Communing in Downtown Provo

Yesterday morning, I met my Studio 5 friends on the corner of University Avenue and 1st North for a quick "come visit Campus Craft" piece about some new items we have in the store. It was fun. First of all, we filmed in front of the new (and highly acclaimed) Communal Restaurant in downtown. I'm dying to dine there, but am saving it for the next Utah County Kenley visit. Secondly, Courtney of cjane fame was there to encourage the development and support of downtown Provo. I love that she cares about the city and helps support local businesses. I've always enjoyed her blog, but she is equally DARLING in person. I was too shy to tell her that her praise of Rooster caused yours truly a 5-10 pound weight gain over the Summer (with no regrets, I might add).

If you get a minute and would like to join us, tonight (TUESDAY) from 5-9pm is our Christmas Preview Night--with lots of sale items and EVERYTHing (yes, every single thing) an additional 20% off. It only happens once a year--so come pay us a visit. If you're worried, the crowds usually die WAY down after 7 and there is still PLENTY of selection. The BYU Bookstore also offers the 20% off and LOTS of great sale items.

Check out the Farmer Models

Please note the GIANT Provo School District bus that nearly stills my show.

Caul-EEE-Flower

Last week, Jeff and I dined at Cafe Zupas and enjoyed their Wisconsin Cauliflower Soup. Oh, it was divine and I have now taken it upon myself to figure out how to make a pot of it for home consumption.

This recipe is on my menu for the coming week. Mmmmm.

Recipe from Just Cook Already/Pict from zupas.com

Wisconsin Cauliflower Soup
Yields: 9 cups or 8 first-course servings (or 4-5 hungry adults :)

2 tablespoons margarine or butter (1/4 stick)
1 medium onion, chopped
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups milk
1 can (13 3/4 to 14 1/2 ounces) chicken broth
1 head (2 1/2 pounds) cauliflower, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup pepper jack cheese

In 4-quart saucepan, melt margarine or butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook until golden, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in flour and salt; cook 2minutes, stirring frequently. Gradually stir in milk, chicken broth, and 1 1/2 cups water; add cauliflower and heat to boiling over high heat. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer until cauliflower is tender, about 10 minutes. In blender (with center part of blender cover removed to allow steam to escape), blend cauliflower mixture at low speed in small batches until very smooth. Return cauliflower mixture to saucepan; heat over medium heat until hot, stirring occasionally. Remove saucepan from heat; stir in mustard and 1 1/2 cups cheese until melted and smooth. Garnish soup with remaining cheese to serve.

Primary Program Palooza

Today is our ward's primary program. The children have been practicing and preparing all year. They are SO excited to share what they have learned . . . I'm excited to see how it all comes together. We feel pretty confident that their cuteness will cancel out any slip-ups. Pray for us.

Logo Challenge

Click here to see if you can name these corporate sponsor logos in 6 minutes. I was able to label 30/36.

Today's Show

For your viewing pleasure! Also, keep an eye out on Monday morning at 11 as Studio 5 features Utah County hot spots--you might be excited to see some fun items from Campus Craft & Floral featured. Stay tuned.

Elegant Thanksgiving

Join me tomorrow at 11 on KSL's Studio 5 for a few hints and tips on how to present an elegant Thanksgiving Table. You won't want to miss it!

Mayor Virtue Re-Elected

It looks like the great city of Blackfoot will be in capable hands for another 4 years. Thanks to all who voted and supported. We are grateful.

It's Election Day

Don't forget to vote today!!! You make a difference.

The Virtues are excited to see the results of today's Mayoral election. We are even more excited to have the campaigning end.

Here is the letter to the editor we submitted to the Blackfoot Morning News last week. It offers a biased, but truthful view of Mike Virtue for Mayor.

We love you, DAD. Good luck today!


We were born and raised in Blackfoot. We love our town. It is full of memories, people we love, and life lessons learned. With pride, we tell those who inquire that we are from one of the greatest places on earth. Some understand—others wonder how such a seemingly small place could possibly earn such a title. Perhaps only those who have grown up within the community’s open arms would realize its many charms. Regardless--our little town will always be home—wherever life takes us.

Several years ago, our dad “retired.” He was poised to live a much deserved life of leisure—full of afternoons in the hammock and romping with grandchildren. Instead, he chose to become involved in city government—determined to give back to a community and the people who had been so good to him and his family. He had no long-term political agendas. He simply saw something he could make better. We have watched him closely over the past four years do just that. He is personally involved in the daily process of improving our community. He works tirelessly. He has great respect for and trust in those he works with and is proud to stand with them. He is level-headed. He cares. He listens. He is fair. He is sincere. He is our mayor and our dad.

As you go about your business today, look out your window. Notice how beautiful Jensen’s Grove and our city parks are. Notice that many of our streets are new and all are well kept. Notice that our city is safe. Notice that life in our town is better than it was four years ago. It’s easy to sit back and watch the world around you pass by. It’s easy to talk and observe. It’s easy to judge and hope that others will make your opinion heard. Mike Virtue has taught us that the good things in life are worth the effort.

Sincerely,
Michelle Virtue
Kimberly Virtue Lewis
Ryan Virtue
Laura Virtue Vawdrey

Our Nation's Capitol

Today I am flying to our Nation's Capitol. The forecasters are predicting mid-60s, very few lines, fall leaves, and a few days with a handsome Oregonian. I sure hope they're right. Mr. Lincoln and I have some business to attend to.

One of My Favorite Families

It doesn't get better . . .

These are Not my Legs, but they are my Leggings

I purchased some Derek Heart leggings last week. I love them. Not too thin. Not too thick. JUST RIGHT. For $14.99, I've made the winter months just a little more bearable. Visit my friend, Jan, in the Bookstore Women's Shop to procure a pair of your very own.

Gameday

Today, in the shadow of Y Mountain, our BYU Cougars will face TCU. Pray for us and our Homecoming pride.

The Race is On

Many of you have inquired about the upcoming mayoral election. Well, there's good news on the Eastern Idaho front--The Mayor (my mayor) is running for re-election and we couldn't be happier. We'd love to see the city of Blackfoot in his capable hands for another 4 years. Dad--we're behind you all the way! Circle November 3rd on your calendars, friends--it's election day!

Praising the Greek Gods of Dairy Production

I too have fallen in love with THE GREEK GODS Tradition Greek Yogurt. Thank you, Laura-bear for the recommendation. Try it. I know you'll love it, too. My friends at Smith's definitely carry this little treasure. I'm particularly fond of the honey flavored variety. It's like a dairy-lover's dream.

Happy Birthday, Kimmy!

The happiest birthday wishes to Kimmy--who I miss so much.

Besides a sister package in the mail, here are my other birthday gifts--

1. I'm eating a big fat cupcake today in her honor.
2. I will not cry today when I think about missing her. Instead, I'll smile and know she's mine forever.
3. Today I am going to try to look as cute as she is--it won't be easy.
4. I think there will be at least one old episode of Grey's playing on my DVD player tonight--maybe the one where Derek and Meredith are sitting on the floor of the supply room.
5. I'm sleeping in her old room tonight. I might even spread some clothes on the floor and pretend she's just out partying.
6. Today I will be grateful for all of our memories.
7. ON Kimmy's birthday, I am going to CELEBRATE that we've been together for 31 years--and that's a blessing.

LOVE YOU, Sister--really a lot!

Sisters

There's just something about being sisters. I can't explain it, but I know that there more days than I can count when the sound of their voices just calms me.

What Men Really Want to Hear

This is another Matt Townsend segment that EVERYONE at CCF appreciated. I think you will, too.

Some new picts

This crew was FUN!

If you or any friends are interested, I'm offering affordable one hour photo shoots--full of fun locations, painless grins, and lots of material for those looming Christmas cards. Shoot me an e-mail at michelle.virtue@gmail for more information. We have about a 2 week window of opportunity--so act fast!

Becoming Better

So, one of my favorite things about Studio 5 is Matt Townsend. I love his segments and if I can, try to listen to his KSL radio show on Saturday mornings. He is just real and practical and gives great advice. It makes me want to be better and anything that inspires or motivates betterment is something I want more of in my life. Listen to this clip about appreciating your husband. Tips and tricks. Try them. Test them.

For the next month, try the following four steps, with their assignments, and then let us know if you notice any difference.

1. Pay Attention to What He Does

Assignment- Find three activities a week that you could do together that he would enjoy.

2. Focus on the Positive

Assignment- Find three things a day that your partner did that were positive and thank him for them.

3. Treat him like your partner not your project

Assignment- Don't critique, correct or control him for an entire month.

4. Flirt

Assignment- Chase that man like you were about to lose him to another person.

Pay Attention To What He Does

• Men tend to focus much more on what they do in their lives more than what they feel about what they are doing.
• A man's identity tends to be more wrapped around "things" like his occupation, education, past accomplishments, accolades, awards hobbies, and positions in the community.
• Females tend to be more focused on their relationships and the state of her relationships and how she feels.
• Men join clubs where like Sports teams, County Rec., Kiwanis, Elks, Chambers, or coach little league, etc. where awards, promotions and advancement are the norm.
• Some females think these topics are shallow compared to the important topics or issues of relationships and feelings so they don't really get into them.

Assignment- Find three activities a week that you could do together that he would enjoy.

o Pay attention to what he's talking about.
o Get interested in the topics he brings up.
o Notice what he's talking about and his energy about that topic.
o See if it is more focused on the activities or things he does well, versus his feelings about those same things.
o If you pay attention you will notice quickly take conversations with each other into the "so what do you do" conversation.

Focus on the positive

• Men just like most human beings love to hear what they are doing right.
• Because of the mail ego, men are hypersensitive to negative comments from their partner.
• If you've ever been told you're a nag, its because you're sending too much negativity his way.
• They feel an overwhelming need to fix whatever is broken and if all they ever hear from their partner is that they are broken, then they feel anxious.
• Research shows that 1 negative comment erases 5 positives, so just to break even you need to give 5 times more positives for every negative. More like 20 positives to every negative.
• Most humans will avoid being around or near someone who is too negative.

Assignment- Find three things a day that your partner did that were positive and thank him for them.

• The principle is positive people feel better.
• Make a list every day of three things your husband did that was really positive.
• Share the list with him.
• Commit to yourself to build your man up, compliment him, brag about him in front of others.
• Talk positively about your husband to 5 other people this week.
• Everyone loves to be appreciated verbally, even if it makes them feel uncomfortable.
• Notice what happens to you as you begin to focus on the positive things.

Treat Him like Your Partner not Your Project.

• Treat your partner like he's complete, acceptable and competent.
• One reason men do less around the house I believe isn't because they're lazy, but because we've been made to feel like we don't do it very well.
• Let us do it our way
• Like we're good enough, not broken, complete, capable and competent.
• So far focus on the do, Find the positive

Assignment- Don't critique, correct or control him for an entire month.

o Worry less
o Be willing to risk with him a little bit more.
o Ask him to do something for you that you can't do alone.
o Let him do it his way.
o Try to do something with him you've never been willing to do or try.
o Risk; go out on the limb a bit.
o Let him handle a situation his way
o Telling him where you're proud

Flirt More

• Men want to know that they are still interesting to their partners physically.
• The older we get the more we battle the need to stay legitimate in the world.
• Usually men get more confident in what they do like their work and providing the older the get. But as they get older and more confident in some ways, other ways tend to suffer. They're bodies start to do less, their physical appearance may slide a bit and confidence drops.
• Most men only care if their wife finds them attractive and one of the best ways to show your man you find him attractive is to flirt with him.
• Usually women stop flirting because they don't want to give their hubby the wrong impression. They feel that if they flirt it will always lead to sex. So they quit flirting and he stops seeing signs from her that she is interested in him.
• One relationship that shouldn't wane in confidence is the one between a husband and his wife. By flirting, you're communicating to your hubby that you are still interested in him physically.
• You can talk to him and tell him you want to flirt more and you don't want it to always go there. It may take a while for him to get used to it but eventually it will be worth it for both of you.
• Remember men feel closer to their partners when they are in contact, touching, acting and doing together.

Assignment- Chase that man like you were about to lose him to another person.

• Flirting is about sex, it's about showing your partner that you still find them attractive in all forms and you want to be by their side.
• When you have good thoughts about your partner share them immediately.
• When they look good tell them.
• Whisper more.
• Touch him more in public (men on average need touch 3 times more than women).
• More kisses, more affectionate, more hugs.
• Date him more aggressively.
• Act like you want to be with him, treat him like you did when you were dating.
• Send him letters, cards, make him treats, put a note in his brief case.
• Go on walks together.

---

For more information, you can reach Matt at the Townsend Relationship Center in Sandy (801)
747-2121 or online at www.marriagemattersutah.com .

An Evening with Matt Townsend
Saturday, October 10
7pm to 9pm
$20 per Couple
Location: Noah's in South Jordan
To register call 801-747-2121

Miss Melis

You know how some people just capture your heart and you know that no matter how far you are from one another or the amount of time that passes between visits, you will always love them? Well, that's the case with each member of the GV Compartment. I was reminded this week of my Miss Melis--whose wit, charm, and general flare for life make me smile--even now as I write this. She's the type of person you always want on your team. I think it has something to do with her level head, positive attitude, and a testimony that is genuine and real. She has a handsome husband I have yet to meet (but he is ONE lucky guy) and the sweetest baby (with a super-fab mom).

Miss you, Lady M.

Missing My Zachy

I talked to my Zachy the other night. He is a pleasure and I miss him bunches and bunches. We talked about school and his new home. I asked what he was going to be for Halloween and he enthusiastically said--"A COWBOY." He quickly asked if I would be a cowgirl. For that sweet face, I'd happily pull on some Wranglers, sport a 10 gallon hat and even a bolo tie--because this boy has lassoed my heart forever.

Halloween Chic

Where in the world is . . .

Kenley Jones?ALASKA

Facts and Trivia

Outsiders first discovered Alaska in 1741 when Danish explorer Vitus Jonassen Bering sighted it on a voyage from Siberia.

Russian whalers and fur traders on Kodiak Island established the first settlement in Alaska in 1784.

In 1867 United States Secretary of State William H. Seward offered Russia $7,200,000, or two cents per acre, for Alaska.

On October 18, 1867 Alaska officially became the property of the United States. Many Americans called the purchase "Seward's Folly."

Joe Juneau's 1880 discovery of gold ushered in the gold rush era.

In 1943 Japan invaded the Aleutian Islands, which started the One Thousand Mile War, the first battle fought on American soil since the Civil War.

Alaska officially became the 49th state on January 3, 1959.

Alaska's most important revenue source is the oil and natural gas industry.

Alaska accounts for 25% of the oil produced in the United States.

The state of Rhode Island could fit into Alaska 425 times.

Prudhoe Bay, on the northern Alaskan coast, is North America's largest oil field.

The Trans-Alaska Pipeline moves up to 88,000 barrels of oil per hour on its 800 mile journey to Valdez.

The fishing and seafood industry is the state's largest private industry employer.

Most of America's salmon, crab, halibut, and herring come from Alaska.

The term Alaska native refers to Alaska's original inhabitants including Aleut, Eskimo and Indian groups.

The wild forget-me-not is the official state flower. The Territorial Legislature adopted it in 1917.

The willow ptarmigan is the official state bird. The Territorial Legislature adopted it in 1955.

The Sitka spruce is the official state tree. The Territorial Legislature adopted it in 1962.

Dog mushing is the official state sport. The Alaska Legislature adopted it in 1972.

An unnamed draftsman created the state seal in 1910. It consists of a rising sun shining on forests, lake, fishing and shipping boats, and agricultural and mining activities.

The state motto is North to the Future.

The jade is the official state gemstone.

Gold is the official state mineral. It was named the state mineral in 1968.

The four-spot skimmer dragonfly is the official state insect.

In 1926 13-year-old Bennie Benson from Cognac, Alaska designed the state flag.

Alaska has been called America's Last Frontier.

Every four years Alaskans elect a Governor and a Lieutenant Governor to four-year terms.

The Alaska State Legislature is made up of a Senate and a House of Representatives.

Twenty senators are elected to four-year terms; forty representatives serve two-year terms.

Alaska's Constitution was adopted in 1956 and became effective in 1959 making it the 49th state.

Nearly one-third of Alaska lies within the Arctic Circle.

The Alaska Highway was originally built as a military supply road during World War II.

The state boasts the lowest population density in the nation.

The discovery of gold in the Yukon began a gold rush in 1898. Later gold was discovered at Nome and Fairbanks.

Alaska is a geographical marvel. When a scale map of Alaska is superimposed on a map of the 48 lower states, Alaska extends from coast to coast.

The state's coastline extends over 6,600 miles.

Alaska is the United State's largest state and is over twice the size of Texas. Measuring from north to south the state is approximately 1,400 miles long and measuring from east to west it is 2,700 miles wide.

Agattu, Attu, and Kiska are the only parts of North America occupied by Japanese troops during World War II.

Oil is the state's most valuable natural resource. The area includes what is thought to be the largest oil field in North America.

In 1986 Mount Augustine erupted near Anchorage.

Alaska's geographic center is 60 miles northwest of Mount McKinley.

The Tongass National Forest is the largest national forest in the United States.

17 of the 20 highest peaks in the United States are located in Alaska.

At 20,320 feet above sea level, Mt. McKinley, located in Alaska's interior, is the highest point in North America.

Juneau is the only capital city in the United States accessible only by boat or plane.

The state's largest city is Anchorage; the second largest is Fairbanks.

The Alaska Range is the largest mountain chain in the state. It covers from the Alaska Peninsula to the Yukon Territory.

In 1915 the record high temperature in Alaska was 100 degrees Fahrenheit at Fort Yukon; the record low temperature was -80 degrees Fahrenheit at Prospect Creek Camp in 1971.

The Alaskan malamute sled dog is strong and heavily coated. It was developed as a breed by a group of Eskimos named the Malemiuts.

Alaska's name is based on the Eskimo word Alakshak meaning great lands or peninsula.

WFB Custom Albums

For some reason, I have been especially busy lately taking and filling orders for my custom albums. As much time and energy as it takes to make one of these books, there's nothing quite as sweet as handing a collection of memories over to a new bride, a first-time mom, or an excited 8 year old. As of today, I'm officially caught up (YIPPEE) and am once again accepting orders. If you or someone you know is interested in having a custom event album made or would like information about how to order, please contact me via e-mail (michelle.virtue@gmail.com) and I will send the specifics. I'm feeling especially creative right now and would love to put that creativity to work. I specialize in guest books, wedding albums, baby books, family memory keepsakes, and baptism books. They make great gifts and there are price breaks with multiple book copies.

2 wedding albums for a client.
A baptism album for Ali.
Baby albums.

The Actor & the Housewife

It took me two trips to Oregon, but I finally finished reading The Actor and the Housewife by Shannon Hale. In general, I'm a Shannon Hale fan. I loved Goose Girl and Austenland, but I have mixed feelings about this novel. It seemed a bit forced, at some parts BORING, and often stereotypically based. BUT at the end of the day, it was a sweet and completely unbelievable read that kept me occupied for over 6 hours of flying--and these days, that alone says something.

Fall Voodoo is in the Air

Yesterday morning I found myself on another airplane--one that brought me back to Portland, a city I am loving more with each visit. The air has turned cool here and I realize that as much as I dread the coming winter months, the crispness of fall is the perfect compliment to the fresh Northwestern air. Speaking of crispness and the land of apples--I hope you've all spotted the season's most limited editions in your local grocery stores. Yes, my friends, the Honeycrisp APPLE has been spotted in grocery stores throughout the SL Valley and I'm MORE than happy to hand over my $1.99 per pound for their filling, sweet, and crispy goodness. They have become the personification of fall for my mouth. Each of my senses seems to be getting a good dose of the season. My skin is getting reaquainted with yarn. My feet are remembering what socks feel like. And my nose was recently reminded that the sweet combination of bread dough and a fat fryer make doughnuts--a traditional fall treat. Kenley took me to a famous Portland doughnuttery (that's my own technical term for it) yesterday--Voodoo. I had an apple fritter the size of my face and Kenley opted for the Captain Crunch covered goodness. It feels lovely to embrace autumn. It feels even better to be experiencing it with someone I love.

Simplifying

These days, I'm all about simplifying. I want to live a life as void of panic, stress, and non-essentials as possible. It's easier for me than most people. I don't have a husband or children--two words synonymous with general mayhem. As much as I want that kind of mayhem in my life, I'm attempting to make myself better today. And today, that means learning to declutter, organizing my things (while keeping them to a minimum), and managing my time wisely. So, I've been planning ahead, learning how to say "no," and making every effort to avoid the extras that don't matter so I can fill my life with things that do. You know what? I think it's starting to work. I feel like I'm finding bits of time for the people I love and that's what I want life to be about. I'm learning that things weigh us down, procrastination leads to dissatisfaction, and happiness is found in the quiet little moments where you allow yourself to be, feel, and do in the moment.

On this rainy fall morning, I'm grateful for those moments and hope to find more of them daily.

Loving this Lil' Bit of Lisa Today

I'm wearing fall today.

Mornings are magical, don't you think? Granted, I usually spend my mornings like the rest of the world--blow-drying, bed-making, and running to the car with a piece of toast in one hand a portable paper trimmer in the other. BUT, today I woke up early. I went for a quick run, had a minute to peruse the paper, and just listened as the world began. It was exciting and peaceful at the same moment. Every once in a while, give yourself a magical morning. You deserve it. Turn off the alarm. Listen. Enjoy. Consider. Even Monday mornings can be magical.

It's Friday, PEOPLE!

Girls on Gameday

Laura--please don't retaliate!

September 22nd

Happy first day of fall, friends! May the colors inspire your creativity. The crispness refresh your spirits. The harvest warm your grateful hearts. May winter never come.

Yes, I came up with that little ditty myself--watch out Lady E.R.