Dream [Wedding] List

I have a terrible habit of looking at Wedding Photography Blogs all the day long; and time and time again the most gorgeous of clothes, decorations, and jewlery show up! I'd like to share some of those with you :)
p.s. YES, most of these are wedding oriented...but its no secret that wedding planning is basically my favorite

                                 I LOVE THESE SLEEVES!

                                                            Hello, couches...amazing

                                         Vintage plates...does it get any better?

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                                                                    I love the hanging lights

                                                                                :)
All of these pictures were taken from the most incredible website in the world: ONCEWED.COM
for info on the dresses, photographer, location, and everything else, go to that website!

When I become a photographer,  I want nothing more to have my photography look like the above. This is just incredible to me...

Hi, My Name is Taylor and I Like to Party

SO over the years I have had quite a few themed parties. This has become somewhat a hobby of mine. Soon I will add a "Bye Buddy, Hope You Find Your Dad: Elf Going Away Party." Needless to say, I am very excited for this. Lately, I have reminisced about the parties I've had in the past. I thought you, dear blog reader, would enjoy joining me in this nostalgic party, if you will...

1. Masquerade Ball: This party happened at the beginning of my Senior year. And what a delight it was. I talked to my friends about the thought of having a formal party and the feedback was great. In fact, everyone enjoyed dressing up so much we had weekly dress up days for weeks after the party. But I digress...so I invited about 60 people to the party. My house was pretty full. People popped in over the fence. A few didn't dress up, which was disappointing, mostly the party crashers though. But that was not a problem. We danced, laughed, and ate some delicious fancy food. I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure I said the requirment for all food brought was that it had to be "fancy." This party was the party to begin all parties.


2. Fake Sadies Valentines Day Party. Well I can't find any pictures of this. But me and my friends had a fake sadies because I couldn't go to the real one. It was a super fun date. And it ended with a Valentines dance party in my house!

3. Fancy Vintage Dance Partay. This was a combined Birthday party between myself, Trey, Matt, and Raquel. Oh and it was most excellent. I had a good time trying to explain to everyone how to dress up. As most of my parties are pretty confusing, but it always works out. We had a big birthday cake with all the birthday peeps name. And the party was simply excellent.



4. Funeral/Going Away Partay. When any of my friends go to college we say we "die." So we have a funeral. Usually this is just a get together and some good time fun. But because I LOVE formal parties. I had one to celebrate my leaving. For some reason, I have no pictures at all of this. Nor have does anyone, I think. Which makes this party a little mysteries..but you know, whatever...Anyways, it was great. I invited some new good friends I'd met through institute. It was a smaller party with mostly close friends. But it was a blast and a great way to say goodbye to that chapter in my life!

COLLEGE TIME!

5. Impromptu 80's Partay! Ok so now I wen to college in January. My party loving was in full swing. One Friday I just decide I want to have an 80's party. So an 80's party I have! I invited everyone I've met so far. So not a TON of people. But it was a great way to really get to know my neighbors! Some friends and I went to DI that morning. I already had plenty of 80's clothes. The party began with like 7 people. I didn't even be carin. I just danced by myself. Blasted the tunes and I was loving life. Then more and more peeps came. IT WAS AWESOME! That literally was the best. I met a lot of friends through that party!

6. THUG LIFE PARTAY! This may or may not be the biggest party I have ever had. The week was spent in preparation by listening to a lot of rap. We hit up DI and Walmart to get fake nails and gangsta clothes. I invited LITERALLY every single person I met in Idaho. So about 50 people. It was crazy. My dorm was totally packed. We broke a lot of the rules though. We had 3 strobe lights and all the lights off. And there should be one light on when boys are in the dorm. But there were 3 flipping strobe lights! Anyways, there was hardly room to dance. Even though it was around 0 degrees outside, a lot of people went outside and danced to cool off. I really wish the music was louder. But there were so many people I had not invited. Word spread all around campus. My friends went to get strobe lights from another apartment and some random person asked if they were going to that "thug life party." Hello! It was madness. And also very short lived. Because the RA came by and stopped it. She got mad cause the music was too loud and "waking her baby up." (which is not even possible, the music was quiet) I think when the lights were turned on she was very thrown off by how many people were in there. Oh also quiet hours start at 10 and we were most definitely not following that rule. So everyone left. And I was terrified. But the short time of glory was awesome and will forever go down in history as definitely the biggest party in dorm history. Also a week or so later Shanon the RA came by with candy to say sorry for yelling at us. And it was all good :)

 7. French Party. I love France. And thats no secret. After a super awesome fireside from Russel M. Nielson, I invited some friends over to listen to French music such as Carli Bruni, Yelle, and the Les Miserables Soundtrack. We ate crepes and had a sophisticated mellow night haha. I we pretty burnt out from the wildness of the thug party. So I needed to take it down a few notches.











8. Greek Appreciation Party. At the time I was studying ancient Greece in Humanities and my roommate Steph also has a deep appreciate for the Greeks. So we decided to have a Greek Party! Now many were confused thinking this was a party for the show Greek or a toga party. But no, all we did was dress up in sheets and take a whole lot of pictures. Even though it was mellow. I really enjoyed it.

9. Easter Lunch. The day of general conference was Easter. So I had an Easter dinner with my "family" of friends. It was so wonderful. Super touching as friends. I am so grateful for all these people and still love them a lot. This was at the end of the semester. So kind of the last hurrah, if you will...We all pretended we were family and picked our roles. I was the Grandma because I was FHE coordinator that semester, aka Ward Grandma. The guy to my right is Travis and he was the Grandpa. Our family included crazy friends and crazy aunts. It was awesome.

Ok So thats about it haha. I've had many different smaller parties. But they aren't really worth noting here. I am looking forward to adding to my party collection next month. All I can say is I'm Taylor. And I like to party.

Seasons Turn

SO it just hit me like a pillow case full of batteries that I am leaving in a month to return to Rexburg in ONE MONTH! What the heck happened to the last four months? This has been the fastest fall of my entire college career! I feel incredibly blessed to say that it has been a really great fall due to an awesome fun family, ward, and new friends...oh and also a little thing I like to call a JOB! The Lord just really has blessed me with a situation I exactly needed to be in. I've saved money, had amazing experiences, and grown closer to my family!

But to get to the point of this post...It is so strange to me how things are seriously changing. Yesterday I realized I could very well get married and seven (or more) of my very best friends are going to miss my wedding because they will be on missions. It is a very real possibility and for the first time I actually feel very distraught over this realization. Everyone is really going their own ways. That never really bothered me before because everything always dwindles down to the same old. Your true friends will always be your friends and your family will always be your family. Its just crazy weird to me that some of my truest friends will miss my wedding. But you know, its what ever, they are doing whats best :)

And secondly, I started seriously packing for BYU-Idaho today because I'm sending some of my stuff off with friends this week, just in case I fly there. I pulled down my friends poster, Dwight bobble head, and Athena statue off shelf or wall. This chapter of my life is coming to a smooth close. I asked my mom when the next time I'll be home? Because honestly I'm not sure when I'll be home again. I have no definite plans of that (as made apparent by my last post). I mean I will be home for sure at some point, but I don't have a date yet...and that is so odd to me.

Its just the season is a turning. I am stinking excited (as made apparent by my last post). But you know how it is at my age? I just get super comfortable in one situation then jump up, uproot, and move again. Which is exactly what I am doing in one month. Crazy. Town. 

                                                    
                                                 

                                                      

I Heart the Future

If there is one thing I love, it is the future...Boy I love the future. I'm not sure if it is because I am young and have my "whole life ahead of me" or I Just have OCD and thoroughly enjoy planning...but I love it.

I just came home from visiting my family in California! I love them so much! And you know what I couldn't wait to tell them about! My future plans. I was thrilled to be with people who haven't heard me rant about my plans! And you know what! You my dear blog reader probably are wondering what are these said plans?

Well I'll tell you!

Come January I will be in the glorious land of Rexburg, Idaho. There I will freeze, get more stressed than I have ever been before, and go to sleep exhausted every night. I can't flipping wait! Along with that I will have new roommates in a new apartment I have wanted to live in for a while plus a new ward! I will have new classes I have wanted to take for my whole life (basically haha). The BYU-Idaho Center is opening! Equipped with sky bridges to avoid the rigid cold walks to class! Devotionals and spiritual upliftment wait around every corner! Friendly faces are everywhere I go; because as far as I know, everyone at BYU-Idaho is just a friend I haven't met yet! (or have!) And who knows! Maybe I'll meet some nice boy studying art who would like to take me on a date or two! I have already planned multiple parties including: Napoleon Welcomes You Back to Idaho party and FOOTSIES PJ partay! The possibilities and adventures are endless. I. Can. Not. Wait.

THEN

In April the semester will end! I will be overwhelmed and threaten to end my life rather than endure the pain of finals. But secretly still be so grateful for my life and experiences of BYU-Idaho. Following this pain one of the most joyous events of all will occur! One of my best friends Stephanie is getting married and I will be one of her bridesmaids! So back to California I'll go! This is where it gets really exciting, I could spend the week in San Fransisco (where I have never been, but always wanted to), beach camping with friends, Hemet with family, or back in Las Vegas for some much needed R and R. Hello!!! Amazing. I would love all those possibilities.

THEN (picture of me in Spring in my favorite secret spot of BYUI!)

I'll be back in Rexburg! For more timeless adventures! This is where my plans get a bit fuzzy. I'm not exactly positive where I'll be living or with who. I don't know what classes I'll be taking. And I don't know what ward I'll be in. But I can tell you this, I'll love it. Every stinking minute :)

THEN

EFY! If all goes according to plan. I will be an EFY counselor at BYU, BYU-Idaho, or both. The application comes out December 1. Then the fate of my summer will be decided. If I don't get in as a counselor, I will most likely spend my summer working at the library in Idaho. Which would honestly be wonderful. One of my dreams is to spend some time (not forever though!) in Rexburg to explore and enjoy places and things that would otherwise be unenjoyable due to the ever-present dark shadow that is homework. IF I do get in as a counselor, but for only a few weeks, I would love to travel! TO either Seatle, Portland, Salt Lake City (I know, not that exciting, but I love it there!), Las Vegas (eh, its home!), or San Francisco! Its going to be a great summer.

THEN

This is where it gets really exciting. I am currently working on my application to BYU. If I get in I will find myself at my parents alma mater. Just for one semester mind you! To try it out for fun. I'll take some silly history of rock music class and an obscure religion class and call it good. Hopefully I will be able to find a job at DSW or something. And even more hopefully, I will have a car by then! Because I wont be able to get an on campus job unless I am a full time student, which I wont be and don't really want to be.
Now the other option is to travel Europe in the fall! I have already missed the deadline for the tours I would like (European Religious Tour and European Humanities Tour), but I like to imagine traveling Europe in the fall nonetheless. I would like to study abroad...But...

I want to go on a mission! And that is basically the same price as Study Abroad to Europe. Yikes. There is no way I could afford both. SO my solution is to do a tour in which I'll spend a couple weeks and a lot less money in Europe. Good solution, Eh?

So there you have it. That is the year 2011 for me. All written out. Consider yourself lucky I spared you the details and explanations of specific events I am looking forward to like General Conference, the Festival of Colors, friends going on missions, and friends getting married for instance!

In conclusion, if some guy comes along and wrecks all my plans..well...that'll be ok with me I guess :) My days are numberd. I have two years to find a husband or I am going on a mission! SO consider this my message to my future husband, you've got to show up buddy or I am out of here for a year and a half! Let it be known though, I am seriously not looking for a husband. I'm just living and loving life.

K, that is the end of my rant...I think...

Footsie Party Preview :)

Things I love a lot and not so much...

I love when my manager asks if anyone wants to work more hours! Not so much love when I stand for eight hours in 11 dollar heels from Target = very unhappy feet

I love when I am finishing up a project and a costumer comes up to the register, I ask them if they could wait just a minute, and they reply "There's no rush! Don't worry." Not so much though when a customer swears a lot at the counter and complains about the poor selection or rude customers...

I love working in a Shoe Warehouse...Not so much though when I am constantly tempted to by expensive shoes...

 Every Post needs a picture, so this is me and my friends making a hamburger cake for Kyle's birthday! I loved everything about this!

I love going to religious forums and learning about misconceptions of religions such as Islam, Sikh, LDS, Scientology, Christian Science, and Humanism in an atmosphere of respect, understanding, and sincerity. Not so much when that atmosphere is ruined by people totally lacking in an open mind; who yell at my friends for being arrogant and tell them to shut up in the middle of the forum.

I love going to little shows and hearing mellow music surrounded by creative artistic people. Not so much though when that environment is soiled by drugs and alcohol. Say what you will about drugs and alcohol, but that is not conducive to a positive uplifting surrounding.

Wow so I really hope this post doesn't sound totally pessimistic. I am completely sincere in both what I love and not so much. But at any rate, these are the thoughts of the day!

I LOVE CHRISTMAS

I am in Love with my Schedule

Registration. What feelings come up in you when you read this word? Usually it causes frustration, anger, and irritation at the many problems associated with the website, slow internet, and the unexpected issues with credits and class requirements. In fact, I have experienced these classic registration woes myself. Using many a Mormon swear word to express my irritation...And yet still, those few times a year when registration finally comes along are some of my very favorite times of the year!

This morning I woke up at 5am to the feeling of excitement that Registration day was finally here! Months (and I do not exaggerate) of planning lead me up to this moment! I look at it like a competition! Secretly I hoped something would go wrong so I would have to think quick on my feet and find a solution. It gives me such a thrill to plan my schedule! And lucky for me something did go wrong! I had to decide on 4 more credits I didn't have in my final schedule plan. Within 35 minutes I have the next 4 months or so of my life planned! No more than 3 hours afterwards I have all my books figured out, how much they cost used and new at the book store compared to the Amazon prices...I am planning on saving so much money! I am so stoked! Whats even better! I am taking three critical thinking philisophical classes! Advanced Writing and Critical Thinking, Critical Thinking and Analysis, and Into to Ethics! HELLO! Some of my books include: Teach Yourself Film Studies, Puzzles About Art, What to Listen for in Music, and Looking at Art!!! Well I guess those are all from the same class, but I am so excited nonetheless!

 Final Classes:

 D&C
Social Dance
Environmental Stewardship
Critical Thinking and Analysis (which is a Humanities class that shows how to analyze art with guidelines from the 13th article of faith)
Intro to Ethics (with the said "rock star" teacher of BYU-Idaho!)
Advanced Writing and Critical Thinking

The next month and a half will be full of adventures as I buy my books, finalize my work schedule, and learn more about these classes I love so much....My life is good...real good...

 This is me being a Philosopher :)

Or a nerdy overachiever...

either way... :)

While I'm Waiting for my Nail Polish to Dry...

So its fairly late at night and I found this to be the perfect time to paint my nails red like J.K. Rowling on her Oprah interview. Sadly it is not the exact shade of red she had on, but fire engine red will have to do. I have quite the OCD when it comes to painting nails. I hate for there to be any sort of chip or imperfection in my nails. So I find I paint them quite often. Which leads me to my current pickle. My plan was to paint my nails and write the 15 missionaries I have promised myself I'd write. But I found that writing missionaries poses a threat to the perfection of my recently painted red nails. Which is why I am writing on my blog, rather than to poor missionaries who want nothing more than to receive a letter from me I'm sure :)

Thoughts as of Late:

I loved beach camping with my family in California. Seriously, loved it. I love San Diego. I love meeting Sister Missionaries. I love visiting old Jewish Temples. I love seeing crazy people dressed up for Halloween even when they aren't kids anymore. I love eating s'mores with my big family late at night. I love being accused of being on crack by my family. I love listening to ELO with my family. I love actually getting in the water for the first time in years at the beach. I love watching the sunset every night. I love yelling "Hazah!" in unison with my siblings and cousins. I love sea cave exploring. I love help with photography. I love dance parties in the car with my "sister" Raquel. I love driving from Carlsbad to Las Vegas all by myself. Basically....this trip was AWESOME.

I feel like Las Vegas is very similar to ancient Egypt...except for we aren't as cool...From the perceptive of the Old Testament, Las Vegas is worldly and deserty and an Oasis of sorts! Its just very strange to me to have this massive city in the middle of nowhere. Its kind of unreal to me. Especially after coming home from California where the majority of towns touch other towns. Nevada in and of itself is weird to me. Definitely not my favorite state...

And speaking of Nevada...I am seriously bummed I couldn't vote this election...I can't believe the guy I registered with didn't put in my application...

I have been very scatterbrained lately...Work was killer because of it. DSW only gave me 8 hours this week. Kill-er.

Well I think my nails are very nearly dried now. So I guess I can go to bed! Goodnight dear readers.