Showing posts with label 2013. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2013. Show all posts

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

My favorite things {2013 edition}

Another year has come and gone and that means it is time to share with you some of my favorite things from 2013. 320 Sycamore has a fun "favorite things" link she does each year. I participated last year HERE, in 2011 HERE, and 2010 HERE.  So here is 2013's, in no particular order...

1. Netflix

I am addicted to netflix,  as I am sure all of you are too. So many TV shows and movies right at my finger tips for such a low monthly cost! I have particularly loved it this last year with hubby finishing his last year of law school and now working a wonky schedule mostly at night. After I put the boys to bed take off my makeup and get into comfies, I hop into bed with a treat, my ear phones and whatever netflix show I am on at the moment.




My top shows this year on Netflix that I watched from start to finish were Nip tuck, Breaking bad and Army wives. All very different and all very addicting. Nip tuck is about two friends that are plastic surgeons and all their adventures and drama. Then there is Breaking bad, oh my goodness I don't even know what to say or where to start I can say that this is probably the best written show I have ever watched in my whole life. Amazing. It starts out about a high school chemistry teacher who finds out he had cancer and starts cooking meth to provide for his family when he is gone. It takes crazy turns and you will be so enthralled. And right now I am currently watched and have almost completed Army wives. This is exactly what is sounds like it is about a group of friends that are on the same post that are all army wives. It will make you life, it is a feel good show and you will probably cry every episode.

2. Instagram

You guys I am beyond addicted to instagram. It is a bit ridiculous. But I love it, I know I have a problem and I don't care. Follow me @whitneyulrich if you aren't already to see all my life's adventures in motherhood, creating, fashion and fitness.

3. Gelous

Yes, I love shellac an yes I even have a kit, but I do not always have time for that so the next best thing is this secret weapon called Gelous Advanced nail gel coat from Sally's beauty supply. No you do not need a lap for it and yes it is better than just painting your nails with nail polish. Your nails will look flawless for a week. no more chipping, shiny and beautiful!

4. Peach Baby lips

This girl loves lip stick, but this, peach babylips, amazingness probably trumps all colors, even my love for pink. It is so smooth and has such a natural yet gorgeous plump lip look to it. You need some I promise. Get is at any drug store.

5. Loreal BB Cream

I am so glad that I discovered this tube of awesomeness. I know Loreal, yes from target or walmart it lasts forever and it is amazing. I used to use a primer from sephora that was good but oh my this BB cream changed my life. It is a primer, moisturizer, it corrects your skin and hides all the red blemishes all in one product. I have had no problems with it with my skin and recommend it to everyone. I just recently discovered how great priming is in your makeup routine. It does all that I listed above which is the bomb all by itself but it also covers amazingly and you could just wear this if you are wanting a lighter look for everyday wear and for night wear it is great as a base for your powder foundation and it makes it so you don't have to use as much. Your foundation will last soooo much longer. Saving you money that is what I am all about. Beauty does not have to be expensive,  no matter what the rest of the world and ads want you to think, I can't stress that enough.

6. Nikon D5100

I finally got a big girl camera this year and to say I am in love is a huge understatement. It is so nice to get those clean and crisp pictures that you have been wanting. I got the Nikon D5100. It is so worth the price and you will never need another camera again. This is my best friend for blogging and capturing my littles growing up and all of our family memories.

7. Iphone5

Yes, this year I finally joined the iphone family. I didn't think iphones were that big of a deal and kept on while my droid. Well now that I have gone apple, I just could never go back. It is so easy to use, it is convenient and all the good apps are through apple, plus their customer service is amazing! They have replaced multiple earphones, chargers and even my phone when the camera broke all for free.

8. PicMonkey

Picmonkey! Have you ever heard of it? It is a free online photo editing program. It is awesome. I use it all the time for my blog and to overlay text onto my pictures. It is free for their basic package and really cheap for their higher package that includes all of their features.

9. Agnes and Dora Leggings

Um, I think you all know by now my obsession for leggings. I wear them all the frickin time, like all the time. They are so comfortable, they are cute, they are in style and well I love them so I'm gonna wear them. My favorites are from the company Agnes and Dora. They are so so soft and you will die at all their patterns. They do house parties and have some of their stock online.

10. Albion Fit Clothing

I have been lucky enough to work closely with this amazing fitness clothing company this last year and seriously I don't love any other company more. I wear at least one of their items every workout. They are cute, amazing quality, fit your body just right and get the job done. Their swimming suits, leggings, tops and jackets are all to die for, seriously you will die.Love my some Albion Fit.

11. Yellow Wellies


I didn't get these beauties until the end of the year but oh my goodness they are yummy. I have worn them almost everyday since I got them. They are cute, the color is amazing, they are comfortable and they are perfect for this winter tundra called Utah. You need some right now. They will keep your feet so so warm.

12. Sage and Harper Bags

Another amazing company that I was able to work along side with this year is the amazing Sage and Harper. They make gorgeous urban good bags  that have me swooning every time I see both of mine hanging on my hook, by my side in the car, or wrapped around my body as I run my errands. I also got o meet the oh so lovely owner, Ali and she is just as amazing as you could imagine.

13. Clorox Wipes


These just always seem to make the list. What is not to love. My favorite cleaning supply ever!

14. Zinsser Bulleye 123 Primer

I love to paint and redo furniture and well the supplies you use are important. Primer is a must. It will save you time, money, it will look the best and the primer is what helps the paint to bond to the wood furniture. DO NOT SKIP THIS SUPPLY! You will use less paint to cover up the furniture and your color will be truer to color on the white primer versus the brown of the wood. Now that we know how important the primer is lets talk what primer to get. Zinsser bullseye 123 is hands down the best primer out there. Kilz has nothing against this stuff. It is the perfect light mist, it goes on so smooth and it covers like magic. I promise you are saving time if you just get this kind. I have tried so many, take my word for it. The only place I am able to find this primer is Lowes and Amazon

15. Yellow Metal Stools

I had been lusting over these stools for months, when I finally saved my pennies and convinced the hubby they were a must and well he said yes so they are now in my kitchen and they fit so perfectly. I got these at target and the set of 2 tall were about $100 but they were a little less since I used my awesome target red card!

16. McDonalds Shamrock Shakes
I was obsessed with these over the month of march last year, so much so that I found out how to make them just like Mcdonalds and made them way too often. Yummo! 

17. Costa Vida Sweet Pork Burrito

Has been my favorite since the beginning and always will be. Yes I am specifically saying Costa Vida because well I like it better than Cafe rio. The pork is sweeter, the sauce is less spicy and the dressing is creamier. Yes I smother my burrito is the salad dressing don't judge and I eat the whole thing all by myself in one sitting. I like food. Next time try it with the dressing, you can thank me later, maybe with a surprise burrito to my doorstep.

18. Haagen Daz Salted Caramel Gelato 

My very favorite ice cream of the year and to make it even better it is gelato. So creamy and delicious with caramel. What is not to love? If you haven't tried it make sure to try it this year.

19. Running/Races


I have always loved running, but this last year I finally took it to the next level and completed my first ragnar and my first half marathon, doing very well in both. I cannot wait to do ragnar this year and of course another half.

20. New Kicks

Lovin my new nike frees. I got them right before my Ragnar and they did my good then and continue to do me good in all my fitness adventures and goals. And they are CUTE!!!!

21. Crossfit



Speaking of fitness I started a new fitness journey this year that I will forever be grateful for. Thank you to my brother for introducing this amazing sport into my life and for teaching me so much. We started this adventure in September in our garage and I am lucky enough to be apart of a Crossfit affiliate gym, Crossfit Kimokeo, in Kaysville. I feel so blessed to have this in my life and I really can't wait to see where this all takes me. I have big goals and big plans, so stay tuned for all of those this next year. If you have any questions about the gym I go to feel free to ask, and I will be doing a post all about it soon.

22. Temple

I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS) to learn more about my religion you can go HERE or you can email me and I would love to talk to you about my beliefs and answer your questions that I can. I am so grateful for the gospel in my life. I am grateful for my testimony. I am grateful that I was able to serve in the young women in my ward this year and everything I have learned from them in the time I was with them before we moved. I don't know what I would have done with out the knowledge and comfort of the gospel in my life this year or any year for that matter. It has put my life in perspective, it has taught me what really matters in life and it has made me want to be the woman my heavenly father wants me to be. Having the knowledge of the truth is one of my very favorite things that can never be taken away.

23. My Family

I am so grateful for this sweet family of mine and they are my very favorite thing this year and ever year to come.

What are your favorite things from 2013? 

I would love to have you follow me on Instagram
@WHITNEYULRICH
to see all my fun pics, my real life, fitness, fashion ideas
and sneak peaks of what I've been working on

Thank you for your support, for reading and for following
It really means the world to me 
Make sure to check out my other social media sites and follow along
 {links below}
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Monday, January 6, 2014

Top posts of 2013


Its been a great year! Full of firsts and amazing opportunities. I feel blessed and I am so thankful for all of my readers and supporters. This blog wouldn't exist without YOU so thank you from the bottom of my heart. You allow me to do what I love. This has been a year full of tutorials, DIY, fashion, fitness and everything that makes me me, so I am going to start this week with a little post highlighting my top posts from 2013. Enjoy! And make sure to check them out.
 
 Anthropologie Inspired Knot Bedding Duvet {Tutorial}

This has got to be my favorite tutorial I have put on the blog. Mostly because a lot of blood, sweat and yes even tears went into this project. I love it because I am proud of it. I love it and will now probably never change my bedding. This is a great tutorial because it is so detailed and I am a beginner at sewing so seriously if I can make this YOU CAN!!! Thank you to Kojo Designs for the inspiration, I share with you my tweaks from their tutorial to make it even easier for us beginners and more washable for moms or babies and toddlers around. Check it out!!! Favorite Favorite! 

Yes, I truly believe that being a mom is the best job in the world. No, it is not perfect. No, it isn't always glamorous. Yes, it can be hard....even very hard.But it is the Most rewarding job in the entire world. It has the most sweet moments that I could never ever forget. The love that these two little boys bring to my life is indescribable. It is beautiful and so powerful. Read more of my thoughts on the post.

It is no secret how big of a part fitness plays a part in my life. I love to participate and I love to share it. So make sure to check out the three posts I have done so far full of at home workout ideas YOU can do. Look out for some more in 2014.


You have got to check out this family favorite recipe. It is fast, easy and so delicious. Both my 1 and 3 year old boys love this dinner. Who doesn't want a recipe idea that you don't have to fight your kids to eat.


I love fashion. I love sharing what I wear and I especially love when I can put together a very in style and fashionable outfit for a great price. We all love a deal, we all love to save money and look good doing it right?! This is one of my favorite WIWW from this year. Simple, stylish, comfortable and a little bold.


I made these darling capes for Maddux's birthday party this year for him and all of his friends. It was a super hero theme and we took the kids to the trampoline park to let them fly! It was a blast and then best part is how easy and fast these are to make and cheap hello!! Full tutorial on the link.


This is probably my second favorite project from this year and another one I am proud of. I love pallets and the rustic but chic look they can bring into home design. I knew I had to get my hands on some and when I did this is what happened. Full tutorial on the link


Last year in March one of my favorite shows, Studio 5, had this as their theme for the whole month. It really hit me. I feel like sometimes I can be a jealous person. I compare myself to others and I get upset when I do not live up to par. How silly is that. We are all different. We are all unique. We are all made to be true to ourselves. I loved this theme, because it helped me to see the beauty and success and amazing talents in others and how they are able to make the world a better place through those talents and skills.


I love this simple, but beautiful sign that I made. It represents so much to me. 4th of July is one of my very favorite holidays. I love celebrating the country that I feel so thankful and blessed to live in. We can accomplish anything here. We can be ourselves. It is where dreams come alive. And I am darn proud to be an American.


My family moved to a new home in July and it is a lot of work. So I compiled 5 of my favorite tips for helping to make your next move more organized, less stressful and well easier. Go check it out to see what they are.


This fall I started my crossfit journey in our garage with my brother. Go and read how it started, what we are doing and what is means for me in my fitness journey. Already this new year this journey has taken a turn to a gym and is getting more serious. I am so excited to see what this new year and new experience will bring to me in my life.


Just a little furniture makeover that was easy, quick, cheap and made a huge difference in the look.


Who likes to take hours to get ready? Not this girl, but I do still like to look put together. I am a mom, I am busy and I just don't have time to take all the time in the world, so after many mornings of trying routines and products out I think I have got it done because well it doesn't take me any longer than 10 minutes. Come and see what I do and what I use.


Love this gem. Easy, fast, cheap and it can be used all year round, in any room for just about anything. I love to make projects that can be used for many purposes.


This ditty just came to be when I felt like I needed a little color and something tall to put behind some of my V-day decor and now I am able to use this backdrop all the time. Full tutorial on the link.


One of the highlights of this last year was being asked to be a teacher at the first ever and very successful pinners conference and expo. They asked me to teach a class on redoing and painting old wood furniture. I was nervous and so excited. Once I had everything set up and the classes started the nerves completely left I was like a new person up there. I love to teach and when it is something I am passionate about it is even easier and more enjoyable. It went awesome both of my classes were sold out and so I decided to share with all of my readers who couldn't make it to the class all my tips and tricks in this series of 4 posts so make sure to check them all out. all four links in the post link above.


Another highlight of this year is I was asked to be on Studio 5 three times. Seriously a dream come true. I fell so blessed to say I was on a show I watch everyday and love so much. This post was from the last segment I did on turning ordinary ikea items into something extraordinary for less than $10. So much fun check them out.


These are my favorite Christmas decor items aside from the tree. They were so happy "bright" and the glittery goodness made me happy every time I turned the corner or walking in my home and saw them. Make some of your own for every holiday!!!


As a mom of two boys I knew I had to make them one of these bad boys. I have been seeing them around for a while, but when I figured out how to make my own easily and for much cheaper I knew I had to share it with all of you moms out there.


This is one of my most popular posts. Headwraps are use right now and I m obsessed. I love them on he fashion side and I love them on the practical side to wear while working out.You can make your own by following the tutorial I laid out for you, or I will be opening up an etsy shop very shortly to sell them, so stay tuned for that announcement and all that goodness.

I would love to have you follow me on Instagram
@WHITNEYULRICH
to see all my fun pics, my real life, fitness, fashion ideas
and sneak peaks of what I've been working on

Thank you for your support, for reading and for following
It really means the world to me 
Make sure to check out my other social media sites and follow along
{Links below}
Twitter Subscribe Pinterest Facebook Etsy Shop Follow on Bloglovin

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