Wrapping Christmas presents (or any present really) is probably one of my least favorite things to do. I have the hardest time cutting the paper the right size and with a straight edge but I found a couple solutions to my problem:

• Scotch Gift Wrap Cutter is a must - it cuts the paper so easy and much straighter than I can get it with scissors. This is a must have!!

• Good quality wrapping paper is best - the thicker the better. The cheaper (thinner) wrapping paper rips to easy.
• Wrapping paper with lines on the inside for cutting. Awesome!
• Boxes to put awkward shaped presents in are always good. Gift bags are an excellent option too.
• Going slow - I discovered that if I take my time, the gift wrapping process goes much better.

Here’s a fun “How to Wrap Presents” video I found on YouTube:

and maybe next year I will try to wrap presents Japanese-Style:

I hope all your presents are wrapped and that you have a great Christmas!

This Saturday I went to the local Farmer’s Market with some friends from church (another “first” for me this summer). It was a lot of fun. There was a great selection of fresh produce, fresh meats and seafood, canned goods and much, much more.

I bought zucchini, cherries, corn and homemade pasta. I made the homemade pasta last night for dinner and it was delicious. I think I might try making my own pasta sometime in the future. Any suggestions? Have you tried making homemade pasta before?

I also bought a watermelon lemonade (another first for me). I wasn’t sure what it would taste like but it was so delicious! I can’t wait to have another one. If you have the chance to try a watermelon lemonade, go for it!

This summer I’ve:

• Rolled Yahtzee 3 times during a game of Yahtzee
• Went to a drive-in movie for the first time with Joey and my sister, Christene. It was a lot of fun but made for a very late night since we stayed for both movies.
• Attended a REAL Salt Lake game for the first time. I really enjoyed it and hope to go again soon.

I also hope to add a couple more “firsts” before this summer is over. Wish me luck!

I just bought tickets for Joey and me to see Body Worlds 3 here in Salt Lake City. It looks amazing. I can’t wait.

BODY WORLDS 3 is a first-of-its-kind exhibit where visitors learn about anatomy, physiology and health by viewing real human bodies. The bodies are preserved through plastination, which is a groundbreaking method for specimen preservation invented by Dr. Gunther von Hagens in 1977. BODY WORLDS 3 & the Story of the Heart features more than 200 authentic human specimens including whole body plastinates, organs, translucent body slices, and a special presentation on the heart.

If you have a minute, you should check out their website and buy tickets.

Just in case you were wondering how to keep the stress level in your life high, here are some things you can try:

1. Don’t exercise
2. Personalize all criticism
3. Throw out your sense of humor
4. Be “macho” and never ask for help
5. Become a workaholic
6. Worry about things you can’t control

I saw these things listed on a handout and thought it was very true. I especially need to work on #5. What about you?

This made me laugh so I just had to post it!