Change

Is on its way... Just you wait and see...

Disclaimer:

This is in no way, shape, or form related to the kind of change Obama once spoke of, because as you can see nothing came of that... at least nothing good.

Welcome home

One of my best friends has been in Chile for almost a year, and she is FINALLY back home in the states this week! Although I still don't get to see her, It is exciting to know I can talk to her on a real phone and not have to use Skype!

WELCOME HOME Bridgey, I missed you so much!

Christmas in our tiny apartment

So, this Christmas is going to be a bitter sweet one, as some of you may know Darin and I are being forced to stay in Utah for the Holidays due to the Scrooges I work for, So I tried to give our tiny little apartment as much Christmas cheer as could fit (which isn't much). All of our presents can hardly fit under our tiny fake tree, It's sad really because I'd have Christmas decorations every where if there was room... someday...

here are some pictures, enjoy.

The hand made ceramic figure of Mary,Joseph and Baby Jesus my mom gave me, I love this!

Our

Tree

Merry Christmas all.

Anne of Green Gables

The Christmas movie marathon continues tonight with Anne of Green Gables, now I know Anne of Green Gables isn't technically a "Christmas movie" but I guess it has always seemed like one to me, the first time I ever saw it was during one of those telethon things where they play movies and try to raise money for a specific cause... I was about 12 and they were playing Anne of Green Gables, It was close to Christmas and I've loved the movie ever since! I know it is kind of a corny movie, but I still love it!

Merry Christmas all

It has begun

Well, since our old TV bit the dust and we NOW have a new one, I have finally started my P90X! yey, today was my first day, It's pretty intense... but I'm excited to stick it out and See how it goes.. I'll keep you posted.

PS. I'm not posting any before photos.. sorry! ha ha ha

Counting down

I am so excited about Christmas, It won't be the same this year since I won't be spending it in NC with my family, but I am still not going to let a little thing like that spoil the best Holiday of the year! My favorite is sitting around watching Christmas movies, my favorite being "Meet me in St. Louis" , and I still haven't watched it yet :( Stupid Long waits on NetFlix, maybe I should just buy it.

Almost 15 days till christmas .

The snuggler

Who needs a whole sofa? They are overrated anyways... at least to Chance they are.

He'd apparently much rather lay on my head.

p.s. Pardon my scary face.. I was sleeping

and then I woke up...

but I still look scary.

The "Thankful" Tree

I was driving down the street the other day and these people had these little paper ornament looking things all over this giant tree in their front yard, each ornament had a word on it, and for a while I COULD NOT figure out what on earth it was... then I realized it was their own little "Thankful" tree, all the one word ornaments were things they were thankful for. I thought, what a cute idea unfortunately I don't have a tree all my own to do this to, so I am going to make a list on my bloggy of things I am most thankful for!

(in no specific order)

My Family

My husband

My Friends

My pups

Darin and I both having jobs (even if I hate mine)

our Beautiful earth

Nature

Church & temples

A place to live

Books

Movies

Music

Art

Photography

clothes

Talents

Good food

Health

The Prophet

Missionaries

The Beauty in all things

creativity

freedom

This Country

Individualism (that we are all different)

Compassion

Passion

Love

The Scriptures

prayer

Humor

Micro Fleece Blankets!

The beach

The mountains

all animals and creatures on earth (except cock roaches)

Oceans, rivers and lakes (there is something about bodies of water)

Sun, moon and stars

Snow

The different seasons

charity

faith

...

the list goes on and on...

Hope you all will remember a few things you are thankful for today and always!
HAPPY THANKS GIVING.

HP 7 love

OK OK, so I'm going to warn you now, this post half consists of professing my love for Harry Potter and the deathly Hollows, and Half consists of professing my love for Emma Watson (In a COMPLETELY heterosexual kind of way of course)!
I dedicated about a month of my life this year to FINALLY reading the harry potter books, and yes oh yes I did love them... I KNOW, but COME ON!
So it was only befitting that I go and see Harry Potter and the deathly Hollows(not that I have missed any other HP movies)and of course, It was GREAT, I highly recommend you go and see it. Whether you are a HP book lover or you just like the movies (which don't worry, up until 2010 that is all I was) you will like this movie I guarantee it!




Now on to the other half of this post, Emma Watson! Now I do not know why I have not spoken of her on my blog as of yet, but I am now and that is all that matters!
I LOVE love LOVE her hair and her style, she is such a cutie and whether you are one who loves her daring new do (which i do!) or not you gotta love her.








OK, so yeah that's a lot of pictures of one girl, but I couldn't choose just one, her hair is so CUTE! she looks like a little modern day twiggy!

LOVE IT!


OK I'm gunna go now..
good night

Let it snow.

So, today was kind of fun, we got massive amounts of snow for about 6 hours straight! I feel like a little kid again back when I would wait anxiously to hear if my school had been cancelled due to snow and ice, except now I'm waiting to hear if work has been cancelled... It's doubtful, but I'm hopeful!
either way, gotta love the snow!

who knew recycling could be so much fun?

So, here's what I think...

Most people I know will not listen to Christmas music until a certain date, some say after thanksgiving, some say the first of December and every year people just "can't believe Christmas music is already on the radio" or " They are already decorated for Christmas" but you know what I say... BRING ON THE CHRISTMAS! I love Christmas music and Christmas decorations and I don't care if it is the beginning of November and thanksgiving hasn't even passed or if it is Christmas eve, Christmas music already on the radio does not bother me one bit and if you don't like it so much... Turn the radio station! Christmas music and decor puts me in the happiest mood and I'm glad it's beginning to look like that time of year again!

Female artists who rock my world

If you haven't noticed (which I'm sure a lot of you haven't, especially if you are like me and when you go visit someones blog who has a playlist you immediately press pause so you can listen to your own blog playlist) I have changed my playlist yet again, this time it is a tribute to all those female artists out there who make my Ipod playlist just a little bit better!

There is just nothing like the sound of a woman's voice especially if it is as lovely as these!

enjoy the sounds

Sewing... Knitting... HELP ME

ok, so here's the thing... I wanna learn how to sew, and I wanna learn how to knit & not just your basic crap, I wanna learn how to do these things well! If anyone who lives in Utah that reads this blog knows how... will you please teach me... I'm desperate!

thanks a million

love,

me

Come around sundown

A long time favorite of mine has come out with a new album, and I'm pretty excited. Although they have recently exploded with popularity, I still can't help loving their music.

take a look...Have a listen...enjoy!

Kings of Leon - Come around sundown

http://www.sonymusicdigital.com/kings-of-leon/come-around-sundown/details/5689468

I recommend Liberty Heights Fresh

The other day while on our apartment quest, Darin and I came across this little jewel,

Liberty Heights Fresh, an adorable and wonderful place to buy local & global organic all natural foods! Darin got their meatloaf sandwich (which apparently he is now in love with) and I got some fresh salsa, but what I really keep thinking about is the Straus Family creamery milk and eggnog they sell, for some reason lately anything pumpkin or eggnog has been calling to me! I think I'm just going to have to go up there and get me some eggnog tomorrow.

so fresh

I am absolutely, positively, irrevocably and unequivocally in love with and have ALWAYS (even as a child,you can ask my mother) been in love with antiques! And I am obsessed with this rustic, shabby chic, century style home decor. it is absolutely delicious, and every time I come across a photograph of home decor that fits this style to a "T" my mouth waters!

I want my own home NOW so I can start decorating.

ahh...

so so scrumptious.

Now, I know most of these pictures are of kitchens, but these kitchens are so beautiful! I am in love with all the white, it is so fresh.

I hope you enjoyed these as much as I did!

ta ta

My creative juices are erupting!

I have had the strongest desire lately to make myself the most well rounded individual possible, I have been craving knowledge and education lately which, lets face it, just isn't like me. But the knowledge I crave is not math and social studies, English and science... Its more the artistic knowledge if you will, which is right up my alley! I have been craving photography ( I desperately want to take a class) art, interior design etc etc.. I crave knowledge of other cultures, different foods, recipes, films, fashion, Music & books ... the list goes on and on, and I have no idea where to begin. I crave the outdoors and hiking, exercise and dog parks. The list in my head is on going and I do not know how to fit it all in, the need to be creative is bursting inside of me and I can't take it anymore I must find an outlet ASAP!

I want it all!

List of things I am determined to do this coming year:

1.START WORKING IN A SALON!!!!!

2.Take a photography class, my beautiful camera is begging me to be used!

3.find time to go hiking & walking with the dogs on a regular basis.

4.work on home decor projects.

5.get a bike and ride my bike to work when weather is conducive.

5.collect recipes & learn more about food & health (this is something I am happy to report Darin and I are very serious about, all organic and locally grown/raised... not more corporate meat factory meats... this is something that is VERY important to us)

6. continue watching documentaries and reading educating books, as I'm getting older I've come to realize my mind loves being stimulated with knowledge, i never thought I'd say that!

7.work harder at being more involved in church activities, build relationships with people instead of being a recluse!

I am determined, watch out because 2011 will bring an all new SYDNEY, just you wait. I am determined to grow!

little chance

I was browsing through the pictures I have on my computer, & I came across this old one, back when we lived in GA and chance was a youngster...

Chance is waiting at the door for something...

oh... That something would be me!!!

Chance is always so good about greeting me at the door when I come home, even when he was a little squirt he was always patiently waiting for me.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

I feel like I never do anything fun for Halloween anymore, next year I am determined to do something fun! But I still love this holiday and wish you all a happy & spooky Halloween!

Winnie Kid

Can I just tell you that I really miss this kid.

You were the best little snuggler

you had stinky breath but I liked it when you'd rub your face up against mine

You are forever my little pooh pooh bear

man's...my best friends

Today I watched a documentary called " My Dog: An Unconditional Love Story", and I just loved it! The thing that I loved so much about this documentary was how it takes a look into peoples lives (not just ordinary people, but people like actors and actresses,poets,artists and musicians) and it shows these people in a light that makes you see them as what they are, just regular typical people like us who happen to love their dogs. It is easy to get caught up in things of this world, whether you love Hollywood and follow celebrities religiously or you do not really care for celebrities at all. There is something about watching this documentary and the effect this one specific species has over us that makes us all alike in our desire to want to love and be loved and for a split second you can look at people as dogs look at us and love them no matter what they do where they come from or what they stand for and you see the good in them. I know to some people this just seems silly, but there is something about loving a pet that is so profound and amazing because a dog will love you no matter what, they are like children in so many ways and to me they are little gifts from God that let us know we are loved.

It is a sad reality that so many of these beautiful souls are in animal shelters, pounds and are homeless in the United States and all across the world. In the United States alone there are between 6 & 8 million dogs in shelters, and between 3 & 4 million are euthanized each year because of the lack of homes and people who want them. Animals are something that I am very passionate about because there is something about them that touch my soul, adopting a pet is one of the most amazing things you can do if you are able to, not only for them but for you. Dogs are the only mammal in this whole world that are completely man engineered which is why they call them mans best friend and why the dog loves us so unconditionally no matter our flaws.

Livingston Taylor:

"what a joy and a miracle it is to spend time with a life form representing pure love"

My furry best friends who love me no matter what!

"I talk to him when I'm lonesome like; and I'm sure he understands. When he looks at me so attentively, and gently licks my hands; then he rubs his nose on my tailored clothes, but I never say naught thereat. For the good Lord knows I can buy more clothes, but never a friend like that." ~W. Dayton Wedgefarth

P90X?

I'm thinking very hard about doing P90X, has anyone done it and what were your results?

Sugar, Spice & Everything nice

Every year, this time of year, one of the things i look most forward to are the baby clothes at Anthropologie, I cannot tell you how much I adore their little baby clothes, and the sad thing is they only carry them once a year! I already bought some from previous years and have them stored away for safe keeping ;)

Does the fact that I get so excited about these little

clothes mean I want a baby?

Take A look it's in a book...

Following in suit with my Fall season post, It being the time of year to cuddle up with a blanket a hot drink and a book, here are some books that come Highly recommended... from me:

As I'm sure you can tell I am quite the Pat Conroy book reader, But of course I am, Not only do most of his books set the stage in the Coastal South, they are also quite enjoyable reads!

I am currently reading this one; South of Broad. I am not finished yet, but so far so good!

It's Fall ya'll!

I know once it hits that time of year everyone starts blogging about fall, but I guess we just can't help it, Fall is quite possibly THE BEST season, no scratch that, It IS the best season!

Ive been off work this week, so I have been relaxing and reading and spending time with my small family. I don't know what it is about hot drinks, cold weather and big blankets that make me happy, but they do!

Today Darin and I took the dogs to the DP (dog park, the DP is our code name so the dogs don't know what we are talking about, but they typically figure it out half way there and start squealing like little pigs) It was about 75 when we got there and while we were there the wind started blowing hard and it started drizzling, when we got in that car it had dropped down to 55 degrees in 30 mins! It was so nice. I just hope this weather decides to stick around, I'm getting sick of this Utah heat. Bring on the cold I say!

I want some hot cider!

Oh that's Nasty

Darin and I were watching Family guy tonight and as we were sitting there, Darin farts, as I'm gagging I say "Darin that's nasty!" and literally, I kid you not, not even a second later on family Guy Cleaveland says "ohhh that's nassttyy" it was priceless! I'm pretty sure this might not be as funny to some as it was to me and Darin, but I thought it was quite hilarious!

Charity Never Faileth

I don't typically post religious things on my blog, maybe I should, but I have never really been too compelled to. However, last weekend my sister -in- law Marian and I went to the Relief Society conference held at the conference center in Salt Lake City, Utah. I have been to the Conference center a few times and although it is quite an amazing building I don't really like going to it during conference time... Too crazy & crowded. I was however, glad we did this last weekend, we got to hear president Thomas S. Monson speak along with the Relief Society general presidency, and the talks they gave were amazing. I was particularly fond of president Monson's talk, he spoke on charity and he told one of the sweetest stories I have heard in a long time.

If you weren't able to go to conference or watch it, I highly recommend reading this talk, It doesn't matter what religion you are or if you aren't religious at all, there is always something we can learn on being charitable, loving and tolerant of all people.

http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-1298-39,00.html

Visits are fun

My sister in-law is coming to visit next week! I'm pretty excited to have a visitor... & for getting a Saturday off (that never happens).

P.S. I didn't write a blog about it, but this particular sister-in-law is pregnant & she is having twins, that's correct two babies... not one! pretty co-oool!

hasta la vista

note to self: take pictures.

My current hearts desire

Long, gorgeous, Lucius, flowing locks! oh yes I want it so bad... why is it so hard for me to not cut my hair. I'm addicted to scissors!Whats a girl to do?!

sigh...

I'm my parent's daughter

No matter what anyone says, I have the BEST parents in the whole wide world, And I know why god put me in my family, because no matter what I will always love my parents and think that they are the best parents in the whole world.This month is my momma's birthday and this month my dad will have been in the Philippines for a year! I miss my parents so much and I guess it took my moving to this hot desert wasteland for me to realize how much I miss my roots! I know my mom thinks I am a daddies girl, but truth be told, I am my parents girl and I love them more than they could possibly know!

So I guess you could say this little blurp is a tribute to the two best people I know, and who taught me so many different things! I know you guys won't read this (I don't even know if you know I have a blog, but I love you. You are both my role models!)

this song reminds me of my daddy and I absolutely love it. Have a listen.

Birthday & labor day

This weekend is labor day, but it is also Darin's birthday!

he's gunna be 26! what an old man.

I'm not quite sure what we should do that weekend. I wanna do something fun I just don't know what. Any suggestions?

He wanted dirt pudding for his birthday cake, I was like are you kidding me? Luckily I have a recipe for dirt cake which is way better than just plain old dirt pudding.

well my friends. If you have any

birthday suggestions hit me up.

ciao

A. I'm blond again!!!

B. I have a job interview at Nordstroms tomorrow, so wish me luck.

& C. I am so bored right now!

I ain't nobody's door mat

I am a very NON confrontational person at heart and it has been a very hard thing, I mean VERY hard thing to overcome, But I am so sick and tired of people walking all over me, and I'm just not gunna take it anymore! So word to the wise my friends, If you were thinking about stepping on me before, you better rethink it, because I'm not gunna take it!

thank you,

and good night

Amazing

I love yahoo news feeds, I always find the most interesting articles on it. Tonight I stumbled across this one. It was some pictures that a photographer was able to take when a water spout or tornado over water, formed in Okinawa, Japan on the 19th.

It intrigues me what photographers can capture with a camera, a click of a button, an artistic eye, and being in the right place at the right time! Here are the amazing photos.