Music Monday: Menomena

 

On Saturday night/early Sunday morning, Shug and I were able to see one of our old faves at the Urban Lounge: Menomena.

The performance was great, as they always are, but Salt Lake City was poor Menomena's last stop on their American tour and they were bushed.  There were a few new band mates and some songs from their newest album and as I watched the show (and the innnnnnteresting crowd) I reflected on how much has changed since I first saw them play in 2007 in Chicago with my new boyfriend.

Friday Link Love and Lovelies

Let's just talk about my outfit first to get THAT out of the way.  

Shug and I were invited to the annual Salt Lake Magazine Dining Awards on Tuesday evening.  Shug was going to help run the awards and my job was to drink champagne.  I had about seven minutes to get ready after I rushed home from a crazy clinic day.  Let me tell you something about putting a cute outfit together: it takes some thought. 

It is very clear that I did not have much thought to give to my belly-shirt-witchy-woman-poncho-disaster.  It's ok.  Really, it is.  But when bumped up against the likes of Supermodel, Ciel, and Capricieux, I look a little cray.

Sartorial choices aside, we had a fabulous evening!  It was filled with good conversation with some of our best friends.  It was so fun to have this experience with them!  We also have a list of restaurants to try in Salt Lake City this weekend!  Hope you have a good one...I'm getting to be less of a lump/grump now that I can feel spring just around the corner!

The Salt Lake Magazine Dining Awards 2013 winners! 

 

Mayyyybe going to attempt to knit one of these.

I know smoking is bad, but I am dying over these bobbies.

The new Emerson Fry comes out on February 25!  Can't wait!

So ridiculous.  And perfect in a weird way.

Should have styled my sweater like this!

Important read for all women.

xo.

Link Love and Lovelies

Did you have a nice Valentine's Day?  If you're like me, you're going to carry over the lovefest into the weekend!  A part of me kind of despises that we have to have a specific day that we let our loved ones know how important they are to us.  Shouldn't we be doing this on the daily?

Well, aside from smooching on Shug, I'm hoping to clean out my pantry and maybe get to eat a delicious meal with Sissyteef.  I'm not really looking forward to cleaning out the pantry, but I really am excited to hang out with my sister!  I haven't seen her since the holidays!

11, one of my dear friends from college and also the best chocolate chip cookie baker ever, had a little Valentine's baby late last night.  He was born 12 seconds before midnight!  I'm hoping to get to meet him and maybe make some butternut squash enchiladas for the new parents! 

Anyhoo, here's some loveliness to bouy you through your weekend.

Inspiring architecture.

Dying over this minimal cat-eye!

Maybe my bangs weren't such a bad idea, after all.

But, oh my, do I miss being able to do this look!

WANT.

Gonna try this eyebrow trick.

An OCD dream.

xo.

SO Thankful...and full!

Did you have a nice holiday?  I really did.  It was the first time I was able to prepare our Thanksgiving meal for my family, so it was really special for me!  Everything turned out really great...except the turkey, of course!  But I think turkey is just kind of underwhelming, in and of itself!

Instead of links today, I'm going list some things that I am thankful for, plus you all probably know the good Black Friday deals without my help!

~ My Shug

~ My supportive and amazing family

~ My crazy and goofy dogs

~ My intelligent and endlessly inspiring friends

~ My education...and continuing education

~ My work ethic I learned from my parents

~ My house

~ My job that has seen me through 3 degrees and counting!

~ Ryan Gosling;)

~ My car that has gotten me to and from wherever for over a decade

~ My health

~ Netflix

~ Gluten-free cupcakes

~ And pretty much a million other things!

xo.

P.S.!!!! Bestest Best is celebrating a birthday today!  Happiest b-day to her!

Link Love and Lovelies

Like, whoa.  Talk about a shift.  This past week has been soooooo...just, SO, you know?  I started my new program on Monday and not only is it going to be a full-time job, I'm going to LOVE it.  I had this moment where my stomach did a total cartwheel and I realized that I really BELONG in this program.  It was a funny realization because I have tried for so long to stay away from medicine. 

This week also reminded me of how important my friends are to me.  I have a very dear and old friend who is very ill right now and I have to ask you to send healing thoughts his way.  He is a bright and hilarious energy that could use some positive energy right now.  Thank you for thinking of him for me.

I re-learned this week that subsidized health care is a MUST in this country.  From the basis of my new graduate program to the battles my friend is fighting with modern medicine, paying for any of this out of pocket would be an impossibility.  Health care is imperative and I feel it should be a right, not a privilege.

So as I step down from my soapbox, here's some loveliness for your summer weekend!

~ Love these fresh recipes!

~ Love this attention to detail.

~ So beautiful and amazing.

~ In love with this shirt.

~ TOTALLY identify with this.

~ WHOA.  And awesome.

~ This style.  Forever.

Have a restful weekend.  

xo.

Reflection on My Adventures in Grown-Up Land

I only have 10 (10!!) days left at work before I leave and start down this (kinda;)) new path of school.  While I am so grateful for the experience I've gained and the clients I've had the privilege to work with, there have been more than a few things that have struck me as imperative to remember and I now consider myself warned for the next go-round in Grown-Up Land.  Some valuable things I've learned:

~ Ethics are a sweet little dream academia makes up 

that is rarely enforced in the "real world."

~In further detail, ethics are actually a joke.  As in haha funny.

Especially when brought up in meetings.

~ Nobody is going to stick up for you except YOURSELF.

~ Boundaries are very, very important.

~That said, NOT bringing your work home is virtually impossible.

~ Never accept a job that does not pay you for being "on-call."

~ Just because an individual identifies as a "grown-up" 

does not mean they identify as "professional."

~ Do your job and do it well.

 ~Don't try to do other people's jobs well.

Taking on more lets the inadequate individuals slip by on credit you deserve.

~ You always have more to learn.

~ Even if you work at the most vile, horrible establishment,

rise above it and keep those bridges intact.

This may sound like sour grapes, but those that are close to me know that I've had a pretty "educational" year in Grown-Up Land.  I want to reiterate how thankful I am that I have had a job in this recession and that I was able to work with some of the most inspiring and selfless clients and coworkers.  I also want to emphasize how fortunate I am to have a wildly supportive husband, family, and circle of friends that have truly carried me through one of the toughest years of my life.  I love you.  I know that I haven't been able to express that eloquently or often enough, but you are my reason for being.  And trying.  And dreaming.

Link Love and Lovelies

Hooray!  I actually made it to my vacation!  It was a pretty great week for me: I gave my notice at work and I feel a huge weight lifted off my shoulders.  I kicked off my vacation last night with some friend time with Bestest Best and wine, natch!  I feel really grateful because I've had the opportunity to hang out with her twice in a week!  This is actually us at the Fleet Foxes show just last Friday, pay no attention to my awesome hat-hair.

I think Shug and I are going to try to make it up to Park City this weekend for our staycation.  The puppies can't wait for us to leave because Grandma and Grandpa 'Teef are going to hang out with them while we're away!  They are going to be SO spoiled by the time we get back!

Here's some loveys for your weekend:

~ Good thing I'm already married!  *Swoon*!

~ Listen to this album, it's how I'll remember her amazing talent.

~ This guy's got the right idea.

~ So perfectly pretty.

~ Adore these shorts.  So sweet!

~ How chic is she?

~ Every one of these looks inspired by Charlotte Gainsbourg is legit!

Happy weekend!

Recipe of the Weeks: Summer Succotash

This is the easiest summer side dish that will please pretty much any foodie crowd!  It's gluten-free, soy free, and vegetarian with a vegan option.  It is also made up of things that are chilling in your freezer or veggie drawer, so no last minute trips to the grocery store!  Hurrah!  I brought this to a BBQ on Sunday at Bestest Best's house and it was a success!  See there, I'm totally testing recipes for you now.

Summer Succotash adapted from Everyday Food
Serves 6-8 side dishers
Ingredients:
1 bag of organic frozen corn, defrosted
1 can drained and rinsed or 2 cups frozen and defrosted black eyed peas or lima beans
1 bunch of green onions, sliced into 1/4 inch pieces
1/2 teaspoon celery seed
3/4 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper
1/4 cup butter or vegan margarine

In a large saute pan over medium heat melt your butter or vegan margarine and add the green onions.  It's important to not let the butter get brown in this recipe, it will impart a nutty flavor that isn't very succotash-y, so keep the pan moving and lower the heat if in doubt!  After they begin to soften add the paprika and celery seed.  Add the corn and saute until heated through.  Season with salt and pepper.  Add your lima beans or black eyed peas and heat those through, as well.  Dish it up!  This can be served hot or at room temperature!  Pat yourself on the back for being most excellent.

Friday Link Love and Lovelies

Happy Friday!  I am so glad it's here, what about you?  I am pretty excited because I get to take a little road trip with my dad and sister to see my grandparents in Idaho.  It's a long drive, but so very worth it!  I'll only be gone a few days, but it will be so nice to get to spend some quality time with my family!

Tonight, Hall and Ciel are hosting a BBQ!  I miss these gals so much, so I am excited I get to hang out with them!  Do you have any fun plans for the weekend?

Here are some link love and lovelies for you:

• Earring luv.
• More Courtney Love craziness.
• I made these!  SO yummy!
• This is hilarious!  And true.
• Umm, can I go here, please?
• Of course my old-lady-spirit-animal has a house to die for.
• Loving on these cute girls summer style.

Have a lovely, lovely weekend, ok?

Happiest

I had a birthday.  And it was so much fun!  

Even though I was crazy-busy with work stuff most of the weekend, I was able to spend a little time with some of my favorite people on the planet.  People that I am sure make me a little better of person each time I get to: listen to their opinions, watch them follow their own ethos, and watch them set their plans in motion, big and small.

I was spoiled rotten this birthday, but I feel most spoiled by the amazing influences I have in my life.  My parents and my sister being the people I STILL can't figure out how I lucked out so I get to have them as a part of my life.  My dear, dear friends, who are some of the most amazing and inspiring individuals I've ever had the luck to meet, support and challenge me.  And my husband, my sweet, strong, ridiculously creative husband...I am still reeling from the fact that I, ME, get to have him as my partner in crime.  I tell you, none of this makes sense to me, but you can be sure I thank my lucky stars for these people daily!

Oh!  And I got gluten free red velvet cupcakes, too!  

It really was a happy, happy birthday!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

I hope you wear a little green today, I HATE getting pinched!  

Especially from obnoxious coworkers.

This is the first St. Patty's Day that I can actually say 

I have had a little taste of the luck o' the Irish!

(And a taste of corned beef and cabbage!)

Shug and I were so lucky to have traveled to this beautiful country in September.

The greenery and rolling hills looked more like paintings than "real life."

Everything truly looked like a set of a movie!

We also enjoyed the company we were able to travel with!

Shug and I felt so lucky to have traveled to such an amazing place!

 Our last evening in Ireland, Shug and I enjoyed a pint of Carlsberg and a glass of wine in the pub connected to the B&B where we stayed.  The large windows looked out over the ocean and the gusts of wind rolling off the water shook the panes in their sills.  We talked about returning to Ireland, even though we hadn't even left yet.  It was the most surreal experience and if you ever have the chance, go to this charmed and lovely place!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Oh, P.S.

Spring and Fall are my favorite times of year in Utah.  I think there is something about the excitement of change and transition, with Spring especially...

The sun begins to peek over the mountaintops just a little earlier each morning.  The crocuses and tulips, most certainly frozen and fossilized in the botanical ice age also known as winter, stir.  The tiniest shards of yellow-green grass begin to pepper the brown thatch that is my front lawn.  And the birds, oh the birds!  Those little devils are back, pecking holes in my house, screeching at each other in excitement, but also making the shrubs and bare tree branches dance with their winter-leaned forms.

Spring has also been the harbinger of graduations.  With my master's degree so close to completion, this last semester has been the. longest. ever...!  I am excited, too, for Bestest Best to complete her graduate degree!  She had always been my partner in crime in the spring, where in high school, we couldn't manage the thought of being indoors alllllll day, so we'd wake early or skip the last class of the day to hike up into the foothills and rock climb, even if it was for just half-an-hour.  I miss being a kid with her: not having to check our bloated schedules to see if we could fit in a quick cup of coffee or a blessed glass of wine.  I am excited that we won't have school dictating our lives (or our budgets) any longer!

Spring also holds new importance in the 'Teef Household: readying ourselves for the planting and gardening season!  Our first year harvest was pretty successful, even as newbies to the gardening scene.  Shug and I are committed to sticking to the organic way of growing food in our little backyard.  We've even been toying with the idea of getting a couple of chickens to keep Ruby company...!

Even though it's not "officially" spring yet, what are your plans for the warmer, glorious weather?

A Gentleman's Evening with Whiskey...

Planning a party can be so fun, but I've usually had the pleasure of getting the details of the celebration in order with my partner in crime, Shug.  Since this Gentleman's Evening was supposed to be a surprise, I couldn't enlist my spouse for his creative powers, and what's more, I had to keep all of it a secret from him.  I can't tell you what was more stressful: planning a party without Shug or keeping a secret!

Lumberjack Photobooth!

Ireland: Exploring Charles Fort

The day after the wedding, a few of us had a day or two to explore the area around Kinsale.  One main attraction is the old Charles Fort.   Every local in town we asked where we should go pointed us in the fort's direction, but not without warning...Apparently a ghost lives in the fort!

Shug, Hall, Ciel, and I all bundled up against the coastal wind and met Hail and another beautiful bridesmaid at the fort to explore.  The outer walls of the fort were still intact, but the inner barracks had all started to crumble.  The ruins used to be a favorite place for campers to set up when traveling, but the Irish government put the kibosh on that in the early 80s.

The ghost that lives in Charles Fort is the "White Lady."  She was a daughter of the local governor or mayor or something and fell hard for the commander of the fort.  He was pretty sweet on her, too, so the day of their wedding, he asked the watch-out sentry to go pick flowers for her bouquet.  The sentry was super-paranoid, so he asked the commander to put on his sentry cap and hold his watch while he went on flower-arranging duty.  The commander was a cool guy, so he said "sure," and set up watch.

 Well, this sentry wasn't so great at flower-picking and took a suuuuuper long time and the commander fell asleep at the watch-out post with watch-out guy's hat still on!  The local governor, arriving for the nuptials, saw this sleeping sentry and shot him like an asshole governor would!  The poor commander died and the White Lady, who saw the whole fiasco, ran to the top of the fort and threw herself off down to the rocky cliffs below.  Bummer, right?  Now she just mopes around the Fort in her wedding gown.

Luckily, we didn't see her.

It was really interesting to see how much plant life had taken over the rocky fort!  Back to the green theme, everything was coated with bright grasses and weeds.

 It was a great end to an amazing week...and the company couldn't have been better!

In which I must decide if I join The Cult of Jeggings.

The other evening I was enjoying a wonderful glass of wine with some of my favorite people in the world, one of those people being Supermodel.  She remarked on her new Urban Outfitters treasures, the highlighted item being her brand new jeggings.  Now Supermodel, named as such, could wear a burlap potato sack and make it look chic and current.  I must also add she is a master of the high heel, as I've seen her navigate icy sidewalks to slippery stairs in all but the highest of tacón.  Needless to say, homegirl looked amazing.

I quickly defended my position as a non-jeggings aficionado, as I crave the support and slimming assets of a well-made pair of skinny jeans, but Supermodel kept selling me on this damn jegging idea!  Mine are on their way in the mail, but they will be given the 360-degree-sit-squat-walk-test (in flats, cause that's just about all I'm capable of wearing these days) before they are EVER unleashed on the general public.

So my question is, dear readers, is: do you LIKE jeggings?  And if so, how do you wear them?  Your fashion answers are appreciated!  And I'll keep you posted if I have joined the Cult of Jeggings!

Happy December!

Here's some more craziness from Ireland to celebrate the official start of the holiday season!  My plans for this weekend (other than work) are to get a fresh tree and decorate, decorate, decorate!  This really is my most favorite time of year!

"Are We in Disneyland?"

This was a phase uttered more than once and quite possibly in the wee hours of the Irish morning while we were in Kinsale, Ireland.  Hall was convinced that we had somehow stumbled into Disneyland Ireland on our way from Dublin.  We would just laugh and silently agree that, yes, this little town was straight out of a storybook.

 

 

The morning before the wedding, Shug and I took a quick stroll through town to snap a few shots.  It was deserted!  That was one of the many things I really appreciated about Irish culture is the light Irish workday.  Stores and shops open around 9 or 10ish, close for a two hour lunch sometimes, and then close up for the day around 6.  We Americans need to take a lesson in European work schedules!

 

 Since no one was out and about yet, we couldn't ask anyone to take our picture of us together.  We tried to get creative by leaning the camera on a windowsill, but unfortunately even Photoshop couldn't fix this!

A Kinsale Wedding

The whole reason Shug and I went to Ireland was to attend our two close friends' wedding celebration.  Supermodel and Shug's Best Bearded Friend started dating almost exactly the same time Shug and I did four years ago.  It has been such an amazing journey to the altar and I feel I was able to share a lot of the fun with these two on our parallel trips!

 The wedding was just surreal.  It was a beautiful Irish autumn day with rain (good luck!), sunshine, clouds, and everything in between.  The ceremony was lovely, with an officiant from Cork and close to a hundred people that had crossed the pond just for the special occasion!

Supermodel lived up to her name and looked ethereal.  Her dress, that was custom made, conjured up old Hollywood glamor with sparkling paillettes and demure cut-outs in the dark grey silk.  She had the cutest pin curls to top off her wedding day look.

There was such a feeling of support and love for these two it was indescribable...!  After the ceremony we went to have drinks and take pictures while the dining room was prepared.  Champagne and Jameson were the popular choices!

 

All of the bridesmaids wore navy dresses with cream cabbage rose bouquets and the groomsmen all had navy vests with plaid ties and cream Vans shoes.  I'm not gonna lie, it was a dapper-looking bunch!

Dinner was served and the toasts began to honor the bride and groom.  I can honestly say I haven't heard a better speech from a best man!  There wasn't a dry eye in the house.

 The dinner was delicious and the company couldn't have been better.  One of my favorite things about this celebration was that Supermodel and BBF have such a diverse group of friends and it was so nice to get to spend the day with them!

I think I'm still "coming down" from this amazing experience.  But you know what was the nicest part?  That I get to have these two in my "real" life back in Salt Lake City.  I hope you all have a lovely weekend! xo.

Best View in Dublin

It's was a bit of a surprise to find the best view of Dublin would be from the top of the Guinness Storehouse.  Tho original Guinness storehouse where the dark drink was first produced was turned into a museum showcasing the Irish beer.

A large pint glass was reproduced that we circled up the center of the building via stairs, ramps and elevators.  Each floor of the storehouse explained the history and process of making this fine beverage.  Our ticket to the Storehouse got us a pint in the Gravity Bar, the part of the Guinness pint where the delicious foam sits in a real glass.

The panoramic views of the city from the Gravity Bar were breathtaking.  We had lucked out and gone to the Storehouse on a clear and blue day!

The pints did help us feel less punchy from our jet lag, I even tried some!  We had been awake for about 30 hours at this point, so if we look a little rough around the edges it's because we were exhausted!

If you are in Dublin, take the afternoon for a pint and a beautiful view at the Guinness Storehouse!