A Giveaway Winner & A Fedora

Sweater & Shoes: Ruche//Jeans: F21

Saturday night we wracked our brains trying to think of something fun to do for date night. All we could think of was going to dinner, how creative right?! Just wait it gets better... then we went to Target and walked around. Seriously, we are party animals. I found a 3 dollar fedora & he found a nerf football... we played catch in the store, Collin informed me that unfortunately it's too early for him to buy Christmas decor and we realized how it is kind of fun to walk around the store with out kids. No need to pry dvds or candy from their kung-fu grip or carry anyone out crying. Instead we raced back to the car, sang a too-risky-for-our-kids-ears song at the top of our lungs on our way back to my moms. Sometimes the really simple nights are the most stellar. Don't ya think?

GIVEAWAY WINNER:

It's always fun to giveaway something that you guys are so excited about... but then it's a bummer that I can't send you all a box of Christmas goodies! Don't be sad if you didn't win... I've got some other awesome giveaway in the works!!

The winner of the December Daily Studio Calico kit is:

Kimber-Leigh said...

oh, winning this kit would make my day! thanks for the chance to win elizabeth!

a wedding & a butt pinch

Friday night Collin had a wedding video shoot at Sundance and I was lucky to be his assistant. I think my exact title was Assistant to the Videographer. Which meant that I got him drinks when he was thirsty, carried some equipment in glitter heels and was in charge of turning on the mic for the ceremony. Why I was given the most important job of the whole wedding shows the kind of faith this boy has in me. I was literally sweating to death scared that I would mess up my one little task, especially knowing my luck there would have been no record of their "I dos" but alas it was recorded... I better get a promotion now! !

We also counted it as date night so here's a little he said//she said action.

SHE SAID:

-Thanks to the Groom's darling mother technically my date was with a man twice-my-age whose wife couldn't make it so I got to eat her dinner. Two dates in one night? I still got it. ;)

-I was told by two people that night that Collin looks like:

A.) Matthew McConahay & B.) Bradley Cooper.

-I looked very graceful when one of my heels got stuck between the wood planks on a bridge. Next time I'll choose the safer route and wear my ski boots.

-Weddings are so romantic. The bride and groom were freaking adorable I couldn't handle it. I was nearly in tears watching the ceremony... and I didn't even know them.

HE SAID:

Sundance was really pretty. Probably the prettiest ski resort in Utah owned by Robert Redford that also hosts an annual film festival. I didn't see any celebrities up there this time, except Meryl Streep or it was John Madden, I couldn't tell. In high school, I went skiing at Sundance and Robert Redford was getting on the chair-lift. I yelled, "What's up, Bob?" and he looked at me and said, " Fine."

Fine?
Liz got me those sweet new kicks (shoes) that I wanted to try out and they held great traction on the somewhat unfirm grass/gravel pathways. I'll probably write the 9-yr old kid in Malaysia that made those Nike's a letter of deep gratitude. Great job, Sanjeet! Anyways, Liz was a great assistant camerawoman. KC was supposed to help me that night, but he had "college" stuff and is all into his edumacation and lurning (LAME). The ceremony was beautiful and I think the video will turn out boomtastic. P.S. Totally pinched my assistant camerawoman's bum rushing past her to get some shots. I'm a professional, people.
Here's the wedding interview of the couple that had the audience busting up laughing the whole time, and if you're into The Food Network and "Cupcake Wars" or you love America and hate terrorists watch this audition tape I made for The Sweet Tooth Fairy (best cupcakes in America/the known world) it's delightful.

"That's what." -He

Collin, out.

Dress//Glitter Heels//

Cute Washi Tape from Rhonna's new site: Rhonna Designs

pink pants & cargo shorts

Where is the numero uno place to go on a double date when you are with family and you want to have loads of fun? The family-fun center: Trafalga.

Collin was a baby and didn't want to ride the bumper boats... he knew we would team up against him and he would be soaked by the end despite the fact that I pinky-promised we would never do that! Here's another installment of he said/she said date night.

She Said:

I blame the fact that I came in dead last g0-carting on the heels.

I didn't realize what a baby I was until I was at the top of the rock climbing wall. ("What do I do now?" Don't look down. Don't look down.)

Yes, I still brag about my skee-ball skills, which haven't changed much since I was six.

Dippin Dots are the real reason I wanted to come here.

Pants, Shirt: F21//Belt, Shoes: Ruche

Be very grateful this photo is blurry.

He said:

As you can see from the picture above, I wore cargo shorts that night. Cargo shorts say, "Hey, I'll hold all your stuff. You just worry about making friends."

I came from behind on the go-kart racing and took the Checkered flag. No really. I took it, from Dale the go-cart attendant guy. Dale chased me in his Nascar Crocs. A wiseman once said, "Don't ever judge a book by it's cover, unless that book is wearing Nascar Crocs." (I am the wiseman who said that.) I never really understood Crocs. Whenever I see someone in Crocs, my first thought is, "Did you go hiking AND swimming today?" Free yourself. Burn the Crocs. (sorry nurses)

What was I talking about again?

We climbed a fake rock wall with screwed in handgrips made for Oompa Loompa fingers. I often wonder how Andre the Giant would've climbed a rock wall, his fingers were like bananas. But then I remembered when he climbed the Cliffs Of Insanity in Princess Bride, he used the rope. I miss Andre the Giant. RIP Andre.

Chris is really tall, like Andre. I don't think he's a "Giant" though, at least according to Wikipedia. He does sometimes drive with his head out the sunroof, and it's really patriotic when the American flag is near his head, like in this photo. It's almost as patriotic as the tattoo I have on my lower back of a Bald Eagle eating a McRib. I think it'd be funny if Andre the giant drove like a Mazda Miata or something.

Yesterday we said goodbye to my sister, Ashley, Chris and Taimi... as they head back to Germany. :'( We had so much fun this summer with them & miss them already. Thank goodness for Skype!

Happy Weekend! Any fun plans?

He said//She said

She Said:

One of your favorite things about Collin: He always shares bites of his shake with me. Even after the fact that I said I didn't want one and end up eating all of his.

First thing you do when you wake up: See how long I can hide under the covers before one of the munchkins finds me.

Your favorite date moment: Windows down and both singing, "Don't Wanna Miss a Thang" as loud as we can on the way home.

If you could be anywhere at this moment where? On the Dumbo ride at Disneyland, just to watch Avery's smile.

How do you eat your Oreo cookies? Cream filling first.

He Said:

One of your favorite things about Liz: (The first two answers for this were edited for your sake.) Her widdle chin.

First thing you do when you wake up: Say to myself, "Please let me just sleep for 5 more months."

Your favorite date moment: When Liz wore high heels and was almost as tall as me. She got close and said, "Aren't you glad you married a Trojan woman?!" Me: "I think you mean, 'Amazon' woman?"LOL.

If you could be anywhere at this moment where? Throwing random objects into helicopter blades.

How do you eat your Oreo cookies? By the row and dunked in milk.

Shorts, Shoes, Belt: Shop Ruche// Necklace: Anthro

Date night is the marshmallows from my Lucky Charms to my week. We don't do it every week during the summer but at least a couple times a month. We were bored and waiting for our table at Texas Road House so we took some impromptu photos. Despite what you may think, it's really not Collin's favorite thing to do (take posed pictures). So, when we just happen to have a wait at the restaurant and I just happen to have my camera handy in my purse. (Oh, lookey here.)

Not to mention there just happens to be perfect summer lighting and no kids with us to chase after. Then it just worked out.

You should try it on your next date night. Why, you ask? (I'm still trying to find a good answer for that. It's fun? or... to scrapbook? I'll think about that more...;)

Don't make it a big deal but just set up a self-timer shot where your husband or boyfriend feels like he doesn't have to pose. Bribery: Promise something big in return for "just one picture, please?!" Haha but you really end up taking way more.

Going with the previous, don't overkill because then the next time he definitely won't want to. Be ready for the perfect moment.

But don't expect perfection. Even if your pictures turn out like the ones below, be happy with it. :)

(For other cute date night ideas you can check out: ArtofDateNight)

Wait for it...

on the rooftop

The mix of music + a warm night under the stars was the perfect way to start off summer. We had a fun date night + Lola last weekend at the Rooftop Concert in Provo.

We listened to Mindy Gledhill, who you already know that I love & Meaghan Smith. One of my blog readers introduced me to her a couple years ago so I was thrilled to hear her live.

Lola was cheering them on!

A perfect night.

Necklace: Stella & Dot

Skirt: vendor at Bijou Market

Thanks for the well wishes I am definitely feeling better. Also, you can still enter the giveaway or laugh at Collin's post!

a green thumbs up

(because a brown thumbs up sounds icky. ;)

Did you know I can not keep a houseplant alive? Every time we go to Ikea and make it through the mouse maze I grab a couple of those plants... and every single one of them dies. All they require is water... and some sunshine but the windows take care of that. A pretty simple task that I fail at repeatedly.

I don't know what made me think of that. I guess I was looking at these photos of Collin and thinking how our love has grown and grown. I guess I wanted to spare you from my gushy essay on 'what love means to me' and instead share thoughts about my tragic brown thumb and the fact that I could probably kill silk flowers if that were possible.

page from my book. "52 more Scrapbooking Challenges."

But at least I know I can grow love. That's what really matters on this Earth. Who cares about plants anyways? I mean they are a source of oxygen, who needs that? ;)

Instead of gushy words I leave you with a cheesy, animated card I made for Mr. Kartchner. Because he thinks my photoshop skills are sexy. (Be Mine.)

Page Supplies: Two Peas: Swanky Labels; Jenni Bowlin: Rubons & Paper; American Crafts: Flair, Heart, Paper

Misc: Fabric, Tag, Spray Ink

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Happy Valentine's Day to you!

can you turn that down? oh, it's only 8:30 pm.

Home from CHA.

Remember that one time when Collin booked a hotel that looked "hip" and we ended up switching hotels after realizing that they play rave music all night at the bar into the early morning hours and our bed felt like we were sleeping on a subwoofer speaker?

That. Was. Awesome. Apparently, it was a little too hip for us. heehee

Happy Monday! Hope you had a great weekend!

aye me gusta

File this blog post under my new year's resolution to Play More because that's just what we did. I took the liberty of planning date night since it is the 2.45 hours I look forward to all week. For some reason the little things, like him leaving his shoes out or my constantly asking him to pick up something, doesn't bother us after we have a night out to recharge and remember we're not just momma & daddy. Even though we absolutely love those roles being Collin & Liz is pretty fun too.

When I told Collin our agenda for the night I'm sure there were plenty of other adventures he could think of but let me tell you... he was engrossed with painting his bowl. All of a sudden this red striped work of art with the words, "add milk or ice cream" was so cool. Love the finishing touch, "you did it."

Color Me Mine has a wall full of porcelain pieces to choose from. I spotted a flower bowl and knew it would be the perfect addition to my desk where I love to fill little bowls with do-dads and buttons.

Once they fire our bowls they will be really bright and shiny the paint is dull and lighter right now. I'll be back Thursday to pick up our beauties.

Hope you had a fun weekend!

I actually worked on something crafty... I just need to add some finishing touches and take pics.

outfit: RUCHE

merry christmas eve!!

straws: 62 cards

traded slippers for heels

Saturday night I traded in my slippers for heels and we went out for a night on the town... with Lola. Who was an angel and slept right through all the fun.

It was so nice to get out. What is this bright, ball of light in the sky?

Once in a while I look through the photos on my phone & get a kick out of the ones that Avery takes. It proves how very sneaky this girl is. When did she eat only the chocolate from the pile of EL Fudge cookies or take a photo of me sleeping? There is also a bazillion photos of her toes, posed stuffed animals & baby Lola.

Guess what???? I'm working on a new project that I am really excited about. Should be able to share more soon. Can't wait! !!

xoxo lizzy

Happy Thanksgiving!!

This is a pre-scheduled post & if I were a betting girl I would bet that I am holding our sweet pumpkin in my arms and giving her lots of kisses.

I'm sure that this Thanksgiving I will be completely overwhelmed with gratitude to be so fortunate to have 3 beautiful daughters, a stone cold hottie hubs, for the knowledge of my Savior and the blessing of an eternal family.

I know that in life we are all faced with struggles, stress & sadness but I am thankful for this season to focus on the things that we are grateful for and the people we love.

I hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving!

xoxo lizzy

autumn L♡VE: nie nie's dinner party

When it comes to women who are inspiring & uplifting, Stephanie Nielson is up at the tippity top of that list. In every way she is a bright light & I feel grateful to call her my friend. Opening an invitation in the mail for her annual welcome autumn dinner was the perfect way to start off this wonderful season.

I remember her birthday party last July, I was in awe at how she effortlessly attended to every detail. From the delicious menu to the beautiful scene she created in her backyard, & this autumn dinner party was no different.

Apples from her tree for the boys place setting and nail polish for the girls.

Hello my man...

She really out did herself with a record player serenading us with Norah Jones, red chairs, baskets of fresh fruit, salmon, homemade cobbler... I'm getting hungry just thinking about it. Oh, and her boots. Cutest boots. If those don't welcome autumn I don't know what will. (from anthropologie)

In the end, the evening was magical as we talked under the stars & candlelight. Collin and I joked that it's always so fun to get out and have a nice conversation with adults, besides talking to little kiddos. He was right, it was.

PS Stephanie also recently spoke at BYU about Recapturing Beauty and so many people came from all over to hear her speak. The place was packed and the spirit there was strong as she shared her experiences & her light with us. Also, had the chance to thank everyone there for prayers for her and her family which you could tell meant a lot to her.

Thanks Stephanie!

price check on aisle 4

Remember my nerdy snow angel pictures and I challenged you guys to take some self-timer photos. Well, it only gets worse folks...

Saturday night was date night.

Which means that the couple short hours where we are not taking care of kids is an excuse to act like kids.

Hence, taking photos with Strawberry Nesquick & a pineapple.

We choose the less trafficked aisle... the juice aisle. Only a few people came through to pick up their prune or apple juice. I don't think anyone noticed my camera mixed in with the Hot Cocoa but I did get a couple strange looks. Which actually was nothing compared to the strange looks we got when Collin was blaring Lady Gaga and driving through the parking lot 3 times with the windows down hollering, "where da club at?" to a group of teenage kids. Yeah, I'm pretty sure that was worse. When it came down to it, it was much easier to ask him to pose at the grocery store after the crazy parking lot episode. Yes, I was ducking and hiding in the passenger seat at the time.

We took three quick shots at different levels of the shelves to get the whole dorky scene. Then layered them to create one dorky photo. Definitely fun because I will never forget this night.

Tweet #936: Then I hitched a ride to the car... that's what happens when you go grocery shopping in heels.

the cheese to my macaroni

Today marks 7 years together as husband and wife for Mr. Goldie Locks and me! We celebrated last night at (Camille & other vegetarians plug your ears) Tucanos. While we waited for our table we set up some self-timer shots. Hopefully it wasn't too bad of pda for a public park bench. ;)
I'm having trouble putting my thoughts into complete sentences so here are some words to describe my feelings today and the past years...
Love, astounding, grateful, eternal, unconditional, blessed, meaningful, smokin' hot(oops, how'd that one get in there).

The journaling on this page pretty much says it all...
'Someday I'll figure out why I am so blessed to get to spend eternity with Collin. Until then I will remain astonished at how he saves my life everyday with his hilarious never-failing humor, contagious smile, and his immense amount of love for me.' 6-16-2008 We took these pictures last year when Quincey was 10 days old... such a fun time! The page was for an article in CReaTinG KeEpSaKes magazine.

On another note, a non-gushy one, is it weird that I still get plates from my kitchen to cut circles for my projects?
Paper: Sassafras (Blast Off) (Hooty) (Bottom Trim); Autumn Leaves: Clear Buttons; Basic Grey: Rubons; Font: Rockwell

(PS Thanks to KC and Allison and my mom for watching our sweeties for us so we could celebrate!! xo)

party animals

Thanks Collin for the sweet & funny Valentine! I may need to change my password before I really regret it! ;)Yaya stayed home with our girlies and we went out for a night on the town. My mom told us to stay out to 2 am and have fun.

6:00 Dinner at Thai Ruby (Our fave!!)
6:50 Done with dinner (We've learned to become fast eaters with 2 little kiddos.)
7:00 Run into family at dinner (I guess I shouldn't be surprised since it's a family favorite! :)
7:10 Hit up the local shiny bowling lanes. (When the clerk hands you shoes that are still steaming from the last gal you know you're in for fun!)
7:15 Pick out my 10 lb ball
8:30 Together we bowled a whopping 240 score... I contributed double digits to that! :)
8:45 Figure out if we should go to a movie or go home
9:00 Picked up some ice cream and movie
9:17 We are home
We are real party animals huh? ;) We did have a blast-hope you did too!

I'm still working through your questions:
mj said...
this is my burning questions...where do you learn about all the fun Photoshop stuff you do? did you take a class or did you just play around until you figured it out?
-Hi mj!
I learned some Photoshop tricks from a couple sites. This one has some great free tutorials. I didn't take a class, just messed around like you said. :)

Dave and Mindy said...
I love the look of your photos and was wondering if you used a specific action to create the aged/muted color look? It's great.
-Hi Mindy (or Dave) ;)
When I don't manually mess around with my photos in Photoshop there are some actions I like to use. My friend Maggie Holmes is a scrapbooker slash photographer & now a Photoshop Action genius!! She sells her secret to great photos here on her Photography blog. I love them!!


Here I used the one called 'urban' from her Color MIX Action set. Turn down the opacity to about 50%.

Before & After: Here I used her 'color pop' from the Color action set & 'urban' from the Color MIX action set.

This is my cute sis-in-law Bethany! Or at least most of her. :)
I used one of Maggie's funky actions 'urban cross' from Color MIX set. "I think it works best with Blues and Reds.

The best part about Maggie's actions is that recently she made them compatible with Adobe Photoshop Elements! Like I said-genius! :)
They are super easy to use, my only tip is to turn the opacity way down maybe 50-60% depends on the photo & if you want to mix actions just flatten the image after running each one.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Happy Monday! :)