Paul & Jenn

happy holidays!

2009-12-30T20:53:00.001-07:00

See you all in 2010! ;)

beauty

2009-11-19T13:13:00.000-07:00

This woman is beautiful. Inside and out. If you haven't heard her story yet, read it here. Proud to say,

She will also be on the Today show on November 24, 2009.

did I tell you how much I love pumpkin?

2009-11-17T12:27:00.001-07:00

I recently stumbled upon this recipe for Pumpkin Risotto. I think I might try it out this week!

who doesn't like free stuff?

2009-11-15T18:13:00.001-07:00

Lately, I have been reading a lot of other people's blogs. This one I came across recently, informed me about a new Etsy shop. And the designer is doing a giveaway right now. Now, I LOVE Etsy. And I do love fashion. And more than anything, I love free stuff. Even if I don't win, I might be purchasing one in the future.....

Buy them here.

one of my favorite things.....

2009-11-15T17:50:00.000-07:00

This is truly one of my favorite times of year....right after Halloween leading up to Christmas. There are so many things that I love about this season - family & friends(most importantly), cooking, the smells, snow(now that I live in Utah...it is guaranteed before Christmas), Christmas music, Christmas lights, hot chocolate, baking....yes, I am not going to lie - one of my favorite things this time of year is the baked goods. And my favorite ingredient? Pumpkin.

While the snow was falling outside yesterday, I was inside baking these delicious things. They are great without frosting, but if you must....this recipe goes great.

all I want to do....

2009-11-14T15:14:00.003-07:00

It is snowing outside here in Salt Lake. And it makes me think about shopping. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that I have not shopped in awhile. All I want to do is shop! And I promise you, as soon as I have a job again - one of these coats will be in my closet.

I have been thinking about this one for months! Plus, I need a new leather coat.

This color looks really awesome on me. And I like the buttons.

Which one should I get?

photos courtesy of www.victoriassecret.com

Zion's in the fall.

2009-11-10T10:49:00.000-07:00

While in southern Utah for my half marathon, we didn't pass up a chance to go to Zion National Park. Check out the fall colors against the red rock....so beautiful!

the results.....

2009-11-10T10:41:00.001-07:00

Well. I did it. I completed my first half marathon. AND. I did it within my time goal. Under 2 hours. My official time: 1:56:26.7

Before the start.

About mile 10....still going strong!

Would you believe I can't wait until the next one?!?

my FIRST!

2009-11-04T16:11:00.003-07:00

I am running my FIRST half marathon this weekend. Saturday to be exact...and....I am excited! Can you believe that?

Here are some pics of what I get to run 13.1 miles through...

Here is a link to my course. Wish me luck!

meet the dogs

2009-11-01T22:00:00.002-07:00

in case you have not met them yet, meet caspian and whisper. the beautiful dogs that entertain paul and i on a daily basis....

aren't they cute?

simply fetching

2009-10-29T14:16:00.005-06:00

During my unemployment this year I have constantly been trying to come up with different ways to make money. I recently came across this company on facebook and thought they have a pretty clever idea for creating exceptional interior design within the current economic situation.

Check out the idea behind the pictures here.

Not to mention, they have a pretty nice portfolio.....here's a sneak peak:

all images courtesy of www.vignetteinteriordesign.com

because i need it.

2009-10-19T14:28:00.002-06:00

here is an inspirational quote of the day for you to ponder, because i need it today....

'We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a habit.'

- Aristotle

i am a runner.

2009-10-13T11:49:00.000-06:00

and this is one of the views I was able to enjoy from my run on sunday morning.......so amazing!

salt lake modern

2009-10-12T12:44:00.000-06:00

believe it or not, salt lake actually has quite a collection of modern architecture. thanks to a great friend of mine, amber, i had the opportunity to tour and visit one of these homes. saturday night, salt lake modern, associated with the utah heritage foundation, hosted an evening of architecture and art. a mid-century modern piece of architecture housed with the artwork of local, modern artist John Bell.

residence of mary fresques and john bell, designed by john sudgen, built 1959

this event was also hosted in recognition of DOCOMOMO US Annual Tour Day which highlighted several buildings, sites and neighborhoods in the modern movement throughout the US, Canada and Mexico. more information here.

all images and info courtesy of utah heritage foundation

nike+

2009-10-08T18:28:00.000-06:00

as i was purchasing my running shoes yesterday, there were many flyers about 'the nike+ Human Race 10K'. of course i asked for more information and found out it is a world wide 10K race on October 24, 2009. and the best part. it's free. so i signed up, and you should too!

to run with me in salt lake, click here.

new kicks...

2009-10-08T18:12:00.000-06:00

yesterday, i visited a local running store Salt Lake Running Co. to get fitted for some brand new running shoes. these are what i walked out with.......

i didn't realize the importance of great running shoes until now. and i never thought i would run with nike shoes again either. this is because i had never tried on a REAL nike running shoe. the bowerman series are REAL running shoes. read more about them here.

image courtesy of nike.com

for my fellow architecture geeks.

2009-10-02T13:29:00.000-06:00

CHECK THEM OUT HERE.

perfect timing

2009-10-02T12:38:00.001-06:00

paul brought these slippers home for me yesterday...

they are soooo warm!!!

i want it....

2009-10-01T18:10:00.000-06:00

well. utah had it's first measurable snowfall yesterday. it makes me want to shop! i have been eying these boots this past week. feel free to send, i wear an 8.5 ;)

don't you want a pair?? buy them here.

made it.

2009-09-29T15:32:00.000-06:00

so.....we made it to the top! here's proof.....

paul, jenn, jake, jeni

mt. timpanogos summit, 11,750ft.

sept. 26, 2009

real mountains

2009-09-24T17:53:00.000-06:00

those of you who know me, know that i am from the east coast. nowhere on the east coast are there mountains like the mountains i see EVERY day here in utah. here is one that i am climbing on saturday with some great friends....mt. timpanogos.

i am not doing it in the winter guys....but wow. pretty cool shots huh? the summit is 11,749ft. wish me luck.

all photos courtesy of: http://www.summitpost.org

i love red

2009-09-24T14:23:00.000-06:00

check out PUMA's mobile retail and event unit, which was on display in Boston earlier this year.

superfoods!

2009-09-23T12:08:00.000-06:00

i have always eaten 'healthy' in my opinion. lately, in trying to become a better runner(currently training for a half marathon) and a healthier human being all together, i have learned a lot about FOOD and realized that perhaps i could be eating a lot healthier. i have become particularly fond of these 'superfoods'. it's hard when you are on a budget, but whenever i see a sale on one of these items, i am sure to take advantage.

almond butter

apples

avocados

blueberries

chiles

eggs

goji berries
kale

lean beef

oats

olive oil

parmesan

pomegranates

quinoa

tarragon

wild salmon

yogurt

Yum!!!!

next on my reading list

2009-09-22T18:58:00.000-06:00

when i first moved out to utah...2 years ago now!!...i had the pleasure of working with a man named jason, who has turned into a great friend of mine. he is in fact the person who first got me into running seriously. so, i guess this is the perfect gift from him - which arrived on my doorstep today.

it is next on my reading list. thanks jason.

for fun....

2009-09-22T13:21:00.000-06:00

i came across this contraption on a visit to a favorite blog of mine.... Yanko Design.

what the hell?? maybe this will help.....

i have certainly been told more than once that i speak too loudly. this helmet, made out of paper, is supposed to help you become more aware of the loudness of your voice and encourage you to speak more softly....

hmmmmmmmmmmm.....i guess if i wanted people to stare at me, this might do the trick! :)

check out the full story here.

Stitched

2009-09-20T22:00:00.000-06:00

another awesome friend of mine, jeni, is the designer and founder of Stitched Cards. i am so proud of what she has accomplished. her cards are so unique! i definitely recommend that you check out all the designs here.

bubble tea

2009-09-20T21:28:00.000-06:00

i had the pleasure of trying bubble tea this weekend, thanks to an awesome friend of mine - holly. never had i heard of this type of tea until yesterday.

what is this, do you say?

after a little online research, these are my findings:

bubble tea originated in Taiwan in the 1980's. also known as boba drink, pearl tea drink, boba ice tea, boba, pearl ice tea, black pearl tea, tapioca ball drink, and so many others. typically, it is a healthy tea poured over ice with an added powder flavoring or blended with milk, fruit and ice to create a creamy, healthy milkshake served in a clear glass with tapioca pearls sitting on the bottom. a huge fat straw is used so that the 'bubbles' can be sucked up and eaten.

how was it? delicious. thank you holly for a perfect start to a perfect afternoon.

information courtesy of http://www.bubbleteasupply.com

wish i could go........

2009-09-18T13:47:00.000-06:00

Los Angeles chapter of the American Institute of Architects Fall 2009 home tour, October 4, 2009. Wish I could go...........!!

Check out this house I found, which will be featured in the home tour above, on one of my favorite blogs, contemporist.com.

Check out all pics and the full story here. Enjoy!!

preeeetty

2009-09-15T16:47:00.000-06:00

i am on a roll today, huh? you love it jeni!! ;)

this past weekend, paul's friend chad was in town with a friend from highschool. after the usual, nice to meet you, what do you do? - i found out she is a fashion designer of a girl's clothing line PrettyMe. Check out her entire collection here on etsy.....

Moooooo

2009-09-15T13:11:00.000-06:00

I found an awesome site to make your own business cards....actually two. Mine have been designed and are on their way!

courtesy of moo.com

Zazzle.com offers a lot more freedom in the design of the cards...here are some of the templates they have(which you can customize to be your own) or you can start from scratch!

all courtesy of zazzle.com

I'm baaack...

2009-09-15T13:06:00.000-06:00

ok people. i am going to try this again.... it's been a rough year(i think i already posted that...) and it hasn't gotten any easier. i have learned a lot and am thankful for the experience - but seriously, i need a job!! come on economy....please get better......pleeeassee!

Steelcase

2009-04-25T20:29:00.000-06:00

One of the manufacturers I sell at my new job is Steelcase. This past week, I was sent to Grand Rapids, MI for training. At the end of the trip, I scheduled a tour of the Steelcase Corporate Headquarters. I was so inspired. I felt a definite european influence. I loved it. Take a look at some of the images I captured.........

Reception/waiting area

I love this detail

Chihuly

Hans Wegner Designs....

More Hans Wegner Designs.....love them!

Last year's Neocon showcase

Andy Warhol Originals

Chair Designed by Hans Wegner

If you can see that guy in the background standing up at his computer.....that is a typical steelcase executive office.

More Andy Warhol Originals

FLW

2009-04-23T20:14:00.001-06:00

My first Frank Lloyd Wright home......inside and out.

Love his attention to detail

look at that grout work! he even emphasized the horizontal line here.......

love the dining room table(even thought my shot is a little crooked....)

Cool ORIGINAL plumbing fixtures.

he designed his homes down to the dinnerware!

Original mural(touched up)

details, details, details

Pretty Cutting Board

2009-04-18T23:23:00.000-06:00

Courtesy of www.yankodesign.com. I think Paul would like this one....

Caspian

2009-04-18T12:51:00.000-06:00

Paul and I watched the movie 'Marley and Me' last night. It was Paul's first time seeing it, my second. And I cried both times. Great movie. It really made us think about the time we have left with one of our huskies, Caspian. Caspian turned twelve this year. Paul has had him since he was a puppy. Their relationship epitomizes the 'man's best friend' statement. I fell in love with Caspian the first time I came out to Salt Lake to visit Paul. He loves everyone! And he especially loves his family. He loves to be around us. When Paul and I are home, he is never more then 10 ft. away. When we sit on the couch, he has to be under our feet snuggled up between the two of us. As much as Caspian loves to be inside with us, he of course loves to be outside as well. There is nothing better than to watch him running in the mountains. He is truly happiest when he is around nature. We love you Caspian!

Employment

2009-03-17T18:03:00.000-06:00

Well guys. I have finally joined you as an employed individual!!! I got a job offer today! yay!!!!!!!!! I am excited. My hardwork and patience has finally paid off. Anyone out there who has just been laid off or maybe is still looking for work....hang in there. It's hard, I know. and frustrating. for sure. but you will be ok. Stay positive, determined, and most importantly....confident! I found that confidence was a trait of mine, that somehow tried to sneak away from me. It's this economy and the job market. but I got my confidence back, and thank god, because it is one of the things that got me a job.
Alright. Now for some celebrating with green beer! Cheers!

Don't Forget..........

2009-02-18T18:29:00.000-07:00

I found this on a blog I look at often.....www.absolutelybeautifulthings.blogspot.com/. I thought it was excellent. Don't forget.....spring is almost here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Blogging

2009-02-16T14:41:00.000-07:00

Well. It's been awhile. I apologize. Its been a rough couple months. The job market is tough. I have been searching hard for weeks and my result: one interview. Hey. At least I landed one. I am still waiting to hear back from the company I interviewed with and will be sure to keep you posted...
In the mean time....I have started two businesses. One, my personal design business - JLC Designs. Anyone need any interior design work? Let me know. Now, let's talk about my other business......

I have the opportunity to make money AND have great skincare and makeup products. What more does a woman want? These products are all botanically based, hypoallergenic, dermatologist tested, and NEVER tested on animals. It is a GREAT product, with something for everyone. Please, check out the website: www.arbonne.com, click on products - and start looking at what I have to offer. I will have a launch party soon and you will be invited! Until then, if you have questions or want to buy anything, please let me know!
So. I certainly have been keeping busy. I want to be sure and thank all the wonderful friends out there for helping me through this tough time.....I don't know where I would be without you! It makes me feel good inside to know there are so many people out there who care. Thank you!

Murphy's Law

2009-01-18T19:23:00.000-07:00

"Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong."

This quote is very true. Paul and I are doing ok, and we will be ok....however, something horrible and shocking happened this week. I was laid off. I have been trying so hard to prepare myself for something like this......this is the second round of lay-offs my company has done. When I survived the first one, it really put things in perspective for me. But, in reality, you can never prepare yourself for something until it really happens. I can't explain to you how many different emotions I have felt over the past few days. At the moment, I am in North Carolina with my family - I had planned a trip this weekend to see my brother, Chris, who is on leave from Iraq for a couple weeks. Thank god for family.

Please keep us in your thought and prayers.

Winter Wonderland

2009-01-09T19:15:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures that we took at one of our favorite places to take the dogs....the Bonneville Shoreline Trail. We have great views of the city and the Salt Lake valley as well as some amazing sunsets. Anyway, for those of you who have never met our beautiful dogs - Caspian has the black, tan and white coat with brown eyes and Whisper has the reddish brown and white coat with blue eyes. Enjoy!

If only my mouth were closed.......!

Looking south

My handsome man.

The dogs with their daddy...

Paul and Caspian

Caspian and Whisper

Here's to 2009!

2009-01-09T18:33:00.000-07:00

First post. Pressure. Be nice. haha. So, as you can see, Paul and I have finally decided to jump on the blog bandwagon. I am not the greatest writer, and I know I will probably be writing most of this :) so I am hoping it will help me become a BETTER writer. Don't get me wrong, Paul will be helping me with this.....he will be editing my posts as well as taking the role of photographer....most of the time...I am trying to become better. :)
Well. It's a new year. and I hope it's a good one. I want to end with a quote I read on the wall of the Bodyworld's exhibit.....

"Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions."

-The 14th Dalai Lama