so in love with SNOW

Snow is simply lovely. It definitely hits my list of "favorite things". Snow has the power to bring back so many fun, eventful, cold and important memories. I love that snow falls during the winter months; meaning snow seems set the stage for the holidays. Going to the Nutcracker without a snow blizzard is unheard of for me. Snowball fights, with my brothers is a long lived tradition. "Praying" for a white Christmas is routine now. And lucky for me, my wish usually comes true. Driving in the snow is challenging and a bit fearful. However, nothing is better than heat seaters, foggy windows with snowflakes and the breathtaking view of scenery covered in snow. Call me crazy, but snow is romantic. It requires cuddling, snuggling, laying by the fire, hot chocolate, and a visit to Temple Square. Looking out the window at a white world is refreshing and certainly peaceful. With no competition, snowflakes are my favorite thing to doodle. What's skiing, sledding, or ice skating without the snow? It's a must. Snow is gorgeous. And how brilliant it is that no snowflake is like another. I love that fact. The intricate world we live in was so graciously constructed... and snowflakes are one of earth's greatest gems. I just love the snow- that is all there is to it. Please keep falling. You have made my day delightful and have been the inspiration for this post today.

'sole'mate

red shoes

let's face it- I have an obsession with red shoes.

Well, shoes, period.

ballet flats: my favorite everyday shoe. i am in love. (these are lovely-i live in them)

high heels: i really only wear them on Sundays. But, there is nothing like

putting on a pair of heels. i feel feminine and classy.

"kicks": i rarely wear tennis shoes. but these are my favorite.

cowboy boots: of course i have red ones. brown ones too. (mine are similar)

flip flops: i live in these during the summer. or when my feet

are covered in blisters. they make the ride home from dance bearable.

toms: my most comfortable pair of shoes. buy a pair today. you'll love them.

but, red shoes are my simply one of my favorite things.

I'd be embarrassed to tell you how many pairs I own.

Let's just say, I collect them.

If I could spend infinite money on one thing... it would be shoes.

(and maybe a purse or two)

i. love. shoes.

red ones are my signature.

key point

piano

i love to play.

i love to learn.

i love to listen.

i love to create.

i love to perform.

i love to accomplish.

i love to practice.

The piano is obviously on my list of "my favorite things". How could it not be? Playing the piano is a staple of freedom, creation, perfection and joy in my life. I have grown to admire classical music (another one of my favorite things) through my love of playing the piano. I fell so close to myself when I sit down to play. Just me and the piano. A feeling I can't describe. Performing is a thrill, simply because it is the one thing that makes me the most nervous in life. I can't forget to mention my love for Chopin and Bach. Or my love for my mother who inspired me to play. Music always touches my soul. My inspiration as to why I chose to add "piano" to the list? Well, today I sat down at the piano and began playing. I was instantly overwhelmed by a feeling of gratification for the talent I have graciously been given to be able to learn, love and play. A talent I will hold close to my heart.

chocolaty goodness

nutella

I simply love hazelnut and chocolate.

Nutella therefore, is a perfect creation.

try it on wheat toast

dip pretzels

wonderful on waffles and pancakes

fruit. of course

delicious on a whole wheat tortilla with peanut butter

spread on graham crackers

The possibilities are endless,

These are just a few of my favorites.

it's raining, it's pouring.

r a i n

It's a given that rain is one of my favorite things. Rain is refreshing, brilliant, and lovely. Yesterday, it literally rained from the moment I woke up to the moment I went to bed. Non stop. A dark and gloomy day, but certainly a gorgeous one. The winds were howling. The air was wet and cold. The streets were flooded. And umbrellas and rain boots received their debut.

Yesterday's rainy day is what inspired this post, that I will continue to add to as my life lives on. Subject.... "My Favorite Things". Not a shocker, that rain is on the list- let alone the first thing. I love rainy days, running through puddles, wearing rain boots, and cuddling up inside. Whether it be a down pour or a light summer rain, I love it all.

However, I have two very specific reasons for falling in love with the rain. The first being, that the earth receives her shower. The world is extra gorgeous the day after a rain storm. It looks hydrated, greener, smells fresh and literally glows. I'm always stunned by the beauty of the earth after it's cleansed by a storm. Pure beauty.

My second reason being that my brain is flooded with memories on rainy days. Why? Simply because I have had glorious moments during rainy days. Let's be honest, we all know it's every girl's fantasy to fulfill her dream of kissing in the rain. How lucky I am to say I have fulfilled the aspiration. More than once, actually. One of my favorite memories to this day is the time that I kissed my-lover-in-Malaysia in a down pour. High school days, outside my house, leaning on his car. We were soaking wet. Not wanting to ever say goodbye that night in fear that that moment of sheer perfection and love would end.... reality hit when I went inside and found myself peeling off my wet jeans and wringing out my soaking wet hair. A night that will always be remembered. Better yet, it's a night he has chosen to keep in his memory box as well.

Who knows, maybe I love the rain because I love him. It's comforting to know when on rainy days we both think of each other. Miles away, the one thing we still have in common is our memories; And our rainy ones seem to be the best.

I love you RAIN. And I love you, lover-in-Malaysia.