In Love

I've been watching Top Chef:Masters this summer, and while not as good as the original, I've found it to be a diverting little summer treat. I've also got a new crush: Chef Hubert Keller. Yes, he's a little old for me, and yes, he's married, and no, I don't like long hair, but I was smitten from the first episode. It was a challenge where the chefs had to cook a meal in a dorm room. While the others were cursing and complaining, merry Hubert was rinsing his pasta in the bathroom shower with a smile on his face. He's a class act and man can he shuck an oyster! Here's hoping Hubert goes all the way.

I Am Losing It!

The average person looking at these shoes would notice a few key differences: This shoe is open on the side, has some nice top stitching, and a pleasantly high heel.

While this shoe is sensible, rather plain, and has a bitsy heel. These are my everyday work boots if you will.

Side by side, please also take note of the rather substantial height difference:

Apparently, I am not as smart as the average person. In my sleepy stupor this morning, I grabbed what I thought were my work boots, and ran out the door to go to work. It wasn't until I got out of my car at the office and started walking that I noticed that my left leg was an inch taller than my right. My left calf and I are now exhausted! It is hard work traipsing around on your tippy toes all day. But at least they were both black, right?

VT Idea

I've been a slacker at visiting teaching lately and was determined to get it done this month. I always like to take something, so even if our ladies aren't home, they get a little treat and message. I was inspired by an idea I saw on another blog for this month's message on temples and made my own version.

The Temple
A Refreshing Break from the World
Qualify for and partake of temple worship.
*Revitalize*Refresh*Renew*Restore*Replenish*

This was a good little reminder for myself too.

Still Love Ed!

I proclaimed it in June, and I still love that Ed. As usual, I was on pins and needles throughout the finale. If Jillian hadn't picked him, me and a few other girls would have been on our way to Chicago to find him . . . stat! After this season, I'm pretty sure that I love him too!

Until next season . . .

Look After You Leap

This morning I was running - haltingly - the final stretch of the Deseret News 10k when I see a news reporter on my left=hand side doing a street report - live! Now, what I should have done, was nothing. Instead I thought it would be a good idea to LEAP behind her with a goofy grin on my face.

Well, when your legs are about to give out anyway from RUNNING A RACE, it's probably not a good idea to try a running leap. I didn't think about the landing. I stumbled down and came thisclose to falling on my face. The good news: I'm pretty sure I was out of camera range by that time.

Things Will Never Be the Same Again

Nick Arrojo is replaced on What Not to Wear!? This does not bode well.

Julie's Love List

Because I love learning about what products and things people love, here are a few of my latest favorite things to share . . .

1. Hair Color - I can't believe that this wasn't on my 100 Things list. I LOVE getting my hair done and colored. I have been "lucky" enough to inherit gray hair that started when I was in my mid-20's. It started with a few stray hairs that I could pluck until now when I need 2 1/2 hours at the salon to completely cover and highlight my hair. I'm totally grateful for the miracle that Laurel at Salon Complete can pull off - first it was every 8 weeks, then 7, 6, now we're down to 5 weeks. Ughhh! Get this . . . I have just spotted my first gray eyebrow hair!

2. Sharpie Pens - Have you tried these yet? Last year I was asked by a friend to address her wedding invitations with my flowy handwriting and was researching different pens to use. I love Sharpie pens, but they often bleed through. These are just like a pen, but write smoothly, are still permanent, but don't leave a mark through the paper. Genius! I'm addicted to them.

3. My new wallet. Melinda can attest that I was in need of a new one for a few years now. It's hard to find a wallet that works well. I discovered this Hobo wallet that is my new favorite. I love the clutch style - so when I don't want to carry my mega bag around (and it's mega!) I can just take this with me. It has two roomy clasped compartments and then the middle is for my cards that close with a strong magnet. I love the design.

4. Smart Cookie - These cookies had me at their sweet, yummy cream cheese frosting! Delicious! I especially like the cookies that they frost to look like flowers and during the year have other seasonal delights. Mine is the American Fork store, but they have just opened one in Ft. Union near the movie theaters that you must try.