Alice Lane Christmas Social

A few nights ago I was invited to attend a blogger social at Alice Lane. I was flattered to attend this event with so many talented local bloggers, crafters, and photographers.

It was such a lovely night, and I always love an excuse to eat junk, and meet people I otherwise only know through the www. There was a handmade gift exchange, and so much mingling, I could hardly sleep the night. Wired.

Aside from all of the blogger stuff, Alice Lane is the most beautiful shop in Utah Valley.

Id jump at any opportunity to sit in there for hours.

Christmas Tree Hunt

This is a big right of passage we go through each Holiday season. Both Dane and I are Christmas tree-enthusiasts, and without the right tree, the holiday is just not the same. Last Year we hiked the mountains and found the most perfect tree, cut it down, and towed it home. We had never been so happy with our tree of choice! Our goal this year was to find one even better, which was an impossible feat. We picked the coldest and windiest night of the year to tree hunt, so our decision had to be a quick one. Although we found a perfect tree-lot, nothing beats having an entire mountain to choose from. But somehow, in the rush and bitter cold, we found one we loved even more than last year.

Thanksgiving Day Turkey Bowl

Bright and early Thanksgiving morning, Dane and a bunch of our friends played in a Turkey Bowl. Only a few of us wifeys were daring enough to brave the cold. But freezing or not, we had fun eating doughnuts, watching our men get rowdy, and most of all, hanging out on our old high school stomping grounds. Im such a fan of this Timpview place.

Holiday Bijou Market. Provo. Day 2

You all know about my love for Provo. There is just something in the air, and the feeling this entire day was of excitement. We were able to meet so many new people and help so many of you, and others, get started on holiday shopping. The music that was playing added so much hype to the day as well.

(As for all of you who asked about the Bijou Market Holiday Playlist, we've posted it here)

We also held a Salt Lake Market on Saturday. I think the three of us let out a huge sigh of relief that we were finished Bijou-ing for the Thanksgiving and Christmas Holiday. But what a perfect kick off it was! As for now, au revoir Bijou Market, and let the holiday festivities continue!

Holiday Bijou Market. Provo. Day 1

Bijou Market has become a holiday to us. Not one of those relaxing kinds of Holidays. But the kind that has lots of work leading up to it, makes you lose sleep the night before, and then is full of an excitement, all its own. There are traditions and stresses that come, only with this certain holiday. There are friends and family you typically only see on this certain day (including lots of you, thanks for coming!)
Its a wonderful kind of Holiday.

Day 1 was was bustling!

So many shoppers, so many goods to purchase. So.Much.Work.

Like usual, a success.

All three of us, myself, Emily and Rashelle, have our turn being pregnant over Bijou Market.

This time, it was my turn. At 26 weeks it could have been worse, but did make it a little rough.

Thank you Jylare for all the photos.

More photos and Day 2 to come!

Tomorrow!

I toted my new tote around on all my last minute Bijou Market errands today.

Now, time to rest, for tomorrow is the BIG DAY!

Historic Southworth Hall on Provo Center Street

Friday 11/18

10am to 8pm

Saturday 11/19

9am to 5pm

Sick and Busy

I think we've been sick for about 3 weeks now, if im counting right.

But who can really afford to be sick this time of year? Not i.

Way to much to do.

So a sick day? We havent really taken one. Im sure thats why our sickness lingers.

With Bijou Market 2 days away and the holidays rapidly approaching, we've ignored these

runny noses and sore throats, and knocked things off the long list of must do's. one by one.

Last night, Bijou Market Tote-making happened.

Its always a long but exciting night of crafting for us, just a few days before the big day arrives.

We love the way they turned out, I hope you all come shop, pick up a tote, say hi and/or meet us. We would love to see you!

Long Distance Relationships Are Rough

A few days ago, Dash received this.

We watched it once, twice, three times and each time it ended Dash said "again for Ivy mom".

I couldn't say no to his ear to ear smile and his blushing cheeks each time Ivy was told to "blow him a kiss" and instead, went in for the smooch. We watched it 15 times and then realized, this long distance stuff has got to end. Someones got to give up their home town.

Geoff and Stacie, whats Gilbert got that Provo doesn't? And don't pull the Flancers card.

We miss Ivy Girl and her parents.

Hot Chocolate

Nearly everyday this week we have warmed up with some hot chocolate.

When 4:00 hits, and we are waiting by the window for Dane to come home,

it seems to be the perfect way to pass those anxious minutes.

Also, i'm such a fan of the way Dash automatically raises his pinky finger while sipping.

Fall Bucket List Success

At the first signs of fall, we made a to-do list as long as the Great Wall of China.

We never check absolutely everything off our to-do lists, but we try.

This fall was different.

We have come to the end, and successfully accomplished the entire thing.

This weather wont let me decide if fall is still in session, or if winter is here.

As far as our winter list, well its already accumulating to-do's faster than I can even write them down. When we woke up to snow Sunday morning, we thought it was time to begin our winter list, but yesterday the fall leaves were still calling for Dash to come play. My point: Arent seasons awesome? I love living in a place with 4 completely different seasons, all with their own activities. Cant wait for the winter list to begin!

A Houseguest

We always love having house guests. It doesnt happen often.

Typically people that come visit UT are visiting family, and have a million places to stay.

But once in a blue moon we'll be lucky enough to have house guests of our own.

Kelsey came to town and stayed a few days, with us, and we LOVED it.

Not only did we get to spend every waking minute with her, but hardly missed a moment a part with these two as well. We ate till we were sick of food, had lunch dates with other friends, and tried our best to include our husbands. I dont know if they saw any of us for two full days.

Needless to say, we loved having Kels in town.

Halloween Marathon Wrap-Up

The Halloween Festivities this year have been never ending, and seemingly better than ever. Anyone else agree?

I know that so much of the fun has come from having a little one old enough to enjoy it.

Dash has fallen in love with pumpkins, dressing up, pumpkin flavored baked goods and candy (well, he already knew he loved candy)

But along with his excitement about the holiday, it seems the rest of us were equally as happy to let the celebrating go on and on and on.

Halloween has officially come and gone, and at our house its time to start listening to Christmas music, and planning out that Thanksgiving dinner.

But before we completely let Halloween draw to a close, here are a LOT of photos taken during the Halloween celebrations.

Halloween, you were good to us this year.

A list from top to bottom:

Pumpkin Painting with friends and baking Salted Caramel Bars.

Trick Or Treating on Historic Provo Center Street

Jakers Jack O Lanterns Petting Zoo with Mimi and Sis

Shops at Riverwoods Monster Mash

Costume Parade with friends and a zillion kiddies at Shellys

Pumpkin Carving

Halloween Night dinner with friends at The Roberts

Happy Hallow's Eve

Orchard Hay-ride

The Fall Hay-ride

Thank you to my friend Jylare for all the photos.

It was SO nice to have a party that I didnt have to spend every minute photographing.

Nauvoo, IL

We spent the loveliest, coldest, weekend in Nauvoo with my parents this last weekend.

With recomendations from a few expert friends, we stayed at all the right places and ate at all the best joints.

Food is most definitely slim pickins around there, but with a good sense of humor, you can enjoy most anything, right? Mulholland (the main street) had about 5 restaurants total. All ma & pa joints, of course. We tried each of them and didnt find anything worth bragging about, except the fudge shop. Delicious.

We stayed at the Zions Mercantile Hotel which was quaint and adorable. With a view of the Nauvoo temple, and the darling little shop in the lobby, we couldnt have been in a more perfect spot. Highly recommended.

We took carriage rides through the country, and covered wagon rides around town to see all of the beautiful historic sights and homes of the prophets of our church.

The colors of the trees were changing with the very cold fall weather, and the Mississippi river was breathtaking.

On our way to Nauvoo we stopped in the town Hannibal, and visited Mark Twains boyhood home.

We loved spending time with two of our most favorites, my sweet parents.

Seeing these historic sights where so many incredible events took place was almost surreal.

Here we give you, a dump of all our weekend photos.