Life Lessons

A very vital lesson that has become extremely crucial in my life as of late...

D&C 58

42. Behold, he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more.

43. By this ye may know if a man repenteth of his sins--behold, he will confess them and forsake them.

Lofty Dreams

Just a few things on my high priced wish list.

iPhone 4G

LG

Retro TV

Ray Ban

Square Wayfarer

Christian Louboutin

Anemone Stilettos

Manolo Blahnik

Mary Janes

My Girl

Das Fraulein

my new baby.

Special Project

So I'm working on something a little special and I need some help....I need to know which ampersand everyone likes best. Hit me with some feedback.

Wedding

So of course as an event planner, I'm always on the hunt for beautiful weddings and I think I've found maybe my favorite of all time. Have a gander.

Visit http://www.davebrewerphoto.com/#a=0&at=0&mi=2&pt=1&pi=10000&s=0&p=8 for the entire album.

Dream Job

Upon Graduation, I'm hoping to acquire an internship with David Stark in Brooklyn. Here's a little info about the man behind the company...

"David Stark is a renowned, New York based event producer as well as President and Creative Director of David Stark Design and Production. This full-service event design and planning firm is celebrated for the innovative,

imaginative events it creates for a wide range of high-wattage celebrity clients such as Beyoncé Knowles and Jon Stewart, major corporations such as Target, TBS and Condé Nast, as well as high-visibility fund-raising galas for the nation's most elite not-for-profit organizations including The Museum of Modern Art and The Robin Hood Foundation.'

"CBS' The Early Show, The Today Show, The View and Martha Stewart are several television shows that often call upon David to serve as a guest expert on décor, party planning, holiday decorating and home planting projects. David and his work are often featured in publications including Elle Décor, Glamour, Interior Design, InStyle,House Beautiful, and Town & Country to name a few.'

"David Stark currently resides and works in Brooklyn, NY and received a BFA from the Rhode Island School of Design and an MFA from the School of Visual Arts."

-Huffington Post

<--David Starks Studio

87 Luquer Street, Brooklyn, New York, NY

Here are some of my favorite events of his:

125th Anniversary of the Metropolitan Opera:

"Instead of over-the-top flowers and dripping crystals, fonts were our muse. Exploded, cropped, varied in type and color, the array of graphics not only provided a wonderful walk through the Opera s historic identities in print but it transformed the tent into a three dimensional collage. Elegant banners gently fluttered above vases and luminaries wrapped with glowing prints from every time period. "

Whitney Gala:

Luminaries made from slide sheets and paper swatches

Go to: http://www.designspongeonline.com/2008/11/david-stark-interview-diy-project.html to learn how to make them!

Sundance Institute Gala:

Birds made from Utah Maps and Groovy auction blocks.

National Design Awards:

Topiaries crafted from 6,000 tons of shredded office paper waste

Sundance Institute Gala:

Table decor fashioned from scripts and musical scores

Tate Modern's Inaugural Artists' Dinner:

15,000 benjamin moore paint strips compose undulating curtains

Museum of Arts & Design Gala:

Dining decor created from packing materials

NYC's Opera's Gala Celebration:

A wall of love letters and music

Robin Hood Foundation Gala:

Castle made from NYC coffee cups

check out www.davidstarkdesign.com for more photos!

I'm Back.

Ok, so it's definitely been a minute since my last blog....but I'm back!

So much has happened over the last year. Soo....if you haven't been personally updated by me, I'll catch you up.

August:

I chaired the leadership conference here at USU and loved every minute of it. School began, and I started planning my favorite event of all time with my best friend.

September:

Homecoming! Brady and I were in charge of Mr. USU and we totally rocked it. Our theme was "I can go the distance" from Disney's Hercules. It was completely fabulous. I also joined the Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity for women.

October:

Brady, Colie, and I planned the HOWL and what a success that was. We brought in about 6,000 people and made over $80,000.

January:

I turned 21! I finally became a full fledged adult! I also got a job as an event assistant for the Utah State University Research Foundation and Space Dynamics Lab. AND I finally bought a macbook pro (which has become the love of my life).

February:

Declared my candidacy for student office...and began planning.

March:

Lost my election for Programming VP, but was appointed Traditions Director. Also had quite the adventure in Las Vegas and St. George with some of my favorite people.

April:

Chaired the 52nd Annual Robins Awards! It turned out amazing. It was the most gorgeous event I've ever worked on.

May:

SUMMER happened. I moved in with six of my Alpha Chi sisters and my really good Kappa Delta friend Emma.

June:

NEW Car! 1998 Black Audi A4 Quattro.

Those are definitely the highlights of my year...hopefully I'll get better about blogging again.

Love you all.

Granola in July

Q: What always makes summer better?

A: A hot granola crush

So earlier this week I ventured out to Idaho Falls with Court and Jake to help get some wedding stuff in order. After a horrible meeting with a catering prospect, we went to our appointment at an upscale restaurant called The Cellar. And that was where we met HIM.

His name is Bryan. He manages The Cellar. He's got a great beard and curly brown hair pulled back into a ponytail. I dont know what it was about him but I was totally smitten. And the way he talked about food...

Unfortunately he's already seriously involved, and probably about 10 years older than me, but a girl can dream right?

Godsend

Toast #2

Many of you have had the wonderful pleasure of being a passenger in my gem of a car whom I've recently renamed Stella. I have done so, because she tends to have issues a lot, and when she does, I've found it's a great opportunity for me to yell "Stella" in my best Marlon Brando voice. If you've got no clue as to what I am referring to, I am deeply ashamed of you and advise you to either read or watch (your choice) the American classic, "A Streetcar Named Desire."

Back on topic, I was out running errands last week and when I got to the sports academy, I realized I'd absentmindedly left my water bottle on my kitchen counter. I debated whether I could get through my workout without it and came to the conclusion I couldn't. Reluctantly I drove home to fetch it. When I got to that crazy awful four-way stop on 6th and 10th, I waited my turn and then began to move forward. Oddly, Stella died. I started her up again and moved through the intersection, but not 60 feet through, she died again and this time unable to be resuscitated. Diagnosis: out of gas, usually preventable unless your meter is broken like Stella's is.

Not only was my baby dead on the side of the road, she was parked right in front of a bus stop. In a panic I called my roommate which labored no avail. Luckily my soul sister Josie came to my rescue. Upon her arrival we pushed my car in front of the bus sign and ventured to the gas station.

As I walked in, I saw the man at the counter wasn't my usual gas related savior. When I got to the counter, I explained my predicament only to have the Chevron attendant tell me that they didn't have gas cans and he couldn't help me. I was internally irate. I knew his statement was false as I'd used such services not only a month ago. I stood there hopeless, confused, and distraught about what I would do. And then HE came...

He worked at the Ford dealership next door. He offered me a can they had just "kicking" around the shop. I couldn't believe his kindness. We walked over and retrieved it from the dealership, and to my surprise it was already full! He said to use what I needed to get to the gas station and return it after.

So here's to you, lovely man from the Ford dealership. I am forever grateful for the kindness you provided a stranger in need. The world could use more of you.

And of course, here's to you Josie Olsen, for being a constant rescue in my life. Whether it's Stella breaking down on the side of the road or I'm in need of emotional support, you're always there and I love you unconditionally for it.

For All You Women Out There

Some Kind of Wonderful

Foreword: After reading through some past entries, I noticed one phrase that seemed to reappear a few times. "Here's to you." So after some inspiration, I will begin a new type of posting...Toasts! So whenever I feel something needs recognition, I will do it in this form. Enjoy!

Toast #1

After having extensive conversations with my good friend Lori about my pathetic lack of a successful love life, she reminded me of the 1987 film that would hopefully lift my spirits. Its been years since I'd last seen it, so I gave it a shot.

If you've never seen "Some Kind of Wonderful," drop whatever you're doing right now and drive to your local video store and rent it! I don't know how I've been missing it in my life. If you are anything like me, the storyline seems to fit perfectly into your life on a number of occasions, with the exception of the ending. The good news is...you only need one really good ending!

So here's to you, Watts, for giving hope to girls across America since 1987. May your legend pull us out of the man-hating depressions and help us find our own Keith Nelsons.

Living the Dream

Recently I aquired an internship with a company called A Caspian Production. It is an event firm based out of San Francisco owned by USU Alumna Heather Mason. I'm really excited to be working with the company. I am their new Public Relations Representative. My responsibilities are as follows:

1. Evaluate competitive analysis of the marketplace

- Similar companies in the space

o Specifically those which market to social entrepreneurs or non-profits

o Those which target ‘Event Design’ or ‘Event Strategy’

o Conduct ‘Mystery Shopping’ or write questions/scope for Mystery shoppers

2. Interview owner of Caspian and write main messaging documents

- Revise General Capabilities presentation

- Rewrite messaging for website

- Collect bios and photos of all Caspian staff

- Deliver to website manager to upload and QC all uploads

- Create ‘buckslip’ or ‘leave behind messages for Caspian

3. Create press releases, newsletters, testimonials, specific to relevant clients or success stories

- Gain permission from past and present clients for stories

- Research best press sources for releases

- Discuss strategic long-range approach with Caspian owner

4. Work with graphic designer to on ‘unique’ and particular presentation materials

- Interview and assess 2- 3 graphic design approaches

- Discuss client ‘touch’ program with regard to gifts, etc

5. Research appropriate conferences and pitch speaking opportunities

- Discuss pitch and potential topics

- Contact HSMAI, MPI, eWomenNetworking, Entrepreneur, etc.

6. Research and present additional business development opportunities (OPTIONAL)

- Social entrepreneur organizations new to the event space

- Non-profits with significant new capital

7. Assist with Siena Italy Registration

- Provide customer service emails for Siena Attendees

- Compare data and provide reports for Siena Attendees

As you can see, I'll be pretty busy this year. If you are interested in seeing any of my work feel free to visit my PR blog at rachaelhansen.wordpress.com

TGI Friday

On this wonderful day, Friday, it is only appropriate that I wear my TGIF tie dye shirt. A little less than a year ago, Alyssa and I were growing sad that summer was ending and I'd be back at USU and therefore no longer able to spend my Fridays with her. Our solution? Tie Dye TGIF shirts. We decided that if we wore them every Friday, no matter where our lives had taken us, it would be as if we were together. We also made one for our precious Skyler, who we hope is secretly sporting his shirt beneath his white shirt and suit coat at the MTC. Happy Friday!

Adventure Crew

Ok, due to the probability of there being infinite amounts of postings about adventure crew in the future...I have created an entire blog in its honor. So if you want to keep up to date on all of the fun outings we venture out on just keep your eye on the Adventure Crew Blog. Enjoy!

Farewells and Commencements

Farewells: Goodbye Stacia and Skyler! I will miss them both terribly but am so proud of them! They will both make fantastic missionaries.

Graduates: Alyssa, Britni, Hailey, Cloey, Cassie, and Sarah, you are done! Congratulations my girls! Welcome to the life of college. Over the next 4-6 years you will experience new and crazy things that will only continue to mold the beautiful girls you are into the incredible women I know you'll be. I raise my glass to you and your future success!

寿司

What is my favorite thing to eat on a warm saturday evening? That would have to be sushi. And where you might ask would be the best place in Boise to eat said sushi? Shige's Express. Probably the most anticipated family outing, usually rewarding yardwork or the return of a college student, so you can imagine my excitement to return to Boise and be treated to such fine Japanese cuisine.

I loved sitting with the fam, chatting with some Boise Braves (who incidentally kept taking all of the good sushi before it could float down to me...), and playing the "pretend" game with Michael and Hannah. It was deliciously delightful.

It was a pool party for all of the cool kids at my school

Q:Whats better than kicking off summer with a pool party?

A: Nothing

The weekend after school ended and summer began, Colie and I traveled to Stacia's house for the first pool party of the summer. It was so great to see everyone who had moved home! We played H2O UNO and ate some delicious barbeque, making it the best summer start imaginable.

Moving is always better with Aggie Ice-Cream

It was the last day of moving into my new apartment. I had been dreading and procrastinating it. Luckily Colie was spending the night at my house, so I had a hostage slave. After retrieving the rest of my stuff, we trekked off to aggie ice-cream to reward ourselves for all the hard work we'd done.

Of course I indulged in my all time favorite Aggie Blue Mint but also trieda lemon custard. It was in a word...dreamy. So here's to indulging in the very best Utah State way.

Birthday Bon Fire!

For Stacia's 21st birthday, a group of us decided to go up to green canyon and have a bon fire! Colie, Brady, and I set out to find wood for said fire in Brady's jeep. We got up to the canyon before everyone else and decided to take advantage of our free time, and capabilities of the jeep. In the midst of off-roading, I declared the jeep to be an "adventure car" and that was the night the three of us formed the Adventure Crew.

After everyone arrived we built the fire and had fun including Brady building torches, jumping over the fire and group photoshoots.

To view all of our Bon Fire photos visit: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2010501&id=1134390082&l=191f88b86f

Centro de la Familia

So Leah and I had an english project where we had to do service somewhere around town and do a presentation on it. I got so excited. I jumped at the opportunity to go to my favorite service location in Logan...Centro de la Familia! It is a head start program for small migrant children. The ages range from infancy to six years old. They are the cutest things. Most of them speak primarily spanish. Unfortunately I only know about 10 words in spanish (I know, I know, you're thinking "what kind of cuban is this girl?"), however, I just love playing with them. Language doesn't even seem to be much of a barrier and I love it.

When Lou and I got there to volunteer, the kids were no where to be seen. Sadly, school was out of session and wouldn't be back in for a month. So instead...we organized! I'll tell you what, we were dang good at it too. We packed up the D.I. stuff like champs and swept like fiends.

Although we didn't get to do what we had first intended, we had a great time just being with eachother (a rarity since shes in the Mrs. club).