On Utah

Oh blogging. It's always so much fun reading blogs, not so much fun writing your own. With that being said (that's a phrase my husband says he uses at work to sound smart. I about died), let's blog! Shall we?

If you know me even merely, you know I have moved from San Diego to.... Payson, Utah! Oh the change. I did not anticipate so. much. change.  To be honest, I did not entirely know what to anticipate. Let's start from the beginning. Rafal has always wanted to leave California. He didn't grow up in the sun and the sand like I did so he has no loyalty. For real. He hates Cali. So when his job cut his overtime hours, he basically said I'm outie. Then he found his dream job in a small town in Utah running the manufacturing side of a gun company. Good for Rafal. I'm so proud that he has a trade that is tangible and he is actually pretty successful when it comes down to it. So being the good wife I am, I said go forth dear man. I will follow.

Follow I did. We rented a home that we picked out on the internet. Fingers crossed, I opened the doors to a suburban track home located right across from the glorious Payson LDS Temple. If you know anything about LDS people, we love our temples. But this is Utah, so here they really love their temples (that's a different subject). The thing about track homes, is it's a track home. Basic but clean. Big but simple. Simple. That's how I would describe anything here. Definitely not derogatory but there is a definite lack of substance and flare. When I tell people my whole name, I get that look. So clinging to my eccentric little family, we ran with it and kept true to ourselves.

Utah is also cheap. I took Ava into a museum, stopped at the front desk and asked to pay. The lady replied a word I haven't heard in my adult life... FREE! What? Yesss Utah. Rafal is super happy because we have a actual savings account. His definition of success. The weather is uhmaazzing. I hate hate hot weather. I would rather freeze then be too hot. The temperature is moderate and it cools down at night. People love to warn me about the winters being from SoCal and I say bring it.

Basically, I'm kind of happy we left our my comfort zone. I feel free (and also land locked which does drive me crazy. A lake IS NOT a beach... helllur) but free to figure out what I really love and why. I love beautiful parks I can walk to with Ava. I love mountain tops that are higher than I've ever seen. I love to see my husband smiling because his work fulfills him. And I really love no lines at the Costco gas station.

Happenings

 

 

The last weeks of December/ first week of January probably were the best all year for our family. Rafal enjoyed a much needed vacation from work and surprise! He was so happy and even more pleasant than he usually is. I really enjoyed having him home even though I still had to work. We did a lot around San Diego (but seriously I always am doing something) and being a vacation, we didn't care about the time we would be home. 

One Saturday evening, we went to Coronado and saw the Del in all it's Christmas glory. We walked down a little further, sat on a bench in the dark and listened to the ocean. So nice and peaceful. I would recommend anyone to take a walk on a dark beach and relax. 

Then we went to Seaport Village which is also a regular spot for us. Ava always wants to hold a huge bird that requires a 'donation'.  We ate delicious chili cheese fries and strolled through the shops. Ava practiced her scooter abilities which was so entertaining. She would constantly veer off into the grass and have to redirect herself. She has come such a long way and can really ride the thing. The scooter we bought was such a good investment. I definitely recommend it!

 

Then it snowed New Years Eve! I went to my mom's home in Pine Valley and walked through some of the most beautiful winter wonderland snow. Rafal is always talking about moving to a colder state and while I say that I will follow my husband anywhere, I don't know if I can do snow. It's so cold. Ava had a fun time making snow angels and eating a ton of snow.

New Years Day. Rafal suggested that we go to the mountains and enjoy the snow as a family to which I quickly proclaimed, "You are nuts if you think I'm going up there. All the city slickers are up there playing in gutter snow." By the way, my statement albeit a little harsh is 100 percent accurate. So, instead we went the opposite direction and back to Coronado (one of our favorite family spots). You guys, I had the best day. We spontaneously rented bikes and a little wagon thing for Ava. Ava's seat had peddles too so she would help peddle and constantly yell, "We are faster than Mommy!". She waved to people as we passed and they would wave back. We biked around the whole island and had yummy bbq on the bay side. And then sat on the beach while Ava played. It was seriously a perfect day.

We walked around a park and Ava fed the ducks. Once again, the scooter came in handy and Ava wheeled herself everywhere. Usually, she pretends she can't walk any more and asks her dad to carry her.

Then on the 4th of January, my baby turned 4! We had a small dinner with family and Ava got to blow out candles. My grandpa whose lap Ava is sitting on is almost 95 and he just loves her. She climbs all over him and he eats it up. I love seeing them together. Rafal and I are trying to teach Ava more about her responsibilities now that she's 4. I think that with a only child, they can get very spoiled in that one parent will always cater to them. So now, this is me, trying to correct bad habits I've made. I am diligently working on raising a self sufficient child and the struggle is real.  

Disclaimer: I think I sat down 3 times in attempt to finish this post and failed. Not a good sign that this will be a continuous en devour but a when time permits type of thing!

Family Photos

I have always wanted to take professional pictures of our family instead of the usual Instagram selfies and it just so happened that a good friend from high school has a little photography business! I had intended it to be a Christmas card but you know how that goes. I asked Mary if she would come to our home and shoot us so we planned it for a afternoon that Rafal could come home early enough to get the evening light. In typical Olkiewicz style, Ava and Rafal for that matter were neither excited or cooperative but when all was done Rafal looked around in wonder and said, "Oh, that's it? This was easy!" I'm so happy with the pictures Mary took of us even if Ava refused to wear the dress I had picked for her.

The neighbor's cat whom Ava calls Hootsie strolled by so she grabbed her for the pictures.

Hair

Today I am going to talk about hair maintenance. I have seen several different YouTubers and bloggers talk about hair and how they keep it gorgeous and I want to share what I do at home. Whether you want long locks or the popular lob, taking care of your hair is super important. Me, personally, I would rather spend some money on hair products then makeup. (Skin care is also up there but in a totally different budget as skin care can get pricey)

Speaking of bloggers, my ultimate blogger is Amber Fillerup Clark. Her blog has great hairstyle tips and she's just adorable. If you need some hair inspiration, check her out.

Ok so first things first:

Products

Forgive me: I don't have adobe so a reg. picture will have to do. No fancy photo collage here.

Shampoo: Very basic but probably one of the most important. I switch up my shampoo when the bottle is done so the brands I use vary. Someone at work once told me that she didn't realize how important good shampoo was until I told her to use it. A good shampoo will keep your hair cleaner for longer. I use it for Ava, too.

Conditioner: (my lid is missing, so ratchet) I use only a tiny bit of Biolage HydraSource in my ends and really rub it in. I can immediately tell my hair is softer once I rub it in. Let me just mention, I only wash my hair two times a week. Some people have told me they cannot go a day or two days without washing. I used to be this person but I pushed through. Its true, your hair gets used to not being washed every day. I was noticing my hair would be cleaner for longer each week. If you are one that thinks they cannot, yes you can. Which brings me to my next product.

Dry shampoo: Seriously a life saver. On day three, I spray this into my roots and let it sit then rub it into my roots with my fingers. Dry shampoo also adds texture so it's great to use when curling your hair. I use Oscar Blandi.

Leave in conditioner: Ok back to when I get out of the shower. I alternate between Enjoy and It's a 10 miracle leave in product. Both products are amazing and I focus them on my ends while still damp. It's a 10 is super creamy and sometimes I spray in into my hands and not directly into my hair. I use both on Ava.

Blow out spray: I use this Amika bombshell blow out spray when I am going to style my hair with a blowdryer and straightener. It's a heat protector and I can tell my hair is smoother when I use it. Plus it smells aaaamazing.

Texture Spray: The Not Your Mothers beach babe texturizing sea salt spray. So this product I use on the 3rd day when I am probably definitely putting it up in a bun. I have fine hair. A lot of hair but it's fine. I spray this and it gets kind of ratty so my bun looks bigger and fuller. Plus, when textured, my bun won't move. I use this product when I am going to put my hair in a braid or bun but not when I am leaving it down because literally my hair will get a huge rats nest in it. Not cute.

Coconut Oil: You guys, I cannot rave enough about this stuff. I smear it everywhere. My face, on Ava's face, on her hair, on my hair. (I also cook with it) Sometimes I will blow dry my hair but I won't straighten it. My ends will get frizzy on the 2nd and 3rd day. You can get a Moroccan Argon oil which I love or use just what you have in your cupboard. Warning: it smells funky.

I can tell what you are thinking. You use all that! Yes, yes I do. But really, I only wash my hair twice a week so I'm not using all these products every day. And my shampoo/conditioner will last a long time because it's hardly being used. I go through oils quicker.

Styling

I don't own a lot of hot tools just a blowdryer, straightener, and small curling iron. I use a big round bristle brush to blow it out and I will just straighten my ends when I want long straight hair. A curling iron will give me tight curls but I brush them out for waves. When my hair is straight I do not add oil as it gets dirty quicker.

Things not pictured but equally important is Biotin. There are many hair vitamins on the market and I'm sure they are great but simple Biotin is good for your hair and nails and even my hair stylist said my hair seems fuller and longer. Win, win! I also stumbled into a hair salon with Rafal looking for a something random when he bought this expensive brush that he thought would be good for Ava. I just thought it was ridiculous to spend 15 dollars on a high end salon brush! This is me eating my words. The Wet Brush is amazing and we all use it collectively.

Tips and tricks: After washing your hair, do not add product such as oils, texturing spray, or dry shampoo until after day 2 or 3. I have found using these products too early will make your hair seems dirtier quicker. Also, the less heat the better (obviously) so I sometimes will just braid my hair for a waving effect then run a curling iron through it.

So, this is all I've got when it comes to hair. Hope it helps!

Living.

I have not written in a year I believe. If we talk in real life then you know the whats and wheres of our family so let's continue on as though no time as passed, shall we? 

Recently, I have been thinking about our 3rd bedroom which actually was our old 'master' if you will until I got the idea to move our room to the other side of our house for a more cozier ambiance. Anyways, this 3rd room of ours became a catch-all for all things junk. What a waste of square footage if you ask me. 

Another thing, I dislike the TV. Like why homes have everything centered around the TV is beyond me. I don't like to watch TV (that's not entirely true. I do love Sherlock right now). However most of my family members think I am crazy. Rafal is like most men and loves himself a huge television set, so we have one. 

So where is this going? 

One day, while Raf was at work, I enlisted the help of my mom and moved my living room into the 3rd bedroom as sort of media room/man cave. Our living room will soon become a sitting room free of any and all electronics. This way, wife won't constantly nag husband to turn down the tv.

Furniture is needed once I have a clear vision.

The cutest little swifer-er ever.

There you have it. Rafal came home kind of shell shocked/ mad because we do not have a budget for furniture right now. Well, I'll be happy to report of many nights laying on the rug playing games as a family one including 'doggy pile on daddy'. That's one of Ava's favorite.

You guys. I have been looking forward to something for six weeks now.

Six weeks ago, I asked my mom to watch our darling girl this Friday eveing until Saturday morning. She agreed but only because I asked her well in advance. My mom is a busy woman.

Now, Friday night is quickly approaching and I cannot wait to eat a delicious meal with my husband and watch way too much tv until the late hours of the night.

You might wonder how work is going for me but I won't go into that. Lets just say I am miserable and I would quite if I was a quiter but I am not.

Thanksgiving Break

My wonderful husband man was off work from Wednesday to Sunday. Imagine my excitement! Paid time off, you guys! Rafal hasn't had a days off since our wedding in July of 2011. And we did so much.

The Zoo.. well duh cause we have passes.

The beach... and guess which little toddler went swimming in the freeeezing water! On the way home I spoke about how lucky Ava is that she can swim in the ocean in November. We've got it good.

Grandpa fed us for Thanksgiving... I enjoy spending time with my grandpa so much. We talked a little about his time in the war and where he went. I always like to hear how he met my grandpa one Sunday in church. It saddens me to think that when he's gone, so are his stories.

Horse time... Ava cannot get enough of riding that ol' horse of my moms. She's a serious rider and if you ask her to get off, her replies are something like this "no, no, NO!"

Beach to the second power... Did I mention Ava loves to go swimming in the cold ocean? Ya, she does.