tomato basil soup {pure heaven}

Yummy. Try this. You won't be sorry!
This was my dinner last night.

Samira's Tomato-Basil Soup
(My awesome roommate, Tricia, works for O.C. Tanner. Her company cafeteria has a professional chef who makes lunches. This is his recipe.)

28-oz. diced Italian tomatoes (canned)

2 cups chicken broth

2 tablespoons dried basil leaves

1 carrot, pealed and diced

1/2 cup celery, diced

2 cloves minced garlic

1/2 onion, diced

1/2 cup butter

2 tablespoons olive oil

1/2 cup cream

salt to taste

white pepper to taste

Directions:

Heat sauce pan. Add oil and butter. Saute vegetables, garlic, and basil lightly. Add tomatoes and broth. Cook 15 minutes. Add vegetable mixture with cream and puree in a blender.

Serve with grilled cheese sandwiches.

Ahh . . . a perfect dinner for a cold winter night!

edward

I've been silent for far too long. Sorry, blog world.
Things have been . . . busy.

Why?

Well, mostly because I spend most of my
free time these days with a certain fella.
Edward.
He is so dreamy and so fantastic.
And sweet.
And handsome.
And I could go on and on.

So please forgive my infrequent blogs.
I'm just enjoying my time with my guy. :o)

new favorite breakfast spot

Yesterday morning I met some girlfriends for breakfast. We decided to try something new. We stumbled upon Normandie Cafe...and oh boy, am I GLAD we did! Besides each opting for the croissant breakfast sandwich (which was created on the flakiest, buttery-est, most delicious croissant ever made), we each also ordered dessert. Don't judge. haha Dessert with breakfast? Yep. And I didn't regret it!

If you find yourself in the SLC and are wanting to try something new, go here! I know they serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I will be frequenting this spot from now on during my monthly get togethers with old college friend, Risa.

Here are some rough pics of our a-m-a-z-i-n-g feast!

in love

Yep, I'm officially ready to admit that I'm in love...with THIS lipgloss. Mmm mmm mmm. Philosophy's Red Licorice lip shine is delectable. It's goes on in an awesome reddish/pink berry color that is super chic. And it tastes divine--just like licorice. It's been my favorite for a while. And I felt it was time to share. It's one of Philosophy's limited edition flavors--so it's usually only available in a kit like this. But you should try it. The end.

ten years. wow.

Last weekend while I was home in Idaho, I attended my ten-year high school reunion. Yeah. I feel old. It's official.

As a senior class officer, I had to help plan the event. And to be honest, I was dreading it. Immensely.

But, much to my surprise, it was rather enjoyable. I had a blast. Strangely, it didn't seem like ten years had passed since I'd seen my old chums. It was fun to catch up and see what everyone has been up to.

And it got me thinking...what have I really done with my life over the past ten years?

• i have spent 2.5 weeks in Italy with my family while collecting my brother from his mission
• i have attended 2 years of college at Utah State (hey, Aggies all the way!)
• i have traveled to the British Virgin Islands with my fam
• i have served an 18 month mission in Dallas, TX with my beloved Latinos
• i have learned to speak Spanish
• i have visited NYC with my roommates for spring break
• i have on a cruise with my parents as a graduation gift
• i have graduated with my degree--BA in Journalism/Communication--emphasis in PR and minors in Spanish and Sociology (that's a mouthful)
• i have become a "big city girl" in SLC
• i have made a few trips to CA
• i have lived with 28 roommates--not counting mission comps
• i have held "real jobs" with 3 different companies and learned much
• i have moved 11 times (in 10 years--NOT counting the mission at all)
• i have gone sky diving!
• i have dated about 10 boyfriends and learned about heartache, falling in love, and myself
• i have welcomed 2 sisters-in-law and 3 adorable nieces to my family
• i have learned much about life
• i have set and reached many goals
• i have seen success
• i have seen failure
  
• i have made countless new friends
• i have cried countless tears
• i have giggled countless laughs
• i have grinned countless smiles

Yep. It has been a great ten years for me! I think from age 18-28, I have changed a lot--as expected. I am not necessarily where I thought I would be at this point in my life. But things happen as they happen for a reason. I'm convinced of that. And I couldn't be happier. I am grateful for my life and all the amazing experiences I've had.

What a lucky girl I am. :o)

they say the third times is the charm. guess so.

As a kid, I was the MOST un-photogenic person ever. I had to get re-takes every year for school pictures. I was notorious for closing my eyes. I've had to train myself over the years to look semi-decent in a photo and to keep my eyes open.

But I guess old habits die hard sometimes.

On Saturday, while hanging out at the demolition derby in Logan, I asked a friend to snap a quick pic of my friend Carlie and me. I hadn't seen her in a couple of years and I wanted a little memento to remember the fun evening.

And I struggled...

Take 1
classic. closed eyes--just like half my childhood photos

Take 2
eew. gross. greasy-looking hair and huge bug eyes. haha.

Take 3.
phew. finally a presentable shot.

Haha. It was fun to catch up with a long-lost amiga. I had a great weekend!

be a bumble bee

"Aerodynamically, the bumble bee shouldn't be able to fly, but the bumble bee doesn't know it so it goes on flying anyway."

Mary Kay Ash
(1908-2001): Entrepreneur

Don't let anyone tell you that you can't do something!

proud to be an american {& an idahoan]

Ahh. I returned tonight from a four-day weekend of pure bliss. I feel revived and... (I suppose) ready to return to work tomorrow.

Why was my weekend SO fantastic?! Because I spent the 4th of July weekend in Idaho!

I am convinced that Idaho is THE most patriotic state in the union. Why? Well, I'm glad you asked. For starters, Idaho Falls, my home town (with a population of only about 60,000) had the second best fireworks in the nation this year!

Yep. It's true. We ranked over NYC, Boston, and all the other big cities. Wow. We had always been rumored to have the best show West of the Mississippi...but now we're the second best in the whole country? That is awesome.

While I did not actually catch the I.F. fireworks this year (I did last year though--and it was as great as it always is), my family spent the 3rd and 4th of July at our cabin in Victor, Idaho. We attended the Victor 4th of July parade (on the 3rd). Then later that evening, my family attended a large Independence Day celebration in Driggs, Idaho.

Jon Huntsman, Sr. (originally from Idaho) and his family own a lot of land in Teton Valley. They hosted a big fireworks show on their property (there were an estimated 6,000 people in attendance) and had Glenn Beck come and speak about the history of our nation. I know that Glenn Beck is a controversial icon these days. I am neutral on the subject. But his speech was surprisingly not too one-sided. He spoke about the history of our nation and what it means to him to be an American.

After Beck spoke there was a fantastic fireworks show that was synced to music and audio clips of famous speeches that past presidents have delivered.

It was touching.

It was stirring.

It made me remember why I am proud to be an American.

During the course of the rest of the weekend, I found myself reminded over and over again of why Idaho is so great. I've heard all the jokes. I've seen all the wrinkled noses and smirks as people tease me about being from Idaho.

But all jokes aside...what is not to love about Idaho?

As I drove from Salt Lake to Idaho Falls last Thursday night after work, I was awed at the beauty of the rolling green hills that go on forever in the Devil Creek Reservoir area near the Utah border. Wow.

As my family and I drove around Victor and Driggs in the Teton Valley over the weekend, I was, again, awed at the beauty of my surroundings. Our cabin has a perfect view of the Tetons. What majestic mountains they are. I was also so in love with the never-ending farm fields and the lush greenery that filled my view in every direction. I was humbled by the simple beauty.

As my mother and I drove back to my parents' house after spending time at the cabin, the road from Victor to Idaho Falls again captured my heart. I loved seeing the Snake River winding its way through the mountains and forests and farm fields. Wow. Such beauty.

Sunday evening, my mom and grandma and I took a drive to Wolverine Canyon. Again, wow.
So my heart was captured over the weekend. And I was reminded of why my home state is so great. And although many people joke and turn up their noses when I proudly say that I am from Idaho, I don't care. I'm an Idaho girl and I'm proud of it.

Idaho is still so raw and untouched. It is pure. It is simple. And it will always be home.

I am grateful to live in a country that is free. I am thankful to those who continue to fight for that freedom. I am forever indebted to a God who made this all possible. And I am proud to be an American.

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."

P.S. I also attended my ten-year high school reunion over the weekend. Haha. More on that later...

grandpa oxspring

I've been meaning to post this for a while now. It's been on my mental to-do list since Memorial Day.

While I was home in Idaho for Memorial Day weekend, I was able to visit my grandpa's grave. Harvey Kane Oxspring. He passed away when I was a senior in high school. He had pancreatic cancer. It happened quickly.

As I have contemplated recently on the man that my grandfather was, I am so grateful to have had him in my life. And even more grateful for the knowledge I have that I will see him again.

Here are some of my fondest memories/random thoughts about my Grandpa Oxspring:

He was a talented piano player and singer. His voice was lovely.
He used to call us kids "little rascals."
He laughed like Santa Clause--"ho ho ho"--and his belly jiggled too.
He had a twinkle in his eye and was always smiling.
He loved popcorn.
He let me drive the golf cart when I was a kid. It meant the world to me.
He was my horsey when I was really little and let me ride around on his back.
He was an avid golfer and tennis player.
He served in the Canadian military.
He cared about me. Immensely.
He was a faithful and righteous man. Church responsibilities came first.
He loved his family and knew how to show it.
He believed in me.
He was my Grandpa.

He never got to see his grandkids get married, or be their sealer as he had dreamed of. He never got to see his great-grandkids. He never got to see what us kids grew up to become. But there were so many times on my mission that I felt his presence near and I was very aware that he was watching over me.

I am grateful for my Grandpa Oxspring. I just wanted to pay a little tribute to him. Here are some of my favorite photos of Grandpa and me.

pack rat

I am moving, once again. I have moved pretty much once a year since I started college ten years ago. You'd think, that after this many moves, I would have stream-lined the process and simplified my life. That is not so. My last move (a year ago) was perhaps my largest move yet--in the fact that I filled an entire 15-foot UHaul truck. Wow. How do I accumulate so much stuff?

I have about two weeks until this move will be finalized. So my main goal right now is to simplify.

Simplicity.

According to Leonardo da Vinci, "Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." I think he was a pretty smart guy. And I think I could use a little more sophistication/simplicity in my life.

I have always been a pack rat. Even as a child, I saved, hoarded, stored, and treasured junk. Why? I have been blown away by the things I have found in my room. I am finally retiring a certain gray cardigan to DI. This particular cardigan was worn in my junior yearbook photo in high school. It is missing half the buttons. I haven't worn it in at least six years. Yet somehow, this item has made the cut over and over again as I've attempted to clean out my closet many times in the past.

But this time, with this move, I'm determined to truly simplify!

I have been posting and selling unwanted items on the KSL classified ads. Wow! What a great tool that is! I have sold a loveseat, an old TV, and an old camera so far. I have more items to go! How convenient it is to just have someone come to my door, hand me cash, and take my junk away for me. I now have a testimony of KSL classified ads. I'm a believer.

I will be spending every spare moment in the next couple of weeks cleaning, de-cluttering, packing, selling junk, and making DI runs. Whew. But it'll feel so good to have less stuff, right?

45 simple truths

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11 . Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry
13. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion.
Today is special.

22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will this matter?'
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29 What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood. Make it memorable.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
42. The best is yet to come.
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
44. Yield.
45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

grammar snob

So, I am a self-admitted grammar snob. I cannot stand commonly accepted mistakes such as the improper use of too/to/two, their/they're/there, and, perhaps worst of all, your/you're. I know that I am also capable of typos. I make mistakes too. But I still hate it when people consistently make the same mistakes. Didn't we learn these fundamentals in elementary school?

My co-worker and I often forward each other bad emails that we receive from other office-mates. We all too often mock those who are not as grammatically smart as us. I know, I know...it's rather mean of me. But poor word usage is one of my biggest pet peeves.

Recently, my grammatically wise co-worker sent me a link to this blog. I enjoyed it immensely. If you've ever had a grammar-related pet peeve, I think you'll love this too!

i hate it when...

boys make me cry.

legally blonde

Tonight, on the spur of the moment, my buddy Josh called me and invited me to attend the touring Broadway show of Legally Blonde. I loved it!!! Josh's friend works for Broadway Across America and he got us seats on the 8th row. Great seats. Great show. Great company. I loved every second of it! It was such a funny show! Plus, everything was PINK, which made it even more enjoyable for me. :o)

truly inspiring

boden

I just discovered THIS fantastic website. So many great finds! I wish I could afford to buy it all! Here are a few of my favorite items...


Ahh...Boden. You make me so covetous. :o)