My food blog has moved!
Follow my foodie wanderings at http://prettykittenslc.blogspot.com
I've put quite a bit of work into the layout, so stroke my ego by telling me how beautiful you think it is, okay? Okay.
PS: I know there are still a few bugs I need to work out. If you're HTML code savvy, please let me know if you know how to fix them. Thanks!
5.29.2009
5.19.2009
New nephew part 3!
We had an addition to our family on Saturday, May 16th at about 10:20 pm.
Preston's sister, Maika, and her husband, Casey, are the proud parents of a baby boy, Jace Lee Parker.
Pictures say it better than I do, so enjoy!
Are you thinking that he looks a little like Yoda? Don't be ashamed. We think so too.
Mamma Maika and baby Jace.
Don't hide, Jace! Auntie Kristyn and Uncle "Pinky" are so excited to meet you!
This puts the Erickson nephew-to-niece ratio at 6 to 1.
Poor Savannah...
Preston's sister, Maika, and her husband, Casey, are the proud parents of a baby boy, Jace Lee Parker.
Pictures say it better than I do, so enjoy!
Are you thinking that he looks a little like Yoda? Don't be ashamed. We think so too.
Mamma Maika and baby Jace.
Don't hide, Jace! Auntie Kristyn and Uncle "Pinky" are so excited to meet you!
This puts the Erickson nephew-to-niece ratio at 6 to 1.
Poor Savannah...
5.11.2009
Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of my Higher Education...
Spring semester has come to a close, and I am anxiously awaiting my grades. I've worked hard this term. I feel I deserve A's in both of my classes, and I couldn't be prouder of myself for the effort I've put into my studies this time around!
I recently reassessed my commitment to my education and found motivation I never knew I could have. For those of you who may not be familiar with my academic history, it's sufficient to say that it has been less than stellar (in short, I've been a colossal slacker).
My outstanding progress notwithstanding, I just wish there was a way to wash the slate clean. I keep telling Preston that someday our kids may struggle with school, and this will give me empathy, but sometimes I hear comments about people who make mistakes in college, and I feel an overwhelming sense of deep, abiding, burning shame. These mistakes will haunt me my entire life.
It stings at times to be married to the boy genius and try to make peace with all my academic missteps. I well remember the vulnerable moment during our engagement when I tearfully admitted to him that we would have to pay out of pocket for my schooling until I could raise my GPA enough to be eligible for Financial Aid. As kind and understanding as he was, I realized that this is one thing he might never understand completely. He has never failed.
Which leads me to ponder upon the meaning and value of failure.
I feel that my mistakes have conspired to make me stronger and more committed than I might otherwise be. In working through my plan of attack for getting back on track, I have discovered resiliency, determination, faith in myself, and hope that things will turn out the way I need them to. I have learned invaluable lessons about myself, including the way I learn and what actually motivates me (no, really, it takes more than you might think).
It has, of course, crossed my mind that this line of thinking may be little more than self-soothing for my battered ego, but it keeps me going. And with the finish line in sight, there's not much that's more soothing than the knowledge that I can do what I set out to do, even if I did end up taking the long way around.
I'll see you in my cap and gown, August 2010!!!
I recently reassessed my commitment to my education and found motivation I never knew I could have. For those of you who may not be familiar with my academic history, it's sufficient to say that it has been less than stellar (in short, I've been a colossal slacker).
My outstanding progress notwithstanding, I just wish there was a way to wash the slate clean. I keep telling Preston that someday our kids may struggle with school, and this will give me empathy, but sometimes I hear comments about people who make mistakes in college, and I feel an overwhelming sense of deep, abiding, burning shame. These mistakes will haunt me my entire life.
It stings at times to be married to the boy genius and try to make peace with all my academic missteps. I well remember the vulnerable moment during our engagement when I tearfully admitted to him that we would have to pay out of pocket for my schooling until I could raise my GPA enough to be eligible for Financial Aid. As kind and understanding as he was, I realized that this is one thing he might never understand completely. He has never failed.
Which leads me to ponder upon the meaning and value of failure.
I feel that my mistakes have conspired to make me stronger and more committed than I might otherwise be. In working through my plan of attack for getting back on track, I have discovered resiliency, determination, faith in myself, and hope that things will turn out the way I need them to. I have learned invaluable lessons about myself, including the way I learn and what actually motivates me (no, really, it takes more than you might think).
It has, of course, crossed my mind that this line of thinking may be little more than self-soothing for my battered ego, but it keeps me going. And with the finish line in sight, there's not much that's more soothing than the knowledge that I can do what I set out to do, even if I did end up taking the long way around.
I'll see you in my cap and gown, August 2010!!!
5.05.2009
"Things I Love" Tuesday
I may do this every Tuesday, or maybe just every Tuesday I happen to think of it...
Today I'm going to shamelessly proclaim my love for some beauty products I can't live without. I'd love to hear your favorites, or your opinion on my picks if you've tried them.
In no particular order:
Johnson's Body Care - "Melt Away Stress" Line
Why I love it:
To start, I love the smell. Chamomile and lavender... so soothing.
The lotion moisturizes without leaving me feeling sticky or oily. The perfect bedside companion after long, draining days.
The body wash is also fantastic. Gives a good lather on my loofah and washes clean, and helps my head feel clear and uncluttered in the morning.
CoverGirl Outlast Lip Stain
Why I love it:
Provides a pop of color on my lips without the drying, fading, or rubbing-off effects of lipstick.
Honestly, I have always HATED lipstick. No joke. Most of it seems to change colors once it's been on my lips for a minute or two, so I've stuck with glosses that wear off before you can say lickety-split. Not so with this product.
Cheap for something of its caliber (I've seen similar products sell for $12 for half the amount CG gives you), it goes on quite bright, but fades a bit as it sinks in. If you let it dry before applying balm over the top, it doesn't budge for hours. And the marker-like applicator is super easy to use. I only wish it had been around for my wedding!
Alba Botanicals Coconut Cream Lip Balm
Why I love it:
This stuff feels so nice on your lips! It also tastes and smells like heaven (and I don't like coconut, so I was surprised at how much I loved it). I also like the way it looks - adds a lot of nice shine. Preston approves as well... :)
Bare Escentuals "Prime Time" Eyelid Primer
Why I love it:
Keeps my eyeshadow going strong all day long!
Not exactly a bargain at $16 for a small tube, this is still a great product. Easy to apply, stays put all day. Even keeps my unruly eyeliner at bay (by midday it usually makes an escape attempt down the outer corners of my smiley/squinty eyes). Plus, a little really does go a long way.
Garnier Fructis Smoothing Milk
Why I love it:
I will admit, my hair is generally pretty cooperative stuff. It doesn't misbehave very often. But some days in needs a little management. I love this smoothing milk because it helps keep the fly-aways under control without leaving my hair crispy or sticky. It also doesn't weigh down my fine hair.
I apply to the very ends of damp hair (never more than a dime-sized amount) and blow dry. If fly-aways persist use just a touch to smooth them down.
Today I'm going to shamelessly proclaim my love for some beauty products I can't live without. I'd love to hear your favorites, or your opinion on my picks if you've tried them.
In no particular order:
Johnson's Body Care - "Melt Away Stress" Line
Why I love it:
To start, I love the smell. Chamomile and lavender... so soothing.
The lotion moisturizes without leaving me feeling sticky or oily. The perfect bedside companion after long, draining days.
The body wash is also fantastic. Gives a good lather on my loofah and washes clean, and helps my head feel clear and uncluttered in the morning.
CoverGirl Outlast Lip Stain
Why I love it:
Provides a pop of color on my lips without the drying, fading, or rubbing-off effects of lipstick.
Honestly, I have always HATED lipstick. No joke. Most of it seems to change colors once it's been on my lips for a minute or two, so I've stuck with glosses that wear off before you can say lickety-split. Not so with this product.
Cheap for something of its caliber (I've seen similar products sell for $12 for half the amount CG gives you), it goes on quite bright, but fades a bit as it sinks in. If you let it dry before applying balm over the top, it doesn't budge for hours. And the marker-like applicator is super easy to use. I only wish it had been around for my wedding!
Alba Botanicals Coconut Cream Lip Balm
Why I love it:
This stuff feels so nice on your lips! It also tastes and smells like heaven (and I don't like coconut, so I was surprised at how much I loved it). I also like the way it looks - adds a lot of nice shine. Preston approves as well... :)
Bare Escentuals "Prime Time" Eyelid Primer
Why I love it:
Keeps my eyeshadow going strong all day long!
Not exactly a bargain at $16 for a small tube, this is still a great product. Easy to apply, stays put all day. Even keeps my unruly eyeliner at bay (by midday it usually makes an escape attempt down the outer corners of my smiley/squinty eyes). Plus, a little really does go a long way.
Garnier Fructis Smoothing Milk
Why I love it:
I will admit, my hair is generally pretty cooperative stuff. It doesn't misbehave very often. But some days in needs a little management. I love this smoothing milk because it helps keep the fly-aways under control without leaving my hair crispy or sticky. It also doesn't weigh down my fine hair.
I apply to the very ends of damp hair (never more than a dime-sized amount) and blow dry. If fly-aways persist use just a touch to smooth them down.
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