lately laura

missing my grandpa

2011-04-01T08:36:00.000-07:00

On Monday morning, my dear grandpa passed away. I'm going to miss that man, but I know he is happy, healthy and surrounded by loved ones now.

I hope to make everyday a pine tree day (with a Pepsi One in hand)!

want to see

2011-04-01T08:30:00.000-07:00

This movie!! Based in Paris with Rachel and Owen... fabulous combination.

living the dream

2011-04-01T08:28:00.000-07:00

With three weeks until graduation, I have a lot to write down on this little blog, including my last semester of classes, last moments on Sundance, and getting engaged to the man of my dreams!!!

It was the ultimate bi-coastal relationship, with amazing weeks in California, good times in Utah, and a fabulous trip to New York City. Austin David Pulsipher proposed on March 18th, 2011 on the beach in front of Hotel del Coronado. Now we are planning a wedding for August 13th, and I COULD NOT be happier!

I'll reminisce of fabulous memories occasionally, but for now, here are pictures.

I'm so excited for eternity with this boy... Oh, and this is the ring!

viva las vegas

2011-01-20T08:40:00.000-08:00

This past weekend was slightly crazy, but what else do you expect from Vegas! My girls and I drove down, stayed in the Monte Carlo, walked the strip (still smell like smoke... gross), dinner at Lavo, walk around hotels, free admission and VIP treatment at Tryst (the new Wynn club), Bellagio fountains, M&M World, NY NY roller coaster, Coke World (more on that later...), walk around more hotels, Serendipity's frozen hot chocolate, drove to John & Elaine's, then sleep!

Coke World's "16 Flavors from Around the World"

DO NOT try the Beverly unless you want to look like this.

Vegas... Mormon style.

The girls: Deb, Britney, LWatt, moi, Jess.

as of late

2010-09-30T12:50:00.001-07:00

Here are some pictures from my life in the past month: back from London, home for a couple of weeks, back to Provo, home for Dad's release, & Jackson Hole.

random bits

2010-07-31T03:02:00.000-07:00

So here are a few pictures of what I've been doing in the past weeks... Including day trips, Stonehenge, trip to the North of England, Ambleside, York, etc. Enjoy.

Monument to the Women of WWII

Dancing to Fergie on the London Bridge... You need to do it!!

Diagon Alley. No joke.

Can you guess where this is?

Remember the sculpture scene?

The Pemberley of Pride & Prejudice.

Our boat cruise in the Lake District.

Fountains Abbey

Beautiful Ambleside.

paris

2010-07-18T06:31:00.000-07:00

I went back home. And no, not Newport. But instead, I was on the streets of Paris again. I was the tour guide for my friends, and it was fantastic to see the city through new eyes again... Thankfully, the language, the directions, the sites, and the culture came back easily. Miss you already!!

Literally RIGHT before it started to downpour rain...

On the Champs de Mars for the Bastille Day Firework Show!! Thousands of people and tuns of fun.

ali, laura, niki, brittany

We didn't plan to match perfectly!!

Top of Arc du Triomphe (fifth time...)

Musee de Rodin

Napoleon's Tomb/Hotel des Invalides

yum.

Chartres Cathedral, after renovation. When I was here in the fall, this was behind scaffolding, so I loved seeing the before and after!

Boat Cruise = Necessary Paris Experience

Before and after Paris, my study abroad group toured Northern France to see WWI sites. And actually, many of the memorials will be used in my Thesis... Here's the Vimy Memorial. We came to it in between rain storms, clouds rumbling with thunder. Thankfully, I arrived at just the right moment to capture these images of the memorial and the surrounding landscape.

Paris, je t'aime.

glastonbury, stourhead & bath

2010-07-09T12:43:00.000-07:00

We went on yet another coach ride across the UK. It was full day of driving, but these are the types of places I would never see, unless I was a part of this fabulous school program. Enjoy.

Stourhead (first proposal in the new Pride & Prejudice)

(my roommates)

The Roman Baths in... Bath.

canterbury & cambridge.

2010-07-05T01:11:00.001-07:00

Once a week, we are all gathered onto a large coach, and drive across the countryside to various, intellectual, fabulous sites of religious and educational importance (I'm so spoiled)!! This past Friday, we went to Canterbury Cathedral and St. Augustine's Abbey, where the cathedral had the most fabulous architecture I have ever seen, both in the ceiling and the space.

*no editing whatsoever

And here's Cambridge!!

Oh and it was Canada Day here, Trafalgar Square was crazy...

london study.

2010-07-03T02:51:00.000-07:00

day 1: St. Paul's & Museum of London

500 stairs...

wimbledon.

2010-07-03T02:24:00.000-07:00

So this one day I went to Wimbledon. Hopped on the tube out to Wimbledon. Took a taxi to the tournament. Sat on the hill to watch Venus play. Waited in a little line to pay 5pounds for tickets. Sat at Court #1. Watched a ladies' quarterfinals match. Got a sunburn. Walked around the quiet ambience with only little pings of balls being hit by the competitors from various courts.

Enjoyed every minute.

london town.

2010-07-01T05:28:00.000-07:00

I'm back by popular demand, because I found myself living outside the country again... But now, I'm in London!! I'm living in the BYU Center, just off of Hyde Park, and taking the senior courses for my Humanities major. It's a miracle that I'm out here again, but everything lined up perfectly for this experience. My parents say I should go into advertising, because I sold this to them so beautifully!! But it's true. This study abroad program is perfect, including research for my honors thesis, my advisor to my thesis, the course that is all about my thesis, a teacher's assistant position in that course, and both of my capstones being offered in a 7-week course. Not hard to convince people of its legitimacy...

So I'll try to add pictures and such as the program continues, but here are a couple from the first days of London!

Prince Albert Memorial, I always see it on my daily runs through Hyde Park.

View from the fire escape of my room. Turns out, I live on the 5TH FLOOR (which is kinda like the 6th, because they do ground levels first...). So I have a fantastic view along with my 4 roommates, but climbing 83 steep steps several times a day gets tiring.

I love Hyde Park.

A bunch of girls met up for dinner on our second day there.

Peter Pan Statue... so adorable.

After visiting Speaker's Corner, we walked through Hyde Park to get a bearing, and I couldn't stop seeing beautiful vantage points that my camera was dying to capture!!

Some of my girls from "The Pent House."

I'm dreadful at blogging, so my posts will mainly consist of photos and short taglines of my activities. Sound splendid?

weekend...

2010-02-05T11:18:00.000-08:00

One thing I have come to realize is I can't rely on the weather in Provo. It might be beautiful in the morning, but just wait for the inversion. It might have 100% chance of snow, and yet, people are walking around campus in t-shirts in 40 degree weather. Supposedly there is a storm brewing in Utah, and I hope that I might be able to find a scene like this when I wake up:

I love Monet and skiing.

dogs

2010-02-05T11:12:00.001-08:00

Lately, I have been thinking a lot about dogs. Turns out, one of my brothers-in-law knows everything about dogs, so now, I can't help but look up different breeds and pictures all the time. Though I'm possibly allergic... I still want one (And yes, I'm stubborn.)

I can't wait for the day when I have a friend that wants to go on runs with me, that can't wait for me to come home, and that is just a cute, lovable, smiling character around my house. I'm a fan.

Picture via dress, design & decor

outfit lust

2010-01-27T11:26:00.000-08:00

I love this ad campaign... and would love to have these outfits!!

Found via Dress, Design, Decor

good quote

2010-01-25T11:12:00.001-08:00

The human spirit is stronger than anything that can happen to it.

-George C. Scott

*Photo of my dad.

in love

2010-01-25T11:02:00.000-08:00

Turns out, I am a huge Hitchcock fan. Every film has the most fabulous actors from the prime Hollywood days and the actual film techniques are fantastic. Vanity Fair had an editorial of present-day actors posing in Hitchcock's famous scenes, and they are wonderful reinterpretations of familiar faces.

*To Catch a Thief & Dial M For Murder

Amazing right??

Found via Oh Hello

dream wedding

2010-01-21T13:39:00.000-08:00

Though I claim myself as a California girl, I do love the style of a country wedding. Martha Stewart has had several spreads of these types of weddings, and I admire how the pictures turn out. I absolutely love the look of rough beams and chinese lanterns in a little barn for a reception. Look at this blog post from A Cup of Jo... what do you think?

I would love a reception up in Jackson Hole, where my grandparents live, because wouldn't that be the perfect backdrop? *sigh

quote of the day

2010-01-21T13:29:00.000-08:00

"fall in love with something" -professor kearl

Said by one of the most brilliant men I have had as a professor. Though he butchered my gpa and shrunk my pride, his Econ 110 course taught me a great deal more than just economics. As my time at BYU is rapidly coming to close, I realize this a great quote for all those in my similar situation. Though many subjects may interest me, humanities won my heart, and I have certainly fell in love with the study of people, culture, art, history, etc. Who knows what kind of job I could get... but oh well! At least I fell in love, Profess Kearl!

Hopefully, you are having a great day.

Another quote to end on: "Self? Great day."

realizing

2010-01-13T11:33:00.001-08:00

After living in Provo again for the past week or so, I realize how much I miss my city, Paris.

I miss the conversations I had with the people I encountered everyday, including my infamous host mother.

I miss the opportunity to visit the amazing variety of museums (cough cough... Orsay, Louvre, Rodin...).

I miss the array of flavorful food, from the pastries at the corner bakery, the meals at Cafe du Marche, the hot chocolate at Angelina's, and the bread found everywhere. Especially now that I'm off of dairy and wheat, I miss them more and more everyday!

I miss the classes I took, compared to the intense, but necessary, courses I'm taking this semester.

I miss the traveling to history-rich places like Arles, Bruges, Amsterdam, Normandy, etc.

I miss just walking the streets of Paris, seeing and encountering new things everywhere.

I miss Paris. But I'll be back soon and I'll endeavor to make the best of the next semester.

colmar

2009-12-06T12:54:00.001-08:00

This past week, I took the 3 hour train out to Colmar for a day, and trust me, it was well worth it! Five Christmas markets scattered about a city filled with frosted trees and decorated buildings. Here are some pictures!

bags are packed

2009-12-06T12:38:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow, I head back home! It has been amazing experience, and I will savor each memory everyday. From the monuments, museums, and architecture to the food, people, and culture, I will miss it.

Je t'aime, Paris!

(But I am excited for upcoming Christmas festivities!!)

(The picture is quite gloomy, but Paris offered up torrential rain today! Thanks paris. Great way to end.)

My Paris

2009-12-06T12:33:00.000-08:00

To end off my semester in Paris, our final photography project was titled "My Paris." So basically, putting into photos our experience. Here is a little something I did...

Paris is full of sights and scenes, made famous through the years.

People hurry from place to place to take it all in.

To go.

To see.

To experience.

We are constantly in motion. I come full circle with this idea. But instead now, our motion is not the theme, but instead, the backdrop becomes the idea in question. We are in motion, while they remain statuesque, standing against the years of history and experiences. We are only a small moment passing by, but they remain.

mois de la photo

2009-11-20T09:15:00.000-08:00

This week's project was to be inspired by the Photo Exhibits for Paris' Mois de la Photo. My photos are based on works by Michael Kenna and Jan Yoors. Hope you like...

lately

2009-11-20T01:19:00.000-08:00

The sunset was spectacular one day, and thankfully, I had my camera to capture its brilliance!

From the top of the Pompidou Centre.

A giant ferris wheel for Saint Nicolas' Day! So excited for the Christmas markets...

The Pantheon: a must-see.

Paris is lovely.

armistice day

2009-11-16T10:18:00.000-08:00

brussels/amsterdam

2009-11-08T08:26:00.000-08:00

Just got back from a two day trip to two countries!! Exhausting, but amazing. Here are some pictures.

I completely recommend to everyone to go!! Just don't go into the coffee shops...

decisive moment

2009-11-08T08:12:00.001-08:00

The next project dealt with the decisive moment. I could only choose one (the first), but these were a couple of options for me.

more pastries

2009-11-02T08:52:00.001-08:00

Instead of having class inside, my professor decided to have one day of class as a picnic. So we bought a variety of breads, cheese, fruits, vegetables, and meats on Rue Cler, and then proceeded to eat a fabulous picnic underneath the Eiffel Tower. These are the pastries from Le Notre... amazing.

You can be jealous. That's ok.

someday

2009-11-02T08:48:00.001-08:00

I will have a room in my house with a fabulous orange wall. One thing Paris does well is accent colors (but just to let you know, Paris does almost everything better...). Though neutrals are the staples, patisseries, hotels, even clothing stores have great colors to accentuate the mood. Yes, I'm getting lots of ideas for my future home.

found here.

details

2009-11-02T08:41:00.000-08:00

Another photo project here, but here are a couple of pictures.

I wish I knew how to just copy it onto my blog, but I'm playing with the settings for a wider text section. We'll see!!

And sorry for being horrible at updating this blog. I'll try to do better... Emphasis on try! Who has the time anyway.

why?

2009-10-11T11:16:00.002-07:00

Photo Essay on les metiers (tradesmen): look here.

worship

2009-10-11T11:16:00.001-07:00

Photo Essay on religion: look here.

lunch

2009-09-27T12:56:00.000-07:00

This is where I eat lunch...

... along the Seine with the locals. Complete with baguette and book. Come join!

pastries

2009-09-19T09:54:00.001-07:00

As everyone knows... Paris is famous for its pastries. And I am taking full advantage, much to my health's chagrin.

This is a famous, modern Patisserie on the Left-Bank called Pierre Herme. Quite expensive for so small a treat, but worth each centime for those macaroons. Cece and I savored them outside in the Saint-Sulpice square.

P.S. I forgot to include my tarte peche pistache from Boulangerie Julien. Oh so yummy!!

First Week of Paris

2009-09-19T07:25:00.003-07:00

I really need to update this, so my family has some more information on my life... Here are some pictures and descriptions!

First day in Paris! We were all desperately tired, hungry, and suffering from a lack of French skills. Slap happy.

This is my fabulous roommate Cecile Larsen (aka cece). We were living on one night of sleep, but jetlag was still weighing us down. After wandering for a little while, we found a pleasant little cafe, and had the most DELICIOUS meal ever. Maybe because we were starved, but we were quite excited about the food and the adorable accommodations.

On top of the Arc du Triomphe! The weather was not amazing, but the view was breathtaking, along with the pleasant breeze.

This was just after we left our first day of church. The building was built in the 17th century, complete with cobble stone courtyard. And this is where we have our classes as well, so it ain't half bad.

Liz and I beneath the arch. Cute.

While walking around the Musee d'Orsay, I saw this American couple. Both with informational mp3s in their ears, they tilted their heads to "truly" take in the busts in front of them. Completely comical to me, sharing the American heritage, but the tilted heads against the three statuesque heads was the perfect juxtaposition. Thoughts?

It's Paris. How could I blog without including at least one picture?

This was taken in the Tuilleries while trudging to the Champs Elysees. I simply glanced to my right and caught the glances of all three men on the bench. So of course, I needed to capture it with the camera. Naturally. The more I look at this photo, the more I like it. The three just looking out on the tourists, while we return the favor with mutual glances. Love it.

This was a lovely little street with fruits, vegetables, antiques, meats, and no cars (though there is one parked there, but nothing moving!). I loved the varying ages along Rue de Cler, from kids just out of school for the weekend and older gentlemen taking their lunch breaks in their crisp suits. The culture of Paris is amazing, and I loved to be away from the commercialized downtown for a day.

Cece and I with some amazing pastries from a famous pastry shop... and I'm blanking on the name. Starts with an L. Oh well, the only thing that matters is it was absolutely amazing. Couldn't even finish it, because it was so good!

After a long day of seeing paris. I'm excited for everything that can happen in the next 3 months!!

First Photography Assignment

2009-09-18T14:38:00.001-07:00

One of my classes in Paris is French Civilization through Photography, and here is my first entry. This is the official assignment if you want to understand its reasoning. Hope you like it!

Movement: I would say it is a universally accepted fact that Paris has unlimited opportunities, both for the laid back local or the naïve tourist. To the wide-eyed student from the western United States, we feel as if we are standing on the brink of something new. Something exciting. Something new. Indulging in the occasional pastry, walking along the Seine, or gazing upon a critically acclaimed Monet, the possibilities are endless.

But even as I desire to see and do everything, I feel that Paris is constantly moving. Each car, train, and person is in motion, anticipating the next destination. Personally, I am relentlessly exhausted with all of the movement! I guess it will become natural, and my body will become accustomed, hopefully.

As you can see, my party and I were making our way down the Champs Elysees on an overcast Thursday. We had yet to make it to the top or even stand beneath the Arc du Triomphe, and we only had but a free moment to accomplish this goal. Trudging along with our sights set on the arch, I stopped. Amidst the chaos of commerce, one woman stood out to me. Frozen in time. Arms outstretched for acceptance of money and perhaps for herself. Her meager form is a striking contrast to the height of the surrounding crowds and historic architecture. She seems not to be in the rush that matches the rest of the city. Each person in the scene was marching to his own beat, probably in a hurry to shop or to get home. I assimilated myself with them as I too had a destination and the preoccupation of mind to just get there. But in her simplicity, my breath was taken away.

First Day

2009-09-12T10:22:00.001-07:00

I have arrived in Paris!! After eight months of weighting, I am here. And let me tell you, it is lovely. Here are just a few pictures from our boat ride alone the Seine, without editing.

Isn't that the most fabulous face?

Friends of Paris! I will complete my update soon.

art

2009-08-07T10:45:00.000-07:00

Take a look at this article on the new way of looking at and appreciating art, specifically in the vast halls of the Louvre. Are we truly taking in the priceless representations, or do we say to ourselves "the Louvre is done" as we prance to the next historical monument. Personally, I don't think anyone can truly finish appreciating the countless pieces in the Louvre, and I hope to not be one of these tourists the journalist describes!!

Found on BYU in Paris & here

the day has come

2009-07-21T13:11:00.000-07:00

Probably shared with most female bloggers out there, I absolutely adore The Sartorialist. I am still astounded at Scott Schuman's ability to capture the personality and essential style of people we normal people would just pass on the street. But through his artistic eye and fabulous camera lens, he turns out breathtaking photos and countless outfits I am dying to imitate.

And several months ago, he made the announcement of producing his own book!! It will be officially released August 12th in the U.S., then released worldwide in September. Let's just say, mine is pre-ordered. The anticipation is killing me.

One more thing, he is going on a book tour. And he will be in Paris when I am there. Perfection? I think so...

P.S. Can I please have the courage to come up to a perfection stranger, compliment their style, then proceed to say, "can I take a picture of you?" Hopefully someday.

photo found here

bike

2009-07-21T13:02:00.003-07:00

So as this summer trundles along, I can't help but look up opportunities and activities only to be done in Paris (also helped with the countless emails from my family about new articles on the latest art exhibits, restaurants, etc.). Found on Habitually Chic, I am anticipating several trips to Versailles this fall. Not necessarily just for the awe-inspiring architecture, but for the pleasantries of a simple bike ride through the extensive grounds. Take a look at this article, found on Travel & Leisure, and you'll catch onto my desire to go and rent a bike... Sounds simply fabulous, especially in the crisp autumn air, surrounded by lines and lines of trees, only helped with camera. Care to join me?

picture found here

so if you remember...

2009-07-13T09:26:00.000-07:00

from a while ago (when I was consistent with my blog posting), I mentioned my secret dream to be found and photographed by Scott Schumann, the famed Sartorialist, while living in Paris or New York. Well, my hopes and aspirations are about to be realized!! Through following the simple steps in this flow chart, my chances increase ten-fold of being noticed by this fabulous photographer.

If you share my dream, look here.

Found here.

rain

2009-04-09T12:42:00.000-07:00

At the moment, it is softly raining outside, and I am stuck in the library, working on a final paper for art history. Rain is lovely, especially when everything is quiet and you can only hear the rain landing all around you.

I wish I could go out and enjoy it. But instead, I'll daydream of a wedding in the rain, where umbrellas and galoshes are mandatory
Image here

someday

2009-04-09T12:39:00.001-07:00

Someday I will need to ride my own bike to and from work, the grocery store, the park, the bakery, etc. I think this one will do the job just fine, especially with this bag on the back and a camera around my neck...

found here

West Side Story

2009-04-07T23:31:00.000-07:00

I recently watched West Side Story for my humanities class, and this is the most fabulous spoof of it EVER.

Flight of the Conchords = hilarity.

Question

2009-04-07T13:15:00.000-07:00

Does anyone know how to embed videos from youtube? I want to put this up, but I don't know how to put up an actual video!!

help...

art review

2009-04-07T09:40:00.000-07:00

Recommendation: New York Times Art Section... at least for today. Here is a review of Winslow Homer.

I recently studied his art in one of my Humanities classes, and his art simple yet poetic. Read here if you'd like.

the art scene

2009-04-07T09:26:00.000-07:00

Just came across this article on the frontpage of the New York Times, and it solidifies why I want to live in New York City someday. Keep reading...

They also have it for LA, but come on, New York City? That's where all the "buzz" is happening.

roadtrip.

2009-03-24T18:06:00.000-07:00

Seeing these old pictures from a past J.Crew campaign makes me want to go on a roadtrip, like on the Route 66. These shots are mainly for the selling of clothing, but I can't help my desire!!. Necessities: comfortable car, good company, lots of food, several ipods of music, a camera, and possibly an outfit worthy of being photographed.

images here

expectations.

2009-03-20T15:22:00.000-07:00

For my Paris Prep Course, I needed to create a post that describes one thing that I would really love to do while on the study abroad. Then when I am actually there, I will write a response. I think it's a brilliant idea. Here is what I posted on the blog:

So in my own little world, my dream is to be found by Scott Schuman, mastermind behind The Sartorialist, while I am walking the streets of Paris. Maybe as I am leaving the craze of Paris Fashion Week or casually entering a quiet cafe, he will beg to capture the essence of my personality and outfit. Some may call this a passing fancy, but maybe someday...
(If any of you lovely fellow ladies also share my dream, group pictures are also available.)

But in reality, since this project is to "actually" come to pass, I would love to come across a jazz club or some swanky music scene (yes, I just said swanky). I am an earnest fan of jazz music, and I love discovering new forms of music, especially from different countries. Whether open mic nights or a regular piano ensemble, I would love to be a part of that scene.
Maybe I'll find it in this beautiful cafe...
Hopefully, I will find a place like this that I can retreat to on the weekends, and I would love and gladly appreciate the company of anyone and everyone.

Other things: take pictures of absolutely everything, live in the Musee d'Orsay, finally see Montmartre for myself, find open air markets for Saturday mornings, travel absolutely everywhere I can (Monaco, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Austria, and wherever else), try every crepe under the sun, etc.

That's it for now!! Have an enjoyable weekend.
-laura
latelylola.blogspot.com

someday

2009-03-19T22:27:00.000-07:00

At this moment, I am studying for a test, and looking out on a very bleak black parking lot from my apartment window. But instead, I am dreaming of this view on a beautiful Parisian scene, complete with leather chair and inviting plush pillow. Someday, when I am worn with life, I will own this little scene, and I will read something fantastic and bask in the pleasant atmosphere from that chair.
Someday [insert sigh].

Image found here

happy birthday!!

2009-03-17T09:25:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to my favorite brother!! May you have a fantastic day, filled with luck and maybe a pot o' gold.

think green.

2009-03-17T09:12:00.001-07:00

On this day of days, I appreciate the green around me!! Your Heart Out has a post about becoming green to save the world, one fabric bag at a time. Little Sussy shared a beautiful picture of a place I would not mind being a part of. And I would love to enjoy a spring wedding in this beautiful dress and shoes right about now. Maybe it's the warm weather, but I am looking forward to today!!

Have a wonderful day.

Dress here
Shoes here

the jean jacket

2009-03-14T22:59:00.001-07:00

So tell me what you think... yay or nay for the return of the jean jacket??

I still have an old jacket that I probably wore in 8th or 9th grade, and I am contemplating the idea of dusting off the moth balls to try it out again. I don't know why I haven't worn it since the good ol' days of middle school, but seeing that this jacket is splashing itself across all blogs/runways/etc., the idea is sounding pretty good. Dare I?
I mean, if she can do you it, can't I??

Via here
Inspiration here

i would not be opposed...

2009-03-14T22:53:00.001-07:00

...to owning this. Isn't it pretty??

found here

chanel

2009-03-12T21:50:00.000-07:00

Je voudrais voir ce film!!
It will obviously be in french, so I will be able to practice my mad skills... At least we'll see April 22. (And don't worry mom, there will be screening involved... J'espère qu'il est propre.)

And who doesn't love Audrey Tautou?

i want it

2009-03-12T21:44:00.000-07:00

I had my third class to prepare me for Paris this evening, and this is one of the many items my professor recommends. I already own 2 other Moleskine products, so I am well-aware of their nifty, organizational simplicity.
But this is even better! They make these handy notebooks for specific cities, complete with maps of the city, map of the metro, maps of smaller sections of town with spaces to write in your favorite cafe/shop/patisserie. Sounds perfect for my upcoming adventure!!

Found here.

san francisco

2009-03-12T21:34:00.001-07:00

So I had a lovely time in San Francisco and Palo Alto this past weekend, and here are a couple of pictures from e&lola's adventures.

So we didn't want to buy pashminas... so we made three enemies in Chinatown. No joke.

The MOMA in San Francisco. It just so happens that half of the art we saw, I am studying at the moment in American Humanities. Needless to say, I was in heaven.

e & lola

2009-03-12T09:42:00.000-07:00

hating the heights...

loving the heights...

a couple pics from San Francisco.

couple more

2009-03-05T09:46:00.001-08:00

I'm surprised I could get any pictures of him actually looking towards me!!

simply adorable

2009-03-05T09:39:00.000-08:00

Very yummy cookies made with Nona and M.

Still editing this one, but I wanted you to see it!

Yes... there is icing in her hair.

So much sass.

one for now

2009-03-04T17:31:00.000-08:00

Just downloaded pictures from my weekend at home, and they are simply adorable. The rest will come soon!!

*thanks M&A for producing adorable children.

style

2009-03-03T19:29:00.000-08:00

I recently came across a fascinating blog, titled A Continuous Lean, that has articles on fashion and style for men. Just glancing through the first article, I knew I was hooked. Just read to this quote:

"A person’s style today... no longer seems natural. There’s no longer any authenticity to it. Everything is in some way a costume." -Bruce Boyer

Check it out!! I am excited to read what else they can come up with.

olivier

2009-02-22T09:44:00.000-08:00

My Study Abroad Director, Marc Olivier, is the best. Hands down. He's created a blog for the students and their families to read to get ready for Paris. Only one post so far, but I am excited for what he has next!!
He also has another fantastic blog, Take Out Photo, which takes you step by step through Photoshop.
Brilliant.

outift

2009-02-21T13:09:00.001-08:00

Someday, I will own this outfit (sans bag). And I will be wearing it while walking the streets of New York.
Found on The Sartorialist

the wisdom of youth

2009-02-21T13:00:00.000-08:00

While sitting at work, my friend brought over a short book for me to read and to save me from the boredom. I recommend to all of you "How to Talk to Girls," by Alec Greven, the wisdom-filled nine-year-old, trying to help his fellow young friends with girls. It is honestly absolutely hilarious!! And still quite applicable to boys my age, at least slightly.

He went on a book tour, appeared on several shows, and is now writing several more books (for Moms, Dads, and Grandparents).

Read this.

Hope you are having a great Saturday.

sweet tooth fairy

2009-02-12T12:00:00.001-08:00

So I am lucky enough to be working at a friend's bakery, The Sweet Tooth Fairy, and the grand opening was fantastic!! Tons of friends and family came to support, and we couldn't keep the delicious cookies, cakebites, and cupcakes on the shelves!!

cabin

2009-02-12T11:53:00.001-08:00

The other weekend, I had the pleasure of going up to a friend's cabin, and we passed by this cute little diner, straight out of the '50s. We couldn't help but stop in!! Needless to say, it was adorable and tasty.

This reminded me of all those soccer banquet dinners at random pizza joints around Newport. Oh, good memories.

in slc

2009-02-10T16:48:00.001-08:00

Next time I am in Salt Lake City, I will need to visit this place. Found on Your Heart Out, I am seriously contemplating driving up there right now, and trying it for myself!!

warmth

2009-02-06T09:34:00.000-08:00

Seeing that I am my mother's daughter, I am constantly cold!! Especially when I live where it snows and rains most of the time (or just ridiculously too cold), it is necessary that I keep myself warm. So during the breaks from work, I find myself wandering the pages of etsy, looking at these cute scarves and such.

Grey Cowl (found here)
Flurrie Scarf (found here, buy here)

i left my heart in...

2009-02-06T09:28:00.000-08:00

... San Francisco? Okay, maybe not, but this workshop looks amazing!!

My sister forwarded the information the other day, and I proceeded to waste a half an hour drooling over the photographs. I have heard from some people that learning on film is the only way to go, but I haven't been sold. But looking at these photographs makes me wonder if it's true!!
(found here)

someday.

2009-02-06T09:14:00.001-08:00

Someday I will have a mirror this beautiful. And the room wouldn't hurt either...

How much would you love to throw open the door of home after a long day, and walk into this space. I love the reds and beautiful sources of color. Someday...
(found here)

headband

2009-01-29T13:05:00.000-08:00

I absolutely adore these headbands!! Fun and funky.
Someday I'll own one that's on sale, or maybe I will make one... hmm possibilities.
find here: cuteness

new blog

2009-01-26T15:17:00.000-08:00

My dear sister just told me about this blog, and it is quite lovely.
littlebrownpen

look it up!!

more old shots

2009-01-25T20:50:00.000-08:00

A couple more...

Versailles

german train station
just outside Versailles
san francisco

old shots

2009-01-25T20:33:00.000-08:00

I realized I haven't put up my favorite pictures, so here are a couple. Observation: Need to work on taking pictures with people in them!!

logan

2009-01-23T14:56:00.000-08:00

I was able to go up to Logan this past weekend with my sister and cousin. We were able shop around, go to Bluebird, see a bit of Utah State's campus, and visit the gravestone of our grandparents.
Here are some of my pictures.

au revoir

2009-01-20T17:44:00.000-08:00

At least I will be saying this in the fall!! I have been officially accepted into the Fall 2009 Paris Study Abroad. I have been hoping for this for a great deal of time, and if you would like to send any congratulations, you can find me on Cloud 9. I will be walking along the Champs Elysees, wandering the halls of Musee d'Orsay, and traveling throughout the countryside. I know it sounds too good to be true, but it will soon be my reality.

Family and friends... start making plans to visit. louvre, notre dame, & eiffel tower

to queen e

2009-01-20T17:23:00.001-08:00

To the lovely Elizabeth Clayton!!
We celebrated in style at a restaurant up in Sundance, and here are some shots.

Isn't she just adorable?

To many more birthdays and reasons to celebrate!! xo

talent

2009-01-20T17:20:00.001-08:00

Making our dad proud!

cute kids

2009-01-06T18:04:00.001-08:00

I could take pictures of these kids for days!! Each with their own personality, they always make life more fun.

i can't deny...

2009-01-06T18:00:00.000-08:00

... that I live in a beautiful place.

new job

2009-01-06T17:41:00.001-08:00

This is going to be a great semester. Yes, classes are fine and my apartment is the same, but it's all about the job. If any of you are lucky enough to visit the Museum of Art on BYU's campus, then maybe you will see me!! I sit at the front desk and answer phones, check bags/coats (and since it's been snowing like crazy the past couple of days... that's mostly what I do), answer questions, try and find something productive, etc. But mostly, I do homework, play on the internet, and do whatever I want!!

Being paid to do this is amazing. Can I stay in college forever?
*that's the view from my desk. amazing is a slight understatement

home

2008-12-23T10:17:00.000-08:00

I love Christmas at home!! Claytons do it right.

paris in fall

2008-12-23T09:58:00.000-08:00

This coming fall, I am planning on going to Paris on a BYU Study Abroad, so let's hope I get in... But in hopes, I just looked up the course options, and I am in heaven!!

Here they are:
obviously French
French Civilization through Photography (yay!!)
Francophone Culture (walk around Paris, and learn their culture through experiencing it)
LDS Church in a World Setting
European Fine Arts (we go to the Louvre and study the art... unreal!)

Needless to say, I am incredibly excited and stoked!!

richard avedon

2008-12-09T15:23:00.000-08:00

Recently, I came upon this amazing photographer who has done some amazing projects.

This in the project titled "In the American West," where he traveled across the West, capturing images of interesting people. He would would go to many random places, whether coal mines or old car shops, to photograph people that seemingly come with a story. Look up his stuff, it's fascinating and brilliant.

This is another piece that I just love. Maybe it's because it's in Paris, but does it matter!! It is beautiful.

first snow

2008-12-09T13:40:00.000-08:00

First snow!! As I sat in the library yesterday preparing for the lovely event we know fondly as finals, I looked out of the window to see soft and delicate snow fall on campus. Many aren't too happy to see this cold condensation again, but maybe because I never grew up with it, I am excited!! Hot chocolate, warm blankets, socks and boots, big jackets... how can anyone complain with these?? But one reason for the joyous response to the layer of snow is a little thing I like to call skiing. I have already purchased my ski pass and, soon, I shall also be purchasing the Costco sized box of handwarmers.

So to those who are sad to see the new season, I say "bring on the snow!!"

sunrise

2008-12-09T13:28:00.001-08:00

Provo does boast some pretty spectacular sunrises. Here are some from the Utah lake:

Now bring on the snow!!

it's happening

2008-12-08T15:28:00.000-08:00

As I am writing my final paper for one of my classes, I am starting to use my French vocabulary instead of the obvious, and required, English language I know and love.

Dad and Professor Dickamore must be very pleased.

ma belle soeur

2008-12-08T10:14:00.000-08:00

So here is my last photography project of the semester. My dear sister Elizabeth was kind enough to be my subject, and here are a few.

Isn't she gorgeous. Thanks again Elizabeth and Jonny for your help!!

life

2008-12-04T16:19:00.000-08:00

"fall in love with something"
-Jim Kearl
Economics God

Today, I officially signed up for the European Studies Major. I absolutely love the curriculum, and I am excited to see where it takes me!!

music

2008-12-04T12:15:00.000-08:00

Amazing music I am loving right now:
Ting Tings- That's Not My Name

Coldplay- Glass of Water (everything actually)

The concert was absolutely life changing.

Leona Naess- Swing Gently

Ryan Adams- Desire

Peter Bjorn- Young Folks

Nat King Cole- The Christmas Song

light

2008-12-03T10:04:00.000-08:00

Light Projectdad found this shot.

Next project I am working on is Portraiture. We'll see how that goes!!

teleki

2008-12-02T13:45:00.000-08:00

auntie nag

banana
banana

cousins and georgie

Where people are smarter, stronger, and generally better looking.

abstract

2008-11-17T09:45:00.000-08:00

For my next project, I needed to take something normal, and make it seem abstract. here are a few:

I love the letters. Makes it look like someone's initials.

This is actually a picture of the wheel sideways with the lighting just right.

My friend was kind enough to let me use his bike for the project. We went out into the street, and I proceeded to take way too many pictures of a bike. There were many strange glances from people in passing cars, but it doesn't matter!! As long as I get a good grade, then it was all worth it.
Please comment with your critiques.

more to come

2008-11-16T20:32:00.000-08:00

yet another photo project. more pictures to come.

hare krishna

2008-11-15T15:24:00.000-08:00

my roommate was kind enough to let me use her for my photography project. here are a couple of the best shots.

funny story. she accidentally put her shoes on the wrong feet, so we just twisted her legs to make the shoes look normal. unintentional optical illusion.

i wish i had tried a different angle, but her eye contact is phenomenal.
thanks so much deb!!

prop 8

2008-11-13T09:12:00.000-08:00

prop 8 call center:
what an amazing experience, and here are a couple pictures from the final days.
while the reports were coming in that prop 8 was in the lead.
more excitement.

the wonderful zwicks with jonny and elizabeth
where we lived for two weeks.

dreaming

2008-11-12T15:43:00.000-08:00

my friend is planning her trip to new york. and i can't stop looking at my pictures from my new york trip this summer. i think my sisters and i should plan a trip for the near future. agreed?

peace

2008-11-12T15:20:00.000-08:00

i forced two of my roommates to be hand models, so I could work on different techniques. here you go:

and with these pictures, i would love your commentary and advice. thanks!