By myself

Guys. Today I made a curtain for our kitchen window. No big deal, really. A handful of straight stitches. But I did it with only my own wit and creativity to guide me. No Pinterest, no tutorial. Just me and my brain. And Bernice of course. And it felt good. I love Pinterest and tutorials but I so enjoyed the (brain) exercise. And now I don't have to see our crumbly window frame ;)

Also, I just uploaded a bajillion photos from my phone so this blog may actually have posts in the next couple of days.

Student Life: College Essentials

A while back I posted some tips for saving money on textbooks, today I am sharing one my college essentials: a good backpack!

 Here is my backpack. I LOVE it. Nate and my roommates pitched in to buy it for my 20th birthday last year. It's the Northface Recon, in my favorite color, yellow (of course).

Its cushioned straps, chest and hips belts make it super comfortable when walking to campus with a load of books. The side mesh pockets are perfect for my water bottle and umbrella.

When I started college back home, I had little Jansport that I got simply because it was zebra-printed. Once I got to BYU, I quickly realized that was not gonna cut it. I then got another Jansport that was larger, but of similar (low) quality. I finally realized it was worth it to get something nicer that would last. Thankfully, I had a good boyfriend and friends who helped me out. :)

This backpack has already been through a lot with me! It went with me to Peru and has been on my back ever since. I love using it on hikes and maybe one day I'll use it as a diaper bag!

P.S. Eight cool backpacks.

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Do you have any products that helped you during college? I'd love to hear!

Photography: where we live

Well it turns out we don't have to drive into the mountains to see fall colors. 

As graduation and real life gets closer, I've begun to appreciate our home more and more.

These were all taken on my walk home from campus.

 Can you spot the temple? We have loved living 200 yards from the temple!

Sorry if you are tired of all my many pictures of mountains. I just can't help it!

Link Love (aka blog-stalking)

1. Vintage photos return on The Sartorialist! I love seeing the lovely (and precious) photos people send of their family!

2. Oh so beautiful yellows on SF Girl by Bay.

3. I would love to have one of these old-school pull-down maps!

4. Sailing around Greece for $230/night?! Sign me up!! Found on Oh Happy Day!

5. We stopped by Bijou Market in Provo on Friday and it was pretty good. Most things were pretty over-priced, and I kept thinking "I can make that...I can make that..." But I did find a cute ruffled top. Maybe I'll put up a photo if the weather ever gets nice enough to wear short-sleeves. We didn't stay long...we were eager to have our at-home date which included the elegant Little Caesar's Pizza.

A skirt!

I ran home today from class to quickly change into...a skirt!
Without tights!
(Enough said!)