One last day

Quick! Today is the last day to enter our contest! You have until midnight tonight to send in your entry!
Check the left side panel for the details of the contest!

Its super duper awesome so quick and tell us your most awkward/embarrasing gift youve ever gotten!

Favorite Things Friday: Randi

It's Friiiiiday! AND, two days till Christmas! I love Christmas a whole lot, the tree, the treats, the parties, but I definitely love the music. So this Friday, I'll share some of my favorite Christmas songs! It was hard, but I think I got most of them...

#1: O Come All Ye Faithful

This is my all time favorite Christmas carol. I think I love pretty much every version of it.

#2: A Baby Changes Everything
I know this isn't a traditional Christmas carol, but PLEASE LISTEN TO IT. It's amazing and gives me chills everytime.

#3: I'll Be Home For Christmas
This song is pretty classic, especially with Bing. This is my mom's favorite Christmas song, and after moving away from home, it became one of my favorites too.

#4: Hark the Herald Angels Sing
Joooooooy.

#5: O Holy Night
We like David at my apartment. A whole lot.

What are your favorites? Link them to me at the bottom so we can all share in the last days of this Christmas goodness. Two days!

O Holy Night?

Can you believe Christmas is on Sunday?! I feel like I had all this Christmas spirit after Thanksgiving and then it all died when I got to finals week. No worries, I survived and am now home for the holidays! But here's a nice little awkward video that gets me and my dad and younger brother laughing like nobody's business...

You got whaaaat for Christmas?!

Yup I said contest!

Heres how it goes down and guys, this is super duper easy!
We want to see/hear who has ever gotten the most embarrasing/funny/awkward gift ever! So heres what you do!
1. 'Like' Its only Awkward if you make it on facebook
2. Become a follower
3. Share with us through facebook or email or comment or whatever your most awkward gift youve ever gotten. How did you react? What did you do with it? Upload pictures if you can.

What happens if you win?
You get another present! From us!
But Im not going to tell you what it is because your not supposed to know what your getting for Christmas. But we promise it wont be as awkward as yours, so dont be scared.

But hurry. Contest ends December 31 at midnight so get the ball rollin now and get your stories in.

Need inspiration? Scroll down to read what Chelsie got at her family Christmas party and check out how awkward that can be.

So go now! Its gonna be alot of fun! We cant wait to hear your stories!


(ps to send an email scroll up and click on the 'contact us' tab for the info)

The joy of Holiday giving

Merry Christmas to all!
I love this time of year. I am lucky enough to have all my family relatively close. Theres a few members who live pretty far away, the farthest in New Jersey and we sure do miss them, especially around this time of year.

So you ever go to those fun and awkward family Chrismas parties? Where Grandma is cooking up a storm, uncle is telling his cheesy jokes, kids are playing in the snow, and everyone seems to break out their ugly sweaters? Its loud and smells like cookies and ham? Its just utter chaos but that's the holidays right?

(I know everyone looks so enthused in this picture but I promise we know how to have a good time).

Well since the majority of my family live so close we get together every year and have a big Christmas party. Its always so fun. We make lots of food and catch up on missed events in life. Games galore and then the presents get brought out. So here's how this works with the Nields:

Everyone brings a 'dollar store' gift that they wrap up and throw in a pile in the middle of the room. then a pan with two dice gets passed around and everyone rolls.

(we play the fast way) so if you roll a 1 or 6 or doubles you get to pick a present from the middle or someone else's.

 If you rolled one of those lucky numbers but already have a present you can keep yours or trade with someone else.

If someone steals your present and leaves you empty handed (meaning no trade) then you get to pick a new present from the pile.

This goes on until everybody has a gift. Once everyone has theirs we set a timer for one minute and go as fast as we can.

Its alot of fun and sometimes you get stuck with a present you love or something like ....

Opened em in front of my WHOLE family haha.

Was it awkward?

Potentially yes.

But I survived. Why?

Because Its only Awkward if you make it

and I did my best not to.

So we all just laughed really really hard.

What is awkward?

They don't fit

Why is that awkward?

Because I just made it........

Favorite Things Friday: Chelsie

Its soooo close to Christmas! Have you gotten your Christmas shopping done? I am so incredibly behind its not even funny. But no need to fret we have a week left! So instead of worrying about what presents to give, try and enjoy the other wonders of christmas. These are my favorites:

#1 Candy Canes

Who doesnt love candy canes, and if you dont like the traditional they come in all sorts of flavors now. They are fantastic! Nothing makes christmas taste like christmas like a candy cane, yumm.

#2 Christmas Lights

What really brings the spirit of Christmas, the lights. I love driving around and finding the musical houses that have music to go with their lights. Its so fun and suprisingly entertaining haha. They can be so pretty everywhere! In the house, on the house, on the tree. I love how pretty and how much joy they can bring people. (can you tell Im like 5 when it comes to Christmas).

#3 Christmas music

'The best way to spred Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear'

As said best by buddy the elf.

But isnt it true! The best way to spred so much cheer is to play all the Christmas music as loud as you can. I love it! Bing Crosby is one of my favorites ever! He is such a charming and talented man, haha. Its quite before my time, but if I was a young girl when he was in his prime, Id be all gaga over him haha. Have you heard the new Michael Buble album? OH SO WONDERFUL. Ive heard a few of his songs and its enough to make me want the entired album. Im so close to getting it for myself but maybe Ill get lucky and Santa will provide heehee.

#4 Stories

This is one thing that as a little kid I loved. My mom collected some books as we all grew up and I loved flipping through them throughout the holiday. The nutcracker was one of my favorites. I saw the ballet a few weeks ago and it really brought in some Christmas magic.

#5 Family/Friends

This is one thing that Christmas has always been about for me. We get together with our family and friends every year. Every year we get together with our family on Christmas eve and play games, eat food, and Santa comes! It helps me to remember what this holiday is all about. So go get together with your closest friends and family and enjoy all the things you love about the holidays with them.

Happy Holidays!



Tips and Tricks to sneaky exams

If your a college student then you know that finals are among us if not already endured. My final week was last week and it feels so super good to be done. Randis is this week so send her lots of good thoughts and love wishing her luck and we will be doing the same for any of you who are going through this nightmare.

Well even though it is really really easy to put off studying and I will admit I am guilty of it as well but I don't recommend it. Here is my strategy. I actually do well if I cram the night before but I try not to do that very much. So this is my game plan:

This was Thursday night. Looks scary right?

I try to take a little bit of time each day to simply read over notes and material. Then the night before the test I plan on really hitting the books hard. I mostly prepare for this night rather than the test day. If I slowly prepare myself for the study night and when I test myself if I do well I feel more confident for the test that's coming up.

This study pattern works for me, but it might not work for you. To be successful you have to figure out what works for you. Maybe you need to hit the books hard for an hour every day or 2 hours, or one of those who really don't need to study at all. The point is you've gotta figure out whats best for you. Try a few study strategies and find out what you like best, works best with your schedule, and helps you pass that evil, ugly exam. 

This is one thing that I do recommend that helps me study.

The note card.

These can get to be pretty scary but to me they are a lifesaver. Yes, these are all my note cards for one class. It makes studying so much easier and faster, which means I can study them more often and be better prepared for the exam. Haven't ever tried the note card game? Try it, and see if its something that works for you like it works for me.

Something else you can do to prepare for exams:

Make sure you get a good night sleep. Not just the night before the test but the week before as well. Get your brain in that pattern of going to bed at a decent hour (which isn't midnight) and getting up earlier in the day. Doing this will get your brain up and awake earlier in the day and revved up and ready to go for any school work.

Get a good healthy breakfast. The trend these days is to skip breakfast, and why? To lose weight? Wrong. I can honestly say breakfast is good because Ive never been very big breakfast eater. I get up in the morning and am not hungry and have no appetite. I usually have to force myself to eat in the mornings cause I just cant stand it. So I quit for awhile, it was easier for me and I noticed a change in my body. So after several months of eating like this I put myself on a pattern and slept regularly and ate breakfast and Ive actually lost weight.

So lesson: Eat your breakfast and make it good so that you can give your brain the boost it needs to help you make it through exams. Trust me, your brain, your metabolism and your test scores will thank me later:]

Drink lots of water. Water helps flush out your body constantly. I call it the nectar of the gods. Its a staple to life. Your brain is made of water so keep giving it what it needs. Becoming dehydrated can counter attack all of the above suggestions so stay hydrated. I carry a bottle of water with me all the time. Its a smart and healthy choice to make and also can have affects on your metabolism to keep it going and working quick.

So take some advice and good luck with the next few weeks and your finals coming up or whatever kind of event you have coming up.

Take luck! 

Favorite Things Friday: Randi

'Ello readers. It's 16 days till Christmas! Christmas time is a special time for me, and even more so now that I'm away from home for the first few weeks of December. Strangely, it makes me even more excited for Christmas knowing that I get to travel home after the hustle and bustle of finals and the end of the semester. So here's some of my favorite things during the holiday season...

#1: The Forgotten Carols

{via}
I love this production to eternity and beyond. It's the perfect way to start off the Christmas season, and this year I nabbed my roommates and we went to the performance here in Logan. It's amazing. The music brings me to tears every time and I get the chills. This is one of my favorite songs from the production.

#2: Josh Groban's Noel CD{via}
Oh, this man's voice. We've had this playing on and off in my apartment over the past week and it's been just like I'm at home. The Grob has a voice like no other.

#3: Christmas Decorations
My apartment is homey and wonderful and lovely and Christmas-y and I'm in love. I sorta hate that we only have a few weeks to enjoy our Christmas decorations...but that just means that I get to go home to this...

#4: Land O' Lakes Hot Chocolate{via}
Last year, my grandma gave me a 42 pack thing of Land O' Lakes Hot Chocolate Assorted Flavors. Best pre-Christmas gift I've ever been given. This stuff is amaaaaazing, especially if you're a hot chocolate lover like myself. The Raspberry and White Chocolate are my favorites.

#5: Christmas Check Lists
The roommates and I have made a check list of everything we want to get done before Christmas Break. It's kinda my favorite. We're coming along pretty good!
[X] See The Forgotten Carols
[ ] Temple Square
[X] Walk Downtown Logan
[X] Roommate Dinner
[X] Decorate
[ ] Get Steamed Milk
[X] Roommate Pictures
[X] Roommate Christmas Eve/Christmas Morning Sleepover

Here's to having another wonderful holiday seasoned weekend and here's to me and my finals next week! Keep your fingers crossed for me!

Breath War

Ok let me start off by saying that I love Pickles! Dill pickles. They are seriously like my favorite. I dont know why but sometime I crave them, sometimes I cant stop eating them, sometimes my mouth waters when I just think about them. Ya, I like pickles...alot.
Weird I know.

Well my mom doesnt buy em too much cause at my house they go fast. If we bought a new jar of pickles everytime the old one was gone, we'd be poor from buying so many pickle jars. Anyways, I woke up this morning to see a new jar in the fridge.

OH BOY!

So as I did laundry, studied, cleaned house and got ready for the day I snacked on pickles here and there. It was yummy. Thing about pickles though is they make your breath smell pretty gnarly. So its time for me to go to class (second to last one of this semester by the way) and I realize my breath is gonna smell like the garbage pile from the pits of hell or something (I imagine that to be pretty bad).

So I tried to mask it with some mint gum and just planned not to talk to anyone face to face today.

Then I ran into an old classmate I hadnt seen in awhile.

We chatted...

...face to face

And it was awkward cause I was afraid I smelled like a gallon of pickles.

Lesson: Dont eat alot of pickles and if you do, brush your teeth...twice...and chew gum.

Oh man, how awkward.

DEAD WEEK

Here at USU, the week before finals is affectionately known as "Dead Week".
I am in the midst of studying for finals, finishing my homework, and feeling like crying/watching my roommate pack up her things since she's getting married in 19 days. Also, don't you wish you could be in more than one place at once? I sure do.
In other words, here's a funny video some students from USU made and it's gone viral on Facebook for me this week. Yep, that's my library that they're doing all the interviews at...p.s. the guy with the sandwich is so funny to me, I don't know why.
Let's all pray for my sanity this week and that I don't have too many more break downs, alright?

Do's and Don'ts for Cold Weather

I have a love-hate relationship with winter. Wonderful things come along with winter, like snowmen, hot chocolate, CHRISTMAS, lights, delicious goodies, CHRISTMAS, warm scarves and gloves, time off from school, and CHRISTMAS. But there is a dark side to winter..... cold and ice. Ice and cold can be the best nemesis for a college student who gets up before the sun rises and walks around campus all day. Basically, this morning I thought I was going to lose my ears, nose, and chin. Here's a few do's and don'ts to survive cold in college or just cold, period.

Do invest in good snow boots. Yes, boots with the fur are cute and all, but unless they have good tread, they will let you down. Literally.
Do have no less than a billion pairs of gloves and stash them in your pockets, your backpack, your purse, your car, and anywhere else you can think of. Your fingers will thank me.
Do buy those hand and foot warmers that you can get anywhere. Also stash these in multiple places for those cold mornings walking to campus.
Do stock up on hot chocolate. Lots and lots of hot chocolate.

Don't go up to class in the mornings without a hat. We should all be thankful I still have my ears after this morning. I was a fool and thought I'd be fine....I wasn't.
Don't be embarrassed of your big puffy coat. Because those girls with the thin, stylish coats that are looking at you? They're probably in sheer envy of your marshmallowy, warm, down coat goodness.
Don't misjudge an ice patch. Because they will teach you a lesson. Also, don't think that the packed down shiny snow is safe. It will also teach you a lesson. These lessons usually come around when one is running to the shuttle because one is late. Not only will you hurt your behind, you will also hurt your pride.
Don't get embarrassed too easily. Now is the season for flailing around like a helpless ninja when you hit a patch of ice or slick snow. It happens to the best of us....

Coworkers or not?

I love running into people you know (because you work with them) and they dont even recognize you.

and we work together.

Awkward 'reunion'?

Just plain awkward.

Favorite Things Friday: Chelsie

December 2! Its already December?! Where did summer and fall go? Haha, just joking Im excited for Christmas to come! Just a few more weeks, so hows your holidays comin along?

If your a college student you know that finals week is comin up pretty soon as well too. So here are a few of my favorite things that help me get through finals week and get ready for the upcoming holidays.

#1 Daily Planner

Ok hear me out on this. I have come very close to mastering the art of procrastinating. So if Im so good at procrastinating why do I need a planner? Those two dont get together. On the contrary, I use my planner to help me procrastinate.

Heres the trick. Plan out your weeks in advance. You know you have a test coming up? So this way you can plan to procrastinate until the day before to study. Trust me this works. There are other ways to successfully procrastinate but we will get into that later.

#2 Good Antivirus protection

School is almost out and you have a big report due on the last day. Or, theres a big family party comin up and youve spent the last 6 months preparing a slide show for everyone. What a shame it would be if your computer got hit with a virus or something and just died.

So make sure youve got some good protection. I use Norton 360 antivirus. Keeps my laptop running clean and smooth. The only thing with these are that they can get pricey so make sure you shop around and talk with lots of technical geeks to make sure your getting the best deal and the best protection. Youll also have to renew now and then so be aware of that. I need to renew mine.

#3 Back ups

Make sure to back up all of your important files from your computer. Sometimes your computer software will give you the option of doing an online backup. I use an external hard drive. Whenever I get some new music or new pictures or a new document or whatever that I really cant afford to lose, I back it up on my external hard drive. It works just like a flash drive but with alot more storage available.

I highly recommend getting one of these. They are small and compact. Easy to carry around if you need to. Theyve got all different kinds. My brother has one that is also compatible with his xbox so that he can plug it in and listen to his music or watch a movie from his hard drive through the xbox. They can be life savers.

#4 Christmas Music

Maybe your not into Christmas music, but around this time of year when the decorations go up, cookies are baking, snow is falling and Im in my room studying, holiday tunes help me keep my sanity.

I grew up listening to Bing Crosby and he is my favorite. I love the old time artists (theyre old to me). This new modern crap ruins Christmas in my opinion (just my own opinion). Christmas music needs to be sung by the classics. It really gets me excited for Christmas.

#5 Sleep

With all the business thats goin on sleep is key. Your studying your brains out, or shopping like a madman or whatever it may be, you need to let the lovely brain of your take a break and get some sleep!

And I dont just mean a quick cat-nap, I mean a full 8 hours of blissful rest. Im sure no one is going to argue with me on this haha. I love my bed thats for sure.

So good luck with finals coming up and getting ready for Christmas or whatever holiday your celebrating. Both can be very hectic, so good luck!

 And Happy Holidays.

Dreams arent always wishes my heart makes

For the sake of protecting peoples identity and my pride Im going to leave out names and only put first name initials.

Real life: So a few nights ago I had this really weird dream. Sometimes I have very pleasent dreams, ya know the ones that make you not want to wake up but to just keep dreaming it. Others you are so glad to wake up from because who knows what wouldve happened if you stayed asleep. Well this was one of those dreams.

Dream: It started out with me and an old friend from highschool that I still keep in touch with but hadnt seen in quite a while. We were sitting at my Grandmas house, only this time I dont think she was my grandma. So we are sitting there watching tv when another friend, T, comes in- a male.

Real Life: T is more of an acqaintance to me. We hang out every now and then but more rarely. To be honest he's kind of a nasty dude. He's covered from head to toe in tattoos (not baggin on tatoos, just sayin for this guy they dont look so nice) and Im not sure how his personal hygiene is...ya ewe.

Dream: Anyways we are sitting there and he tells me to come over to the side of the room hes on. So I walk over and he stands up and kinda starts talking to me but also starts putting on some moves.

WHAT!

He tries to kiss me and as he does so I gently/ yet forcefully push him back into his chair and walk away into the living room.

Here is where one of my closest friends is sitting, K

Real Life: K and I grew up together. He honestly is more like a brother to me, so to have him in a dream of mine just isnt very weird too me. Its just like dreaming about a family member.

Dream: So we sit chatting when yet again, another friend shows up, M. Apparently M is the one that lives here with my grandma who isnt really my grandma. We start talking about setting up a projector in the front yard and watching a movie.

Real Life: No my grandma does not have this kind of technology in her home so that part was kinda weird too haha.

Dream: Well at this point theres alot of people in the room now but I cant remember everyone. So K and I sit contemplating the idea. He thinks it would be fun but for some reason Im getting the vibe that  M only wants to do this so we can cuddle, which Im not ok with.

Real Life: So then I wake up!

Weird because a nasty guy I hardly know kissed me and another kinda nasty guy I hardly know wanted to cuddle with me.

I woke up feelin kinda grossed out and very awkward.

Fire Drills in Idaho Winters= bad idea

Ya wanna know whats funny?

When the fire alarm goes off during class and its snowing outside.
Correction: Blizzarding outside.
How awesome is that.

Whats awkward (and Im really trying not to sound mean) but a woman in my class is a bit of a larger lady and her shirt was all bunched up in the front, leaving some of her underwear exposed.
The whole class couldnt help but stare

It was kinda awkward.
I felt bad, but it was still awkward and hard not to stare.

Favorite Things Friday: Randi

Hello, lovelies! How has your week been? Mine has been craaaazaaay. I registered for next semester and let me tell you what an adventure that was! Next week I'll catch you up on all the goodies of my life for the past two weeks from a blind date to registering madness to my roommates all traveling home with me this weekend. Anyways, let's cut to the chase for Favorite Things Friday!

#1: Free Country Fleece Soft Shell

{via}
I'd be lyin' if I said that I didn't love this jacket. Because I do so very much. I wear it pretty much all the time. It's perfect for the weird in between fall and winter weather. And it's pink. And bright. And I can't wait to take it camping next summer.

#2: Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Wash

Do you have sensitive skin? Because I sure do. This face wash is hands down the best kind that I have ever used. It doesn't dry me out but gives me a nice clean face. And come one, who doesn't like that?

#3: Knit Gloves
Honestly, I have at least ten different pairs of these gloves which is great because in the winter, they're a staple. I prefer for my fingers not to fall off in the cold when I'm walking to class. Plus they're cheap!

#4: OneRepublic CD Waking Up
I loooove OneRepublic. A whole lot. I also love this CD. A whole lot. They're probably in my top five favorite bands. Just sayin'.

#5: The Hunger Games Official Trailer
Let me get all fan-girl on you for a second. Gaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhh.
I. Cannot. Wait. For. This. Movie. I think my roommates and I have watched this at least once daily since this preview came out. I love the books. I'm hoping to love this movie. I'll be straight with you, at first when I saw who they'd picked to play Katniss and Peeta, I was like "Whhhaaaaaaa?" Not really a happy camper. But now that I've adjusted my ways, I daresay that this movie might become movie legend. Hopefully almost Harry Potter legend-esque. Have you read these books?! Please say you have and then we can all fan-girl about the wonderful Peeta! If you haven't read these books? Repent of your ways immediately, high tail it to your nearest book distributor and prepare to have your mind blown!

Here's to all of you having a lovely weekend! Thanksgiving is almost upon us!

True Friends

This post is mainly for the women...or for guys if they want to know how to really get on her good side.

True friends will bring you tampons when your desperate and cant get them yourself

 even if he's a guy

 and its awkward.

Take note gentlemen.

Deadly Waters

(This was a post I posted on my personal blog, but how could I resist sharing it here)

 

 

Who would have thought that this could be dangerous?

This small piece of heaven that warms my body and soul.

Brings me utter relaxation and blissful joy.

This wondrous pool of magical healing/cleaning abilities.

Truth is... these bubbles of happiness are silent destroyers.

Quiet, pretty, fun but not safe...at.all.

And perhaps it is partly my fault as well.

Ok a huge part.

I abused my sudsy bubbles

Underestimated them.

Im sorry

Turns out you can not give your phone a bath

So, the lesson learned in all of this?

Showers are better

On the bright side- At least it wasnt the potty!

Favorite Things Friday: Chelsie

Good afternoon boys and girls, hopefully your Friday is goin well. And you all know what happens on Friday, but if your new Ill fill you in; I get to tell you a few of my favorite things and why they make my life easier/better/happier whatever.

1. C.O Bigelow Lip Gloss

My personal favorite is the mint because it smells awesome, tastes even better and your lips tingle a little when you wear it (in a good way) Plus moisturizes, what more can you ask for? The best place to find this? Bath and Body Works. I love this stuff, its cute and works good. Everything a girl wants.

2. Picnik- Online photo editing

Its free, and easy to use. Im not a huge photography person. Dont get me wrong I love taking pictures but I dont have a fancy camera or a super high-tech editing program so I love this. Its easy and simple. It lets me take my average-every day pictures...

...and turn them into something fun and exciting to look at!

P.s this was my friend Nolans picture that I stole, oops. He likes to do outdoor photography stuff and its awesome. I stole this to play around on Picnik with.

3. Winter is just around the corner (closer for some of us it seems like) but either way its getting cold. So I love a nice warm scarf!

I love warm ones, cute ones, homemade ones! All of them! Theyre so comfy, and has potential to really make any outfit. So ya, thats one thing I really love about winter. Big, Bulky, Cute scarves.

Go get one!

4. This country we live in.

Today is veterans day so it makes me so thankful to live in the country we do. I love Freedom! Its awesome that I get to worship how I please, get an education, and many other things but especially my freedom of speech. It lets me write whatever I want on this blog without fearing. So one of my favorite things: America

5. And last but certainly not least (saved the best for last) are veterans themselves

Im so thankful for the men and women that are willing to give up their lives for me and my family so that we can continue on to live free.

These are the veterans in my life. Both of my Grandfathers served in the military. My Grandpa Nield was in the Air Force and was stationed in Japan for a long time. My Grandpa Pack served in the Army and was stationed in Germany at the time of the Korean War. My cousin Blaine has served in the Marines and has been stationed in several countries. Im so thankful for all of them and the their sacrifice. I love them all and also the veterans whom I may not know but still serve anyways.

Veterans are my favorite.

I've Been Sleeping Outside...

Basically, this is where I've rested my head for the past two nights. Let's back up a little, shall we?
Today, 11/11/11, Utah State University's basketball team will be playing Brigham Young University's basketball team here at the Spectrum at Utah State University. This game is huge. This game is incredibly fun. And I have a guaranteed seat. Basketball is big at USU...
So, my roommates and I have been part of a nice little movement called Occupy The Spectrum. We waited in line, got our wristbands and our number in line (we're group 46...out of hundreds of other groups...muahah) and we've been sleeping in a tent in freezing temperatures. Let me just say, there's nothing warm or happy about getting up in at tent at 5:30am so you can walk home, shower, and go to your 7:30am class.
BUT I HAVE A GUARANTEED SEAT.
Also, someday I want to be as granola as these men... Sleeping in a tent hasn't been too bad. Thanks to wearing four layers, hot rice bags, and twenty something blankets, we didn't do too shabby. I slept dang good last night (I love sleeping in sleeping bags) even though people were crazy outside till the wee hours of the morning.
But, this morning we had to figure out a way to get all our stuff home before the campsite check out time and do it between everyone's classes. One of my roommates Alisha, took down the tent with me and then I ran down the hill and got my car. Erika and I stuffed the sucker full. Like stuffed so full that it probably wasn't safe for me to be driving... This is me in the driver's seat...let's just say Erika had to instruct me on when I could pull out into the road and whilst driving down the hill, I definitely could tell a difference of weight in my car.
So that's my life for the past two days. Sleeping in tents. Getting free food (both from the free sponsors that feed those of us with fancy wristbands and also, Alisha and I joined a club last night because we heard they were catering Indian food...Indian food is my weakness). Stuffing cars full. And we're arriving at the Spectrum tonight about four hours before the game even starts. But you can be sure that I'll be doing plenty of this tonight...
Cross your fingers for my Aggies and have a Happy Veteran's Day. Go out and thank one. Right now.

p.s. Reading through this made me realize that this post jumps around from thing to thing...hope it's not too confusing or random...cause I'm too tired to fix it.

Creepy Boys= Awkward dodging

So I dont know about some of you but I think I have yet to master the art of 'what to do when a creep asks for your number.'

Its awkward No Matter What.

This has happened to me on a few occasions, why cant a hot babe ask me for my number!

So heres a story: One time at a church gathering and a young man (who was a couple years older, dont worry not that young) and I were among a small group of people all chatting away. I honestly dont know how this happened but somehow that sneaky dude singled me out from the rest. Like a sheep herder separates his flock or something. And tries to engage me in conversation. Im a little nervous cause Im afraid where this is going but I try very hard to be polite because he is a nice boy. I try again and again to break away but he is good, oh so good.

Finally, as if this isnt awkward enough already, he pops that question.

'So could I ask you out sometime?'

In my mind: 'No, your creepy, weird, kinda smelly, and I have no interest whatsoever, so get lost'

What came out my mouth: 'Oh, sure. That would be fun, ok'

Crap

So comes the awkward exchanging of numbers that you know if he ever calls your gonna do your best not to answer. So I try to make small talk to break the awkward shield thats come around me by saying how my phone doesnt do calls very well (which is totally true, its a piece because it usually makes me sound mumbly or under water) so I say texting is great if he wants. After that I do my very best to get the heck out of there fast.

Fast forward 2 weeks (which is also weird, get a girls number and wait 2 weeks to contact? I wont complain too much cause I was sort of glad but still, really?) Anyways, fast forward and I get a text from unnamed boy, I immediately know who it is. So I...

... 1. Do not respond

2. Save number so I know not to answer or respond again should he try to recontact

3. Feel sort of sorry as I delete the recent message so as not to be tempted to text back.

I know maybe Im a terrible person but Im Chelsie, and I guess Im shallow and rude and disgusting, but hey, it got me out of a super weird, awkward date! Thats a plus in my book haha.

Now I just have to avoid him every week at church so as not to run into the awkward situation of 'Hey I texted you, did you get it, whats up, blah blah blah'

Awesome

Tin Foil Bliss

This is something that I sort of grew up doing. Dont ask me why, but for some reason when all your food is wrapped in tin foil and cooked super over a fire or grill, tastes WAY better than in an oven on a pan or something.

So, if youve never ever ever made a tin foil dinner, Im going to teach you how because they re super easy, super yummy and I made some the other day and figured it would make for a good post, so there ya go haha. 

First off, decide what you want to cook. Youll need some kind of meat and vegetables or whatever. I like to throw some elk meat. (My dad is a hunter so we are carnivores at our place). Make sure whatever kind of meat you use to chop it up real good.

Then pick your veggies. This time I used carrots, cilantro, LOTS of potatoes (always an excellent choice), some celery and (I know its not a veggy) but some lemon to flavor it up.

Once its all in your foil, make sure to season it real good. I like a little salt, some pepper and lots and lots of Cajun spices haha. Its awesome.

Then wrap it up nice and tight. Not too tight though or it will be harder to cook.

You can cook em in a nice hot fire with hot coals (not a huge flame). Cooking time varies depending on how big your dinner is. Remember when preparing your food shrinks just a little because of the heat so load it up.

Id say around 30 min its all right, just check after awhile to see if the meat is done.

Once its done, pull it out (be careful its a hotty) and rip that baby open and enjoy a nice hot meal that is soooooo yummy. Its a super easy and cheap meal to fix. Pretty fun too to cook with all your friends. Plus, the clean up is like nothing too. Try it, its awesome. Makes me hungry just thinkin about it.

Fix to a Chilly Day

Is it getting cold where you live? Cause it really is in Idaho, and I know it is in Utah. (Randi sounded pleasant when she informed me haha). So heres what you need to warm up.
So one of my favorite things around the holidays is wassail. We usually have it around Christmas time but a few weeks ago and I could resist and had to make a big batch to share. The recipe I used is called Orange Wassail, and it.was.awesome.

So to make yours (which is super duper easy and so incredibly yummy) just follow this recipe:
2 quarts Orange Juice
2 quarts apple juice
1 quarts cranberry juice cocktail
1 can frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed and undiluted
1 stick cinnamon
1 tablespoon whole cloves
2 oranges, sliced

First off, combine the first five ingredients in a large kettle and set it aside
Then insert all of your cloves into the orange slices and add those bad boys to the juice mixture.

Heres how I did mine.

They easily just stab in there and then dump all of them into your juice pot.

It will smell amazing trust me.

Cook those juices over medium-high heat until thoroughly heated
and then serve it in some fun hot mugs.

It turned out sooooo yummy! I just left the orange slices in as it was served. It makes it look fancy haha and will continue to release juices and citrus the longer theyre in. Super yummy! We usually have this around Christmas, but as the weather is getting colder and colder its nice to warm you up on a cold day. I think making mine took around an hour. Just depends on how much juice you decide to make and how long it takes to heat up.

Go give it a try and share with all your neighbors. Theyll love you forever.

Favorite Things Friday: Randi

Sorry for the lack of Favorite Things last week my friends! Sometimes our lives get a little too crazy, and I'm sure plenty of you know how that goes! So here's some things that have made my insane-o week a little better...

#1: Katie Herzig - Lost and Found

Basically, I've been listening to this song every day this week. It makes me quite happy.

#2: Wal-Mart Honey Wheat Braided Pretzel Twists
They're cheap and delicious. I kinda eat them with uh..everything. Even salsa. And string cheese. Doubt my combo? Try it and your life will be changed.

#3: Bare Minerals Foundation
My life has been insane the past couple weeks. And when my life gets insane, it's like my face freaks out along with my nerves. Cue, the breaking out. This stuff is miracles I tell you! Works perfect with my skin type without making me feel like a cake face. What's a cake face? Er...well...I'll let you figure that one out.

#4: Shout Color Catchers
My mother is the miracle worker of laundry. Sadly, I did not inherit that gene. But these are little squares of miracles. They catch...well, color (good one Randi). So it insures that when I'm washing three different colors together (I have to pay a dollar per load at my apartment complex's laundry room and I'm cheap) my clothes still look normal.

#5: Modern Medicine
My dad got knee surgery yesterday. He tore his ACL, MCL, PCL, and meniscus a few weeks ago and let me just say, I'm so thankful for modern medicine. A hundred years ago he would have just had to live with a limp for the rest of his life and yesterday they were able to take a scope into his knee and fix it all that way! Amazing stuff!

Hope you have a fantastic weekend!

We're Going To India!

Well, at least a picture of us is...
Tonight I helped put together humanitarian kits for an organization called Rising Stars that helps leprosy colonies in India. We were asked to put a picture of ourselves in with our kits and the only extra picture I had around my apartment was of me and Chels.
So there we are, heading to India along with medical gauze, antibiotic ointment, and pedicure sets.

An Awkward Story then Just a Regular One...

Duuuuuuuudes (lately I say this all the time, it's like I turned into a 13 year old boy). I just finished a beast of a paper. My brain feels like its going to die. So here's an awkward story for you:
I got a wasp stuck in my hair yesterday.
Except I didn't really know that I did. Until I sat down in class and this girl, got out of her seat, came over to me and was all, "Um, you have a wasp in your hair. Do you want me to flick it out?" And inside I'm like, "Oh yeah, just leave it in there, NO OF COURSE I WANT YOU TO FLICK IT OUT!!!!!!!" But on the outside I managed a "Oh, that would be great, please."
So she did. Then she went and stepped on it. And I was eternally grateful. But the rest of class I felt all itchy and then I looked up towards my bangs and there was a tiny spider on my bangs. So I flicked him out and squashed him. So apparently I was the bug lady yesterday. I swear, I washed my hair, promise.
But that kinda leads me to today. I've been working on this paper since I got back from class at 9:00am. I didn't go to ZUMBA. I didn't go to Institute. Guys, I haven't even showered. Just worked on this paper all day long. And it's not even the longest paper I've ever written, just the most boring. So from 9:00am to 5:00pm, I researched and worked on a paper. Blah.

Here's some of my tips to get you through a writing a paper:-Get a bunch of highlighters out and color code your note cards. You'll feel smarter.
-Put in your headphones so you don't get distracted by outside noises.
-Take breaks to talk to your best friend. Then she can give you advice like this, "Go write my friend, write like the wind and my advice is that if you smoke a doob right before you'll pass for sure." Then you can make it your Facebook status. Thanks Chels.
-Don't talk to your best friend for too long...cause she can be distracting to your academic attention span and then you can't stop laughing.
-Take a break and play your guitar (or instrument of choice) really really really loud.
-Have a good pep talk with yourself. Jump around. Put your hair in a big, floppy bun on your head.
-Upon immediate completion of said paper, have a dance party in your kitchen. I recommend this tune. I danced like I was a cool kid.


P.S. I Skyped with Chels last night. It was a whole lotta fun. I felt like I was back at home with her.
P.S.S. I'M GOING HOME TOMORROW. I don't have school Friday. Holla!
That means I still need to pack, and go get gas, and do my math homework.
Then I can do all sorts of fun stuff. Like hang out with Chels for real!

Tampons

Yes, I titled this tampons. Consider it an attention grabber and a warning label all in one.

Ya wanna know whats awkward?....

Walking through Walmart with 3 I repeat 3 HUGE boxes of tampons. Yes I said it, tampons. With all three boxes combined thats a total of 162 tampons. Woa...thats a lot haha. Usually when you do the awkward walk to the register your only holding one box, which may be easy to conceal or keep slightly hidden but with 3 HUGE boxes of anything its awkward trying to hold all of them without a cart.

So there was no use trying to hide the fact that I was holding giant boxes of tampons. Everyone knew.

Plus I got a male cashier who looked slightly surpised at such a big purchase. I dont think he was bothered by the product being purchases...just the amount

I like to buy in bulk, so what?

Favorite Things Friday: Fall Edition by Simply Marvelous Miss Dawn

Happy Favorite Things Friday everyone! I'm so excited to introduce to our guest blogger today, Kelsie from Simply Marvelous Miss Dawn! Kelsie and I have the wonderful privilege of living across that parking lot from each other and working together with our church callings. She's also great because we've made a tradition of going to Cafe Rio's Taco Tuesday every week.
Her blog is a great one to read for funny stories and beautiful images that she takes herself! Here's Kelsie!


Hello lovelies and fellow Blog-buddies I am excited to be guest posting on Awkward! My name is Kelsie, I am the creator, writer and stylist of Simply Marvelous Miss Dawn. I am a hopeless romantic who is studying communications at Utah State University. I love it, I love people and I love communicating with them- hence my reason for blogging.

October is beautiful. The smells, the colors, the chilly air that invites hand holding and cuddling- it is perfect. Not only do I have the honor of celebrating my birth during this golden month it also hosts Halloween, the night we celebrate our fears and pretend to be creatures of the night.

Night has already started to come earlier, and I love the rush of gold that bleeds through my windows at about six o'clock. The light gives everything a eery yet majestic feel, that taunts my senses and lures me in like the last few chapters of a mystery novel. I only wish the sun would stay suspended in that sky like that for hours on end- Because when the sun goes down, the moon comes up and werewolves come out. . .


Now I am a summer-activist. All winter long I am begging for warmth, I am craving the smell of chlorine and all I want to do is let my body soak up some UV rays. However, when the chilly air starts to move in I get excited. This weather is boot weather. Sexy boots might I add. I also love wearing my long sleeved shirts, scarves and jackets- yep, my wardrobe is rockin' this season. Just sayin'


Finally, yet probably the most important. Food. When Halloween comes harvesting is well underway. The kitchen is once again my best friend and all I want to do is bake, eat and repeat. . . Which isn't a good thing, especially when working on my "Sophomore Slim" so, I have put myself on a Mormon-Girl diet plan. In the my kitchen I have hung a sign that says, "BEWARE OF THE NATURAL MAN" this way when I get bored and head to the cupboard I look at the sign, and leave.


Recipe:
1 Spice Cake Mix
1 Pumpkin Pie Filling
1 bag chocolate chips

Stir all ingredients together
Place on cake pan in cookie dollops
Bake at 350* for 13 minutes

Happy Harvesting. Happy Scaring. Happy Loving.
Thanks Awkward!

Cheers,
Miss Dawn