Fashion Show - My Spring Line

So, I didn't work for the past five days. What does that mean? Shopping. I still have tags on some of the items and am considering taking some of them back, but I'd like to hear what all you fashionistas have to say. So . . . what's your fav? what's your least fav? etc. Without further ado, here's what I got:

Classic Easter Dress

White button-up and fab. blue skirt.

Toile-like black and white skirt with white jacket.

I wore this to the Salt Lake Temple on Friday and a total stranger stopped me to tell me how great I looked.

Jackie Kennedy Dress.
I love this dress, but when I sit down it goes halfway up my thigh.
Troublesome or Sexy?

Bohemian-like shirt with my magic jeans.

These jeans are not new - I've had them for about a month. They're magic because they are one size smaller than my normal jeans even though I haven't lost any weight. Besides that, three people have told me they thought I'd lost 20+ lbs because the jeans make me look thinner. It's all an illusion.

I can't decide about this shirt. Does it look like a Grandma shirt?

MS Walk

As many of you know, my dad, Ronnie, was diagnosed with MS a few years ago. This upcoming weekend, he is participating in the St. George MS Walk to raise money for the Multiple Sclerosis Society. He wants to raise an additional $300 by Thursday (March 27th). Help him do this!! To donate on-line, click HERE. (Ignore the thermometer that states his money goal - it's inaccurate). If you don't want to donate on-line, you can write a check made to The Multiple Sclerosis Society and give it directly to me or Ronnie. THANKS!!

Profiles of People We Like

I've been really lazy about posting. I'm going to be better . . . but not right now. This is just a plug for a post on another blog. My friend, TJ, writes these really funny posts on a group blog we belong to (Leonard's Lawn). They're titled, "Profiles of People We Like." Anyway, he just wrote one all about me - "Profiles of People We Like - Mandy." To read it, click HERE.

lia sophia

A couple of years ago I received a pair of lia sophia earrings as a gift. I really liked them so I was excited to be invited to a lia sophia jewelry party last night. My friend, Megan, hosted the party and I went to support her, but also because I love jewelry. I had so much fun that Lesli and I decided to host our own party (our party will be Wednesday, April 23rd - if you want an invite, let me know). Anyway, I bought 7 pieces of jewelry for 98 dollars!! Here's what I got:

Item E - Ring

Item F - Bracelet

Item G - Earrings

The Earrings

The Earrings

Item B - Ring

Item D - The Earrings

Another Adolescent Lit Book

This week I read Whirligig by Paul Fleischman. I loved the message of this book. To me, the theme is summed up perfectly on page 70. Fleischman wrote, “The effects of an act traveled far beyond one’s knowledge. Everything we did – good, bad, and indifferent – sent a wave rolling out of sight. He wondered what his own accounting, generations later, would look like.” I tell my students this same message weekly. I ask them, “How are you going to contribute to your community? Are your contributions going to make your community a better place or a worse place?” A lot of the time my students reply, “I don’t do anything. I don’t make contributions.” I try to explain to them that all actions, or inaction, shape the world we live in. I think this book will help them see that.

Obscure Restaurant

What the pho?

Some friends and I have decided to start frequenting obscure restaurants. Last night we went to Pho Saigon (1830 W 3500 S) in West Valley. I am a lover of pho and ever since my favorite Vietnamese Restaurant closed, I have been hurting for a good bowl of pho. Obscure restaurant dining offered the perfect chance to find a good Vietnamese restaurant. I really liked Pho Saigon and would recommend it to someone looking for a good bowl of pho (or bun, if you're Alina).

Lesli J. Neilson at the Salt Lake Tribune wrote the following review about the restaurant: "Pho Saigon Noodle House: 1830 W. 3500 South, West Valley City, 801-746-7684. Small and large bowls. (Thirteen selections: $5.50-$6.30.) Semi-dark broth, overly sweet, contains cilantro, green onions and sliced onions. Proper noodle-to-broth ratio. Condiment plate included freshsawleaf herb. Booth seating and a lattice ceiling add charm to the setting. Chandeliers brighten up the place. Televisions playing Asian music videos might appeal to the younger set. Kitchy art and faux fruit serve as decoration. Accommodating service."