Therapy

The first step is admitting that you have a problem….

This weekend I traveled down to Utah to spend some time with my fam. My mom and I managed to find time daily to sneak away and do some shopping.

There are two things that I love SO MUCH in life and it is my momma and shopping. Put the two of them together and it’s a beautiful thing.

A little retail therapy is never a bad thing; Nordstrom, Ann Taylor, Banana, Nordstrom Rack, DSW…dreamy.

So all this shopping made me question “Is it bad that sometimes the only thing that can make me happy is shopping?” Not only does it make me happy but apparently it makes me look inside myself and ponder; two in one!

I have concluded that the answer to this is a big No. So yes it’s a little addiction of mine but it is causing ZERO harm, so I will continue to give into my vice. Of course there are many other joys in my life but clothes, shoes, and accessories all make it into my top 5.

So here is the debut of the new addition to my spring/summer wardrobe.

While we’re on the theme of shopping, I have been debating what to wear for graduation. Yes, I know it’ll be covered by the ugly black tent…Aka a graduation gown; I need something fabulous to wear underneath. I’m thinking something black and white with some colored shoes?….I’ll keep you all posted.

Ps If you remember the rosette wedges I was obsessed with a few months back, I finally tried them on when I was at Nordstrom…they are WAY too high, and it takes a lot for me to say that.

But its ok because I have a new obsession….

Michael Kors “Carla”

Beautiful Chaos

This past weekend was spent in Logan for a Pluid fam get together. There were 17 of us in attendance not counting our sister in law Kelly's side of the family. The occasion? Little baby Jackson's blessing. Jackson is Jon's brother Jacob and his wife Kelly's third boy, and he is absolutely adorable as you can see from the pics below. The cousins had such a fun time playing together and us adults enjoyed late night chats and lots and lots of laughing. It was so good to see Jacob and Kelly. They live in Iowa so we don't get many chances to see them. Jacob and I had only seen each other once (at Jon and I's wedding) and we didn't get much of a chance to chat and get to know each other, so a weekend of hanging out was much needed. Being with family is always a blast; I couldn't have gotten more lucky as far as in laws go.

I miss them all already.

Anyways, I thought I'd share a few pics from the weekend.

I felt that a little transition was needed between my

baby photoshoot and the fun noodle sword fighting in the garage and mandatory family get together wrestling match (Justin's new signature move).

Cant wait for the next family bash :)

Over It

Although I have enjoyed the 30 day blog challenge, I'm a bit over it so I decided that today I'd knock out all but 30. I'll save one for tomorrow.

Day 24 – A photo of something that means a lot to you

The Oakland California Temple…Where I married the man of my dreams.

Day 25 – What’s in your purse?

Not a lot…I actually cleaned it out yesterday. Perfect timing.

So inside is; my wallet, chapstick, lipgloss, lipliner, pepper spray (don’t mess with me), keys, a bracelet and sunglasses. With no stray pieces of gum, old receipts, trash and all that fun stuff that usually is the cause of stuff getting lost in my purse.

Day 26 – A photo of somewhere you’ve been to.

Heres my top three; Japan, Greece, and Hawaii.

This picture was taken in Santorini, Greece four years ago on a vacation I took with my Dad.

Day 27 – A picture of you last year and now and how have you changed since then?

How I’ve changed: I like to think that I have progressed in life and am constantly working towards being in a better place with who I am and the live I am blessed with. Other than that I’ve fallen more in love, got a dog, moved, gotten closer to completing college, met new friends, my hairs longer…nothing too life changing.

Day 28 – Your favorite movie.

The Notebook, that’s an easy one.

Day 29 – Something you could never get tired of doing.

Being with the people that I love.

Day 23: Chicken Coop

Day 23 – 15 facts about me, Jennellemarie

1. I was born in San Luis Obispo, California on August 7^th

2. I have three older brothers who I love so much. Even though being the youngest with three brothers was not always fun, it made me tougher and I’m thankful for them and the lessons they taught me along the way.

3. My favorite food is SUSHI, which I miss so much. Last time I had amazing sushi was my last visit to California which was last year….too long.

4. I married my husband Jon on August 22, 2009 in the Oakland California LDS temple.

5. I am graduating this year from BYUI with a bachelors of science in Psychology

6. I love LOVE country music

7. I have traveled a bit, to Japan and Greece, but I hope to see a lot more of the world.

8. I love showers

9. I can’t live without chapstick

10. I can’t stand lateness; when you say you’re going to be there, be there

11. I’m a bit OCD, my house has to be clean or I can’t relax

12. I love to shop even if its window shopping

13. Growing up I lived in the country....I had chickens, a pet lamb, a dog, goat, horse, etc. We had it all! Every morning Id take my little brown basket and collect the eggs from the chicken coop, pretty cute..I know.

14. Being with family is one thing that makes me truly happy

15. My best friend (aside from the hubby of course) is my momma!

Ps. Were off to Logan for the weekend to spend time with family, and I cannot wait! So Monday will bring another game of catch up...

Sunshine

Today I woke up to a beautiful sunny morning. I never thought the sun would be something that I took for granted, but after living in Rexburg for three years, when its gone I long for it. But today my day is filled with sunshine and I am soo glad. Every window's blinds are open in my house and I cannot tell you how good it feels. I think my schedule for the rest of the day will involve a walk outside of some sort.

This sun has got me so excited for summer; swimsuits, the beach, big sun hats, cute dresses, our annual family Tahoe trip...all of it! This picture of my adorable niece Annita sums it all up for me. I wanna be on the beach with family right now!

But Im not just gonna blog about the weather and my longing for summer...I need to get this 30 day blog challenge completed!

I feel like its been a lot longer than 20 days by the way.

Day 21 – A photo of something that makes you happy.

There are so many things in my life that make me happy, I cannot just pick one!

(seems to be a pattern for me)

Heres the list; my husband, family, friends, my knowledge of the gospel, my doggy, new clothes and shoes, sunshine, the beach, long walks, girly things, I could go on and on.....

Day 22 – A letter to someone who has hurt you recently.

I did write a letter, but for personal reasons I will not be posting it.

A Sunday Drive

Living in Rexburg often gets monotonous, every day I see the same things; snow and fields. I find myself needing to venture out and explore new places often to keep my sanity. This past Sunday Jon and I (and Bentley) hopped in the car and decided to go for a drive. We ended up about a 45 minutes away in Island Park. It was a beautiful drive up there and everything about it was refreshing. Jon and I walked along the river, hand in hand soaking up every second of the peace and beauty surrounding us.

Driving up there Bentley would not stay on my lap, he insisted he take the wheel and chauffeur us. Crazy dog.. probably not safe. oh well.

There was so much snow up there! Right along the river there are gorgeous cabins with incredible views. Jon and I of course picked out our favorite one we wouldn't mind owning some day. Of course tho then Jon would need at least five snowmobiles in the garage. I guess the two go hand in hand?

This last picture was my favorite after a little enhancing.

I love Sunday drives because for us they mean good conversation, no interruptions, and just quality time together. And being in a beautiful place doesn't hurt either.

Day 20 – The meaning behind your blog name

My blog name. Well when I first made a blog it was right after Jon and I got married and it was "The Newest Pluids". I posted a total of two posts and that was that for a year. I started to get back into to looking at friends blogs and decided to just start all over again. "at first blush" came to mind when I was thinking about my life and the passions within it. Whether its my husband, fashion, cooking, or just experiencing new things the word blush came to mind. Excitement for something new. Its just that feeling thats hard to explain, you know what I'm talking about. So thats that. Not the best explanation, but a little hint of where it came from.

My Cure

Day 17 – A photo of you and your family.

Although these pictures were taken over a year and a half ago they are the most recent pictures we have of majority of our families together. Considering that I took a picture of pictures from our wedding album..they aren't the best, but they'll do.

Day 18 – Something you crave a lot.

Diet Dr Pepper

It’s the one thing that can turn a bad right around. Jon knows when everything is going downhill in the day for me, just fill me up a diet D P and I’m cured. Let me tell you about a little place called Horkelys. Any residents of Rexburg are familiar. It’s a gas station/ convenience store/ movie store; kinda sketch I know. But let me tell you they have the best diet Dr Pepper ever. They seem to have mastered the ratio, that’s for sure.

Day 19 – Another picture of yourself.

I decided to share this cute little photo of a brown eyed curly haired dress wearing fisher girl. I think it explains me very well.

Nature Valley

Some New News for the Pluid Family

Well we’ve moved…..

Just right across the freeway, closer to campus, into another little townhouse.

The pros- It has a cute little porch out front, a GARAGE, its closer to campus, and the complex has an indoor pool and spa…which I love.

The cons- Having to move 6 weeks before were moving again to Texas, its smaller.. the kitchen is MUCH smaller, and It’s not as pretty on the inside.

The reason we had to move- our lovely landlord. One word foreclosure, and 30 day notice. There were a lot of other wonderful details that went into the move but ill spare those details. But were making the best of it, and I’m staying positive. So I like it. It’s cute and cozy and it’ll do.

More news…

For those of you who aren’t aware my husband Jon applied to dental school this year. He interviewed in Indiana and heard from them yesterday that he is number 17^th on the out of state applicant list to get in. This means that he will most likely get in. Last year their list kept moving and they got through 50 out of state applicants so the chances are good! I’m so proud of him, it’s very exciting!

What else….

Graduation is quickly approaching and I can’t wait. Each day we look forward to moving to Texas more and more. It’ll be a big adventure but I am excited for what is to come.

Really Bentley?

PS. Jon and I came home from the gym tonight only to find that Bentley had rummaged through Jon’s backpack and managed to open a Nature Valley granola bar and eat BOTH bars.

So we can add granola bars to the list of candy corn, pack of orbit gum, Ghirardelli chocolate bar, bag of peanuts, and who knows what else that Bentley has managed to find for himself.

We love our little dog.

AND….

Day 16 – Your celebrity crush.

Depends on the category; Id say its a tie between Paul Walker and Channing Tatum. If it was just on looks alone...not talent. Sorry to the both of them.

Day 15: What else do you need?

Day 15 – Something you don’t leave the house without.

Well the easy answer to this question would be my purse....but then I got thinking and when I head to the gym I never take my purse, so the correct answer would be....

A water bottle and chapstick.

oh and my cell phone. I always have to have water with me or for some reason I feel incomplete and like I wont survive. I guess its a healthy thing though cuz I never worry about not drinking enough water. And as for chapstick, Jon and I have concluded that whenever its not with us our lips get chapped, so as long as its in my purse or in his pocket, were A-Ok.

"The Emergency Money"

The dress, the perfect man, the hair, the makeup, the flowers, the cake….every girl has her special day all planned out well before she has a sparkling ring on her finger. I know I did. My heart was broken when a friend of mine got engaged and shortly after realized that this would not be the fairy tale day she had dreamed of since she was a little girl. Why? all because of that lame thing we call money. Heartbroken I knew I had to do something, however I myself was lacking in the money department. Having no help or support from her family and giving up on her dream wedding happening, some girl friends and I put our heads together and came up with a plan.

We decided that we would go door to door and try to raise money for her big day. We are going to try to raise as much as possible and then surprise her and present her with money and some help with planning for her big day.

So tonight was the first night. My two girl friends and myself went out for an hour and a half and collected…..DRUMROLL…….150.00!! We were ecstatic! But it wasn't just the money that made me feel all warm inside it was some of the people we came across.

While knocking we came to an apartment with a sweet little couple sitting on the couch enjoying an Asian sitcom of some sort. After hearing them yell “come in” we entered and explained as to why we were there. The girl quickly got up and began searching in her purse; she stopped for a moment, looked at her boyfriend and said, “The emergency money”. She grabbed the keys and headed out to the car. While she was gone I talked to him more about the situation and he shared with me that they understand and that in their culture if you chose a different religion or view than your families that you too will have no support and will be cut off from their lives.

The emergency money. Even though it was just a few dollars, it was their emergency money and they were willing to sacrifice and give of it for another person in need. I just love and adore people like that. Who are willing to give when they too have little all just because they understand and have too been there. Everything about this couple made me smile. The world needs more people like them.

I cannot wait to see the look on her face when we are able to present her with the money and help that she is in need of. Every girl needs to feel beautiful and feel like a bride on that special day; even if it just means a dress, bouquet, and the perfect man at her side. But most importantly I am thankful for meeting sweet people along the way that are there to teach you a little something when you least expect it.

Day 13 & 14: Indecisive

Day 13 – Your favorite musician and why?

This is a really hard one to answer because I have so many favorites…I listen to all different genres which means a lot of different artists. Today I’d have to say its Taylor Swift. She has songs to fit every mood, bring back memories and ones you can totally relate to. Not to mention that she is so young and EXTREMELY successful. Keep it up T Swift. Tomorrow my answer to this question will most likely be different, most likely I wont even be able to choose.

Day 14 – A TV show you’re currently addicted to

Well this one is a no brainer (totally not a word)... Lie to Me. Its the most amazing show. Our friends introduced us to it a few months ago and since then we've been hooked. Being the nerd that I am I also have studied about the work that the show is based off of...in class, not in my spare time ok? Thank you Netflix for my daily dose of Lie to Me