HBD to my BFF

I'll make it short because I'm sure you're here for the embarrassing pictures (some must be kept sacred)

If you know me, it's more than likely you know or know of Katie. People are usually surprised when we tell them we met while attending the same homeschool group (shouts 2 CV Homeschoolerz.) We became friends in 4th or 5th grade and have been bffz ever since. I'm not really sure what bonded us when we first met... maybe it was our love for Xanga and Michael Phelps... maybe it was our mutual dislike for horses. Whatever it was, we hit it off and it's hard to remember a time when she wasn't a part of my life. Katie ended up leaving me to fend for myself when she went to Living Word in 8th grade but it all worked out because she taught me everything I needed to know about fashion and what those "school kids" are doing (thanks girl, I owe you.) After she graduated, we were pretty much together everyday and sometimes I would go to her house, sit in her bedroom and wait for her to get home (oh to be unemployed.) Through every season of life and every change, she has remained such a constant and wonderful friend. Everyone deserves to have a friend like Katie because she genuinely cares about every person she meets. She will laugh at practically any of your jokes and she always has something encouraging and uplifting to say. She's a little fashionista and is always the best at snaggin' the deals. All that to say, HBD to my BFF. You're the best and I love ya! 

Palm Trees, Ocean Breeze

I'm back from what was probably one of the best weeks of my life but I'm totally fine. Really. For those of you who don't know (or don't follow me on instagram... sorry 4 all the in-your-face beach pics) I was in West Palm Beach, Florida last week visiting one of my greatest and sweetest friends, Elly. I won't bore you with alllllll the details because who wants to hear about how great your vacay was? What I will tell you is that it's taking everything in me not to pack up all my belongings and make myself at home on Elly's couch. The week was filled with all my favorite things: beach, salad, smoothies, running, Chipotle (because we're girls), bike rides, cooking, and lotz of lolz. Elly is great because she skipped class so we could go to the beach together, took me on the most beautiful bike ride along the island, and made me feel right at home. She's truly the best and I miss her + the Sunshine State already. Enjoy a few pics and a little video (sooo predictable) from my trip!

West Palm Beach, Florida from Vanessa Shenk on Vimeo.

To Market, To Market

With this Central Market video going around, I'm taking it as the perfect excuse to rant and rave about the most wonderful place in Lancaster and how I’ve grown to love it!

My family bought a market stand, Shenk’s Poultry, about 12 years ago and it has been a huge part of my life growing up. I started working there when I was 11 and thought it was the greatest thing. Getting up at 4AM with my dad, driving the big “chicken truck” in together... I remember he would always buy me a donut at the bakery stand as soon as they opened and it was a pretty cool gig when you’re a middle schooler getting paid 10 cents for every dozen eggs you sell (#STACKS) 

When I was 14 I started working every Saturday (against my will) and did a ridiculous and embarrassing amount of complaining because ew, you have to touch the chicken AND get up at 7AM on the weekend like, why do my parents hate me? “You’ll be happy we’re making you work when you want to buy a car in a couple years” is what I was always told and I will publicly admit that they were 100% right and I’m so thankful my parents were the slave drivers that forced me to work those long and strenuous 6 hour days. I think I was 16 or 17 before I started to really appreciate and love working there. All it took was trying out a few other jobs before realizing how special and different market really was and I was soon working there again. I think my favorite part about Central Market is the people I meet and the ones I work with. I love seeing the regular customers, knowing them by name and knowing what they want each week. Not to mention I get to work with my dad, brother and aunt. What a party. Of course, the food is also wonderful and something that’s hard to find anywhere else because it’s fresh EVERYTHING. My fav foods (besides the chicken, duh) is the salads, fruits and veggies and the best fresh squeezed orange juice. Oh, and the Ginger, Lemon, Honey Tea in the wintertime. Yumyumyum. So if you’ve never been to market, now you know what you’re missing. I'm telling you...Tuesday, Friday and Saturday it is the place to be.  

Weekend in Utah

Ever since Alyanna left for college a few years ago, it was no question that at some point I would need to fly out to visit her. Last Thursday, we finally made it happen and I took a trip to Provo, Utah for the weekend. After the longest flight of my life (cause I was SO EXCITED) Alyanna and her roommate Desiree picked me up from the airport and our fun-filled weekend started with some super delicious pizza at Pizzeria Limone followed by donuts at Art City Donut Food Truck. Later that night, I experienced my first IDP (iPod Dance Party) which I’m convinced is a trend that needs to start in Lancaster because who doesn’t love a good dance party?

Friday I got a chance to see my childhood friend Rachel (who I haven't seen in years!) and meet her sweet little boy! It was the happiest and it worked out perfectly since she only lives 5 minutes from Alyanna's house. I also took a little run around Provo while Alyanna was in class. Trying to blend in with the college kidz is hard if you’re stopping to take pics of all the mountains cause they’re so cool and they’re EVERYWHERE. Friday night we ate dinner at a cute little place called Cubby’s where I got the most delicious Apple Chicken Pecan Salad with even better sweet potato fries. Really though, I still think about those fries. 

sweet little Bennett, so squeezy.

Saturday may have been my favorite day. We went to brunch at the greatest resturaunt in Provo (from what I’ve experienced) called Communal. You order a bunch of plates then share everything and it was the best brunch of my life. Alyanna raved about this place and it lived up to all my hopes and dreams. Have you ever had Stuffed French Toast? I'll never be the same. Not to mention the atmosphere and decor was so cute. I loved it all. 

After Communal, Drew, Alyanna and I went to Mona Lake where we hung out for the afternoon. Swimming in a lake with the most breathtaking mountains in the background... I could not get over it and I’m still mad my phone could not capture just how beautiful it really was. I LOVE UTAH. Dinner @ Cafe Rio which I had been told was similar to Chipotle so there’s no way it could disappoint. And later that night we went to the Utah State Fair! How touristy. 

On my last day, we took a hike to Stewart Falls which is beautiful in every way and just so much NATURE all around. Ended our hike with a trip to In-N-Out which I learned you cannot visit the West Coast without experiencing. I’m not a huge burger person but these were YUM. And cheap too so... win win. My favorite part of the trip was hanging out with my sweetest friend and the BEST tour guide, meeting lots of new friendz and of course all the food, food, food (how do you pick a favorite?) It was such a fun weekend and I’m so thankful that I had the chance to see such a beautiful state and finally be reunited with one of my best friends! Pics and vids don't do this state justice. UTAH IS SO BEAUTIFUL and I definitely plan to visit again! 

Utah from Vanessa Shenk on Vimeo.