In case you didn't know...

I love Chas. 

Sometimes it just hits me all at once.

KAPOW! I LOVE CHAS! 

This almost always happens when we're about to fall asleep and when we're waking up in the morning.

Take for example...

♥ When we're all tucked in at night and I tell him it's too hot for the second blanket, he gets out of bed and takes the blanket off. 

Then, five minutes later, when I tell him it's too cold, he gets out of bed and puts the second blanket back on. 

And, just when he's falling asleep, he happily gets out of bed to bring me a drink of water and even does a funny/weird little jig as he serves it to me. 

(And yes, I am five years old.)

♥ He sings me lullabies. Some of his lullabies are pretty silly. I love those Chas Kelly originals.

♥ He willingly goes to Nursery and church all by himself when I wake up Sunday morning feeling sick. 

♥ Come to think of it, I don't think I've ever heard Chas whine or complain about anything. Ever. 

Jeeze louise. 

♥ He sings me lullabies. In the morning, too. 

What can I say? I just can't get enough.

Basically, I just wanted to take a moment to say that being in a wonderfully happy, healthy, and loving marriage is the best dang thing in the universe.
End of story. 

18 month-iversary!

Today we've been married for 18 months. 

In celebration last night, we had probably the best outdoor dining experience of our lives. 

We seriously considered doing it all over again tonight. 

We still hate grocery shopping. 

that's what friends are for

My friend, Holly, recently emailed me this. 

She said that outfit made her think of me. 

Love. 

And the money to buy the outfit? 

That's what the lottery is for. 

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!

Tally Hall

Apparently we go to concerts every day in the summertime.

Last night was Tally Hall in good old Provo, Utah.

Tally Hall is a funny/quirky/obscure band. They all preform in three piece suits and sometimes sing like robots. 

At first I thought I was just being a supportive wife by listening to their music with Chas. But last night, I found myself enthusiastically singing along and was even a little sad during the encore song. 

The suits must have won me over.

Oh yeah.

And this also happened: 

Our defenses are futile against awesomely painted brick walls. 

Cam also can't resist. 

So really, we had little choice in the matter. 

Rock on. 

sips and tidbits

Last night, driving home from buying a printer, we decided to stop by Millie's Burgers and share a chocolate milkshake. 

After a few sips, we then decided that we probably should've just saved the $3.60 and made a better chocolate milkshake at home.

Live and learn. 

And now for the tidbits: 

If you wanna see me trying to know stuff about fashion, I'm guest posting at Write it in Lipstick today. 

And Lisa over at Lisa's Life asked me a while back if she could buy one of my prints to use for her blog's first giveaway.

Did I say yes?? Is there a chance to win a free print??

Click here to find out. 

it's an iPhone life

Last week, we went to two concerts, two nights in a row. 

The Decemberist concert was Thursday night and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir's Pioneer Day celebration concert was Friday.

Yeah. We're pretty extreme. 

Both concerts were great.

Although I will say that the Decemberist show made me realize one, simple truth: 

People are gross. 

This is also something I'm reminded of whenever I go to theme parks...and Walmart. 

But then there was this beautiful view coming out of the conference center Friday evening:

Mmmmm hmmm.
I love me some Salt Lake City temple. 

Know what else I love?

Puppies. 

This one belongs to my parent's next door neighbor. 

His name is Stanley and I love him with all my heart. 

When my mom noticed he was outside, my sisters and I squealed with excitement just like...a couple of girls...wanting to play with a puppy. (Nailed it.)

At the time, I may or may not have been holding human baby Banks and said something along the lines of, "Here! Take him!" to his mom before rushing outside.

Side note: Why is it that puppy's eyes almost always look insane in pictures? 

Remember how I thrifted that shirt and belt? 

Yeah, me too. 

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Young People Style: look, mom! I thrifted!

Sam: 

blouse: thrifted; belt: thrifted; denim high-waisted skirt: TJ Maxx ($3!); heels: random mall store; locket & bangle: grandma's 

Chas: 

shirt: england; pants: banana republic; tie & shoes; venice, italy; belt: no clue; cufflinks: grandpa's

So what do we think of this new Young People Style layout? 

I promise we didn't purposely do the exact same poses. (Who are we??)

And since we're dorky and doing couple's outfit posts, I thought I might as well add where everything we're wearing is from. Go big or go home, right? 

But hey, if I hadn't taken the time to write it all out, I would never have noticed that we both wore accessories from our grandparents and that apparently Chas had quite the international ensemble today.

So that's pretty fun. 

But the biggest news is that I had a successful thrifting experience! 

Heather took me and Katie to Thrift Town on Saturday and showed us (me) the ropes. 

As I was wondering around aimlessly, I saw this blouse hanging in the front of one of the aisles. I didn't even have to dig. It was just waiting patiently for me. It was meant to be. 

I love this blouse for two reasons: 

1. it reminds me of a vintage gas station attendant. 

2. it reminds me of Ellen. 

And, lastly, can we just get a round of applause for the man who agrees to do these pictures with me?!

I love him. 

how to party on a Friday night

It's kinda a complicated process so I'll break it down into five, slightly more manageable steps for you. 

Step 1: Make sure it's Friday night. 

Step 2: Get in your jammies. 

Step 3: Sit on your bed. (Ideally, bed sheets should be all scrunched towards the bottom/falling off the bed because you haven't actually made the bed in quite some time.) 

Step 4: Play Scrabble. 

Step 5: Take pictures of yourselves playing Scrabble. 

Don't beat yourself up if you don't get the hang of it right away. 

Being as cool as us on a Friday night can be pretty tricky. 

sponsor love + giveaway winner {Linda's Vintage}

Hi, Jess here! I'm the author over at Steve and Jess and the designer at Linda's Vintage! 

In the fall of 2010, I began to dream of opening a boutique that sold vintage-inspired accessories, hats, and hairpieces for the modern woman. I had always been drawn to these styles but had never been able to find realistic pieces that were within the reaches of my pocket book. Taking inspiration from vintage Hollywood actresses like Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly, I began to design my own creations. 

In the summer of 2011, "Linda's Vintage" began to take shape. The online boutique is named after my grandmother, Linda Veater, who has long been an inspiration of elegance and class to me. On it I sell unique vintage-inspired pieces that are designed and hand-crafted by myself. 

If you're looking for a little vintage glamour to add to your wardrobe, Linda's Vintage is the place to look! 

Click here to check out Jess's lovely shop! 

And the winner of the Linda's Vintage giveaway is... 

Congrats, Bree! 

a weekend at the cabin is worth a month in the city

Last weekend we stayed at my family's cabin. 

There are a few things you should keep in mind when visiting the cabin: 

1. Everything should be looked at through, and only through, binoculars. 

2. In order to adhere to rule #1, the binoculars should be with you at all times. 

3. You can try your best at the horseshoe/ski ball game outside but Sam will still win. 

4. Do you still have the binoculars? Good. 

Staying at the cabin is probably the best way to spend the weekend known to mankind. 

do something that scares you

Today was a good day to be a college teacher. 

I lectured on Chapter 8: Managing Emotions. 

We talked about ways to stop ruminating on guilt, worry, and fear. 

We talked about the importance of pushing yourself to step outside your comfort zone so you can grow and progress.

We talked about needing to do things that scare you. 

And then I gave all my students a chance to step outside their comfort zones. 

I had them write down one achievement that changed them dramatically as well as something that they would fix in their life if they had a magic wand. 

We made a big circle of desks.

I explained how public speaking can cause anxiety for a lot people and that talking about yourself, especially your achievements, can feel uncomfortable. 

Depending on how far they wanted to push themselves outside their comfort zone, they could address the class standing in the middle of the circle, standing up at their desk, or remaining seated. That was their choice to make. 

We went around the whole circle of 30 students and everyone, myself included, shared their greatest achievement and what they would change in their life. 

This is always my favorite class of the semester. 

Students really share. Tears are shed. 

It's amazing to get to see a glimpse into who all my students truly are, what they have been through, and triumphed over. By the time the last person has shared, there is a very special feeling in the room. It's a feeling that I'm sure is rarely felt in a college classroom. People feel validated, connected to each other, and inspired. 

Classes like today's class make me want to be a better, stronger person.

I walk away wanting to be more like my students. 

I also walk away in borderline shock that I actually just got paid to have that experience. 

Yup. 

Today was a good day to be a college teacher. 

Simply the Sweet Life

Simply the Sweet Life is an awesome new magazine.

And it's not just because we're on the cover of the summer issue. 

When we were asked to help out with a "lover's picnic" shoot for the mag, we had no idea we'd end up being on the cover. 

I blame Chas' good looks. 

Simply the Sweet Life comes out on Friday online and in print on Tuesday. 

Get excited!

Reason #2844 why I want a little cryings

So I can have a baby shower like this: 

 Ok, let's cut to the chase. 

We played "Pin the Sperm on the Egg" and smelled melted candy bars in diapers. 

Obvi. 

And see that little spermy smack dab in the middle of the egg? 

Yeah. That's mine.

I guess when you've been trying for a little cryings, you get reeeeaally good at that game.

(Cheating also helps.) 

On second thought, maybe I'm not very good at pinning the sperm on the egg. 

Otherwise, I'd be pregnant.

Dang. 

I'm open to your thoughts on ways to cheat in the REAL game of "Pin the Sperm on the Egg." 

P.S.

This last picture is of the infamous Nora. 

You can read more about Nora's undying love for Chas here. 

She cracks us up big time. 

Cracks?...Like an egg?...

...sperm. 

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CHRISTA. JAE

Hey ya'll! My name is Christa, I am 20 & I blog over at Christa.Jae. 

I tend to blog a lot of nonsense. I get my hands dirty in a lot of things at one time. Currently it is photography, graphic design, prints, and painting. I am currently owning my own (kind of) portrait photography business as well as starting a wedding photography with two fabulous women.

blog // twitter // tumblr

MARY PEYTON BUCK ART

I create not due to want but rather out of sheer necessity. A small asylum carved from the chaotic stampede of life, I'm both humbled and blessed through the quiet stillness that surrounds each piece. Through color and texture I hope to convey life's abundant inspirations in an ever evolving world.  

blog // twitter

KATRINA B PHOTOGRAPHY

Well hello, I am Katrina, photographer over at Katrina B Photography. I am a natural light and lifestyle photographer who loves Swedish fish, my morning coffee, and the warm weather. I love taking pictures and making things look pretty. I am married to an Anthropologist and am the momma to an adorable black puppy. My husband and I just moved back to my home state of Utah and we could not be more thrilled. I can't wait to meet you and be your photographer! 

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 CAMERAS & CUPCAKES

I've been keeping a blog for about two years now and enjoy design blogs as well. I've been designing blogs for about a year and a half. I love all things vintage, photography, yummy, nerdy, sweet, and grey & yellow. My favorite holiday is Christmas and I love the color, teal. You can read about my crazy adventures and few other things over on Cameras & Cupcakes where I blog almost daily. 

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it's an iPhone life + giveaway winner!

Sometimes iPhone gets jealous of all this Cam talk. 

But don't worry, dear iPhone, you'll always have a place on this blog...and in our hearts. 

First and foremost, this happened last week: 

We were at my parent's house when little sister, Lizzie, walked into the room.

We all looked at Chas. 

Then at Lizzie. 

Then back at Chas. 

They'll tell you it was a total coincidence. 

Don't believe them. 

Next is this pup. 

Archie hates when we dress him up. 

I call this look "depressed hipster at the coffee shop." 

Then there was that time in Nursery last Sunday. 

I'm trying to wipe the eyes of one crying girl while simultaneously reading a story to another little guy. 

A father of a child (who isn't even called to serve in Nursery) is in another corner trying to wrangle three other kids and distract them from the boy across the room screaming for his mom. (When one cries, they all start crying.) 

In the midst of all this chaos, I look for Chas. 

He's sitting happily on the floor, by himself, building this: 

...and taking pictures of it. 

Good thing I love him. 

And last, but not least, we have the sweetest face in the universe.

Baby Banks, circa 3 days old. 

I'm his favorite aunt. 

And the winner of the custom blog header giveaway is...

Samantha!

Oh hey. Cool name.