Princess Mandi

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

A Year of Dates: September

Ever since they introduced the GREENbike program to Salt Lake City, I'd been dreaming of a bicycling date with Patrick.

We choose the perfect fall evening to venture around downtown. Our bike route started and ended at The Gateway with stops along the way at Cannella's for dinner, a walk around City Hall, and a quick peak into our favorite stores at City Creek. Patrick and I both love all the beautiful homes and buildings that line South Temple so we made sure to take a quick detour in that direction, too.

I always think I want to buy a bicycle and then I remember how bicycle seats are about the most uncomfortable thing ever. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the GREENbikes.

No sore bums here! Hallelujah!

I had a moment of panic when we first started out... This farm girl has only ever biked over dusty country roads!

Utah drivers are not exactly known for being patient and kind and I did not want to be that annoying bicyclist getting in everyone's way.

Luckily, that husband of mine has a lot of city cycling experience thanks to his mission so he was the perfect person to lead me through the busy streets and sidewalks.

We both enjoyed this date tremendously. It offered the perfect opportunity to see our city from a new and fun perspective.

Sunday, September 21, 2014

Why We Love St.George...

Patrick and I managed to sneak away for a little trip to St.George during the beginning of the month. St.George is the perfect getaway when you want to go on a trip but only have a few days off and do not want to spend a large chunk of that time traveling.

The scenery is so different from northern Utah that I always feel like I am much farther away from home than I really am.

Mandi's #1 Reason to Love St.George: Tuacahn

I don't think this will be a surprise to anyone. Live theater in the great outdoors. Need I say more?

Patrick's #1 Reason: Jack in the Box

No surprises here either!

And now for some other good reasons...

>The most stunningly white temple you will ever see<

>Pools, pools everywhere<

>A plethora of historic homes and buildings to tour<

> Lots of charming restaurants, shops, art and statues, parks, and sites all within walking distance
(if you can handle the heat)<

>Breathtaking scenery every way you turn and several parks where you can explore it all firsthand<

Sunday, September 7, 2014

Keeper of the Gate

Well, my little summer job at This Is The Place came to an end on Labor Day.

My hope was by taking a break from teaching over the summer I'd be reenergized

and excited to get back to it come September. I can honestly say I am really

looking forward to the new school year! I've cut back on the amount and

different types of classes I'll be teaching and I know that will help me avoid

getting so overwhelmed and burnt out this time around.

The above photos are from the very start of the summer. It was my first day

working the gate. I thought Patrick would be impressed by how official I looked

with my walkie-talkie so I texted him the goofy photo of me. (He was impressed.)

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By far my favorite thing about my TITP experience were the people- my fellow

Heritage Singers, the guests, the adorable pioneer children. Everyone was

so nice and friendly. And talented. And funny. I laughed a lot over the summer!

I feel lucky to have had so many great opportunities in my life! xoxo

Thursday, August 21, 2014

A Year of Dates: August

Once upon a time, Patrick successfully planned and carried out the perfect proposal.

It was a daylong adventure and by the time it was all over we were hungry!

So we stopped by the Cracker Barrel on the way back to my apartment.

I remember sitting at the table with my beautiful and sparkly ring proudly displayed on my hand for all to see.

I couldn't believe that I was going to be marrying the handsome man seated across the table from me.

Needless to say, the Cracker Barrel makes us a bit sentimental!

We spent our August "Year of Dates" date reminiscing over a country-style dinner.

Afterwards, we headed out to the restaurant's front porch for a friendly game of Checkers.

(It is probably a good thing Patrick and I didn't play Checkers the day of our proposal.

If he'd had known how competitive I get he may have taken the back the ring!)

Between the games available at the dining tables and the super cute store, the Cracker Barrel is the one restaurant I don't mind waiting for food.

Game faces! Although Patrick did not come from a game playing family, since getting married he has quickly become a pro and it is not often I can beat him at anything these days. I am glad I still have my winning Checkers skills to hold on to!

*Read what our "Year of Date" is all about*

Thursday, August 14, 2014

Birthday/Week

I had a "practically perfect" birthday week

doing several of my favorite things with my most favorite people!

It all began with an outdoor concert with the Jensen crew.

On my actual birthday, for my "special meal" I really wanted a grilled cheese sandwich since I haven't had many since having to go gluten free. Luckily, Melty Way has GF bread so I was able to get my fix!

Next, Patrick and I each picked up a sweet treat.

For him, a maple bacon donut from Beyond Glazed.

For her, frozen yogurt from Yogurtland.

Then, that super sweet husband of mine set-up a fort in our living room.

Inside I found my birthday presents!

We now have all the basics for camping covered. Hooray!

The day after my birthday we went to Hale Centre Theatre's production of

"Mary Poppins."

Mary Poppins is a dream show of mine and I was insanely jealous the whole time of the actors on stage but still managed to enjoy the production immensely.

I think my birthday wish (well, one of them anyway) is to get back on stage soon.

This girl is dying to sing and dance!