Thursday, May 31, 2012

Family.

My brother, my mom, me, and my sister.
My dad and his girlfriend
One of Daniel's brothers, his mom, his dad, me and Daniel.

13 things about my family:
  1. I have an 18-year-old brother, and a 24-year-old sister.
  2. My dad was an only child, so I have no cousins or aunts and uncles on his end, but four aunts and uncles and countless cousins on my mom's side.
  3. I'm really close with my grandparents. Both sets of grandmas and grandpas live in Washington, and my favorite time of year is when I get to see them. I don't see them enough.
  4. Daniel's family is pictured above because, really, they're family. I love them. He has two brothers (one not pictured), and his mom and his dad are out-of-this-world cool. When I'm having a bad day, his dad always knows just the right thing to say, and his mom will let me cry on her shoulder until it's out of my system. I appreciate my relationship with them so much. And his youngest brother? He is already like a brother to me. We are best buds.
  5. My parents got divorced in 2006, during my freshman/sophomore years of college. I knew it was coming... but it was still a rough transition. My dad and I grew really close during the divorce.
  6. My immediate family is all over the place. My mom lives in the suburb next to me to the east. My dad lives about a mile and a half from me, but I only see him about once a week because he likes to travel. He spends every single weekend of the year in either McCall, Idaho (2 hours from Boise) or Palm Desert, California. He and his girlfriend love to golf, relax, and avoid the office. Obviously. My brother lives with my mom and is about to attend Boise State in the fall. I'm so excited that he's not leaving town. My sister lives in Seattle, Washington with her fiance... though I really wished they lived in Boise. Her fiance? He is beyond-awesome. He's also already like a brother. I mean, he reads my blog, he calls me often, and he even notices my hairstyles (what?! awesome!). I couldn't ask for a better almost-brother-in-law.
  7. My sister and I went to rival schools, me to Boise State University and her to University of Idaho, and when my brother picked Boise State, I am fairly certain it made my sister cringe with Vandal-blooded hatred. Me, on the other hand? Heck, I just hope he graduates... though seeing his closet grow with those familiar blue and orange hues won't disappoint me a bit.
  8. Growing up, we had a beagle named Tally and a miniature schnauzer named Scooter. Tally is still around, though she has no teeth. We love her. Scooter? Bless her. She was a scruffy stray and I loved her to pieces.
  9. Our family's last name is Norwegian. It is Driflot. It was originally Drivflaadt, but when my grandpa immigrated through Ellis Island, he came out a Driflot. My dad, my sister, my brother and I are the only Driflots. Ever. Stew-man better do us proud.
  10. Daniel's last name is much more simple... and switching from a Driflot to a Rowe will be a very welcome change... eventually.
  11. When we hang out with my dad and his girlfriend, we love to play cards. 10 Penny is our favorite. We also usually always play Trivial Pursuit on New Year's Eve. Sometimes, I win... actually, I think I only won once. And it was a grand victory.
  12. When we hang out with my mom, we play word games. Catchphrase, Scategories, Balderdash... anything where you can include inappropriate innuendo's seem to be the favorite. You can always tell my mom's answers in Balderdash because they are usually really dirty and very funny.
  13. Family is more important to me than anything. More important than my job, more important that my little blog, more important than any TV program, and more important than my own needs. I would do anything for my family.
 ♥
Come link up with me today!
What's Mine Is Yours

PS→ I'm giving away 5 copies of Hair Care Rehab, the book, on my hair blog Bye Bye Beehive. Go get entered!

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Yellow.

Sweater: Thrifted // Pants: Target // Shoes: Steve Madden // Bracelets: c/o Chloe vs. Tank and Payton Woodcraft // Earrings: Christine Marie Studio

Yellow.
Yellow top.
Yellow earrings.
Yellow sun...
I love it. 
Summery, bright, fresh. 

PS> Like my earrings? Enter in this giveaway for a $50 gift certificate to Christine Marie Studio!
PPS> if you're interested in how I got my curly waves (though I added some dry shampoo)... visit this link!

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Christine Marie Studio.

Today I have a treat for you.


She is sweet, she is a jewelry designer, she is a blogger...
SHE IS FANTASTIC.

But, you don't need me to tell you that.
Why don't you let her tell you?

Oh... and make sure to read all the way to the end, you won't be disappointed!

************************************

Tell us a little about yourself. Don't be nervous, just let it spill, girl! 
I am a farm girl. My parents have property and have lived in the same house for 39 of my 40 years. I was privileged to own 3 horses growing up and we kept them on our property, which means I was up at the crack of dawn, hauling water and carrying for horses. My dad and I shared the barn. He actually had a hydraulic lift installed on one side and he could hoist cars up in the air. I remember there was about a 3 foot path through to the back of the barn, I'd squeeze past shells of old cars and parts with the horses in tow. I do think that is where I get my appreciation of chippy, rusty and good old metal vintage. I think this love is my inspiration when it comes to my jewelry.

The rest in a nutshell - I met my husband when I was 17, married at 20 (20 year anniversary this year!) and kids - a 12 year old son and a 6 year old daughter. I've been a graphic designer for 20 years.


You are SO creative. Where did you learn to make jewelry?
I actually learned to make jewelry at a girl's weekend at the beach - about 3.5 years ago. I am a graphic designer by day - so I think jewelry is an outlet for me to work with my hands. I love paint, patina and texture. I've taken metalsmithing classes, but otherwise I am self taught.

I see you have a blog in addition to your shop, what is your favorite thing to blog about?
Blogging is actually a challenge for me. I feel like I am still finding my "voice". When I do blog, I enjoy talking about the process and where I find inspiration. I like to challenge myself by picking out an outfit and designing something for it. I also love pinterest and have several subjects that I've collected images for and I am looking forward to sharing those.

If you could describe yourself in 3 words, what would they be and why?
Creative - because what I do (jewelry and graphic design) flows naturally from me, it is very effortless, because it is something that is an extension of my true self.  Tall - because I am. Blessed - God has given me a great family, including an extended family of 4 siblings, their spouses, 10 nieces and nephews and parents that have been married for 43 years (and they all live close - I get to see them all the time!).

Anything else you think we should know?
I'm a sucker for rescues. I have 2 rescue dogs, a happy, oblivious pug who was a stray and a sensitive (read grouchy) chihuahua who was abused. I am not allowed to go on petfinder.com, LOL.

*********

AAAnd.... now Christine is offering us something very special!
 First... a coupon code for 20% off... just enter code AUNIESAUCE!
 And...
a $50 gift certificate to her Etsy Shop!~



Enter below using Rafflecopter, and make sure to go say hello to Christine!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday, May 28, 2012

Banana Cake.

I just want to preface this post by saying this:

This is probably the ONLY recipe you will ever see on this blog... Maybe.

As I've stated from the beginning... I don't cook. I don't grill. I don't sauté, or stir fry, or whip up anything in the kitchen. But occasionally... I bake.

This past weekend, I made a banana cake (my family's famous recipe) for my brother's high school graduation party. It's basically the only thing I'm good at throwing together, because it's too simple NOT to get it right. So, I figured I may as well share it. Enjoy!

*********************

Aunie's Great Great Grandma's Banana Cake

Ingredients:
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 3/4 cups shortening (I use Crisco)
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 2 cups flour (can sub gluten-free baking mix if you want!)
  • a dash of salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 3 or 4 very ripe bananas
    • Helpful hint: When my bananas get brown, I stick 'em in the freezer. After I accumulate a few (I always use 4 for this recipe), I take them out of the freezer, let them thaw until they're nice and mushy, and then add them to the mix. If they're not mushy and disgusting-looking as your squeeze them out of the totally brown peel... they just won't be as good. Trust me, they'll be gross. I included pictures just to emphasize their icky-ness.
Directions:
  1. Cream shortening and sugar
  2. Stir in eggs & vanilla, set aside
  3. Mix flour and salt, set aside
  4. Mash banana with soda, set aside
  5. Stir all mixtures together
  6. Pour into a greased 9x13 pan or 2 greased loaf pans
  7. Bake @ 325 for approximately 45 minutes
    1. If you use the "toothpick method" (where you stick a toothpick in the middle and pull it out to see if it's done) make sure it just comes out clean.
  8. Frost after it's cooled.
    1. My mom prefers this with cream cheese frosting, but I prefer butter cream, vanilla or of course rainbow chip.
    2. You can TOTALLY add nuts or chocolate chips if that's your thing. I think they're nasty... so no nuts for me!

This is my mom's favorite cake recipe. She always had it every year for her birthday as a kid. It's definitely MY favorite cake... maybe it's because it's the one I always grew up with... or maybe because it's the only one I know how to bake! 

Enjoy!! ♥

PS> if you're interested in how I got my curly waves... visit this link! It's the Friar Tuck done on dirty hair + dry shampoo + bobby pins... so easy!

Saturday, May 26, 2012

The Saucy-ness Just Got Upped.

Notice a little change around here?

BEFORE

AFTER


Remember that first "Before" header? It had all the amazing little icons below it, and was the first big step I took in realizing the saucy-potential that designs + my words can have on my blog. I had help in creating it, from the amazing lady Michele behind Savvy Citrus.

Recently, I wanted to try something different. I contacted Dana at Wonder Forest and arranged an entire blog makeover. I told her I wanted bold, fresh, edgy, and something that I hadn't seen anywhere before. Let me tell you what... she delivered. Not only was the such a pleasure to work with, but she was so FAST!

And here's the deal, when I say she was a pleasure to work with... I mean she was exceptionally wonderful. I went to her with "umm's," "uhhh's," "I don't know's," and "I can't decide's" coming out of my mouth here and there. I had NO IDEA what I wanted, but I knew I wanted coral, black, zebra, and funky-fresh. She took my unsure, indecisive, and pain-in-the-neck nit-picky-ness and transformed it into something so bold and amazing... I couldn't be more grateful. Honestly, looking back at the process (which she made rather easy), not even I would want to work with myself. Ever. Seriously... designers out there, if you're looking for that ONE client who wants more, more, more and will pick at every detail... that would be me. And with each and every email, Dana was sweet, kind, responsive, and never left me feeling like I didn't get what I truly wanted.

I hope you enjoy the new makeover... go say hi to Dana and show her some of that saucy love you're so good at spreading around!

Friday, May 25, 2012

As We Go On, We Remember...

7 years ago this week...
wait, what?
Yes...

7 years ago this week,
I went to school and attended my very last day of high school.


Today?
This little guy, now a 6'2" big guy is attending his last day.


I can't believe it's been 7 years.
I can't believe it's my brother's last day of high school.
I can't believe my little brother graduates on Tuesday.
Crazy.

"As we go on, we remember
All the times we had together
And as our lives change, come whatever
We will still be, friends forever."

- Vitamin C

Aunie Sauce

What's your "Just Because" this week? Post anything!

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Thursday 13: My Perfect Romantic Date

 
Source.

13 things that would make a perfect, romantic, casual day-long date:
  1. Waking up and making breakfast together (and cleaning up together).
  2. Hitting a quick workout at the gym, not necessarily together, but while occasionally sneaking winks and kisses.
  3. Enjoying a light lunch of summer rolls and lettuce wraps together at Fusion, a little Asian grill here in Boise.
  4. Swinging through TCBY, grabbing a swirl cone, and enjoying it under a shaded tree in a park.
  5. Possibly taking a light snooze together under that same tree.
  6. Driving to the beach (or river if we're in Boise), and hanging out in the sand and just relaxing.
  7. Grilling dinner together in the backyard.
  8. Going for a little evening stroll through our neighborhoods, on foot or bike, it really doesn't matter.
  9. Catching a couple fish together right as the sun goes down.
  10. Enjoying a Mason Jar Margarita (or one of my dad's homemade ones).
  11. Cuddling up to an episode of Castle, River Monsters, or anything just so that we could cuddle together.
  12. Watching the stars in a hot tub.
  13. Falling asleep in his arms.

Link up with Miranda!!
Photobucket

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Rejection.

Sweater: Burlington Coat Factory // Top: Marshall's // Necklace: F21 // Shoes: Danskos

"Sometimes doors don't open because there is another door waiting for you." 

That quote was sent to me in a text message yesterday from a man who I really look up to. It's something I am saying over and over to myself. 

If I had experienced a day like yesterday more than 2 months ago, I would have taken the news I was told very poorly. I would have blamed myself for the rejection I received.

But instead? Instead I am hopeful. I am looking forward, knowing that God has a plan. Sure... this one opportunity may not have worked out. But it was part of His plan for it to be that way. He has something else in store. It may come in a month... or two years down the road... but one thing is for sure, it will come. In one way or another. I have faith that it will happen.

It's so easy to look at a rejection and say, "If only I would have done this or that differently." And sure, maybe I could have said, written or done something differently. But it really wouldn't have mattered. If it's not His will... it won't happen. No matter how amazing or perfect for the part may have I thought I was. 

I need to remember... I don't open doors, He does. And when that next door opens for me, I will embrace it with all my might.

Monday, May 21, 2012

Like Mother, Like Daughter

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

I love you, Mom! ♥
Here's to our second tattoo together.

PS> I was featured this weekend on Embrace Your Life. Go say hello and check out my guest post!

Friday, May 18, 2012

As of late.

Sweater: Franchesca's // Top: Marc Jacobs // Shorts: Old Navy // Sandals: Steve Madden // Necklace: Gift

I want to begin this post by saying THANK YOU for your support. Wow. Each of you has made such a difference in my life. Your love for Aunie Sauce never ceases to amaze me. I definitely did not expect all of the love, support, and friendships that I have encountered from blogging.

I get emails all the time from people asking me, "What do you do when you find yourself in a blogging rut?"

Normally, I don't. I LOVE blogging and I never seem to have trouble finding things to write about. I never have trouble finding new and lovely blogs to gain inspiration from. I especially never seem to have trouble getting in over my head (right, Daniel? I know you're reading and you are the first to recognize when I'm taking on too heavy of a burden).

I'm sure you can all relate to me with that one. It seems like time is escaping me lately... like the sand is rushing through the hole in the hourglass faster than I can keep up with it. When looking back at my posts about my past or my trichotillomania, I'm sure you can guess that I have a bit of anxiety. Just a BIT. Anyway, as I tend to keep going, going, going, that anxiety keeps building, building and building. Right now? I'm a big huge mountain of anxiety. Stress. Overwhelming thoughts. And I'm trying not to break.

So, what do I do when I get into a blogging or "time" rut? I make changes. And soon, some of those changes will begin to take effect. I will still maintain the same blogging schedule, but I'm cutting back on some of the extra things I do. For instance, in July my advertising options are changing slightly. It's something I need to change to keep my sanity. You may think, "What are 2 extra Shout-Out and Giveaway posts a month?" Honestly? Those TWO posts take more time each month than anything. Whether it's collecting information from people, editing the photos, copying and pasting (or hunting down) everyone's links... it's a lot of work. Hours of work. Hours and hours and hours of work. I digress.

My point? I'm making some changes... changes that I hope will reflect the fact that my blog was created, and still is, a way for me to express myself in my little online diary of sorts. If it feels like an obligation, not a hobby I adore, it's just not as fun anymore. I hope you understand. I still love you all. See Monday.

Aunie Sauce

Link up... ANYTHING!

Thursday, May 17, 2012

My Sister Says I Have 3 Poses

Legs crossed.
Hands in pockets/belt loops.
Hand in hair.
Top: Thrifted Ralph Lauren // Jeans: Target // Belt: Express // Bracelets: Fossil & c/o Payton Woodcraft // Ring: Payton Woodcraft // Hair: Bye Bye Beehive

Notes to self:
  1. Sister is always right (sometimes).
  2. Learn to be more Sydney-esque.
  3. Get a real camera and STOP using your iPhone for photos.
  4. Work on that. All of it.
   ♥

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

MAY GIVEAWAY

 Do you feel lucky?
Today is your day.

Brought to you by my amazing sponsors, there are...
11 items.
11 winners.

Awesome.
♥♥♥♥♥











*************************************
The rules:
There will be ONE winner for EACH item!
You MUST tell me your top two items you'd prefer to receive
(though I can't guarantee that you will receive one of them).
Enter via Rafflecopter only.
Giveaway is open internationally and ends at midnight on Tuesday the 22nd.
(US/Canada ONLY items: Sigh Gush Gasp $15 F21 giftcard and five30three's Stella & Dot bracelet)
Good luck!!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

AddThis