A Light on the Hill

Our college has started a new tradition here at USU called A Light on the Hill.  During the ceremony, students met department heads and faculty in the college. Dean Allen gave a great speech on learning new things, getting out of your comfort zone and becoming the person you are supposed to become.  All the students were able to light a candle during the speech. It was a really great ceremony and was so cool to see all the lights on the hill lit up.  I had so much fun planning it and am already starting to plan the one for next year!

Social hour with cookies and lemonade. Photo courtesy of Ted Pease

Students lighting their candles. Photo courtesy of Mark McLellan

Dean Allen addressing the students. Photo courtesy of Mark McLellan

Old Main, isn't it beautiful! I get to work here everyday!

25 Years Old!

I celebrated my 25th birthday this past weekend, crazy! I can't believe I am already 25!  My fantastic husband, Brady, planned the best birthday anyone could ask for!  First, we went to Bruges Waffles in SLC, they melt in your mouth (and of course, mine was stuffed with dark chocolate) :)  Then we headed up to Park City and shopped at the Tanger Outlets for the rest of the afternoon. We had some extra time and decided to go on the Extreme Zipline, it was awesome (see video below)!

eating a Bruges waffle with dark chocolate, blueberries and whipped cream (you are seeing the aftermath)

Riding on the lift to the zip line

He then surprised me with dinner at Cucina Toscana in SLC where my best friend Tonnie was there waiting for us. Oh how I love her! It made my whole day to see her! (And by the way, Cucina Toscana is the best Italian food I have ever eaten!)

Tonnie and I at Cucina Toscana eating yummy ravioli!

And the surprises were still not over! We then checked into our suite at the Little America Hotel in Salt Lake City where we were greeted with chocolate covered strawberries! We spent the rest of the night swimming in the pool and relaxing in the hot tub.

Thanks babe for the best birthday! (I might have to turn 25 again next year!) ;)

Macaroon Cookies

We have recently been having a lot of potlucks in my office and everyone brings such yummy food! I wanted to share a yummy Macaroon recipe that is delish! My dear friend and co-worker, Kristen Munson, brought them. Enjoy!

http://www.joyofbaking.com/CoconutMacaroons.html

Coconut Macaroons:

4 large (120 grams) egg whites, at room temperature

1 cup (200 grams) granulated white sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/2 cup (60 grams) cake flour, sifted

3 cups (300 grams) un-sweetened shredded coconut

In a heatproof bowl, placed over a saucepan of simmering water, whisk together the egg whites, sugar, and salt. When this mixture is warm to the touch, and nice and creamy, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, flour, and coconut. Cover and refrigerate for about two hours, or until firm. 

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. 

Place small mounds (heaping tablespoons) of the batter on the parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing several inches apart.  Bake for about 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown.  Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes and then place on a wire rack to cool.

Makes about 2 dozen Macaroons.

Happy Birthday Lucy!

This is my first shot at doing the blogging world! Kind of exciting! The reason i started this today was to pay tribute to Lucille Ball, today is her 100th birthday! You may think this is a weird reason to start a blog, and it probably is, but Lucy is one of my all time favorite people. She was creative, smart, happy, and inspired me when i was younger to be better. So Lucy, here's to you, Happy Birthday!