yesterday

Something amazing happened yesterday. I looked in the mirror, looked deep into my own eyes, smiled, and found nothing to complain about.

I genuinely, 100% felt beautiful.

I just kept staring at myself. I wasn't quite sure I was really staring at Elise. I mean, I do like myself. I was pretty sure I was okay looking. I usually look in the mirror and think "I look pretty good, but I wish my hair wasn't so blah" or "My hair looks pretty great today, but I have a minor replica of the Himalayas on my cheek" or "I love this shirt, but it kind of makes me look chubby". I always find something good and kill it with a but.

Yesterday there was no but. I just kept smiling in the mirror, happy with how I looked and happy with who I am. I'm not sure what made the difference yesterday, but I realized in that moment that everything is going to be okay. I'm happy with who I am. I'm happy with how I look. I'm happy with where I'm at in life and what I'm doing. Sometimes I want more. Some days I tear myself apart. But some days I'm blessed to just get it.

I'm so grateful for those moments. Because really, I am beautiful. And everything really is going to be okay. Because Heavenly Father loves me.

And you know what, He loves you too.

printable here

introducing: The Slash Blog

If you read my blog, like, at all, you've heard of my BFF, Nichelle. We're kind of obsessed with each other slash not in a creepy way but just a best friend way.

Really, I am so grateful for her in my life.  

Because we've bonded so much through blogging and because we love blogging and blog friends so much, we've been working on a project for a couple months now. It's finally here and we are so excited to announce:

The Slash Blog!

The Slash Blog is a sisterhood that focuses on faith, friendship, service and sisterhood. 

Click here to learn more about The Slash Blog and why it's called, "The Slash Blog".

The Slash Blog is officially live as of today! Head on over to check out this new blog that focuses on and is based on friendship. Elise slash Nichelle invite you to join along with their Weekly Inspirations, Weekly Challenges, Weekly Uplifting Printables, Monthly Serviced Projects and more! Head on over to the blog, 'Join The Sisterhood', or just come by to get a smile or a laugh! 

Check out The Slash Blog here:

{BLOG} {FACEBOOK} {TWITTER} {PINTEREST}

The Slash Blog is also having a "Slash Bash" in honor of the new blog launch!

If you are in Northern Utah, or Southern Idaho, Elise slash Nichelle invite you to come to this Super Awesome Blog Party! Please RSVP on the facebook event here. 

If you would like to get involved, have questions, want to say hello, have a funny joke, or have a charity or organization you would like to see on The Slash Blog, you can send an email to The Slash Girls at:

theslashblog@gmail.com

olympics

Have you seen the Proctor and Gamble Olympic commercial? Did you cry? (Yeah, me either. ;)



They also have a "Raising an Olympian" series. I'm loving it. This one is a favorite.


The thing is, they had a goal, and they worked SO hard and now they are winning gold medals. The cooler thing is, however, the incredible support they received from their family and friends.

You know, we really can change the world. We can do amazing things. We can accomplish ANYTHING that we set our minds to. Sometimes, it's your turn to be incredible. And sometimes, it's your turn to be the support and help someone accomplish their goals.

Either way, we're still making a difference.

some days

some days, I just don't have it in me to post instafriday.
even though I love instagram super duper a lot, it's a lot of effort to put together.

some days, even though I still know somewhere deep inside that I am, I don't feel beautiful.
some days, a lot of days really, it's because of acne.

some days, I compare myself to everyone around me and always feel worse.

some days, I wish my life were totally different than it is.
some days, I just want more.

some days, I write posts like this and think about not posting them.
some days, I post them anyway.

some days, I feel okay about life.
some days, I love my life.

some days, I know that it's all going to work out.
some days, I forget that I know that.

some days, I let my doubts, fears, and worries get to me.

for today, I'll keep a smile on my face and trust in the Lord. Acne scars, insecurities, and all.

oh yeah, dear boys

I had the day off of work yesterday, so, today was like a second Monday. And dear boys totally doesn't happen on Mondays. Wednesdays though.... yeah.

Fave link up from last week comes from Lindsay:


dear imaginary boyfriend,
you should probably realize that we're perfect together and be my real boyfriend. soon.
love,
your secret admirer

I hear you, Lindsay. Whaddayasay we find ourselves some less-imaginary boyfriends, yeah? ;)



dear biscuit,

I vote you blog again.

k,thx,
elise


dear hipster,

you would have a girlfriend.

oh well,
elise


dear superman and captain america,

are you going camping this weekend?

love,
the princesses


dear check box,

date me, maybe?
really only maybe though.
I can't decide.

love,
elise


dear simba,

I should have just said hi to you. I mean, whatev. But, still.

love,
elise


dear norbert,

sometimes you seem way cool, sometimes you overwhelm me.
and you maybe had a crush on me once?
and I got all awkward about it.
that was probably lame of me.
I've come to a recent conclusion that if you tried to date me, you definitely deserve a shot.

love,
elise



Dear boys peeps:
Write your DB post, put the button on it, and link it up over here.
Then, go read the other DB posts linked up.
Share the DB lovin'.





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best brownie recipe ever

I might be a little biased. I was raised on these brownies. They are a very important part of our family Christmas traditions and really just my favorite brownie recipe ever. 

My grandma got the recipe from her friend, Gratia. So, my mom has always called these "Gratia's Brownies". When I was little, I thought she was calling them "Gracias Brownies". I knew gracias was Spanish for thank you, so I assumed they were gracias brownies because they were so good that you had to say thank you. It's logical, right?

Gratia's Brownies

4 eggs 2 tsp. vanilla

2 cups sugar ½ tsp. baking powder

1 cup melted margarine 4 sq. melted bitter chocolate

1 cup flour 1 cup chopped nuts

Cream eggs and sugar, add melted margarine, then vanilla.  Add flour and baking powder, then chocolate, then nuts.  Mix until blended.

Bake at 350 for 30 - 35 minutes.

This is the cocoa we use:

The recipe does call for melted bitter chocolate, so you can use other kinds. But we have always always used this kind and it's kind of like a sin to not. (And we've spent quality time going from grocery store to grocery store stocking up on choco bake.)

Also, if you're short on choco bake, substituting one TBSP Nutella for one square of choco bake is definitely a good idea.

Also, these brownies are good without nuts. But they are DIVINE with them. Not just because I love me some walnuts, but because they change the texture and make them just slightly more fudgey. And I am a fan of that.

weekend

My weekend was filled with fireworks, stalactites, "cave kisses", swimming at Bear Lake, lemon cheesecake snocones, and lots of Nichelle time. #ican'tseemtogethertogoaway #justkidding #idontwanthertogoaway #imhilariousbecauseistoleherhashtag.

How was your weekend?

yeah, whatever bulgur is...

There once was a time that I loved cooking. Deep down, I'm pretty sure I'm still a fan of cooking, but let's be honest: when I come home from work all I want is for someone to feed me and tell me how pretty I am. Is that too much to ask?

Really though, I have gotten way bad at cooking for myself. Which means I don't often have leftovers to take to work. Read: I eat frozen TV dinners or fast food for lunch.

A-not so healthy.

B-bad for my budget
and the correct answer is...
C-all of the above.

So, in an effort to fatten my wallet and do the opposite to my waistline, I started researching.

(I should have majored in Google.)

All the results for "easy, healthy work lunch ideas" were lame.

(And I'm now killing all my hopes and dreams of someday being on the Food Network.)

Que Bulgur and Lentils.

via

I don't even know where to start. First, bulgur? Anything that might rhyme with "vulgar" does not belong in my belly. Second, that picture. Gold star for nice food photography, negative bronze medal for the vomit in that bowl. (Maybe I'm too harsh? Disclosure: I haven't tried bulgur or lentils and I fully admit that if I were to give either one a chance, I might enjoy them.)

Honorary mentions of weird foods that belong in a foodie magazine and not my lunch box go to:

Cold Russian Beet Soup

Speedy Salade Nicoise

Lamb Pasties

(Disclosure take two: Perhaps these would be items that I could bravely sample and end up loving at, I don't know, a gourmet restaurant? All I wanted were some simple lunch ideas.)

Let's also discuss my dilemma of I-don't-really-love-sandwiches. I like some. ( And I do love me some PB&J). Really though, sandwiches are not my thing. And another dilemma? I'm a snacker. I can't just eat lunch at 11 and call it good. By 2:00 I'm ready to lick my keyboard. 

So, help? What is the balance between I-bought-uncrustables-in-bulk and Rachael-Ray-packs-my-lunch? I need some ideas of simple, easy, semi-healthy meals and snacks to take for work. 

dear boys 43 and a first in love

Today I'm going to start off with sharing a love story and linking up with Harley & Jane this week because, well, they're neat.

I was 3 years old the first time I fell in love.

He lived in the apartment next door to ours. I don't remember his name.

He had a Magna Doodle table. You know, with the shape stamps and two kinds of magnet pens.

I was head over heels.

I very clearly remember my Uncle Aaron coming over to that boy's apartment on my fourth birthday to tell me I had to go eat cake and let people sing to me.

How rude. 

How dare he interrupt such blissful, magnetic love?

And so,

Dear Magna Doodle Boy,

You were better than cake and ice cream.

You may have also given me superficial ideas about love.

All the same, there will still always be a special place for you (and your magna doodle) in my heart.

Love,

Elise

P.s. I now need an iPhone.

Dear babe the not pig,

I keep having dreams about you. In them, you sort of woo me.

I'm not certain what that means about real life.

Love,

Elise

Dear Flamingo,

So maybe October is too fast. Early November could happen though, right?

Love,

Your girlfriend's roommates. :)

Dear El Guapo Capitán,

If she ran into your arms and smooched you, you'd oblige, right?

We'll work on convincing her.

Love,

The older roommates

Dear finnifer,

I know you're busy and serving a mission and all, but I would love it if you'd use some of your precious p-day time to finally write me back. I'm getting antsy.

Love,

sonny-licious

Dear city boy,

Really officially over you. We're to the meh stage.

It's cool,

Elise

Dear M@,

Stoic turtle is SO the new black.

Love,

Elise

Dear boys peeps:

Write your DB post, put the button on it, and link it up over here.

Then, go read the other DB posts linked up.

Share the DB lovin'.

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average fashion: one shirt, eight ways

I don't know about you, but when I find a shirt that I love I wear it all the time.

Like this striped v-neck from Old Navy. I have it in pink and grey.

My favorite thing about this shirt is that it is so versatile. 

So, I thought I'd share how I wear the same shirt for different occasions with really simple changes. 

to work:

Cuff the skinnies, quick side braid, comfy shoes.

blog meet-up: 

again with the cuffed skinnies, add a VWB rosette necklace, throw the hair tie on my wrist.

dressy-casual:

just lovely things headband, high-waisted pleated skirt

 sunday best:

my favorite modbod skirt, clip on rosette, mustard yellow flats

summery saturday:

Old Navy flip flops, comfy shorts, throw the hair into a pony tail

for a too-cold-to-go-anywhere cache valley day:

striped cardigan, skinnies, sparkly shoes 

let's be honest, if this was really a cache valley winter outfit, I'd have boots and two coats.

But you could wear this inside a heated building.

#getreal

 photoshoot:

knit infinity scarf and bright colored heels

lounging at the apartment:

#dailybedhead hair and Aggie sweat pants

JUNIEblake giveaway!

Have you heard of JUNIEblake?

They're pretty new kids on the fashion block.

They design their clothing to be both trendy and modest.

You don't even have to wear tank tops underneath!

I am a big fan, guys. 

Plus, their clothing line is stinkin' cute.

 

Do you love this skirt as much as I do?

Lucky for you guys, JUNIEblake is giving away two $30 giftcards!

The giveaway is open until next Saturday, so go, fight, win. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

instafriday

I didn't post instafriday last week, so I'mma instaspam you this week. :)

instastalk me: @eliseypants

 1. Rockin' the Vintage Wanna Bee rosette necklace.

2. Twinners with Kristen Duke Photography.

3. Don't worry, I also have the shirt in purple. 

And I hang out with cute kids.

 1. Friday was pizza day, the best day of the week.

2. I don't think we order enough pizza in our apartment...

3. Mini golfing for FHE.

 1. Fourth of July.

2. Red white and blue sno cone. #iliveatsnoshack

3. Patriotic cupcakes.

 1. Out of focus fireworks.

2. Nichelle's birthday fireworks.

3. Freedom fire fireworks.

 1. Nichelle's birthday tiara/stache/shades.

2. Tiara sunset.

3. Tiara bedhead.

#weknowhowtoparty

#weareprincesses

1.2.3. #dailybedhead

 1. Got to see my fave friend, Nello Jello!

2. Bloggy meetup!

3. Lollipops with Elisabeth!

 1. Sparkle nails.

2. Roomie nail party.

3. My roommie, Drew's patriotic nails.

 1. Maddox drive in.

2. Tomatoes are my favorite favorite favorite food.

3. #iliveatsnoshack

1.2.3. the slash blog

It's a little project that Nichelle and I have had in the works for quite some time now. 

You're gonna love it. 

#theslashblog

#comingJuly30

for now, you can follow us on twitter or FB to get the updates as we get it ready for release! 

IDK, my BFF Dearest Lou? Sponsor Spotlight and Giveaway!

Hey, everyone! I'm excited to introduce you to one of my newest sponsors, Cecilia from Dearest Lou. Her blog is adorable and I just know you're going to love her! (Plus, she's got a super great giveaway down at the bottom of the post. :)

Hello! I’m Cecilia, a life and style blogger coming to you from Provo, Utah! Dearest Lou is my personal outlet for all things going on in my life including my first pregnancy, husband, and others in my life that I adore. However, it’s main focus is about my personal thrifty style.

My blog acts as a motivation for me to get dolled up every day, try new styles, and as a place to see my style change and grow along with my blog.  I’m so excited to be guest-posting here on Elise’s Pieces! I’m sure you are all familiar with Elise’s Dear Boys posts. Well, for my post today I wanted to share a few letters to the boys in my life!

Dear Daryl (husband),

I want to thank you for all of your love and support the last 7 months of marriage, our 3 month engagement, and throughout our year of dating. It’s crazy to think that I met you a little over 2 years ago and now we are married and have a little boy on the way. I want to thank you for always being so kind, loving, and for all of your daily compliments. I also want to thank you for being such a strong foundation for our family and for your love for the Gospel. You are the best husband in the world and I’m so blessed to have you by my side for eternity. I love you Habado!

Dear Baby Harvard,

I can’t believe we’re passed the half-way point and I will have you in my arms this November. It’s crazy to think how fast time has flown by! You were absolutely adorable at your ultrasound this last Tuesday. You kept sticking your little tongue out and were so playful. I’ve also enjoyed feeling all of your little kicks and movements the last couple of weeks! I can’t wait until you are bigger and they’re more powerful so daddy can start feeling them! You seriously make me so incredibly happy and I don’t know what I would do without you. I’m so blessed that I get to be your mother and that we get to be an eternal family. I love you with all of my heart.

Dear Daddy,

You are the best dad in the entire world, I couldn’t have asked for a better dad! You’re the most genuine person I have ever met and never have a mean word to say about anyone, it’s a quality I’ve always admired in you. My entire life you’ve worked really hard for our family to make sure we were taken care of and had everything we needed. I really appreciate everything you’ve done for me. Thanks for believing in me and for being such a great role model for our family.  I love you Daddy!

Dear Grandpa,

You are one of the brightest people on the planet and have so much wisdom. I’ve always looked up to you and have cherished the time we’ve spent together both at work and play. I want to thank you for giving me the opportunity to intern with you throughout my last semester of college. I miss seeing you at my parents’ house but I promise I will visit you often at your new place. It was really hard seeing Grandma pass away a couple of months ago, but I’m glad to see you are doing okay and pushing forward.  I love you!

Feel free to stop by my blog and say hello, I love making new friends!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

dear boys 42

dear franklin,

I love your curly hair.
You can serenade me any time.

love,
elise


dear 11,

it sure would make for an interesting situation, wouldn't it?

love,
elise


dear biscuit, (see also: doodoobiscuit)

you're stellar.

love,
elise


dear 14,

congratulations.

love,
elise

Dear boys peeps:

Write your DB post, put the button on it, and link it up over here.

Then, go read the other DB posts linked up.

Share the DB lovin'.

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carpet burns and key changes

Via

Last night we went to Pickleville Playhouse for my friend, Ryan's birthday. It was STELLAR. If you're anywhere in the vicinity of Bear Lake this summer, make sure you get yourself some tickets for a show at Pickleville. It really was SO good. We saw Forever Plaid and I loved it. 

Forever Plaid was actually the first play I ever went to as a child. I think I was maybe 6 or so? I saw it with my parents at Hale Center Theater and that is where I first discovered my love for Red Vines. I also remember loving the show, but until we went tonight, I didn't really remember why.

There were a couple different songs in the show that my parents loved must have loved, because they were a big part of my childhood (read: played on repeat along with the Grease soundtrack and Wilson Phillips). So, when they came up in the show I'm certain my six year old self was talking way too loud in the middle of the play very excited to recognize those songs. I definitely caught onto more jokes and funny references this time though. That show is hilarious.

When I was a little girl, my dad was in a barbershop quartet. The group practiced at our house on Sunday nights, my mom played the piano for them, and they were super good. I always wanted to stay up and listen to them, but they always made me go to bed before practice was over. I have very vivid memories of being dragged up the stairs to my bedroom while the quartet sang "Good Night, Ladies" to my sister and I in four part harmony. Carpet burns and key changes defined my childhood. 

I'm pretty sure that's where my love for music began. I dreamed of someday being in a barbershop quartet. I was heartbroken the day I realized that that was a "guy thing". (I still think I could do it. Some day I'll be part of the first female barbershop quartet. Salon quartet? Mani/pedi trio??) 

Probably what I loved most about last night is the amazing power that music has to take you back in time. I really did feel that blissful happiness from my childhood when they sang "Heart and Soul" and my fingers ached to play it loudly on someone's piano. I couldn't stop smiling when they sang "Chain Gang" it made me want to break out my "Best of the Nylons" CD and jam out to it in my mom's mini van.  

That's the thing about art. It's human experience put to music, acted out on stage, dictated in the words that you couldn't quite string together. It's the reminder that someone else gets it. The beauty of creating is taking pure, raw emotion and expressing it in the only way you truly know how to share it with the world.