When I have more free time...

I plan on making this headboard I found on pinterest.com.

Maybe this summer?

You like?

I really love the color scheme and the fact that it's both rustic and girly.

goodies from the weekend.

This weekend was JUST what I needed. We vegged out, played games, watched

a movie (that I may or may not have slept through... so tell me

if The Next Three Days is worth watching), went to an awesome REAL soccer game

where we sat just 2 rows in front of this

unattractive, famous athlete named Jimmer who is apparently some kind of big deal

right now (sarcasm) and made crepes to end the mini-vacay.

After a little coaxing, we stopped by the outlets in Park City for just a few minutes...

It was long enough for me to find the perfect light rain coat for Europe-- I bought it in gray.

I love love love it.

Oh, and I would feel selfish if I didn't share with you

our favorite mexican restaurant we have to go to when in Midway, Tarahumara.

It's a little place on Main Street that serves

the yummiest street tacos, quesadillas and mexican desserts.

With every order they give you some tortilla chips that you use for sampling

their 20 different homemade salsas...... mmmm.

If you're ever in Midway, Utah this is a MUST.

not-so-typical spring break

Warning: This is probably going to be incredibly boring. This is mostly for my own documentation for memories since- I won't lie- I totally bite at writing in a journal.

Usually when Spring Break rolls around... I've packed a suitcase and I'm gone for a week.

This Spring Break has been very different.

My dad and oldest "little" brother, Dallin, came up to Utah to send him out on his mission.
We spent a few days packing in quality time at places like Texas Roadhouse and the Nickekcade, playing several family games and watching the last few movies we assumed he could watch even though he was already set apart. Don't worry Mom, just Megamind and Despicable Me.

Texas Roadhouse.

Bowling. Self-explanatory.

Then, came Wednesday morning. I got off work early and drove down with Dad and Dallin to pick up Kelsey in Provo. We were then on our way to the Missionary Training Center to drop him off and say goodbye. I hate goodbyes. I'm so emotional. Not a surprise to anyone, I'm sure. The one thing pulling me through this was the fact that my brother is so strong. He's 6'6", 280 lbs and very serious. I knew he wasn't going to cry, so neither would I. We rolled up to the curb and as soon as we opened our doors we were greeted by a man saying, "Welcome to the MTC. You have about 30 seconds." Welp, okay. I'm glad you really got to the point, buddy. I took pictures of everything.... Elder Dallin Fausett shaking hands with his 2 missionary hosts, Dad getting luggage out of the car, everyone hugging. After a long embrace, I looked up to see my big, strong brother's eyes filling up with tears. NOOOOOO. I lost it. I started bawling and realized this is not how Dallin needed his last seconds with us to be. I gave him a quick kiss on the cheek and a few words of encouragement. We jumped in the car and Kelsey and I looked back to wave goodbye. Dallin had a suitcase in each hand with the most depressed look on his face. Ummm... hello! No one ever told me if would be this hard. I can't stop wondering what he's doing, how others are treating him, how he's feeling. Does he feel overwhelmed? Does he feel alone? Is he even thinking about us or is he too busy? I know he's exactly where he needs to be, but he is my naive, untainted little brother, dang it! I hope he's okay.

Dallin will be serving in the Argentina Mendoza Mission.

There is something else that is distracting my family from constantly worrying about Dallin. Just a couple days ago, my dad was offered an excellent job within Shell that is now taking the family to Pittsburgh, PA. If you know my family's moving history you're probably thinking this isn't anything new... but you are mistaken. Pittsburgh is not the South. The Steve and Christine Fausett family has been stationed in Texas/Louisiana for the past 20 years so this move will bring on a whole new culture and atmosphere. For one thing, when Mike and I go to my family's place for Christmas we will actually have snow. I don't know how much I love that idea... I'm already struggling through this winter wonderland that is Salt Lake City. On the other hand, they will only be a few hours drive to so many places on the East Coast! I love NYC AND D.C.!

With all of these changes and the emotions that go along with it, this break has felt more like an overload than a vacation. Fortunately, we're lucky enough to have good friends that have getaway cabins. We're going up to Midway, Utah for the weekend to make good use of our last few days before classes continue on! Bring on the snacks and board games... I need a little relief!

Happy Pi Day!

So today is... 3.14

Thus, it's Pi Day!

If you know me, you know that I'll take any reason to celebrate anything.

Thus, we're going out for some "pie" tonight at Vinto Pizzeria!

It's today's Daily Skweez for Salt Lake City. A pizza, drink and gelato for $7.

If you know me, you also know I LOVE deals!! ... and that's a deal.

Then, I'll be enjoying apple pie tonight (too much unhealthy food today?) while enjoying my dramalicious tv show.. The Bachelor. Tonight is THE night Brad picks between Emily and Chantal. I'm Team Chantal because I think her feelings are real and Emily is cute as a button but I just don't think she's digging him. But let's be honest... if Brad picked Chantal I think their relationship would be explosive. They wouldn't last... but then again, what Bachelor couple does? Oh, I love this stupid reality show!

Lusting for Lucha

I don't know about you guys, but Alyssa and I have been getting pretty pumped about our trip to Europe in 78 days (I know you are counting too). We've started to adjust our wardrobe so we would look smokin' in all of the sweet pictures that we are going to take. Thus, for Valentines day, Alyssa got me a pair of Nike Free 7.0s so I would be comfortable walking around the majestic cities, but be able to chase after any pick-pocketers. I used to own a pair in high school (then, the 5.0s) and I guess I talked about how wonderful they were from the first day we started dating.

Well, recently I fell in love with a new shoe line called Lucha. One of Alyssa's friend's friend started the company and they are pretty sweet. They are like Toms, but are more durable and cheaper. Here is what they look like:

Pretty sexy, right? I'm thinking they'd be a great fit for a second pair in Europe and since they are unisex design, both Lyss and I could be matching. Okay... that might be weird, but it would help with the international exposure.

There's also a contest going on at one of their friend's blogs (the shoeologist) if you guys want to try to score a free pair. Just thought I'd help spread the word about the start-up since I admire people that have the guts to go out on a limb and try to sell a new product (since I am a marketer).

home sick.

This is the one weekend every year (besides Christmas) that I wish I was home in Louisiana.

Why, you ask?

It's Mardi Gras weekend!

Mardi Gras is an absolute BLAST! If you've never been before, make sure you go to Louisiana for this celebration at some point in your lifetime. And if you're thinking that Mardi Gras is only for naughty people with low standards.... you're mostly right. BUT you can find many parades on the cleaner side and you don't lose a bit of the fun. Just be prepared to take home a bunch of crap that you don't need or even want... yet, for at least 2 hours you jumped around screaming, "Throw me something, mister!" to get them. My parents probably have 70 plastic Mardi Gras cups, several stuffed animals and an infinite number of beads.

picture circa 2005: I just flashed them... my smile!

I'm sad they'll be adding to the pile of junk this weekend.... without Kelsey and me. Not to mention (but I will).... the DELICOUS beignets at Cafe Du Monde. Mmmmm...

glorified scones with an unholy amount of powdered sugar.