polyvore live.

So, today is the big day! We spent the weekend rehearsing the show and running around town for last minute errands. I snapped a few pictures backstage, but I'm hoping to get more tonight. And, guess what? You can watch the show LIVE! The show will be live-streamed on Polyvore.com tonight, 6:30pm EST. I will be up at the front checking people in and hoping to catch a look at someone famous, you know.

It's going to be a great show, and I think that they've really tried to do something unique here. You will see four beautiful collections by four different FIT alumni, modeled by 25 of your favorite fashion bloggers. You should check out the list, and see if you recognize anyone. It's been fun seeing all these girls get excited and prepped for this show. I think it's so great how so many of them are already friends--the blogging world is pretty amazing.

So, don't forget to tune in. And, check to see if you can find me creeping in the back of all the photo opps!

central park.

Yes, yes. We are still alive!

I just figured I should post a few pictures to prove it. The past couple of weeks since we arrived in the city have been absolutely crazy. But, we are still alive and very happy, as a matter of fact. Here is a quick rundown:

1. Sam started work. He loves it.

2. Rox watched Felicity on Netflix. She finished it. (Yes, all four seasons. Ben or Noel!?)

3. Rox decided she needed to stop being scared of the city, and did some sightseeing. She loved it.

4. Rox & Sam spent countless hours looking for an apartment. They still haven't found one.

5. Rox & Sam continue to live out of suitcases in their cute little sublet.

6. Rox applies for an internship. She gets it!

7. One week later they offer her a job!

So, there you go. We are both New York career people, just loving it. I work for TH Productions in SoHo, and we are very busy right now preparing for two full-scale runway shows for New York Fashion Week. Yes, somebody pinch me.

new york city.

So, ladies and gentlemen, we have arrived in the big city. I am sitting in the cutest sublet in Hamilton Heights trying to decide where I can possibly start to explain this past week. For starters, we packed up our home in Utah and drove it across the country in a big, lumbering Penske truck. After the first day of driving, Sam decided that he was not ever going to hand over the wheel (and, I was perfectly fine with that). There were many tears and hard hugs in Utah, and many more tears to come as we pulled away. I really won't even mention our farewell to Goldie, because it was just about the most difficult thing I have ever had to do. Sam and I had been so excited and caught up in all the packing and planning, that the emotions involved in "leaving" completely took me by surprise. I felt like someone pulled the rug out from under me.

We rolled our way across the country in a truck that pulled to the right and cost us so much extra in tolls. We stopped in Madison to see family, and recharge. And then, yes we made it to the city! This photo was my first view from the George Washington Bridge. I have only been to NYC once when I was 10, for a school field trip. So, I honestly don't remember anything except that I had a blast and I went home with a foam Lady Liberty crown.

The past few days have been completely beautiful and utterly exhausting. It's the little things that make me slightly squeal and think to myself, "Wow, we're really doing this." Picking up chinese take-out around the corner after a long day of unpacking, watching a young smiling accordionist and his daughter playing on the subway, running my hands along the beautiful things in SoHo, and hauling groceries across Manhattan in brown paper bags. At the end of the day, I feel like passing out at 7 o'clock at night, completely exhausted by all the excitement. Somebody pinch me. This is it.

I promise I won't sound like a crazy tourist forever. But, give me a little time to word vomit about the little things. I'm excited to become a New Yorker, but right now I am just loving being a newbie. By the way, I've got the shop open again. And (lucky you) we're offering a 10% discount in honor of our relocation! Just use the code "NYC2012" at checkout.

last day.

Yesterday was both of our last days at work. We are so grateful for the opportunities that we came across the past couple of years. Working at Vivint has been one big party for Sam--he got to do so many cool projects, and hang out with some of his closest friends every day. And, teaching at Meridian was the best thing that could have happened to me these past few months. I made some very close friends, and was inspired by some pretty amazing kids all day.

On our last day, we both came home with arms full of gifts and notes. Thank you for not making this move any easier, guys. We love you all!

2011.

Starting the new year has made me realize how amazing 2011 really was. Sam and I really made it a point to take advantage of our last year in Utah. We didn't know for sure, but we felt a move on the horizon and didn't want to miss out. I think that moves can be really hard on a couple, and I have loved looking through these photos and being reminded that once we get packed, find a place to live, and move across the country--our lives will slow down again, and we won't have to move again for a long time. Right? Yes, the light at the end of the tunnel.

I think 2011 was pretty darn amazing. It will be hard to top!

spending the holidays in Texas.

the year of the beard.

Vivint re-brand launched.

Zion National Park for President's Day weekend.

Rox graduated from BYU.

celebrating our one year anniversary in Northern California.

Coyote Gulch and slot canyons with the Lifferths.

Sam wins the AIGA Copper Ingot.

Rox & Sam is open for business.

Capitol Reef with the Pinegers.

our first summer garden.

4th of July in Provo.

getting good use out of our new tent.

a mid-September trip to Texas.

the perfect job at Meridian School.

Gray brother bonding time.

Goldie joins our family.

Marty and Betty for Halloween (and Bellatrix, too).

Fall Break trip to Wyoming.

the first DeBord sister baby announced.

my best friend's wedding.

spending the holidays in Utah.

announcing our big move to NYC!

happy new year!

Our last New Year's Eve in Utah was just perfect. We got all dressed up, had steak dinners at Texas Roadhouse with Bobby and Emily, and partied at Grandma Chuckie's all night. We always joke that New Year's Eve always seems a colossal disappointment, but this really was just so great. We played games that involved crazy full-body physical involvement, watched the ball drop, kissed at midnight, and then ran around with the kids making as much noise as we could. The canyon air was a-blowing, the little girls clashed pots and pans, Sam blared some old trumpet, and fireworks bloomed above the treetops. After about five minutes of ruckus, we quickly blew up Sam's stocking stuffer fireworks and then all ran into the house to get out of the biting cold. There's nothing like a wild rumpus to get the new year started right. We hope that you all had a wonderful weekend, and that you are just as excited about your 2012 adventures!

So, I've been thinking a lot about my new year's goals. We have a few necessary ones: becoming legitimate penny-pinchers (we've been spoiled by Provo). And, a few long-time coming: create a sleep schedule and keep with it (Sam and I are opposite sleepers, I am an early-bird and he is a night-owl). And, the usual: get in shape, cook healthy meals, get priorities straight. But, I've also been thinking about how I want to read more, write daily, and dance. I miss all of those things that I thought would be easier when I graduated, but discovered were so much easier when they were a part of my four-year plan. What are your new year's goals?

By the way, thank you so much for those who re-posted about Goldie. It means a lot to us. We are still looking for a home for Goldie, so please pass on the word to anyone you know may be interested!

wanted.

Wanted:

A loving home for Goldie.

So, (rip my heart out), we have to find a home for Goldie before we move. His real owner is living in a nursing home now, and we just can't take him to NY with us. Trust me, I would if I could. If I was a selfish person, I would totally pack him up and shove him into our tiny apartment. But, it just wouldn't be fair to him. So, we are on the search for a loving family to take him in. He really needs some space and attention. I would preferably love to give him to a nice family with a yard, and at least one person who stays at home during the days. He would be a great family dog. He is such a sweet and loving dog, and he loves to cuddle and play. So, let me know if you are interested or know anyone that may be interested. We only have a little over a week to get him settled in his new home, so act fast! But not too fast, because I am not ready for the blubbering that will occur when I have to leave him.

Reasons why you should love Goldie:

1. He is soft and cuddly.

2. He has one floppy ear, and looks like a fox.

3. He waits for you by the gate until you come home.

4. He has a girl name, but he's a boy.

5. He can fit in your bicycle basket.

6. He looks really funny when he runs, or when you throw him in the air.

7. He's loyal, he never leaves your side.

8. He is never mean, and doesn't bite. (Actually, he's kind of a wimp.)

9. He can clean out a can of food in 2.2 seconds.

10. He's the cutest dog ever.

And now, here are a few more adorable pictures that will make you come running:

And, here come the waterworks...

UPDATE: We have found Goldie a home! We will tell you more about them later, but for now we are just trying to enjoy these last few days with our little fox dog...

this week.

Sam and I tried to take advantage of the holiday break, and spent most of the week packing. I've never had a big move before. When I was 18, I moved out to Utah for school with two huge suitcases. My mom and I had to pay extra fines at the airport because my luggage was busting at the seams, and something like 50 lbs overweight. And then every year, and almost every semester after that, I moved from dorms, to apartments, to houses all over Provo. But, moving in Provo only involves shoving all of your stuff loosely in the car, driving around the corner, and dumping it in your new house.

So this is definitely my first real move. And, we've discovered that 80% of the stuff in our house belongs to Mr. Sam Gray. We are both hoarders and collectors, but I guess Sam has a few years on me. So, it's been a very long week of sorting "Yes" or "No" piles. It's so hard! We are very slowly building stacks of boxes in the empty corners of the house. We are also selling a few things on KSL, if you are interested (an Osprey backpack, climbing equipment, a Lichtenstein print, a Canon printer, a Drink Master, and much more to come!)

1. dumpster diving for moving boxes.

2. cutting down on books, so sad.

3. first few boxes.

4. taking a last ride on my bike.

5. Goldie in the basket.

6. packing up the kitchen.

station 22.

Today, I had lunch with my friend at Station 22. Christine is one of my oldest friends--we met at girls' camp in middle school. We've been through a lot together, and we've probably gotten into far too much trouble. Christine took me to my very first real concert, she was in the passenger's seat when I totaled my first car, right by my side while we scrubbed floors at our first job at Chuck E. Cheese, and lived just down the hall when we moved out to Utah together for school. Now, five years later, we are both about to take our first big steps into the real world--me to NYC, and Christine to Chicago. I guess it's pretty fitting. This girl is really something, and I am so proud of her.

Station 22 is located Downtown Provo in a beautiful building. And, they make such beautiful food! Christine took all of these photos, as Station 22's resident photographer. I love that they take real American favorites, and take them to the next level. It's pretty amazing how many fresh and unique ingredients they can fit into one dish. I also love that they rotate new menu items all of the time. So, check it out, and check out Christine's photography on the walls!

(photos taken from Christine's blog)

holiday fail.

So, we did finally get our dead tree out of the house-- so as to prevent any house fires. The day after Christmas it was out the door, trailing a thick layer of dry pine needles. Thanks for the tips from everyone, although I am not sure the mystery was totally solved. I think it was just a crumby tree to begin with. And, don't worry, we definitely did cut the bottom of the trunk before putting it in the stand. There is no stopping a man with an electric saw.

This is our holiday fail blog post. We have a dead tree out on the front lawn, a very timely removal. But, there are still three perfectly fresh pumpkins sitting on our front porch. Now, these pumpkins are the same pumpkins we got at the Springville patch... in early October. We never got around to carving them, so they doubled as Thanksgiving decor. And then, when Christmas rolled around and they still had not been rolled off the front porch--that's when it got embarrassing. I think I get it from my Dad. One time, he left his artificial tree up for quite awhile. (Who really actually likes taking the tree down?) Well, it was pretty funny when it became the Valentine's Day tree, and the St. Patrick's Day tree. But when May came around, we thought, "Well, now that is just silly. Who ever heard of a Mother's Day tree?" Luckily, it gave us the motivation to finally take it down.

But now, I have a dead Christmas tree on my lawn and three Halloween pumpkins on my porch. I'm hoping that this public humiliation will give me the motivation to get rid of them. Or, maybe we will just leave them for the next tenants...