Political Scientist

For whatever reason, I've avoided waxing political on this blog. Maybe it's because I know it would make passionate rivals out of some of my friends. But now I've got something to say. Not necessarily what I believe politically, only that I am one step from disgusted with who our country has pushed to the top as our choices for our next leader. Unfortunately, most of my lifetime has featured less than admirable presidents of the country I am proud to call home. I have to look to the history books to see the wisdom, passion, inspired leadership, and integrity that seem to allude politicians today.

But (this brings me to my second point), regardless of how nauseated you might be this election year, I do believe that everyone should educate themselves and prepare to cast a ballot. People have fought for our freedoms and democracy and I think the one of the best ways to ensure preserving those rights is by being active citizens. If nothing else, voting buys you the right to complain.

That's all.

-Ryan Adams-

Live and Learn

I've been thinking about some of the things I've learned in the last three months whilst being unemployed. (I know! Three months! I can't believe it either)

1. Sometimes you're just meant to be unemployed.
2. You can learn more about business, the internet, adobe CS3, and marketing on your own than you can while being employed as a marketing manager. Really, who knew?
3. Don't carry a product unless you know you can produce it.
4. There are many, many blessings in disguise in our lives.
5. Ben Folds is good background for just about anything.
6. I have some incredible people in my life who have been tremendously supportive of my crazy ideas and efforts. I'm really thankful for them.

-The Cardigans-

Part of Your History #2

I don't know if this really qualifies as a "part of your history" post, but I'm going to call it one. This is dedicated to Megan.


Five Things

10 years ago I
1. Bought a car with my sister for less than I paid for my crown today
2. Edited the high school yearbook
3. Looked forward to Thursday nights to watch Seinfeld and ER consistently
4. Ran my first 5K
5. Got an SLR and started taking lots of photos

Five things on todays to-do list:
1. Recover from the 5 shots of novacaine required this morning at the dentist
2. Compile a good list of advertising possibilities for my new business
3. Relax
4. Call people back to schedule job interviews
5. Get outside and breathe

Five Snacks I enjoy:
1. Whole wheat bagel w/veggie cream cheese
2. Pears
3. Cereal
4. Quesadillas
5. Orange Julius

Five Places I have lived:
1. Clifton, VA
2. Provo/SLC, UT
3. New York, NY
4. Brussels, BE
5. Portland/Corvallis, OR

Five Jobs I have had:
1. Marketing Intern at Nike
2. Marketing Manager at ezGear
3. Associate at Old Navy (awful)
4. Free slice cutter at Great Harvest
5. Owner of Sugarhouse Ink!

Five Pet Peeves:
1. The local accent -- "sell" instead of "sale", etc.
2. Blogs with music
3. Poor grammar (though I know I have it too sometimes...)
4. Utah drivers
5. Friend requests from people I don't know on facebook

Five things that bring me joy:
1. Family - husband, parents, siblings, nieces+nephews, in-laws
2. Pretty days
3. Autumn
4. Five Guys
5. Really nice people

The Launch

Well, this is it - the day we've all been waiting for. Or more accurately, the day I've been waiting for! After tons of working, planning, designing and learning, my business is finally online. Sugarhouse Ink is ready for your viewing pleasure!
I do birth announcements, graduation announcements, wedding invitations, holiday cards, and just about everything else you can think of in the invitation/announcement category. Feel free to spread the word, make a link in your sidebar, blog about it, add the url to your email signature, etc. ;)

No, but really, I'd be honored if you'd check it out at www.sugarhouseink.com and don't be afraid to pass it on to anyone else who might find it useful.
Oh! And before I forget: as a celebration of opening our doors online we have a huge election-inspired promotion: 50 Deals for 50 States. Be the first to order from your state and save 50%! Believe me, you probably won't see a discount like that again.
-Boston-

Sweet Illusions

Remember the delish mint brownies at BYU creameries and sugar n spice in the Cougar Eat? In the last alumni email they had a link to the recipe! Sweet! Now I don't have to go all the way to Provo for my fix. Here it is:

MAKES ONE 9-BY-13 PAN OF BROWNIES.
PREP AND COOK: 90 min. COOL: 1 hr.

1 c. margarine
1/2 c. cocoa
2 Tbsp. honey
4 eggs
2 c. sugar
1 3/4 c. flour
1/2 Tbsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. chopped walnuts
12 oz. chocolate icing (Use your own icing recipe or purchase some chocolate frosting. You can also search the Internet for chocolate icing recipes.)

MINT ICING

5 Tbsp. margarine
dash of salt
3 Tbsp. milk
1 Tbsp. light corn syrup
2 1/3 c. powdered sugar
1/2 tsp. mint extract
1-2 drops green food coloring

1. Melt margarine and mix in cocoa. Allow to cool. Add honey, eggs, sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix well. Add nuts. Pour batter into a greased 9-by-13 baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Cool.

2. Prepare mint icing: Soften margarine. Add salt, corn syrup, and powdered sugar. Beat until smooth and fluffy. Add mint extract and food coloring. Mix. Add milk gradually until the consistency is a little thinner than cake frosting.

3. Spread mint icing over brownies. Place brownies in the freezer for a short time to stiffen the icing. Remove from the freezer and carefully add a layer of chocolate icing.

-Ryan Adams-