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Ivy Van Dusen








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The other day Kody and I decided to take a nice little drive up Provo Canyon and through the Alpine Loop. If you live in Utah, you NEED to do this drive before the leaves all fall. It is BEAUTIFUL, and is the perfect Sunday drive. 

I always try to dress more on the modest-side of things, so I LOVE FALL FASHION. I can wear pretty much all of the clothes that are in-style because they are all modest! Plus they are oh-so comfy. It is seriously the best.

This adorable jacket is from Bella Mikol Designs and it is such a perfect staple for any fall wardrobe. Everybody needs at least one military jacket! Also, this cute pom-pom beanie is from Contagious. 

Hope you have a happy rest of your week. Yay for FRIDAY! :)

xo

9/29/2016 1 sweet note{s}


Today I did my first live newscast.
It was pretty cool. I got to hang out outside where it was so nice and got to wear a cool little earpiece so I could hear what was going on in the newsroom. Yay!
I used to watch the news and think, "Hey that looks so fun! Just chatting about politics and going to fun events and wearing cute clothes!"
No, no no.
Guys. IT IS HARD.
I suppose any job/field is, but journalism is something that you don't really expect to be sooo darn crazy.

Reporters/anchors are usually super good at acting all casual and making it look easy but there is soooo much work that goes on behind the scenes! Stuff that I never knew until the past few years and never actually experienced until the last couple of weeks.

First, you have to find/come up with a story. That's in your beat, that's is in your area, that's timely, that you can find someone to interview about and that your producer approves.
Then you have to contact and talk people into being on-camera for interviews.
Then you have to actually drive to the location, interview your person and film all kinds of shots.
Then you have to write out an awesome script, get it edited and get it approved.
Then you have to edit/put together all of your videos, adjust the volumes and get that edited and approved.
Then you have to edit your script for it to be put online.
Then you have to figure out how to tuck your microphone into your dress so nobody sees it, memorize parts of your script,
Then you have to actually DO the broadcast, which only ends up being about a minute-and-a-half long and then you're done.

And most of the time, you have to do all of this ^^^^ in just a few HOURS, and the entire time you have to pee.
Not so glamorous!

Anyways, that was my day today (and every other Wednesday). Don't get me wrong, it is the COOLEST, most interesting and fun experience ever and it is so worth it. But man, it is has been a real eye-opener to me!

Major props to everyone with jobs that seem easy/fun on the outside but have so much work behind them.

What comes to my mind are moms, dads, teachers, advertisers, business owners and probably a lot of other people.
YOU GUYS ROCK.
Wish me lots of luck on making it through the rest of the semester!
xo

p.s. the shirt I am wearing is so cheap on sale here!!
9/28/2016 1 sweet note{s}

This week has been so long. And busy. I have never been more tired than I was today, AND it was freezing cold outside.
It was time for some soup.
I have always felt like soup is the anecdote for any cold day/long week. 
But today didn't call for just some can of soup, it called for some creamy, yummy homemade soup! 
This recipe was SO YUMMY. Kody and I loved it and it made enough for lots of leftovers, so I am prepared for any more cold weather! I took the recipes from A Bear in the Kitchen and the Lion House Cookbook.

----

INGREDIENTS:
3 chicken breasts, cooked and cubed
4 1/2 cups chicken broth/stock
3 tablespoons butter
1 cup chopped onions
1 cup chopped carrots
1 cup chopped celery
2 cans cream of chicken soup
1/3 cup evaporated milk
8 oz homestyle dry egg noodles
salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS:
1. Melt butter in a skillet on medium then add onions, carrots, and celery and saute for about 4-5 minutes or until veggies are barely soft. 
2. In a slow cooker combine chicken stock, cream of chicken soups, and evaporated milk. 
3.Whisk. Add cooked chicken and vegetables. Cook on low for 2 1/2 hours,
4. Add cooked noodles, cover, and turn slower cooker to high and cook on high for 1 more hour.

----

Let me know if you have any soup recipes, I will be wanting to make more this year!

xo
9/24/2016 1 sweet note{s}

I am so excited to be working with Farmacy on another product review! I have tried a few of their products now and have always been so impressed with them! This Honey Potion Masque is no different. Let me just start out by saying, THIS STUFF IS CRAZY! I wasn't sure what to expect at first, but totally loved the results. I read about it beforehand, so I knew I wanted to try it right away as soon as it came in the mail. 

I had Kody use it too (he is just the best and always down to help me). At first it was weird because it felt like we were putting actual honey all over our faces! After rubbing it in for a few seconds, it got nice and warm. It felt so good and reminded me of getting a hot cloth put over my face during facials. Isn't that just the best feeling ever? Then we let it sit for about 30 minutes. The warm sensation lasted almost the whole time and turned a creamy-white color. It left me with a healthy glow and fresh feeling. My makeup went on super smooth the next day.
Kody loved it too, but mostly just for the warm feeling. It didn't help his makeup go on any smoother ;)

I am so excited to continue using this as it gets closer to winter and my skin starts drying out! 


xo
9/23/2016 1 sweet note{s}

There is something about 100% natural hair that is so nice, soft and carefree. I don't want tape-in or braid-in extensions because I don't want a TON of hair all the time (espeically when I go to bed). However, for some styles I like to add a little more hair! That is where clip-ins come in. I don't wear them most days, but sometimes I'll want a longer look or a super thick ponytail or a chunky side braid. Clip-ins are PERFECT for those times!

I think alot of people are often hesitant to get clip-ins or when they do, aren't quite sure what to do with them or how to make them look their best. I am not a hairdresser by any means and there are probaly people who would have different opinions than me but since I have started using clip-ins, I have discovered some tips and tricks that I wish somebody had told me before I bought them! So, here is my little guide to clip-in extensions :)

Also, just so you know, this post isn't sponsored at all. I bought my extensions and hair products I talk about with my own money :)

Before with my natural hair and after with my extensions

Find a Good Brand

When talking about extensions, you are going to get what you pay for. There really isn't some secret way to get awesome ones for cheap. I have seen girls use $25 clip-ins from Sally's that look great, but a lot of time, even if they do look real, can't be curled or styled too much and won't last a whole long time. Beautiful, real-hair-extensions are awesome but can easily cost over $200. It all depends on what you want. For me, I wanted extensions that I could have for a long time and that I could cut, curl, braid, wash and do everything else with. It took some saving, but I ended up getting a set of 20" Bellami extensions. They do the job and I am happy with them! The one complaint I have is that the clips can get a little itchy at times. I have heard that isn't a problem with every brand though. Some other brands I have heard good things about and would like to try include Laced Hair, Luxy Hair and Cashmere. Whatever kind you get, make sure they are real human hair.

Be Realistic

If you have chin-length hair, don't go buying 24" extensions, they will be SO much harder to blend in!! HERE is a good little chart with hair lengths. I wouldn't reccomend buying extensions that are 8" longer than your natural hair. Sometimes it is easy to think that you want crazy long mermaid-hair, but when you get them in the mail and put them on your head, you realize they are MUCH longer than you had thought. More realistic lengths will look and feel so much better.


Choose the Right Color

Like I said, my clip-ins are from Bellami (you can see them here). They are 20" and in the shade Ash Blonde. It can be super hard to tell exactly what the color will look like on you, so make sure you check other peoples photos on social media. All of these companies have Instagrams that feature different girls wearing their extensions and they tell you what shade they are wearing. Most of these companies have policies where once you open your extensions, you can't return them. So before you order, make SURE you can commit!

The Ash Blonde from Bellami was definitely the closest to my actual hair, but it wasn't as ashy as I hoped. So, I washed it once with this Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Shampoo (it's cheapest from Amazon). After I did that, it matched PERFECTLY! If you do this, just make sure you go easy with the purple shampoo because that ash blonde hair soaks it up and it can turn blue real quick!

Rat It

Yes, I have heard how bad it can be to rat your hair too often, but if you are wearing clip-ins it is something you need to do to keep the clips from showing. Before I do this, I section my hair and then rat it only right at the root where I am going to put the actual clips at. When I put the clip-in extensions in, I clip them down right in the ratted part. You also want to make sure that if you have finer hair like I do, to rat the hair that will lay on top of the clips so they won't be able to peek through


Clip Them In the Right Places

Most of your clip-ins should be clipped in pretty low so that they don't show through. Everybodys hair/head is different, but I like to put my clip-ins right on these lines-NEVER any higher. On the bottom, I do the largest hair piece (the one that has 4 clips) and on the top I put a few little ones (about 3 different 2-clip pieces). You shouldn't ever have to put them any higher than than you ears unless you have crazy-thick hair that will for sure cover the clips. Be sure to section your hair off (clip it up) for every extension you put in.

Don't Pull It All Forward

I see girls doing this all the time and I cringe! Yes, I know you want your hair to look long and beautiful in the front, but don't forget about the back! Leave some back there! It will make it look a lot more natural, and will keep it so the clips won't show.


Wash Them

Although you may not wear them all the time, you need to wash your clip-ins! Once or twice a month is usually enough for mine. Use a subtle shampoo and conditioner and be super gentle!

Hang Them Up

Like all hair, clip-in extensions can get sooo tangled! You definitely need to purchase some kind of hanger/bag to store them in. I have this hanger and really like it. While mine are not being used, I also like to loose-braid them to prevent more tangles.

Have Fun With Them!

That's the whole reason we get them, right? Instead of only wearing them long and straight all the time (although there's nothing wrong with that), try something new! Curl them, twist them, braid them, do whatever you'd like! Go CRAZY on Pinterest and try all of those styles you have wanted to do. F.Y.I probably 99% of the long hairstyles you see on Pinterest are done with extensions, so it IS possible.


Let me know if you have any questions or hair-extension advice of your own! :)

xo

here are some of my favorite hair care products (that I use on my extensions) as well as some pieces I've heard good things about.

9/21/2016 2 sweet note{s}
This semester, school and work are crazy. I have no time during the week to cook or bake anything. Our dinners have been things like Mac N' Cheese and frozen pizzas (so healthy around here, I know). But on Sunday, everything slows down and I can bake. I like to try to make some kind of yummy treat every week. Someday I'll be done with school and will be able to bake more during the week, but for now Sunday is my day! 


Today I made my first apple pie of the season! If you know me, you know that I have a huge obsession for making pies-especially apple ones. I have been working on this recipe for SO long now and think I should share it. Last year this recipe won me 1st place in our ward pie contest so yeah....it's pretty dang good :) It is also super easy! I keep telling myself that someday I'll make my own crust from scratch, but the store bought ones are honestly so good and work just fine. 







Ingredients 

-2 deep dish frozen pie crusts (I use Pillsbury)
-2 tsp of Ground Cinnamon (plus a little more for sprinkling) 
-1/2 cup butter
-3 tablespoons flour
-1/2 cup white sugar
-1/2 cup brown sugar
-2 tablespoons water
-3 Granny Smith Apples
-1 gala apple

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

2. Sprinkle a teeny bit of flour and a teeny bit of cinnamon on the bottom of the pie crust.

3. Peel (if you'd like) and slice all apples. In a bowl, mix the sliced apples and 1 tsp of cinnamon together. I like to leave on the apple peels but it is up to you if you want to peel them or not. 

4. Put apple/cinamon mix into the pie crust. Set aside. 

5. Melt butter in saucepan and then stir in flour to make a paste. Add in sugar, brown sugar, rest of cinnamon and water, constantly stirring. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat and let simmer for 3 minutes, still constantly sirring. 

6. Pour half of the sugar mix over the apples

7. Using the other pie crust, create a lattice-work pie top

8. Pour remainder of sugar mix over the crust. Go slow so that it doesn't go over the edges. 

9. Bake at 425 degrees for 10 minutes and then at 350 degrees for 40-50 minutes. Let it sit for a few hours before serving as it will be super warm and runny!


Let me know if you try it and what you think.
Happy baking!!

xo
9/18/2016 No sweet note{s}




I recently discovered a new line of skin care products and had to share!!
The brand is called ARK and you can find their products here.

The first product of theirs I tried was the skin essential Pro Remove cleanser. I used it with my Clarisonic and LOVED IT! Some days I don't wear makeup but some days I DO. And sometimes I wear a lot (just being honest here)! Usually taking it all of and washing my face at the end of the day takes a little while, but this stuff got it all on the first wash!

The other product was the age protect skin vitality moisturizer. This line is specific to your age, and since I am 21, I got the "teens and 20s" one. Somethign people don't realize is how much your skin changes over the years and how you need a moicturizer that is specific for you. I think a lot of girls my age think that they they don't need to do anything for their skin because they're young but you should ALWAYS be trying to moisturize your face no matter how old you are!This stuff goes a long way and I have been using it every morning on my face and neck after washing and toning.

xo
9/12/2016 No sweet note{s}

Today I am teaming up with Babyliss and am talking about my tips for curling hair! I get a lot of questions about how I do my hair so I thought I would tell you some of my favorite tips!!

1. Find a good iron
I have tried SO many irons over the years. Cheap ones, expensive ones, thick ones, thin ones, clip-irons, wands, EVERYTHING. Just because it is expensive doesn't necessarily mean it is good, so make sure you shop around and read lots of reviews! If you have stubborn hair (like mine) I reccomend getting one that can reach high temperatures. For these wavy curls I am wearing in the photos, I used my Babyliss Pro Nano Titanium 1-1/4" Iron. It heats up fast and gets super hot so it works well on my straight hair. 


2. Use some product!
Never curl your naked hair. Add some product for heat protection and styling! Babyliss has a line of hair care products called One N' Only and I really love it. While my hair is still damp, I like to use my 2-in-1 Beauty Balm Styler. It reduces frizz and adds volume once it is dried. I also LOVE thie Aragan Oil and I use it on the ends of my hair to keep them from looking so fried.


3. Texturize your hair
I like to curl my hair when it hasn't been washed that day. Dirty hair really does curl better! Even if it isn't dirty, however, I like to spray dry shampoo in my hair once it is dry to texturize it more so it isn't so flat and slick. I have heard there are some great texturizing products and plan on trying those eventually, but hairspray and dry shampoo work well for me.

4. Decide what you want
Before you start curling, you should have an idea of what type of curl you want. Do you want them tight and ringlet-like? Do you want them big and wavy? The angles and ways you use your iron will determine what the finished product looks like. Although the Babyliss Pro iron has a clip, I didn't use the clip for these photos, but used the iron like a wand and wrapped my hair around it! That is one of the main reasons I like that iron - it is like a wand and iron all in one. I did all of the curls in the same direction (away from my head) and used thin pieces of hair. I also started right in the middle of my ear, so the top part of my head was straight. 

5. Let the curls sit for a while
I think curls look SO much better after they've been sitting for a while. So, I curl my hair a few hours before going wherever I am going. Sometimes I even do them before bed and sleep on them! That is honestly the best way to get those big, beachy waves for me!


Happy curling!!

xo

Here are some of my favorite hair products that I use all the time! 




9/11/2016 1 sweet note{s}

Since I was a little girl I have had a heart murmur. It is not a bad one and has never caused me any problems, but every few years I go to the doctor and get it checked out. Today I went and got some tests done, including a blood test. I then went to work and continued with my day. A few hours later my doctor called and told me the tests all came back normal and that everything looked good. I kind of stopped for a moment and thought about what a huge blessing that "simple" thing was. I mean, how wondeful is that?! Normally I'd probably not think twice about it and move on with everything but I don't know...today I just felt like it would be ungrateful of me not to thank my Heavnly Father or express my gratitude for eveything in my life.

School is super difficult this semester. Work is taking up so much time. Paying bills/tuition/groceries/everyting else is so stinking stressful. There are lots of things to complain and worry about but the truth is that I am alive and I have a husband and family and a Savior. When I have those things, is there really anything to complain about? Does anything else even matter?

We may not know what the future holds, but we can be grateful and happy about what we have today. 

Here are some more "little" things I am especially grateful for today:
-modern medicine
-a sweet husband who rubs my feet
-Bob Ross on Netflix (at first I watched it as a joke but it has become one of my favorite things to watch believe it or not!)
-diet dr. pepper
-my missionary brother and the things he is doing
-our little, old (but cute), Provo apartment
-the sweetest Visiting Teachers ever
-the fact that Christmas is only a few short months away

Sorry for the cheesiness but I just had to :)
Happy (almost) FRIDAY!
xo
9/08/2016 No sweet note{s}


If you have been following my blog for a little while now, you know that I LOVE Valentia skin products. Every time they come out with something new, I am so excited to try it and share it! Their products never disappoint, and their new Pure Glow Brightening Moisturizer is another product I really enjoy using. 

I've always loved the idea of having "bright" and "glowing" skin. I try to use a good foundation, concealer and highlighter and they definitely work, but one of the most important ways to achieve that glowy skin is to use the right moisturizer. This moisturizer is awesome and creates a great base for your skin, whether you are putting makeup over it or not. 

What I like about it

First off, I like the size of the bottle. So many moisturizers I've tried have come in these little teeny bottles, so I feel like I go through them so fast! I really feel like the 4 oz. bottle will last. 
The other big thing I like about this stuff is how smooth it is when it goes on. It isn't super thick, so it doesn't take forever to rub in. 

My favorite Ingredients

Botanic Hyaluronic Acid 
Kojic Acid 
Ginseng 
Shea Butter

Where to Buy 

Another great thing about Valentia is that you can buy all of their stuff on Amazon! You can go here to see more about the Pure Glow Brightening Moisturizer and see if it is something you'd like to try.


xo
 
9/07/2016 No sweet note{s}
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