What makes a good day?

It starts with waking up late...then deciding some new cupcakes need to be made

On today's menu: Orange cupcakes with Orange Almond Frosting. A...YUM!!

Zesting the oranges

The glorious smelling batter

Were ready to bake!

Now for the candied oranges

It wouldn't be a baking day with out some lovely holiday tunes!

The trick to candied oranges, lemons, etc is putting them in an ice bath

Perfect! Round and browned!

Candied.

The baker: yours truly

Frosted with almonds on the edges. (I decided against the candied oranges because they were taking forever!)

With chocolate shavings. :)

Now to finish the night. Ski photo shoot with the friends. And horrible make-up.

Drop Dead Gorgeous suits. Many thanks to dear Mother Teresa and Papa Jeff.

Yes, we look good. Don't hate us cause you ain't us!!

Sid went Asian a-wall on us and flipped a peace sign.

Lindsay: Getting down with the ski

Sidney: She went the most crazy with her make-up and it shows!

And last but not least C'est moi! Question of the night: Do these pants make me look fat?!? If they do or don't you will be seeing them on the slopes this year. Look out.

 

Unfortunately the cake of the cupcake was not the best recipe to follow. The frosting on the other hand was definitely not garbage, it was heaven! The rest of the night consisted of baby cones at Charley's Ice Cream, running out of Kohl's after playing in the make-up section, and a good ol' ski fashion photo shoot.

It's that time of the year when students begin the 2 weeks of hell...Yes that is what I'll call it. HELL. Finals are upon us; this being my first year of finals is seemingly not so bad. (sarcasm is a beautiful thing.)  I have managed to leave two days to study for my final tomorrow and with my reputation of procrastination my study habits will be likely the same for my other classes.

Awww, a nice break from the studying to enjoy a Diet Coke, Pandora, and blogging. Thank you Lisa for the welcoming message to the blogosphere! I am enjoying my stay so far.
 
Do you remember the song from Primary that goes: Oh what do you do in the summer time when all the world is green? I'm sure you do and I'm almost 100 % positive you just sang it in your head as you read along. Now sing along to this...


 Oh what do you do when it's finals time and all the info is lame?


                                                               Do you watch Rachel Ray?

 

  Or crave the bay, as you watch all the waves roll by? 

 (yes that is me, maria, and missy at Newport Beach Cali)

IS THAT WHAT YOU DO? SO DO I!!

Oh what do you do when it's finals time and all the info is lame?

Do you dress up real cool?

Or act as a fool, and watch yourself waste time away?

IS THAT WHAT YOU DO? SO DO I!!

Oh what do you do when it's finals time and all the info is lame?

Do you want to go ski with your Grandma Big E?

Or travel around QUI QUI!!

IS THAT WHAT YOU DO? SO DO I!!

December is encroaching

As the holiday of green and red is soon upon us I wanted to share a picture that always gets me hyped for the upcoming days of cold and bliss. It warms my heart and prepares me for all aspects of holiday joy. Here is my present to you.

I LOVE MY GRANDPA MELVIN...



             

Intimidation Is Fast Approaching!!

As the week just begins I would absolutely adore it to end just as quickly! The next two weeks will be filled with constant studying, final comprehension tests from the university, and me having my frequent freak outs! Those who know me love seeing me freak out...they are pretty funny to watch at a later date being recorded. To help me make it through these next stressful weeks I have key people in my life. They are all around reminding me how blessed I am in this world.

                           My best friend: Friends for as long as I can remember, hilarious memories, quoting movies and need I go on?!? Sid is the sister I never had and the best friend I will always have!

                      Us three together house sitting is the best thing to help me get the bad days off my mind. Together us three have been threw it all thick and thin. Laughter bursts from our lungs whenever we are around.

          All the people in my family are my favorites! I could not be more proud than the family I have and feel so blessed to have them around. They are the ones who have made me who I am...CRAZY!

                        With parents like these it's hard to be normal. I love them with all my heart. Cross my heart, hope to die, stick a needle in my eye.

           At first me and the brother didn't get along. And then a funny thing happened...he left on a mission for two years and I suddenly missed him! Now we get along, not great, but just good enough to share the bathroom and have morning convos while we hog the sink to brush our teeth.

            My ginger cousin is a wonderful person with the biggest personality! Her witty comments will take you off guard and will cause ridiculous laughing fits that bust the gut! She is my ginger cousins known for her red hair!!

    The Thompson side is the sporty footballers! With Josh kicking at USU and Jake likely to follow in big brothers footsteps of being an amazing kicker I love them all!

                 Family weddings bring us together for one thing: food. Giggle, no just kidding we love each other!

        Another red head in my life! There are tons of reds in my life that have had an impact on who I am. This special lady is Elaine. My dear grandma keeps me sane and is there to talk to when I have had a hard day and don't know which way to turn.

  Sweet, sweet Cole is growing up before my eyes! I am older than him but he is growing like a green bean! His heart is made of gold who deserves nothing but the best and is going to go far in life no doubt.

      Austin: THE BFG: THE BIG FRIENDLY GIANT!! What a wonderful caring guy that loves with all his heart. The adventure he lives is one of a kind and one that will not be forgotten.

          And last but not least.... Jocie. Although she is not here physically she is always with me in my heart. My friend, skiing buddy, and an angel in my life. One of the best examples in my life to follow through with my goals and "Go Big or Go Home" She will never be forgotten and I cannot wait to see her someday and give her the biggest hug! The memories with her I will cling to forever.

I have family and friends all over and they help bring me back down to earth. They are the people I can constantly rely on and I can be my complete crazy self around. I am proud to have a wonderful family on both my moms side and my dads. I love the friends who make me laugh, ski, and teach me valuable lessons.