Kingsbury Hall, both arms in the air, waiving like the president of the United States. It was so charming I swore it was the way I'd enter rooms and stages from that time forward.
2. Sally Fields delivering the ever-popular and delightfully authentic "You like me, you really, really like me." speech back in 1985 after winning an Oscar for Places in the Heart.

Since neither of these options seems appropriate for the technology crowd, I'll be whipping up something a little less enthusiastic and celebratory. I'm sure I'll just accept it with honor on behalf of... But I'll be thinking in my head, "you like me".

Update: we didn't win first prize so I didn't have to give a speech...but if I had, it might have changed the war, ended world hunger, and landed me a role in the next blockbuster staring Brad Pitt {which I would have turned down because of my loyalty to Jen}.

SUNBURN + BLISTERS + SORE BACK = PLANTER BOXES

Nate and I got up on Saturday reluctant to begin the day. The neighborhood had a bigger-than-life yard sale and we felt obligated to wander aimlessly through our basement and find things to sell at a bargain. After a few hours in the sun we made $15 and decided to start in on the yard work. Cut the grass, water and nourish flowers, weed. Then the real fun began.
We stopped at Lowes {fare better than Home Depot} and picked up some 8'x11" redwood planks to build two planter boxes for the North side yard. We hammered and shoveled but ended up with these beautiful planting boxes, getting sunburns and blisters in this process. With no time to whimper we quickly cleaned up and headed to our friends wedding. Sitting in the sun in our wedding-best, with our cool Maui Jim sunglasses; we looked pretty freakin' cool.

BUENAS DIAS HEADBOARD

Wisteria has these glorious headboards. I love the carousel featured in the Buenas Dias one. Completely whimsical. Wouldn't these be perfect for the twin girls {Clementine and Poppy} Nate and I will eventually have?

MOTHER NATURE HAS MADE A DEAL WITH THE DEVIL

I've made note of the wind before. It's not unusual to have wind at Daybreak; kinda goes with the territory. It's like the smell of the ocean in Seaside; you just expect and accept it - on some level you even grow to love it. But tonight, something far worse than I've previously witnessed blew into town.
Proof Point #1: Nate and I drove to Quiznos for a classic Italian {don't worry Digger, we split it}. As we were driving home, we penetrated what appeared to be the eye of a tornado. Dark swirling dust and wind enveloped us and the visibility was negative numbers. Scary but enchanting as we both laughed out loud.
Proof Point #2: I had an afro by the time I got in the car. I spend hours in the bathroom trying to produce fake volume in my hair so the fact that 7 seconds produced mass, otherwise impossible to achieve, says something about the wind.
Proof Point #3: I swear I can feel a draft "coming from inside the house!!"
Proof Point #4: We saw a tumbleweed roll across the street which is not uncommon for Utah. But what is uncommon is a tumbleweed measuring approximately six feet high. This thing was behemoth.
Proof Point #5: My face is dusty.

SUMMER COMMITTMENT

Nate and I have recommitted to more decorating this summer. Since our economic stimulus check totaled $75, we will depend on the cash earned by the sweat of our brows to add fabulous details to our home. Nate's office is up for some love. We like these rugs from Anthropologie.

SURVEY RESULTS

I did a quick marketing survey to see how most of you would like to learn about a new product. As it turns out, the two most popular vehicles were {big surprise}, blogs and word-of-mouth. Three equally unpopular ways of being informed...online ads, email, and infomercials.
Thank you to everyone who participated.

CEDAR PLANK SALMON

While I was listening to the dessert menu at the restaurant at Hotel Monaco I got to thinking. What would happen if words could affect us. I mean, really, really affect us. I guess they do already. If someone says I look pretty I stand a little taller and I definitely smile wider. If a boss tells me my ideas are stupid, I hate him. If someone mentions how brilliant and smokin' hot my husband is, I regard them as wise and noble {and I pay someone to keep an eye on them}.
But what if there was such a thing as a fattening word? As the waitress was saying things like creme broule and watermelon sorbet I was really grateful that hearing those words didn't pack on extra pounds like putting them in my mouth would. I was also glad I had ordered the cedar plank salmon for dinner because that just sounds completely smart, delicious, beautiful and healthy.

WRITERS MAKE ME WANT TO WRITE

Saturday I dined in SLC with Shannon Hale {some of you know her as my bff authorly friend who I've known for the last 10+ years} and her authorly friend Stephenie Meyers {aka the woman who took vampire love triangles by storm with the likes of Twilight}.
If it seems like I'm name dropping, I am; I'm not above it. But sitting at the table in the restaurant, in the presence of these women with talent and determination and brilliance, has really begged me to take a step back and reassess what happened to my own writing plans. Oh wait, I think I see them. Buried underneath all the other expectations I've put on myself. Does someone have a shovel?

BENEFIT DINNER DRESS

On May 27 I'll be flying to NYC for a benefit dinner. On the to-do list: get plenty of sleep and buy a pretty dress. Love these. Anthro. Of course.

TINA FUNNY

My pretend BFFs. Sometimes I'm sure that if certain famous, successful people met me we would become best friends. These women include {but are not limited to} Drew Barrymore. Tina Fey. Mary Tyler Moore. Carol Burnett. Sarah Jessica Parker.
This video clip from SNL made me giggle. If anyone has ever taken Seasonale, you'll find yourself laughing 50% because it's funny and 50% because it will scare the crap out of you. And you're one of those people who laugh when they're scared.

FOUR LITTLE WORDS

Wilco. Red Butte Gardens.

DEAR MARTHA,

After reading this month's "From My Home To Yours" section of Martha Stewart Living, I'm convinced I'd like to be a weekend guest at one of Martha's spectacular homes. Consider this; she greats each guest with a welcome letter. You find your room {each is numbered and assigned specifically to meet the needs of the individual guest} stocked with stationary, postcards, stamps and travel books about the area. She plans early morning dog walks, vigorous hikes or horseback riding and then everyone eats a hearty breakfast together around the big table. Oh, and each night she runs through the next morning's activities; timing of breakfast, boat departures and general scheduling.
On the flip side, if you stay at my house, I have yogurt in the fridge and it's a strict "help yourself" policy for breakfast. We stay up late playing guitar hero and you're lucky to have a clean towel without asking. Sometimes, in quiet moments, I really resent Martha's perfect world of lies.

A LITTLE SURVEY

Quizzes by Quibblo.com

MIRACLE-GRO IS LIKE THERAPY

I planted a lot of flowers in my flowerbeds last year. I picked things that were natural to our Utah environment; nothing that required a lot of water or sun protection. This spring I added more and things are looking robust, colorful and natural.
But there is something in me that feels personally responsible for the plants I buy and sink into the soil and call "mine". Like they are dependent children and have feelings and rights. Because of this responsibility, I make sure to nurture them; I give all my flowers and bushes a nice blend of fresh water and Miracle-Gro three times a week. I'm so aware of them now I can actually tell which ones have grown and which ones have had a bad few days.
After fighting through two traffic accidents on the freeway and spending way too much time idling in the fast lane, I grabbed my watering can and my super size all-purpose Miracle-Gro and headed out for some flora therapy. All it took was a few seconds of watering the lilac trees, smelling the fragrance of those pretty purple flowers, and I was completely relaxed. All better.

ANNOYING PARENTS; BEAUTIFUL BABY

I don't know if two people could irritate me more than Brangelina. But look at the offspring they create.

BEAUTIFUL ISN'T ALWAYS SHINY

Method {people against dirty} is a great company. Fabulous ethics and innovation. Their packaging used to be big "Costco"-esque clam shells that wreaked of global warming. But now, they use a material that is 50% bamboo and 50% recycled paper. Take the Omop, for instance. Once you remove it from the soft, velvety brown packaging, you can toss everything in your recycle bin OR your compost pile. Your pick. This packaging has even won awards.
Check out the "green book" from Method; teaching you how to detox your home.

OH THE MISERY

Kathy Bates is the PERFECT scary woman in Misery. I happened onto the movie tonight and it sends me into a panic. I even know what happens and my heart is racing.

"You better start showing me a little more respect - Mister Man!!"


















Stephen King ruffles all my feathers.

PACK IT ALL IN ONE BAG

I'm going to be taking a few trips in the next month. NYC, Arkansas {yay!}, and China. When I heard this segment on npr I decided I should give this new way of packing a try. I mean, nearly every trip I take I only use 35% of what I pack. I'll document how the "bundle wrapping" goes and let you know whether or not I really can fit everything in one bag.

PRAY FOR CLIFFORD

Cliff and Jenna are about the nicest couple you will ever meet. They are incredibly friendly and kind and really make you feel good when you're around them. Last week Cliff was injured at work; the injury was quite serious. Include them in your prayers.
Jenna, Nate and I are thinking about you and Cliff. We love you.

WORKIN' FOR THE WEEKEND

I'm dedicating this little gem {by Loverboy} to Digger, Nacho, Nana and Hammer. May this song play over and over in your heads for the rest of the day. Hope you can go blow off some steam at the Jazz game.

GREAT FITTING JEANS

I had a "jean hay day" a few years ago. I was thinner which is always the perfect excuse to buy new jeans. My friend had an inside scoop on jean parties touring the area; designer jeans at an amazing discount. Needless to say I have stacks of jeans in a size I will be lucky to wear again in my lifetime.

While I'm waiting for the jean fairy to come and grace me with a smaller butt and longer, thinner legs, I really like the fit of these jeans at Gap. I have a pair of each on hold that I plan to pick up tomorrow after work. Oh, and I'm getting a size that fits me now; I'm so tired of staring at jeans that no longer fit. It's bad karma.

left: welt pocket curvy
right: patch pocket trouser

NEED NEW HAIR

I've got an appointment with Destiny {my brilliant stylist} and I need a new look. Preferably NOT anything like Jada's new style. Any suggestions?
















UPDATE: My friend Wilson suggested this look. I likey!

I'M BASIL

You Are Basil

You are quite popular and loved by post people. You have a mild temperament, but your style is definitely distinctive. You are sweet, attractive, and you often smell good.

What Spice Are You?

DEAR HEIDI MERRICK

After we meet and decide to be best friends, would you give me this dress for my birthday? If you do I'll say something really coy like, "oh, Heid {that's what I call you}, I cannot believe you did this. You are the most thoughtful friend."
Love always,
Tonia

LOVE THIS LIGHTING

I spotted this rise and fall light in the May issue of Domino magazine and now I must have two for the kitchen. Get it here and here.