Birthday!

        So, I'm 25! It still feels weird to say! I honestly got to do all of my favorite things on my birthday. I woke up and went to cardio kick boxing with a friend/neighbor/soul sister. It totally kicked our trash but I left feeling amazing. If you haven't tried it before, I highly recommend it. Especially if you have something you can visualize yourself punching in the face ;) We went home and showered and then got mani/pedis. We walked to Firehouse Subs and I got free lunch (free lunch on your birthday, how cool is that?) After that I went to work and took a few awesome clients and it honestly didn't feel like work at all (which is pretty standard, I love my job). I came home to my best friends, my cute husband grilling & a chocolate cake. Does it get better? We all sat around, chatted & reminisced for hours and I couldn't help but feel like the luckiest person on the planet.
        And if that wasn't enough my husband surprised me with a panini press (yes. yes. yes!) & Sam Smith tickets! Like, what is this life? I can't say enough good things about that sweet guy. When I came home on my birthday to the cutest party and friends, he was still in his suit from the career fair that day & I could feel that he was a little sweaty which was just really cute because I knew he had raced home from his crazy busy day to get things ready for the little celebration. What a guy. I never knew before what people meant when they said "he makes me melt" but I sure do now ;)
        Anyway, super gushy post. But hey, this is my life. If this is 25, I will take it.

Favorite Movie of All Time

I've never been one to be able to narrow down a favorite book, song or movie so this is a pretty big deal. I honestly love everything about this movie. The quirky characters, gorgeous English scenery, the love (not just between the two main characters) and the wonderful feel-good message of the whole film. I've just recently discovered this movie and I've already watched it twice! I wish I could even describe the brilliance of it and how deeply I connect with it in so many ways, but you will just have to go watch it and tell me what you think ;)

To briefly set the scene above, the two main characters find themselves on their wedding day! Previously, Mary (Rachel McAdams) vowed NOT to walk down the aisle to Tim's favorite song "Il Mundo" after he begged (it was a favorite of his and his father's). As you'll see in the clip, the weather is pretty awful but the couple doesn't spend a moment worrying about it. In fact, I think they kind of enjoyed it. I love that the weather is awful. I love that she wears red. I love how the groom dances and the look on her face as she walks down the aisle. I love the cute church. I love the flower crowned sister. I love that the grumpiest character gives his umbrella to a lady on the way to the reception. This movie, guys. It's everything.

Disclaimer: This movie is rated R which I did not know going into it but it was pretty mild. There are a few f-bombs (which somehow don't bother me as much when they are said with a British accent, go figure) and one shot during a museum scene of a large photo of Kate Moss topless (it's super tasteful in my opinion). Additionally, there are a handful of references to sex but the sex scenes themselves are as mild as they are in PG13 movies. At the end of the day, a beautiful film that is definitely worth the handful of moments I'd normally avoid.

Our Reception

Our Wedding Day

        We got our wedding video back yesterday and I've probably already watched it like 10 times (whoops). I'm obsessed with it. The song is really special to us because Mitch and I have loved it since high school (since this Lays commercial, to be precise. But really, how cute is the little red head girl? We are obsessed with her). It was often the background music for our deep discussions about life. Whatever those involved back then ;) The song really brings me back to that time and all the fun memories. No matter how much I stressed, we really were meant to be together all along and now it is so clear to me! Even from the very beginning of our summer romance -- it definitely was no summer fling like I thought ;) And how glad I am to have been wrong!
        Watching this, I am reminded how grateful I am for all the people that made the sacrifice to come to our wedding! It was such a big deal to be surrounded by so many I love on such a huge day in my life. I love my people! 
        This video was definitely worth the (one year) wait, haha. And there's another one from the reception coming soon as well! So stay pumped, I know I am :)

Lately

Making cupcakes and delivering them to some sweet girls. I must say, this method isn't particularly practical but Mitch was nice enough to help me readjust them every few blocks to make sure they made it unscathed ;) It was too beautiful of an evening and too short a distance to take a car!

Adding a fresh coat of paint and some stained wood pieces to an otherwise boring ikea bookshelf. Definitely made it sturdier and easier on the eyes. Win win. ;)

Visiting this tiny (standing!) girl in her beautiful new house // Wearing my husband's clothes and not doing my hair.

Mitch brought back his fish tank from Seattle and we decided to start our first pet adventure together. His name is Petunia. I've found Mitch talking to our fish sweetly more than once and it makes me laugh. I have no doubts in his fathering abilities ;)

We live pretty close to the Provo River trail and we finally rode our bikes to the lake and it was gorgeous. iPhone photos really don't do sunsets justice but it's nice to have something to remember the moment. It's a special spot because we got engaged there last year! I'm starting to realize how tough it will be to leave Utah someday.

Brilliant

The story: A woman with alzheimer's stuggles to remember her sweetheart

The execution: Absolute brilliance