The Broadbents

Happy Birthday Danforth!

2011-10-15T11:41:00.000-07:00

It's my little brother's birthday!

Yay!!!

This year he gets to celebrate with his sweet wife and little boy.

Wish we were there to celebrate too.

Corey, Je t'aime.

Joyeux anniversaire.

A Big Visit

2011-10-09T19:14:00.000-07:00

I was so excited for my mom and sister to visit us from Virginia. I had a mental list of about 200 things I wanted to take them to see and do, but of course we only got to about 10 of them. They were able to visit Kev and I for about five days, splitting the time out west between us and my brother who lives in San Diego. I have been feeling homesick so it was a much needed visit. Here is a little peek at some of the things we did.

Miss you so much already Mom and KK- can't wait to see you in November! XO

Can't wait..

2011-09-09T17:27:00.000-07:00

In just over a week I get to see some of my favorite people! My mom and sister are flying in from Virginia to visit. While they're here we're going o also spend time with my brother and his family in San Diego! Eeek, I can't wait.

my brother and his gorgeous little boy

my two favorites-my brother and sister

my mom and sister

mom and Lane

Mom and KK, Las Vegas cannot wait to have you! Hurry up and visit.

Two Years of Bliss

2011-08-30T12:39:00.000-07:00

Yesterday marked two years of marriage for my Sweet and I. I can't decide if it seems like we have been married longer than that or if time has flown by. A little of both I think. Regardless, these last two years have been more than incredibly wonderful. I married the dreamiest boy I have ever known and have loved every single minute of it!

9.29.2009

This is toward the end of our long wedding day.

We're still glowing and in love, but the heat and humidity definitely took its toll.

It isn't one of our cutesy, prim, and polished photos but I love it.

Lincoln City partie deux

2011-08-26T19:07:00.000-07:00

We just got back from a short visit to Lincoln City, Oregon-where we spent a few days with Kevin's family. You can check out our visit from last year here. The cool weather was a refreshing break from the Vegas heat. Here are some pictures from our end of summer vacation.

Broadbent brothers (so cute)

Ready to go into the ice-cold water

Those brave enough to bear the cold water

Cami skipping around

Grandpa and Anabelle!

Isn't she so cute?

My love!!

Posing at Devil's punchbowl (and trying to warm kevin up after his surfing expedition)

Devil's punchbowl

This is the beach outside our little beach houses

Amy and Anabelle (mom and daughter)

I think he was testing out the water here

Silly Richardson brothers

Fresh back from their honeymoon, Brian threw her in the water!

Uncle Kev and sweet little Anabelle

Me with Anabelle

Adalaide was my beach pal, we got lots of good snuggle time in.

Brian and Kevin goofing around- who really knows what they're doing.

Kyle and Anabelle (Dad and daughter)

adorable

Clayton being funny-he gave me a sweet face after but I love this one.

Porter being adorable

Seriously, all these kids are so sweet and cute. They're pretty much all i took pictures of.

So long Oregon coast, until next year!!

Virginia Beach with Fabulous Friends!

2011-08-17T16:41:00.000-07:00

My friend Christine and I talked for months about how we wanted to spend a day at VA beach with our boys. Well, as always time really snuck up on us. Kev and I were planning on moving out to Las Vegas soon so we knew we just had to plan a trip. VA beach is about 2.5 hours from where we live so we checked the weather, in spite of the rainy forecast, we went! We were so glad too- the weather was perfect for a beach day. i don't trust weather forecasts anymore. What I would do to go back and be at the beach with great friends...

Here are a few pictures of one of my favorite memories from the last few months.

It didn't take long before we needed to cool of in the ocean-Do you love the wet rat look?

I know, she is gorgeous.

Does this need words?Mike and Kev bought cheap boogie boards and spent the entire day in the ocean playing.

bright beachy toes

boys back to the ocean for more fun.By the way, there are a lot of jelly fish. i think we made Kevin a little nervous about them, but surprisingly I hardly saw any this time.Have you ever been stung by one? i have, ouch!

So pretty

i couldn't just put a silly photo of Kev up, here is Mike in action!!

Notice Kevin's rosy shoulders.

Sad the day is coming to an end

Here we are at the end of the day, eating pizza at a little boardwalk cafe, with our salt water hair!

What a great day!

These were taken using a little point&shoot camera, sorry for the poor quality. I love them nonetheless!

Inevitable

2011-08-10T15:24:00.000-07:00

Something happens when I read a book, it inevitably is made into a movie. Seriously, like every book I have read this last year or two has been made into a movie. Did anyone else read One Day? Last Summer I picked it up randomly as I was surfing the shelves of borders. Now, it's a movie starring Anne Hathaway. Everyone has read The Help, and of course it's been made into a movie too. The Hunger Games is coming out soon. I know there are a handful more I can't think of. I am not sure if this post is a complaint or not. I just hope they don't ruin the way my imagination percieved these stories.By the way, there are about a hundred or more movies that have been made after books I love (anything Emily Bronte and Jane Austen). On another note, if you haven't read One Day, and I don't know anyone who has(weird), it's a really fantastic book. You will cry. That is also inevitable. Bring tissues if you go see the movie.

Too Much

2011-08-08T16:21:00.000-07:00

Hi. Yes, I realize I have completely been MIA in the blog world. I hate it. I miss reading all my girlfriend's blogs and updating my own, but I think if I listed all the things we have been up to you'd be understanding. So, in a nutshell this is what has been going on-

We were bunked up with my parent's in VA the last few months, I think I may have mentioned that before, but I'm not certain.
Kevin applied to dental school, but didn't get in. He took the DAT again and is reapplying. Don't pity us, it isn't unusual to not get accepted right away so we are just staying optimistic (I'm still keeping my fingers crossed for NYU).
I have added a few BYU-I online courses to my agenda so that I can have a BA in English. I loved studying Psychology and am grateful I was able to obtain that degree, but it's funny how we evolve. I really can't see myself doing much with that anymore. I am not too crazy I had a lot of random English and Lit classes under my belt so just by adding a few more I can just make it worthwhile.
Where are we now? Back in Las Vegas. I can hardly believe it, but we came back to the fiery pit. Because Kev didn't get into dental school coming back out for a few months of work seemed like a good idea. We will be able to save up some funds for dental school and best of all be closer to our two favorite tiny people, our niece and nephew Lane and Anabelle!
Out in VA I restored a lot of furniture-pics to come. I learned more and more with each piece. It's something I really love doing. Someday I'd love to take a woodworking class. Back in the mandatory 7th grade shop class, I wasn't very interested. Wish I had payed more attention!
Kevin's younger sister Ashley got married so we spent a little time out in Seattle for that. It was seriously beautiful. The bride and groom were stunning and the wedding was magazine worthy- again, pics to come!
I am homesick. I have my Love here with me so I am content, but I miss my Mom, Dad and Sister. I will always be a Virginia girl. Even if the humidity is killer right now, I don't care. I miss it. I miss being close to D.C. for in city fun, but living in the country and having Dad's barn to play around in. Can't wait to go back in a few months.

That's some of what has been going on. It's hard to recollect every adventure we have had the last few months, but we have been having a lot of fun! Before we left Virginia we spent a lot of quality time with good friends and family. We made so many fantastic memories. I will be sure to post pics from some of the main events. I always have my camera, and I am always snapping away, I am just terrible at posting them on here. I hope everyone is doing well. I am planning on being back in the blog world now, so you will be hearing from me more often- just like old times.

Have a lovely day!

Love, Paige

Look at my sweet Kevin! I am obsessed with pictures of him when he was a little boy. He is on the far left, bottom row. He is so cute I can hardly stand it!

Planning my dream vacation

2011-05-15T11:45:00.000-07:00

The sun has finally peeked out today, but the last few days have been so dreary and rainy. This leaves lots of time spent indoors and too much daydreaming on my part. I have to share a little place I really want to visit. First, I should say I am obsessed with going to Provence, France. We're still planing on going to Europe, just later in the year, and Provence is my #1 spot to visit. I love the countryside of France and am dying to go exploring. This little gem however, is a hotel and spa so although is has a rustic vibe it is very luxurious. Le Couvent Des Minimes is the mecca for the luxury bathline L'occitane . It's the area all the delicious herbal products are made. Pretty much all I have used the last few years, aside from a few other favorites, are L'occitane products. You must try them if you haven't! Does anyone want to go with me to Le Couvent Des Minimes-like tomorrow? Realistically though, this is the sort of place you go on your 25th wedding anniversary, but hey I can daydream, right?

Birthday Rewind

2011-04-15T14:25:00.000-07:00

Last month my mom and sister organized a little surprise birthday party for me. I turned 25 and am pretty excited to be that age. I think it's rather odd that a few people have made comments that that is 'old'. When did 25 become up there in years? Funny. Anyway, I had a grand time with friends and family. The cake was adorable and tasted even more divine than it looked. I know it's a bit late to post pictures from last month, but it was a fun night so I thought I'd go ahead with it now.

Family Shots in Jackson

2011-04-14T16:44:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of the Broadbent bunch from this week.

This is the fantastic cabin we always stay in

The View

Family Picture

The future Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert, come August

our sweet niece Anabelle

mom and baby

Mom and Dad Broadbent

my handsome sweetheart

the infamous antler arch

father and son

this elk obviously isn't alive, but we've seen 100s so far

Kev takes the camera

Ashley's graduation from BYU-I (Rexburg, ID)

sweet newly expanded family

I had a hard time not snuggling with baby Anabelle

...more to come

Life!

2011-04-13T09:53:00.000-07:00

I have to share something we saw yesterday as we were driving back to our cabin. It was amazing. We were in awe! A mommy cow just had her baby calf! It was so sweet and picturesque. She just had her calf as we were driving by and we were able to watch him take his first wonderfully wobbly steps. We were careful not to get too close- we didn't want to ruin her special moment. It was so sweet!! See for yourself...

On Vacation

2011-04-11T12:40:00.000-07:00

Right now we are in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. We flew to Seattle- spent a few days there, drove to Rexburg, Idaho- for Ashley's graduation, then drove to Jackson Hole- where we'll be for a week, then drive back to Seattle for a few days, and lastly we will fly back to D.C. It's been over a year since we have been to the cabin here in Jackson. It is so gorgeous here and we're having a great time!!

I may or may not have time to blog a bit while I'm here.

Kimi's Baby Shower

2011-04-10T14:50:00.000-07:00

Here are a few photos from my friend Kimi's baby shower. She now has 2 girls named Lily and Charlotte(Lotty). I love it- and they're both so cute! Congrats on your new baby girl Kimi!

Forever Prep

2011-04-03T07:49:00.000-07:00

Forever Prep is a spread in VIRGINIA living magazine this month. I keep walking past it at the grocery and I am loving the cover! It epitomizes the 20 something year olds around here. The guy on the cover, in is J.Crew clad, looks remarkably similar to the ravishing Prince Harry! Here are some of the other photos from that same shoot.

typical UVA boy- too cute

Just like Jackie O. - she was quite the Virginian equestrian

love the outfit and rugged library

Effortlessly chic and preppy

In love with BHLDN

2011-03-31T08:17:00.000-07:00

BHLDN launched February 14th, and I have been staring at the gorgeous wedding dresses and accessories ever since. I seriously want to get married again, just so I can wear these amazing things! I love pretty, dainty, uber-girly anything and this line encompasses all those qualities. BHLDN is actually BEHOLDEN without the vowels, it's Dutch for 'to keep'. What a sweet name for Anthropologie's new line. I am seriously obsessed and daydreaming about wearing everything on their site! It's hard to pick a favorite anything as I'd wear all of this line, but here are some of my top picks!

On another note: My little sister in-law is newly engaged and she too is a lover of Anthropologie! Maybe I will be seeing some of the pretties BHLDN has to offer in person very soon. So exciting!

Old Fashioned Date

2011-03-27T10:48:00.000-07:00

This weekend Kevin and I did a lot of fun things that made me feel like a cute couple from the 50s! Friday we walked around Olde Town Fredericksburg,which is always a favorite thing of ours, and we stopped for a little refreshment at Goolricks! It's an old drug store with an old fashioned soda fountain. I had a cherry coke and Kev had a chocolate malt. We shared a slice of pie. Later in the weekend we ate at one of my favorite places, Bonefish, and saw Red Riding Hood. We quite liked it, it's about as scary of a movie I'll watch. I know, I'm a huge wimp when it comes to that stuff. Has anyone else seen it? AND today it snowed! It's been lovely weather here lately; flowers blooming and birds chirping. We're working on a garden so I am waiting, not so patiently, for Spring to be in full affect.

On Pretty Thursday...

2011-03-22T08:34:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday was a random gorgeous day! It was one of those days where ya just wake up and feel perky and happy because of the sunshine streaming in through the curtains. We had planned on visiting the D.C. temple Friday, but decided why not Thursday? We took advantage of the pretty day and brought along the camera to snap some pictures of the temple. Kev took all the pictures- and some are remarkably beautiful! For anyone in this area- have you gone to all the antique shoppes that surround the temple? I never noticed before, but surrounding the book store is the sweetest little neighborhood I have ever seen, mingled with antique shoppes! We went in and out of a few,but our rumbling tummies took over and food became the priority. I'd love to know if anyone has a favorite lunch spot or store they always visit when going to the temple. We always go to my favorite little French cafe/bistro- a small chain called Le Madeleine. We always eat too much there.

For Japan with Love

2011-03-19T08:59:00.001-07:00

Disaster Relief for Japan

March 14-31

All donations will go towards emergency shelter and lifesaving supplies

Visit:

www.ever-ours.com

www.utterlyengaged.com

Wish List

2011-03-16T18:58:00.000-07:00

I am obsessed with this Harry Winston necklace-can you blame me?

NYC

2011-03-13T13:23:00.000-07:00

Kevin and I have been eager to take a little trip to New York. I was excited that he was excited to go there for a mini-vacation because it's one of my favorite places to shop and indulge in a little entertainment! As I grew up in the D.C. area, my friends and I would easily buy round trip plane tickets from Reagan National to La Guardia for $100. Not anymore! I was surprised at how high the prices were so we just drove up- 4 hours isn't too bad anyway. We spent 2 days roaming around, taking advantage of the cool museums, shopping, eating, walking off what we ate, and taking pictures. Actually, we didn't take too many pictures this time. Oh, where did we stay you ask? We found a little apartment on airbnb ( a website you must check out if you love to travel as we do).

I found myself daydreaming about living in NYC. I'd take leisure strolls down 5th Avenue, jog in central park(with my dog that I have imagined having), be better adjusted to the way my feet would hurt from wearing 4 inch heels daily. These are just a few things to name...

Here are some pictures--

This is the only picture of just the 2 of us(blurry I know)

outside the Met

In the Met-Kev liked all the ancient armor

Entrance to the Met

Had to cure my sweet tooth

The most beautiful library ever

library

..library

where's Paige?

nasty sub

More food than you can imagine(delicious food)$10

Waiting for our fantastic food in this cute place in Little Italy

Times Square

I also took a lot of pictures in the Met, I think I'll make that a separate post. I liked all the mummies and sculptures.

If Only..

2011-02-26T17:16:00.000-08:00

If only I were a few inches taller..I could wear a long flowy skirt like this chic New Yorker photographed by the Sartorialist. I love the whole ensemble- hair, clothes, accessories, etc. Long skirts are in this Spring, but I suppose you can all count me out of this particular fashion trend.

Cedar Estate Rugrats!

2011-02-23T07:28:00.000-08:00

Kevin and some friends- around 9 years old

(where's Kevin?)

A Lovely Day

2011-02-15T17:59:00.000-08:00

This Valentines Day was simple, but fabulous. Kevin and I are saving our pennies for our tour de France so we promised each other we wouldn't secretly scheme anything elaborate. But as usual in life, the simplest pleasures are the best! We had each written each other sweet love letters-mostly expressing our gratitude in being married to our best friend. Sappy isn't it? Kev searched far and wide to find my favorite flower, peonies, but I informed him they aren't in season until May. Don't worry, I am not complaining about the pretty peach roses. And Kev, thanks for being clever enough to never buy me boring red roses. They have never been my thing, and I am glad he knows! He even surprised me with the sweetest, daintiest, little earrings. Everyone post about your Valentines Day! I love hearing how all your husbands spoil you! I try to act like V-Day is lame, but I end up loving it each year.

p.s. Kev also got my little sister sunflower seeds( they're her favorite flower-how sweet is he?)

Here is my Valentine

My pretty new earrings

Flowers

My sister and I made Valentine cupcakes

Nouveau bébé

2011-02-07T09:10:00.000-08:00

There's a new special little person in our family! Lane Miles was born January 23rd at 12:30 am. He weighed 7 pounds, 15 oz and was 20 inches long. He is the sweetest little thing ever and is a clone of my brother. He's the first baby from my siblings so my mom and dad just became grandparents, which is really weird! We're just crazy about this easy going little baby and are so eager to watch him grow!

Faux Christmas

2011-01-01T07:22:00.000-08:00

This year Kevin and I were at my parent's house for Christmas, but because my parents planned on spending Christmas day in Missouri with some extended family, we had an early Christmas. It was fun and strange.

Oh Christmas tree, oh christmas tree..

it was a night time Christmas...

What's opening gifts without wassail?

antique little girl's toys

gifts piled on the antique wagon

Father

Little sis got me what is now my prettiest copy of Wuthering Heights

My cute sister in all her excitement

We have always agreed as a family that 1st. Nobody wraps gifts as beautifully as our mother and 2nd. Receiving beautifully wrapped gifts makes it all the more exciting and Christmasy!

Handsome as ever-ha

cute

And good ol' dad never fails to put a lump of coal in each of our stockings

thanksgiving cont...

2010-12-26T16:49:00.000-08:00

Here are a few pictures from our trip to Seattle for Thanksgiving. They are out of order, but oh well! All these pictures were taken with Kev's phone. I apologize for the bad quality!

Beautiful Northwest greenery

at the market

We found a little french bakery and couldn't resist some treats

macarons are my all time favorite cookie- as you can see!

more of the market

eclairs from the bakery

Chicago in air (we had our connecting flight there)

psychedelic airport lights (Chicago)

Thanksgiving

2010-11-27T13:26:00.000-08:00

We're in Seattle for a week to celebrate Thanksgiving with my husband's family. I am excited to see how everyone celebrated in their homes! I'll post lots of fun things in a few days when we're home.

Love,
Paige

Leaves

2010-10-29T14:12:00.000-07:00

I am looking forward to the drive to the East coast because I miss the beautiful leaves changing colors in Autumn and driving across the country is a perfect way to experience this season's beauty. My mom and I talk about how beautiful it looks out there all the time- and it's making me super antsy to get out there! Check out these gorgeous Autumn pictures of Virginia.

The Last Week

2010-10-24T22:16:00.000-07:00

We are entering our last week of living in Las Vegas, and as previously stated could not be happier to get out of here! We have made some good memories, but in general this isn't where we would like to live. Lately we have done some fun things though. We went to a carnival last weekend and even got free popcorn there(as pictured)! We have been been working quite a bit and since my stay at Anthropologie was coming to an end you better believe I bought all the pretty things I could get my little paws on!

We are leaving on Halloween so no dressing up for us. I am thinking of getting a bag of candy corn or something for the drive. By the way, does any one know a great book I could get on CD for our life-long drive to the East? I need to be prepared with lots of entertainment as we will be driving separate cars. Oh, this is so not good thinking about that long drive ahead!

Bonjour Amis!

2010-10-11T17:15:00.000-07:00

Has anyone noticed my headers are all Parisian pics? I am just counting down the months until our European holiday! Really though, it is on my mind all too often. Tell me your favorite places to visit in Europe!

On another note, I can't believe it's been two weeks since my last blog. Has it really been that long? Well, I guess since I look at everyone else blog so often it makes me feel like I have updated my own. I sincerely apologise for slacking.

Here is a little bit of what's going on...

This is my sweet sister. She is in Virginia and I can't wait to spend lots of time with her when we are there in a few weeks. It's all she and I can talk about. I have missed her so much!

Our Vegas adventure is coming to an end. It's bitter-sweet. We're looking forward to living on the East coast. Commonwealth of Virginia, hello, we are the Broadbents! Sin City, Au Revoir, you smell terrible! What is that smell?

We have a little niece to show off. Kevin's brother and his wife just had their first baby. We were able to be there just hours after she was born. It was an amazing experience to hold a fresh baby! Kevin sang her songs and gave her lots of kisses. Meet Anabelle Grace. She was almost 10 lbs!

Those are just a few highlights of what's been going on. Much more to come.

This and That

2010-09-21T11:45:00.000-07:00

Well, you've heard it before, I always have fresh flowers! I especially loved this messy bouquet! They're a mix of some flowers I picked and surprise flowers my cute hubby brought home one night.

Here is our fireplace we can't use because we live in the desert. I can't wait to be at mom and dad's to make smores in their giant fireplace!

We used to have wedding pictures in these,but I think after 6 months or so of being married you get tired of just staring at your wedding pictures everywhere!Does anyone know what I mean? So, this is just an alternative- I like it!

New necklace- I find I can throw it on with most anything. A sensible buy I might say.

Garden inspired cupcakes. I made these for a sweet little girl named Daisy on her birthday. She requested I make her cupcakes- made me feel speeeecial!

Firefly

2010-09-15T22:31:00.000-07:00

Kev and I ate at a swanky little spot, in the older section of the strip, called Firefly. My hair stylist, who is a local, told me about it a few weeks ago and said that we must go. Sadly, we forgot our camera, but the drooiiiid saved us yet again! It's at the top of an old casino and the ceiling is an atrium and it overlooks a glitzy section of the strip! Most importantly, we thoroughly enjoyed the yummy tapas, fun atmosphere,and snuggling up on our little round sectional. Come visit and we will take you there!

Oregon Coast Pictures

2010-09-13T14:11:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago we went to Lincoln City, Oregon for a little family reunion. For the past 20 years or so Kevin's mother's family has vacationed there, the last week of August, for a week. It was my first year going- as last year we were married the week after their annual trip. I enjoyed the fresh ocean air, scenic rocky beaches, and bundling up in warm clothes! Here is a small handful of pictures of the hundreds I took.

Can you visit a beach without getting a bit of salt water taffy? We can't

This is a Deutsch children's book I liebe! I couldn't believe I found an original copy from the early 1800s! Unfortunately, I didn't have the $250 to buy it.

Here is Kevin flying a kite on a very windy afternoon

Fogerty

This is the beach just outside the beach house we stayed in.

Broadbent Girls

Kyle, Andrew, Nicholas,and Kevin being silly

Out shopping and took a picture sitting on a bridge wall.

Ode to Dagmar!

2010-09-10T16:22:00.000-07:00

Have I mentioned my best friend is getting married? I couldn't be more excited for Christine and Luis! A couple years ago my bff went to El Salvador to do some mission work and she met and fell in love with an adorable, super sweet, El Salvadorian guy! Well, here we are a few years later and he has asked her to marry him, at no other special spot than the Jefferson Memorial. Guess who else was proposed to there? Yours truly! She is still juggling wedding dates- but AHH I cannot wait! I am so excited to help her with everything. She will be the most beautiful bride imaginable.

We took this picture years ago, but I still love it.

Our special spot- Jefferson Memorial-I know..so romantic!

Labor Day Weekend

2010-09-07T17:48:00.000-07:00

Kevin and I had so much fun over the weekend. I was all smiles simply because I got to spend so much time with my love! It was also nice to see him relax a few days. We did all kinds of fun stuff over the holiday. Saturday morning we drove to Santa Monica to visit Kevin's brother and his wife. They live just a few blocks away from the beach so we definitely took advantage of that. We ate at a delicious little Italian cafe for lunch, shopped around for a bit, and had banana- nutella crepes that evening. Oh, and we enjoyed the amazing seventy-something degree weather!Sunday we went to church then took a stroll down to the pier, came back for waffles(Amy makes delicious waffles),lounged a bit, then ate lasagna for dinner! We had a lot of fun with them!

Monday(yesterday) we did a little more exploring of the city we have called home these past few months. Have you seen the show 'Pawn stars'? Well, the place is right here in Vegas, so we went there to see the little pawn shop we've seen many times on T.V. It had a few treasures, but I wasn't really impressed and I don't think Kev was either. We found the jackpot later at an antique store I found! Ohh la la the treasures were endless! We stopped at the mall on our way home and spent the rest of our night snuggled up watching T.V. and eating pizza! I love those kinds of nights!

Here we are at the pier-it felt so nice outside but it was very hazy

Under the pier

He's adorable

Yummy crepes and hot chocolate

From the antique store yesterday...

I loved this bundle of ballet shoes

Kevin wants a lamp like this someday on his office desk- he loved it. We thought it very 'Restoration Hardware'

Old medicine bottles

hard to tell but these were huge-looked like windows from an enchanting old french chateau

vintage hat boxes

if we were home-owners I'd have bought these fabulous lighting fixtures

vintage suitcase-we especially liked the worn reddish leather

and another thing Kevin loved...

we actually bought this turquoise jar-we have started collecting them.

old french prints in chunky little frames

Kev also wanted this for his future office

A few other treasures we purchased were an old stapler (one of Kev's must haves). And for me an old Julia child cookbook (the cover is beautiful).

Night on the Town

2010-08-30T21:50:00.000-07:00

As promised, here are the pictures taken via Kevin's cell phone, of our Saturday on the town! Kevin surprised me with a romantic evening he had been scheming up-how cute! The night started out with Kevin giving me the sweetest poem he wrote and a beautiful black onyx ring. I love love love it! We went to the Eiffel Tower for dinner, it was amaaaazing! We had a beautiful view of the cityscape as we ate our fab French cuisine. In our dreams we were in Paris dining in the real eiffel tower! Then, we saw Mystere, a Cirque Du Soleil show, which was also amazing. It was a terribly romantic a

nd sweetly planned out evening.

365 Days Later

2010-08-29T21:51:00.000-07:00

Our one year wedding anniversary came faster than I ever imagined. Has it really been a year? Time must fly when you're having fun. One year ago today my sweet husband and I tied the knot in Washington D.C. This year has been the best year of my life. I have spent every day with my best friend making the sweetest memories. Tomorrow, I will share how romantic and adorable my weekend has been, but for now here are some photos of our wedding day.

Beautiful temple-where we were married

Coming out of the temple as a married couple

The most handsome groom that ever existed

at the reception

One of the center pieces

Engagement ring and wedding band

Rexburg Memories

2010-08-26T12:09:00.000-07:00

I found a few pictures that brought back warm memories of living in Rexburg. We couldn't wait to get out of that place, and no, I am not necessarily saying I miss it or would like to go back. I am simply saying, we have good memories there. I do miss our little apartment. We took some pictures of the temple that I forgot about and some other cute ones I thought I'd post.

These next few pictures are from taking silly pictures at the train tracks. This is a hot spot for picture taking in little ol' Rexburg.

I am so glad I took pictures of our first apartment! This is my little reading nook.it was so cozy!

8.13.10 update

2010-08-13T10:19:00.000-07:00

I have blogged a bit lately about some different bigger events that have passed, but I thought I would let you know what is REALLY happening in our daily lives. After all, the idea of me making this blog initially was so friends and family who are far away from Kev and I can still feel like they know how and what we're doing even though we are apart. Some things might seem silly and dated to some, but I realized I never mentioned a few things on here. For instance, did you know we live in Las Vegas now? Yes, I know, I can hardly believe I am living here myself! We are right by the famous strip with all the casinos. So, here is what's new...

-Kevin is working long days as we're trying to save up money for dental school

-Speaking of dental school, he applied to 15 schools, most being on the East, we will start hearing from them hopefully around Thanksgiving/Christmas

-I am working part time at Anthropologie ( I love it)(we're only here for a few months so I can't exactly get started on my career)

-working out a lot(trying to shed those newly wed pounds)I have a personal trainer who has been pushing me pretty hard

-My brother Corey and his wife are having a baby boy

-Kevin's brother Kyle and his wife are having a baby girl (1st baby on both sides-eek!)

-Next week we will be on the Oregon coast for a week (I am so looking forward to bundling up in the 60ish degree weather)

-Kevin is enjoying the nice golf courses in the area (I think tomorrow he is taking me to the driving range)

-Piecing together our European vacation we're planning for March( this trip consumes my thoughts lately-we are going to back pack all over Europe for about a month-we are super excited for this!!)

-One year anniversary is coming up Aug 29

-Trying to sell the giant useless truck (any bidders?!?)

Mostly though, we're still totally head over heels in love and having an amazing time in Las Vegas! We really miss all our friends and family so much and are looking forward to seeing the Broadbent clan next week! And looking forward to spending lots of time with my family in a couple months! Friends in Rexburg, come visit us, we aren't that far from you!

This is Lincoln City, Oregon- where we will be getting a big dose of needed R&R next week

Family Time in Virginia/D.C.

2010-08-11T10:35:00.000-07:00

Kevin and I recently returned from a wonderful vacation at my parent's house in gorgeous Northern Virginia. I stayed for 2 amazing weeks-Kevin was there for the second half of the trip. It's difficult to explain the comforting feeling of going back to your childhood home where so many memories were made. When I walk in the house again, after a long while from visiting, I always just walk around each level, room to room, checking out whats new. The smell of the house never changes either, which I love. The best part is sleeping in my old bedroom that has been left untouched!

But I didn't return to mom and dads to just walk around and smell rooms- there was a wedding! My aunt Brandy was finally able to marry her partner after over ten years of being together. They were married at a lovely bed-n-breakfast right off Dupont Circle. I love my Aunt Brandy and Aunt Emily very much and am overwhelmingly happy for them. Aside from

the wedding, some of our family members hadn't ever toured D.C. so we spent some time doing that too. Visiting archives, galleries, museums, and taking in the amazing architecture in our nation's capital never gets old!

Thanks to my amazing family for making this last trip so much fun and memorable. I love you all so very much!

The Family

Changing of the guard at Arlington cemetery
WWII memorial

We thought this was cute-KK is a sport to play along with Dad's shenanigans

Always always have to eat at El Pollo Rico- a D.C. favorite

Isn't Virginia beautiful?Water by mom and dads

Aunt Brandy's surprise birthday party!

Aunt Em and I made this funky cupcake tower

Yes, she was surprised and happy( just in from playing golf w/Dad and Kevmeister)

Presents for the birthday girl-more surprises!(p.s. you can't see very well here but these are on this fabulous old stove that has been passed down in our family-it's a cool focal point in the breakfast room)

Just Married

Mom and Kev

"Shooo do go down easy"

My gift to Aunt B&E- Kev, cousins, and I had too much fun making it!

Cannot have a real Summer celebration without crabs in the Chesapeake Bay area

À tout à l'heure
A bientôt

Vacation from Vegas

2010-07-25T08:02:00.000-07:00

For two whole weeks I am in Virginia visiting my family. I have been here a couple days already-and Kev will join me here this Friday for 5 more days! I am already having a fantastic time. It's hot and very humid, it's so GREEN, and I can hear billions of critters making noise at night! Ilove it. It always feels comforting to go back to the place you grew up. I'll post more later in the week-I just wanted everyone to know I am so excited to be back on the absolutely gorgeous East coast!!

Day in Saint George

2010-07-20T11:47:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday two of my girlfriends and I drove to Saint George to have a fun girls day! We had a blast going in and out of craft stores, cute boutiques, and eating yummy food. My favorite place we went is a little boutique called Urban Renewal. It's an adorable thrift store with gaudy decor, shabby chic furniture, and trinkets from top to bottom. A large section of the boutique is vintage clothes and accessories. Kev actually heard about the little place and told me about it. So happy I was finally able to go. The three of us returned to Vegas with our fab finds-mine, a vintage Gucci scarf and funky turquoise knit headband.

Had to end the day with giant milkshakes!

These are pretty Summery dishes I loved at Tai Pan (a home decor/craft store infamous in Utah).

Happy 4th of July

2010-07-04T11:05:00.001-07:00

vintage post card of our beautiful nation's capital

Washingtonians

Favorite New Snack

2010-07-03T13:24:00.000-07:00

I have always loved hummus, but i always just bought the little containers from the super-market. Well, a few months ago my good friend Kirsten told me she loved hummus too, but she always made hers. Kirsten, I finally got around to it- and I love it!! I can never EVER go back to store bought. The best hummus I ever had was at a little middle eastern restaurant in D.C. This taste just like it. You can taste every ingredient clearly from the lemon, garlic, even the tahini! It is definitely a new favorite snack. i have discovered hummus in a whole new light.

If you love hummus (Mom or Leslie) try this recipe:

1 can chick peas
2 tbsp tahini paste (peanut butter section of grocery store-it's just ground roasted sesame seeds)
4 tbsp lemon juice
2 cloves garlic
pepper to taste
Grind it all up in your food processor-when you're all done drizzle olive oil over and sprinkle a little paprika

Ahh, so sweet!

2010-07-01T17:48:00.000-07:00

Aren't my parents adorable? They're so in love and you can tell with this recent picture of them at a friends wedding reception.
Miss you Mom and Dad!! xoxo

Todays Breakfast and Last Night's Dinner

2010-06-29T10:47:00.000-07:00

Now that we are out of Rexburg, Idaho fresh produce seems to be much more abundant! I am loving it. Although, it is a little strange seeing as we are living out in the middle of the desert now. As of late, if I am not enjoying one of my delectable green smoothies for breakfast, my next best option is an assortment of fresh mixed berries.I can't wait to pick my own in Virginia soon!

A delicious carbohydrate festival including homemade lasagna and bruschetta

White Chocolate/Raspberry Gelato

Latest Projects

2010-06-28T23:49:00.001-07:00

This is my new little balcony garden. I love cooking with fresh herbs so I knew as soon as we decided we would move to Vegas in the Summer I wanted to plant my own. I also planted grape tomatoes and some pretty flowers. Since we had to leave almost all our furniture in storage I have had fun with new things. Here is a china hutch I restored and chunky dresser turned TV console. anthropologie helped me out with hardware. I love the flea market/chic style so to me they turned out perfecto!

Santa monica/Mexico in May

2010-06-28T22:26:00.000-07:00

picturesque pier down the street from Kyle and Amy's house (I enjoyed a yummy funnel cake)

This is what i had for breakfast at a little cafe in Santa Monica

Kevin's omelet

cute boutique -Amy is browsing w/her little baby bump

Main St.

50's style nail salon

loved this little cottage

pretty flowers in front of library

adorable library

parasailers

Kev and Cal in the air

400 feet in the air

Enjoying the breeze

one of my favorite things about Mexico..cheap silver. I always load up on accessories
Kevin soaking up the sun

we had bracelets made with our names when we were at the local market

waiting for the guys

shopping the resort's boutiques

Italiano dinner

enjoying the warm night

Señor and Señorita Broadbent

I like this picture because of Ashley's fab headband and their shrimp cocktails were cute and festive

The New Breakfast

2010-06-28T11:05:00.001-07:00

This blog is a little late, but I still wanted to publicly share something Kevin and I have become passionate about. A few months ago I was told by a friend to check out www.greensmoothiegirl.com. Well, I checked it out and found something I am really excited about. For the past few months i have been drinking, you guessed it, GREEN SMOOTHIES! Seriously, I know they sound appalling, but they're delicious. It taste just like a normal banana-berry smoothie, but has loads of spinach in it bringing along all the nutrition we all know spinach has!

How you make it:
1. Take a big handful of pre-washed baby spinach and put it in your blender with about a half cup of water
2. Blend. Now, you have a green slime smoothie
3. Drink up!! ...just kidding
4. Add a banana and fruit of your choice (we just buy the big bags of mixed berries..that's my favorite)
5.Add protein powder or flax seed if you like
6. A bit of ice
7.Blend
8. Enjoy your funky colored, super healthy, and tasty smoothie!

This is how I make them-super spinachy. Kev likes his with lots of fruit so they're more of a purple shade.

Lots of Traveling and a New Home

2010-06-05T12:17:00.000-07:00

So, Kevin and I have had totally booked agendas lately. I am not even sure where to start. We'll start back in Rexburg. After Kev graduated we stuck around for a few extra weeks to allow him some needed down time to study for the DAT and also so we could get packed up. Finally, we drove out to Las Vegas, a place I never in a million years thought I would live. We were only here for a couple days before we packed up yet again to vacation in Riviera Maya with Kevin's family.(pictures to come..) We have now been to Mexico 3 times in the past 9 months-pretty nuts. Now that we're back we have a list of projects, Kevin is working long days, I'll be taking a few classes, and getting back into yoga mode! So, that is what's been going on in a very tiny nutshell. Lot's of pictures coming soon and more details on everything. Hope all our friends and family are well.
p.s. This morning I bought an amazing old china hutch( another project of mine) that i am so excited to restore. More on that soon as well.

Grampy

2010-05-13T19:52:00.000-07:00

A few months ago my family found out my great Grandpa had cancer. It was devastating news for us. Grampy has lived with my parents for the past 5 years so he isn't the typical distant grand parent who we'd just see on holidays. He was a vital part of our family. Shortly after finding out about his cancer he passed away. He lived a long amazing life and was married to Gramy for over 50 years! He was one of the sweetest men I have ever known and I loved him dearly. Here is a sweet photo of him from last Summer. He has his little pal on his lap and my mom by his side(although he is my Dad's grandpa-everyone knew he had a very soft spot for my mom). I think this picture is simply adorable. Also, some from his younger days- I think he was so handsome!

Mothers

2010-05-10T16:59:00.000-07:00

Kevin and I both have adorable mothers. BeLinda (my mom) and stephanie(Kev's mom) are 2 women who were such amazing role models for each of us growing up. We are constantly sharing fun stories about them with each other. It's so neat that we grew up on opposite sides of the country, but have such incredibly similar families. Both our lovely mothers are smart, funny, kind, and all around true first class ladies. We love them both so much and couldn't imagine life without either of them. Look at these priceless pictures of our moms from the past. Aren't they both gorgeous?

~Only A Billion Years to Go...~

2010-04-15T19:12:00.000-07:00

This passed weekend Kevin finally graduated from his undergraduate studies. His family was able to make it for a long weekend to celebrate how genius Kevin is. What's next you ask? ..dental school. Kevin will have at least 4 more years of school to go. BYU-I has been wonderful, but we're so excited to leave the little town of Rexburg!

~Easter Weekend~

2010-04-03T10:50:00.000-07:00

This is our first Easter as a married couple. We're excited to spend tomorrow at home with a simple Easter dinner for two. Easter Sundays for me growing up were truly delightful. We did all the traditional things a typical American family would do-easter egg hunts,springtime décor went out, a feast for dinner, and Dad read scriptures to us about the savior. One of my favorite things were the egg fights we had every year. No, we didn't throw eggs at each other like neanderthals. You simply have your own egg and tap it on everyone else without breaking it. I loved doing that mostly because it was something my great-grandparents were adamant about doing each year. I will have to do it with Kevin tomorrow- I hope he thinks it's fun too! I love Easter and I am excited mix mine and Kevin's traditions and make our own as well.
I hope everyone has a lovely Easter tomorrow. xo

~Springtime Picnic~

2010-03-28T09:55:00.000-07:00

Here in Idaho, once it gets over about 40 degrees, we act as if we've suddenly been relocated to a tropical paradise. If anyone came to visit this Northern state, once it starts to warm up, he would be in for a great surprise. All the kids at schools here are in flip flops, shorts and tee shirts. I suppose the few years Kev and I have been leaving here we have begun to fit in somewhat(considering this topic anyway). So, with all that said, yesterday was a little over 60 degrees and was what we consider a lovely day for a picnic.

We had planned on walking to the park, but Kev plays basketball with friends every Saturday and was a bit too tired for the trek to Porter Park. We drove over to Jimmy Johns, a sandwich cafe unheard of on the East, but good nonetheless. After which, we set up camp in the park across the street, fleece blanket and all. The sky was blue, families were playing catch with their pets, and of course other picnickers were out as well! Anyway, we had a wonderful Saturday spent at the park. We lounged around and to top it off Kev brought his old pig skin to toss around. He seemed impressed with my skills, but maybe he was just trying to flatter-who knows? After the picnic we went to the library, the DI( I bought some amazing old books), and we shared a milkshake. It was a perfect Saturday!

~Flowers~

2010-02-27T20:32:00.000-08:00

It is a must for me to have fresh flowers in our home. I love them and absolutely cannot live without them. I get new ones about every 2 weeks. We've gone through so many beautiful bouquets. I am going to be better about taking pictures of them each time. Here are just a few.

~Honesty Scrap~

2010-02-26T19:50:00.000-08:00

My darling friend Leslie has tagged me to do the 'honesty scrap'. I will try to think of ten somewhat interesting things about myself.

1. First, I will just say I am a fairly private person. Although I love spending time with other people, and don't mind a crowd too much, I am definitely classified as an introvert. With that said, it is a real task for me to share 10 random things about myself with everyone.
2. Up until I was quite a bit older, I had some interesting ideas on how I wanted to spend my adult life. I wanted to become an archeologist, compete in the Miss America pageant-and win of course ( I love to watch the pageants!), and live in France with my best friend Christine.
3. I have a frivolous love of perfume. Since I was a little girl I have always loved all things that smell lovely to say the least. I love reed diffusers, votives, body washes, lotions and potions, and the grand daddy of them all, eau du parfum! I recommend reading 'Perfumes- The Guide' by Luca Turin and Tania Sanchez. It's nice to wander into a department store and smell the latest perfumes that have hit the shelves of every fragrance stand in America, but my true loves are the more rare perfumes. I have a favorite little place I go to get something special every time I go back to Virginia.
4. When I first met Kevin, my husband, I thought he was the most gorgeous man I had ever seen. I went home that night, after briefly meeting him, and told my roommates that I met my dream guy. That thought hasn't changed- I still think he is unbelievably handsome and a true gentleman.
5. My favorite ice cream flavor is chocolate raspberry truffle. It's something I indulge in when on the East Coast, usually with my sister or my best friend.
6. Idaho living can be difficult for me at times because I am absolutely not a jeans a T-shirt kind of gal! I love dresses, skirts and all the pretty details.
7. I think it would be fun to have a bunch of little girls. I don’t really have a strong preference of the sex of my future children, but I do really like the thought of all girls. Little girls are just so sweet. I’d love it!
8. If you’re an old roommate or family you probably know this next fact: I am obsessed with anti-aging. I have such a regimen in the morning and at night for my skin. I will absolutely not lie in a tanning bed nor will I spend time in the sun without a very high SPF. It doesn’t matter if I get in at 3 a.m. I will spend the 10 minutes or so prepping my face for sleep. I have healthy skin now- and I know it will all pay off when I am older. Kevin always tells me I should be a dermatologist because of my love of healthy skin.
9. I wish I had more endurance while running. I should preface that by saying I wish I loved running period. (Mel, you’re my hero!)
10. If I could do college all over again- I’d major is art history or fine art. I’d keep the same minor-philosophy.
11. One more thing, I suppose I should add a 'pet peeve', it seems like everyone puts at least one. I cannot tolerate a person, especially an adult, who chews gum loudly and smacks on it!!!! I would never say anything, but it truly makes my stomach turn and I just want to give them my copy of Amy Vanderbilts etiquette book.
The End

Now, I am supposed to tag 5 people:
1. Kirsten Hymus
2. Cassidee Garner
3. Ashley Broadbent
4. Amy Broadbent
5. Brittany Skousen

~Washington in Winter~

2010-02-23T20:26:00.000-08:00

We officially went to Virginia for Christmas this passed year, but did Christmas round 2 and New Years in Western Washington. I know I am a few months late posting these pictures-they're cute though! Some are of us in Seattle at famous places like Pike Place and also low key settings. A few are from Sydney and Trevor's wedding. Some are in Leavenworth, or what I like to call the North Pole. Quick post-just wanted to share a few pictures.

~Love of Yoga~

2010-02-19T14:53:00.000-08:00

Although yoga is something recently getting a lot of attention it is actually an ancient form of exercise. Hundreds, even thousands, of years ago it seems like people were so much more aware of health. That probably sounds ridiculous considering modern medicines and technology. Not eating too much or achieving inner harmony are something we're more recently becoming interested in. But long ago, the ancients were well aware of the benefits of exercise like yoga.

Are you totally confused about yoga? If you just imagine an empty room, full of people, chanting, and standing like statues, let me inform you. (Just ask some of the ladies who do yoga with me- you will be sore and your legs will shake by the end of a class.) Yoga uses larger and more intricate muscle groups to achieve better strength and tone in your body. You will also concentrate on your breath with deep meditation and of course achieve better flexibility. It is a very graceful way to gain strength and balance. So, if you're wanting longer leaner muscles, better posture, a more defined physique, peace of mind, deep relaxation, and over all better health give it a shot!

If you're interested( and in the area) feel free to join our Relief Society every Tuesday night to work out. I teach yoga a couple times a month and another lady teaches aerobics. Both classes are so much fun! Ask me about details! Of course, if you're a girlfriend you know I'll jump to have a yoga partner most any time!!

~Fun in the Kitchen~

2010-02-14T16:20:00.000-08:00

This Winter I have had so much fun in the kitchen! Either by myself or with Kevin I have made so many delicious soups, breads, sweet treats, and many other goodies. Living in Idaho during the Winter months means eating a lot of hearty home made food. Also, things to do outside the home are limited so it is a neat way to pass time.
Anyone who knows me knows that I LOVE to cook. I like to experiment with new things all the time, but the best part is bringing those mastered experiments to the table. Kevin enjoys that too! So far, I have mastered home made chili, corn chowder, potato-broccoli cheddar soup, chicken noodle soup, different breads and cookies, cupcakes, jam, marinara, and SOO many more. The coolest part for me is that each dish I've made has been 100% home made- noodles and all! For now, here are a few pictures of a few of them. In the future I'll blog about some things that I get asked a lot-pertaining to cooking of course. Enjoy!

~~ Our Wedding Day~~

2010-02-14T15:41:00.000-08:00

We FINALLY received our wedding pictures! After months of waiting to see them the anticipation is over and I am once again taken aback at the sweet and memorable day we had. We were married in the breath taking Washington, D.C. LDS temple and an evening reception held in Southern Virginia. I have always wanted a certain look and feel to my own wedding, that certainly was achieved. The day started out typical of that area in August, being super hot and humid, then rain, then a pretty evening. So many people doubted my ability to plan a lovely wedding in 2 and a half months, but I knew it was plenty of time and it really turned out beautifully thanks to my sweet and supportive family! The most difficult part of a wedding is truly considering what everyone else wants for you that big day. I was warned by my girlfriends that it would be a difficult part of planning and it really was. I like to think that in the end everyone was impressed with the outcome. Of course, things don't always go exactly as you plan, but unfortunately you can't play the role of a wedding planner and bride all in the same day. Notice, you won't be seeing pictures of the cake! =)We definitely missed some of our close friends who weren't able to make it out to the East Coast, but with most of our friends either finishing college or starting their families we know how difficult it would've been. We're so grateful to those who did make it out to to be in those unforgettable memories of that wonderful day. Here are some pictures we just reveived-they're just a few of my favorites! I hope everyone enjoys them!

2009-12-12T12:52:00.000-08:00

~Mesa Falls~

2009-12-04T09:27:00.000-08:00

Sometime in early October we took a drive, about thirty minutes outside of Rexburg, to the lovely Mesa Falls. Although we have both lived in the area for a few years now we were surprised to find that neither of us had ever made the trip out. We had just assumed the other had been there so it was never at the top of our 'to-do' list. We were so grateful that we were able to see the waterfall for the first time together. The drive out there was fun enough for us as it was filled with picturesque views and runaway cows! The waterfall wasn't Niagara Falls, but it is in such a tucked away quaint place in the mountains that gives it a more earthy natural feel. I remember Niagara being a wee more touristy, obviously much larger too! I couldn't help think of Virginia as I was out there because of the fruity pebbled colored Autumn leaves. I am not sure the kind of tree, they're somewhat abundant here, that has the bright butterscotch yellow leaved but they're my favorite in this area. We snapped a few fun pictures- they really don't do the pretty waterfall or area justice. As always, at the end of the day we wished we had taken more pictures, but the memories left their mark too.

~Honeymoon~

2009-12-03T21:35:00.001-08:00

The day after our wedding we flew out bright and early for the best vacation ever in Playa Del Carmen. The Valentin Imperial was the perfect resort for our honeymoon. Everyday was filled with fun and sun! We spent time at the market in down town Playa Del Carmen,visited the historic ruins of Tulum, ate at all the wonderful restaurants located within the resort, more than anything we relaxed on the beach.

~Our First Christmas Tree~

2009-12-03T20:17:00.001-08:00

Although we're spending Christmas in Virginia we still wanted to have a tree in our house for the couple weeks of December we're here. We went out in the afternoon with our good friends, Jason and Kimmy, to find the perfect tree! So, we trekked through the snowy mountains expecting to have a plethora of trees to choose from, but that was a little more difficult to find than we thought it would be. The only trees we all thought were dense enough were too big. We decided to cut down two fairly large/tall tress and cut the tops off. It didn't take long for the guys to cut them, but soon after Kevin and I realized our tree is slightly scrawnier than we had hoped. Our tree is beautiful to us although it not exactly the tree most families would pick!