It's a FUN Wednesday

Last year, I tricked K. Jones into taking me to the Barn House near Portland to enjoy some charming collectibles. It was a beautiful day--the kind of day I will always remember.We also made the first of many trips to the Waffle Window. I have always been a waffle fan, but it was on a Portland street corner that I feel in love with waffles topped with Nutella and pears. My mouth is watering this very moment.
Waffles and Barn House Boutique memories can be attributed to Leigh Anne, Your Home Based Mom. I'm always trying her recipes and attempting to take time to notice the "pretties" that appear in often unexpected places.To top it off, she has ties to the BYU--namely her fun kids.
Today, at Your Home Based Mom, Leigh Anne is hosting a giveaway. You might recognize some of the cute things she's giving away because they are from our Lula Brand. If you're visiting from YHBM today, welcome! If you happen to live in or visit Utah, our products are available at BYU Campus Craft & Floral (1021 WSC). If you would like to special order one of our headbands or felt flower earrings, please contact me at michelle.virtue@gmail.com. Flower Headbands are $14.99. Bow headbands are $9.99 and the earrings $7.99. Fabric headbands with felt flowers are $14.99. Flat rate shipping in the U.S. is $4.00. We have a great selection available for the holidays! I will post updated pictures of our available colors later today. Check back and thank you for visiting.

Homebased MOM and ME . . .

Yes, my blogging friends, that is exactly who you think it is standing next to me. Leigh Anne from Your Homebased Mom (who I adore) was in the store today. I probably made an absolute fool of myself, but I think she is all that and a cup of tomato basil soup. The good news is that she is just as darling in person as she is on her blog. The bad news is that when she stopped by I was wearing my old honeydew melon sweater and my hands were dyed blue from a mishap with some carnations. At any rate, I hope we're friends AND I hope she comes back for another visit. Thanks, Leigh Anne. You made my day!

Farmer's Dozen

Laurie Farmer has a blog. She is darling and the woman KNOWS laundry. Visit her blog and learn the secrets of this fun mom to 10. Trust me--the woman raises great kids.

Nutty for Nutella

The Farmer sisters went to Germany for the spring term. I bid them adieu on the condition that they mail me a postcard and bring me back a bit of the famed European version of Nutella. It's actually called Nutella & Go! Well, I'm "GO"ing crazy for it. They are so cute I can't even stand it! Thank you, Farmers, for pulling through on your end of the bargain! You can definitely go again next year.

p.s. Dear blogging friends--pay no attention to the frazzled women wearing an old Dam Marathon t-shirt and handling the hazelnut goods. She is obviously not well. . . .

ExperiMINT

Someone I love a LOT gave me a selection of Starbuck's Mints for my birthday. They come in the coolest tins. I ALWAYS have some kind of refreshment in my purse. Of course, she knew that and remembered. Don't you just love it when kindred spirits remember the sweet little things? Now I think of her every time my mouth needs freshening. Miss Alicia everyday.

Birthday Miracles from a Box

Laura and I went to dinner on my birthday and when we returned to my house, there was a bag of true lemon goodness waiting. Janice (whom I think is the bomb-diggity), had whipped up a batch of the best lemon cookies via a cakemix I've ever had. I adore all things lemon anyway, but these were delightful.

Here's her recipe. I hope she doesn't mind me sharing. Afterall, shouldn't we share miracles with all those who will listen?

Mix 1 lemon cake mix, 1/2 cup butter & 2 eggs. Bake at 350 for 10 minutes. Cool and stick two cookies together with lemon frosting.

Yep, that's it. Another modern day birthday baking miracle brought to you by ME and my friend, Janice.

Jessica & Kalea Found

For more information visit KSL.

For Jessica

I spent some time doing team debate in high school. Truthfully, I wasn't really that good at it, but, in retrospect, it helped me develop some important skills--skills that have helped me feel organize my thoughts, calm my nerves, and be more articulate in public.

One of the main reasons I continued to compete was my partner, Jessica. She wasn't afraid of anything--you know, one of those people who can best be described as "zippy." We spent countless hours together developing arguments, sorting through research, and preparing for competitive travel. Unlike other teams, we really liked one another and I felt more at ease with her next to me.

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

Last week, I learned of her mysterious disappearance. Jessica and her 4 year old daughter haven't been heard of for weeks. They are believed to be on the run with her husband, Gabe, who is wanted for the murders of his mother and her boyfriend. Local reports are suggesting that there is a chance they might be heading to Utah. Please keep your eyes open for Jessica and Kalea. Keep them in your prayers.ksl.com - Man wanted for Ore. murders may be headed for Utah

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

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.

Don't Hate me Because You're Beautiful

Happy birthday wishes to one of my favorite people on the planet! Krista could look good in a paper bag . . . and I still love her.

Make New Friends. . .

Please meet my newest friend, Claire. We became acquainted over a cupcake and a pile of gummy worms. Can you think of any more perfect circumstances to begin a friendship? ME EITHER!!!

Spring is in the Air

Last month I had the chance to take some engagement pictures for Megan & Trent. I've kept them to myself, but now that announcements are out, I feel fine about displaying their sweetness.

Fun

Sometimes your heart just needs some of this . . .

Happy New Year

Today is my New Year's Day. In our shop, the combination of inventory and Valentine's Day add up to a bit of stress and A LOT of preparation. As a result, this year I decided that I wouldn't officially celebrate or begin 2009 until today. Truthfully, today feels like a clean and lovely slate. Though my body aches a bit and my hands are cut and swollen, everything has gone quite smoothly. Most (okay--ALL) of my success can be attributed to my staff. They work tirelessly and without complaint. People (customers and colleagues) are constantly reminding me that they are "the best." They are THE BEST and today I'm humbled to start my New Year with such kind and hardworking women by my side. To all my friends (and you really are my friends--at least I hope we're still friends) at CCF--THANK YOU for putting in long hours preparing, smiling, designing, and putting up with yours truly. Thank you for doing all of these things with kindness and willing hands. Thank you for doing it despite heavy school loads, sleepless nights, and sacrificing time with YOUR Valentines. Thank you for making my job easier and my life sparklier!

HAPPY NEW YEAR to all.

Dueling

A few weeks ago, my friend Krista posts this photo of her and John Corbet as her facebook profile.
In a juvenile fit of jealously, I approached Mike to get his approval to counter post this little gem. . .
I think he'll say yes--afterall, we are now Facebook FRIENDS. Eat that, Corbet.

p.s. Krista--I miss you.

Another Miracle

It never occurred to me that when my sisters got married, I might actually really like their mother-in-laws. When Laura brought LuVera into my life, I thought it was just one of those many miracles that seem to grace my life in unexpected ways. She is darling and fun and capable (three things I aspire to). Let me tell you something--life has handed me yet another mother-in-law by marriage miracle & her name is Pat. I think our kindred-spiritness might have something to do with the fact that she's one of few adults I can look in the eye. Yesterday I found the sweetest package in my mail box & it made me cry. She had sent a kind note and holiday gifts. I'm so glad that Pat & Royce are now a part of the Virtue circle--though it does put A LOT of pressure on yours truly. How am I ever going to find a mother-in-law equal to LuVera & Pat? I'm going to have to check references--that's for sure! Merry Christmas to the Lewis family!

Brian in Turkey

Kimmy & I have been friends with Brian (affectionately known as Bri to some) for quite a while now. We met in the glory days of THE Compartment when life consisted of summer evenings spent eating popsicles at the picnic table. Sunday afternoon I read this e-mail he sent & it made me smile--just thinking of him in Turkey exploring and absorbing the experience. It's SO typical Brian--taking pictures, fearlessly seeing all the sites without anything getting to him. It also made me really glad that there are people like him who serve in our military--people who are willing to spend their Christmas away from family & friends. People who make me safe so I can be with those I love. Thanks, BRIAN! We miss you and pray for your safe & quick return daily! Oh, and could you consider this my Christmas card to you?

The Awesome Johnsons

I've been whining for months about missing THIS hot chick. The good news for everyone is that now I can follow her & Spencie's every move on their CUTE blog.

Pillow Fight

Just now I was thinking about KWagnon & our freshman year at BYU. She hated it when people sat on her pillows. Butt sweat & Heaven only knows what else might infest your sweet-smelling pillows of bliss. Thanks, Krista, for instilling in my a distaste for bottoms on my own feather-filled puffs.

Turkey, Anyone?

This is our friend Brian. I say OUR friend because both Kimmy & I claim him. In fact we have both had crushes on him at one time or another. I think Brian knows that--no wonder he's so confident. His bio might go something like this--he likes bakeries, walking fast, music, traveling, and all things Seattle.He is quirky & fun to hang out with. He is also a turkey.

OOps--I meant to say IN Turkey.
Why is Brian in Turkey? What is he doing there? I'm not certain. Anyone else been to Turkey lately? I think annie-net might have been there a time or two.

I like to eat turkey. Remember 2 Thanksgivings ago when Patsy plucked the one legged turkey? I'm still laughing about that one.