Bait Suci

Yesterday morning I was invited to come in and interview for an Interior Designer position in Phoenix. My interview was at 9 am over in Phoenix. I made it there early(it was touch and go there for a minute, traffic wasn't too crazy, but I passed the building and had to go around the block haha) The showroom was in a little disarray as they're changing up the entry. It seemed like a nice place, and everyone was nice. I thought my interview went well, and I should know in the next couple of days if I'm getting a second interview.

After my interview was over Kneaders was calling my name. I have been craving it for months. 1: I have only been there once and loved it and 2: We found a Kneaders here when my friend was looking at houses nearby... and every since then I couldn't get it out of my mind. Finally my time had come!

Cinnamon French Toast *Heaven*

 It was soo busy! I was lucky to get a table. My original plan was to stay and read for a bit, but it was super loud and busy in there so I just ate(savoring the amazing cinnamon syrup) and then popped in to Deseret Book. It was like being back in Utah. 

Probably the best part of my day was going to the Gilbert Temple Open House!

It was absolutely stunning. The attention to detail was astounding. Paintings, murals, fantastic glass windows and mosaics, and not to forget the stunning chandeliers in the Celestial room and Sealing rooms. I was in the back of the tour group so I got to chat with our darling Usher, it was fun to hear her insights into the details and her stories of people she'd met on the tours. 

I love going to temples, but this one is my new favorite. Such care and thought went into every inch of this temple. Honestly, I can see my self getting married here one day. Most girls have *their temple* that they've always wanted to get married in, but I never have. We've moved around so much that I wasn't too attached to any one temple. I received my Endowments in the Ogden, UT temple, which should be finished this year as well. (It was closed and essentially torn down and rebuilt in the renovation. So I'm excited to see it reopened!)  This temple definitely resonated with me. We shall see what the future brings!

Design-wise it is stunning, and the designer in me loves it... but there is a special spirit there for sure. If you haven't been yet, and are able I strongly recommend you go. You can get tickets, but you don't need them. It is super easy to get there, and you won't regret going. 

Bulan Januari

I blinked and here we are. February. 

January was a great month- and a fabulous start to the new year.

I brought in the new year with a dear friend of mine. We've known each other for almost 14 years now and I am so glad that we've been able to keep in touch. I was very excited when she got a job out here last year! We spent New Year's at the ASU Institute party, then watched the fireworks. Afterwards, we went back to her place and chatted, put on mud masks and then called it a night. First day of the year we slept in, made breakfast then went and saw Saving Mr. Banks, then I went home to hang out with my family.

I spent a good chunk of January going out and taking my resume around. I've been enjoying helping out at Sala Thai, but I feel it's time for me to get back into the Design Industry. I had a few great interviews last month and have two more coming up this week. So hopefully soon, things will be changing. 

I tried a couple of new Restaurants in January - 

*Gallo Blanco in Phoenix with my Aunt and Cousins - tried a quinoa salad for the first time ever and LOVED it. Also, their burrito was to die for and another first - guacamole with oranges absolutely delicious!

*Ah-Hai Sushi & Grill in Goodyear with my stepbrother's GF - favorite roll we got was their 'Crunchy Roll' with masago YUM! So two more firsts Masago(Crunchy roll) and Yellow tail(Spicy Girl) Definitely will go back.

I tried a couple of other Thai restaurants when I was out and about job hunting but honestly, nothing to write home about. I don't know what I'm going to do when I get a full time job and can't eat at Sala Thai all the time! I have definitely been spoiled!

I was able to go to the Arizona YSA Conference. It was a jam-packed couple of days but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I loved going to the Gammage (Which reminds me I NEED to get out to Taliesen West and see me some Frank Lloyd Wright.) and being able to hear Sheri Dew, Thurl Bailey, Mitt and Ann Romney, Stephanie Nielsen and many more speak. It was very uplifting and I had a great time. Seeing Brooke White and Alex Boye perform was a perk too!

True to my inner baker I made 4 Dozen cupcakes and 8 dozen mini donuts for my friend's birthday last month. It felt great to bake my heart out. I had forgotten how much I loved that chocolate cupcake recipe and who doesn't love mini donuts!? ~French vanilla pudding filled chocolate cupcakes with either cream cheese frosting or chocolate cream cheese frosting. Baked vanilla mini donuts dipped in dark chocolate and topped with sprinkles. ^_^

Reading has resurfaced in my life. I LOVE to read, but I don't always make time for it. Hence why I made a reading goal for this year. Right after the YSA Conference, I knew which book I wanted to start with: Heaven is Here by Stephanie Nielsen. I had heard of her before, and seen her blog and Mormon Message, but after hearing her speak I knew I needed to read her book. I read the first third in a day, but I knew what was coming with the next part so I took a break and read The Sunflower (by Richard Paul Evans) again. I started the second third of Heaven is Here yesterday, it is pretty painful to read but I am really enjoying this book. If you have any recommendations of books that have changed your life please share. I love reading a variety of books, but this year I really want life-changing stories and books I've never read before. Next in line on my reading list is The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. I read it for the first time my Sophomore year at USU. It was a birthday present from my roommate. I loved it, and I think it's about time I read it again!

Other great things that started in January - 

The 23+ Institute Class at the ASU Tempe Institute Wed. nights. Last week was especially good. 

Gilbert AZ Temple open house - I haven't made it yet, but I'm hoping to this week. :)

Favorite purchase of January(besides Heaven is Here) - Yuna's new Album Nocturnal. Yuna has been on a roll ever since I met her twice back in 2012. I'd love to get to another one of her performances, she is fantastic live!

So all in all, January was a great month :) I am sure February will be full of surprises too! All I know is that is off to a great start! I went hiking over at South Mountain with a couple friends. Breathtaking view of the valley over there. Then we popped by Pita Jungle for lunch. Almost got a gyro again, but decided to get a red quinoa/spinach salad with their cilantro/jalapeno hummus. Yum!! Sunday was nice too, Church was good, especially our RS lesson on Temples. Then home to watch the Superbowl with my fam. I don't follow football much, but I was rooting for the Seahawks - grew up in WA got to represent. That reminds me - I'd love to go to a Mariners Spring Training game this year!