Just Wondering?

Do you think that blogs will ever be a thing of the past? I have had my little blog here for 4 years! Wow, and my posts are slowly getting further and further apart...which is sad, because I love looking back at previous posts as sort of a journal to my life. I have also noticed that my friends and families update their blogs just about as frequently as I do... except those few really good journal bloggers that I really do look up to. So what do you think? Are blogs on the downhill?

To Europe and Back

Clay and I got home from Europe a few weeks ago! A dream of mine became reality and it was just as magical as I expected. I feel like I have new insights and have grown as a person by traveling and taking in other cultures. I can only imaging what one might feel like after a life of traveling. I want that to be me.

Paris was deemed our favorite spot. We had a lovely little apartment to stay in above a restaurant on a quaint street in the shopping district. We loved it. We loved the food, the people, the shopping, the style, the buidlings. It was so magical. After our visit we tried to think of all the possible ways we could live in France for a few years.

Barcelona was amazing as well. It was beachy and the gothic architecture was inspiring, not to mention the Gaudi influence all over the city and the rich history. We got to experience staying in a hostel. It was really cheap and a really great experience. Ya, we didn't get great sleep, but we met some amazing people and learned a great deal about the European countries. We met Simone from Holland - it was funny to hear how excited she was to visit america one day and see the drive through pharmecies...

America really is a great place to live, we lack a bit of culture and a 1000 year history but we have a lot of opportunities and we have an ambitious spirit about us that makes us strive to acheive greatness. I think we need a good mix between our societies though, Europe has a way of enjoying life, they sit at restuarants with their friends and families for hours just talking and enjoying life. It seems like we are so busy and rushed that fun things even become items to check off our lists. Ireland was beautiful. It was so fun to see Mandy and Bryan and to get to know the two of them a little bit better. They were amazing hosts, taking us around Ireland and showing us the sights, and introducing us to their favorite eating spots. We loved the rolling green hills and the blue ocean, the gardens and all the sheep! My one compaint...it was cold and rainy. And I guess that you have to pay a price for all that green beauty. Europe treated me with my most embarassing moment of all time. In Paris, near the catacombs, I ran accross the street to use one of those restrooms that look kind of like porta potties. I had heard that they cost a Euro to use. I found a Euro and was holding it in my hand as I looked around for a coin slot. With no luck I pushed the red button that would open the door, once inside I still could not find a coin slot so I hit the button that said close door. I just assumed that maybe this one was free? Not long into my restroom experience I heard a loud alarm go off and the door of the bathroom began to slide open revealing the world outside. To my suprise the toilet began folding up into the wall. Siren still blazing and about 15 people waiting to cross the street staring at me, I began to frantically try and pull my pants up and get out of there. Of course it seemed like minutes for me to get myself together and make a getaway. One man with a smile on his face stared and just shook his head. Embarassing!!!!

For more Europe photos we have an entire album on facebook or you can check out the design posts on Opal Never Shouts under Inspiration Abroad.

Work and Snow...work and snow...

The last four months it seems like there is nothing to blog about. Our lives as consisted of basically two things - lots of work and way too much snow...that is not ending! (Maybe I am writing this because as we speak it is snowing...boo.)

Clay and I have been really busy with work. Opal has it's first office and we spent lots of time painting it and making it look atleast better than when we moved in. Fight has been working hard to spread their message and are hosting a free concert in the summer! (Let's hope for no snow)

We did make it up skiing once this year - in April. It was fun and we both came home with lower face sunburns which felt nice and reminded me of warmer days. And I guess the biggest thing we have been working on is planning our trip to Europe! We leave on May 5th and are so excited. We can't wait to take a break from work and just have fun. We are hitting up Ireland, Scotland, Paris and Barcelona. Yahoo!

Unedited Thoughts

Today I had a small frustration with the blog world…I was checking up on a blog and found out about a new online magazine called Matchstick and decided to check it out. Great! new design ideas and photos, right? In the letter from the editors, they write that they started the magazine to help women design a life they love. Something about the phrase really hit me wrong. I started thinking about all these vintage lifestyle blogs that follow girls that seem to have the perfect life. I had this thought … these bloggers are sending messages to “design your perfect life that you will love” you will have to have these amazing clothes, design your home just like these 1950’s photos, wear red lipstick, bake cupcakes, ride old bikes with baskets, and write your friends letters on expensive letterpress stationary.

It’s not that I don’t like these things, I do like riding bikes, I like new clothes, and I like vintage design. But I don’t want to ever get stuck into thinking that my life has to be perfectly designed for me to love it. Our world can be so materialistic sometimes especially in the design industry. It is so easy to get caught up into thinking that if only I had the perfect wardrobe, the perfect house, the perfect wedding etc. then I would be happy and life would be good. It is quite the opposite, design and material things are just a cherry on top. What makes a happy life is your family, your relationships, your hobbies, your faith, and your contributions to the world. Too much blog time and catching up on bloggers seemingly perfect lives can really leave you feeling down and like you need to go out and spend a whole lot of money on clothes and accessories. You just have to remember that they are just sharing the best of the best moments of their lives.

Ok, I will get off my soap box now. And I know what you may be thinking…you are a blogger Jen! I know, and I know that my chosen profession is materialistic. I just hope that Opal is a blog that is always teaching design principles, sharing tricks and tips of good design and isn’t the type of blog that emphasizes a certain lifestyle. So please, keep me in check!

Remembering My Grandpa

This post is a tribute to my wonderful Grandpa who passed away this weekend. We love you so much and are going to miss having you a part of our lives. Thanks for being such an amazing example of service and for always being so interested in our lives. Thanks for attending all the birthday parties, softball games, piano recitals and school performances. Thanks for your words of wisdom, your playful personality, your whistling while you worked, your love of family, and for being the best Grandpa a girl could ask for.

I consider myself lucky that I was able to visit my grandpa each day this past week and half. I am grateful that I was able to tell him that I love him and will cherish the tender moment of him calling me over to his bed and whispering three words...I love you.

I am grateful that I was able to be there in the room while he recieved visitor after visitor and was able to learn so much about his life. How many people he influenced and the many boards he sat on and awards he has recieved. He kept busy serving others even in his final days --attending honorary kernals meetings, lions club, and being on the board for the Noal Bateman award. In fact, I didn't even know what a Noal Bateman award was or that both he and my grandma had recieved one until this week.

Sitting in his office this past weekend I was overwhelmed by the awards that hung on his wall, service this...community that... there had to be atleast 50 plaques that covered the orange plaid wallpaper. It made me realize that I had a lot to live up to, and it inspired me to be better at serving in my community and making a difference.

We will miss you Grandpa! I will try and make you proud each day!

The Most Wonderful Day of the Year

Christmas this year was amazing! So many fun times, great gifts and lots of laughs. Megan and Kayla gave us a gift that made everyone cry from laughter! We were all laughing so hard that tears were coming from our eyes, even my dad!

It was a great Christmas, Clay went way over the top and gave me a trip to Europe! The present was complete with airline tickets he made and a little picture of the Eiffel tower with the two of us in front:) I was so excited, I had been telling him I wanted to go so badly and he kept playing like we couldn't afford it, he didn't really want to go... and I was getting so sad. That little sneak! Clay went to an antique store that we had visited together and bought a painting that I was completely in love with. It is a little watercolor from Russia that is framed in the most elegant little gold frame. I am in love with it!

We went to Springville for Christmas Eve and had a feast of shrimp, crab legs and ham. We also tried something fun and new...Turkeybowling. Yes, that is right, we closed the laundromat early, lined up the benches to create bumpers and brought out ten pop bottles for bowling pins. We had a blast! The kids were having the time of their lives cheeringeach other on and running and giving hugs when some of the adults didn't knock any down. Grandma even bowled right on over with the Turkey and gave us all a cute little glamour pose as she lay in the middle of the bowling lane.

Tis the Season...

Merry Christmas to all of our Friends and Family!!!

A Little Bit of Christmas...

Yahoo for Christmas! Our house is all decked out and we are starting the shopping. Yes, just starting and wishing we had been more prepared and done with shopping. Any good ideas for what to get parents? They always seem so tricky!

1 YEAR!

It has been 1 YEAR since Clay and I hopped onboard with Clay's family and decided to cut out all processed food from our diet. How has it been? I have loved it! I would never go back! At first it was tough, we didn't realize how much of our food was really processed. Even though I thought I ate pretty healthy, I came to realize I was putting a lot of things into my body that wasn't really good for it. Over the year we have become more educated on our food system and the way America has been trained to buy and eat food. We have been a little grossed out and have been educated a ton on food and our bodies! (One of our fav. books is In Defense of Food)

Things we changed:

• Unbleached Flour and Natural Organic Unbleached flour in all our cooking.
• No brand name things that have lots of extra ingredients and preservatives
• Less meat
• Rice Milk
• Everything made from scratch
• Lots of homemade snacks
• A new love for Costco, bulk bin grocery stores, and whole foods.

Things I have noticed that have changed:

• I feel better
• The grocery bill is way down (suprising I know!)
• My weight does not fluctuate the 5-8 lbs it used to.

And don't worry, we aren't perfect at all, we still occasionally go out to eat and enjoy dessert that for sure isn't good for you. But we changed a lot of things and have loved the changes...I am constantly looking for new recipes and ways of doing things, Anyone have any good foodie suggestions?

Remember the warm days?

A little while ago, for Clays birthday...okay a long while ago... we went golfing up at the Wasatch Golf Course. It was so beautiful!!! Then, because we weren't in a rush, we drove through the mountains from Midway to Brighton. We stopped to take a hike and enjoy the mountains. We really need to get out and enjoy nature way more than we do!!!

I love remembering the warm summer days on a cold and rainy day like today... is it bad that i am already anticipating the spring?

A really great day...

I just had to let out what a great day I am having today! (Since Clay is in Brazil I don't have anyone to tell the silly little things too, so I am telling the good old blog.) So, a great day... and nothing extraordinary happened! 1. I let myself sleep in... till 8:30. It was so nice!

2. I ate breakfast while watching the Today Show to catch a glimpse of Mandy, my sister in law. After a little she finally came on with Amanda Pete, reading a book to a bunch of kids. Cool!

3. I went to the dentist, and to my relief and great suprise...after 2 years of not being to the dentist... NO CAVITIES! Wahoo!

4. I went and hit the consigment stores in Salt Lake and the little table I have been wanting for the last few visits was still there! I finially just caved in and bought it:)

5. I visited the Design Center in Salt Lake to pick up some fabric samples and they were soooo sweet! I felt like a million bucks when I left with my wallpaper books and fabric swatches.

6. I talked to a great friend on the phone!

7. I ate lunch at a small and quaint thai restaurant on broadway and 350 W. I ate outside on the patio while reading the paper, it was nice.

8. Clay comes home tonight!

Touchpoint Conference and wondering about the Perfect Balance...

This past Thursday and Friday Jana and I were able to attend the Touchpoint Conference put on by Start up Princess. It is a conference for women in business that offers workshops and networking. We were lucky enough to be finalists in the video competition (Thanks to Clay:)

I loved attending the conference and meeting some really amazing women. There were so many people that had accomplished so many great things in business. The experience left me with with a lot of ambition and also a lot to think about. I loved being inspired and feeling like, "I can do this! We can make Opal Never Shouts succeed!" It also made me realize that I need to figure out where I want to end up. I don't really think that I want to be a huge success in business. I don't want the stress of it all, I don't want to commit the time that it takes and I don't want to sacrifice maybe as much as you have to. The last year, working at a design company, I really had my eyes opened to what I do not want to become. I saw priorities completely skewed and it was a huge lesson on what is important in life.

I want to be my definition of successful. I want to make Opal Never Shouts part of my life, not my entire life. I hope that it can grow big enough to give us a lot of fun projects, that I can continue to pursue my passion for design, and make a little money to travel.

Anyway, I absolutely loved attending Touchpoint and am excited to keep pushing our little design company. We made a few connections that will hopefully lead to a few new projects:)

This message hit the spot this morning as this week I have been reflecting on the spirit. I have been trying to spend more time in silence, driving to work with the radio off being able to think. Clay and I spent time up the canyon this weekend and we reflected on how amazing the mountains are for reflection and pondering. I hope to be able to spend more time feeling the spirit and give more opportunities to the Lord to direct my life. Gotta love these little mormon messages!

New House, New Job, New City, New Ward...

Wow, I hope that this isn't the trend for the rest of my life. It seems that the last three years I have completely changed my life every year. Each Spring/Summer I move to a new city, start a new job, move into a new place, establish myself in a new ward and all the other fun stuff that comes with starting over. This year it is Salt Lake City. We just moved to 5300 S. and 1300 E. into an apartment complex called Cobble Creek.

Moving was crazy and now I am left with piles of boxes that are having a hard time fitting into a one bedroom apartment. Cobble Creek seems nice - our neighbors may be drug dealers and our other neighbors smokestacks, but who doesn't love the crisp smell of cigerettes on the patio:) It is a gated community and as we were driving in the other night Clay stated, "O good, now we can gate all the scary people in so they can't get out." I thought it was funny.

We are currently renting out our house in Logan which made us decide to rent until we gain more of our bearings. Thinking of the future and wanting to design and build a little house - we decided to find a really affordable place - which lead us to Cobble Creek. We like the area and the apartment is pretty nice and roomy for the rent. And... we have a pool and tennis court!!! (With great intentions of using them often:)

Along with starting Opal Never Shouts, I took a job at "Fresh Air" as a phone answerer and mail person. "A job a monkey can do" stated my new boss. This sure makes a college graduate who has worked in their feild for two years feel really good about themself. But, a part time job to help with the travel and house fund is a good thing...

Despite all the crazy changes - we are excited to be down in Salt Lake. Excited for a little warmer winter, to see our friends who mostly live down here, the fun restaurants and shows downtown and a new adventure in life!

Clay is loving his new job with Fight the New Drug. He is keeping busy and making lots of contacts to push the campaign forward.

So here we are Salt Lake! Ready for the journey and aclimating to the changes. Bring on the monkey job!!!

I love this Chest!

I have been working on a post for the blog talking about Clay's Grandma's chest that she refinished and I am falling in love with it even more!!!! Ok, back to the post, I have to have it done by tomorrow! Check it out http://opalnevershouts.com

Hmmm.. I wonder how this cake tastes? Anyone ever tried it? Maybe I should bake a cake this weekend? Dr. Pepper Chocolate Cake Recipe (makes one 13x9x2″ baking pan) Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cup Dr. Pepper soda
• 1/2 cup vegetable or canola oil
• 1 stick salted butter (8 tablespoons)
• 4 tablespoons cocoa powder (again, I used Hershey’s Special Dark cocoa powder)
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup buttermilk

Directions:

- Preheat oven to 350° F and grease or spray with cooking spray a 13x9x2″ baking pan.

- Begin by combining the Dr. Pepper, oil, butter and cocoa powder in a saucepan over medium heat. When it comes to a simmer, mix well and turn stove off.

- Mix dry ingredients together (sugar, flour and baking soda), add to mixture in saucepan and mix well, by hand. Don’t over beat. DO NOT OVER BEAT.

- In a separate small bowl lightly beat the eggs and buttermilk together, then add them to the saucepan and combine batter well by hand, but again, do not over beat.

- Pour into a greased baking pan and bake at 350° for approx. 23-28 minutes or until toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Be careful not to over bake.

Chocolate Frosting Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 stick salted butter (8 tablespoons)
• 4 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 8 tablespoons milk
• 4 cups confectioners sugar (powdered sugar)

Directions:

- In a saucepan, combine butter, cocoa powder and milk together over medium heat, stirring occasionally until melted and smooth.

- Add in the powdered sugar a little at a time, combining after each addition until smooth.

- Pour over warm cake.

Funny New Blog

So even though I look at catalogs and design magazines every day and often marvel at the beauty of a well designed space... I had to laugh at this blog that makes fun of staged spaces and design catalogs. Check out their posts!

• http://catalogliving.tumblr.com/

Sweetheart, the Turners will be here any minute now! Did you put the plate of figs under the table?

Our Splash Page is Up!!!

We have been working so hard the last few months to get Opal Never Shouts up and going. We finally have our Splash page up and are working on the actual site now. We had 106 hits to the site yesterday!!! Wahoo! We are excited for this new adventure and will be keeping busy as we manage a blog and keep up with design projects. Thanks for all your support! Check it out at www.opalnevershouts.com

Be Excited!!!

Our new company is coming soon!!!

Michele Dunker Interiors Giveaway!!!

So, the design company I work for is doing a monthly giveaway for a fun home accessory! This month is a sheek quilted tray with bamboo trim and handles. I love this little tray! Clay and I actually have one by the back door that we put our keys in as we come in the door. Anyway, to win the giveaway just go to the blog www.mdunkerinteriors.blogspot.com and make a comment!