[15/52]

Snapshots from this week: 
1 // Picnicing at Cochiti Lake.
2 // Desert storms.
3 // Our view from the top of the world.



Favorite posts this week:
Easy Springtime Crockpot Minestrone - How Sweet It Is
Trail Mix Peanut Butter Cookies - Averie Cooks
a dress that makes me want to dance - Deer Circus
HAWMC Day 7: Sensationalize! - Franny Cakes
bird - The Wilder Coast



This week I'm...


Suffering from the worst  hay fever I can ever reminder having! I've become to joke that there is a direct relationship between how much I love New Mexico and how terrible my allergies are here.

Editing a lot of photos! We spent our only mutual day off this week hiking the Kasha-Kewute Tent Rocks today and that has only added to my stack. I still have to share our day trip to Taos and the Rio Grande Gorge with you, hopefully this week!

Finally starting at my home hospital for work, in Santa Fe! While I'm not looking forward to the drive, or being the new person for the third week in a row, I'm glad to be settling into one permanent place.

Taking care of the last of our moving "to-dos". Getting my drivers license, registering my car, switching insurance companies, and all of the other little tasks that come with a big move!

Looking forward to registering for my first semester of MBA classes!

[13/52]

Snapshots from this week:
1 // I conquered my fear of heights to walk across the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, number four on my New Mexico bucket list.
2 // Coffee & chai from World Cup Taos; it's strange to finally visit places I've heard about for two years.
3 // Indian taco from Michael's Kitchen. I will never tire of Mexican food.
4 // Afternoon drinks at Evangelo's in Santa Fe. I couldn't help but laugh at this sign.


Favorite posts this week: 
Staying Motivated to Blog - Delightfully Tacky
My Girl - Kelli Murray
Where the Wild Things Go - Valentina Duracinsky
puppies on film - Deer Circus
Bloggers You Don’t Want to Be, Part 1 - Katelyn Brooke



This week I'm...

Planning my blogging calendar for the month of April! Right now, I am planning to start two new features. One will highlight books that I have read and my opinion of them. The second will be a series of posts on gluten free eating - not only recipes but lifestyle and shopping tips, explanations and features on my favorite products. Are there any topics you would like to see covered in April? More photos? More recipes? Leave a comment and let me know!

Catching up on photo editing and disk making. Can you believe I just now put these photos from September onto a disk for Steph? Worst. Friend. Ever.

Looking for the perfect maxi skirt. Long. Black. Cotton? Jersey? Help a girl out.

Nervous about starting a new job this week! On Friday I accepted a position with a Santa Fe animal hospital. As you know, that is completely out of my scope of knowledge. I've spent the weekend learning medical terminology and emergency call procedures.

Loving New Mexico! Really. I didn't think I could love a place so quickly but I now understood why everyone kept saying "welcome home". I can't wait to share our new little house and home with you, I think you're going to love it. Check back later this week for photos of yesterday's trip to Taos!

[12/52]

Snapshots from this week:
1 // My boys.
2 // First meal in New Mexico: shrimp tacos!
3 // Buddy loved the car ride.
4 // Our home. I can't wait to share more. I'm in love, people.
5 // Lots of hot air balloons above Rio Rancho this morning.


Favorite posts this week:
A Review of A Few Blog Readers - Moorea Seal
Just a little reminder that you can follow Live Beautifully on Bloglovin'. 
Let It Be The Weekend - Joy the Baker
Peanut Butter Pretzel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites. - How Sweet It Is
springtime detox bath - Katie's Pencil Box
Painted Jewelry Branch - Kelli Trontel



This week I'm... 

Sitting at Starbucks to bring you this post! We aren't having internet installed until Tuesday but I didn't want to miss a week in this little series. After all, it's bad enough that I missed the very first week of the year.

Interviewing for four different jobs at four very different companies. Wish me luck?

Eating lots of guacamole and green chile, on everything. Mexican food is a long standing favorite for me and nothing thrills me more than seeing a big glob of guacamole piled on top of my breakfast, tacos, or burger. Yum.

Unpacking! I suppose that should be enough said about that. We've managed to unpack and organize the whole house aside from one room. Our new house is lacking in the shelf department so unfortunately, that room is piled full of books, office supplies, and everything else you can imagine.

Looking forward to seeing Santa Fe! It's funny to be in New Mexico, not only "being in" but "living in", after two years of listening to Trevor talk about nowhere but. At this point, we've only seen the Northwestern corner of the state and our little city of Rio Rancho but I can hardly wait to visit Albuquerque and Santa Fe tomorrow.

[11/52]

Snapshots from this week: 
1 // Late night baking, a great way to clear out our pantry before the big move.
2 // Someone misses his dad.
3 // Our friend Pat insisted on texting Trevor a photo of my Saint Patricks Day wears.
4 // Thai Chicken Curry for many dinners this week, yum.

I've been just awful on instagram lately, I'm hoping that a change of scenery will change that.


Favorite posts this week: 
Elements of My Workspace - Moorea Seal
My New Living Room - designlovefest
Can I just say that this would be my dream home? So bright and colorful, love it.
J'adore Paris - Jazzpad
What I wouldn't do to live a hop skip and jump from Paris.
The Top 10 Books on my Spring TBR List - Semi-Charmed Kind of Life
moving pavement - Pastor's Girl's Ponderings


This week I'm... 

Anxiously waiting for Trevor to come home! He has been away for eleven days and while he got much accomplished - including signing the lease on our new home - we have missed him. His flight comes in late tomorrow night and I'm not sure who is more excited, me or Buddy.

Exhausted from packing. Being sick took away a whole weekend of packing and that meant this weekend was filled to the brim with boxes. At this point, only a box or two of kitchen gadgets remain to be packed.

Confused by all the anger and fear over Google Friend Connect disappearing. While a final date of July has been officially announced, Google had announced its intentions months ago. I use GFC for the sake of giveaways and having a backup of my blog feed but I have always found Bloglovin' much easier to use, especially since I read most of my blogs via iPhone.

Excited about winning this giveaway over on Moorea Seal. I can't wait to tell you more about the jewelry maker, Megan, and her shop, New Eve Jewelry.

Loving this fun little "Four Things" mini-series. I have quite a few more posts to share with you over the next week or so. What do you think so far?

[10/52]

Snapshots from this week: 
1 // Taco Time, my favorite. 
2 // A new camera bag from my sweet friend Amanda. 
3 // Really fell in love with my Kindle this weekend. Read two novels and both had Harrisburg, PA in them, a funny coincidence.


Favorite posts this week: 
Homemade Dryer Sheets // Clean Living - Sincerely Kinsey
on why i'm not confirming you as a friend on facebook - Oh, Sweet Joy!
At Work with Enjoy Cupcakes - A Beautiful Mess
A do it yourself office, for Better Home and Gardens - The Paper Mama 
I really wish that New Mexico had an Ikea! Anyone have any DIY desk ideas?
Growth Through Change - Julie Ann Art


This week I'm... 

Sick with some nasty bug! It started with a swollen throat and a stomach ache, a crying plea for orange juice on Friday and today, I have every flu symptom possible. With Trevor 17 hours away, and my boss on vacation, you could say that I have great timing. 

Thankful for a fun and productive weekend with friends, despite the flu! Yesterday was a Saint Patricks Race in town and I  got to cheer on Michelle as she trains for a half-marathon. I'll be sure to post the pictures soon.

Missing my better half who left on Friday for New Mexico. I'm lucky to have a guy sweet enough to drive across the country, in a blizzard, to look at houses but that doesn't mean we miss him any less. Just ask Buddy. 

Working on packing, packing and more packing! It's definitely different to pack without the help of lifelong girlfriends and family, and with this flu, I haven't exactly started yet.

Looking for some affordable or free Kindle books for our long drive - do you have any suggestions?

[9/52]

Snapshots from this week: 
1 // We traded our cinnamon rolls for an italian style, gluten free quiche this week. 
2 // Mid-week morning snuggles with Buddy. 
3 // The packing has begun. Our favorite place to find boxes is the liquor store. Small, sturdy, and colorful.


Favorite posts this week: 
Benefit Cosmetics / Dream Jobs 01  - Designlovefest
Honesty and Openness in an Online World - Delightfully Tacky
we all have one love story - The Wilder Coast
greenhouse heart - Katie's Pencil Box
I've been itching to go plant shopping but that seems best suited for after our move.
February Favorites: Beauty. - How Sweet It Is
Yes, a beauty post from a food blog. I hate trying to find new, good products! I also realized that I linked to her January favorites post a few weeks ago, too. Oops! 


This week I'm... 

Anticipating our big move! It's hard to believe that packing has begun and that in less than three weeks, we will be headed to a new home and a new life in New Mexico. I can hardly wait, as evidenced by the large pile of boxes already packed and stacked in our entryway.

Thankful for help from friends! We seem to have found the perfect little home, tucked in the town of Madrid. This week, Trevor's friends will be looking at it for us. Keep your fingers crossed that its as cute & charming in person as it appears because I'm awfully smitten with it already.

Listening to this song. Today at the gym, the original version by T.I. came on the radio and Trevor exclaimed, "an oldie but a goodie." Personally, I like the Anya Marina version better - though I can't say the same for Trevor. 

Excited that I not only made a quiche this morning but that it turned out perfectly. This was my first time making a gluten free pie crust and while I knew it would be edible, I didn't expect much. Somehow I managed the perfect balance of butter and oat flour, though. Recipe coming soon! 

Daydreaming about decorating a new space! As much as I love Trevor's flannel dog sheets, I'm craving some new, bright, colorful bedding. We've been playfully arguing over decor choices - it's become a bit of a game to choose things I hate and ask Trevor's opinion because he always loves them. I joke that we'll one day live in separate houses so we can each decorate our own. 

Can you tell that I have moving on my mind....?

[8/52]

Snapshots from this week: 
1 // Roasted rainbow carrots & yukon gold potatoes from our co-op this week. 
2 // Buddy has developed this new habit of sitting on us as soon as we sit on the couch. The only weirder thing? Trevor's mustache.
3 // Our Friday night treat: BLT sandwiches with avocado. 
4 // A favorite sentimental spot in our house, the fridge view I have while chopping veggies. 


Favorite posts this week: 
The Dreamers | short story #2  - Pastor's Girl's Ponderings
Distressed & Studded High Waisted Shorts DIY - Blythe Ponytail Paraders
The Malaga Cove, the Old Fashioned, the very low-key weekend - Excelsior Lady
Broiled Salmon and Roasted Garlic Cream Noodles with Crispy Cauliflower + Toasted Pine Nuts. - How Sweet It Is
Oh What A Place - Girl with a Movie Camera


This week I'm... 

Looking for a great new book to read. I never finished Eight Girls Taking Pictures since it really boiled down to a story of promiscuity rather than photography. The next book that I had checked out from the library turned out too frightening for me. Suggestions? 

Cooking a whole list of things! So far today, I've baked more cinnamon rolls (are you surprised?), roasted carrots and potatoes, baked a pork tenderloin, made a citrus vinaigrette (you'll see that recipe tomorrow) and made dinner, too. 

Waiting for Spring! I can't wait to plant a new herb garden. This week, Walmart stocked its shelves with succulents, mini cacti, and fresh herbs ready to be planted. 

Thankful for two Skype calls with my favorite ladies this week. 

Watching Magnum P.I. - I'm not sure why I have such a fascination with 1980's television shows but it's definitely a problem. Maybe it's just that Magnum's mustache and goofy jeans remind me of my dad?

[7/52]

Snapshots from this week: 
1 // Representing THON all the way in Southwestern Montana. 
2 // For Valentine's Day, I made Trevor homemade gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free General Tso's - I also made lots of dishes.
3 // Trevor leaves early each day, before I wake up - sometimes though, I wake up to little love notes on our fridge.
4 // An authentic Philly cheesesteak for Valentine's Day in Missoula.
5 // All three of my loves. 


Favorite posts this week: 
10 Real Talk Blog Tips  - Joy the Baker
Time. - Sincerely, Kinsey
Dear Little Moorea - Maiedae
Nesting: Ladder Display Makeover - A Beautiful Mess
Master of None - Delightfully Tacky


This week I'm... 

Eating another batch of gluten-free vegan cinnamon rolls. Sunday cinnamon rolls seem to be a new weekly tradition in our house. If you haven't made them yet, you should - they're sure to be a favorite in your house, too. 

Looking forward to an extra day off this weekend. I still haven't finished my novel from last week and I'm looking forward to having the time to wrap it up. 

Counting down for the THON total reveal in just about an hour - It's amazing to think that college students can come together to raise millions of dollars each year, don't you think? [note: this year THON raised a record $12,374,034.46 this year!] 

Feeling thankful for the great people THON brought into my life. This weekend, several of my friends stood for forty-six hours straight to raise money for pediatric cancer. At the same time, Maddie (our THON child) celebrated five years cancer free; Kasey attended THON after being taken off of her last medications. I've spent the weekend watching all of my favorite kids perform on stage, looking through old THON photos, and missing Penn State.

Dreaming of graduate school! All the stress of the last few weeks has been replaced with excitement and planning. Though no definite decision has been made, I'm looking forward to being involved with student organizations again. This week, I was accepted into the University of Montana and even received my diploma in the mail! 

[6/52]

Snapshots from this week: 
1 // Started a new book this week. Am I the only one who still uses the public library? 
2 // My prescription glasses finally came in at the eye doctor. I love being able to see, not sure that I love these frames.
3 // I spent yesterday writing my best friend forty-six cards. Check back Tuesday if you want to know why.
4 // Failed attempt at vegan, gluten-free doughnuts for Valentine's Day. 


Favorite posts this week: 
This Here, Now. (35 Things I Love)  - Dig This Chick
It's Cold! - Joy the Baker
Feeling Grey - Delightfully Tacky
Antique Store Musings - Dotti Dee
Quiet Mornings - Sincerely, Kinsey


This week I'm... 

Reading Eight Women Taking Pictures. While I'm not far into the book, I'm already in love. I was also thrilled to learn this week that Amazon Prime allows me to borrow books for free for my kindle. That 21 novel goal is looking easier and easier. 

Looking forward to Valentine's Day with Trevor. Did you ever think you'd hear me say that? It's just that 1. His card is hilarious 2. His gift is awesome.and 3. We're going out for authentic Philly cheesesteaks. 

Watching Clint Eastwood (my favorite!) escape from Alcatraz in the film by the same name. Trevor moved our Apple TV to the living room and that has meant a lazy Sunday, first snuggled in bed with Saturday Night Live, now snuggled on the couch by the fire.

Finishing some blog design work for my friend Sarie's new blog, #PinnersProblems. Not only is it a great way to find the good and not so good pins to try but this girl is funny. 

Missing my baby brother. This week, I put together a little package for him with a funky winter hat, a robot Valentine's Day card and chocolate covered peanuts labeled as "Montana Moose Poop." When you're a nearly eight-year old boy, these things are apparently funny. 

[5/52]

Snapshots from this week: 
1 // Convenient care since I can't seem to plan a trip to Arizona without ended up with an infection. 
2 // Someone knew that I was leaving for the weekend and he wasn't happy about it.
3 // Slightly ironic reading material for the flight to Arizona. 
4 // Travel necessities. 


Favorite posts this week: 
Make a Wall of Paper Hearts  - How About Orange
January Favorites: Beauty - How Sweet It Is
Live an Inspired Life - A Beautiful Mess
Illustration Gallery - Favor the Brave
Brielle's Sweet 16th Birthday - Jamie Delaine Photography


This week I'm... 

Loving that I came home to a completely rearranged house! Maybe Trevor read my "21 before 22" list while I was gone? Either way, it certainly is already cozier in our little home. 

Anxiously awaiting the rest of my graduate school admissions decisions. As of today, I have been officially accepted to Northern Arizona University, Utah State University, The University of Delaware and the University of New Mexico. While I'm thrilled to have so many options, how is a girl to choose?  

Getting ready for my first real week of enjoying being out of school. That being said, my morning have already been filled in with web design meetings, a dentist visit and an doctor's appointment. How's that for relaxing? 

Excited about my new blog design being live and all but finished What do you think?! In the next few days, I hope to find a new photo of myself and to write a new "about me" page. As part of my redesign, I am currently accepting sponsors (including free swap spots) and I would love to share your blog or share this February.  

Figuring out how to use a Kindle! I bought my mom one for Mother's Day last year and have been playing with the idea of buying one for myself ever since. Since my Aunt Sarah got a new Kindle Fire, I left Arizona with her original. I have a feeling this could really help on my goal of reading 21 novels before September. Any suggestions? 

[4/52]

Snapshots from this week: 
1// Saturday morning sunshine in our kitchen. 
2// The weather has been crazier than ever - sunshine, wind, rain and snow, all in one day. 
3// This was our first week participating in Bountiful Baskets - we got all of this produce & 5lbs of potatoes for $15! 
4// While I missing being close to Target, I scored this brand new Target cardigan at Goodwill a few weeks ago. Love it.
5 // The makings of beef stew. 


Favorite posts this week: 
Living Well: Strength - Maeidae
Discovering Fur - Bureaucrachic
A fellow Montana blogger! I also loved her view on vintage fur.. and well, the whole outfit.
He Likes It - Kelli Trontel
Also from Montana, Kelli is a photographer in Whitefish and while I'm not all about baby posts.. those faces! I die! 
Our (Completely Unofficial) Macklemore Thrift Challenge - Young House Love
Trevor and I not only love this song, we also love the thrift store. We may have to play along.
Lipstick Guide - Cupcakes and CashmereOkay, I love lipstick. I don't wear it often because I can't find the right shade but I'm excited to try that coral. 


This week I'm... 

Celebrating that I've finally finished my undergraduate degree. Really people. I mean, if it have to be completely honest with you, I still have to take one last final this evening but then, it's six months without school work! 

Anticipating my prescription glasses arriving this week. While I'm still not over the idea of having to wear glasses every day, I can't wait to be done with blurry text and migraines. Plus, I actually like my frames and I'm excited to wear them. 

Getting ready for my trip to Arizona! That has meant cleaning the house, doing laundry, and making Trevor beef stew and peanut butter cookies. The last two because well, I know I'm going to miss him and I won't feel so bad if I at least leave him with cookies... right? 

Throwing clothes everywhere in an effort to pack. It's never been my favorite thing to do but this time, I'm trying to fit four days worth of necessities into a backpack. While Allegiant offers the best fares to and from Phoenix, those fares don't include a carry-on. Any tips?

Thankful for all of Trevor's help this weekend, and all the time, really. Between the whole finishing college and getting ready for Arizona thing, I've been busy and worse yet, I've been sick. So instead of waking me up early today, Trevor let me sleep in and cleaned the kitchen and bathroom. (And, this was before I even baked him cookies, people!) 


I'm also working on some changes to the blog and its design this week! Please don't mind if things are a little off over the next week days - including that off center header, oops. As you may have noticed, there is now room on the right to feature your blog or shop. If you'd like to swap ads, that will be an option in just a few days. Is there anything else you'd like to see here? Any questions you'd like me to answer? I'd love to include it in my redesign or answer your question on my "about me" page. xo. 

[3/52]

Snapshots from this week: 
1// I'm a lucky girl. They're awfully handsome, aren't they?
2// While it may be cold outside, the sunrises and sunsets have more than made up for it lately.
3// Early Saturday morning I decided to make another batch of vegan, gluten-free cinnamon rolls. Look for the recipe this week!
4// Spent a long day in Butte this week working on a few marketing projects. Confession: I can't keep a clean desk.

Favorite posts this week: 
Photography Q&A // We've Got Answers - Sincerely, Kinsey
I couldn't believe when I read that Kinsey is only 21. How's that for inspiration? 
My 26 Before 27 List - Delightfully Tacky
I've been working on a list like this since my birthday. Perhaps it will find its way here soon?
DIY // Chalkboard anything to-do list. - Sugar & Cloth
I'm a sucker for lists, anything chalkboard, and that color of blue.
Pizza Bites - GF Finger Food! - Gluten Free on a Shoestring
I was recently reminded of pizza bagels and pizza rolls. While those are off the list, this dough looks fabulous! 
Winter Round Up - Bleubird Vintage
Living in Montana has taught me a lot about the winter necessities: a hat, gloves, and medicated Chapstick. 

This week I'm... 

Eating lots of vegan treats. As I've mentioned before, Trevor isn't eating milk or eggs and it's been a fun challenge. This weekend I've made the cinnamon rolls you saw above, a triple bean chili and a batch of rice krispy treats. There seems to be a direct relationship between the amount of homework I'm supposed to be doing and the amount of cooking and baking I do.

Watching Magnum P.I. with Trevor. Last night we finished watching the entire Twin Peaks series on Netflix. While I couldn't believe the ending, my love for Agent Cooper remains.

Complaining about my poor achy eyes! I've never seemed to have trouble with my eyes but between the hours of homework and spending my work day on a computer, I can hardly stand to keep them open.

Looking forward to my trip to Arizona. While I'm not leaving for nearly two weeks, I can hardly wait! Truth be told, three days without Trevor is three too many (I know, I'm a real sap) but this girl is anxious for warmer weather, Gelato and a baby cousin to squeeze.

Procrastinating on doing the rest of my school work. These two winter classes seem to have gotten the best of me but by this next weekend, I will be completely finished with my undergraduate degree. Cue the collective sigh of relief.

[2/52]

One of my goals for 2013 was to write a weekly wrap-up post every Sunday. Unfortunately, the year began with a bit of a rocky start and so I'm just getting started on my list of resolutions. That being said, the idea is that at the end of the year, we'll be able to look back together at 52 posts - one for each week - featuring a wrap of of the week that passed and an idea of the week to come. I was inspired by the Sunday posts over on Maiedae and the "Currently" posts which are featured on Sam's blog, Samantha J. Bird. I haven't quite decided on a format so this may evolve as time goes by - any suggestions?

Snapshots from this week:
1// Winter Storm Gandolf brought us nearly six inches of snow this week.
2// With Trevor up for work at 4:30, Buddy has developed a new habit of crawling in bed with me.
3// Trevor needed an oil change and I couldn't resist that license plate wall or that perfect sunlight.
4// The last of my graduate school application materials went into the mail this week. Fingers crossed!
5// Our town looks even cozier when it is covered in a blanket of fresh snow.

Favorite posts this week:
This City - Pastors Girls Ponderings
A Peek Into Our New Home - Delightfully Tacky
Knitting for Mercy - Jamie Delaine Photography
1/12/13 - Dotti Dee
Saturday Adventures - One Fine Pine

This week I'm... 
Missing our funny little boy (and all of the trouble he caused). We're slowly adjusting to the quiet, calmer pace that we've been dealt. Every night I dream of our little Scrap and every morning I wake up still missing our little up.

Dreading going to the dentist tomorrow. While I know that clean teeth are important, that knowledge isn't enough to make the dentist even tolerable, let alone enjoyable.

Looking forward to receiving more admissions decisions from my school applications. As you probably know, I was accepted to the University of Northern Arizona with an out-of-state-tuition waiver, and last week I got my acceptance letter for Utah State. So, so far so good!

Working on my last two undergraduate classes - business in film and strategic management. In less than two weeks I will be finished for good and I couldn't be more excited about it! I'm also working on editing photos of 2012 for a printed album (another goal for this year) and organizing a few new series on the blog.

Shopping for a new pair of leggings. I'm picky, people. And Montana? Well, there is a serious lack of shopping opportunities where we live. If you have any suggestions for affordable, spandex-type, opaque leggings that can be bought online,  help a girl out!