helping haiti.

As most of you know Haiti has recently been hit by a huge earthquake that has killed a lot of people. When I first heard this I was shocked and worried. With my experiences visiting Haiti and working with the people, I was sad that more hurt would come to these people. Haiti is the poorest country in the western hemisphere and about 70% of its population is below the poverty line. It is a sad place but one that is very dear to me. My dad founded an organization years ago and we started in Haiti. We built an orphanage there and brought tons of supplies each trip for the orphanage and a bunch of other orphanages. I was fortunate enough to go 3 times to help build it, take supplies to a bunch of orphanages, and experience the culture and the great people that live there. It is a place of poverty and so many struggle to feed themselves and their families. About 15% of the children in Haiti are orphaned or abandoned. I can only imagine that a devastating earthquake like this will unfortunately increase this and leave more children without parents. I hope we can all take a moment to think about this and how we might help. I've attached the unicef banner on the side of my blog where you can help donate to their relief cause and below is the link to the foundation my family is apart of.

http://www.achildshopefoundation.org/global_haiti.html

Truly any amount helps.

Below is my haitian cousin who was adopted from the orphanage we built. She is now 6 and apart of a loving family.

book reviews {3}

Well in the last little bit I have finished 3 books and have enjoyed them all so I thought I'd give my own little book reviews on them. No, these wont be anything cool like the projects you made in 5th grade, but just a brief synopsis and my personal opinion on the book.

Book #1:
Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell


This book is a treat. If you have read any of Gladwell's other books you probably know he's an interesting guy to listen to. Outliers is an insightful book about people and cultures, and pushes past the typical reasons as to why we believe that people are successful, smart, or rich. These are the outliers in our society.. or are they. This book is an insightful, rich book that looks past the normal explanations and take on a new approach combining a bit of sociology, anthropology, and history. It really is a fun read and each chapter gives you something to think about far after you read it.

Book #2:
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith


A bit of a longer book but a good read no less. If you were to ask me what this book is about I am not exactly sure what I say because it is fairly simple- but beautiful in its simplicity. It's centered around a girl and her family in the 1910's living in Williamsburg, NY. While it does a great job in depicting the times and the hardships and the social order, I wouldn't say it's a book focused on social change, rather you get a taste of it and think for yourself. The author does a great job at explaining the characters and putting you in a setting. There's something about how simple the plot is that pulls you in. There is just something that easy to relate with the main character, which is not her situation or culture but just life and the feelings and thoughts of living in it and growing up. You care about Francie and the Nolan family as if you are hearing stories of your own heritage. Overall the book was a great read and its honesty was refreshing.

Book #3:
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins


This book was quite the opposite of the previous book. Simple is the last thing I'd call this and a page-turner it was. I read the book in 2 days and it would've been sooner had I not had other engagements. From the very beginning you are eager to read each page. It's an intense book and hard to put down. It is a very strange book though and somewhat reminded me of Lord of the Flies. It's primary audience is the 8/9th grade age so this helps in making it a quick read. The book is a good mixture of intrigue, suspense, violence, humor, and a bit of romance. I don't want to say too much because I don't want to spoil anything, especially not what the hunger games are.. Read it to find out. The book is amazing and will leave you wanting more. Which is why I can't wait to start book # 2.....


Well alas, these are end of the book reviews but for those looking for a new book to read perhaps this helped. Either way I enjoyed reading all of these and look forward to my next book.. any suggestions? (besides book 2 in the hunger games series)

'twas the night before christmas

It's Christmas tomorrow. Thinking about this made me think about all the times growing up that I had such a hard time falling asleep and staying asleep for that matter. I think this routine lasted far too long into my teen years but a happy camper I certainly was. You see unlike some friends of mine, us kids from Timpview got EVERYTHING we wanted on Christmas. (kidding, not ALL of us always got everything we wanted, but some friends that didn't go to Timpview like to think that we did). Anyway, at some point in my life growing up happened like it always seems to do and this can't-fall-asleep-or-even-stay-asleep christmas routine slowly died out. It's not that I am not excited about Christmas, because I definitely am, but a good night's rest and sleeping in is just about at the top of my list on what I want for Christmas. So now that it is getting late and midnight has passed (which means it will probably say I posted this on Christmas day but really it's still the eve) It's time to retire Christmas Eve and get some sleep in before the big day. I hope you all have wonderful Christmas' and most importantly remember the reason we really celebrate this holiday. Christ: The Real Gift of Christmas

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.

p.s. I know, I know- it's been awhile since I've posted. I'll do better. promise. new year's resolution? maybe.

shout out to the king of pop.

I know, I know- you're sick of hearing about Michael Jackson and his death, but I couldn't help it after seeing the new Michael Jackson movie, This is it. Let's just say the film was ah-mazing. I know the guy was bit of a creep but he can dance and sing like no one I've ever seen before. I don't know if the movie is still out to see but if you have the chance go see it. It's almost as good as seeing him in concert. almost... wait, who are we kidding?? It's not even close!

Well after seeing the movie I looked up some of his music videos. There's just nothing quite like Michael is there? Amongst my youtube searches I stumbled across this little video and was dying. Who decided on his outfit and can I get one in my size? Seriously though only Michael could ever pull off something so... sparkly. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

It just doesn't get better than glitter, flashing lights, and MJ.

RIP Michael Jackson

the {fall} update

I know, I know- I haven't blogged in awhile. but life just got busy and blogging got sent to the bottom of my to-do list. But now that I am a little sick I actually have time to sit down and write a post. So an update post is what this will be.

The fall has been beautiful this time around. The colorful leaves were absolutely exquisite and the weather has been mostly pleasant. I still can't believe it has been this warm in November-but I am not complaining! This fall has not only been beautiful but has also been filled with a bunch of fun activities with my favorite people.

Going back to around Halloween, I went and saw Thriller, the dance show put on by Odyssey. It was my first time and I loved it. Great dancing and theatrics. Definitely recommend going next year it comes around. It was up in Salt Lake and right next to the Pie so of course we couldn't resist stopping by for some of their cheese pull-aparts. yum.

A few days later Halloween came and all 6 of the candy shoppe girls wanted to do a costume together so after much thinking and debating we ended up being.... polygamist wives! a bit controversial, we know, but we had a guy friend of ours being warren jeffs and it turned out to be quite a funny night. As a fellow wife (rebbles) said, "when your halloween costume is homely, you have %60 more fun but meet %80 less men." This is all too true but we had a great night doing karaoke and dancing to girls just wanna have fun at Alex + Annie's great Halloween bash and of course attending at least one college halloween party, which really consisted of us standing outside of the dance because we didn't want to pay the money to get in and unfortunately our costumes weren't sexy enough to sweet talk our way in.. We did however get to go to a little haunted house put on by some college kids in their small house- let's just say it was really well done and I was legitimately scared and screamed at least 3 times. So overall a really great Halloween. I'd have to say it was one of the best- right up there with our Halloween in London. (It's just tough to beat anything that happens in London eh?)

***The picture is not the greatest but I just had to pull this from facebook since I didn't take any pictures. But Rebbie's bangs and my poof is looking pretty good..

So You still with me? good.

Next adventure was just last weekend when my mates and I went up to see the Regina Spektor concert. Can i just say she is AMAZING. I feel like I have been spoiled now and always want to hear her live. She has flawless talent and performed my favorite songs. At one point she was drumming a chair with one hand (using a drumstick) playing the piano with the other, and singing! I can't even do one of those things at a time well! Some people just get it all i guess. Oh and did I mention she's so charming on stage and has a cute style. I've figured it out parents.. when I grow up I want to be Regina. cool? ok.

Well in that same weekend i also got to go to the So You Think You Can Dance concert with my mom, sister, and other girl relatives. It was a great little girls night out and of course the dancing was amazing. Again they performed all my favorite pieces and put on a great show. Back-to-back concerts- what a fun weekend.

The last thing that has really kept me most busy and not nearly as fun as all this stuff is 2 books that I do. While I do love my major and how we never have to take tests- sometimes creating books and projects can take even more time than studying. Basically I had to create an entire media plan book (and anything that you turn in advertising has to look and feel creative) and my portfolio book to apply to the internship program.. which means if I get into that I will be spending my summer in either New York or Chicago! Cross your fingers..

whew, you made it... Well there's quite the update for you blog followers of mine. Sorry for the basic lack of pictures. My friends took the pictures and I just haven't gotten them yet. But I hope you all enjoyed the fall happenings of my life as I did..

over and out.

winner winner chicken dinner.

kellee the cook.  That is what I expect to be called now after I realized that my last name had a much more literal meaning- ya, I can cook.  Okay so I might be sounding a little pretentious by saying this and I realize that after one successful home-cooked meal made by yours truly does not in fact make me a chef, however, I was quite excited to make a meal from scratch and have it turn out- and turn out yummy.  

This new excitement for cooking came from after too many days of really bad eating habits.  After feeling malnutritioned and my body lacking in some serious essential vitamins, I decided I was going to change this.  So I turned to the dear martha stewart for some good chicken recipes, since I had a bag full of frozen chicken breasts, and of course she pulled through.  I picked a few I liked and Monday night I made a cayenne-rubbed chicken with avocado salsa.  Yes, it's as good as the name sounds.  I'm a sucker for anything with avocado in it.  Anyways the recipe really wasn't that hard and didn't take too long to make either.  

So if anyone is looking for a yummy chicken recipe here is the link:

chicken recipe

*for the salsa I recommend a small red onion and 2 avocados. but that's just me. 

Overall the dinner was yummy, healthy (mostly), and easy.  So to all those malnutritioned, lacking-in-vitamins, unhealthy, or just wanting to eat some yummy food individuals, I recommend this recipe.  enjoy!

bad habit.

Today I asked a kid in my class to borrow a pen and like any good fellow classmate, he lent me one of his pens.  It was just a typical bic pen (with lid)- you know the kind that are cheap and always on sale during the back to school rush, but I was grateful nonetheless.  Turns out, however, that my bad habit got the best of me and my gratitude was soon covered up by all the spit I put on the lid of his pen.  Yes, I started to chew on his pen- so much that it cracked the lid in multiple places.  

At the first crack I looked over next to me to see if he noticed, luckily he didn't but the girl behind him did and she laughed.  So I told myself to stop chewing and maybe he won't notice.  Well no more than a minute later I was chewing that pen again like a dog with a chew toy.  I hadn't even noticed that I brought the pen up to my mouth again.  It's so much a habit that I don't even notice until the lid has been destroyed and spit is everywhere.  sounds gross, I know.  If only I could be one of those sexy girls who chew on their pens ever so lightly with their sultry lips.  Well anyways, after I proceeded to gnaw on his pen, I again realized what I was doing. crap. He's going to be so disgusted.  I slyly looked over again and he wasn't paying attention to me or the mutilated pen. phew.  Looking at the pen I knew he'd probably not want it back, so as class got out I quickly put the pen in my backpack and left before he had a chance to remember that he lent me the pen.  Sounds awful that I would steal a pen from someone who so graciously lent me theirs but I think I was doing him a favor in this case.  However, if he does come asking for it again, I think I can splurge the 2.49 and buy him an entire pack.

Either way I really need to stop this bad habit.  It's gross and it forces me to steal pens.  Sorry classmate. 

(this girls got the sultry pen look down)

p.s. anyone have any good tips on stopping bad habits?

sasha fierce

I just wanted to give a little shout out to one of my very favorite divas- my girl beyonce. Let's just talk about how great she is for a second.

a. Her voice is amazing. Have you listened to "halo" and the part where her voice goes down low.. uhh I am obsessed with that part.

b. She gets her audience. "all the single ladies.."

c. She can dance- one minute of the single ladies music video will have you convinced.

d. She's classy- anyone else see what she did for Taylor Swift at the VMA's?

e. Last but certainly not least, she's like one of the prettiest people ever.

Jay-Z you're sooo lucky.

Is it embarrassing that I am so obsessed with her?? probably, but I don't care.