Love Me Tinder

Love me tender, 

Love me true, 

Tell me that you're mine. 

I'll be yours through all the years,

Till the end of time.

Oh, Elvis. You make my heart skip a beat. You have such a way with words. You make me feel so good. And tinder, you do the same thing. What am I thinking? 

Tinder, another way to meet someone. It's pretty simple really; swipe left if you don't think they're attractive and right if you think they're so good looking that you'd want to populate the earth with them. Did I take that too far? Maybe. But you get the point. It's a little superficial but I'm addicted. I can't stop myself from logging in every hour to check my "matches" or conversations. 

The first time you match with someone, what happens next is always a little exciting. The guy you thought was so cute has made contact. He says something funny or witty, or tells you your dimples melt his heart. Of course, with a compliment like that I'm totally sold. I try to charm them by being my funny self (and with my dimples obviously) and next thing I know I'm messaging my phone number to basically a stranger, to see if this is going to go anywhere. What am I thinking? 

The conversation now switches from in app messaging to texting and I'm thinking, man this guy is cute, funny and he's interested. The whole time I'm hoping this text fest ends up in him asking me out instead of becoming his texting buddy. He asks me if I have plans for the weekend. I do. But, he asks me to ditch them so I can do something with him. I think he's just asked me out on a date. Here's the catch: there is no plan -- no time, no place, no nothing.  Somehow those details got lost. He hasn't actually committed to doing anything. But somehow I've agreed to block out my afternoon for some guy that I don't really know. Meanwhile I don't hear back from him and I don't know what's going on.  But thank you Tinder Gods, I think I have three dates set up.

Tinder makes dating sound so easy. But the follow through with some of these guys is puzzling. How can you make plans with someone and then never contact them? Oh, we set a date up  and you went fishing instead and came back and texted me for a raincheck? Yeah, sure. Let me get out my receipt book with your letterhead. I had one guy text me a few days after a planned date asking me why we didn't go out. I said well... you never called me. I just think, duh! Come on! Or the guy that asks me rearrange my schedule so he can take me out, and then waits all day the day of the date to let me know what the plans are. Or the guy that cancels because he's going out of town, but doesn't make plans for another date. And when I actually have gone out with someone on a good date, I send him a PDT (post date text). It's my way of letting that person know that I had a good time and it's okay to ask me out again... but he never responds. 

I mean, I get it. I'm not everyones cup of tea and everyone isn't going to be my cup of tea. I also get that while you're telling me all these sweet nothings, emphasis on nothings, you're probably telling 20 other girls the same thing. It's also probably why you couldn't text me back to let me know what the plans were.  But where do these guys come from? Oh, I know. Tinder. Why am I expecting anything more out of these guys when I'm on a dating app that is solely based off physical attraction and the superficial. We all try to put the best image of ourself out there. But there's a difference between doing that and being fake. When these guys pretend to be someone other than who they are, it isn't long before his real self turns up. It gives me whiplash and now I need to be in a neck collar after going on one of those dates.

I feel like I'm living my own personal Groundhog Day, but not the funny Bill Murray type. Haven't I gone through this before? Haven't I gone on this date 50 million times? Why do I keep going on them? Why do I keep going on the same dates with the same type of guys? How do I stop the cycle?  I think it's the deceiving I like to hike pictures, or the fishing pictures, I like football, here I am studying at school. It all looks so cool but looks can be deceiving.  

This year I want to find someone who is going to love me tender, never let me go. The kind of stuff that Elvis sang about. But hold on, Shania Twain said it better yet,  "so what do you think you're Elvis or something... that don't impress me much." Same thing- Tarzan, Captain Kirk, John Wayne, Brad Pitt, that don't impress me much. What does impress me is kindness. Not sarcastic. Not narcissistic. Not a know it all. Just kind. Yeah, kind would impress me so much more than all that extra hold gel in your hair. 

// Last (Wo)Man Standing //

This last weekend, my little sister got married. I am so happy for her. The guy she married is the bomb diggity and the wedding was awesome. Despite the torrential downpour of rain, everything was beautiful and couldn't have been more perfect. My mum made a traditional English fruitcake, organized for a Scottish bagpiper to come and play some songs, and also pinned Bridget with our family tartan. After visiting England and Scotland (find that trip here) last year, it was really special to us to honor our heritage.  

Here are some pictures from the wedding snapped on my iPhone and a couple from my camera. 

 (from wedding dinner the night before)

(the funniest sisters that ever lived) 

(these babes waiting for the couple to come outside) 

(anth and bridge walking outside)

(cutest naked cake ever)

(Scottish bagpipes)

(always the bridesmaid, never the bride) 

(Bridget and her bridesmaids)

Now that Bridget is married, that means I'm the last one to find "the one" in my family. Yikes. At the reception, I got a lot of "you're next" comments. And while that is true, it won't be happening next year. (You're welcome Mom and Dad for not having pay for three weddings in three years.)  I still can't seem to get to the second date part of dating. 

Last month I went on what I thought was an awesome date. I got set up by a friend and am super thankful for having gone on a date that actually went well! Conversation was great, food was great, and the guy was cute. He seemed to be having a good time too. So after the date I sent him a PDT (post date text) to tell him thanks for the great time and we should do it again sometime. I thought that was a good enough indicator that I wanted to go out again. I consulted with one of my guy friends about the date and he said if I hadn't heard from him by a specific date that same week, I should text him and ask about a project he was working on. So, by the date I was given I hadn't heard from him, so I text the guy. I asked about the project. The guy responded and asked me questions and the conversation was totally normal and fine. Again, his response to the text messages seemed like he was interested. Even with all the right indicators of him being interested, I still didn't hear from him again. I kind of felt bummed about it for awhile. But then I thought, you know what? At least I know that I can still go on fun dates! And that I can still have chemistry with someone. So I'm ready for another date with someone. If it leads somewhere, great! If it doesn't, that's fine too.

While I am the last Buckner to get married, I'm just going to take my sweet time. It stresses me out from time to time, I'm not going to let it get me down. I've said it before and I'll say it again, I'd rather be happily single than miserably married. My sister Bridget found someone who loves her to death, Sarah found someone who makes her happy, and Nick found someone perfect for him. The odds that I'll find someone are in my favor. So until then, I'll keep you all updated with the fun, the weird, and the disastrous dates I go on. 

Crazy Cat Lady in the Making

In the fast paced world of the 21st century, online dating seems to be solution. People don't meet others the old school way. Girls don't lock eyes with a cute guy in class who then asks for your name. People don't meet at parties and laugh awkwardly around the punch bowl. Instead, everyone is glued to a phone, checking IG, updating Facebook status', or tweeting.  So how do people meet others today?  Online. But therein lies the problem.

Online seems to be the way to go. It's so simple to "meet" someone with the same likes and interests. All it takes is paying some money, answering a few simple questions,  and waiting for a result: meeting somebody. I am the first to admit it. I'm on a few of these sites myself.  As I am the last in my family to meet "the One". I'm the one standing alone in family pictures. I hear the clock ticking and the count down is on.

"Hi, I'm liz. I like working out and eating Mexican food."

Is that really all someone online needs to know about me? No. There is much more to me than liking Mexican food. Humans are much more complex than what they are online. We get to hide behind a facade, an ideal image of ourself that we like to project in the hope of reeling someone in.  If my time on dating websites has taught me anything, it has taught me that not everyone is who he appears to be online. 

I have come up with five non negotiables as a result of my experience with online dating. It makes weeding out the creepy scumbags easier and narrows the search to the real gems.  The reason for the five non negotiable is to make sure that I  stay true to myself and don't give away something of value for something that is convenient. 

My Five Non-Negotiables 

1. Respects me/his parents. In my own experience I've learned that how a man treats his family is probably how he is going to treat me. If he respects his parents, he will respect me. The relationship he has with his parents/family is an insight into how I can expect my relationship to be. I want to be in a loving, respectful relationship. It's a no brainer, right?

2. Spiritual, but not crazy (like someone who tells me he's received a revelation and we're going to Colorado City to start a new colony.)  The kind of spirituality I want is someone who shows that he is serious about his religion and his relationship with God.  I'm LDS, so I want someone who honors his priesthood and not just on Sundays. I  need someone who will be able to lead and be an example to our children. But it has to be balanced. Yes, he might be a worthy priesthood holder, but if he sits around all day and only read scriptures... well... we're gonna have a long talk. This leads me into my next non negotiable.

3. Hard working/ambitious. I need a man who will be able to provide for me and future family. I am totally for both of us working, but if I'm the only one working while my husband plays video games in the basement of his mom's house and can't hold down a job, we're going to have a problem. We live in a world where too many guys seem to be still in their teens. They don't have any ambition or focus. They have been coddled to the point where working a hard job is something they just don't do. My parents have taught me the importance of having a job. To pay bills. I don't need to marry a doctor or a lawyer. Status doesn't mean anything to me. What matters to me is having a job, getting up and going to work, and being committed to making it work. 

4. Honesty. Yeah, it seems simple. But if a guy is willing to tell a small lie, it's an indicator that he is  more likely to lie about something bigger. Honesty is sometimes hard to hear, but I'd much rather hear the truth than lied to. The truth always comes out in the end.

5. Sense of humor. I need someone who can laugh. Even during hard times. Life is not always roses and butterflies and it's nice to have someone to help see the light at the end of the tunnel when life gets rough. Don't get me wrong, I don't want to marry the class clown, but someone who can keep me laughing will have my heart. 

Online dating has proved to me the importance of friendship. Love can't be forced.  Love forms over time.  A few common interests won't make a marriage work.   What goes in is what goes out. What I want is to meet someone the old fashioned way. But until that happens, I'll keep keepin' on. Trying my luck on the inter web but never giving up on my non-negotiables. If I can't have all of those, then one day I'll have a nice house and a few cats. 

// According to IG //

My life according to IG in the month of June has been fun! I cut off 8 inches of hair. Gave Sarah an awesome baby shower. Caught up with old friends over lunch. Attended a wedding. Spent time with my awesome cousin. Got to hang out with my nephew several times. ANNND my sister got engaged to a pretty cool dude. Not pictured: Seven Peaks and a night of fireworks. 

Not only has June been a busy social month, I've also been working my butt off at work. Sleep has been an unknown thing to me. So I had the last 4 days off in a row and I spent them all sleeping in and being lazy around the house. It was wonderful!  

This weekend I'm going on a date. It's a semi blind date because I had a friend say, this is Tom (I changed the name to keep it annonymous) and I want to set you up. Tell me if you think he is cute! So I said yes to the date, although I can't tell from his pictures if he's cute or not... Guess I'll find out on Saturday. I will update my fans later next week on how it goes. 

In the mean time, have an amazing time celebrating 'Murica! Don't blow up houses or burn anything down. You know what? Maybe just stay inside where it's safe. 

// Viva Italia //

So when I'm not complaining about my lack of a love life, I'm traveling the world. And if I'm not traveling the world, you can find me at work. Or in my bed. Yeah, you're most likely to find me in those two options.

This summer the winds changed and took me to a place that dreams are made of. And if you're anything like me I dream of food, amazing sunsets, ancient buildings, a culture a completely different of mine. The amazing thing is that we can actually experience those things. You get online and buy a ticket to a destination of your dreams, plan what you want to do while you're then and then one short 8-15 hour plane ride later, you're there. The whole flying business to wherever you want is kind of magical in a way. I mean, I can drive 10 hours and only be in Washington at the end of the drive. Not that I don't love the people who are waiting for me at the end of the 10 hour drive in Washington. :) It's just a whole different experience getting on a plane, flying over different countries to get to one specific destination.

Fifteen hours of sitting seems long, especially if you're trapped next to the drunk guy oblivious that you're sharing a very cramped space. But man, when you get off the plane and breathe air that isn't your air, it's totally worth it. After landing, rent a car (and get a GPS) and you'll be off to places you've only read about. 

Italy is everything and nothing you can imagine. It was amazing. It was breathtaking. I fell in love with Italy. And while I wish I could tell you every detail of the trip, I'm going to tell you three important things you need to know:

1. Italian pizza is good everywhere. Like, everywhere.

2. Gelato is a great breakfast option.

3. Italy is for lovers.

There are the couples who can't seem to unglue themselves from each other and it's not vulgar, it's endearing. People are in love and they don't care who knows it. When I see PDA here, it grosses me out. In Italy, it's amore! Just like when the moon hits your eye, like a big piece of pie. Speaking of pizza.... It's everywhere. It's available at ALL hours of the day. Gelato is another thing available at all hours of the day. Maybe you're not supposed to have pizza or gelato at 9am, but why do they even sell it at that hour then? The answer is you're actually supposed to eat it at that time.

I could never do our trip any justice with just words, so here is a video made by my sister of our trip. Enjoy it. And then go book your trip to some dream destination! 

// Plot Twist //

Want to know the easiest way to make a 25 year old woman cry? Ask her on a date and then stand her up. Or maybe that's just the easiest way to make me cry. 

I haven't been on a date since January. I blamed it on my lack of time due to school and work. But who am I kidding? I secretly hope and pray that Mr. Wonderful walks in to my life and carries me off into the sunset and we live happily ever after. 

Instead, I'm 25 and still living at home with my parents. Not that my parents are bad roommates. In fact, they're perfect roommates! They buy all the food, fill my car up with gas, let me live there rent free. My life is pretty cushy and I totally get that. But I know there has got to be something more to life than living in the basement. (Please tell me I'm right.)

So when my younger sister started dating again after a recent-ish breakup, I decided I should take the plunge into the online dating world. The whole "Hi, my name is Liz. The six things I couldn't live without are my phone, books, a toothbrush... As I can't think of anymore," thing sure gets old. What gets even more annoying are the influx of messages saying "you're a babe. How do you feel about a casual hookup?" How about I just delete you. So I suffer through mostly losers and when I finally find someone who can hold an intelligent conversation, I can't help but think that this might actually workout! A guy who can woo me with words, oh be still my heart. Okay, you actually will have to do more than that but I definitely love playful verbal banter. 

I am very selective when talking to people on the internet. I mean. It's the freakin' internet for heavens sake. So I started messaging a few guys and the conversations were great. The only bad thing is, I was about to leave for Italy in a few days and was working basically everyday until I left. But I did have the night before my flight left free and thought, why the heck not? So I told one guy that we could go out Tuesday night. He agreed. I messaged him Tuesday morning because he still hadn't contacted me since setting up our date. I asked him what the plan was. He told me he'd pick me up at 8pm and that we'd get cafe rio. (Mexican food is another key to my heart.) 

So I packed my clothes for my trip, ran errands and got ready for my date. And not to toot my own horn, but toot toot. I looked cute! I sat in my living room for an hour. Waiting. A message to say hey, I'm running late. Anything. Instead I got radio silence. I called my brother and sister in law for advice. Because what else are brothers for? Basically they confirmed my suspicions that I was being stood up. 

I went to my room and changed into my jammies. And started to cry. The thing is, it wasn't really about him. It was about dating in general. I have the worst luck with guys. My brother texted me and said men are dogs (parks and rec reference). He tried to cheer me up with pictures of my nephew. He told me, this guy wasn't worth crying over. My mom came into my room to console me. Yeah, I might have been over reacting but when your dating life is the constant part of a movie about the bad dates someone goes on before they meet Prince Charming, you'd cry too. 

My friends tell me that it'll happen when I least expect it. I'm calling BS. Finding someone happens to the people who are proactive about it. So, that's what I'm doing. Or trying to do. I want "it" to happen to me. I want to find someone I love and to spend my Saturday nights with. I want to go on double dates with my friends and not be the third wheel. 

So yeah, being stood up totally sucks. And I know one day I'll be able to laugh about all these crazy experiences. I know Mr. Wonderful will get here eventually and that he's takin' his sweet time. But more importantly, I know I'm not going to give up on this dating business. The plot twist in my life one day will be Liz finally gets the guy!

// Ketch-Up //

Folks, it's been awhile and so much has happened.

First, our family got a special addition in February. Prince William Theodore Buckner was born on February 15, 2014. My Dad and I were able to drive up to Washington and see him the day he was born. I got to hear him cry outside the room when he was born. Wow. My sister Allison was in labor for 36 hours. She is a champ! She gave birth to the most perfect baby ever born. I love him so much and our family has been so blessed with him in our lives.

They have the most perfect little family. 

Next thing that happened, is that I found out I'm going to be an Aunt to another little baby! This time it's a precious little baby girl! My twin sister Sarah is pregnant and due it August. I am so excited for her and can't wait to meet that cute little girl. 

I love all these new changes that are happening in my family. It's so much fun to have these little babies to love and spoil for the rest of my life. We love being able to FaceTime with William and listen to his cute noises and see his facial expressions. 

 

Life is good and fun. At the rate things have been changing around the Buckner house, I'm excited to see what is in store for me for the rest of the year. :) 

// sparklers //

We've all seen He's Just Not That Into You and maybe some of us have read the actual book (I have). There's that scene where Gigi is in the bar with Alex and they start talking about a "spark" between two people. 

Gigi: Maybe there's not. You need a spark.

Alex: No, the "spark" thing is shit.

Gigi: Really?

Alex: Bull shit.

Gigi: Enlighten me.

Alex: Guys invented the "spark" so that they could not call, and treat you kind of bad, and keep you guessing, and they convince you that that anxiety and that fear that they're throwing at you is actually, just a "spark". And you guys all buy it. You eat it up. And you love it. You love it because you feed off that drama. You all love that drama.

Gigi: I don't.

Alex: Oh really? So you never wait until the last minute on a deadline or phone bill because secretly you kind of love the drama of not knowing whether or not you're going to make it?

Gigi: Maybe?

Alex: And let me guess. When you were stalking Conor the other night, were you obsessing about him calling, constantly pacing back and forth and staring at your phone for days even though the date was just kind of mediocre? 

Gigi: Ha. Okay, yeah?

Alex: Because you all thrive on the drama! But you've got to be more like me. If a girl likes me, great. But if not, there are plenty more out there like her. Probably one with smaller pores and bigger implants. 

It's a great scene. It makes me think about my own dating life and a "spark" with the guys I date. Do I really believe in it? Am I making up the lack of spark in my head? Maybe it doesn't happen straight from the get go. Maybe it's something that happens later on...

But then I think about guys I have had a "spark" with guys before, so I know it's possible! I've been on first dates where I think, wow this is fun! The conversation is great, the guy is great, he's totally into me and I'm diggin' him. So let's do this thing!  

I think the "spark" is a combination of a few things that seem to be lacking in some people I've gone out with and I've narrowed it down. 

Personality

Attraction (looks- I know, I might be shallow but you can't deny it either)

Things you have in common

Conversation

I know, it seems like a small list of things to "hit it off" with someone, but if you take out some of those factors it's probably someone you're just gonna friend zone after the date anyway. If you don't like their personality, you're probably going to butt heads at some point. If you're not attracted to the person... it's going to go nowhere. If you don't have anything in common, how are you ever going to agree on anything? I'm not saying that you have to have everything in common, because that would be boring. There has to be a little diversity and someone who can introduce you to new hobbies. But a common base helps. Lastly, if you can't talk to the person, you're definitely going to have problems... because lets get real, you won't be able to communicate. 

So when I go on a date and feel just "meh" about it, I'm not going to thrive on the drama of him waiting to call me and ask me out. I should and will, take my own advice about the "spark" and put my best foot forward and get out there and go on some more awkward first dates until I find Mr. Awesomely Wonderful. 

What do you all think? Is the spark a real thing? 

// a girl walks into a sushi bar…//

Not that this blog has reach world wide fame or anything, but last night I went out with a guy who knew about my dating blog. This is now the second guy who've I've gone out with who knew about it. The first guy who knew about it? That date was not so hot (read about it here).

To be honest, I was a little nervous to go out on a set up date. One of my friends set us up and I tend to not have a great track record when it comes to blind dates. I should probably contact the Lifetime Movie Network to see if they want to make a movie about my comical dating life that hopefully ends with me finding Mr. Wonderful. At least that ending is better then "and she lived by herself and 10 cats."

The date last night? Completely normal. How or why was it normal? Not sure. But I'm gonna give homie the credit there; HE was normal. He got to the sushi place before I did and ordered edemame for us before I got there. Homie joked about me blogging about how presumptuous it would be for him to order edemame. But… I actually like edemame. Win, win for both of us! I blogged about it and I enjoyed the apps before dinner. (If you don't know the reference to calling appetizers "apps" I'll link a video of it for you. Hilarious!) The date was short and sweet. The food and conversation were great.

Maybe my luck for first dates is changing? I don't know. But it was nice to go on a typically normal date last night. It's refreshing and I've decided that I should do that type of date more often and not the other kind. Although, the awful ones do make for better stories later. :)


And as promised… here is the video to the apps and zerts video from Parks and Rec. I love Tom
Haverford!!

// No Man November //

In one of my classes this semester we have focused a lot on identity. What influences or lack of influences has made you into the person you are now. For me, it's my family, my religion, my community. It's taking a little bit of everything and applying them into my life (or not.) So my teacher had us write a memoir or a sceme from our life that has helped form us. I chose to focus on my community and doing something no one has done before at my age... Move. 

Running from concourse A to concourse D in the Atlanta airport was not how I was expecting to spend my layover on my flight to North Carolina. It was pure luck that I had decided to look at the flight board to check if my next flight was on time and it had changed! My plane was boarding now! I ditched my eight dollar salad and starting running as fast as I could in my platforms and dress with my carry on, a Mary Poppins style purse. I barely made made my flight and was out of breath by the time I got on my seat. Only an hour and twenty minutes until I landed into a city I had never been in before. This was going to be interesting to the say the least.

In high school all my friends had had boyfriends or went on dates most weekends. In choir, I’d see the wedding invites that were sent to my teacher from the senior class the previous year. To me, marriage seemed like the next step after high school graduation. Even though I wasn’t actively dating anyone, I thought, well if the “weird” kids can get married, surely it isn’t that hard. So, as summer came and went and I still wasn’t dating anyone, I moved away for school down to the mecca of the LDS dating scene- Provo, Utah.

Moving to Provo meant I could date young men with the same standards that I had known growing up. This meant- no drinking, going to movies on Sunday (but however, if you’re starving and don’t have any food you can drive to orem and get something at Betos- not that I’ve done that), you have a curfew and boys aren’t allowed past the “chastity line” in your apartment. So basically if you were at a boys house and had to use the bathroom, you’d have to either hold it until you got home or find another bathroom to use.

I moved in with one of my friends from high school (she was “waiting” for a boy on a mission, but still went on plenty of dates) and then four other random girls. I worked, went to school, attended social functions and still nothing. I had even made some good friends with the boys in my ward. They were exactly what I’d learned in Young Women’s to look for in a companion. They were returned missionaries, worthy, nice, responsible, educated and church going young men. Somehow though, my wit seemed to be lost on them.  Boys were supposed to be lining up at my door. My planner was supposed to be so full of dates that I’d have to book dates a month in advance. Instead, I was picking up extra shifts for work so I wouldn’t feel like such a loser watching my roommates go out on the weekend.

As the school year came to a close and I was still as single as I started, I felt defeated. This is what I was supposed to do. It’s what everyone I knew was doing. Graduate, get married, pop out some babies and live happily ever after. That was the cookie cutter plan that the majority of people my age seemed to be doing. It was the natural progression of the West Jordan life. In my world, you went from introductions at a stake dance to “this is eternal” by Sunday next week. I hadn’t been able to make that jump quite yet and was a little hesitant that I ever would.

After moving home, my prospects for dating seem to dwindle even more. What I was left with were the rejects from high school that were doing nothing with their lives- like living at home. But, hey! I was living at home. Did I now qualify as reject status at the ripe old age of nineteen? Had I really become an old made, destined to live at home with her parents and pets? Gosh, I hope not. I needed to break free.

My friends would say, but Liz you’re so amazing! How is a girl like you single? When you least expect it, it’ll happen. Ooh, I know the best person to set you up with- he’s really nice. So, they’d pass my number out like candy and I’d have an influx of text messaging added to my monthly bill with AT&T each month but nothing seemed to go anywhere. The ones that texted me generally never made verbal contact. I mean, these guys could have had laryngitis, leaving him without a voice box and I would have never known.

I was staring at the four wedding invites that clung to the fridge taunting me. “We did it! And you can’t even get a date for Friday night.” I needed to get serious about a change in my life and the right opportunity presented itself in the form of a summer job. My options were to stay in Utah, doing who knows what, or try my luck in North Carolina. I pulled my phone out of my pocket and called Mark. 

“Mark, hey it’s Liz. I’m interested in the North Carolina job. When can I start?”

“Well, we need someone out in the office by May 5^th.”

(Did I mention it was the last week in April? Well, it was.)

“Wow, that’s really soon. But… I’ll do it.”

“Great! We’ll get Suz in headquarters to work on your flight plans. I’ll keep in touch, Liz.”

In a matter of a three minute conversation, I had changed my life plan. No longer was I going to limit myself to the constraints of what my community thought I should be doing. I was going on a new adventure that no one I knew had done before. With a renewed sense of excitement for doing something different, I started to pack my suitcase for the summer of my life.

The fact that I basically only packed clothes, thinking I’d just buy the rest once in North Carolina was probably looked like a crazy lady running down the concourse in Atlanta. Maybe I really was losing my mind because who just ups and leaves in less than a week leaving everyone the know behind? I guess I was that type because as soon as Mom dropped me off at the SLC airport, I kissed that good for nothin’ city good bye (at least for 6 months) and embraced my role as a single working woman.

“Ma’am, please put on your safety belt as the plane will be descending soon into the Raleigh airport.” I clicked in and it hit me. I was by myself, besides this Mark guy that I’d talked to on the phone. “Oh, gosh. What have I done?” Was it too late to just go home to the comfort of what I’d known? Probably not. Did I want to ask the pilot to turn this thing around? Heck yes! Instead I walked off the plane and down to baggage claim. 

Seeing a piece of printer paper with my name hastily written on it I walked over to the guy holding it. “ So... I’m Liz

“Oh, great! I’m Mark, we’ve talked on the phone. We’re so glad you’re here. The office is a mess and we’re definitely gonna need some help this summer. Let me help you get the bags into the car.”

Although most summer jobs don’t usually include moving across the country, I knew this is where I was supposed to be. I was going to learn a lot about myself this summer. With no pressure from the community to be young, married and pregnant, I was going to learn a whole new side to life.  For this summer, I was going to be young and single. Mark shut his car door and asked “You ready to get going?” “Yeah, I’m ready.” And boy, I was ready.

What I learned that summer is that it's okay to be young (or 25) and not have your shit together. (Sorry for the curse, but there's not better way to say it.) What I learned was that I'm an independent person, that I don't really need a guy to make me happy even though my community kind of makes me feel that way sometimes. If I take a step back, take a deep breath and remember that where I'm at in my life is totally fine, a weight is lifted from my shoulders. The take home message is to learn about your own identity and embrace it.

// It's a Desert Out There //

So you know the saying, when it rains it pours?

What about when you're in a dry spell?

It's more than just a hot summer out in the west. It's like living in the Sahara Desert at it's hottest (which was 136 degrees fahrenheit).

So I pack my cooler full of reminders to keep myself ready for dry weather.

1. I AM happy by myself.

2. I AM actually trying to date.

3. I AM working on becoming a better person.

4. I surround myself with people I love. 

5. I WON'T settle for just anyone.

6. I'd rather be happily single than miserably married. 

And right now I'm going through a dry spell in the dating world- which is why I haven't blogged about dating in a while. 

But I haven't given up and I won't. 

#winning

When plans don't follow through that you were banking on, sometimes you just gotta roll with the punches. Go with the flow. Act like a winner.

It's harder than it sounds. Or at least for me it is. So yesterday, I took those lemons life gave me and went and worked out! Take that, plans! Who needs em? Not this girl. I made a new playlist and thought I'd share it with you. You too can be a winner! (Cheese ball much?)

Girl Pump

1. Pretty Girl Rock- Keri Hilson & Kanye West

2. Single Ladies- Beyonce

3. Oops! I did it Again- Britney Spears

4.Who's That Chick- David Guetta feat. Rihanna

5. Mercy- Duffy

6. She Wolf

7. Stronger- Britney Spears

8. Survivor- Destiny's Child

9. California Gurls- Katy Perry feat Snoop Dogg

10. Since You Been Gone- Kelly Clarkson

11. Rude Boy- Rihanna

12. Whenever, Wherever- Shakira

13. Stuttering- Fefe Dobson

14. Whip My Hair- Willow

15. Fergalicious- Fergie

Oh, and speaking of winning. We have a winner for the shellac nails giveaway! It's Miss Haley Evans. I'll get you all set up with Beauty is Payne for your nail appointment. :)

Keep it real and sassy my friends!

Date Night Ready + Giveaway

As if securing an actual date wasn't hard enough; figuring out what to wear comes in as a close second.

I over think it.

Should I go all out with hair and make up? Heels? Flats? Dressy or casual? I plan what I want to wear a few days in advance and then the day of comes around and I totally change my mind. (Please tell me I'm not the only one).

I usually opt for a more casual look because I like to think of my self as "low maintenance" when it comes to getting ready. (Don't get me wrong though- ask me on a fancy date and I'll blown your mind with just my outfit). Thank heavens for Pinterest so I can get more of a visual of what I'm trying to go for. Although, the execution of said outfit might not be on point, I at least try.

Here is my favorite "fall" outfit for a first date. Boots + leggings + denim shirt = My favorite cute outfit. Add a scarf or a necklace and you're ready to knock someones socks off!


But you wanna know what boosts my confidence even more? When I have my nails done. And I have the coolest nail lady ever! She can seriously do whatever I ask her to and it's amazing. This is where the giveaway is happening. Chandra of, Beauty is Payne, is doing a shellac nail giveaway with me! So, what do you have to do for this amazeballs giveaway?
1. "Like" her page on FB here.
2. Follow my blog on Bloglovin
3. Comment and let me know you have done BOTH on this post.
Winner will be announced October 30th, 2013.
Good luck my lovelies.

// Europe 2013 //

So, umm. Europe was awesome. But honestly, where do I even begin to tell you about my whole vacation? It's pretty much impossible. So I'll tell you my favorite parts:
style pizza (obviously not in Europe but we had a layover in Chicago so we went and explored)Bru na Boinne in Ireland
Trimm Castle
Riding in a bus for 3 hours to Edinburgh
Walking in Edinburgh trying to find somewhere to stay
Holyrood Castle
Lindisfarne
Whitby Abbey
York Minster
Cambridge College
*Westminster Abbey*
Taking to tube everywhere
"Mind the gap"
Stonehenge
Dad getting into minor car accidents
Wales was breathtaking
Staying in B&Bs every night


I know that's only a few of the things we did. But seriously it was the trip of a lifetime! Here is a video by Bridget that sums up our vacation in 6 minutes. :) Enjoy my lovelies!

// Winner Winner//

So, guys. We totes have a winner for the blog redesign giveaway with Kaylie. She's so great. Anyway... I used random.org to get our winner.

And our winner is ANNE ROWLEY! Thanks so much to everyone who participated!

// Blog Design Giveaway //

Gals, friends, new friends: my blog got an INCREDIBLE new layout design by the amazingly talented Kaylie Marie. People. I'll say it again: she is uh-may-zing. Plus, she's a dream to work with. Basically all I had to tell her was a color scheme I had in mind and then I sent her a link to a blog that I liked the lay out of and what does she do? Magic, that's what.

So, why am I telling you how amazing and awesome she is? Because we're doing a giveaway for one of her basic packages (50 bucks worth of stuff)! So, does your blog need a facelift? Are you just starting out and want to be awesome from the get go? Then here is your chance.

Rules:

You must be a follower of my blog via the "Follow this blog button" through Bloglovin

Follow Kaylie's blog on Bloglovin

Follow Kaylie on Instagram @kayliehooser

Follow ME on Instagram @elizbuck

** Please comment below saying what you did! Remember to complete all the steps to enter **

Also, check out Kaylie's design site and see what she can do. I wasn't lying when I said she's pretty much amazing.

Entering for the giveaway will go from August 31st-September 7th at noon mst.

Get goin' my loves.

Ps, I'll post about my Europe trip next week and there will be ANOTHER giveaway in the near future.

//whirlind//

Woah, it's been a hot minute since I last posted. And it's mainly due to the fact that I've been having such a fun summer! I feel like I haven't been in one place for too long.

Life of the young and the restless....

Since the date from hell, I went to the zoo with friends, visited This is the Place Heritage Park, went to a bees game, had a girlfriend from NZ come over and spend a few weeks with us before Sarah's wedding. Had an awesome BBQ, gave Sarah a pinterest worthy bridal shower. Had family pictures done by the amazing Lyndsi Espinel! Got to see my first wedding sealing for my twin sisters wedding! Booyah, it was awesome! Helped decorate Sarah's reception center. Partied at the reception. Decorated a car. Went to St. George with my mom and sister in law! Went and saw a play at Tuacahn. Went to a REal Salt Lake soccer game. Went up the canyon and roasted hot dogs and made S'mores. Went camping over the weekend of the 4th. We rode horses to the edge of Bryce Canyon and we watched a local rodeo until I couldn't stay awake anymore (plus, it was super cold and windy).

Lynsdi Espinel Photography

Honestly, this summer has been pretty much awesome and it's only getting better! I'm going to Seattle this week and then......

Europe in August!

//Mind Altering//

You know what is cool? An accent. I love them! People who come here from different countries and are able to retain their accent is super awesome. Do you know what isn't cool? Pretending that you're from a different country, putting on an accent and then letting the person know half way through a date that you aren't really from there...

Last night I went on a date with a guy who told me he was from Scotland. I'd heard him on the phone and his accent sounded legit. We decided to "meet up- which according to him is exactly one hour. I met him at Jamba Juice at 7:45. We ordered our drinks, he talked in his Scottish accent. Talked to me about his family overseas which sounded legit. I was doing all the talking. Meaning, I asked allt he questions and he answered. I asked about his scar on his arm; he didn't want to talk about it. The past is the past and I believe in leaving it there." That's true, I believe that too. But then he told me about how he got the scar... Running away from a police dog who was chaising him, jumped the fence, broke it in half, had to walk a mile and a half to a hospital because his own car was near where the policemen were. Awesome. Then I asked where he lived now and he told me and I said I had lived in Provo once (Raintree Apartments to be exact) and that I loved it, he said he felt sorry for me because it was BYU approved housing. I asked what he meant by that, and he said because of the rule and rules are meant to be broken. We had already talked baout his mission at this point in the conversation and I said, oh the mission must have been fun for you then. He said he didn't want to get into it. So, we didn't.

At this point, he started checking his phone and let me know that we had 20 minutes left in our meet up. He then told me he had something mind altering to tell me. I had no idea what it was going to be because what was so mind altering to let me know on a first meet up? Well, it was that he really wasn't from Scotland. That he just likes to do the accent because he's good at it. So, basically everything we had talked about was a BIG. Fat. Lie. Who does that? Other highlights of things I learned are the following:

• Girls are awful with money
• Dads baby their daughters
• I come from money
• I was in the popular group in highschool
• (The last two he said he could tell by my body language)
• That I can chew a piece of gum for a long time

Yes, this date was mind altering. It solidified the fact that dating really sucks about 90% of the time. And man, I can't wait to find someone who is normal.

// Who Loves Mama //

Friends, mamas, ladies, gents: let’s talk about someone near to our heart- Mum. She’s the lady who drove you to dance, soccer, baseball, piano; kept your pets alive or bought a new fish to replace old ones.  Mum is also the lady who helped raise you to be the perfect person you are today. How lucky are we to have awesome Mums?

 

My mum is top notch and I love her with all my heart. Elaine has been one of my biggest fans since day one. She came to all my dance/piano recitals, stayed up late sewing costumes, went back to college with 4 young kids, moved to a different country, planned awesome birthday parties, cheered the loudest at softball games, and been a great example to me. My mother is one of the most giving people you’ll ever meet. She truly is amazing and I love her so much.

 

This year make sure you let your mama know how much she means to you. For me, I love to send cards to people I love, so I found the cutest Etsy shop with some seriously cute cards. I’m going to give away one of these cute cards to one of my followers. All you have to do is follow my blog (on the right it says “Join This Site”) and leave a comment saying your favorite thing about your Mum. 

 (Giveaway ends April 19th)

And remember, Mother's Day is May 12th.