A Spoonful of Freckles

New Site!

2011-08-09T21:54:00.000-07:00

Hey there friends! Guess what?! I have a brand spankin' new site!

This new site is full food and fitness and lots of life:) I will no longer be using this blog so head on over to jessieannjames.com

Lots of love

xoxo

Jessie Ann

"Lets hear it for the boys!"...well fathers:)

2011-06-19T19:42:00.001-07:00

Its a day to celebrate our dads! Fathers Day only comes once a year but I think fathers deserve more celebrating than that. Fatherhood is an around the clock job juggling babies, work, teenagers, and everything in between. My father has been there for every big moment of my life and continues to send light and love with all that comes. Happy Fathers Day Dad! I love you and can't thank you enough for the years of love and patience!

xoxo

Jessie Ann

Eat to Live...Step one of a life change

2011-06-18T12:19:00.000-07:00

Started this gem yesterday! The first step to a change is learning all about it! So here goes:)

Honeymoon

2011-06-11T21:13:00.000-07:00

Hey Friends...

I know it has been a little while so I thought that I should catch you up with a few of our favorite pictures from the Cruise! We had a blast and I did not want to come home! Im working on a new blog/website with a friend and I am really excited about it! There are a lot of changes happening in my life and I am looking forward to sharing them! stay posted:)

This was our first day aboard the Carnival Splendor!

Played some mini golf...

Lovers Beach In Cabo San Lucas

we love the towel animals

Parasailing in Cabo!

Puerta Vallarta

The Crazy jeep ride before our Extreme Canopy Adventure

Nightly Towel picture

Our Favorite elevator to ride with "Edwardo"

I was sad to come back to normal life but excited for more adventures to come!

xoxo Jessie Ann

The best 2 weeks yet!

2011-05-23T23:44:00.000-07:00

A little homemade Fro Yo (thanks to a fun wedding gift!)

Carson's fav...Homemade mac n cheese

Its been 2 weeks of marriage bliss...

cheesy...

but what can I say? I'm a newlywed! I'd say that we have done well in our little place in Viva Las Vegas! We are basically settled and leave for our cruise a week from today...Were a little excited!

In Love

2011-05-13T09:56:00.001-07:00

We survived the crazy stress of the week before the wedding...

Surprisingly, that day came and I was calm, excited, and ready.

May 7th was the perfect day. The sun was shinning, family and friends surrounded us, and I finally married my best friend. Sealed for Time and all Eternity. Many more memories to be made and adventures to come!

xoxo Mrs Jessie Ann James

The Single Digits

2011-04-27T17:36:00.000-07:00

I...CANT...WAIT

I think that the next 9 days are going to creep by... Its crazy to me that the entire day will be over in a snap but we've been planning it for months! Everything is all set in place and just waiting for me to approve it when I get back to Utah. Bridals turned out to be a success and chase is working his magic on decor! Luckily I have Carson, Scott, and some girlfriends to help me pass this last weekend before the wedding in Vegas. S0 grateful that I wont have to spend another day in Las Vegas alone:)

His Sacred Name - An Easter Declaration

2011-04-22T15:47:00.000-07:00

A beautiful message to think about this Easter Weekend

Down to the Nitty Gritty

2011-04-10T19:51:00.001-07:00

28 days folks....

28 days till I am Mrs Jessie Ann James

28 days till I say I Do

and 28 days till all of this hard work pays off

...sounds perfect right?

It will be perfect, but until then I am the definition of Bridezilla. From mini breakdowns everyday to spending countless hours and dollars on the random wedding details, I cannot wait for that day to come. Poor Carson has dealt with more tears and stress than he ever should and is well prepared for the stresses to come. I cannot wait to hand it over to someone else and participate in my day. Take in all of the beauty and soak in the happiness that I will feel. I keep hearing that I should enjoy the stress because it only happens once, but I'm not a fan of this stressed out me. Cross your fingers this next week in Utah goes well!

The "I want to list"

2011-04-06T11:42:00.000-07:00

There are so many things that I want to do in life! How many times do I find myself thinking of the places I want to go and the things I want to accomplish? Well...why can't I do all of them? Isnt that what life is all about? It's time to let go of the fear that is holding me back and start making those wants a reality!

Here are just a few...

Pilates Certification on the Reformer
Attend Culinary School
Visit Bali (I just watched Eat, Pray, Love) It looks AMAZING!...do you think carson will go for that??
Learn the art of eating/making RAW foods
Take a trip with Carson to Italy and do Temple work in the new LDS Temple being built in Rome!

(Thats just to name a few!)

Well...wish me luck!

Retraining my Thoughts

2011-03-28T23:28:00.000-07:00

"It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are." ~ E.E. Cummings

I recently read an article that got me thinking...I spend way too much time selfishly comparing myself and waisting my energy on negative thoughts. Nothing too dramatic but we can always improve right? I sent this article to a friend and we came to the conclusion that it is easy to read an article like this one and block it out. I find myself saying "I really should do this...be better"but IT NEVER HAPPENS! It's so hard to change the way I think but it is something that needs to be done! I've decided to turn over a new chapter and really focus on this self change. I'm beginning to see, thanks to the wise words of Carson, that this change is going to take real work...real patience...and time. I'm ready for this change. Thoughts are and interesting task to tackle. Our heads are like a stage and only one idea can occupy it at a time. The trick is to fill that stage with positive, real thoughts. Easier said than done right? I'm still working on a plan to achieve this goal but hopefully I can incorporate the 3 steps.

1. Embrace your individuality

2. Flip your focus

3. Celebrate

Check out the article below!

3 Steps to Stop Making Comparisons and Start Valuing Yourself

Meet Baby Myer!

2011-03-24T22:48:00.000-07:00

It has been a crazy week for the Thacker Family...

First little Navy made her way here and now we have another new addition to the family!

Congrats to Bryton and Jake as they welcome their sweet baby boy into the world! Cant wait to meet him!

I ache to be this inspiring...Sharing Spaces: Episode 3 - In good company (Behind the scenes of Shared...

2011-03-20T00:41:00.000-07:00

I dont have to say much...This is beauty...and this is what life needs to be:)

~Jessie Ann

Meet navy mae taylor

2011-03-17T16:48:00.001-07:00

Look at her...already the cutest thing with smiling eyes!

I'm very sad that she is 10 hours away in New Mexico and I dont get to see her till probably may...ugh she's not going to know her aunt...but...

Im just going to have to make up for a little lost time and give her all the loving I have!

One of the most inspiring things i have ever seen...

2011-03-03T22:35:00.000-08:00

Mac'N Cheese

2011-02-24T10:55:00.001-08:00

I can thank Carson James for this new little tradition we have.

When I first met him, his favorite meal was Velveeta Mac and Cheese and I couldn't stand the taste or look of it. I tried my very hardest to shove vegetables down his throat but I was unsuccessful.

Instead...

Carson introduced me to the wonderful world of noodles and cheese! A friend recommended a great local spot in NYC that was dedicated to Mac N Cheese and I decided to win some brownie points and take Carson there. I fully expected to not enjoy that dinner but I was completely wrong. This place was small, about the size of a large walk in closet and served the best Mac and Cheese around. Mac Bar is now our favorite NYC spot and we'll def be back to visit it the next time we find ourselves in NYC

Carsons Mac even came in a plastic noodle shaped dish that he got to take home! Kinda cool huh? I was kinda hooked...It tasted soo great!

We heard of one other NYC spot that stricklty served Mac and Cheese so we had to try it! Saritas Mac and Cheese! Better know as S'Mac!

Carson ordered the sampler platter and tried every type imaginable. He wouldn't eat the Mac made with Brie so I ate that one and almost fell over in my chair. It was to die for! It may have been a toss up between the two places but one thing I knew for sure....I was a new Mac and Cheese lover!

So...

we heard from a friend that Las Vegas had some Mac and Cheese to offer at a little place called Mac Shack. We got excited and decided we had to try it...

Sadly my little dish was terrible and Carsons Pepper jack Mac was pretty good but nothing compared to what we ate in NYC. I'm beginning to think I need to learn how to make a slammin Mac and Cheese dish if we are going to survive here without our NYC Mac! Never made a gourmet Mac and Cheese before and I'm thinking this could be a fun adventure!!

Happy Cooking!

Valentines Day will have to wait...

2011-02-14T11:24:00.001-08:00

So here I am in Las Vegas, engaged and alone on Valentines...

This will be my first Valentines Day with someone that loves me and I can't even spend it with him!

Slightly annoying...

but...

Carson James fly's in to town on Friday at 6:45 am! (I think he was really anxious to get here) and we decided to celebrate Valentines Day on friday and pretend that today is just any other day. Not so sure how romantic i'll feel at 6:45 am, but we gotta work with what we can get! So...im really looking forward to Friday for my day of Valentiens candy and celebrations! I cant stop eating the Cinnamon JuJu hearts and I recently discovered the Rasperry Hugs! Trouble... Those are trouble...

So here is a little love for the day and the good stuff will have to wait!

~Jessie Ann

I'm A Big Kid Now...

2011-02-07T20:23:00.000-08:00

The past three weeks have been full of adult decisions that had to be made. I returned from NYC and immediately begun to look for my own apartment. I had anticipated it only taking a day or two but I was way off...After failing at finding something that wasn't a retirement home or in a dump, I gave up and called a Realtor. Thank goodness I did! She was a friend of a cast member and took care of me like I was her own. We found the perfect place and spent some long hours nailing down all the adult stuff. I had no idea most of the questions I should be asking before I signed on the dotted line, but thankfully she guided me right through the whole process. By 2 p.m. on a Friday afternoon I got the keys to my new apartment and drove straight home to Utah.

My excuse to drive to Utah was that I needed to get the rest of my things (which is mostly true) but...I really just wanted to see my fiance! I'm beginning to see that the long distance relationship that I thought would fly by, seems to be a lot harder...But we do our best:) It was great to be home to plan a wedding, see friends and family, and spend time with Carson.

...sadly, I had to go back to sin city and take care of my new place....For the first week I only had an air mattress and boxes to fill the empty space! Not much of a home to come home to... Although I still have a long way to go, my cute place is coming along. Carson flew down about 3 weeks after I left Utah and we spent his whole trip painting my place! ugh who knew it would take so long! Thankfully I had him here to help me or it would have never gotten done! My walls would look like splatter paint had he not been here...What a trooper to fly down, paint and assemble furniture all weekend, and fly home to go straight back to work and school. I sure love him.

Whirlwind of a Holiday Season

2011-01-05T18:39:00.001-08:00

I'm not even sure where to start this blog post...

Too many crazy/incredible things have happened...

Each event deserves an entire post to itself, but who has time for that?

Maybe i'll just start where I left off...

I had been in New York City for about two and half weeks and I was expecting Carson to come join me sunday Dec 19 at midnight! I went to church that morning with the crew and they didn't stop teasing me about finally meeting Carson. They knew he was flying in that night so it was the topic of most of our subway ride. Donny even wanted to give Carson a personal interview to make sure he was a good guy:) We had to do a show that afternoon and I planned on wasting time in the city till I had to meet Carson. Little did I know that Carson was a sneaky little thing that had flown into the city a day earlier than I had expected and surprised me outside my stage door after my sunday matinee!

Too bad I was sweaty and covered in stage makeup the first time he saw me...

oh well...

anyway, this little sneaky thing grabbed my hand and lead me straight into the heart of time square. I was giddy and giggly because my boyfriend had flown out early to surprise me! It kinda felt like a chick flick! We stopped walking and I stopped yacking about the city and everything I'd done when I realized he was shaking and really squeezing my hand.

then it kinda clicked...

Before I knew it, he was on one knee, in the middle of times square, with a ring in his hand...

I blurted a yes and some darling lady caught this picture of us!

I'm engaged! eeeekkkk that was the most exciting, adrenaline filled moment of life so far! Love is such an crazy thing? I never thought It would find me so young but what a perfect chance to spend my adventures with someone I love?He's quite the catch and I'm going to hold on real tight to this one! Here are some of our favorites moments!...

Marveled at WTC

Statue Of Liberty in the Palm of his hand

Too much Times Square

new kicks

best local spots...MACBAR, S'mac, Criff Dogs!

Secret Phone booth restaurants

$50 fish the size of my arm

Peanut Butter snickers

Handled It fro yo

blizzards and slushy streets

the subway... always a treat

Path train

Vitamin Water Zero and snapples...always

unsuccessful onesies

South Street Sea Port

and So many amazing memories!

~Jessie Ann

Cake, Smores, Chi Chocolate...I'm A Local!

2010-12-18T07:42:00.000-08:00

This has to be the cheesiest picture I have but I couldn't resist getting one for posterity. As you can see it is FREEZING here and I leave the apartment everyday in layers and layers of clothing! This picture was the day of our opening! it was the most amazing feeling onstage...I had chills the entire night and the entire cast was giddy the whole show!

I stole a wish from Donny's Opening night B day cake! shh...!

at our opening night after party! This is just a few of the cast members but they are the best! I'm the baby of the family so I'm always on my toes and trying to keep up! So much talent on stage and a fun little family off stage:)

John Boy took me to a sushi restaurant (which was divine) and they had smores for dessert! Who would've paired the two together! I was in asia and then i was in the Mountains roasting a smore! woah... I will be honest though. The smores weren't as good as the ones I used to roast up american fork canyon...

I really feel so cool running around the city with John Boy! He's showed me some of the greatest local spots! We stopped at a chocolate restaurant called Max Brewers and ordered some hot chocolate! This is not your average hot chocolate... It pours out of the pot into your cup once placing the bottom of the pot on the rim of the cup! Neat huh?

Thank goodness for John Boy!

Simply...

2010-12-12T18:51:00.000-08:00

Gordon B. Hinckley, "“Be Not Faithless”", Ensign, Apr. 1989, 2

"To all who may have doubts, I repeat the words given Thomas as he felt the wounded hands of the Lord: “Be not faithless, but believing.” Believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the greatest figure of time and eternity. Believe that his matchless life reached back before the world was formed. Believe that he was the Creator of the earth on which we live. Believe that he was Jehovah of the Old Testament, that he was the Messiah of the New Testament, that he died and was resurrected, that he visited the western continents and taught the people here, that he ushered in this final gospel dispensation, and that he lives, the living Son of the living God, our Savior and our Redeemer."

I was reminded today of my Redeemers love as I was a visitor in a New York City, Union Square ward. I'm so grateful that the Church of Jesus Christ is universal and can be found wherever my adventures take me. The speakers touched my heart as I was reminded of my testimony and the power of the Holy Spirit. During this busy Holiday season it gets easy to forget the true meaning of Christmas and our responsibility to love others. Especially at this time of year.

so...

simply believe...

simply take this time and think of Christ. Treasure family and friends and come to know Christ this holiday season. Believe that He is real. Believe that his love is real. And believe that we are entitled to that love! So many reasons to Believe this holiday season:) just a lil sunday holiday inspiration i thought i'd share:)

~Jessie Ann

Utah...Vegas...and now...NYC!!

2010-12-06T19:59:00.000-08:00

Today was my first day in New York City!

I woke up in my Jersey apartment to a light snow and a beautiful view of the city...

Attempted some "do at home" yoga...not as successful as I had hoped.

Bundled in layers, a scarf, hat, and boots and made my way to the Path Transit Train.

Kenzie, Jamyz, Karl, Rich, Kelene, and I blindly walked onto the wrong train but after figuring our first train experience out, we walked out of the humid, underground station to the cold streets of New York City just blocks away from Time Square!

This was our first view of the walk we would be making everyday for the next month!

I was all smiles as I registered the fun sites around me and made mental notes of every place I wanted to see and eat! Before you know it, I'll be a polished NYC local:) Although the walk was cold, it went by very fast and I found my self lagging behind the group due to the amount of picture taking that was going on.

and then...BAM! ON BROADWAY! I was slightly freaking out and couldn't stop giggling...

This is one of those moments that I need to cherish forever. Take in this whole experience and enjoy every second. As a young girl I always dreamed and even prayed to be on Broadway. Someone pinch me! I can't believe the crazy turn that life has taken. Blessed...All I can say is blessed. Grateful for this exciting experience and grateful for a family that sacrificed so much to help me get here! I'm giddy, excited, and nervous for them to see the show and experience the city with me. Hopefully I can do them proud!

xoxo

~Jessie Ann

Broadway? What?!

2010-11-25T10:57:00.001-08:00

Check out this little sneak peak of what it is to come!

I CAN NOT WAIT! this is something ive been dreaming about since I was 3!

Donny and Marie on Broadway in Time Square!

eeekkk!!!! I'm most excited for my family to fly out and be apart of this incredible experience:) My little siblings haven't seen New York so it will be neat to show them around! Christmas will be a little different with out my family but Carson is flying out to spend it with me! I'm such a lucky girl:)

I fly out of Las Vegas on Dec 5! I get to spend a whole month in NYC and experience the holidays in the Big Apple:) I just bought a camera with a nice little vegas sale and i promise to document my NYC adventure!

~Jessie Ann

Living The Dream

2010-11-13T09:27:00.000-08:00

It's amazing to me how life happens. Sometimes life leads us where we want it and other times we want to run from it. How did I luck out to be right where I want it?

...I am one lucky chicken right now and I hate those blogs that brag about how blessed they are but Im going to do just that...so bear with me...

It all started on a Monday morning at my parents house where I was in tears of frustration, complaining to my mom and older sister. Tears due to financial stress and a need to do something more, to experience something different at this point in my life. I left the house that morning feeling defeated and said a quick prayer to help me feel like life was going to be ok. That sounds really dramatic... but I was a stressed out 19 year old:) As I was driving away my phone buzzed with an unknown Nevada number and some news that changed my life. My situation had just gone from dramatic to exciting/craziness in a matter of 15 min....There were still a ton of details to work out but by Tuesday night it was decided that I was moving to Vegas to be apart of the Donny and Marie Osmond Show in Vegas as well as the Broadway run in NYC! What a whirlwind! I had 5 days to uproot my life and get toVegas...

Obviously i just gave the shortest version of all the craziness but it was amazing to me how everything all fell into place. There have been a number of blessings that have come my way. I have a darling friend who is in the Elvis cirque show who is letting crash at her place till NYC! Then hopefully we'll find a place together! Its a

huge financial blessing and if I'm going to be apart of a Vegas show, what better show then Donny and Marie. I know ill never be asked to do anything that makes me uncomfortable or wear anything immodest. The show is dark sunday/mondays and the other dancers are great people.

I've been in rehearsals all week learning the show and tonight is my first night going in! ahhh wish me luck:)

~Jessie Ann

Thriller's on the road!

2010-10-20T09:43:00.000-07:00

ODT Tour Cast began our adventure in Park City...

New performance in an old theatre, new city, and a new crowd!

The stage was a little bit smaller than we were used to so we got real close and personal with the audience. Park City loved the show and we sold out for the weekend!

The theatre was nice enough to provide condos for us to stay in. These weren't just any run of the mill condo's....we were living large! I wanted to move in after a few days! Fully furnished with darling decorations and a full kitchen! Better than what I'm living in now:)

Next stop on the road we headed to the Covey Center for the arts in provo! We opened on a wednesday and had 5 shows! We sold out most shows and had a blast. Provo was a success and I had so many awesome friends and family members that made it out to see me!

Jen gathered the cast and we had a night full of good treats and scary ghost stories!

NEXT STOP....

ST GEEZY!

Rehearsals at the theatre are incredible. The largest amphitheater i've danced in and our back drop is a huge red rock canyon! Turn the lights off and it gets real creepy! The Theatre seats 2000 people and our opening weekend is sold out! Cant wait for opening night tonight!

~Jessie Ann

And It Begins...

2010-09-26T14:04:00.000-07:00

6:45: Wake up...

7:00: Breakfast of champions
7:10: Pack my little red lunch cooler full of food

7:20: Throw on a Leo and Tights and pack at least three outfit changes for the day:)
7:35: Apply what little makeup I wear
7:40: throw my hair in a bun on top of my head and run out the door...
7:50 arrive at the Pointe and run into the studio
8:00 ODT begins and a day full of zombies, mummies, and panda bears begins:)

I consider myself one lucky girl to love what I do. How many people can say that they wake up excited to go to work? Or that they consider their colleagues a second family?? Not many... I have atleast 3 moms, a whole slew of sisters, and atleast 10 older brothers who watch my back. Its a blessing to associate with these people who make me feel loved and remind me whats important. I never fear I will have to compromise my morals or be asked to do something I believe is wrong. The love and support I feel everyday at ODT cannot be found anywhere else. No amount of fame or money will ever provide what I receive with my second family. Like I said, I'm one lucky girl:)
~Jessie Ann

Growning Pains

2010-09-01T21:07:00.000-07:00

At the ripe old age of 3, I was asked...
"What do you want to be when you grow up?"
Simple answers like, a fireman or an astronaut are the things my friends answered, but what did I say? I told my mom I wanted to be a Star. I told her to enroll me in "How To Be A Star" lessons. I'm not sure how she held back the laughs but now as I reflect back on the 19 yrs of life I can see the many "Star" lessons i've learned....

Growing up is hard and I often find that I'm constantly faced with decisions. Its no wonder they call this the decade of decisions...So much pressure rides on all of my choices and the simpliest one can alter the rest of my life. Most of the time, I'm making a choice between two good things. But which one is the best? I still want to be that girl who does it all, achieves everything she wanted but never at the cost of my happiness. I'm can now see that these things are possible if I really make the decision to chase them and never look back. Im ready to run full force and with no regrets but at what point do i sacrifice the beautiful life I have here? It's a risk taking that step, but I can't let these moments and experiences pass me by because of fear.

Dreams have changed and goals have been reached but that tiny desire in me to be a Star still remains. No longer do I dream to be famous, or a star on broadway (which requires being able to hold a note, and we all know how good I am at that) but I still have big dreams that I get nervous I'll never see fulfilled. What is to hold me back? My own fear? Will I ever see that dream of being a Star come true? Only time will tell but I do know im going to do everything within my power to fight for what I want, and hold to what I Love!

~Jessie Ann

Walk It Off

2010-08-27T07:51:00.000-07:00

Ive fallen in love with this song...and i love her voice more than anything! Take a listen and fall in love:)

A Little Weekend Inspiration

2010-08-21T14:15:00.000-07:00

This week deserves a little positivity at the end of a crazy ride...

"Dont let anything stop you. There will be times when you'll be disappointed, but you can't stop. Make yourself the very best that you can make of what your are. The very best".

A good friend and I discussed the idea of a negative thought the other day and it got me really interested in it's effects. It is easy to let the negative situations around us define us. Not only does a negative situation or thought effect us in one specific aspect of our daily lives, but suddenly it creeps into all the rest. How easily a smile is turned into a scowl, and good morning turned into a bad afternoon when we let those sneaky negatives control us. Everyday won't be perfect, and everyday won't be filled with sunshine and singing birds, but I believe I have the power as well as the choice to make it the best that I can. To make myself the best that I can. Now if anyone needs to take this little inspiration to thought, it's me:) I've failed at keeping those negatives out this week, but I thought id share my little lesson learned!

~Jessie Ann

SOULESCAPE 2010

2010-08-15T20:38:00.001-07:00

I think i may be the luckiest girl alive...

I spent 4 weeks with the most inspiring people...

Reminding me what i love to do, and where my passions will take me...

"There are short-cuts to happiness, and dancing is one of them. " ~Vicki Baum

I Couldn't have done it without this beautiful girl. Haylee gave me a place to stay, many late night fro-yo runs, and a shoulder to lean on!

These lovely ladies were stunning... I learned so much from each of them and they took such good care of me! Even when i was throwing up, they came prepared with saltines and gatorade to make me feel better!

I was so blessed and honored to be apart of the soulescape family!

So Many Good Things!

2010-08-02T14:26:00.000-07:00

There is so many fantastic places to eat out here in LA! Im going to be very sad to leave these delicious places that ive grown to love! The one thing that i have appreciated about food choices in LA is that many places are Vegan and all Organic! Many of you that know me, know that I'm slightly obsessed with eating organically. Its Heaven!

We ate at a darling cafe in Silver Lake called Flore. Everything was Vegan, organic, and gluten free! Nat, Hay, and I ordered a pizza, burrito, and a chickpea-quinioa burger. We couldn't decide what we wanted so we split all three...

...and we ate all of it!! Inhaled it actually! So Tasty and im inspired to eat so much better now. I considering going Vegan...hmmm we'll see:)

We weren't finished with our food adventures for the day and discovered a cute place called Baby Cakes bakery. Guess what?! Gluten free and Vegan! Woot Woot! I order a cookie sandwich which consisted of two chocolate chip (Vegan and gluten free) cookies with vanilla frosting in the middle! Again i think i inhaled it instead of actually chewing it. Utah needs to get with the times and start providing this type of stuff!

Needless to say, we were all a little full, bloated, and sick but i think it was worth it...Did I tell you I'm a little inspired to change the way i eat? Im going to do it! Who knew a little LA would do me so much good!

Now this girl has been my "roomie" for the past month. Quite a saint for letting me crash at her place:) I cant tell you how incredible its been to be apart of my best friends life and experience her world! I dont know how we'll cope with out our late night fro-yo runs and yogi tea in the morning.. I may just have to move here:) I can always dream right?

This is the reason ive been so blessed to be in LA for the past month. Ive had the incredible opportunity to work with Justin Giles and the talented dancers on the SoulEscape dance company. These people are like none others:) #1 the talent is ridiculous, #2 they've taken care of me as I'm a stranger out here, and #3 the most positive, and hilarious people ive ever worked with! Rehearsals are coming along great and the show is coming up! The show is Monday August 9th, at 8 p.m at the El Portal theatre in North Hollywood. Cant wait to get on stage!

A Little Piece of LA!

2010-07-30T09:29:00.001-07:00

Lets start with pinkberry...Were dating and he is sooooo good to me:) Always there everyday (sometimes twice a day) and never gets old! This is something that i will miss when i go back home..there is a pinkberry at every turn out here! I think i may be addicted. I wonder if they ship pinkberry to utah??

This place is heaven... It's called IT'SUGAR and it's every persons dream. The entire store is filled with any kind of candy imaginable. Each table is divided into categories of goodies. One table is sour gummys and the next is chocolate covered treats and entire walls of jelly beans and M&Ms! I walked in and they handed me a little zip lock baggy and told me to go crazy..well of course I did! I tasted a little piece of it all!

And we cant forget about the beach! We went to Santa Monica to play and relax at the beach! I think it took us at least 30 min to find parking that wasn't $12 but we did our best and took some R&R time:) I desperately wish that utah had a beach! So many fun people all gathered at one place, all enjoying the same sun:) Im gonna miss me some cali!

Gypsy Livin

2010-07-18T13:27:00.000-07:00

Its been a very long time since ive blogged! Not that anybody really reads my blog but for the one that does (bryton:) ) here is the update!

Ive been out in LA for about a week now. I had the amazing opportunity to take my Jr Co dancers to Nationals with the rest of Center Stage. It was exciting to be on the other side of things this time around. I was a competitor last year at NUVO Nationals and now i had the chance to share it with my cute little chickens! Needless to say Center Stage swept the competition! I was a proud little mamma sitting in the audience cheering the dancers on. I cant even tell you how great it was to take class again. I was reminded why i love doing what i do!

Nationals ended on thursday and now I'm crashing at my best friends house who I haven't seen in way to long! Thank goodness haylee doesn't mind me tagging along on her crazy LA life! Ill be out here till Aug 10th. Quite awhile huh? I have the opportunity to dance for an exciting show and i cant wait to start rehearsals tomorrow! eeek! hopefully my body can keep up with the insane talent ill be working with...I guess I'm just gonna have to cross my fingers and hope i can keep up! I feel like I'm just going with the flow.... I dont have a car....or a place of my own...so hopefully this continues to work out! like i said...Living like a Gyspy!!

Dads Big Five-Oh!

2010-06-17T12:50:00.000-07:00

We celebrated my Dads 50th b day on monday! (His real birthdate is the 8th of June but he was out of town) so we thought we would throw together a little suprise! I think my dad was a little bit sad that no one did anything special on his b day so he wasnt expecting anything at all! Bryton and i started by sneaking into his office at 7 a.m. (with the help of one of dads sneaky colleges) and decorating it with black balloons and Over The Hill decor:) Every two hours he received a cute note with the lyrics of his favorite songs tied into his favorite treats! I even snuck a nummy lunch into his office without him knowing! 6 o'clock rolled around and bryton and i dressed in all black and kidnapped him from the office...it didnt really go as planned due to the doors being locked but we finally got him outta there! after a very long detour we got my dad back to the house and to his suprise, we had all of his fam and friends there! I think he shed a few tears and bryton and I had the time of our lives being so sneaky! I'd say it was quite the success!

More exciting european adventures!!

2010-05-18T12:41:00.001-07:00

We ate the best Waffles at Sarahs Pancake house in Amsterdam! (thanks to sarah for an amazing breakfast)

We had some seriously hilarious train troubles on the way to Paris...

its no wonder why the French weren't huge fans of us... running on and off the train like little stress cases, only to find we were indeed on the right train all along, then having to trek from car #1 all the way back to car #8....(walk of shame with all of our bags)...lets just say it was quite the experience!...i needed a carrot to calm the stress:)

This was our first night in Paris when we turned the corner and spotted the Eiffel Tower for the first time! The Paris streets were beautiful and it was the beginning of tons to see!

Ice Cream at the Eiffel Tower with chase!

I asked the nice lady for a "Petite" (small) and she said "No way!"

so i ended up with an ice cream cone the size of my head:)

Nat, Katia, and I in front of the beautiful gardens at Versailles...

It was incredible to see the legacy of Marie Antoinette and learn about her estate.

The amount of Gold in that place was insane! its no wonder the French people raided that place and killed her..she was spending the nations money on building her the amazing estate. It was very beautiful and Im very glad we took the time to tour it!

Making our wishes at the Trevi Fountain!!

We threw our coins in so hopefully we'll be back to Rome soon!

It was a rainy day at the Colosseum but we made it work! Gorgeous at night as well!

Tia and I right before our Vatican tour! i was like a child at Disneyland! i was so excited!!

The Vatican was my favorite part of Rome! these pics are in the Basilica in St Peters square and it took my breath away as soon as i walked in! Favorite part of Rome!

Stole a ride on a Vespa! huge in Rome! I secretly want one:)

Nat and I on the famous Spanish Steps!

We finished our adventures in Interlaken Switzerland...

Its was so beautiful! This pic is right before we flung ourselves off a mountain and paraglided!

it was CRAZY!!!!

The area around our hostel was like a picture from a movie:) Perfect way to end the trip!

Last train ride! We headed back to Frankfurt to fly home exhausted but inspired! so many new dreams and aspirations!..

couldn't have asked for a better European experience

Europe! more posts to come soon

2010-05-15T07:18:00.000-07:00

I finally made it home safe and sound! I had THE MOST AMAZING AND LIFE CHANGING experiances that have made me re think life!

It all started in Germany with my ODT family. We did 8 shows all over germany! We would do a show, hop on the bus, eat lots of chocolate, travel to a new city, and start all over. The germans were great audiences and they responded to our shows really positively...although, they werent big fans of Americans outside of the theatres...We even got sushed in public!

Anyhow, we got to spend a little bit of time exploring the cute towns we visited. Here are some of our adventures...

Easter

2010-04-04T19:29:00.001-07:00

I spent Easter Morning at Jamie and Mikes this year. It was Maddix's first Easter! He was soooo cute all morning and he really made my easter this year:) Mike made us delicous omelets and of course the company made them taste even better.

After the first session of conference, i met up with Mady and headed over to her family easter events. IT WAS CRAZY! countless easter games and i even walked away with $15! best easter game prize ever! ...

Of course the second session of Conference was inspiring and its so much easier to pay attention at an older age:) imagine that!

I spent Easter Dinner with my Grandpa and Grandma Milne. As always the dinner was delicious and incredibly healthy:) i always love spending time with them!..overall it was a great easter!

Successful run of my first season of Odyssey Dance Theatre

2010-03-30T08:22:00.000-07:00

I cant believe that my first season of Odyssey Dance Theatre is almost through. Ill i have left is our tour in Europe! I cant wait to spend a month in another country doing wait i LOVE:)

Here is a little overview of how the season went....

It all begin with some with the Utah tradition of THRILLER...From being a zombie, a mummy, a witch, and ending strong as a river dancer, it was a crazy experience. I was a member of the touring cast and I got the opportunity to perform at Tuachaun in St George! That stage was INCREDIBLE! Some nights were a litte too cold but the red canyon backdrop couldn't have been more stunning! We had some crazy nights of Truth or Dare, poke-a-nose,

and late night In and Out runs. Overall...Thriller was a show to remember.

Then we switched gears and headed into Its A Wonderful Life. We followed the story line of the Christmas Classic that everyone loves. As comes with being a new member, I was a rosie riveter during the show which required a lot of set moving...That was hard because i really wanted to be dancing more, put i had to pay my dues and next year will be different! It was a treat to "fall" into the high school dance pool with George Bailey!

The show was a perfect Christmas success!

Then the craziness began! We stared rehearsals for S

hut Up and Dance! I had 3 new shows to learn and i thought my brain was going to explode! We stared learning Transitional Illuminations-choreo by Mia Micheals. That was an amazing experience in itself. That dance is brilliance and i was blessed to perform it. Someone how i pulled off being a Willis in a full length contemporary ballet called Giselle, got the opportunity to be apart of Mia's Choreo as well as Justin Giles new piece, and was a Thug as a part of the MonteKrew in Romeo and Juliet!

Romeo and Juliet was a brand new show for everyone and the success was fantastic! I throughly enjoyed being a gangsta the whole show! i even had some pretty sick corn rows haha!

The cast was amazing and we seriously KILLED IT! i cant wait to take this show to Europe and show the Europeans what we do best!

LAST CHANCE!!

2010-03-26T08:16:00.000-07:00

It's your LAST chance - only ONE more of each show!! GISELLE (Fri.), LET IT BE (Sat. 2pm), and ROMEO & JULIET (Sat. 8pm). Saturday night is almost sold out!! Dancers, students, guys, gals... get your buns to the shows before we head off to Europe! Plenty of discounts available. Call/text me if you have questions (801) 557-2176 Odysseydance.com

there are sooo many discounts available! text me for info or go to the website!

GET YOUR TICKETS LADIES AND GENTS

2010-03-13T12:53:00.000-08:00

SHUT UP AND DANCE runs March 17-27th. Three completely different shows to choose from: GISELLE (our modern-day version of the ballet), LET IT BE (set to Beatles music... this show includes choreography from Mia Michaels and Justin Giles), and our brand new hip hop/Latin version of ROMEO & JULIET! Check out our website for DISCOUNTS and more info!!

Its Finally Here!!

2010-03-08T06:32:00.000-08:00

SHUT UP AND DANCE, March 17-27. Three shows to choose from... or better yet, see ALL of them! Ask for the Kingsbury Kamp-Out Discount: Buy the first show for full price, get the second show half price, and the third for FREE!) For tickes, discounts, and additional info, visit: odysseydance.com

Success!

2010-02-21T08:22:00.001-08:00

Remember those cute shoes i posted?? I found them on sale ladies and gentlemen!

Here is a little taste of my Bday week

White Chocolate Cheesecake from CheeseCake Factory!!

Dinner at Pizzeria 712!

A week Full of B Day Celebrations

2010-02-19T06:17:00.000-08:00

This week has been the best!

It started with dinner and a movie on monday night with a close friend...then

Tuesday was the big day! ODT treated me like gold and baked me the best chocolate bunt cake ive ever had...my cute roomie showed up with a bag of treats and cheesecake! ( I had to cheat with the cheese cake) I came home to rice cakes and tuber-ware! Love it:) Then dinner with all my closets friends at Pizzeria 712! so delicious! and i promise to post some pics later.

Last night i went to dinner with my mom and jamie at the cheesecake factory and lets just say that i love that place with all my heart!

The fun doesn't stop there..tonight is the cougarette concert and tomorrow is spark lounge with bryton and jake!

CANT WAIT!

In Serious need of these asap

2010-02-13T18:37:00.001-08:00

I want these sooo bad...is $110 an awful price???

I wish i had cash to burn!

V day..what is that...

2010-02-13T09:01:00.000-08:00

ok people...lets start with this...i spent friday watching the opening ceremonies baking carrot muffins..

Sat im spending the day icing and injury and scheming how im going to teach with it..

Valentines...hmmmm dont even know what that day means really..

I think ill make myself an all red, pink, and white meal!

Sound like a fun weekend? Im actually kinda enjoying myself

More home made foods!

2010-02-07T13:31:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was kinda of my day off and i went to town in the kitchen!

I made some homemade granol

a as well as Chocolate covered peanut butter balls!

GRAPE TOMATO AND AVOCADO SALAD

I stole this recipe from Wholefoods.com...http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/recipes/recipe.php?recipeId=661

I added some kidney beans for protien and it was delicous! (the pic doesnt do it justice)

Just read this..Please put this family in your prayers

2010-02-05T22:52:00.000-08:00

Two months ago, Bishop Mardy learned that his youngest of 6 children, Gardy, only two years old, was kidnapped by a member of his congregation. Bishop Mardy owns and manages two orphanages in Haiti and so was assumed to have "lots of money". Shortly after the kidnapping a ransom was requested for the return of his son for $4,000. The ransom money was somehow collected (I can't even possibly imagine how as the Mardy family does not have resources of this kind) and the "drop and trade" was scheduled to take place the night of January 11th. Gardy at this point had been gone from his family for several weeks. For unknown reasons the drop did NOT happen. Then, as we all know, the following day, the 7.0 magnitude earthquake shook and devastated the entire country.

In the aftermath of the quake, and while dealing with the news that his 2 year old son was not recovered, Bishop Mardy was notified that 3 of his extended family members were killed in the quake and his wife, while still alive, had her legs crushed. Bishop Mardy also lost, in entirety, one of his two orphanages.

He then received the news that his kidnapped son, Gardy, was taken from the kidnappers by an entirely different group of kidnappers who are now demanding 1 Million Dollars for his return. Obviously coming up with such an exorbitant amount of money is impossible.

There is more to the story but because of the safety of Bishop Mardy, his 2 year old son, Gardy and those who have dropped all to come to his aid, it has been asked of me that it not be published yet.

What has been asked however is for you to copy and paste this story to your FaceBook Profile, MySpace Account, Website, Blog, or any other type of networking commodity you have available to you. For those of you who are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, this Sunday, February 7th is Fast Sunday. Please share this story with all you know and are associated with and ask for their participation in a fast for Bishop Mardy, his 2 year old son, and their family. Their names have been submitted to the Temple, but with the fasting, prayers and FAITH of as many people as we can reach, we can make a difference in helping Gardy return home to his family. He's been gone for 8 weeks now. He'll be 3 years old this month and I know he'll like nothing more than to share his birthday happily reunited with his family.

SURVIVED!

2010-02-05T22:43:00.000-08:00

Round of applause please

I survived the first week back to ODT!

My body is screaming at me and every muscle refuses to do what its told, but i did it! I made it through!

Its now 11:45 on a friday night and I'm blogging while rolling out sore muscles:)

I wouldn't have it any other way:)

Ill Keep Everyone posted on ODT's upcoming show "Shut Up and Dance". Its going to be soo great this year!

Home Cookin!

2010-01-31T14:35:00.001-08:00

Im so excited friends! i successfully baked banana muffins the healthy way! no sugar or fats added!..

you could say im a little bit obsessed with adapting recipes....

Im going to try homemade granola bars next!

Stars

2010-01-30T07:54:00.000-08:00

Id have to say that im recently obssesed with Stars. All of their music is brilliantly written and i love "Tonight" if you get to chance to check them out you really should!

life lessons

2010-01-25T21:32:00.000-08:00

Today i learned a little but about life...

I hope you don't mind if i share a little bit..

Life comes and goes, daily tasks become routine, and people pass us by...

Do the things that make us smile pass by without even a second look?

I learned happiness comes from those simple small things that make my life my own.. happiness does not come from others or what the world would have me to believe.

Yes this sounds very preachy and all but that the last few days have caused me to pause and really ponder what makes me smile. I need to accept life and the changes that are happening. Im the most happy when i am in control of life. I know life hasn't even truly began but i find myself really looking forward to it..

Im excited to see what adventures are ahead

exctiting day ahead!

2010-01-22T08:06:00.000-08:00

Good Morning Friends!

today is an exciting day..

#1...doctor appointment at NAET

#2...lunch with and old high school friend

#3...watch my BEAUTIFUL friend ave in a fashion show

#4...take class from some incredible talent!!!

HOO freakin RAY...Need a good day

Breakdancer??

2010-01-20T21:13:00.000-08:00

Picture this...

Jessie ( weaksauce) + Gev (pro breaker)= white girl failing at breakdancing:)

Oh and just ribs out of place...chiro appt at 6:30 a.m. woot woot

This day....This day...

2010-01-19T21:19:00.000-08:00

This day began as any other did...
a lil aerobic ballroom workout with ave
feeling pretty good about myself until i realize no one is responding to my texts...
So i get all cute and head to the mall to see what the dealio is with my phone...

to my utter horror i learn that my phone was not working and could not recieve texts..
once fixed i began to receive tons of messages from the past two days.

i then learned that i had missed important rehearsals for an upcoming show because i didnt get the text...strike #1

Strike #2 arrived when i showed up at the Studio and realized i didnt need to be there. i was just wasted space:)

Then strike #3 really made me laugh.. i was walking back through the mall after a little bargain i found on some leggins when the annoying man at the nail kiosk stops me and tells me im beautiful..one thing led to another and i ended up leaving with a purchase i will NEVER USE!!! (at least he gave it to me "on sale")..or so i think...

thats it folks...rough day in the life of freckles

A love hate relationship

2010-01-19T08:19:00.001-08:00

I seem to spend as much time at the gym as i do at home!

its like a bad boyfriend, sometimes i love going and results are great but when he(the gym) ignores my hard work, i just want to break up!

Hopefully soon i can look as good as these lovely ladies!

Breakfast at Tiffanys!

2010-01-17T15:02:00.000-08:00

Audrey Hepburn. Breakfast at Tiffanys. In Love.

just some moves..

2010-01-12T22:35:00.000-08:00

This pic was taken by Vannessa Millecam and i absolutely love her photography!

more to come i promise!

The Girl With the Freckles

2010-01-12T22:02:00.000-08:00

This is me... Ready and willing to turn a new page and begin 2010! A new year, a new start with a goal to be just a little better! Look forward to some good posts ladies and gents!