Fiesta night.

A few old friends came over last weekend for a Mexican-style potluck (you know those are my fave) and 'ritas with seriously salted rims. We had the best time catching up, laughing, telling old stories and new stories.

Ashley eloped to Manhattan with her long-time lover.

Brooke, cutie on the far left, just moved back to Utah after eight years. Oh how we've missed her!

Brit (in blue) still lives here in Utah, but I don't see her nearly enough. Same with Joni.

Merlin and Sam, as you can see, are just as cute as ever.

Girl's nights on occasion are a must. This was a blast. P.S. Thanks for the photos, Jones!

How your life looks vs. how it feels.

Anna Davies wrote an article for Cosmo in November. How to Survive a Confidence Crash. I found it full of great information--not only for 20-somethings like me, but women (and men!) of all ages and walks of life.

This quote from Jane Buckingham stood out to me:

          “So many women treat life as a constant
status update,” says Jane Buckingham, founder of the Millennial-focused research firm Trendera. “They’re thinking about how their lives look instead of how their lives feel.” 

I share a bunch of photos on Facebook--fun stuff that's going on in my life (dog photos, events, family updates, the occasional artsy food photo attempt) along with some awareness posts. This is because I know some of my friends enjoy seeing what I'm up to, and I like seeing what they're up to.

However, I have seen people (mostly girls my age) take this to an extreme.

They share every detail of their day, from what they ate for each meal to where they went and how they dressed while doing it all. I can't help but think They're not living life. They're living for the web. 

By creating an idealized image of themselves, it helps them escape reality by seeking reassurance via "friends" on the web. It's a subtle cry for help from the lonely. I know this because I have done it before, unfortunately.

And, friends, I can tell you this: the web is no place to find that reassurance.

This behavior fascinates me, which is why The Narcissism Epidemic is going to be my next book purchase.

American culture: the relentless rise of narcissism, a very positive and inflated view of self. Narcissists believe they are better than others, lack emotionally warm and caring relationships, constantly seek attention, and treasure material wealth and physical appearance. 

Everyone knows someone that fits that description! Should be a fun read. I'll let you know.  

Focus on the physical.

A friend posted this article from Beauty Redefined on ESPN's "Hot or Not" segment. Take a minute to read it if you can.

I think it's an important reminder that all this focus on the physical is harmful to the way men view women and also to how women view themselves. Alleviate objectification and remember: it's not what you look like that matters. It's what you can do.

New hair.

Chopped and colored. Change feels great!

A humiliating story about leaving the salon over on my other blog.

Why she inspires me: body image.

This gal is fantastic. Sarah is a fashion blogger, DIYer, sewer, and Utah (I think?) resident. I've followed her blog for a while now and really, she's amazing. She's got quite the following now too, with good reason. She inspires. But this post was uber inspiring.

As a pretty regular blog reader and self-proclaimed professional internet surfer, I've noticed a sad theme, especially amongst Utah women who gain a following for their talents, professions, etc. whatever it may be. The theme is I'm skinny, love me, my life is effortlessly glamorous, send me compliments, watch as I act humbled by gathering your praise and sucking in your envy.

It's an obvious attempt at a self-esteem boost from the insecure. Sad for both the authors of the blogs and some of the girls reading them because it's all a lie that is often believed by both.

Sarah's post, however, was so honest and inspiring. She looks body image straight in the face and tells the truth and faces the topic even though she is uncomfortable with it. She's healthy and attractive and uses her power to be heard for the greater good. What a gal.

Ombre hair.

I have it. 

More about hair on my other blog!

Wigging out: a bachelorette bash.

Our good friends John and Breanne are getting married! In honor of this huge event, Breanne's sweet sisters-in-law gave her something to wig out about (nope, the puns never get old). This colorful party was unforgettable. Highlights? Oh there are lots, including the infamous penis veil that you may remember from my bash, genetilia shaped food, WIGS (mandatory), lots of derby gals, yummy champagne punch, kareoke, neon pink Harry Slaughter drinks, dirty games, dirty bars and a dirty strip club.  Photos? Yep, we got a few.

 The bride

She asked for dirty cop attire. I found these handcuff pasties and a hat. PERFECT.

 hahahhah

Nate! We love Nate!

 

A sweet dive bar embrace from the bride to be.

Chris and Sam came and got me at 3 AM. Sweet boys. What a fun night. 

I AM SO EXCITED FOR THIS WEDDING

A bachelorette bash.

My friends surprised me with a Park City bachelorette bash, complete with 2-bedroom suite, private rooftop pool and plenty of champagne. It was so much fun. I loved seeing everyone from high school. The penis theme was embarrassing at the restaurant, but became real fun back at the hotel. Here are some of my favorite images:

The gal who made it all possible

Penis suckers on top of delectable cupcakes

Check out that photobomb.

I had to use a ski pole to hit the pinata, but it WORKED.  See all the candy? 

I hate cardboard tampons

Why do they exist? Who wants cardboard...there. WHO?  

I bought a box by accident and I'll tell you what...NOTHING compares to Tampax Pearl.

I know my dedicated group of readers is small and humble and I am pretty sure I won't have offended them with this post. I am even more sure that not many guys read this. If I'm wrong, I'm sorry.

Haircut time

Thank you, Jill