O Christmas Tree

I'm so excited for Christmas this year! I listen to holiday tunes at work, added a wreath to our front door, and am so excited to open gifts with Brandon. I haven't always been the best gift giver and hope I can get something right this year~ 
Our only decorations in our little apartment is our wreath on the front door, a bowl of cinnamon pine cones at the foot of our bed, and red sheets! I mentioned to my mom my wish for red sheets for the holiday season (they can be used for Valentines and 4th of July too!) She surprised us my gifting some beautiful red satin sheets, Santa would be jealous. I love crisp red and white for Christmas. Such a fun way to celebrate and they make me smile every time I pull down the comforter.

We move December 14th, back home with my parents for a short time until we know what county we'll find jobs in. It didn't seem practical to bring up boxes of decorations when we're in the process of boxing up the apartment right now. So over Thanksgiving break I decorated a small Christmas Tree at my parents home, ready for us when we get there.

Every year my mom gives us an ornament. I added just a few to our small tree this year. They are always so fun, sometimes homemade, sometimes representing something from the year's experiences, always special. We each have a box of ornaments so when we leave home we have a piece of our Christmas traditions with us and I must have a full trees worth of ornaments! I've loved her efforts and hope to pass on that tradition with my own children. 
Thank you Mom for creating memories. I hope everyone's enjoying this magical time of the year! 

Temptation Cupcake

How do you get empty milk glasses, piles of wrappers, and big smiles?

You visit a cute cupcake shop, Temptation Cupcake, in Logan, UT and you select beautiful and divine cupcakes like these:

 Top to Bottom, Left to Right: Cinnamon and Sugar, Chocolate Swirl, Bavarian Cream, Chocolate Ganache, Bavarian Cream, Cookies n' Cream

I had seen this shop and wanted to visit so badly. The thing is that they sell out everyday and there'd be nothing left by the time I get off work. But one Saturday Brandon took me in the morning to taste these sweet treats. It was so hard to choose. They make about 14 different kinds everyday, they have some that they make everyday but rotate most of the flavors, always introducing new decadent flavors. 

Our favorites were the cookies n' cream (i've been craving it ever since) and the cinnamon and Sugar. I know i'll have to have one more before we move too far away to visit easily. 

Brandon and I had fun splitting all the flavors and ranking them. 

Thanks babe for the fun outing!

They picked the perfect name for their shop! By the way, the owners are an adorable husband and wife, he's the baker! Previous farmers, now cupcake shop owners. I wish the best for them! Sweet Success!

Now that we've devoured way too many sweets and we've had a hard time scheduling time to work out since moving here we realize the following has become true: 

We're dying to get into a better routine. This picture perfectly describes how we feel right now. 
She's a darling little girl though! :) 

Super 8

A while back Brandon and I were informed by our apartment manager that the water heater we share with the apartment below us had broken and been condemned. Awesome. We were ok with it; it was a Sunday and we'd already showered. But when Monday rolled around, snowy and cold, I was wanting a hot shower by the end of the day. Management offered to send us to a local hotel, we took it! Hey a hotel stay that we don't have to pay for AND a shower that is bigger than the box we've got! Done deal!

Little did we know the luxury we were in for! We were directed to the Super 8.

We were given a handicap accessible room on the first floor right by the front desk.

It was 5 stars all the way!

Brandon being a "Price is Right" model, showcasing the deluxe accommodations.

That's right-13inches of full color. What more could you ask for?

We made the best of the situation by making it an "escape". 

We stopped by the grocery store and loaded up on some delicacies: Coke & Peanut M&M's.

  Brandon was pretty excited about the ice machine. He's terribly fond of ice. 

 The hotel featured a pool and hot tub. The lights of the nearby fast food restaurant really set the mood. Did we take advantage of this luxury? Yes. 

We packed our swimsuits and sat, momentarily, in the hot tub. 

Overall it was a funny night. I enjoyed the "continental" breakfast the next morning by myself while Brandon got in a few more minutes of precious sleep before taking me to work. 

Thanks Management of University Villa for the free night's stay and the experience! We appreciated the offer and it was fun to mix up our normal routine at the Super 8.

It's in the Details

I live in a beautiful place. There is so much history here and it's evident in some of the beautiful, historic architecture. I often drive home from work a different way so I can experience more homes. I have somewhat of a bipolar style, I die over the details and trends of this time period but love sleek modern lines. Brandon and I would probably never choose a home in the style of the photos I'll showcase but I appreciate the details and the workmanship. These homes inspire me, they make me smile, they are works of art, they honestly take my breath away. I sigh as we pass by and Brandon just laughs at me. They're not just houses-they are stories and history to me.

While Brandon was busy working a few Saturdays ago I wandered out into the newly snowed streets to capture some of my favorites. 

There are too many to capture, too many to love. 

Can you see the dental trim peaking out beneath the snow? I love it. 

The balcony and porch made me long for a lemonade on a summer evening. I love the green capitols on the ionic columns. I love the symmetry. 

Below is a house that I pass daily on my way to work. It's been kept so well and has such a welcoming, warm tone. It sits on a street lined with trees, most of the streets in Logan are tree-lined. It reminds me of growing up in old Provo. The trees feel so wise and protecting to me. I've always been drawn to them. 

The following house is my favorite. It's massive. There is an extraordinary amount of detail and craftsmanship.  I want to go inside so badly! It's a castle, a dream. I have a huge love of turrets, I have always wanted my room to be in one.

 Are you breathless?! I'm in love! I could stare at it all day, I'm so glad I found it!

Next is the house that I walk by daily. It's the house situated just in front of our apartment, see that old, orange motel thing in the background? That's us, but this beauty is basically home too.  I wish there was an apartment open when we moved in. The entry way is a beautiful staircase with dark woods and  transoms above the doors.

I'm so glad we have been able to live in Logan for a short time and so grateful for the builders of these homes and the individuals that seek to preserve them!