Maggie and Ben Hansen

white meets its enemy

2011-02-26T12:45:00.000-08:00

A couple of years ago spring had sprung. I was tan....for a red head. I had what I thought at the time was a beautiful white top and a new white bag with gorgeous peach lining with a matching white wallet......No need for judgment people. I just got nauseated thinking about that outfit. God what was I thinking? We all have past fashion faux pas, don't we?

Anyway, I thought I was looking mighty fine, ready for a night out with the gals at the Red Door. For those of you who don't live in Salt Lake, The Red Door is a martini bar that just so happens to make the most delicious dirty martini around. Its one of those places that everyone kinda thinks that they are too cool for school. We arrived and the door man, Chet (yes I know his name) asked for our ID's. I pulled out my wallet and a huge goop of chocolate comes out of my bag and right onto my crisp white blouse. Then to make matters worse I tried to move my hair out of my face...chocolate was smeared across my forehead. Everyone was looking at me. I immediately walkout. I was devastated and MORTIFIED. I walked out of the posh bar and almost started to cry....then I just busted out laughing. I was covered in chocolate from top to bottom. My girlfriends helped me clean my face off...with a random newspaper that was sitting on the side walk. The resourceful geniuses didn't think ahead about the ink smearing all over my top and face. I was a mess. But somehow I pulled myself together. We walked to a different bar, one where you can eat peanuts and throw them on the floor and where they wouldn't judge me if I had chocolate all over my self. I didn't get my martini that night, but I learned how to laugh at my self.

I have come to terms that I am that girl that can never wear white and not spill on it. My socks never match, my nails are typically chipped, and my hair probably looks like I just came out of a wind tunnel. But you know what, I'm just fine with that. I'm happy that I am who I am. It keeps things interesting. Even if I cant wear white. Who's up for a martini?

confessions of a foodie

2011-02-25T14:25:00.000-08:00

I have had something on my mind for a while now. I feel like I should just spit it out already and own up to it....I despise tomatoes. There I said it. I think this is so hard for me to say because I love food. You put it in front of me and I will most likely eat, even if I'm not hungry.

Note to self: Call over eaters anonymous Monday morning.

But really I love food. I love eating, I love trying new things, new restaurants, I love sitting down with loved ones with a glass of wine and a great meal. Most of my day revolves around where I'm going to lunch with my co-workers and what I'm cooking for dinner for my oh so lovely husband when I get home. I feel I need to clarify something. I cook for my husband because I love to cook, not because I'm a stepford wife. Cooking is my quiet time. My zen moment.

Back to the god awful tomatoes...I love escargot, I have eaten zebra...not so proud of that one...but I have done it. I lived on Ethiopian food for 4 months and lived to say I survived. I will try anything once, and I typically love it. But for some reason I cant make my self like tomatoes. I want to like them so bad, but nope its just pure hatred. I love making beautiful Caprese salads in the summer...But I never touch it. Ben and I even grow our own tomatoes...still loath them. I want to like tomatoes so bad....but seriously I gag at the thought of even eating one. So there you have it. My one flaw. I hate tomatoes.

my body is rejecting winter

2011-02-24T17:22:00.002-08:00

So apparently the storm of the century is about to hit....again. Instead of putting on my woollies and snuggling up with a good movie, I am making a margarita (umbrella included) and having a bowl of pesto pasta. Nothing says summer like basil and lemons...especially when its imported from Puerto Rico because its too damn cold here.My body is rejecting winter. It refuses to acknowledge that we most likely have another 4 more months of back and fourth sun and snow.

*I don't need to remind you all that it snowed 2 days before our wedding... and then the day of the wedding 2 bridesmaids passed out AT THE ALTER due to the heat. OUR WEDDING WAS IN JUNE. This is all for another post, but the look on my fathers face when we woke up to snow was priceless....he was freaking out more than me....but like I said that's for a different day.

I have been shopping for swim suits and big floppy hats for months now. I am going to be really disappointed when I wake up with a foot of snow. So for now I will be sitting under my lamp with my sound machine set on ocean thinking of this....

my favorites

2011-02-21T09:55:00.000-08:00

These are easily 2 of my favorite people alive. I mean, just look at them. The 3 of us go together like spaghetti and meat balls. I feel terrible for Ben because he has to listen to the gossip and the shoe talk and the "Oh my god did you see what she was wearing...?!?" talk. I'm convinced that he secretly loves it....just like he secretly loves Sex and the City. Honest to god I almost pee my pants every time we hang out from laughing so hard....soooo what I'm trying to tell you is that I pee my pants...a lot.

mind games

2011-02-21T09:42:00.000-08:00

This last week the weather was amazing. I sat out on the patio with Jen for hours and got a sunburn...that's not saying much I get a sun burn walk to my car in the morning. But you get what I mean. Ben thought it was a great day for a bike ride so he met some friends at a local pub. Little did he know it had started snowing, and by the time he was ready to leave there was a good 3 or 4 inches...needless to say I had to go pick him up.

Ethiopia

2011-02-09T20:47:00.000-08:00

I was going though some of my old photos and the ones of Ethiopia stood out.

BACK STORY: I lived in Ethiopia in 2006 for 4 months taking care of the kiddos at the Village of Hope.
I always get the same feeling when I think about Ethiopia. Its hard to explain. I loved living there. I loved not having a phone...for the most part, and having to travel 30 minutes by local bus to check my email. I loved the feeling that I was making a difference in the little lives I was caring for. I loved that every time I left the village be it 10 minutes or 5 days the kids would all come running out of the house to greet me with a hug. I loved that everything thing was so simple and pure.

I miss Ethiopia and will be going back sometime. I would love to show Ben where I spent 4 very important months of my life. I am so thankful I was lucky enough to have the experience of a lifetime.

Unholy mess

2011-02-09T13:23:00.000-08:00

It was a bad bad day in the Diamond-Hansen household yesterday....

I was leaving work and heading to the gym...and that's when the bomb dropped. I got a call from Ben that went a little like this...

Ben "Ummmm hey babe...I have something to tell you. I'm warning you, you aren't going to be happy. But I thought I had better tell you."

Now for all of you who know Ben, know that he is the most undramatic person in the world....aka...my polar opposite. So I knew that whatever he was about to tell me was big.

Me: "It cant be that bad. Whats up?"

Ben: "Well somehow Chloe got into our bed room and found your shoes....."

I went into a total panic hoping that it was the dumb paten leather purple pumps I bought on a whim...

Me: "Spit it out already!"

Ben: "Your brown suede heels."

Me: "Oh sweet mother...." The rest of what I said is not very lady like of me, so go ahead and use your imagination.

Now before you all go and think I'm over reacting let me fill you in on something. These shoes fit me like a glove. They are a size 5...which never seems to happen. They are my go to shoes. Michael Kors pumps circa 2007.

The shoes are unfixable. I couldnt even make my self even look at them last night...so I looked this mornig...bad bad bad idea. I almost lost my latte.

As for Chloe she is still alive and well and chewing on her 12 bones I bought her to keep her away from my shoes.

On the docket...

2011-02-07T09:49:00.000-08:00

The last 2 months have been full of freezing weather and staying in...probably watching too much TV...ahem...The Bachelor and Sex and the City re-runs...ah my poor husband. This is the time of year I get stir crazy and start planning trips with anyone who cares to leave the Salt Lake Valley with me. Tempting I know. So with the winter blues settling in I decided to plan some things for the spring. Drum roll please....

I know for you die hard road bikers (I'm talking about you Janessa) think this is a breeze...but for me its nerve wracking. 100 miles on my bike in one day, to support Woman's Cancer research. I am so excited to be riding next to my mom...(cancer survivor) and my sister. I think I have mentioned this before, but they kick ass in case you were wondering. Wish me luck folks...I'm going to need it!

Simple pleasures

2011-01-27T08:22:00.000-08:00

I love my mornings. I have a very strict system in the morning. It consists of what most people do. Shower, Today Show...guilty pleasure, hair, make-up, STARBUCKS, and then on to work. This has been my routine for as long as I can remember....until now. Ben came though again on the birthday presents. HE GOT ME AN ESPRESSO MACHINE!!! It makes the best lattes...and did I mention its an adorable addition to my kitchen?? Now most of you know of my obsession with coffee....some of you might even call it an addiction...but its more than that.
There are very few things in life better than sitting down with an warm latte. The steam hitting you in the face, the mug warming your hands, the intoxicating smell, the bittersweet taste...all perfection. Most of all I love sitting down and having a couple of seconds to my self before my day gets started. So now my reutine has changed. Shower...latte...today show...latte...hair...latte...you get the picture. I might have over done it this morning. Sorry for all of you who have to deal with my hyper ass at work!

Thanks babe for the great gift. I love it! xoxo

Seriously??

2011-01-24T10:57:00.000-08:00

I never knew things this adorable even existed.

Quarter Century

2011-01-23T18:00:00.000-08:00

Heavy breathing...Im 25. I keep tell people I am turning 21 and they aren't convinced (I'm calling in for botox Monday morning.) I have never struggled with my age but for some reason 25 was a toughy. Finally I came to grips with my age. I thought of all the exciting things I have done in the last 25 years....I lived in Ethiopia, I married my favorite person in the world, I have traveled though Italy, France, different Caribbean islands, gone on safaris, met some people that will change me forever, realized my parents are on my side and are my best friends, I have gone though that stage of making really REALLY bad decisions ...and came out of it on top learning from them, I have a job that I love, and have a new sweet pea puppy that I adore. So all and all I think I have done what I have set out to do.

So once I came to terms with turning 25 I decided we needed to P-A-R-T-Y. On my actual birthday we went out to dinner and then met some friends downtown. Casual but fun, exactly what I wanted.

My parents were out of town so we decided to celebrate the next weekend....Well for all of you who know my parents know that we ALWAYS do things in moderation....ha. I had decided that I just wanted to do a simple dinner at home. Well simple went right out the window and on to Mardi Gras we went.....back story....Ben and I went to Louisiana 2 years ago and fell madly in love with the south. We loved the food and the culture. So naturally we had a Louisiana crab boil. My parents are slightly insane and decided to order 20 pounds of live crawfish in from Louisiana. We had such a great time. The food was amazing and the company was even better.
Thanks M & D!

The boys prepping the crawfish

family dinners are always so serious
Grandma and Chloe...yep we are THOSE people.

Ben and I enjoying crawfish

So with all the talk of Louisiana, Ben and I decided to book a trip to New Orleans for the jazz festival in May.....ohhhh man I cant wait. Only 3 months to go!

Inspiring story

2011-01-02T16:26:00.000-08:00

This is my once employer and now a good friend Amy. She has always been so inspirational to me, and now more than ever. A couple of weeks a ago she was run over by a truck....A FREAKING TRUCK PEOPLE! 3 weeks later here she is teaching yoga giving her injury the finger. Watch this and just try to come up with an excuse not to get your butt to the gym. She has such a calm and loving energy to her...this woman kicks some serious ass. Amy I am so honored to know you, Love your guts!

KSL did a story on her, click on the link below to watch her do her thing.

Yoga instructor doesn't let broken legs keep her from teaching - ksl.com

Resoulutions

2011-01-02T15:39:00.000-08:00

New Years resolutions are always interesting. I usually have the typical resolutions on my list....be organized, loose weight/be fit, have better posture.....I know lame. But this year I was thinking, instead of getting down on my self , I figured I would just try to make a resolution to just be happy and take life in to the fullest. I am generally a happy person but sometimes I get so caught up in the everyday grind. So this years resolution is to do what makes me happy. So whereas most of the world is trying to loose weight....I'm hibernating in my kitchen baking. Baking makes me so happy.Not great for my waist line, but great for my coworkers with a sweet tooth!

If you dont see or hear from me for months....

2010-12-26T08:34:00.000-08:00

Its because this little peanut has me wrapped around her little finger....or paw.

Ben surprised me with a baby french bulldog for Christmas this year. Hands down the best gift I ever ever gotten. She is the sweetest little nugget. We love our new addition.

Mom

2010-12-13T09:20:00.000-08:00

The holidays are always a reminder how thankful I am for my family. Two years ago I vividly remember telling my sister that our lives were so perfect. Everything had fallen in to place. Ben and I had just gotten married; my dad had just retired and was no longer going to be traveling back and forth across the country. Life was good.

Then all of a sudden our lives were turned upside down. I received a call from my mother saying that she had cancer. Eye cancer. Choroidal Melanoma...if you want to get technical. I couldn’t speak. I didn’t know what to think. A few weeks later she went into surgery and had radiation treatments. I still couldn’t believe this was happening to us. I know what I’m about to say is ridiculous, but things like that aren’t supposed to happen to my family….but sure enough there we were sitting in the hospital room next to her in her Utah Utes hoodie and red socks….(her surgery was the same day as the BYU vs. Utah game, and did I mention her surgery was in Provo??) She was in such great spirits, especially with what she had gone though. I will spare you the gory details, but trust me it wasn’t pretty. She came home 2 days before Thanksgiving and sure enough there she was making pies and trying to make everything perfect. She didnt miss a beat. My mom is an amazing woman. She is a culinary wonder, a fashion icon, a work out fanatic, yoga master, funny as hell, and one of the most patient people I know.….did I mention my mom is awesome?

This was two years ago. This weekend we had a party and I couldn’t help but think how lucky we are. In a split second everything can change. Her story has a happy ending, not everybody is that lucky. I am so thankful it turned out the way it did. Sure, life has its ups and downs, but if I have learned anything from my mother it’s not to sweat the small stuff. Heres to another happy and healthy holiday.

Love your guts mom!

Hello Lover...

2010-11-14T15:04:00.000-08:00

Typically the holidays are about giving and spending time with my oh so fabulous family...That doesn't mean I turn my head every time I see something that would look so great on my newly polished tootsies...I wish it did, but lets be real. I am a girl and I love shoes and shiny things.

J. Crew Langford wool high-heel oxfords

David Yurman 15mm Faceted Gold Stone Albion Bracelet

I look at these two items at least a couple of times a week. Every time I pull these beauties up on line I am almost baffled that they don't jump off the screen, on to my feet/wrist. I swear I am a total masochist...with too much time on my hands apparently.

Overstock

2010-11-11T16:33:00.000-08:00

This is why I love my job.

Op the Dope...

2010-11-09T19:40:00.000-08:00

Im sure most of you who know me well....who else reads my blog other than Janessa, Lindsey, and my in-laws...and the occasional stalker...know that Opie died about a month ago. I'm okay now, after I had my break down at work bawling in front of my boss and co-workers. Even though it was a month ago I feel Opie deserves to have his story told.....for those of you who don't know Opie, I feel now would be a great time to clarify...

OPIE IS A CAT...

It all started when I was in Kindergarten. We had just moved into a new house, with new neighbors...Which at the time had a new liter of brand new kittens. The nice new neighbors told us we could come over anytime to see the new kitties. I would squirm at my desk all day with totally excitement to get home and play with the kitties. I begged and begged my parents to let me keep one but they weren't about to budge...I would like to tell you that I don't get the cat the way you all are expecting me too, ie. alligator TEARS and doing the sweet little voice I use to get what I want from my daddy...(it still works and I have it down to a science.) Anyway, one evening I was doing homework and my mother was cooking dinner, and the doorbell rang. It was the neighbor who had the kittens. She had a tube of Elmer's glue in her hand and was explaining that my younger brother who was maybe 3 at time time glued all of the kittens together...My mom yelled for my brother to come downstairs to explain to her why he had done this. He said mom...I just want one BIG cat...not a lot of little ones..... I cant remember if she got mad, but the kid was on to something. I think she was in such shock and totally embarrassed she said, "Maggie go pick out a kitten." I ran over to their house and knew exactly which one I wanted. He was bright orange and fluffy...well not at the time, he still had glue in his fur. Once we had had him for a while we started to realize that he wasn't your typical cat...aka he wasn't the sharpest tool in the shed...hence the name...Op the Dope. Lets be honest people the cat was high on glue fumes when he was less than 3 weeks old. I feel the need to list the random crap this cat went though...due to the glue huffing he did as an infant.

Survived a bath of Elmer's glue.
Fell in the lake in the middle of winter, and somehow got got with boulders stuck to him.
Fell asleep on the poach steps and fell down them...on a daily basis
Ran away when we moved to Utah and lived in the wilderness of Southern Indiana....my parents went back 3 moths later and he was hanging in our old back yard.
Fell asleep on the garage door when it was up, when we pulled out of the drive way and shut it we saw that he was stuck between the door/roof.
Lived though me dressing him up like a baby.
lost all of his teeth
Went blind

And lived on to be 20 years old.
Love you little booger. We will never forget you.

The loofah and I Pod dancer....

2010-11-08T18:54:00.001-08:00

This past year we decided to try another Halloween party...Last time it got a little out of control. I vowed that I would never throw another Halloween party, but I couldn't resist this year. I tried to decide what I was going to be for weeks...I find that I work best under pressure. So Thursday night around 9 o'clock it came to me. Who doesn't love a loofah!? Ben decided to be an I pod dancer...not exactly sure where that came from, but it worked great.

Batman and the Loofah

Back stabbed prom queen and Bob Ross.

Me with Bernie...from weekend at Bernie's.

laundry week

2010-10-10T14:46:00.001-07:00

Ummmm who wants to come help? I will provide dinner and drinks.

I love these guys!

2010-10-07T20:52:00.001-07:00

Dave, Zach, Taylor, Ben
These boys have been friends for forever. They make it a goal to get together every now and then...typicailly to play corn hole and have a BBQ. Thanks guys for being such good friends to Ben!

Oklahoma Vacation

2010-10-07T20:23:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we were lucky enough to spend the weekend in Oklahoma. We had never been out there to visit, Mike and Heather (Ben's brother and family) so we hopped on an air plane and made a long weekend out of it. The weekend was full of the kids soccer games, playing with the kiddos, eating great meals, and just catching up. It was so great to finally meet our new baby nephew, Luke...such a cutie!! Every time we see see the kids I swear they grow more and more each time, I hate it....STOP GROWING ALREADY! We love you guys, and cant wait for next time! -xoxo

Mike and Ben Ben and Leif, best buds.

Lily's soccer game

Tired baby

All four kiddos

Jacob and Ben

Baby Leif

Lily, Jacob, and Leif

Christmas gift

2010-09-25T11:05:00.001-07:00

I want ones of these....

But I will settle for one of these ...for now at least.

So if anybody is struggling to find me a Christmas gift...ehm...Ben..Now you know.

Road Trip 2010

2010-09-19T20:35:00.001-07:00

For the past 3 summers Ben and I have made a goal to go on a road trip to a new place. We decided last minute that California would be great. We Hit the road on a Thursday and drove straight through to San Francisco....some people think we are crazy but we like to drive. If we can make it to Louisiana in 2 days in a car we can do anything! First stop San Francisco We stayed in Union Square, all I can say is holy shopping!!! Every store you could ever imagine was approximately 20 yards from the front door of our hotel door.

Union Square, waiting for the trolley

I dont think this really needs a description.......

Next we made our way to Sonoma, Ca.
Words can not describe my love for this city. We had such a great time. Amazing wine, unbelievable food, and stunning views.....what more can you ask for?!

This is the vineyard outside our cottage

We decided that riding a tandem would be best for us while touring the wineries. I laughed a good portion of the time....the other portion, I was taking pictures. Sorry babe I'm a bad tandem partner! ah ha!

This outside our favorite winery we visited. It was call Bartholomew Park Winery....the wine was so great and the winery was beautiful.

Thanks for spoiling me rotten sweet pea. You are the greatest and such a fun road trip partner. Love your guts and cant wait for our next road trip adventure! xoxo

Opie update...

2010-08-29T12:16:00.001-07:00

Incase any of you out there were wondering if Opie is still alive, I wanted to put your minds at ease. He is alive and doing well. Yes, that's right folks, my 20 year old cat that I got in kindergarten is still kickin.

The cabin...yet again

2010-08-29T11:53:00.001-07:00

Lately it seems like we have been doing one of three things: Eating, Working, or going to the cabin. The other day i started to feel guilty that, that's all we have been doing. Then today I started to think about it and that's what we love to do. I love my job. But lately it has been draining me so by the time I I get home I want to do nothing but hang out with Ben in my non-work clothes...ehm....jammies...and eat dinner. These moments get me thorough my day knowing that I get to come home and snuggle up to my favorite person and have quite.

Then on the occasional weekend we have been going to the cabin. I love it up there so much. Last weekend we went up to celebrate Jens birthday. I almost hate going up because that means we are going to have to eventually leave...its a terrible way of looking at things but its so true. What is there not to love...We wake up to the sound of birds chirping and Lilly barking at all squirrels. Then we make our way down stairs where the coffee is ready for us, and the rest of the family is sitting on the porch looking at the lake and enjoying the view. The rest of the day is typically filled with hikes, a trip to west yellow stone, fabulous dinner, and sometimes a visit to the Trout Hunter...and fun little hang out on the river. Everybody knows everybody and wants to talk and visit. Its a slower pace than Salt lake and I love every minute of it.

dessert disaster

2010-08-15T13:32:00.000-07:00

I have to admit something..Im addicted to magazines. I love them! Every month I look forward to the new issue to Martha Stewart Living, Bon Appitet, Rachael Ray, Cooking Light. There are very few things I love more than sitting on my patio on a lazy Sunday afternoon tagging recipes that I want to try for the next time I'm entertaing or just a fun weekend dinner with Ben. Sooo that brings me to the next part of my story. We were at the cabin and I was looking forward to trying out this dutch oven dessert that was chocolate with caramel and marshmallows on top...not my typical style but I wanted to try it. So after we enjoyed a great dinner prepared by my mother I thought I would try to impress everyone with my dessert....boy was I wrong. It was soooooo bad. Like really bad. I put it on the grill like it said...everything was looking good. Put it in the oven to brown the marshmallows....Thats where it took a turn for the worst...I placed it way too close to the broiler and flames where coming out of the oven. I was screaming FIRE FIRE FIRE....but being as calm as possible....(Not going to lie I suprised myself at how calmly I reacted) So I scrapped the topping off....

So I started over with the topping and things were looking up...and then we tasted it. OH MY HELL! It was terrible. I was so embarressed that I had servered it to two of my food idols...My mother and her friend Sonja. I threw it away right away in total disappointment. I laughed it off and still enjoy cooking desserts, but please steer clear of Rachael Rays dutch oven disaster of a dessert!

girls night out

2010-08-15T13:18:00.000-07:00

We forgot to take a picture so this is the best I could do..... Yes, I know my art skills are almost as good as most 3rd graders.

Last night was such a great night. I got to get together with my mother-in law barb and sister-in-law, Megan to see The Lion King Musical. We started the evening off with a fabulous dinner at my new favorite restaurant Sea Salt. It has such a great patio and great menu. Once we stuffed our faces with some of the best Italian food around town (in my opinion) we were off to the Theater.

There are no word to explain how great it was. The costume design, choreography, the acting....all unbelievable! Thanks so much Barb for such a fun evening! I had a great time!!

Just for the record....

2010-07-19T21:16:00.001-07:00

.......I think he is pretty stinkin' adorable.

Island Park, Idaho

2010-06-20T12:35:00.000-07:00

Last weekend Ben and I took off to the cabin to celebrate our 2 year anniversary. I love it up there so much. Life is nice and slow without a worry in the world.. I love to step out on the patio and only hear birds chirping and the wind blowing in the pines. I felt like we could sit down and actually talk without the distractions of work and everyday life. It was a fabulous relaxing weekend.

Anniversary #2

2010-06-15T18:51:00.000-07:00

Two years ago yesterday I was lucky enough to marry my best friend Ben on a VERY sunny day at La Caille.... So sunny 2 Bride's maids passed out at the alter... The two of you will remain nameless. :) We have had such a fun 2 years together as a married couple. We have been on so many adventures together it's hard to decide which one is my favorite. I love our little bungalow in Sugarhouse that we have now made our home sweet home. Thanks for everything baby! I love you!! XOXOX

My best friends wedding...

2010-05-30T10:37:00.001-07:00

Janessa Brown..now Parker got married last week in the Draper temple. She was a beautiful bride. I'm sad to see them move to California next week, but I couldn't be happier for her. Love you guys!! XOXO

Cutting their cake.
Leaving the reception

The adorable couple

Coming out of the Draper Temple

Ben at the Wing Coop

2010-04-23T08:47:00.000-07:00

Last night Ben decided to take on the 11 wing challenge at the wing coop. Ben had to eat 11 wings under 11 minutes all doused in 11 wing sauce.....the hottest available. He was successful but I could only record a couple of minutes. Way to go Babe! We were up all night sick..but the free t-shirt, $5 gift card, and his picture on the wall of fame was TOTALLY worth it....

Bridal Shower

2010-04-21T08:27:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday I threw a bridal shower for my good friend Janessa Brown. She is getting married in 3 weeks and couldn't be more excited. From the second she walked in the door the girl could not stop smiling and giggling. She looked like she was going to burst with excitement. She is so ready to be married. She will make a great wife and someday an amazing mother. We had a great time visiting, had a great lunch (with the help of my fabulous parents) and played your typical silly bridal shower games. Love you Janessa! Cant wait for you two love birds to get married!

The soon to be married couple

The blushing bride

The bride with approximately 12 marshmallows in her mouth.

All the gals.

Secrets

2010-04-19T15:54:00.001-07:00

I have a love-hate relationship with secrets. I love getting good news/gossip...but then when I hear the line..."YOU CANT TELL ANYBODY!" I panic. I'm always terrified that I'm going to let it slip out on accident. So that leads me to today's conversation I had with an old friend. I got a phone call from her with top secrete but fun news and its killing me. So instead of telling her secret to everybody and anybody willing to listen, I will just talk about how I am going to keep her secret...that makes sense right?? Thanks for being my outlet, and reassuring me that I can keep a secret.

Turks and Caicos

2010-04-05T16:23:00.001-07:00

Last night we got home from a great trip. We went to Turks and Caicos in the Caribbean

for a week. We rented a house on the beach that was absolutely gorgeous. Everyone has been so busy with school and work so it was so nice to get away out of the snow. We had such a great time. We chilled at our pool, read, explored the island..which didn't take long....its 20 miles long. We were also lucky to enjoy some amazing seafood. We got there on the last day of lobster season, so luckily we we found the fishing dock and were able to enjoy fresh lobster...right off the boat! Ben and I went scuba diving on the West Island. It was unbelievable. We made two dives, both very different. We saw lobsters, sting rays, barracudas, and amazing coral. We had a great time and really struggled coming home to the rain.

Outside our house

Our beach

The other side of our house.

Pretty typical for most of the trip.

The Scuba adventure

Im back!!

2010-03-10T08:25:00.000-08:00

Okay so I have been hibernating for the last three months, but I'm back! We have been up to the usual, trying to stay afloat with all the hectic things going on around us. Ben and I are still in Sugarhouse and possibly moving in June or August..Same area just a new house.

Last week I went to Las Vegas with my mother-in-law Barbara, and my two sister -in-laws, Megan and Heather. We had a great time! We shopped and shopped and just when I thought I couldn't shop any more....we went to another mall!! We saw Blue Man group while we were down there. It was a great show. It was a great girls weekend with tons of giggles. Cant wait for next years trip girlies! As usual I didn't take a single photo so I will have to snag some from the other gals.

This summer should be relaxing we don't have much planned..yet. My very good friend Janessa Brown is getting married to the love of her life, Tyson Parker in May. I love weddings and cant wait to attend hers, it will be gorgeous. I attended a dress fitting with her last night and all I can say is Tyson is one lucky man! Love you Janess, I am so happy for you!

Thanksgiving

2009-12-02T20:49:00.000-08:00

This years Thanksgiving was so amazing. Last year Thanksgiving was a little stressful and crazy... my moms surgery and the house remodel....ugh! I told my Dad that all I wanted for Christmas last year was a normal Thanksgiving this year....and boy did he deliver! We headed up to our cabin in Idaho for a week. We had a great Thanksgiving dinner...as always...went snowmobiling, napped, played games, and had lots of laughs.

Cutting down our Christmas tree

My Paul Bunion

The whole gang

Up in the mountains where we went snowmobiling

The Diamond grand kids with Grandma Sonoma...even Lilly.

Before the big meal

THis dog is NOT normalThis kills me...She was smiling.

Road Trip 2009

2009-09-22T08:42:00.000-07:00

A couple of months ago Ben surprised me with tickets to Dave Matthews Band at the Gorge in Washington. So we decided to make a road trip out of it. We had a great time we went to Bend, Oregon...my new favorite place! Such a cute town. Then we headed to Newport and stayed in a yurt on the beach...pretty sweet!! It was so great we had some wonderful sea food and did some great sight seeing. Next stop, Hoodriver! We both fell in love with Hood river...so much to do..wineries on every street corner, great restaurants, beautiful scenery, and fabulous shopping...what more can you ask for? After Hoodriver our next stop was the Gorge in Washington to see Dave Matthews Band!! Before I go off on how amazing it was let me just tell you seeing DMB at the Gorge has always been on my list of things to do before I die...AMAZING!! We arrived not knowing what to expect, and I was shocked with how many crazy people gather to see this unforgettable event..We decided to camp out along with 20,000 of our closest friends and fellow fans. It poured down all day and somehow cleared up as we sat down for the concert....Words can honestly not describe how amazing that night was. We had a great time and will definitely will be back next year.

2009-08-25T21:34:00.000-07:00

Its official people..the day has come...I'm no longer a nanny. I have been with some amazing families and their beautiful children. I learned alot about myself and raising children...the good, the bad, the ugly and how beautiful the miracle of life is. There are two children in particular that I will never get over. Sasha and Dylan, they have been raised to just love. That's it. I have never seen two human beings that radiate love more than these two small children...Dylan has taught me to stop and look around you and appreciate what you see...and Sasha has always taught me to be patient and love....and always carry a cute bag and great shoes...(Ok so maybe I taught her a thing or two...but who knows) It makes me want to cry. Its bitter sweet. I love my babes more than anything but it is time to move on...I cant sleep, I feel like all this change came all at once. But I think I'm ready for it. I have a new job as a bridal concierge. I miss the wedding hustle and bustle but now I get to do it everyday. I'm ecstatic. Along with that I am starting school in 9 hours or so....I should probably go to bed but who needs sleep these days? Im so excited for my new adventures. Bring it on life!

This and That

2009-08-17T12:29:00.001-07:00

Last month we went back La Caille (where Ben and I were married one year ago) to reminisce about our wedding day. We had a great dinner that went on for 3 hours. It was a beautiful night.

Jen, me , and Becky.

The back patio is finally finished so we were just hanging out and enjoying the beautiful night.

Jen, Rose, and me at
Gallivan. Of course leave it up to me to close my eyes.

Lake Powell

2009-08-17T11:51:00.000-07:00

Every year we head down south to Lake Powell. Its honestly one of our favorite places to go. I love it because there is no cell service or Internet...an wait for it gals (you will never hear me say this again), but there is no shopping! I love shopping, probably more than your average girl...but that's besides the point. There is nothing to do but be on the boat with our family and talk and veg...my mother never fails to cook the worlds most amazing food. This isn't your typical Lake Powell food. We had a Louisiana crab and shrimp boil, Big Ed steaks, Cyd sandwiches, and many more amazing things....man I love food. :) For those of you who know my parents, know its in my blood and there is nothing I can do about it. We revolve most things around food. Thanks M&D. Like I always say.."Good things happen around good food" Needless to say we had a great trip as always, and cant wait to head back.

Little Ben aka Ben Diamond
I swear this kid has zero fear in his body.

Jen and Brad

Little Ben pullin a 360. The kid is insane.

Daddy-o on the grill

Cute "Big Ben"

Lillers trying to cool off.

My mom was on the trip some how I didn't get a picture of her, kinda feel bad now.

Anniversary

2009-06-21T12:03:00.000-07:00

We spent the week in Sun Valley for our first anniversary. We had a fabulous time. It was super low key but a great get away together. We totally vegged, ate great local ketchum food, biked and chilled by the pool. I love Sun Valley. I have been going there since I was itty bitty..This was Bens first trip so it was kinda fun to play tour guide. We still cant get over how fast this year went. We had so many adventures together. We cant wait to see what this year bring.

We had a lot of rain. One night we were dining out at one of my favorite restaurants Ketchum Grill and the power went out. Everyone left because they didn't want to dine in the dark but we decided to stay and enjoy a candle light dinner. Incredibly romantic!!

The walk home in the rain.

Up at the warm springs.

Mothers Day

2009-05-15T16:03:00.000-07:00

We really had a great Mothers Day this year. On Saturday evening we went to dinner with my family to Sundance. We had a beautiful dinner. Its always so be beautiful up there. It was lovely to sit down and actually talk to my family. Anyone who has had dinner with my family knows there are normally 20 conversations going on at once... I wouldn't have it any other way! Then Sunday we had Ben's parents over for a nice dinner. Ben Barbecued ribs and I made Chilled mango soup, Pesto pea pasta, and Raspberry cheesecake. It was super mellow but nice. We both love our mothers so much and couldn't think of any better way to celebrate with them.

The Bens

Mom and Dad

Diamond Gals

Becky and Zach's wedding

2009-05-04T15:08:00.000-07:00

Last week our two good friends Zach and Becky got married at Red Butte Gardens. It was a beautiful wedding. We had a great time dancing and being around friends we haven't seen forever. This was the first wedding of the friends that everyone has been able to attend.

Mom and Daddy

Diamond fam and Sommer

Joe, Lauren, and Becky

The groom and all the boys

The entire crew. First time we have all been together.

Diamond gals

The beautiful bride taking a breather.

Spring has Sprung!

2009-05-04T15:01:00.000-07:00

Our backyard

I am in love with our tulips.
Ben built me this planter box so I could have a beautiful garden. We are planting tomorrrow!

Girls Night Out

2009-04-27T08:24:00.000-07:00

This weekend was very busy and exciting for me. Ben was working so his was not as exciting as mine. Friday night one of my friends made a documentary of 12 of his/my close friends. They showed it at the theater and all. Very Very funny. My cheeks still hurt from laughing. Then Saturday I threw a BACHELORETTE party for one of my good friends Becky. She is marrying one of Ben's best friends this Thursday. It was a fun night out with the gals. We had dinner then went dancing...Nothing like some booty shakin'! We had a great time.

Sommer, Lauren, me, and the bride Becky.

Me and Jen

The Crew

2009-02-26T18:26:00.000-08:00

So much has been going on in our little sugarhouse. I feel like we haven't stopped. Last we I threw a surprise birthday party for Ben..the big 25. I met him when he was 17. YIKES!! The next day we headed down south to get out of the snow and spend some time in Vegas and in St. George w/ my grandma Sonoma. We had a great time. It was a well deserved and needed trip. Like usual we took very few pictures...

Ben and Dave at his birthday.Vegas.

2009-01-15T09:08:00.000-08:00

This last week my mom, dad, me and Ben drove out Louisiana...Yes DROVE!! My dad sold his plant out there so we helped him move his stuff home...including a new car!! YAY! It took us 3 days to get there then we went to New Orleans for a day or two then hit the road back home. We had a lot of fun in New Orleans.We ate amazing food including red beans and rice, Oysters, Craw fish....I live to eat...as we all know! The south is so fun..so enriched with culture. It was also very interesting seeing my dads little town and house....I'm not going to lie it needed a woman's touch. We are so happy he is finished out there and no more traveling back and forth!!

We had been driving 3 days straight..hence the reason I look a little scary in this picture!!

Crawfish...yumm-o!! 5 pounds split between my mom and I!
More pictures coming soon...

2008-12-07T21:20:00.000-08:00

A Couple of weeks ago my bother and sister-in-law...and the 3 kiddos.. came into town all the way form Oklahoma. It was great to hang out and visit. I love being able to just hang out with no agenda and chill w/ the fam. We went to dinner a couple of nights, watched movies, played w/ the kids and even went shopping on BLACK FRIDAY...Something i told my self I would never do. Its always hard to say good-bye but they should be back out in the Spring/Summer! Hope you see you then guys..if not sooner!! XOXO

O'Christmas tree O'Christmas tree

2008-12-04T10:06:00.001-08:00

Every year we cut down our trees the day after thanksgiving...Its always an outing that I look froward to.

The boys cutting down the tree.

Jen Being so graceful with the saw.

My Brother had to assist my mom up the mountain...Hiking blind is not an easy thing to do.

The girlies...can you tell we like color?

HODGE-PODGE Thanksgiving...

2008-12-04T09:33:00.000-08:00

I'm not going to lie Thanksgiving this year was weird...I love thanksgiving its my favorite holiday and my family is very much into tradition. But this year my mom had surgery/radiation days before the big day so she was out of commission. My parents are re-modeling their house so we all packed into my grandmas house....and just when we thought it couldn't get any weirder...My brothers 2 friends hitch-hiked all the way from Arizona to join us..along with their Pitt bull. So we all decided that next year we will look back on this and laugh... When it was all said and done I was just thankful that my family is healthy and my mom is going be back to doin her thing in no time!

Turkey #1
(Roasted with lot of herbs and spices...compliments to Emril)

Turkey #2
(Deep Fried)

Me and my grandma Sonoma.

The Final product

Tags..

2008-11-16T11:32:00.000-08:00

ROCK STAR NAME (first pet, current car): Jammer Jetta...I like it!!

GANGSTA NAME (fave ice cream flavor, favorite type of shoe): Pumpkin heels

NATIVE AMERICAN NAME (favorite color, favorite animal):Orange penguin

SOAP OPERA NAME (middle name, city where you were born):..no middle name..sorry charlie

CARTOON NAME (favorite fruit, article of clothing you're wearing right now): Raspberry Boots

HIPPIE NAME (What you ate for breakfast, your favorite tree): Italian Scramble maple

8 Favorite TV shows:
Sex and the City...duh
The Office
Law and Order SVU
Dexter..our new obsession
Time Warp...Ben's obviously
Man vs. Wild..also Ben's
Iron Chef
Family Guy

8 Favorite Restaurants:
SPENCER'S!
Tempyanki
Ruth's Chis
The pub...Dessert Edge
Red Rock
The Paris
Fresco's
Sushi anything...

8 Things That Happened Yesterday:
Met Jen for coffee
Went to Barns and Nobles
Went to Trolley for some light shopping w/ Jen which might of lead to..Chips and salsa and Beer.
Went to Ruth's Chris for my papas Birthday w/ the whole fam Damily...and enjoyed the worlds most amazing steak...mouth watering!
Watch Dexter
Tyler woke us up at 2:00 am...long story.

Things That I Look Forward to:

The holidays..any holiday.
Owning our own house
Kids
Not being a nanny
Traveling around the world w/ my hubby.
Hanging out w/ out an agenda
The day we can handle a dog

8 Things I Love About Fall:

Having a fire in our fireplace.
Thanksgiving.
The food.
The leaves.
J. Crew fall collection...I'm a sucker.
Crisp air.
Boots.
Football...Ben

8 Things On My Wish List:

A vacation to Europe...Rome especially
A vacation to a island for our anniversary
A vacation to a winery in Sonoma
New car
A dog
For my family to be healthy
A new coat
Tivo..Ben of course. ha

Future red-headed children

2008-11-09T09:57:00.000-08:00

This has to be the worlds most random post ever but Ben and I decided that the day we decide to have children they will be beautiful red-headed ben/maggies! How cute.

Halloween

2008-11-02T22:14:00.000-08:00

Halloween this year was really weird...We have just had so much going on that I didn't have any time to get a costume together. So last minute we came up with a gold digger...ha...and the scariest devil you have ever seen! Ben terrified all 4 of our trick-or-treaters.

Trip To cleveland, Ohio

2008-11-02T20:49:00.000-08:00

We recently went to Cleveland for my cousin John's wedding. It was a full weekend event so there was plenty of fun actives that kept us busy. My whole family flew out and majority of our friends. It was a beautiful wedding..I forgot my camera during the ceremony so thats why there aren't any of the bride and groom.

Almost all the Creer cousins...missing lorin and my brother Ben. ..Me, Jen, Dave, John , Sadie, and Alison.(My moms side)

After the reception the whole gang went out. It was a good time. In this one..Bens cousin Taylor, Zach, Jed, Joe, Dave, and Ben.

2008-09-18T14:53:00.002-07:00

Ben works 7 days on and 7 days off...its a great schedule for us because we like to up and leave a lot just on a whim...So in the last couple of months we have gone to Lake Powell,Vegas, and a week long road trip to Colorado. We had a great time in Colorado. We spent 2 days in Steamboat Springs. We hung out with the locals, went to the hot springs, and enjoyed some shopping....well I did! :) Next we were off to Denver.... we went to My morning Jacket at Red Rocks..amazing!! We spent some time with my family in littleton that I rarely get to see so that was nice. We went to a Rockies game, ate great food and enjoyed each others company..Here are a couple of photos from our road trip together.

Honeymoon to Jamacia

2008-09-18T14:53:00.001-07:00

We went to Jamaica for our honeymoon. We had an amazing time. We hung out and did NOTHING!! Something we rarely get to do together. We laid out on the beach and just soaked up the sun all week

My sexy husband.

We had to be to the airport at 4:00am....4 hours after our reception. It made it pretty tough to get going but it was well worth it when we arrived on the beautiful island.

2008-09-18T14:53:00.000-07:00

As most of you already know Ben and I recently got married June 14, 2008 at La Caille in Salt Lake City. We were engaged for a year..at first I thought it was going to be the longest year of my life and before we knew it our wedding day was here!! I had such a blast planning with my mom and sister Jen. We had a lot of fun and funny moment between dress fittings, invitations proofs, linens, and looking at hundreds of flowers... we thought we would never finish it all but it all fell into place perfectly! I'm sad its over but we are now happily married and living in the heart of sugarhouse in a quaint little house.My beautiful brides maids.

Right after the ceremony...my dads still trying to pull it together.
I wore my mothers wedding dress for the ceremony and then changed into my wedding dress for the reception/party

First dance.

First kiss..

Who wants it?!

42 inch sparklers!!