I heart HANSON

Last night may have very well been one of the single most amazing nights I have ever had in my life! All of my nine year old girl dreams came true when I got to see Hanson in concert for the very first time. Yes, the same Hanson boy band from the 90's that were joked to be the "Hanson Sisters" due to their long blonde locks and girly, Bieber-style voices.

My brand new purchase, that I wore with pride today, this:

the fact that a dude is modeling it is a little weird, I have to admit.

More pictures and details to come. Katie took a ton of pictures because my ipod pics didn't do the guys justice. Did I mention we were like 15 feet from the stage?!

In the meantime, for your viewing pleasure, I bring you 2 of Hanson's latest singles from their new album, "Shout It Out". Enjoy!

Conceited... Or Simply Wonderful?

I’ve been looking at blogs lately; actually I have become obsessed with looking at blogs. I don’t know why they are so interesting to me… Maybe because I compare myself to all of the women who seem more talented, more beautiful, more crafty, or more stylish than me. I know that doing this is totally detrimental to my self-esteem, and my overall well-being, but unfortunately it is a trap that I fall into sometimes. I am sure that most women in the blogging world have felt like I do at some point or another. It’s unfortunate, and something that I am determined to overcome.

Recently, I have run across a number of blogs (friends of friends of friends of friends) during my blog-stalking where girls take pictures of themselves in the outfit they are wearing, and write a description of where the clothes were purchased. My first thought was, SERIOUSLY?! Who are these people who think they are “so cool” that everyone would want to see what they wear every day? Like, “Look at me, I am the best dresser in ALL the world!” Needless to say, I was totally annoyed, and thought, “I would NEVER do that. I am certainly not that conceited. Pshh.”

I have to confess that I often look at blogs and think to myself, “Why would someone spend so much time talking about themselves?” And, I think that’s exactly where my problem lies…

Yesterday, I had an epiphany. I smacked myself in the face, and read some great words from this girl.

I was reminded of what my own blog is about, and who I am, and who I want to be. My blog is called, “A Universe in Every Heart”, but I haven’t been living or acting like I really believe that sentiment. So, I got down to business and reminded myself of a few things:

Every person has their own thing--their own thing to create, to share, to make this world into a more beautiful and wonderful place. This girl and this girl and this girl and this girl taught me, simply by their willingness to share themselves with the world, what it means to have confidence in what you love. It’s a wonderful thing.

Blogging can be utterly damaging to a person’s self worth, or can be something that adds meaning and value to our lives. I know that when I stop thinking about myself for two seconds, I am amazed by the extraordinarily talented people in the world. It is unfathomable. What a blessing we have to be able to share our lives, quirks, talents, likes, dislikes and beliefs with others in such a way.

So, here is the challenge. Keep sharing what you love to share! Keep telling the world how amazing you are because you are just that, simply amazing.

babies, babies, babies

There have been a lot of babies in my life recently. Babies being born, babies growing up, and babies waiting to be born. It seems like everyone around me is having a baby, except me of course. Don't think that this is some kind of announcement.

With all of these babies, I can't help but having babies on the mind. (How many times do you think I can say babies in this blog post?) Mostly, cute baby clothes to give as presents to my sister who is having a little guy pretty soon. She is kind of particular about baby clothes, so I have been trying to find something just perfect.

I ran across this on a website tonight, and I think I hit the jackpot!

Pajama onesie for baby and free labor for mom. Love it!
Too bad her baby won't be Asian, though.

happy birthday, rachel lee tuft allen.

Happy 24th to my sister! Well, okay, if we're talking about blood relation here, we have none. However, if being a sister means having someone to grow up with, fight with, complain with, laugh with, cry with, plot against boys with, and learn with, then we are sisters all the way.

I have know Rachel Lee since I was a ripe 5 years of age. We were in the same kindergarten class, in fact. Ah, Mrs. Vowell and the infamous Michaels (two major hotties from the grade school days).

Our paths crossed again when I joined the LDS church at 9 years old. Then, came the years of girls camp, including an especially fun 2nd year.

At 17, she was the first person I called when I needed a place to stay. She was the first person I called for anything, really. I remember meeting her halfway in between our houses, taquitos on the trampoline, and Sunday dinners with the Tufts. I remember running to her with my woes, and crying in her arms. At 17, I moved into the Tuft home, and we officially became "sisters". Then came more adventures of sharing clothes, boat bunk beds, peeing in the rain, and a particular fight in which I recall being called a "racoon".

Rachel is my sister, in my heart she will always be just that.

She taught me how to live the gospel. I watched her pray, read scriptures, treat others with kindness, and love her family. She was always there just at the right time, right when I needed her.

She taught me how to dress well, and still teaches me about fashion and beauty. :)

Rachel, thank you for being a part
of my life! Thank you for being born, and for letting me be a part of your family! I love you!

moments that matter most

If you get a minute, take time to watch this video. I promise you WON'T be disappointed.



After a long weekend, this video put life into perspective. The things that matter most aren't television, the internet, facebook, electronic gadgets, texting, or doing extravagant things with life. The moments that matter most are the times spent with those you love, without anger, impatience, or distractions. We can all benefit from taking time to create a happier life for ourselves by slowing down and simplifying.

Woman-ish Weather

Have you ever heard the people say, "Man, just like a woman! Can't make up your mind!" Well, the same thing can be said about Utah weather in springtime. Geez.

Two days ago, it looked like this:


Today, it looked like this:

Partly cloudy, about 45ish degrees.

Then, this:

A little hail, a little rain.

Then, this:

SNOW! BAH! About 20ish degrees by now...

Then ended with this:

A nice, clear evening. Walking weather, about 55ish degrees. I can hear the birds chirping happily.

I mean, change is fun and exciting, but COME ON--what is a girl supposed to wear in a situation like this?!

Ahhh... gotta love the little twists of life.

a place of love and beauty

I love it here....


And here...



And here...

Within the walls of the temple, peace and joy abide. More peace and more joy than can be felt in any other place on earth. There, we can leave the world behind to focus on all that is good and true in the world. What a tremendous gift.

“The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints . . . is invested with divine commission to erect and maintain temples dedicated to the name and service of the true and living God.” - James E. Talmage

"When you put your heart into the temple, you end up with the temple in your heart." -Janet Thomas

To learn more, watch this. I promise, you won't be disappointed.

I love to see the temple. I love to be inside the temple. I love to see my friends and family partake of the incredible blessings that can be found there. Now, guess what? I get to work there, and serve there, and open doors to amazing experiences and lessons. Lucky me :)