I will be in Florida… TOMORROW!

written by Hilary December 15, 2015

[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][fusion_title size=”1″ content_align=”left” style_type=”default” sep_color=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” class=”” id=””]Winter is Here[/fusion_title][fusion_text]As I sit here watching the snow fall outside of my window, I realize that I will be back with my family in less than 24 hours for the holidays.

This is the view from outside my front door. Winter is here!

Can you believe it’s already the holiday season?! Christmas is in 10 days. This is not real life. I haven’t been very on top of my Christmas shopping this year. First of all, I have to think about bringing these presents back to Florida to wrap/open. I have a gift for my Dad and Katie, but I am shipping those presents in a box back so I don’t weigh down or bulk up my luggage.

Yesterday, it was like Snowmageddon! This was the traffic incidents for morning rush hour that someone posted on Reddit. I heard from several people that their normal 10-minute commute to work turned into 1-2+ hours. Good thing I was asleep for this 😉

[/fusion_text][fusion_separator style_type=”double|dotted” top_margin=”” bottom_margin=”” sep_color=”#1e73be” border_size=”” icon=”fa-calendar” icon_circle=”yes” icon_circle_color=”#81d742″ width=”” alignment=”center” class=”” id=””/][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][fusion_title size=”1″ content_align=”left” style_type=”default” sep_color=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” class=”” id=””]Apartment Hunting for the New Year[/fusion_title][fusion_text]This weekend was pretty busy for Brighton and I.

There has been a recent change, and we needed to find a new place to live for the new year. Do you know how tiresome apartment shopping is?

First of all, there are so many fake ads/scam artists online that it’s infuriating. They hide them well. They post a price that is competitive, but appealing, and photos of a nice looking place. Then, they ask you for your credit report or a deposit. Do not fall for it, people! Alright, that’s my two-cents on that issue.

Anyways, we looked through seemingly endless ads on Craigslist, KSL (Craigslist specifically for SLC), Zillow, PadMapper, Apartments.com, and then some. We went on a frenzy emailing and texting people to see their apartments, and it even asked Brighton if he was a robot! :O We also looked at apartment complexes in the area, but they all wanted $35-$100 per pet plus a huge deposit for our two kitties.

I mean, just look at these faces. They are so innocent 🙂

Oliver

Diggles

Just as we were frustrated and giving up for the day, I came across an apartment that seemed promising and we drove by the place just to see the area and building. Then we called the landlord, who couldn’t meet us until the next day. We made an appointment and crossed our fingers.

The next day, when we walked in, we just loved the energy and vibe that the place was giving us despite the tiny bathroom and kitchen. It was just “home.”

These are a couple photos that the landlord sent us of the apartment. The current tenants have a different furniture/setup.

Isn’t it just so cozy?

The landlord seemed to care about his tenants and even wanted to take a photo for his file. It was sweet. We gave it about 5 minutes of thought, and went for it. We move in on January 1st. One less thing to worry about over our trip home! SUCCESS.

[/fusion_text][fusion_separator style_type=”double|dotted” top_margin=”” bottom_margin=”” sep_color=”#1e73be” border_size=”” icon=”fa-calendar” icon_circle=”yes” icon_circle_color=”#81d742″ width=”” alignment=”center” class=”” id=””/][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][fusion_title size=”1″ content_align=”left” style_type=”default” sep_color=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” class=”” id=””]Christmas Photos 2015[/fusion_title][fusion_text]This weekend, we also took our Christmas Card Photos for 2015. As you may have noticed, Brighton and I are super into the photography thing. Last year we got dressed up in our Christmas attire and went up for our own photoshoot in Park City.

This is a couple of last year’s photos, just for fun:

This year, we chose Big Cottonwood Canyon (my personal favorite canyon as of right now). We just used a tripod, our DSLR camera, and a remote. We also switched between our kit lens and a portrait 50mm lens. I think they worked out nicely, don’t you?

We have special plans for this photo above… Check back later 🙂

Love is Silly!

[/fusion_text][fusion_separator style_type=”double|dotted” top_margin=”” bottom_margin=”” sep_color=”#1e73be” border_size=”” icon=”fa-calendar” icon_circle=”yes” icon_circle_color=”#81d742″ width=”” alignment=”center” class=”” id=””/][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][fusion_title size=”1″ content_align=”left” style_type=”default” sep_color=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” class=”” id=””]Getting Ready for Florida & My To Do List[/fusion_title][fusion_text]

Today, I need to run around and find a suitcase… in the foot (and counting) of snow on the ground. Driving in the snow is not a skill I have developed yet. You know that person driving 20 mph under the speed limit and in the middle of two lanes swerving everywhere? Yep. That’s me. Sorry! Some days I wish I still had my Florida plates on my car so it could be like a neon sign flashing “CAUTION: FLORIDIAN DRIVING” and I already drive slowly as it is.

My sister posted this photo in her excitement to see me. This was 2 years ago when we first drove out to SLC! Crazy how time flies.

It’s hard to believe that in less than 24 hours I will be in sunny and 75 Florida weather with my family, while I am looking at a snowstorm out my window. I have many plans for the “break” as I am calling it. The most important item on my list is to see my friends and family back home!

My To Do List:

Finish Christmas shopping (10 days and counting!)
Hair & Makeup Trial prior to Shoot
Mani/Pedi with my sister
Seeing “Sisters” with Tina Fey & Amy Poehler with my Sister. (She doesn’t know this plan yet. Surprise Katie!)
Engagement Shoot with Our Wedding Photographer
Christmas Eve Breakfast (Our Family Tradition)
Christmas Day
Bridal Shower
Addressing Wedding Invitations (So they are ready to send by January 1st)

Sisters Trailer!

Snowy and below freezing…. to sunny and 75!

See you soon, Florida!!!

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