Newlyweds on a Budget

Getting to Know the Blogger behind the Blog: Kaylynn from Among the Young

2013-05-20T01:00:00.000-06:00

Good morning! I am heading to New York City this week (so unbelieveably excited!) and so I'm turning this little ole blog of mine over into the capable hands of 14 different bloggers.
Usually when a blogger (especially one that is DIY based like mine is) has a guest post they ask the poster to create something that is along the lines of their blog. While I think this is awesome, I thought we'd shake things up a little bit.
After spending time with some of my favorite bloggers at SNAP this last April I decided it would be fun to have a guest post series all about getting to know the blogger behind the blog.
(photo)
I sent 14 bloggers 20 questions (they all had the same ones) to answer for this post. Some of them were light, some heavier, all of the answers were amazing! I know these ladies will take great care of you while Mojo and I are taking in all the sights and sounds of the Big Apple! I am SO excited!
Up first we have the beautiful Kaylynn from Among the Young, I've had a chance to meet this super sweet and fun loving girl! She is so great. Check out all her awesome answers and be sure to head over and give her blog some love today!

Why did you start your blog?

It started out as a family blog (and still is sometimes) but then it extended to more. I love to bake and craft; people were constantly asking me for recipes and instructions, so I decided to put in on the blog to share!

What made you chose your blog name?

I’m indecisive – so choosing the blog name took a LOT of time. I wanted something that would last forever, something that I wouldn’t get sick of, and something that would be easy to say. In the end, I liked “Among the Young” because it rhymed and used my last name…SHHH! Don’t tell!

What is your favorite thing that has come from blogging?

Meeting SO many awesome people. I love to blog stalk people, but it’s even more fun to actually meet REAL people and connect with them in a REAL way.

What is your favorite color and why?

I’m going to cheat – I LOVE royal blue and lime green. Something about that color combo just DOES it for me! (Plus, they were my wedding colors – so they are near and dear to my heart!)

What inspires you?

A shorter list might be “What doesn’t inspire you?” ;) I love to look at handmade goods, colors, and Target. Pinterest is obviously on there, but I find inspiration for so many beautiful things, so it’s hard to nail down just one.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

Movies….specifically… Twilight. Go ahead and judge me. I know it’s bad….but I can’t help it! I love these awful films– even with the bad acting, terrible wigs, and poor casting choices. For some reason it just makes me happy!

If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?

Everyone should get a magical power. Seriously. How cool would this world be with powers? No hunger, disease, etc. Done!

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

Australia - gorgeous scenery, close to the ocean, kangaroos, and heck! It’s Australia! One downfall? I’d have to have peanut butter shipped to me. This girl LOVES her peanut butter and there ain’t NO WAY I’m switching to vegemite!

If you could change something about your home, without worrying about expenses, what would it be?

Oh wow…. This is a tough one. I’d love to re-finish my kitchen cabinets (from UGLY oak to white) – just like Kari did HERE. (Plug in your kitchen makeover please – it’s on my to-do list!) and add granite countertops. I would literally die happy.

Who is your celebrity crush (boy or girl) and if you could spend a day with them what would you do?

Bain – from Batman. And who cares what we did? Maybe we’d go destroy Gotham or jump out of a plane. I don’t really care. That man is delicious.

Which store would you choose to max out your credit card?

Depends…..am I clothes shopping or house shopping? Clothes – Express. House—Four Chairs Furniture or Lowes.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A marine biologist. I wanted to combine my love for scuba diving with science. Well, today, I still love scuba diving, but I never really got into the science part…oh well!

What was your first job?

I worked for my dad folding bills and dental bibs for as long as I could remember. My first REAL job was a lifeguard at Seven Peaks Waterpark. It was HARD work and the salary was crap (I think we started at $5.25!) but I LOVED it. There was something about soaking up the sun and getting paid to do it that just made me smile.

What is your best memory?

Going to a Van Halen concert with my best friend (now husband) and rekindling a relationship after a 3 year hiatus. I remember that night like it was yesterday and every time I hear a Van Halen song I’m taken right back to that night and those excited feelings of, “YES! I’m back together with the love of my life!”

Would you rather live near mountains or by the sea?

SEA. All day long. I grew up and currently reside by the mountains, so I’m willing to change it up!

What do you consider the best TV Show or Movie ever created?

Movie: The Princess Bride (You thought I was going to say Twilight again, didn’t you?). This movie will always make me smile and brighten my day. It’s a classic and it’s not going anywhere. “Mawwage!” haha!

How would you describe yourself in three words?

Indecisive, spaz, opinionated, sassy, organized. Sorry…that’s 5. I’m a special education teacher and obviously can’t follow directions! ;)

If you knew that tomorrow your life would change forever, what would you do to appreciate today?

My body and all that it’s capable of doing. I love to run, swim, dance, bike, and do “INSANE” workouts. Doing these things make me happy and when I can’t do them I truly miss them!

Favorite blog (or blogs)?

Newlyweds on a Budget– http://www.newlywedsonabudget.net/

Rockstar Diaries - http://lovetaza.com/

Linz - http://www.linzlinzlinz.com/

Cupcake Diaries - http://www.cupcakediariesblog.com/

One thing you've learned about yourself in the last year?

It’s ok to not be PERFECT. It’s easy to forget this because I’m surrounded my such AMAZING blogging women who put their lives on the internet, but I’ve been trying to remember that it’s OK to just be ME. And sometimes, actually MOST times, being ME is imperfect. I’m learning to accept that and just have more fun every day.

Thanks for taking over Kaylynn! Be sure to check her out in all her awesomness over at Among the Young!

How to take your Cake Mix to the Next Level

2013-05-15T02:00:00.000-06:00

If you haven't noticed yet, I am a lover of all things dessert. Cakes, brownies, ice cream, if it even resembles a dessert chances are I know how to make it. But what about when you don't have a couple hours to make a gourmet cake but you want something a little better than your average cake mix.
Well that's what I'm sharing with you today. This is my go-to dessert staple if we are having unexpected guests, or what happens more often I'm assigned to bring dessert to a get together and I forget until right before. Please tell me I'm not the only who does this.
People tell me they HAVE to have this recipe because the cake is so moist and delicious and I laugh at their disbelief when I tell them it's a Cake Mix. The thing with Cake Mixes is that they have all the right staples, you just need to add a little extra oomph to really take it over the top.

-No matter how many eggs it calls for add 1 extra -Substitute the water for milk (exact measurements, if it calls for 1 cups of water do 1 cup of milk instead) -Instead of the oil mixes usually call for, do melted butter. And double the amount. I know, it's a lot of butter but it makes it SO good!

Pretty simple right? And it can be done to any cake or brownie mix. So whatever preference you have brand wise, won't effect this.

Don't these look so delicious? And they taste that way as well. I'll fully admit I still have a long way to go in my cupcake decorating skills, but the youth of my church didn't seem to mind. They gobbled these right up.

The Perfect way to start a Monday-

2013-05-13T01:00:00.000-06:00

I am so excited for today! Why do you ask? Because I have just the thing to start your Monday off right. A epic giveaway from some really awesome Etsy shops! Each of these amazing women have so much talent, and they want to share it with you.
Seriously guys, the prize packages are so awesome! And to make things even better, there will be not one, not two, but THREE winners! Each winner will get 3 things from 3 amazing Etsy Shops and/or photographers. Now that you're all pumped up let's meet our shop owners (said in my best game show voice)
Winner 1 will receive:

-1 handmade hooded towel from

from am 2 pm designs

-1 $10 credit to

Created by Kelli

-1 kids or family photo shoot with 20 images (this prize is for Utah residents only) from

Lauren Rawlings Photography

Winner 2 will recieve:

-1 $10 credit to

Created by Kelli

-1 Monogrammed Sun Towel from (pillow excluded)

Zippy Spice Creations

-1 $15 credit to

Winner 3 will recieve: -1 $10 credit to

Sophie Sofistica

-1 4th of July shirt sized NB-5T from

Alexa Noel Boutique

-1 20 minute mini shoot with 10 edited pictures (this is prize is for Utah residents only) from

Piccadilly Photography

Those are some pretty sweet prizes. Just in time for summer! Entering is easy, just use the Rafflecopter Widget below. The giveaway will run from today until Sunday May 19th at 11:59pm. The winners will be chosen and emailed on Monday May 20th. They will have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck! I'm getting ready to head out of town for two weeks and I have an awesome line up of guest posters for you. Check back for more info later this week.

Bringing color to your Porch

2013-05-10T01:00:00.000-06:00

I am so excited that I get to be apart of McKenzie from Girl Loves Glam's 31 Days of Summer Series she has partnered up with some really fabulous bloggers to bring you some great summer posts for the entire month of May!

Here in Utah we get to appreciate all 4 seasons and Summer is most definitely my favorite. I love being able to spend time outside, hosting BBQ's, and visiting with friends and neighbors in the sunshine. And I've always wanted a porch where people like spending time visiting.
For me, the perfect way to make a space fun and inviting is color! I love color so you can't be surprised when I decided to bring a huge dose of color to our front porch by painting my front door! Mojo was a little hesitant at first, but as usual-he loves it now.

Our front door was originally painted black. Now, despite what you (and my family) might think, I have nothing wrong with black. I actually really like it, but for me-black is a great way to accent colors! I want a front porch that is as exciting and fun as the rest of my house so I knew it had to go-

I wanted to pick a color that wasn't only bright, but also inviting. Something that reflected my personality. I feel like when you walk through my house my decorating and color choices gives you a small glimpse into who I am as a person. To me, the front porch is an extension of the rest of the house so I wanted it to have the same vibe. I decided to paint it Chili Pepper Red by Behr.
This will probably be one of the easiest tutorials I ever share with you.
How to Paint your Front Door: 1-Tape off door handle, lock, and peep hole (if you have one) 2-Depending on the original color of your door-prime with white paint. For example, if you already have a white door priming is pointless, also if your going from a really light color to say, black, priming isn't needed. 3-Paint your door. I used a roller for smooth surfaces and a paint brush for the grooves and around the hardware.
That's it. Pretty simple right? I've had so many neighbors tell me I'm "brave" for painting my door and that it's to big of a project for them. Guys, this took me like 2 hours....total. I even studied for my finals while it was drying in between coats. It really is ridiculously easy.
I used my Cricut and their new software The Cricut Craft Room to cut out the address numbers and used the font/cartridge Learning Curve. I love the extra bit of character it brings to the door.

Be sure to check out the tutorial for how to make that gorgeous Book Page Wreath.

I love how much brighter and lighter my front porch is. Isn't it amazing what a little paint can do? It makes me so excited for long summer nights enjoying drinks out on the porch with Mojo and friends.

Check out some of the other great 31 Days of Summer tutorials below-

Homemade Ice Cream WITHOUT an Ice Cream Maker!

2013-05-07T01:00:00.000-06:00

“I am a member of the Collective Bias® Social Fabric® Community. This content has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias® and Fruti #cbias #SocialFabric #FreshNFruti " Guys, I have found perfection. Literally. Remember how I never share recipes that are even remotely healthy? Well, don't get your hopes up, this one isn't healthy either-but it is so worth. Trust me.
I don't know about you, but for me ice cream is what summer is all about. Eating it on cones, dripping down chubby baby fingers, everything about it screams hot days and cool nights. And I have the perfect recipe for you today. This will make any crowd happy and is 100% Mojo approved.

The best part about this recipe? It's made WITHOUT an ice cream maker! And it only takes 4 ingredients!

The secret to creamy delicious whipped ice cream without a maker is powdered sugar. If you use enough sugar it will make it impossible for ice crystals to form. And the Chunks O' Fruti Fruit Bars are perfect for this recipe. They are made from 100% natural fruit, which means no colors, flavors, or high fructose corn syrup are added. This version is adapted from this recipe.
You'll need- 1/2 cup Whipping Cream 1/4 cup Milk (I used 1%) 1/2 cup Powdered Sugar 2 Chunks O' Fruti Fruit Bars
I used the strawberry bars in this recipe and they were so delicious! I think the Pina Colada and Caribbean together would be amazing as well. Seriously there are tons of combinations you could do.

Start by placing your whipping cream in a mixer. (you could use a handheld electric mixer) And whip the cream until it's no longer runny. It should coat a fork without dripping off easily.

While that's going place the milk and the two fruit bars that have been removed from their sticks into your blender and blend until completely liquid-it should be the consistency of a smoothie.

Once you have that, whisk the powdered sugar with your fruit/milk mixture. Be sure to that no lumps remain.

Then slowly pour the fruit and powdered sugar mixture into your mixer. This will make your whipped cream runny again so you need to turn the power up and whip it for a few minutes more. Again you want it to coat a fork without dripping off easily.

Then store it in a freezer safe container for at least 3 hours. This will make enough to serve 3-4 depending on how big your servings are. Serve it up and enjoy!

You can check out all the fun I had shopping for and making this ice cream by check out my Google+ Album!

You can check out more awesome recipes using Chunks o' Fruit Bars on Twitter and Facebook.
“I am a member of the Collective Bias® Social Fabric® Community. This content has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias® and Fruti #cbias #SocialFabric #FreshNFruti "
I'm linking up to these fun parties: Rae Gun Ramblings

What I'm Reading Mondays

2013-05-06T10:02:00.000-06:00

Happy Monday everyone! I hope you all had a fantastic weekend, ours was filled with celebrations over the fact that finals are over and because I graduated physical therapy a whole month early! More to come about that later this week. But today, I'm sharing a list of great books that I'll be reading in the next few weeks to kick off my summer vacation with a bang.

Monument 14 (Momument 14)

Your mother hollers that you’re going to miss the bus. She can see it coming down the street. You don’t stop and hug her and tell her you love her. You don’t thank her for being a good, kind, patient mother. Of course not—you launch yourself down the stairs and make a run for the corner.

Only, if it’s the last time you’ll ever see your mother, you sort of start to wish you’d stopped and did those things. Maybe even missed the bus.

But the bus was barreling down our street, so I ran.

Fourteen kids. One superstore. A million things that go wrong.

In Emmy Laybourne’s action-packed debut novel, six high school kids (some popular, some not), two eighth graders (one a tech genius), and six little kids trapped together in a chain superstore build a refuge for themselves inside. While outside, a series of escalating disasters, beginning with a monster hailstorm and ending with a chemical weapons spill, seems to be tearing the world—as they know it—apart.

I've been a little hesitant to read Monument 14 because I've heard really mixed reviews. It seems you either love it or hate it. But it's been on my to-read list for a while now and it sounds interesting so I've decided to give it a try. I'll let you know what I think.

The Selection

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself--and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

I've actually already read The Selection and it is AMAZING! Loved every minute of it, and the ending, oh the ending! Which is what makes me so excited for the next book in my line up, the sequel to The Selection

The Elite (Selection)

Thirty-five girls came to the palace to compete in the Selection. All but six have been sent home. And only one will get to marry Prince Maxon and be crowned princess of Illea.

America still isn’t sure where her heart lies. When she’s with Maxon, she’s swept up in their new and breathless romance, and can’t dream of being with anyone else. But whenever she sees Aspen standing guard around the palace, and is overcome with memories of the life they planned to share. With the group narrowed down to the Elite, the other girls are even more determined to win Maxon over—and time is running out for America to decide.

Just when America is sure she’s made her choice, a devastating loss makes her question everything again. And while she’s struggling to imagine her future, the violent rebels that are determined to overthrow the monarchy are growing stronger and their plans could destroy her chance at any kind of happy ending.

Seriously guys, I am SO excited for this. I have been waiting way to long to see what happens to America and Prince Maxon. Now that I don't have finals hanging over my head I can't wait to delve into this.

Inside Out (Harlequin Teen)
Keep Your Head Down.
Don't Get Noticed.
Or Else.

I'm Trella. I'm a scrub. A nobody. One of thousands who work the lower levels, keeping Inside clean for the Uppers. I've got one friend, do my job and try to avoid the Pop Cops. So what if I occasionally use the pipes to sneak around the Upper levels? The only neck at risk is my own…until I accidentally start a rebellion and become the go-to girl to lead a revolution. This one has been on the to-read list for a while as well. It sounds really fascinating and the only reason I haven't consumed it yet is because I've been preoccupied with amazing sequels.
To check out all the other amazing books I'll be reading all summer long be sure to check me out on Goodreads and if you're a member add me as a friend, I'd love to know what great books you're reading!

Living Room Budget Breakdown

2013-04-29T04:00:00.000-06:00

Alright friends, today is the day where we get into the nitty gritty details of how the living room makeover went down, money wise.

I wish I could say I was as thrifty as I was with my $50 Kitchen Transformation, but alas that wasn't the case. That being said, I still think I did pretty good, because almost everything I used in my new living room I already had on hand, so I was able to keep the cost under $200!
I know I know, that can still be a little pricey for most of you. But to be completely honest almost HALF of my budget was spent on that rug you see right there. I got it for a steal at $75 from Zulily.com but it was still much more then I would normally spend. But sometimes you just have to splurge, even a budget friendly girl like me has a hard time stopping myself from clicking that little "buy" button. That being said, I absolutely love it and have no regrets!
Alright, so we started with $200. Then we subtracted $75 for the rug which left us with $125.
I bought those adorable navy blue and yellow patterned pillows from GroopDealz.com (are you catching the daily deal site trend going on here?) for $20 so that puts us at $105.

These three frames cost me $20 each from Ikea bringing the total down to $45. The rest of the budget went to things like paint for the walls (Sherwin Williams Aloof Gray-used an awesome coupon for that), spray paint, the wood for my pallet coffee table, the flowers for my DIY Flower Bowl, odds and ends from goodwill that were spray painted etc.
So, here's what I already had on hand that I either spray painted or re-used: -Couches -Grey pillows -Coffee Table -Small white Ikea frames (we used them for our wedding and they are proof that you should never throw anything away) -Curtains -Curtain Rod -Canvas wrapped picture
Now, I know what you're thinking. Your thinking, wait a second she didn't say she already had that fabulous dark walnut entry way table, and she didn't include the wainscoting in the budget. Here's where I share one of my favorite tips on how I always get what I want in any room design without spending a ton. Are you ready? GIFT CARDS! Okay okay, I know that isn't really a revolutionary idea but you would be surprised how many people don't utilize them to their full potential.
I ask for gift cards for ANY occasion. My parents supplied the home depot gift card for Christmas that funded our wainscoting project, and I had enough amazon gift cards saved up over time to by me that gorgeous dark walnut entry way table.
This is a big reason why my rooms sometimes take longer to complete. Not only am I constantly looking for the best deal around, but if I know I have a birthday or a big holiday coming up I will wait until I get my hands on those awesome gift cards to really start on my design.
I know some people might say to that, well I don't have those gift cards so I can't do a room like that for under $200. But that's not true. I'm pretty sure the number one reason people spend way more then they were anticipating on a project is because they were either in a hurry to get it done (so they didn't look for great deals), or didn't plan out a budget beforehand.
It may take time for you to a get a room to a place where you absolutely love it. But I promise if you're patient and you save up (both money and gift cards) you can get your own version of perfection on whatever type of budget you have.
I hope everyone has a great Monday!

SNAP 2013 Recap!

2013-04-26T01:00:00.000-06:00

I've been back from Snap conference for a week now and I am still reeling by how much I learned and I can't wait to share it with all of you today. These are some of the best tips from the classes I attended. Be sure to check out all the other amazing bloggers who've linked up to the SNAP Conference Recap Linky.

One of my favorite classes was the Mastering Pinterest class taught by Heather from Whipperberry and Jamielynn from I heart Nap Time. These girls know their way around Pinterest and I walked out of that class realizing there was so much I DIDN'T know. Here are some of their best tips from the class-
Things to remember when staging your pictures to get the best out of Pinterest-
Composition Staging Lighting Branding
Remember that avoid landscape photos-Portrait composition is KING on Pinterest. It takes up more real estate on the page and draws more eyes to your image.
Always try to be the first person to pin an image, especially if you think it'll go viral because that gives you the credit.

Jessica from Pretty Providence, Me, Kelly from Dixie Dollar Deals, (not sure of the other two), and Vanessa from Our Thrifty Ideas

Another great class was Collaborating with Brands from Mandy from Vintage Revivals, Melissa from The Inspired Room and Kate from Censational Gril. These ladies are so amazing and they work with some really great brands. Some of their great tips were-
Make a list of brands you already love and would love to work with and then work to create an awesome relationship with those companies.
Remember when you're contacted by a company to do a sponsored type post, to always weight the long term effects it will have on your reputation. If you can't honestly say it's a company support DON'T take the job!
And always remember, if you took the sponsor out of the post would it still be good content?

Another great one was the Object Photography Class. I will be the first to admit that I am really bad at staging photos so I really needed this class!

Important things to remember when shooting?

-What am I shooting?

-Where are you shooting?

-Are you using artificial or natural light?

Break up hard or cold items (like dishes) with soft items like fabric.

Set up a white foam board opposite of where the light is coming in to get a better overall light on your subject.

Incorporate items used in the recipe or craft to help style the shoot

Find inspirational shots you love in magazines and on Pinterest and try copycatting their style until you find your own style

There were so many other amazing classes. Things that still have my mind going round in circles trying to make sense of it all!
Snap was just as great this year as the year before. I loved seeing old friends and finally getting to meet friends I've connected with online for a while now. I hope to see some more of you there next year!

Queen Bee Market Giveaway!

2013-04-24T01:00:00.000-06:00

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I couldn't have asked for better roommates at SNAP this last weekend then the fabulous Marissa from Rae Gun Ramblings and Vanessa from Our Thrifty Ideas. They are so fantastic both as bloggers and friends in real life. And we all wish that we had the opportunity to meet all you. But because that's not likely to happen we wanted to give you an opportunity to have a little bit of SNAP come to you. So we've decided to give you the opportunity to win a box full of Queen Bee Market goodies!
Vanessa, Marissa, and I browsed the market last Friday night-finding lots of fabulous things we know you'll love and will send it your way. How awesome does that sound? This is our way of saying thank you-for all the support and love you give to make our blogs all that they are.

Entering is easy-just enter the Rafflecopter widget below, there are lots of ways to enter so be sure to do them all. The giveaway will go from today (Wednesday April 24th ) through next Tuesday the 30th at midnight and the winner will be announced on Thursday May 1st . The winner will be notified via email and will have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck! I can't wait to share all the amazing things I learned at SNAP on Friday!