eShakti and gratitude

For November 2nd I’m grateful for my roommates. Seriously, these three girls put up with so much from me. I’m really lucky to have them and I’m lucky they keep putting up with me every single day.

And today…I’m grateful for clothes! I love all the seasons here in Utah and the chance it gives me to wear all different kinds of outfits! I’m glad I live in a place where I can express myself with my style, and that I have enough money to buy clothes.

And speaking of clothes….

I got a lovely little package in the mail the other day….I love packages and clothes so when I get BOTH…best day ever! 
eShakti.com is absolutely delightful. I ordered a shirt online and had it CUSTOMIZED to my height! I usually wear a size small, but sometimes it feels like the “small” is really designed for someone who is SUPER skinny and SUPER tall. Which is not me. eShakti let me tell them how tall I was so my shirt would actually fit me, imagine that!

So I ordered the shirt and it got to me within a week! Fast shipping? Major plus. There’s a wide variety of things to buy there, from more bohemian styles, to professional, to elegant. Seriously, so many different types of clothes that are all cute! For any age. Promise. High school to mom of a high schooler, these are adorable!

AND HOW CUTE IS THIS SHIRT? Seriously. Such a cute pattern and a perfect fit! I can pair it with a skirt or dress slacks for work, and then throw on jeans and have a rockin’ date night outfit! Wear it with a jacket when it’s cold, or by itself when it’s hot! It’s quality material, well lined, modest, and basically I’m obsessed. 

So. eShakti.com is TOTALLY great. 
I even love it so much, I’ve talked them into giving YOU a discount code!
just go to eShakti.com, order something cute, and then when you get to checkout type in ‘averagedayofaginger’ and get 10% OFF! You can use that code as many times as you want from today to December 3rd! Seriously guys, this is an awesome deal for an awesome place to get some winter clothes! 

 Promise you won’t regret it!

Happy gratitude month, and happy shopping, and happy Monday!

Get ice cream and stop caring

I got an email from my beloved Courtney RarararaRADA last night at about 2:30 AM (I have yet to figure out the time difference from Hungary to Utah) and when I woke up and had her wise words to push me through the day. She’s just delightful.

So Short advised me in different words, but I’ll paraphrase for you all. She basically told me that some days are going to be hard, and it’s best on those days to get ice cream, and don’t care what anybody thinks.

And I needed that today.

Some days really are rough. They’re filled with too much school and not enough motivation to power through it, people who gossip about you and the people you love, a lack of chocolate, bad hair days, missing you so much it knocks the wind out of me, worry, and as Holly Golightly would say, the mean reds.

But then you get some ice cream (or in my case, ice cream and pumpkin spice M&M’s, and stop caring. There’s only one person’s opinion who matters. So I’m going to pray a little harder to day, study a little longer, and have Him help me have a better day, and stop caring about all the little things and the mean people.

Just a thought…

I was cruising through some of my favorite blogs today, when I saw something utterly shocking. Anyone who follows Meg In Progress knows she is a doll. An utter doll. I have the pleasure of knowing her personally, and she’s even more wonderful in person. Anyway. I was reading her lovely post about feeding our children intellectually. And a comment on that eloquent post completely bashed Meg. Seriously tore her apart. I was shocked. I’m still a little shocked frankly.

I’m not always the kindest person, I’ll admit. I have moments of being snappy and rude and bossy. Like most people.

And after seeing that utterly inappropriate and rude comment, I’ve decided I’ve had enough.

I’ve had rude comments on my blog. I’ve had people call me out in demeaning and unacceptable ways. I’ve had people who I thought were my friends, belittle my work, and try to belittle my worth.

I’m not going to be a part of it anymore.

So let me apologize to those I’ve been unkind to. I hope I’ve never done it as blatantly as I’ve seen it done, but if I have I am so very sorry. Nobody deserves to be treated like that.

Working in the news industry, I see and hear about terrible things that happen every single day. People who are downright cruel and terrible. It scares me. There is already enough ugly in the world without my back-biting, gossiping, demeaning words. Or yours.

Please think twice before you comment something rude. Please think twice before you say something negative about someone who isn’t in the room. Please think twice. I know I’m going to.

Some of you are probably going to say I’m a hypocrite. Others will say that I’m wasting Internet space, making empty promises to myself and others. Say what you want, but I’m done saying things that don’t add to beauty in the world.

Now. My Pinterest raid of kindness quotes!

Sorry for the rant friends. I made this blog to get out my feelings, so there they are. I’m going to try and take a stand for kindness. Heaven knows this planet doesn’t need another cranky, rude, gossiping girl who knows how to bad-mouth and look good doing it.

Anyway. Happy Thursday everyone. And happy words!

There’s been a murder….and you’re all suspects

Holy cow. What a weekend. What a life we have friends! 
First of all, I got my first pair of Nikes. So clean..you can lick the bottom. So maybe I’m copying the Dubois tradition. It’s fine! 
Feeling real lucky to have known Andrew James Dubois for a whole year. I’d be a totally different person if I didn’t know him. Thanks for being my best friend, adopted brother, and my person. 

This weekend we had a murder mystery dinner. It was seriously one of the most fun things we’ve done this year! We had a murder mystery freshman year and it was amazing…and we decided we had to bring it back! We all dressed up, got scripts and character descriptions, ate food and got clues. It was a blast! If you want to know how to throw your own murder mystery party, comment below! It was SO easy and I’d love to help you plan yours! 
Also, the pumpkin spice and caramel apple sparkling cider drinks they’re selling at Smiths’ right now…PRIME. So good. We also made some delicious food (when I say WE I mean my roommates did). Comment below for recipes for tomato cheese bites, apple dip and spinach dip!
My cute fam came down from home to spend the day with me! They even brought me a coke with my name on it…aren’t they the cutest?? We had gyros from my favorite truck, went to the MOA to see the costume exhibit, went to my work so I could show it off, and had my FAVORITE food for dinner…Sri Lankian at Banana Leaf! Then off to the football game… 

 Where they were able to meet my best friends! What an awesome day:) (Beth isn’t in the picture…she was busy meeting up with her friends!)
Last night we had a great talk with my group of friends. It was honestly so awesome. I’m just feeling really blessed with where I live and where I go to school, with the family I was given and the friends I found. I have some crazy decisions to make, but it’s so wonderful knowing that there are people who care about me and want me to succeed. What a lovely life!
Happy Monday everyone!

General Conference

Holy crow! General Conference has come and gone. And what an amazing, uplifting, wonderful weekend it was! I love getting to listen to the leaders of my church tell us what a God in Heaven wants us to know. Aren’t we lucky!

Here are some of my favorite quotes, and favorite talks from this wonderful weekend!

http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9?isVid=1&isUI=1

http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9?isVid=1&isUI=1 http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9?isVid=1&isUI=1 http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9?isVid=1&isUI=1

James Birdsall took this picture and made this image. What a guy!

If you want to know what General Conference is, shoot me a message! I would love to explain! 
This weekend truly was amazing. It just reminded me how lucky I am to know a loving Father in heaven who wants only the best for me. I am positive that he lives and he loves his children. I know that more than I know anything, it’s the one thing that I am sure of. I want to share my love of my religion with everyone, because it’s the only thing that brings me happiness in this crazy, messed up world. 
Happy Monday everyone! 

How To Succeed In College Without Really Trying

Ok, that’s a lie. The title is just a spoof of a popular show. Google it kiddies.

The reality is, you won’t succeed in college if you don’t try. It just won’t happen! So here are my foolproof strategies to succeed in college while not killing yourself and having fun!

1. READ. Teachers aren’t just assigning reading for the heck of it. It will show up on a quiz or test later. Or at the very least they’ll do one of those quizzes where you check YES if you did the reading, and get points for it. Don’t miss easy points because you were lazy!
2. Take notes. This seems obvious, but for a lot of people it’s not! Even if the power point slides will be online for you to access, I still say you should take notes. It will help you understand and retain the information.
3. Do your homework ASAP. Especially the first few weeks of the semester when there are no tests! Crank that paper or that project out when you don’t have too much to do! Also, don’t leave your homework for Sunday night, just do it when it gets assigned. I promise, you’ll be much happier.
4. STUDY. In high school you didn’t have to try. Here, you do. You actually have to study to do well. And if you don’t….well shame on you. Anyway the point is, set aside time to study for your tests and actually study, don’t just look at the page. Use flashcards, memorization techniques, or teach it out loud. Whatever it takes for you to get the information.
5. Go to class. Seriously. Just do it. There will be classes that you think are pointless, but I guarantee you’ll get better grades if you bite the bullet and go to the lecture.

Hopefully these are helpful. If not….well I’m sorry.

Happy Tuesday everyone!

How to have an amazing birthday

What a wonderful day of birth I had. I have to tell you, my friends and family are out of this world wonderful. They’ve made my whole life amazing, and they made my special 21st birthday awesome as well. Thanks to everyone for the birthday wishes, and thanks to all the people who have made my 21 years on earth incredible. I’m very lucky!

Ok, seriously. My mom is wonderful. Barbie anchor set for the top of my cake!

This is a look of pure joy my friends.
Birthday Dinner: Chicken Alabam (aka, breaded chicken with cream and butter and onions and paprika) over pasta. Cakes at my birthday: Peach Crisp, Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Cool Whip Frosting, Lemon Bars. I’m the luckiest girl alive!  
Awww sisters! 

Snowman bag…I love it:)
Just modeling my new sweater…

This awesome guy bought me birthday breakfast on the actual birthday, plus threw me a party with all my friends the night before! I lucked out in my brotha from anotha motha. 

My cute roomies (and ex roomie Linds) took me to dinner at La Jolla Groves the night of my birthday! I’m so lucky:)

We are cute:) I love my friends!

10 Things Every BYU Freshman Should Know

Well hello, school started. What is this??? I know some of you started last week, but we’re all brand new at this school thing. It’s kinda crazy! I can’t believe I’m starting my senior year here at BYU. Where did the time go??

Typical first day of school pic!

In honor of school, I wanted to write a little post for all the BYU Freshman out there who are trying to figure out this crazy school. Hence, 10 things every BYU freshman should know. Some of these may apply to other freshman as well!

1. This is a big school. You won’t know your professors personally, you won’t always know the name of the person sitting next to you, etc. And that’s ok! It’s great to be friendly and try and meet lots of new people, but don’t feel bad if you don’t know everyone’s name right away.

2. There are some standard questions you should be prepared to ask and answer. What’s your name, where are you from, what’s your major, and occasionally some details about your family (how many siblings you have, etc.) Those are the standard questions that everyone is asking everyone, so prepare accordingly.

3. Everyone is good at everything. It’s rare at BYU to find something you’re the very, very best at. You were valedictorian? So was everyone else. You have played the piano since birth? So has everyone else. You can walk on your hands to class while eating breakfast? So can everyone else. But that’s ok! Find the things you’re good at, and stop comparing yourself to others. You can still shine in a different way than you’re used to.

4. Do your homework. Some people won’t do reading, put off assignments, don’t study for tests. You could get away with that in high school. Not here. Do your work, or you won’t get a good grade. End of story!

5. It’s not all about dating. There is a culture of dating here at BYU. Some people love it, some hate it, but in all honesty it’s important. But don’t let that be your only focus. Focus on learning, having fun, making friends, and the dating will come!

6. There are some cliche BYU traditions you might think you’re too cool for, like hiking the Y or singing the fight song. Don’t be too cool for this school. It’s an incredible place, and I can guarantee you’ll have more fun if you let yourself be here, doing BYU things.

7. Don’t forget that for every person who got in, four people didn’t. You are very, very lucky to be here. There are people who really wanted to go to this school, and aren’t here. Don’t take your spot for granted.

8. Get involved! You heard this all during high school, but now it’s real. Don’t get caught up in the “too cool for anything” idea. Join a club. I was a Student Alumni director and it was one of the best decisions I’ve made. Go to the opening social of your major, meet your ward and neighbors, go to activities on campus. Don’t be lame, have fun!

9. Don’t be so hard on yourself. College is hard. It’s stressful living by yourself, doing your own laundry and spending crazy amounts of money on things you thought were free before. Give yourself a break. You don’t have to be perfect, it’s ok to spend a Saturday in your PJ’s watching movies. Cut yourself some slack!

10. HAVE FUN. Ok, totally cliche thing, but seriously. Have fun while you’re here. Trust me, it goes by so much faster than you think. Before you know it you’re sitting at the front door of senior year, wondering what happened, hoping that you spent your time wisely. Don’t get caught up in drama, don’t stress too much, do good school work and enjoy yourself! This is a one time thing. So have fun!

Boston



My family and I just got back from an amazing trip to Boston to drop off my brother and sister-in-law at Harvard for law school. I’ve been to Boston before, but I don’t remember much about it. Can I just say, I’m obsessed with this amazing city!

One of the first things we did was go to Bunker Hill where Liv and I climbed to the top of the monument. Can you say GORGEOUS!? Beth broke her foot just the day before they left, so she was wheelchair/crutch bound for the trip. She took it like a champ though! 
The “Hahvahd” tour was incredible! So funny and so awesome to learn about Harvard. This is the second most photographed statue in the United States!



 The Boston Museum of Fine Art was AMAZING. I could’ve spent days, even weeks exploring it. It had some of my favorite paintings and some of my favorite artists and it was incredible!


My sisters and I LOVE Degas, so seeing The Little Dancer was incredible! I loved seeing paintings that I’ve studied in high school and college.

Also. Pollock. Wow. 
Awwww aren’t they awesome! 
Seeing the Orchard House that Louisa May Alcott lived in was amazing. My family loves “Little Women” so seeing the inspiration behind it was incredible! 
I also loved going to Sleepy Hollow Cemetery to see the graves of some of my favorite authors

 

Walden Pond was probably my favorite place on this trip. It’s incredible!
Pose with a Thoreau statue!
The house site, so tiny!
And we ended the trip with a wonderful trip to the temple. I love my family, and I loved this time we got to spend together!
Also included on this trip: walking up to the wrong car several times, LOTS of amazing seafood and clam chowder, the best blueberry pie imaginable, trying to figure out where we were, Lexington and Concord visits, the Freedom Trail, the most amazing Italian food ever, game night, struggling to find parking, a sweet dance group on the street, lots of churches and cemeteries, lots of history, too much laughter and a lot of fun! 
It was a great trip but I’m glad to be home, setting up my new apartment and welcoming Hailee Jane Henson home from her mission! But more on that tomorrow:)
Happy Friday everyone!

Follow Up: 10 Things Girls Who Aren’t Serving Missions Want You To Know

Hello friends. I’m overwhelmed and humbled by the response I’ve gotten to this post. Most of the comments have been positive, but there has been some negative response. So I’m going to address some of the issues that have come forward, clear some things up once and for all so that the real purpose of my message can be the important part. I apologize if I’ve offended anyone, at all, for any reason. That was never, ever the intent of this message. The intent was to inform others of how so many are feeling, and to help change the culture we’re currently in.

  • I wrote this article for a few reasons. I saw so many girls struggle with deciding whether or not to go on a mission. I myself struggled. I felt pressure from every side to serve, and I knew serving a mission would be wonderful. When I got the answer no, it was hard to trust in the Lord and follow what he had asked me to do, because of this pressure. I want other girls who are going through this to know they are not alone, to see the support that they can have, and know that if they choose to serve or not, there is a place for them and people who understand. 
  • Another reason why I wrote this article is to help those who aren’t in this situation understand what these girls (and sometimes boys) are going through. It allows others to understand the situation, and to act accordingly. It helps them know what might hurt the feelings of others, and be as kind as possible so everyone feels they have a place in this gospel. 
  • I have been accused time and time again of being offended. I will openly admit, when I first received my answer about a mission and then heard some of the things people had to say, I was offended. That was months ago. I have since decided that I have no need to be. I am not angry, revengeful, self-serving, or offended. But there are some out there who are offended by what others say about missions. And there are others who are offensive in what they say. My goal is for everyone to be kinder, more understanding, and more Christ-like. 
  • I have also been accused of being insecure in my choice. I can assure you, if I was insecure in my decision, I would not call attention to myself in this way. I wrote this blog to help others who may be insecure in their decision know that there is help out there.
  • I have been told time and time again that being offended is a choice. I understand that, and with all the negative comments I’ve gotten from this post, I’m choosing not to be offended. But as much as not taking offense is a choice, so is not giving offense. My hope with this post is for everyone to understand what someone may take offense at, and to be careful with what they say so they don’t give offense or choose to be offended. 
  • There are those who have said to choose not to serve a mission is selfish. This is not correct. In this situation, I received personal revelation. To not follow God’s plan, to ignore his guidance for me, would be selfish. 
  • There are some who say there is no need for this post, that this isn’t an issue. From the flood of responses I’ve gotten, it’s obvious this is an issue. In our society right now, so many feel forgotten, pushed out, inferior. I want everyone to know there is a place for them in this gospel, whether they serve a mission or not. You can decide to ignore the issue, but it’s real, and so many people feel it all across this church. 
  • I’ve been accused of too much censorship. I only publish comments that are respectful. If I didn’t feel like something was respectful to me personally, or those in my situation, it wasn’t published. I have been nothing but kind and respectful in my posts and replies, and I expect the same of anyone that publishes on my blog. There are several comments of those who don’t agree with me, and these respectful comments were respectfully published and replied to. Also, for those who accused me of being a faker and not a natural redhead, I am 100% naturally a redhead! I’ve never dyed my hair haha!
  • I have been accused of hating missionaries. This is not true at all. Missionaries are wonderful! They are so important for our church. Member missionaries are also important. So are Bishops and Relief Society Presidents, primary teachers and nursery leaders. Everyone has a place in this Gospel! I realize how distinguishing a mission call is. However, there are also things that others do that are distinguishing as well. My only suggestion is to help everyone feel their accomplishments are important. 
  • Not serving a mission does not make anyone inferior. That’s all there is to it, really. If you believe that someone is inferior, or less, because they aren’t serving a mission, then you are entitled to your opinion. But please don’t bash me for expressing mine.
  • I just want less judgment, and more love in the church. I’m not asking anyone to love a sin or a sinner, just extend love to those who may have a different plan. Both options are good options! Both options are Christ-like options. Let’s all help everyone feel their prayerful considerations are valued in this church. 
The intent of this post is to help everyone feel welcome in this church. To help others understand what some sisters (and brothers) around you may be feeling. You can choose to be upset about this, but it’s true. It’s how so many of us feel. 
Thank you for your discussions, your comments, and being willing to listen to what I have to say. I love you all!