thanks, j.crew...

crud. crud. crud. crud. Well, they are one step ahead of the game. J.Crew sent me an email introducing their new Spring/Summer 2013 collection. It's not February 1st yet, and like I had expected, many of my wish list items will never come true because i'd have to give my first born, sell both of my legs and go bald to own em. Though this really chaps my butt, I can still admit that they are just lovely to look at and if I have to loath over them I will, and not spend my pennies. Cheers to wardrobe in wanting and dreaming.

1. Portrait Collar Popover 2. Stubbs & Wooton for J.Crew Classic Linen Slippers (Caribbean Pink) 3. Short-Sleeved Embellished Sweater 4. Snakeskin Tuxedo Shorts 5. Fan Fringed Necklace 6. Lace-Striped Tuxedo Pants 7. Etta Snakeskin Cap Toe Pumps (Dried Lavender) 8. Short-Sleeve Beaded Sweater 9. Collection Fringed Linen Skirt 10. Linen Tropical Tank & Kira Metallic Sandals

im itchin' for some february.

When I look at a calendar, I don't make a list of things to do, I make a list of main events that I am just beyond excited for that occur during that month. For instance, the month of January, I'll tell you what happened, aside from starting another semester of school - nada. Not a dang thing happened, and with 31 days to spare, I have been dying. We've had about three to four major hazardous snow storms and well, that's about it. Actually, I can say, January has been a month of improvement as far as my eating habits and exercise go. I've been on the grind and I can't wait to take my February 1st photos and compare them to January 1st. Dont fear, I keep those photos private.

But now that February is actually this week, I am just itching for the main events to come during these next twenty-eight days. To kick off the month right, with love, my friends and I are throwing my friend Kristi a bridal shower. She is getting married in March and I can't wait to be a part of the wedding and take a vacation to California for the main event! She will be quite the stunning bride. I've already seen her engagements and about passed out. She be lookin' gooood.

And then, of course how could any of us forget, it's valentines day. The zoo and I take turns every year to "be in charge." I'm feeling rather lucky that he's in charge of Valentines Day with our first year of marriage. Im off the hook baby! For our first Valentines Day when we first began dating, he surprised me and decorated my bedroom as though it were a restaurant and served our favorite grub at the time, 'Slab Pizza', and then presented me with my gifts, which were all homemade and a costco box of Otter Pops. He stole the show. I've never had a guy go all out for me like that before, and it was in a genuine way, and that really knocked me off my feet. So, I liked it so much, that I ripped him off and did the exact same thing a year later when I was in charge, except my decor was rockin' and I switched up the menu with our now and forever go-to grub, 'Bombay House.' Although, I do think we are both a little burnt out with the homemade restaurant ordeal, so I am really excited to see what the zoo has in store this year.

And the one event that I'm going to wet myself at, my first art show in Salt Lake City. I had a conference call tonight giving more details about the whole shebang and I am nervous. I don't know why. I'm pretty confident with my work in the sense that I don't really care what others think, as long as my work pleases me then I am calm as a clam. But if people verbally give me their opinion and it's negative, I don't take their criticism lightly and I want to keel over in a ball and die. So I just hope people are nice to me and save their negative opinions until they walk away when I'm not around to hear. I've never put myself in this kind of spotlight so I'm both anxious and excited. Nonetheless, it's going to be great experience no matter what.

And last but not least, to wrap up the month of February, my beautiful Nicolette will jet out of the big apple and land in the happy valley, to keep me company, stay in my bungalow, eat and eat and eat our favorite local grub and plan her wedding! YAHOO! I haven't seen Nik since my wedding, and this is the longest we've gone without seeing each other. It's weird adjusting from her being my roommate for three years to all of a sudden living across the United States of America. Im not diggin' it but what can you do? So I'm not gonna waste anytime that she's here, but I will be loosing a lot of sleep, as we are both major night owls.

Oh, and one more side note : J.Crew is finally launching their Spring 2013 Collection on the first of February and I have been waiting for this day since Fashion Week. Have you seen the Collection Line? I'm going to keel over and die when I see the price tags too.

So let's go out with a bang for January and say Aloha to February, for I am ready to rock n' roll!

i am raw.

I could keel over and die with this exciting news I'm about to share. i have been selected to be featured in my first art show as a raw artist.    Raw Artists is an independent arts organization for artists, by artists. And I'm talking all kinds of artists: hair stylists, makeup artists, musicians, painters, photographers, you name it. This art show is nation wide covering the west coast, southwest, midwest, east coast & australia. For those of you in the area, the RAW Artists show I will be at and featured in is on February 21, 2013 in Salt Lake City, Utah at The Grand @ The Complex. To purchase tickets, which are only $10.00, mind you, just click on my artist profile Rachel Anne Robbins RAW Artist Profile and click "Buy a Ticket for this Artist." I assure you, it's going to be a feel good time. This isn't like any other kind of art show, this is a great event with live music, great food and a diversity of artists. It's laid back and it's the place to be! I'd love your support and hope you guys can make it out to the big night! This is pretty exciting for me, as I have never been involved in something like this before and for once, it will be nice to be recognized for some hard work!

five things you don't even know about me...

So this was a ball. I love when you see little trends fire up through instagram. Sadly, sometimes I can't help but join in, especially when it's your turn because someone chose you to do something. So I had a little fun sharing with the instagram world, five things they don't know about me. Since you're my friend too, I thought I'd share here as well.

1. My nickname is Nance, short for Nancy Drew because I love to go ghost hunting, anything haunted and mysterious. In high school, I went to Savannah for a weekend with friends, just to go ghost hunting. 2. I sang "Love Shack" acapella, by myself, on the Jay Leno show during commercial break. 3. I was physically attacked by a homeless drunk man who jumped on my back in Chester, England. That was awesome. 4. My weakness is cheese with cranberry cocktail juice. 5. And aside from my marriage, I have been dating Leonardo Dicaprio since age 8. I've been to the Titanic Exhibit twice and cried...

do you still think im okay after I just spilled all of that to you? Sure hope so.

what i'd give...

Well, a snow storm is heading our way tonight. Gee, I am so enthusiastically excited. Im laying on some pretty thick sarcasm as I am so done with winter. Boots, don't get me going on boots. I know boots are cute, whether it be Hunters, Sorel's or Frye's, but I want them outta ma life. They are killing me. Hefty, bulky, bruising my heels, they are not my friends. I have never been a boots person. I guess you could say, I choose comfort over fashion when it comes to my shoes. I am a nut over sandals, flats, flip flops; anything that let my toe cleavage breathhhh. So with that said, I'd give anything for sunny weather to let my feet breath in some j.crew coraline patent flats. I'm also really ahead of the game and I can't stop myself from day dreaming and planning my Southern Summer Bash Im gonna throw. Im gonna cook ma closet friends some homemade southern/cajun grub under the stars with fabulous decor and blossoms and all I wanna do is sit in my living room while watching "Celebrity Ghost Stories" and make a pom pom chandelier for the decor. And after I whip up that chandelier I wanna get a fixin in the kitchen and whip up Mamma's Banana Cream Pie. I guess I could do that right now, but it's not the same fixin' these lovely desserts in the dead of winter. I want my trees limbs climbing into my kitchen window, please. And what I would give to let my armpits breath in a nice loose blouse where my arms can soak up the golden rays. I'd prefer this tsumori chisato blouse but when I saw the price, I tossed my head back and laughed. That will never happen. The only thing getting me through these months is the fact that I can still paint and bring color into my life. I just put a name to my favorite abstract painting, I call it: "tropicana lush." Is that lame? It just sounds really delicious to me. Any hoo, for those of you drowing in the dead of winter, how are you surviving? Hope you aren't a poor sport like me. Bring on the weekend. 

back in the saddle.

Boys and girls, I do believe I am back in the saddle. I am attempting to do a series of portraits I like to call, "Luck, Be a Lady." This is for my painting IV class and I am so lucky that I've got Sue as a teacher who believes that by this stage in school, you should be able to do whatever the heck you want.

I haven't painted a portrait since high school and that is all that I did in high school was paint portraits. The reason for such the drought of portraits in collage is fairly simple. I painted portraits from pictures because I loved painting my muses, until I showed up to my painting I class which sucked out all of the energy out from me. You can listen to me vent here in this past post. Yikes, I just read that post and holy cow was I heated. Basically, in collage, it is very much looked down upon to paint a picture from a photograph. For whatever reason, I simply say this, I don't really give a crap. But for the sake of my grade and learning experience, I nodded my head yes and stayed clear of painting from photos. That's when I began my abstract paintings because that is the direction my teachers pushed me towards. Now, I am not saying this ain't no blessing, because I actually find that it is. Without this push in a new direction, I wouldn't have known that I could create something that came from my mind and my imagination ONLY, and I didn't know that I was going to fall so in love with it. I also didn't realize that the art education at my school, well in the fine arts department, is geared towards abstract expressionism. I thought that was super strange since most fine artists are more traditional and look to Da Vinci and Vermeer for guidance.

Either way, I will continue to do abstracts for the rest of my life because I know that one day it will sell and please the eye of others and for me, it literally is a blast to do and spend my time and I gain a lot of confidence doing so, but I can't help but fall back on my one true forbidden love. And as a sixth year senior, yes six, I will do both and push all dirty looks aside. For senior studio, I will do a series of abstracts, and for my painting IV, I will do a series of portraits, from photos, mind you, with my own twist and style. And I will enter these portraits into my senior portfolio and they won't do nothing about it. So, to all this I say, I'm going out with a bang! And I'm back in my saddle baby!

mr. matisse.

Ah. There is nothing I love more than the rush of art history. Aside from my painting classes, art history is a must every semester and I just adore it. Though, this semester is focused on contemporary art, I can't help but dream of the luscious work of Mr. Henri Matisse. A french Fauvist painter and sculpture, Matisse was free and expressive in his work. What is most delicious about his paintings is his color palettes, with how vibrant and rich they are. The usage of pattern play is also quite exciting. I just love Matisse as a whole. I am going to miss studying his work this semester so for the sake of it, here is a dedication to some of my favorite works of Matisse. Dig in and admire. 

1. the riverbank, 1907 / 2. the terrace, st. tropaz, 1904 / 3. vases with two handles (a bunch of flowers), 1907 /  4. woman with a hat, 1905 / 5. joaquina, / 6. goldfish, 1911 / 7. open window, collioure, 1905 / 8. the french window at nice, 1919 / 9. the dream, 1940 / 

just what the doctor ordered.

Holy mackerel! How is it possible that just about every Sunday, I wake up with my eyes irritating me again? My eyes have been in such pain since Thanksgiving, its unbelievable. They burn, tear up, and are so sensitive to the light that I go blind when I step outside. The sun beaming off of snow isn't much help either. I need help. So after church, I'll spend my afternoon and evening just as the doctor would order. In my pjs, with no choice but to wear my glasses, sipping on a green smoothie while i lay in bed watching the classic 1950's musical "Carmen Jones."

If you want the truth, aside from my painful eyes, I really wouldn't have it any other way. This is perfect to me. To relax, is such a dream. So I will eat all this laziness up before another week begins. Cheers to beautiful, calming Sundays. And please, pray for my eyes; they are knocking the day lights outta me.

just for the record.

Okay, okay, so let me set some things straight here. Not that there is any confusion, but it did dawn on me today that I do sort of live two separate lives. Okay, not really, that sounded weird but do I go by two different names I should say. First off, in the social media world which covers my, blog (feel good time), my artwork as an artist, my pinterest and my instagram, have all started out as Rachel Anne Robbins, which is my birth name/maiden name. Since the beginning of time with my artwork dating back to high school, I have always signed my painting as RAR, for Rachel Anne Robbins, obviously because that is my name and who I am. Continuing artwork in collage I continued to sign as Rachel Anne Robbins and still do to this very day. My other social media devices, I began as Rachel Anne Robbins as well.

Well, as you all do know, I did get married September 8, 2012 and did legally change my name to Rachel Robbins Kuch. But to stick to my logo with artwork at least, I continue to go by my maiden name and plan on doing so for the rest of my life. It's my signature, it's my roots, it's my identity and it's simply because it's where everything began and for love and respect for my dad, who has all girls, and a sister, I want to keep his name alive. And by doing so, I thought the easiest way possible was just through my social media and networking. Besides, this blog has been up and running since 2007 believe it or not, and it's just hard to change something that starts to mean an awful lot to you. Also, the zoo doesn't care at all to be involved in the social realm of things on the internet and quite frankly, I don't blame him so I guess it is best that I go by my maiden name?

Either way, I am Rachel Kuch but choose to display myself as Rachel Anne Robbins on my blog, artwork and other social outlets to dismiss confusion. Also, this is all just a huge justification for the fact that I am horrible with change, and changing my name was really hard for me so I felt that this was the best way to let it still be a part of who I am without feeling like a different person. I know, I know. I am weird, but just go with it. I just wanted to make a point and say, no, I didn't keep my maiden name. The zoo and I are a team and a partnership in marriage and we are simply Zeke and Rachel Kuch. And we have a feel good time.

Got it? Now, on to life we go!

a bungalow becomes a home.

the living room

the dining room

the "office"

Well since I just bombarded you with photo after photo, I can confidently say that the zoo and I finally feel at home in our sweet little bungalow. The Kitchen, bedroom, bathroom and guest room really have nothing to it. We've spent all of our waking hours sprucing up the two front rooms since that is where our company spends there time. And, to be quite honest, we most likely wont live here for long so we tried our best to not invest too much into our home, but enough to be comfortable and proud.

The zoo is really fun to decorate with because he shares the same love for gold as i do. I mean, anything we could get our hands on and change to gold, we did. Such as the elephant, the fireplace screen, our hollywood regency chairs we rehapolsterd and painted white... and gold. Every photo frame in our home - gold. Luckily, the table and conch shell came gold but we are still looking to continue the gold through out our house. Call us crazy. 

Either way, it has been a blast to finally make a place feel somewhat like your home. Being able to paint the wall colors, pick out furniture and really call the shots on most things. I am especially looking forward to spring and summer. I can't wait to plant some garden rose bushes in the front yard and hang green ferns from our porch like my mom does at our house in Georgia. I also am really pumped to hang the scalloped american flags. There is nothing more American than a good ol' American home with the flag waving proudly in the summer time. I have just been day dreaming all the live long day. Whelp, welcome to our home. I hope you enjoyed the somewhat "private" tour. Hope you have a blast this weekend! And be safe! A huge snow storm just hit and the zoo drove his car into a snow bank right out side of our house. Took about ten people to get him out. yikes. 

master my own talents.

There is no such thing as mastering your talents in painting. I will always be learning, improving, admiring, experimenting, redoing, throwing away, giving myself a pat on the back. The work just continues. And through this process of growth, you'll come across other artists that you can't help but ooo & ahh and think to yourself, my gosh, how did they do it? I follow a neo-traditionalist girl on intsagram named katie armour. Known for her blog, the neo-traditionalist and is the co-founder of online magazine matchbook , she is spunky, adorable with a pixie cut and has looks that could kill and her best friend is her pug, Alfred. Anyway, Katie posted this photo on her instagram of these Kate Moss paintings that she bought and finally framed. And for the life of me, i can't stop studying it. It is perfection, it has such a feminine and delicate feel to it. The technique and strokes of the paintbrush are what I wish to possess. Time and practice is what it takes, but if I were able to produce a portrait as beautiful as this, I would be the happiest girl on the earth. I have no idea who the artist is or where this print was purchased but I look up to it, and I admire it dearly, and hope that some day, shooting for the summer, I can live up to this sort of talent. It is truly wonderful.

One more thing before I go, I came across Katie Armour's manifesto on her blog and it's nothing short of perfection. Everything written in it I can agree and relate to. Sometimes people are so good with words, I too wish I had that talent. I think I love her manifesto so much because in some ways or another, thought she didn't write it about me, it's a reflection of me without anyone knowing it. It's so perfectly written I'd love to print one out and frame it by my desk. Anyways, dig in...

we believe in being glass-half full sort of girls.

we believe that often times, granny is chic.

we believe in pedaling vintage schwinns with flower baskets.

we believe in poetry, picnics, and piñatas.

we believe one is never too old to keep a diary, the secrets only grow more scandalous.

we believe in arranging fresh flowers unruly like an english garden.

we believe in adventure and traveling the globe, be it to marrakech or malibu.

we believe in mixing lucite with oriental rugs. thrift store finds with heirlooms.

we believe in handwritten thank you notes, better late than never. 

we believe in needlepoint, letterpress, decoupage, and forgiving martha stewart.

we believe in piggy banks and cookie jars. 

we believe in book clubs full of fitzgerald, hemingway, austen and woolf.

we believe station wagons are hopelessly chic. 

we believe in recycling our grandmothers' names. eloise, jackie, faye...

we believe in collecting: stamps, shells, books, big glittering diamonds...

we believe in marrying the boy that writes us the best love letters. 

we believe in highly competitive board games- chess, scrabble, chutes & ladders.

we believe in spontaneous road trips and charming, chintzy bed & breakfasts.

we believe there's something to fortune cookies, wishbones, and 4 leaf clovers. 

we believe in classics, shaken, and stirred...

tropical escapade in my mind.

oh booger! It's that time of year again where my mind starts a-wonderin' in a place that is quite nonexistent in the month of january, in the dead of winter, in the cool brisk breeze of a white utah night. I'm yearning for a escapade into the deep turquoise waters of  the Caribbean sea, where coconuts fall from trees and the smell of the islands jamaican jerk chicken is carried through the breeze. If I ever have a dream, my dream is this: basking in the heat of the sun, people watching through some spectacular vintage binoculars, while twinkling my toes to some Billie Holiday through my retro portable radio. I'd be collecting treasures from the shore, and nestling in a hammock for some cool shade. I'd be adorned in a Hermes silk scarf like Jackie O and tortoiseshell shades while reading my book of the magical New Orleans and writing sweet nothings to my Zoo in a botanical notebook. now, aint that the dream?Ah, but to dream a dream. Obviously most of this is a dream because it will be the day that I sport a Hermes silk scarf and pounce about in that Tory Burch beach tote. But anything goes within a dream. So until then, I shall dream. May the winter be ever so kind to you. *a lot of these beautiful things I obviously can't afford, but they are listed because they are part of my dream. Don't dare think I can afford this. So you can dream with me and we'll drool together...*

ginger root sculpture / perpetual bloom towel / jcrew fragrant orange kira sandals / hermes headscarf / lucis puma sunnies / in the spirit of new orleans book / sweet briar notebook / jcrew scalloped underwire tank / tory burch beachy norah bucket tote / cartier coral diamond yellow gold ring

a winter blowout of clothes!

zing! Just like spring cleaning, I do believe the new year can call for some cleaning as well. Even though I don't think any of these articles of clothing are trash, I do believe that "One mans trash, is another mans treasure." I still love each and every single one of these pieces oh so much, but they are never worn and need your tender love and care. to view and purchase go to winterblowout.blogspot.com and to purchase or ask any questions email me at robbins757@gmail.com If out of the state of Utah, I will ship for a fee. The fees vary depending on the clothing item, you will see the shipping fee under each item. For payment, if out of state, I'd prefer a check in the mail. Paypal rubs me the wrong way sometimes. If in state, we can arrange a pick up, or I can ship if that makes it easier on you!. now, shop away my friends and please spread the news!

can i get a "hallelujah?"

For real, can I pa-pa-pa-pleasse get a hallelujah? It's true, the day as come, it's the grand opening of my etsy shop selling my artwork as an artist! Sha-bang! What a great way to start off the new year! Did you know that this was such a pain in my neck putting off such a task? I don't know why it has taken me so long, but now, with a click of a button, it is finally up and runnin' and I do believe I have butterflies in my stomach. Im scared no one will like it, purchase it, or even take a peek at it! But either way, this is a huge step for me and I am proud to announce that artist rachel anne robbins is welcoming you to take a peek at the grand opening of her etsy shop! come one, come all: 

Rachel Anne Robbins Shop

Do ever be so kind, as I am new at this, and would like a great support group! You guys already rock so let's get this business a-boomin'!

ringing in the new year.

New Years is a little bittersweet. For one, it's just a ignoramus reminder that you're only getting older. But it's also a time to get a little giddy of the new things to come. It's a great refreshing start. This year, could be a new you, a better you, an improved you. The push back for me is, getting this new start ain't too easy when you are going full throttle in the month of January. January sort of makes me wanna cry. There is still snow on the ground and you have no Christmas carols to justify the goodness of it, and some how, some way, the temperature has plummeted to the negatives. Also, you wake up the first of the month and look back to the night before and remind yourself how New Years Eve is always a bust and you regret not kicking it low in your pjs and bingeing on pizza while watching dick clark as a fire is crackling. Screw the new years eve kiss, it just never adds up to what you thought it would be.

You're thinking my mindset is pretty negative right now, I know, but really it's not; I'm just facing reality and learning to get over it with a shrug and a smile. Going full force with your goals actually gives me a rush and I can't be stopped. My girl, Riss told me the other day that she's an all or nothing kind of gal. I can back her up and say that this is completely true, and for that, I truly admire.

So, goal number 1 : become an all or nothing kind of gal. If I'm going to make goals, and be for real, I best not break them, no matter what the circumstance is. For there is nothing greater than achieving your goals and experiencing the process and witnessing the results.

Goal number 2 : i will hold myself to a standard of grace, not perfection. I hate to admit this to myself, but last year was a year of constantly going at war with myself and comparing myself to others. fashion blogs really make me wanna spew. To me, all it is are beautiful girls throwing their wardrobes in your face and showing off what they can afford and what you can't. Sometimes, I go crazy with how the internet has allowed women to become so vain. Vanity has really taken a toll on me, in a frustrating way. My friend Nik and I were in a conversation over the phone and she had made a comment that I don't remember right off the bat, but it was something along the lines of, how she has become comfortable with herself in a humble way to the point where she doesn't have to compare herself to others because she is proud of who she has become. Touche' Nicolette. What a great example to have as a woman. So, I will begin to purge the vainess of the world, out of my life if that's what it takes. I need to recognize that I am not perfect, nor will I ever be, but as long as I am trying and pushing myself towards these goals of being better as a human being, I will have a standard of grace.

Goal number 3 : for heavens sake, finish that Vintage American Vogue painting that you drool over all the time. MAKE TIME FOR YOUR TALENTS. Uh, see that American vintage cover of Vogue up there? I decided to paint that sucker last summer. That was the summer of 2012, and I planned on finishing it before July 4, 2012. And did it happen, um no, not quite. So my next goal was to finish it this Christmas Break. No, it's not finished yet, and yes I still have t-minus five days until my vacation is over and another artistic semester has begun. So... I've gotta make some time. I have to finish that painting even if it's the death of me. I love it so much, you would think it would have been framed and hung by now but my time management is the pits and I really need to get a grip.

Goal number 4 : moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. I am a crazy person. I have been going loco since I got married. Because I got married, I all of a sudden think I've hit a mile stone in my life and I'm over the hill and aging. I need to slow it down, take it down a notch and come to terms with growing up and while doing so simply grow up! Also I need to recognize that I am still young, I am 23 for crying out loud and if you fear of aging and you know you're doing to do so naturally then buck up and start now! So a moisturizing I will go, morning and night, face and neck and the whole sha-bang. I can't prevent wrinkles, but I can slow it down. Also remember, aging is beautiful if you are healthy and natural. But in all seriousness, I need to take better care of my skin.

Goal number 5 : eat right, get fit. just freaking do it. day two and so far, so good. I've made it to the gym two days in a row and I feel like a queen. I don't know about you, but all of the evil holidays back to back to back have been extremely scrumptious and my taste buds thank you for that, but my poor body... heavens be has no idea what I've done to it. My breathing has changed. Yeah, it really has, I breath like I am carrying 500 tons on my back. It's embarrassing. On top of that I feel flat out disgusting. My 4th of July dress doesn't zip up anymore and let's just say all of my printed toothpick pants aint so hot on my bod right now. Really, this is just a matter of wanting to live a long a healthy life and being good to my body. Remember, your body is a Temple. Treat it with respect and kindness, be aware of what you intake. Don't deprive yourself, but don't kill yourself at the same time. I just want to say holla to  myself over the fact that I easily didn't have to go to the gym today. I woke up with my left eye feeling as though knives were stabbing it and it was watering like crazy! I could hardly keep it open and when I walked outside the sun was sin! I thought I had gone blind. I thought, oh i'll just wear my glasses while I run. But then I remembered that my glasses are so stretched out that they fall down my nose constantly. So, I bucked up, wore my glasses with my sunglasses on top of them. Drove to the gym, which luckily is just right around the corner. Locked my glasses in the car and did my workout at the gym blind as a bat. completely blind. I deserve an award. Where is my award?

Goal number 6 : spend less time on your computer, make more time behind a book and the scriptures. enough said. the internet is the devil. I have wasted so much time in my life on this stupid thing, and here I am blogging to "you" who may not even exist because I doubt anyone reads this flippin' thing but I can't help that I still like to do it. shoot me.

Goal number 7 : learn the charleston, and learn how to swing & jive. it's your favorite dance and it will make you happy. 
It's true. I love to dance. I danced all throughout middle school and high school and though I wasn't serious about it, because art was my main squeeze, I danced because it made me happy. Unfortunately, I feel as though my favorite kind of dance is forgotten and If it can't be brought back into the world, it will be brought back into mine, by learning it. I love the decade of the twenties, I dream about it, and research it all the live long day, and a long with it comes the dancing of the Charleston. From the 20's to the early 50's I could do the charleston every day on top of Swing dancing. If I could snap my fingers and have Mr. Louis Armstrong jive away on his brass instruments in my own living room, I would in a heart beat and I'd zoot suit riot all day. I want to drag the Zoo into this, seeing as how eh, I kind of need a partner. Knowing that he'll most likely decline, my feelings will be crushed because there is no way in having Leon James, Gene Kelly or Fred Astaire come into my life. So, sorry Zekey,  I'm taking you down with me.

Goal number 8 : bring your southern roots into your life no matter your location. get down and dirty in the kitchen and finally master the art of cajun creole cooking! I cry, I cry all of the time that I am in Utah and no where near Georgia. It's pathetic, but I guess it's living proof that I seriously adore and am so grateful for where I come from and that the South is my home. I am so proud of southern traditions and the southern hospitality, the way of life down there and I miss it all too much. I go in crying spirtz and I know that it drives the Zoo crazy. I do believe I am a blonde form of Scarlett O'Hara and that I just cry and cry over my Tara. At least you know I am real. I was talking to Nik again, and she was saying how her and our friend Chad are choosing one word to describe their year of 2013 and to live by it. I think mine is BUCK -UP. No, I don't live in Georgia or South Carolina, or Louisiana, or Alabama, or Tennesse, or North Carolina, I live no where close to the deep south. And that's okayyyyy (really it's not okay with me at all, but my buck-up self is saying that it is.) So what can my sad sad self do to fix this awful, just awful solution, bring my southern ways to wherever I may be! So I am going to become a white version of my favorite lady, Minnie Jackson and cook up a storm and learn to cook my favorite home cook meals of the south. I am going to share it's goodness with my friends here is Utah and start a tradition and throw a Southern Summer Bash party. I also want to start a tradition where the zoo and I will have a scrumptious Cajun creole dinner for New Years Eve.

Goal number 9 : take the zoo to charleston, south carolina. I am slowly brainwashing the zoo to my devious southern ways. So far, I have obviously taken him to The Gem City of the South, Marietta, Georgia : my hometown where my family still resides. We've traveled to Atlanta, Hilton Head Island, Savannah and now our next top in the brainwashing escapade Charleston, South Carolina. 

Goal number 10 : feast more upon your favorite classics with your favorite gals and gents! grace, audrey, carey, jimmy and alfred galore! Im a true sucker for the classic films giving credit to my dad and his great taste in film. If I love it so much, and it makes me happy, then I need to add more of it into my life. The latest has been "It's A Wonderful Life" "White Christmas" and "Sabrina" starring Audrey Hepburn. Bring em on to me!

Goal number 11 : just simply be more kind, more loving, more thoughtful and more positive. think before you speak and pray to have good thoughts throughout your day. 

I hope you all have a happy New Years Eve and whatever your goals be, may you stick to them and be ever so thrilled with the outcome! I wish you luck and a happy new year!

christmas, part III

If you live in Utah, I suggest you take a trip to Midway and hit up Soldiers Hallow for some great tube sledding. There is actually a place a tad bit better in Park City, but if you're looking for something closer, this is great too. We met up with our cousins and tubed away down the snowy hills. It was a blast, the little kids LOVED it. My nephew Andrew said that this was his favorite thing he did all week long. The scenery was incredible when you made it to the top of the hill and once again, it was truly a winter wonderland. On the way home we made a pit stop to Heber Cities famous burger joint, Dairy Keen. The joint is full of trains that keep the kids a rollin'. Of course we dipped our burgers and drenched our fries in Utah's famous fry sauce. It's funny to me that fry sauce is only in Utah when all it is is ketchup mixed with mayo. Either way, I could drink it. Man, we seriously never stopped eating this past week. I didn't know my stomach could be stretched so wide. Good thing the new year has struck today and it's back to square one only this time, it's for real go time. No fooling around. I'm getting hip hop ship shape. I'm a bridesmaid in THREE weddings! THREE. I don't want to regret anything that's going to be plastered all over the internet, if you know what I mean, so all of this in shape talk... is for real. Besides, the whole goal for this new year is to just be flat out healthy, think about my mind and body and leave it at that. I want to be happy with myself and proud of the decisions I make. So here's to a GREAT christmas vacation and to a HAPPY new year!