the top knot.

Last year when I found out about "the top knot," I was so sad that I'd just cut off my long locks! So much for doing that for a while...well, the time has come! One year later & I can finally pull it off.

Well, I cheated a little bit with the help of a sock. Wait, what? Seriously. I used a sock in my hair! You can check out the tutorial here. Here is what mine looked like:

the sock bun/top knot look.

Another view of what it looks like...and my fabulous roommates :)

I'm pretty tempted to do this hairstyle tomorrow too. It's so quick. And I love it. Plus, some people had to take a second glance at me today because I very, very rarely wear my hair up. It's a nice change! 

What's your favorite go-to hairstyle? This might be mine...

music monday.

"manic monday" -- the bangles

"it's just another manic Monday.

I wish it was Sunday.

cause that's my fun day."

.................and that's how i feel about today. that's it, folks.

snapshot sunday.

It's almost Monday, so I better post these two pictures now! 

Who are these lovely people?

Ambassadors. 

Presidential Ambassadors.

I'm an ambassador. I was last year too. But, this year I feel like I've really "connected" more with the other ambassadors.

Game nights. Walmart trips. Birthday parties. Movie nights. Talent shows. Dinner nights. Research project participants (thanks, everyone!). You name it. And you have support for any event, party, shopping trip. It's the best.

So, picture one documents the remnants of a campus event. And, I'm proud of myself. I didn't eat any of those delightful peanut OR peanut butter m&ms. Even though they're my favorite. 5 days down, 35 to go :)

Picture two? Birthday party for Brecia (on the far right) & other ambassador girlies.

Bailey, me, Rebekah, Jaci, Tayler, Brecia.

So. Much. Fun. 

Happy Sunday!

bathroom organization.

Organization.

Fun word, right? Or does it send shivers down your spine? Typically, I would consider myself a fairly organized person. But, we all have our days. Anyway, yesterday, I was so fed up with the brushes & sticks of eyeliner that were always rolling around in my makeup drawer. Hmm....I pondered. What could be done?

Ding. Ding. Ding. I used an old jar (that once had homemade apricot jam) to store my brushes & eyeliner! And this morning? It was so nice to know exactly where my smudge brush & dark brown eyeliner was. No more searching through the drawer. 

PS. You'll notice my cotton balls are also stored in an old mason jar? That's one of my favorite containers. I bought it at an antique store for $2 last year. Also, the "ring holder" is actually a candle warmer from Bath & Body Works. But, I changed it to hold my rings instead. Oh, and be prepared for an "owl obsession" post later this week. I'm excited for it. You should be too. 

thursday eats.

Another week & another batch of recipes...here we go :) Since I'm not eating sweets for the next month...and some, I thought today could be a post about delicious lunches or dinners to make. Even though it's 9 a.m., some of these recipes sound pretty darn good right now.

Spicy Chicken & Pepper Jack Pizza

Source: yummly.com via Cheri on Pinterest

recipe found here.

Quick French Dip Sandwich

Source: centercutcook.com via Cheri on Pinterest

recipe found here.

Spinach Artichoke Pizza

Source: boboli.com via Cheri on Pinterest

recipe found here. 

Crockpot Chicken Parmesan

Source: chef-in-training.com via Cheri on Pinterest

recipe found here.

Creamy Chicken Pockets

Source: penniesonaplatter.com via Cheri on Pinterest

recipe found here.

I seriously must be craving spinach, pizza, or chicken...see a theme? Sorry there isn't a great variety here today. Would you rather see desserts, dinner, snacks, simply crock pot, or a mix? Guess I'll be going to the grocery store later... :)

40 days.

Well, I'm sure you've heard how some people give up something for 40 days for Lent? Yes. Every year, I have friends who say goodbye to Facebook, guzzle their last can of Coke, or vow to not visit Wendy's again until Easter.

This year, I'm going to participate. For the first time ever.  No, I'm not Catholic. But, everyone can benefit from a challenge. My friend Carter and I are going 40 days without "sweets." Obviously this does not mean any sugar — since even fruit has natural sugar. I'm talking the "bad" sugar...the cakes, brownies, icecream, and cookies. I don't really have "candy" cravings (except peanut m&ms or cadbury eggs...luckily I had my fix at home over the weekend!), but I definitely enjoy baking — and eating — the not-so-good sweets.

So, this will certainly be a challenge. I guess that's the point, right? I joked with my friend that I'd just stocked up on cake mixes & chocolate chips at home over the weekend. Now they will just have to sit at the top of my shelf for a little while. By the time this challenge is over, the semester will nearly be over!

Last night, as an ode to the challenge, I finished off the last piece of key lime pie that my mom & I made over the weekend, and ate the remaining three bites of Girl Scout Thin Mint icecream from my freezer. I just knew those two things wouldn't keep.

Here goes. I'm going to be eating a lot of apples in the meantime!

Are you giving up anything? I challenge you to do it! And post it in the comments if you do. Or, if you don't feel up for a challenge, what would you give up if you did participate in the challenge?

11.

Two fellow bloggers (Charley and Becky) tagged me in this fun game. Do you remember getting forwards in your email all the time years ago? I decided to take a stab at this one, since two people tagged me..and since it falls in line with my "Tell Me Tuesday" posts. Play along if you are bored... : )

Here are the rules: 

1. Post the rules
2. Share eleven random things about myself
3. Answer the eleven questions from the post I was tagged in (or in this case, two posts)
4. Create eleven new questions for my tagees to answer

11 Random Things About Me

1. I eat icecream with a fork. I especially love eating it straight out of the carton with a fork. 

2. My favorite fruit lately has been bananas -- This is new for me. But, I've been on a kick and love them in smoothies, yogurt, on cereal, in pancakes, bread, and crepes...oh dear! 

3. One of my dreams in life is to record a CD...and actually have a hit song. 

4. I LOVE social media (that probably wasn't random, right?). My current obsession is Twitter. I also love Pinterest, my blog, and Facebook. 

5. When I was younger, I was very controlling over my toys. For example, when my friends would come over to play Barbies, I would (kindly) let them know which Barbie and Ken went together and which little Kelly doll was their daughter (I had a LOT of Barbies). They also already had names that definitely could not be changed, no matter the circumstance. 

6. Speaking of names, I used to be obsessed with baby names. I would read baby names books and websites, even in elementary school. I thought for sure one day I'd have an Alisa Marie, Chloe, and Dylan. Those ideas have all since been replaced.

7. I'm a bargain shopper. I have a hard time spending money on anything that is not on sale. I love to price-match and use coupons. I very rarely go grocery shopping without first making list & going through the grocery store ads. 

8. I have my whole future planned out. Refer to the following Pinterest boards: 

9. My favorite class in college was Horsemanship. 

10. I love fresh strawberries, but dislike strawberry-flavored candies, cookies, icecream, etc. 

11. I can quote almost every line from the following movies: Return to Me, While You Were Sleeping, Sleepless in Seattle, Father of the Bride 2, Ever After, and You've Got Mail. 

Questions I was asked answers (I guess I have 22 questions, since I was tagged twice...uh...keep reading?) From Becky:

1. Do you keep a journal? Yes, I've kept a journal consistently since 2003. This equates to about....27 notebooks. 
2. What's your favorite type of music? I listen to mostly anything & my mood varies. Indie, country, alternative, oldies, etc.
3. What are some of your pet peeves? People not cleaning up after themselves.
4. What is/was your favorite subject in school? In high school it was my AP Government & Politics class. I loved it! Now, I actually might admit to liking my comm theory class...who knew? 
5. Of all your friends, who have you known the longest? I have known my friend Kamilla since seventh grade, when I moved to Utah. 
6. Where do you see yourself one year from now? That is a darn good question! I don't know where I see myself. Some options are grad school, interning on the East Coast, or on a mission. 
7. If you had to guess, how many phone numbers do you actually have memorized? At least two dozen. I have always been able to memorize numbers easily. 
8. How long do you spend getting ready in the morning? I usually get up 1-1.5 hours before class. This includes showering, getting ready, scripture study, & breakfast. 
9. What are your feelings on Mullets? YUCK. No. No. No. 
10. What's your earliest (positive) memory? I have a bad memory. But, I do remember jumping in my pool when I was 3 (?) without my life vest. I then told people that "Daddy & Jesus saved me." 
11. If you were to set me up on a date, who would it be with and why? Sam Taylor. Cause he's a mutual friend. Haha :) 

Questions from Charley:

1. If you could go anywhere in the world where would you go? The next trip I'd like to go on would be to Ireland, London, and Scotland...the UK. 

2. What is your favorite thing to do in your spare time? I love to blog. Bake. And sing/write music. 

3. What color is your toothbrush? It is green. 

4. How many social media websites do you have accounts to and what are they? Oh shoot....that is a tough question. Let's see: Klout, Blogger, Tumblr, Wordpress, Youtube, Pinterest, Facebook, Stumble Upon...I'm sure there are more. 

5. How many kids were in your family? There are five of us. And I think that's the perfect number :)

6. What is your favorite memory of me? Well, probably the fact that I remember you calling me about the national anthem last spring...but I didn't know you, but I knew you went to high school with my roommate. And now we have class together. 

7. Do you play a musical instrument? I play guitar, piano, and ukulele (a little). 

8. Pro or anti guns? Ummm....for safety, yes. But I dislike hunting. 

9. Do you shop at Hollister or Aeropostale? I've never purchased anything at Hollister and I don't remember the last thing I bought at Aero. 

10. Would you rather live in a small town or big city? Small town, but one that is close to a big city :) 

11. Do you want to drive a big truck or fast car? I just would like a vehicle, please. Preferably Honda Accord. 2 door. 

My Questions: 

1. What is your favorite TV show?

2. Would you ever go on a reality show? What would it be?

3. If you had to listen to one CD for the rest of your life, what would it be?

4. What is the first thing you notice in someone of the opposite sex?

5. What is your dream job?

6. What was your first impression of me? 

7. Do you decorate for the holidays?

8. How many people have you kissed? 

9. What is your favorite book to reread?

10. If you had to teach someone about any major historical event, what would you choose?

11. How would your parents describe you? 

11 People Tagged

1. Aaron 

2. Jen

3. Kelly

4. Sam

5. Rebekah

6. Amanda

7. Katelin

8. Lindsey 

9. Drinda 

10. Bailey 

11. Ceci 

Enjoy! Leave a comment so I can be sure to read your answers!

tell me tuesday

Here are the questions this week:

If you could have any super power, what would it be and why? I think it would be awesome to be able to read minds...but not constantly. Just when I really wanted to know what people think about me. I'm sure it'd be a reality check & I'd probably hate it, but that's what I'm thinking of right now.

What is your favorite cereal and why? Oh my goodness. I LOVE cereal. I go through phases. I've had the Post Raisin Bran phase, the Honey Bunches of Oats with Almonds phase, the Kashi Go Lean Toasted Berry Crumble phase...right now I'm currently on a Special K Red Berries kick. YUM!

What is the nicest thing anyone has ever said to you? Hmm....Someone very close to me recently told me that my influence motivated him to change, be better, and become a better person. That is about as good as it gets.

What is the #1 most played song on your ipod/itunes? The #1 song on my iTunes is a song by the band Double Or Nothing. I met the lead singer, Nick, a few summers back & really enjoy his music. (especially the song "Silhouettes" apparently) Other runners-up are "Golden" by Allred, "Somebody To Love" by Justin Bieber, "Near To You" by A Fine Frenzy, and "Somebody That I Used to Know" by Gotye.

If you named yourself, what would your name be and why? When I was 12, I wanted my name to be Chloe. I even bought keychains with Chloe on it when I traveled because I could never find "Cheri" spelled correctly. But, now...I love classic names (think Jane Austen novels). However, I really love my name, and especially its spelling. If it was spelled Sherry or Sherri or anything else, I might not like it as much :)

These questions are fun, so send more my way if you have any! Thanks!

music monday.

I know a few weeks ago I featured Kelly Clarkson's new song "Stronger" but I've since been addicted to most of the new album, so I'm featuring her again.
This is her song "Hello" and I love it.


And, Tim McGraw's new song "Better Than I Used To Be" (I told you I've been on a country kick lately)


cover song:
Ella Mae Bowen's "Holding Out For A Hero" (featured in the Footloose remake)


What are you listening to?

snapshot sunday.

Me, Jake, Brayden, and Ben (friends from high school)

It is such a cool thing when boys you grew up with & went to high school with come back as men after serving a 2-year mission.
...When they grow up a little.
.....mature (a little).
........and radiate happiness when they get back.

Today I saw my friend Jake speak about his missionary experiences in the England Leeds mission. His talk was exactly what I needed to hear today. It was powerful. Brilliant. And it made me want to become better.

One thing Jake talked about was this key question: Who am I?
And, on that same idea ... Are the choices I'm making today limiting my potential?
It gave me a lot to think about. But one thing is for sure -- God knows each one of us. He knows who we were before we came to Earth, who we are right now, and more importantly He knows who we can become.

I'm grateful for my friends who are such examples of this & for the opportunities I have to learn again & again these principles.

How was your Sunday?

thursday eats:

southern style.

crock pot pulled pork

Source: tablespoon.com via Cheri on Pinterest

this recipe (found here) has only three ingredients.

or maybe crock pot bbq chicken is more to your liking?

Source: pluffmuddstudio.blogspot.com via Erika on Pinterest

recipe found here.

a good side of baked beans

Source: the-girl-who-ate-everything.com via Dana on Pinterest

recipe here.

cornbread is my favorite.

Source: allrecipes.com via Kirsten on Pinterest

this recipe has nearly 900 positive reviews. or you can just buy a mix at the store...

hush puppies. seriously. love these.

Source: foodnetwork.com via Cheri on Pinterest

recipe from Paula Deen

if you have never tried fried pickles, please do. i was a skeptic. but i like them. a lot.

Source: pauladeen.com via Stacia on Pinterest

again, recipe from Paula Deen

country biscuits & gravy 

Source: allrecipes.com via JoDee Blumlein on Pinterest

so tasty for breakfast...or dinner.  recipe here. I love when my mom makes these :)

finally, some southern dessert:
crock pot cherry cobbler (you can do this with peaches as well -- i made one with canned peaches and cake mix. so simple)

Source: laaloosh.com via Kelly on Pinterest

recipe here

What are your favorite types of food? I really miss good southern cooking & real southern barbecue. But, these can give me a taste of the south. It's worth a shot! It's way too early to be craving this!

call me betty crocker.

ok, you don't have to call me that. but, i've sure felt a little like mrs.crocker (i'm just assuming she's a housewife) for the past 24 hours. why? well, it all started with one idea:

"i should make cupcakes for my institute choir class."

but not just any cupcakes. baby cupcakes. obviously this was THE best option.
so, i got to work with my devil's food cake mix. but then, it only made 35. not a huge issue ... except that there are 50 people in choir! what to do?

the only cake mix i had available in my cupboard was a spice cake (which i have only ever used for pumpkin chocolate chip cookies). would it taste okay? i had no choice.
so, i had some fun. spice cake mix...more cinnamon...added half of the oil/ half applesauce too for kicks. the result?

PERFECTION. a cupcake/muffin of sorts, topped with whipped cream cheese frosting & red sprinkles.
and guess what? they were a hit! the spice cupcakes were actually the proclaimed favorite.
here are some photos to visualize their goodness.

 [i clearly had too much fun documenting the cupcakes]

 [here are a portion of the cupcakes i made]

tell me tuesday.

fun questions this week...here we go!

1. what is your type? this question is a bit of a doozy I guess. I'm sure I have a "type" but as I think about guys I've liked, my type seems to change! I've liked blondes, brunettes, the blue-eyed boys always get me.  There are two distinct patterns in guys i've liked: curly hair or receding hairline. Odd, yes? But true. As for personality & everything else ... dedication & having a plan is very attractive to me. I like when a guy knows what he wants to do with his life & is working toward that. Another thing that "gets me" are guys that are musically inclined -- sing? you've got me. play guitar/piano/etc? i'll probably like you even more. Other things I find appealing? Guys who care about their health (I definitely have a sweet tooth, but someone who balances me out & will join me at times), like to have fun exercising/getting out & moving about. Ooh, I love a guy who likes to be goofy & doesn't care what others think & definitely one who takes silly pictures with me! Oh, and a returned missionary, please. Wow, long answer.

2. what do you feel is your greatest accomplishment? Hmm. One of my greatest accomplishments is the ability I had to travel to NYC, Boston, Spain, and Washington D.C. last summer, paying for it on my own (well, besides some that was donated by friends & family) & having money leftover. It is also an accomplishment that I will graduate school without having to take out any student loans.

3. are you an early bird or night owl? I grew up being a definite night owl. Maybe that's where my owl obsession started. I've tried to get in the habit of waking up by around 8 a.m. daily, but it's still much, much easier for me to stay up late rather than wake up early. I attribute it to my mother :)

If you have any questions, as always...ask away!

oh, and HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

music monday

featuring? myself.
awkward? kind of. but not really. cause this is my blog. :)



i wrote this song about two weeks ago & performed it Friday at SUU's Got Talent. Let me know what you think! please. :)

happy monday!

friday eats.

Who is ready for another post full of good food & some tasty treats? Me! Yum. As usual, click on the picture to be taken to the recipe (thanks, Pinterest).

apple & gorgonzola cheese salad

Source: the-girl-who-ate-everything.com via Cheri on Pinterest

chicken cordon bleu ... crock pot style ;)

Source: chef-in-training.com via Cheri on Pinterest

tasty banana pancakes (I made these Wednesday morning & was happy to find a good recipe using whole wheat!)

Source: skinnytaste.com via Cheri on Pinterest

butterscotcharoos (one of my still-favorite treats...that i have a HARD time resisting!)

Source: the-girl-who-ate-everything.com via Cheri on Pinterest

i love fruits & veggies & there are some great snack ideas here

Source: sixsistersstuff.blogspot.com via Cheri on Pinterest

homemade oreos (i like them without being dipped in chocolate too)

Source: controllingmychaos.com via Cheri on Pinterest

do you have any traditions for valentine's day foods? heart-shaped pancakes? milk that was dyed pink? my mom used to always make me heart-shaped pancakes for breakfast! and we always had heart-shaped sugar cookies with pink frosting & sprinkles...yum!
happy friday, all!

insanity?

Two random pictures to document this week:

 Tuesday: Took this photo in the library bathroom. Question ... I always make sure NO ONE is in the bathroom before taking the bathroom mirror shot; yet, I post it on my public blog with no shame. How weird am I? But I felt super cute this day & I'm in love with my cognac boots & belt...so, just sharing.

Wednesday: This picture could be its own beautiful post. 6 girls living together. 5 who eat the stuff pictured above (guess who is the odd duck?). 8 containers of miracle whip/mayo. also must mention that 2 were thrown out by me in january...i live with mayo/miracle-whip lovin' girls.

Also, a little note...this week has been insane. Events and commitments everyday. So, to the boy who asked me on a date & got slightly offended/thought I was trying to brush you off? I wasn't. I was literally busy. Every night. We just need to plan more in advance sometimes...but it was a good thought!

Ok, adios.

tell me tuesday (answers)

Thanks for submitting questions again last week! This is fun to see what's on your mind & tell you more about myself.
Questions this week:
Why did you decide not to finish school this semester and take another year?
Well, that was a tough decision. There were many pros & cons to either graduating a year early or staying. Ultimately, I decided that I could finish off my minor with just two more classes & that it would be worth it to stay. Plus, I'm going to take some "fun" classes that I haven't been able to before because I am completing my major requirements this semester. I'm thinking of taking scuba diving, horsemanship 2, family budgeting, photography, etc.

If you were on death row, what would you want to be your last meal?
Hmm. I love food. A lot. I would love a homemade chicken artichoke pizza (with my mama's delicious pizza crust), strawberry & spinach salad, and either "Peacock" cheesecake (the kind of cheesecake I grew up with that I love more than "real" cheesecake) or some other "feeling-like-home" treat ... like mama's homemade cinnamon rolls. I'd eat a couple. Since I was going to die anyway.

If you could spend $10,000 in any store, where would it be and what would you buy?
I can only spend it in one store?! That's tough. I love Kohl's, but it would take a while to spend $10,000. So, I think instead, I'd spend it on a company such as JetBlue or SkyWest....and I'd travel the world. I'd visit my sister Jen in Asheville, London, Italy,  Boston (again), and Tonga...give or take a few places, of course.
 ----> Because this question answers the next question as well, I'd also buy a new Mac, some pairs of shoes, and cute things for my home :) I'd put the rest in savings because I'm a sensible shopper ;)

If you could go on a vacation anywhere in the world, where would you choose?
Oh. Well, look at that. I probably should've read all the questions before answering. Refer to question two.


Would you rather never be able to see yourself in a mirror again or have to stop and look at yourself every time you see or pass a reflective object? 
There are so many reflective objects in the world ... that'd be semi annoying. But, how would I get ready everyday or check to make sure I didn't have food in my teeth mid-date? I guess I'd go with the look-at-myself option.

If you have more questions, post them in the comments!  

music monday

Songs I can't get enough of lately:

Cover: "Home" -- Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros (Love the original ... but how cute is this cover?)


Discovery: "Somebody That I Used to Know" -- Gotye

Weird music video. Kind of an addicting song though ... at least for me!

Guilty Pleasures: "Stronger" -- Kelly Clarkson

This song makes me want to go running or do a workout. Woo! Love pump up music.

"Farmer's Daughter" -- Rodney Atkins

Who knows? A little twang is needed at times.

What are you listening to?

february photo challenge: part 1.

Here are the first few days of photos from the february photo challenge:

 day 1: your view today -- cupcakes!

 day 2: words

 day 3: hands -- my hands cutting vegetables for homemade soup

day 4: a stranger -- taken outside the library of campus

day 5: 10 a.m. -- yeah, completely spaced that one while getting ready for church! sorry.

Are you participating? If so, post a link in the comments to wherever you are posting your february photo-a-day challenge!

thursday eats.

I'm not a huge sports fan, but I love entertaining. So, here are some great recipes if you're hosting or need to take food to a Superbowl party (or if you just want to make it for fun):

Mini Corn Dogs (YUM)

Source: iowagirleats.com via Cheri on Pinterest

Valentine Chex Mix

Source: bettycrocker.com via Cheri on Pinterest

Cinnamon Cookie Crunch Popcorn

Source: ourbestbites.com via Cheri on Pinterest

No Bake Nutella Cheesecake (making this weekend? Super simple. And probably tasty.)

Source: mybakingaddiction.com via Cheri on Pinterest

Symphony Brownies (brownie mix + symphony bar ... easy!)

Source: butteryum.blogspot.com via Cheri on Pinterest

Hot Spinach & Artichoke Dip (had this at Thanksgiving. YUM!)

Source: foodnetwork.com via Cheri on Pinterest

Do you have any favorite party/snack foods? Are you going to a Superbowl party or hosting one? Leave a message in the comments about your weekend plans!

February Photo-a-Day Challenge

  I love photos .. and a challenge. Enter: February Photo-a-Day Challenge! 

 

Here's how to play [from fat mum slim's blog]:

1. Use the list above as inspiration and take a photo everyday. For example for number one on the list, 'your view today' you'd take a shot of whatever it is that you can see today. This would be a wider shot of your office space, where you went for a walk, or whatever it is that you can see!

2. Share on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, your blog or where ever it is you want to share. If you're sharing on Instagram or Twitter use the hashtag #FEBphotoaday so everyone can find them. There's a great community around the photo sharing, so do share!

3. Check out everyone else's pictures. I do it before I go to bed each night and it's so fun to see how different everyone's photos are. There are people from every corner of the world playing.

 

Who wants to play?

I think I will post once a week with the past week's photos. Sound good? It'll be fun, so come on.