first impressions of my new home

I've lived here in Henderson, Nevada a total of 2.5 days and .... I love it here! Already we've been welcomed by neighbors, friends came to visit (and help move in) from Phoenix, and we managed to snag a dinner invite from a local here who saw we just moved in! Seriously, what? The nicest people ever live here. I already feel like an old friend who has come back to visit. It's kind of wonderful here!

Paul and I live near almost everything! We're 8 miles from the strip (which some may say is a bad thing ... or good thing), a Target is literally right around the corner, along with Einstein's and Nordstrom Rack and Chipotle. And Trader Joe's. Now, if you know me you know these are all my favorite things on the earth, so I am sitting pretty knowing I can walk 3 minutes to all of these spots.

Our apartment has all the amenities a person could ask for! An attached garage, a washer/dryer, a dishwasher, two bathrooms, two sinks in the master bathroom. Now, all of these things may seem trivial to most but to Paul and me we have never had one of the above mentioned so we feel quite luxurious in our new space!

This whole living-in-Nevada thing is going to be a blast, I can already tell. 

moving | ut - nv

in

Three months ago Paul and I received the wonderful news he got into Graduate School down in Henderson, Nevada! We were ecstatic to receive the news, especially because this was the answer to our prayers ... plus we needed a change. Big time.

Although I couldn't be more excited to move on with our lives, I am beyond sad to be leaving Salt Lake City ... my home. My parents are here, two of my five siblings are here, nieces and nephews are here, many of my friends are here. Paul will miss fishing and I will miss tree-lined streets. Paul will miss trail-running and I will miss four seasons. Paul will miss Real Salt Lake and I will miss attending General Conference. 

There are many things we're looking forward to, as well, so it's not all sad! Paul couldn't be more excited to be in school and moving towards a career and life he wants. I can't wait to have yet another place to call home (with Santa Barbara being my second home). We are both excited to eat our way through the diverse eateries and restaurants in Las Vegas! We are also both really looking forward to meeting new friends and making great connections with the wonderful people of Nevada.

Utah, you will be missed. Nevada ... here we come! 

island park, idaho

This past weekend Paul and I headed up to Island Park, ID with friends for a simple and relaxing getaway. It was such a beautiful spot ... just what I needed to see! While visiting we went to Big Springs and walked around, read, slept, ate yummy food, and watched some serious World Cup soccer! Well, Paul and our friend, Jake, did. But seriously, I'm happy Team USA won!

Side note: While there I couldn't help but think how opposite of a landscape this is to my future home of Henderson, NV. Lush rivers, rain, and tall trees versus dust, cracked lake beds, and imported palm trees. It's going to be quite the shock once I get there permanently.

cakes de fleur

Cakes de Fleur is now my favorite bakery in Salt Lake City, UT! The reasons are too many to list, but first off I need to mention how gorgeous this cake is. They baked this cake for Taylor & Bracken's wedding at the Salt Lake City Country Club a few weeks ago. Isn't it lovely?

The main reason why Cakes de Fleur has jumped to my top spot for "best bakery in SLC" is because not only are their cakes incredibly scrumptious, but because of their customer service. I sent them these photos and told them they could use them for their books, blog, or for whatever they like! In return the owner ... the OWNER ... hand-delivered cupcakes to my front door as a thank you! Wow! It just goes to show how gracious a company can be. Thank you!!

Flora: Julie Prince Flowers