it's.official.

I HAVE AN APARTMENT!!!

You best be excited because I am! I will be moving in this next week!

I am living with Jenna Innis who I grew up with and I think it will be a lot of fun!

I have definitely enjoyed my time in Park City becoming really good friends with my mom and dad and I will miss them, but I think most of all they will miss me.

This is my new adventure in life.... So stayed tuned.

2100 S and Main St. 

stop by and say hi.

Stay Tuned for pictures!

Any decorating ideas send them my way.

xoxo, a

jazz.vs.lakers

The Friday after Thanksgiving I took my Dad to the Jazz vs. Lakers game for his birthday (which isn't till December 26th) and it was a blast! We sat lower bowl and the Jazz definitely brought their A-game. Despite running into an ex, it was a great great night! I love the Jazz and I am so lucky that I have been to as many games as I have! The upcoming games are: 

- Jazz vs. Mavericks

- Jazz vs. Heat

- Jazz vs. Magic

LET'S GO JAZZ!!!!

happy.thanksgiving

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

I hope everyone had an especially "Gobbly" turkey day, spent with loved ones! I know I did!

There are so many things I am thankful for this year it is hard to know where to begin. So I am doing the top ten things I am thankful for.....

1. My family -- they always make me smile no matter what

2. The little moments in life that make me laugh

3. The beautiful place in which I live, Park City it the ultimate definition of beauty and opportunity

4. My arms, legs, fingers and toes giving me the ability to walk and run everyday

5. That I am where I am now and not where I was 2 years ago

6. The trials I have been through

7. Matthew Lawrence Knoop and everything he has done for me, even after he is gone

8. My friends that I grew up with, the strong bond and relationships we continue to have for one another

9. My job and the fact that I live in a time when women can be successful and independent

10. The gospel... It will always be consistent in my life and always make me happy and a better person

What are you thankful for? Happy Thanksgiving!

xoxo, a

chef.ali

The title of this post is correct: Chef Ali

Those of you who have known me my entire life (particularly Liz and Laur) I have never been the best cook, but . . .

As of late or since this summer I have been very into cooking and practicing my cooking skills. I also am addicted and I repeat addicted to the Food Network! I just can't seem to get enough (yes I did just admit that on my blog for everyone to know). I have taken upon myself all the cooking for family meals and get togethers and also cook dinner each night, it is kind of great. Last week my mom and I were walking around Ikea and they have lots of star stuff for the holidays and being a Knudsen I have a weakness for anything stars. I left the store with 3 star jars, star oven mitts, star wrapping paper, star fabric and best of all a 

STAR APRON!!! It is perfect for the new chef in town, me!

I'm a vision in stars I know! Haha

Looks tasty doesn't it, I made BBQ Chicken Pizza tonight! If you want the recipe let me know, it is super easy!

XOXO, CHEF A

love.these.three.chickadees

I am one lucky lady... I have been an aunt since my freshman year of high school and let me tell you something it is the best. It is also the best birth control.

Tonight I got to spend my time with these three chickadees

It was a blast! We did crafts, made maps and played. Then I had them brush their teeth, we said prayers and sang songs. 

There are definitely times when I think there is no way I could be a mom, but I think that is the selfish side of me that loves my independence, but I also love the idea of being a mom. I think I will be a good mom or I hope so. I am pretty lucky that I get to spend at least one day a week with these three. We have become friends. Ever since our little trip to Las Vegas we have quite a bond! Once again I say I am one lucky lady!

I just love all my nieces and nephews (8 total and 2 on the way)

I hope my kids are as cute as all my siblings!

XOXO, A

ten.quirky.facts.about.kissing

As I logged onto my Yahoo tonight 

an interesting article caught my attention:

"10 Quirky Facts About Kissing"

1. Two out of every three couples turn their heads to the right when they kiss.

2. A simple peck uses two muscles; a passionate kiss, on the other hand, uses all 34 muscles in your face. Now that's a rigorous workout!

3. Like fingerprints or snowflakes, no two lips are alike.

4. Kissing is good for what alls you. Research shows that the act of smooching improves skin, helps circulation, prevents tooth decay, and can even relieve headaches.

5. The average person spends 336 hours of his or her life kissing.

6. Ever wonder how an "X" came to represent a kiss? Starting in the Middle Ages, people who could not read used an X as an signature. They would kiss this mark as a sign of sincerity. Eventually, the X came to represent the kiss itself.

7. Talk about a rush! Kissing releases the same neurotransmitters in our brains as parachuting, bungee jumping, and running.

8. The average woman kisses 29 men before she gets married.

9. Men who kiss their partners before leaving for work average higher incomes than those who don't.

10. The longest kiss in movie history was between Jane Wyman and Regis Tommey in the 1941 film, You're in the Army Now. It lasted 3 minutes and 5 seconds. So if you've beaten that record, it's time to celebrate!

During your next kiss just remember all these quirky facts and take it all in and enjoy!

XOXO, A

gold's gym photo shoot.studio 1 photography

I randomly got a call a few weeks ago from a lady named Rio. 

The voicemail went a little something like this: "Hi Ali, this is Rio from Studio 1 Photography and I think I have a client who is definitely interested in you."

My thoughts went a little something like this: Studio 1, Rio? Wait what? I should listen again...

And that is exactly what I did, I couldn't believe it so I called her back and we met the next week to discuss this client that was apparently interested in me. Turns out it was for Gold's Gym. They are choosing a new model for their 2011 campaign and Rio wanted me to be a part of it, but here is the catch I am not the only one they are interested in, they are choosing from lots of girls apparently. I thought oh well, this is a great opportunity to build my portfolio for fitness modeling, something I have never done, but I know there is a huge market here for fitness models and I would love to do some stuff in that area. So one Saturday morning my mom and I went down to Studio 1 and I had a TEN MINUTE, yes TEN MINUTE shoot! It was so fast, but I thought it went really well and guess what it did! With ten minutes you barely even have time to get into your groove, but I got it goin and everyone in the studio couldn't believe how many shots I got. So for the first time here are some of my favorite shots from the Gold's Gym photo shoot. I would like to add that I absolutely love shooting with Peter and Britt a million trillion times more!

What do you think? Think I have a shot? Never know I could be the next Gold's Gym model and on all the wrap arounds for the buses... But who knows!

2010.mba.annual.convention.atlanta.georgia

Last weekend, Saturday to late Tuesday, I was in Atlanta for the Mortgage Bankers Associations Annual Convention. I was there with my company, IDS, all the sales team and the owner! I had a great time, but it was a lot of hard work and quite long days. By the end of it I was ready to be home and not talk for at least a day! I was very nervous about this show, not necessarily about going, but because for the past 2 months I have been planning a big event that IDS hosted at our booth throughout the convention and I had no idea how it would go. The event was a Cycling Challenge Benefiting Atlanta Habitat for Humanity. IDS and luckily other convention attendees and IDS clients biked 200 miles in 2 days on a stationary bike for Habitat for Humanity. We also got some donations from other companies for a good caused and raised a little over $6,000! The event went better than I expected and I am so glad! I am also glad that it is over! I had a great time and as usual I learned a ton! I also decided that I love what I do and I am really good at it. I love doing PR and talking to people and building those relationships with clients, partners and others. It makes such a difference to build the relationship in person over the course of a few days and that is exactly what I get to do at these conventions. Here are some pictures from the trip! On Sunday Kortney and I got to go to the Falcons game with one of our clients! We had club seats at the 50 yard line, it was the greatest thing ever! Being the sports fanatic that I am I could not have been more thrilled to attend my first NFL game, I could get use to that! It was a great trip, but I am still catching up on my exhaustion! Thanks IDS!

who.would.have.thought

On Thursday after work I joined my two best friends and reunited the trio, or the twins and their blonde side kick... Liz, Laur and Ali. The three of us have embarked on many adventures and some of those adventures include projects, making things, creating and putting each of our different talents to the test. We are yet to fail.... On that note a couple of months ago I received an email from Laur while I was at work asking if I would help her and Liz make a wedding cake for a friend of hers from work. They needed my artistic abilities for some etching of leaves on the side of the cake. I jumped at the opportunity and waited for the time when everything would come together. Thursday night was the night. We all gathered at Mitch and Colleens house (Liz and Laur's parents) just like the old days and got to work. This cake is three tiers, each layer a different flavor and all covered in white chocolate cream cheese frosting, it is a good thing Liz and Laur are the best bakers and cooks that I know. I will break it down for you. The bottom layer: Vanilla Blueberry Cake with Lemon Custard in between; the middle layer: Chocolate Pumpkin Cake with Cream cheese filling and the top layer: Chocolate, Chocolate Cake. Yes Liz and Laur had their work cut out for them, but they were well prepared and had all three cakes ready to go and be frosted when I got there. Laur frosted each layer and we let them harden in the fridge, well we went to eat at Davanzas.... When we got back I started doing the etching of the leaves. I was very nervous and being the perfectionist I am I looked at every little mistake, but I must say so myself they turned out amazing (I will post pictures below). After all our hard work we finally were able to watch a movie and relax, but we were all a little anxious to put the cake all together the next day for the actual reception. This was a great night, it was the first night the three of us had been together since Laur has been married and honestly nothing has changed. Even though the three of us are at very different stages in life, we will always be best friends, always rely on one another and love each other. Liz and Laur will always be there for me, challenging me, supporting me and loving me no matter what and I will do the same. I guess that's why they call it best friends and that's what we are. Overall it was a great night and I had a blast. Here are some pictures of the step by step process. I am sure Laur will have some better pictures here make sure to check it out and refer her to anyone you know! 

                                  

The etching of the leaves!!! 

Starting to put the cake together on Friday!

Next was the tricky part.... After we got all the pieces put together it was time to deliver and add the fondt colored leaves at the reception, in Salt Lake. The cake traveled on my lap to the Tracy Aviary and it did arrive safely. No horror stories here about dropping the cake out of the car or it tipping over on me (it literally weighed 70 pounds I am sure)! Once we got the reception Laur and I began to put the leaves on and add the finishing touches. Sadly Liz couldn't join us because she had to work. Once we got into the flow of everything we really started to see the cake come together it was really fun! We felt great and the cake looked amazing for the first one all three of us have ever done! We hope to continue working as a team, if I am still included even if no artistic skills are needed, and make more and more cakes! So let us know! Here are pictures of the finished product! 

Thanks Liz and Laur for letting me be apart of this project I loved it and I miss you both!

XOXO, A

a.perfect.fall.saturday

I just have to gush! I had the most perfect Saturday, well weekend for that fact, but I will break down my Saturday for you and then tell other details!

First of all Meg and Corbin have been in town because Corb has a convention down at BYU! Because of this I scored free BYU tickets for the game! I also got to invite a cute, cute boy and it was a blast! Straight from the football game I went to the Real game! The cute, cute boy accompanied me to this as well as my good friend Natalie! It was an intense game! Real ended up tying the Colorado Rapids and clinched their spot in the MLS playoffs! I am soooo excited! Overall it was the best day full of friends, a new crush and sports, I couldn't ask for anything more!

Sunday was a happy day too spent up Hobble Creek canyon with the whole family roasting hot dogs and marshmallows! I love the fall, I love my family and I am smiling!

Monday came too soon!

icing.on.the.cake

Are you in need of a really cool, professionally done cake?

Well I have the perfect person for you... Check her out!

Lauren Allen

She is one amazing cake maker! or is it baker?!

XOXO, A

ps. everyone should take my advice

paying.utah.a.visit

I can't wait for these chickadees to come into town!! I can hardly stand it! Saturday will not come soon enough! 

Will you hurry up already?! Indie is going to love Auntie Ali and so is Tosh

XOXO, A

pause.rewind.play

Dear life,

I miss the days when life seemed so simple…

When going into the office meant swinging from the trees, running around barefoot in the grass and playing make believe.....

When home was as simple as your address and where you played, slept and ate...

When boys were just friends and had cooties and didn’t cause hurt feelings and tears...

When death was only related to old people and fish....

When things just seemed easy and the only worry that was to be had was what toy to get at the store or who you were going to play with for the day...

I miss the days when life seemed so simple, I guess that’s what growing up does, makes things a little more complicated.

XOXO, A