happy sunday

ice cream sundae in a country song

I was watching the Top 20 Countdown on CMT yesterday morning with Melanie, Carrie, and Mom. 

Don't be surprised. I like country music. I'm a little bit country and a little bit rock n' roll.

 (And a little bit alternative and big band and a little bit everything else...) 

I am not always a huge fan of Blake Shelton, but this song was introduced to me as #1 and, 

I'll admit, 

I am a big fan!

P.S. Sorry I couldn't find the music video. 

Next Saturday, watch CMT around 11 am.

things i love thursday

lilies

reminiscing with Two Guys and a Girl

wedding receptions

causing friends' double-takes

new brownie recipe

hiding during the bouquet toss

watching Dallin try, almost unsuccessfully, to hide from the garter toss

the book of Alma

knowing the time

Tangerine

fancy new way of pinning my hair back

clean sheets

cupcakes, castle, and amazingness

Sitting with life-long girlfriends, Liz and Missy, during Relief Society on Sunday, we came up with the idea to catch a cupcake down at Sweet Tooth Fairy in Draper. I had never been. I can't say that I hadn't heard of that particular cupcake joint, but I never had the need to go and buy a cupcake. That situation has been easily reversed. In the same moment, we decided to make a night of it and watch the first season of Castle. I am more than ready to make more fans of one of my All-star shows.

Let me just say, the night was fantastic!

I had to work earlier in the day (no surprise there) and was on my way home on the trax train when I get a text from Missy asking if we were still on for plans that night. My phone was on the verge of dying so I was only able to answer back that I was on my way. When I pulled into my driveway, I had no idea that my dear friends had been waiting for over ten minutes thinking that I was ignoring them. So sorry!

A quick (and I mean really quick) change of clothes and Castle in hand, the three of us headed south for some much needed sugar...... wanted sugar.

The choice was so difficult to make. Obviously, I must go again! I decided to get some peanut butter chocolate cakebites (mmmmmm) and a raspberry lemonade cupcake. Whoever created such a delicacy is a genius! I highly recommend it. Talk about a "Party in Your Mouth!" My mouth is watering at this moment just thinking about it.

After all three of us were stocked up with goodies, we headed to Liz's lovely abode to watch the wonderful Nathan Fillion as Richard Castle. We got through the first eight episodes of the first season. Oh, the happiness that is in our future! It was hilarious to watch my friends watch the show, especially when I know the bad guy is coming with a gun. Poor Missy jumped and hollered so much that she made me jump because she jumped.

I made it all the way through Episode 7. Episode 8 was a little too much. Not that I meant to go to sleep, I was just so comfy on Liz's couch with a full stomach and a cozy blanket and a late night. I'll do better next marathon. Promise!

Just another shout out that you need to watch Castle. You'll laugh. You'll cry. You'll cry because you are laughing so hard. Fantastic!

And if you ever want to add a cupcake into the mix, give me a call! :)

happy sunday

things i love thursday

rare days when I don't have to captain a function

barbeque chicken salad

the smell of laundry soap

a lazy nap in the afternoon after waking up far before the sun

Gold's Gym

Gold's Gym cardio cinema

sisters chilling in my room

a made bed and a clean room (neither belong to me at this moment)

telling stories

riding in cars with friends

hailstorms

oh man, oh man!

I mentioned yesterday that I love Castle and Chuck. I don't think that is a surprise to anyone who knows me or happens to read my blog. And yet, last night I remembered exactly why I love them so much. Seriously, you need to watch these shows. If you haven't heard of either, I have the first two series of Castle on DVD and the first and third of Chuck, so party at my house and we can take care of that.

Last night I kept reminding my younger sisters the countdown until Castle started. Carrie found a teaser on the internet that made the anticipation that much worse. As soon as it started, I stayed planted on the couch, only talking during commercials. That is a large feat for me. I always talk through movies and TV. The further it went, the more tense I became. My muscles tensed up. I was swaying the same way my dad does when a sports game gets to be too intense.

After it was over, I couldn't sit still. I had to pace around the room. See the episode and then you will understand. I'm not going to give any spoilers here.

And now, I am laughing at myself. Never fails. Every single time I find a show that I like, I become obsessed.

My Obsessions, Past and Present:

Castle

Chuck

West Wing

Gilmore Girls

First 5 seasons of Grey's Anatomy

Dancing With the Stars

Glee (the obsession ebbs with the level of yuckiness)

Ed

Reba
American Dreams

Friends

Great writing. Twists and turns. Clever pop culture references. Humor. Cute guys. Awesome music. All are my recipe for a show to make the list.

This season of Castle was epic! Watch it. WATCH IT! 

The season finale is on the same level as West Wing's Two Cathedrals.

I'm such a sucker for TV. I'll work on that.

things i love

Once again, I forgot my own tradition of "things I love Thursday." My apologies for anyone who is thoroughly put out by my forgetfulness. Although I'm sure that that number is possible to count on one hand. I am learning that work is getting crazy much faster than I anticipated. So many people getting married! Slow down a little, will ya? This whole "food captain" thing is becoming a full-time gig.

Anyways....

-I've worked for JSMB for almost a year now and I finally got my first email posted on the board in the linen room! The routine for work involves walking past this certain board to get an apron and see the day's roster. All the servers see it. I'm not really looking for a pat on the back or attention from my fellow servers. Just once in awhile, it is nice to know that people think I do a good job. Especially when there is a weekly reminder where I remember all the things that I could be doing better. This email just stuck it to the man. That's right. I'm a great Captain!

(Probably helped that the bride was sister to Mindy Gerritson, a friend of mine from sorority. Still, I'll take it.)

-Tonight is the season finale for two of my ALL-TIME favorite shows! Castle and Chuck! Think what you would like but I live by the motto, "Go big or Go home." I have to keep reminding myself that the characters are not real. Rick Castle and Chuck Bartowski do not exist outside my TV or my computer. Yet, I love them! Check these shows out. You won't be disappointed ;)

- The King's Speech! My family went after graduation (story to come) and I absolutely loved it! I love stories of the conquering underdog. The music is fantastic with Colin Firth in a very different role than I have ever seen him play. I completely understand now where his Oscar nomination and victory is warranted. I really want to add this movie to my growing collection.

- With all my free time (ha!) I'm remembering just how much I love to read! My two current favorites: Bulletproof Mascara by Bethany Maines and For One More Day by Mitch Albom. Very different books but both wonderful reads. I think I may start my own Mitch Albom fan club. I love his spin of everyday subjects. Amazing and heartwarming and delicious. That's what I said. It's a delicious read. Bulletproof Mascara has some language. Beware.

- On Saturday, I got together with friends and we watched the 25th Anniversary of Les Miserables. Yes, it is the one with Nick Jonas. His performance was okay but definitely not my favorite. My favorites were the actors who played Jean Valjean, Fantine, and Javert. Eponine was pretty fantastic too, but you have to be fantastic to sing my favorite song. Dallin fell in love with her "mesmerizing eyebrows." I like to think if we met in real life that we would be friends.

Alfie Boe's performance melted my heart, especially his rendition of Bring Him Home.

All love! 

Love Love Love!

My First Fabulous Friday

I have admired my friend Brittney's Fabulous Friday Finds for weeks and we were finally able to get together so that I could tag along. Not only was it a treat for me to hang with my dear friend, but finding an entire section of Salt Lake City that I had never seen before was stupendous!

FRIDAY'S FIND?

A Walk through Memory Grove and Lunch at the Nauvoo Cafe

Lunch at the Nauvoo Cafe wasn't exactly a first for me but it was definitely a first for the two of us together. Turkey sandwich with the Cranberry-Orange Relish and a Pretzel Mania cookie (chocolate chip with pretzels) --- worth every single bite.

Happy Mother's Day Moeder!

Of all the mothers in all the world, there is no better mother than mine.

Dear Mom,

Thank you for being exactly who you are.

I am so lucky to be your daughter.

Without your tender guidance and unfailing love, I would not be who I am today.

It is your patience in my shortcomings

and your constant encouragement 

that gives me reason to wake up in the morning.

I know that at least one person in this world believes in me

and will stay by my side forever.

Thanks for always listening, even when I sound ridiculous.

It is wonderful to know I have a constant cheering section.

Thank you for a shoulder to cry on 

and the ability to laugh at myself.

Thank you for teaching me not to take myself too seriously

and that my mistakes don't define me.

Thank you for picking me up when I fail,

for brushing me off and setting me right.

I know that I am always loved.

Please know that I will love you forever and always, to the moon and back.

"I love you more-mostest-infinity-stop!"

Love,  Your Jenny

Happy Birthday Brown!

Today is another big day in the Hortin house. 

Not only is it a day to celebrate my mother,

 it is also a day to celebrate the birth of my sister, Melanie!!!

Happy Birthday, Beautiful Girl!

What I love about this girl:

She constantly keeps me laughing

Her help with my wardrobe ;)

Nights when she comes in to say goodnight and ends up talking for half an hour

The way she can laugh at herself

Her crazy "running man" dance

Just talking. About anything.

Random spurts of singing

Calling me "Jenny-poo"

Her ability to go with the flow

Quoting

This girl's smile could power Salt Lake City

The simple ways she shows her love

She isn't afraid to be herself

She makes everyone she meets feel special

Her testimony

She is gorgeous, inside and out

The fun I have in being her big sister 

Mellie- You make every day a happy adventure and I love traveling them with you. 

You are a champion in my eyes.

I LOVE YOU! 

(more than words can say)

things i love thursday

“All ending are beginnings. We just don't know it at the time..."

- The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom

the smell of Barnes and Noble

The Five People You Meet in Heaven

 shopping with Carrie for Mother's Day and Melanie's Day gifts

phone calls from friends

crepes with Maggie at Lunaberry

sleeping late into the day after an early morning shift

finding book for Book Club

West Wing

blueberry muffin tops

Jergen's tanning lotion

commencement "eve"