Quick Sugar Fix

You know those times when you need to whip up a treat real fast?

Like when you are having people over for dinner and think, "I'll make some amazing cake!" And then you wait until you have around half an hour to make something and that's when you realize, "Oh, all my amazing cake recipes take a couple hours."

Or like when you get home from work and think, "I need a homemade treat, stat."

Oh, that's just me who has those times? Oh, well that's not awkward at all.


In case you ever do come upon "one of those times", I have an easy recipe for you. I tried it over the weekend when we had friends over for shish kabobs and beach volleyball (we ate shish kabobs and played beach volleyball in case you grow confused easily). It turned out great, and all with just a few simple ingredients!!

Graham Cracker Chocolate Chip Pie

2 cups of graham cracker crumbs (roughly 30 squares)
1 cup of semisweet chocolate chips
1 teaspoon of baking powder
Pinch of salt
1 can (14 oz) of sweetened condensed milk

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Spread into a pie pan (or brownie pan if you want brownie form). Bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes.

I found this treat even more delicious the day after making. But nuke it in the microwave later on for best results. Also, you might want a glass of milk, especially if you like adding extra chocolate chips to everything like I do!

Sunday Best: Caging the Beast

I'm breaking out like I'm thirteen again and for the past week I've felt as if all my clothes fit me awkwardly. I've  been tempted once or twice to drop out of school and just move to a beach in some foreign country and sell t-shirts with funny sayings on them. And I'd let my hair grow out and never comb it so I would end up with some wicked dreds and life would just be oh so chill. But then I remember that education is important. . .yadda yadda yadda. . .I want my degree. . .blah blah blah.

I really do enjoy school. I love learning new things. It's exhilarating. I just hate how much it consumes my life sometimes. And I just want to have a free schedule where I don't have to meet a deadline or stress about getting a project done. You see, I have this perfectionist living within me, usually I keep her caged up, but every now and again she escapes and makes my life treacherous. And I go crazy and just want to kill her so I can enjoy life. Because life should be enjoyed.

So on Saturday, I compromised a bit, I worked on homework during the day and by night, I partied it up a bit. We went with one of our favorite couples, Drew and Megan, to dinner and a movie. Then we even indulged in a shake after. And I wore an outfit that made me feel so free and fine, and the makeup on my face even seemed to cover up my zitty face a bit. Life was good.

shoes: Target, floral print skinnies: Forever 21, top: Dillard's, feather earrings: Claire's, 

I plan on doing the same thing tomorrow with my day off. Catch up on work and then play a little later in the day. Maybe think of some way to honor all my US Presidents. We'll see if I can stay focused, and we'll also see how long I can keep the perfectionist beast on her leash.

I love you readers out there. Enjoy life for me, will ya? Besides cute outfits, I recommend: yoga, bubble baths, cuddling, running, laughing, petting puppies, and drinking chocolate milk.

And So It Begins. . .

I told myself that I wouldn't discuss wedding stuff on my blog.

I lied to myself.

It really is just such an exciting time though, and I want to share a bit of what I've already thought about and prepared. I think it is so exciting because this is the first time I have ever thought about my wedding. I didn't even know wedding colors existed until about last year. I thought wedding dresses were all the same. White. So of course, for someone new to all the wedding hoopla, this can all be a bit overwhelming. But I don't want to be overwhelmed. I do not understand the people that go on about how being engaged is 'the worst' or 'so stressful'. I don't understand how women can turn into bridezillas. I guess I haven't been engaged long, but still, I think it should be a period of time filled with anticipation and excitement.

The things I have prepared thus far, have been so much fun. I think it helps that I have never envisioned how my wedding should be. I have no high expectations. I know that it will be wonderful no matter what. I don't want to be picky or dwell on the little things that don't matter so much. I want to dwell on what matters. I want to dwell on Brian. I want to dwell on putting the beginning of what will be 'our life' together. I want to grow closer to my aunts, moms, and other women in my life as we bring our crafty brains together for this fun wedding. I want to dwell on being happy and feeling complete. So there it is. If in the future I turn into bridezilla, direct me to this blog post.

Last week, with the help of my wonderful mom, the wedding planning began. I feel like we are already off to a good start. And with 4 months to prepare, we should be in good shape. We started off by booking the place where the wedding celebration will take place. We are NOT having a reception. Standing for several hours, shaking peoples' hands does not sound like a good time to me. And we want to have a good time!! We are having a celebration. A party, if you will. Every time someone asks about the reception, I correct them and say party. So don't be offended if it happens to you. However, I am very excited about where the party will be taking place. It is the most magical place in all of Logan (besides USU).

The American West Heritage Center!

We booked their livery stable. I think once we decorate it with some lanterns, twinkling lights, and country decorations, it will be like a dream. Also, three hours worth of wagon rides are included in the package. So get this: our guests will arrive, park, and then get in a wagon which will take them to the party. Marvelous? I think so!

Also, if you have never paid a visit to The American West Heritage Center, you most definitely should. Actually, next week is their 'Baby Animal Days' celebration. Click *here* for a schedule of events. There are adorable baby animals that you'll be able to pet as well, including a baby bear.

Here are a few pics from last year's celebration:

On another note, the hunt for the dress began. My mom and I went to the few dress shops around Logan, just for fun. We were just browsing but turns out, I found the type of dress I am almost certain I want. . .

Also, I know I don't want a veil. Nothing against people that wear veils, I just don't like them much. Besides, I think one would look weird with my short hair. I would rather have something less fancy and stuffy than a veil and something more fun and vibrant. Like a crown of flowers. . .

I am open to ideas, advice, and opinions from others! Like I said, I'm new to this stuff.

Simple Days

I remember back when I was just a little girl (back when I was still an only child) and we would go on Sunday drives. In those days, our Sunday drives consisted of me, my mom, and my dad. Sometimes the pet dog would come along too. We would all load in the old pick-up truck and ride on a dusty dirt road that led up the mountain. I had a wild imagination as a child. I was convinced that Christopher Robin, Winnie the Pooh, and the rest of the gang lived up that canyon. So during the course of these Sunday drives, I made it our mission to spot their homes and maybe if we were real lucky, to find the actual characters as well.

Oh, how I miss those days on occasion. When the biggest thing on the agenda was to find Pooh Corner. Back before work, tests, cleaning, budgeting and time management were part of regular day thoughts and concerns.

I was a wise little girl too. Whenever I would get the often asked question of, "Kelsey, what do you want to be when you grow up?" I would answer. . .

I don't really want to grow up.