The Bee from Heck

Materials for Clay Pot Bee: Small clay pot, Black and yellow acrylic paint, Yellow pipe cleaners. White foam, Googly eyes, Lots of glue, Polka dot ribbon

This Tuesday all the poor kids were SO frustrated with this project.

They turned out really cute, but a lot of them couldn't get the paint on right, figure out the ribbon stripes, handle the glue, and some of them even broke or cracked part of their clay pot.

One little girl broke the bee's face and sat on the stairs crying.

Another boy was frustrated and just put his head down because he messed up his bee, and he said he just couldn't give a messed up bee to his mom.

I calmed them down from that, then the girls started asking if Mr. Rios was my husband, and I said yes.

Then they were literally offended that I didn't invite them to the wedding.

{Say what?!}

After all of that I felt like crying.

Good thing I had Ryan there, gosh.

After I talked all the lil 1st-3rd graders off their crafting ledge and bribed them with candy, they all seemed to calm down a bit.

For the rest of the club we will be doing: fingerprint bees, bee visors, and bee cupcakes.

Hooray for no more paint!

And hopefully no more meltdowns!

<3 Bri

Media Fast Aftermath

About a week ago I was required to go on a "Media Fast" for my Communications class.

3 days without: internet, movies, phone calls, texts, facebook email, music, instagram, and blogging.

Holy crap was that difficult.

I really didn't even notice how digitally connected I was!

Especially for being so technologically dumb.

{Meaning, I hardly ever update my computer & phone. I know. I know. I know how bad it is!}

My phone would go off with a school email.

Couldn't look at it.

Someone got engaged on facebook.

Didn't know about it until three days after.

What to do on a lazy Friday night?

Definitely not allowed to watch a movie.

How did we get so intertwined with our gadgets?

I don't know about you, but I almost feel naked if I walk out of the house without my phone and ipod.

How the heck did people get ahold of each other back in the 80's and 90's??

Nowadays I can't even fathom life without texting, google maps, or wiki.

Gosh. I would be even more lost than I am now.

How did all of our parents find out friends were engaged or dating?

How did our parents find each other?

How did they all know to meet up at In-N-Out at a certain time without a Facebook event about it?

I'll tell you how.

People actually socialized.

Shocking, right?

We are so connected to our electronics that people don't know how to be socially apt in social situations.

Our generation has forgotten how to have a real face-to-face conversation.

Sad, huh?

Makes me wanna live in the 50's.

 Chillin' at the diner with my friends, poodle skirts, cheeseburgers, and cherry cokes!

Sweater, T-shirt: Target//Jeans, Long Necklace: American Eagle//Motorcycle Boots: Rocket Dog//Faux Leather Jacket: Styles For Less//Nail Polish: OPI Mermaid Tears 

I have deleted my facebook before.
It was right before I started this blog, because facebook was stealing my time and energy away from me.
I decided to bring it back only to promote my blog.
Because I've gone on a facebook fast before, it made it a lot easier this time to drop it completely.

What I would suggest?

Take a 2-day technology vacation.
It's really quite nice, relaxing, and surprise surprise...gives you SO much more free time!
Oh gosh, what could you do with an extra 3-5 hours in your day?

What do you all think about this technology-driven era?
Has it been more of a hinder than a help?

<3 Bri

Thorroblot 2012

What the heck is Thorroblot you may ask?

It's only the Winter Solstice Feast for Iceland.

DUH!

I'm 1/8 Icelandic and my uncle is the President of the IAU.

{I got some connections!}

The Icelandic Association of Utah.

Who would have known that such a thing existed?!

Totally random.

Soooo putting together a group date for such an important event as Thorroblot would only make sense, right?

Last year Ryan & I set up one of my bridesmaids {Kim} on a blind date with one of his friends {Kyle} from back home in Montana. 

And the blind date was at Thorroblot 2011. 

Now it's starting to become a yearly tradition because of all the Icelandic presentations, costumes, the stuffed Puffins, and best of all...the RAFFLE.

Those poor old people didn't know what was coming.

We're all rambunctious, loud, and wayyyy into the raffle.

Screaming and yelling every time someones' number is close.

Here are some pictures of the stuffed puffin display, the Icelandic barbie doll, and an assortment of artifacts from Iceland!

We have Ben & Alexa up top, Hayley & Rob, then Ryan excited that he won the coveted Viking keychain in the raffle.

We are missing a picture of Kimberly & Kyle, but it was their one year dating-versary!

The whole crew then came back to the Rios pad and we had tons of chocolate fondue.

Yummmmmmm.

Join IAU fan page on facebook!

<3 Bri

Samantha Elizabeth

Is anyone else excited that it's sunny outside and it's FRIDAY?!
I will be mega excited about this after I study and take my Infant Development exam.
{And no, I'm not preggo. I have to take it for my major, I'll have to share some interesting tid-bits one of these days}.


Anywhoodle, while I'm studying up a storm, I have a blogger friend of mine Samantha Elizabeth taking over my blog for the day answering some questions I had for her.
Check her out!

.......................

1. When did you start to get into photography? What initially inspired you?

I have always been interested in photography, since I was in high school...but I really didn’t start getting into it in a “business” perspective until a year and a half ago! It was a huge leap of faith, but here I am and I couldn’t be happier! The photos themselves inspired me...people’s compliments and support inspired me...I wanted to be able to give people my art and expression by taking them on as clients...I have been so blessed!

2. If I happen across your blog on a random day, what can I expect to find?

Well, that is a shot in the dark, it can change so drastically...one day I am posting wedding photos from a wedding I just shot...and the next day its a post on the meal I prepared for dinner...or a DIY craft...OR fashion...OR how  my eyebrows were waxed too thin and I cried! I am all over the place...my blog is like my diary or journal....

3. Can you tell me what you offer in your Etsy shop, Love Spun Vintage?

My photography, blogging, Etsy, thrfit and vintage addiction(s)! They are all wound into one big awesome hobby. I love it all. My Etsy shop is full of fun thrifted and vintage items that I find at local antique and thrift stores in my area. If I think its an item that can be paired with some modern pieces to create a phenomenal look...then it ends up on my Etsy site at a very affordable price!

4. What are five things about you and/or your blog that make you unique?

 Whew! 5? well...lets see -- I hope I am unique enough to come up with 5 things!!

1) It is super diverse...I don’t post about fashion everyday....its always changing

2) All or (most all) the images are taken by yours truly - or my poor husband!

3) My blog speaks to the common everyday girl on a budget...I don’t have oodles of money to purchase Michael Kors watches, or Balenciaga bags, or Jimmy Choos....(once in a while I might splurge) but rarely...life is too short to spend over $100 on a purse or any piece of clothing for that matter...I’d rather take that money and purchase a plane ticket and indulge in some history or adventure...I want more blogs to speak to the budget blogger, and the girl whose style comes from her own hard earned dollar -- not her husbands, not her parents,...I want those blogs to have the thousands of followers... they are real. I hope my blog encompasses that.

4) Almost always I have a thrifted item in my fashion posts! 

5) I am just me and I don’t try to copy or be anyone else! (hence why I just call my blog plain and simply “Samantha Elizabeth). 

Ok that was tough but I pulled off 5!! woohoo!

5. What is something/someone/or a certain event that you are extremely proud of? And why?

Wow, that is a great question. Geez. This could go in so many different directions. hmmm. I could really pick from a handful of individuals. I would have to say I am most proud of my husband, Dusty. While I was going to school he went off to play professional hockey for a few years...he worked his butt off...saw success and saw failure...he never gave up. He was the hardest worker I ever knew. This past year he finally “retired” and “hung em’ up” as the hockey world calls it...(hung up the skates). He is now back in school to finish up his pre-med requirements...he works like a dog. I have never seen someone with so much worth ethic and ambition. He inspires me. He is full of grace and faith. Something I admire greatly. 

...........................................


Happy Friday!
<3 Bri

The Story of Us: Disneyland Travesty {Part 8}

You all ready for this?

DUH nuh nuh NUH NUH.

I'm pretty sure you just sang that in your head.

If you are new, head up to the "Story of Us" tab and catch up on Parts 1-7.

The rest of you know the drill.

Read up!

...............................

At the end of November Ryan had been talkin' about heading down to So-Cal for a short weekend trip to meet up with his cousins in San Diego.

Me:

"Ummm, there is NO WAY you are going to San Diego and not taking me. You'll be passing right by my house!"

Ryan of course obliged to my kind request. 

Then....IT happened.

The moment he told me that he had...

NEVER BEEN TO DISNEYLAND.

And yes, that is considered a travesty. At least to me. And everyone else in California.

I grew up 30 minutes away from Disneyland my whole life and could not possibly FATHOM the fact that someone had not enjoyed, in their whole life, the happiest freaking place on earth.

That sealed it. He WILL take me to San Diego. And we WILL go to Disneyland.

In the meantime, I tell my mom about how I'm gonna take a trip with this new guy Ryan I've been dating. I ask if it would be ok for us to stay at the house for our Cali weekend.

My mom becomes suspicious.
 She asks if it's starting to get serious between us and if he intends on marrying me.

I was so offended.

I am NOT getting married till I'm at least 23 years old! 

I'm not gonna be one of those dumb BYU/Utah girls who gets married at 19.
I have to graduate first. I have places I want to travel. I want to go to Italy and France! 

Nope, nope, and no way.

I tell my mom this and she starts to chuckle and says:

"There is no way a 24 year old man is dating you and isn't at least thinking about getting married."

I would get so upset over this and vent to Ryan:

"My mom just doesn't get it! I don't want to get married! Do you?!"

Ryan:

"Oh no, I'm not thinking about that right now. I have plans for this next summer to go sell. We are just dating and having fun!"

I believed the fruitcake. I really truly did.

That's what I get for dating a salesman I suppose.

So.

 Before we leave for California, on December 1st, 2010, we decide to make our boyfriend/girlfriend status official via Facebook. 

{So corny...haha}

Then on December 3rd we start to drive down to California to enjoy the sunshine, Disneyland, and unbeknownst to us...Ryan being interrogated by the fam :)

<3 Bri

Currently Drooling

Gosh.

I love jewelry, clothes, and pretty much anything with bees or bugs on it.

Weird? Meh, don't think so.

{Anthropologie}

So naturally I'm drooling over these.

<3 Bri

P.S. I accidentally deleted all my sponsor sidebar and have been trying to remember exactly who all was on it! If you were there before or would like to be on it, send me your 200x100 sized button and I'll put it right up there :) 

{Email: easybreezydays@gmail.com}

Dear Inanimate Object

Dear Husband, 

Thank you for fixing my car, bringing me pan dulce, and promising to take me to "This Means War". 

You know how much I love Reese Witherspoon.

Dear School, 

I'm exhausted. I missed a lot of classes because of work and training. 

I am definitely making a point to focus on you for the rest of the semester.

Dear Job,

I might have to postpone you 'till the end of the semester.

Your hours are killing me.

Dear Flat Pancake Hair,

Stop being greasy and gross after ONE DAY of not washing it!

I'm sure all my followers are sick of seeing you in a poofy pony everyday.

Dear Braces,
You are off April 26th.
Can't wait to have perfect teeth again!

Dear Hawaii,

I'm booking tickets for you. 

Ryan and I need a legit vacation, and this is our postponed honeymoon/celebration of one year together.

Dear Bikini,

I'M COMING FOR YOU.

With Hawaii as a motivation, I'll be hawt stuff for you once it's time to bask in Hawaii's warm sun. :)

Dear Eyebrows,

I know you are blonde. Thus, you tend to disappear if I don't dye you.

I'm getting you taken care of this week cause if I don't draw you in, I look weird.

Blouse: Fossil//Corduroys: American Eagle//Stilettos: Magic Step//Necklace: Francescas//Belt: Forever 21//
Earrings: souvenir from Hawaii

Dear Chores,

I'm sick of you.

Dear Prayer,

Thanks for keeping me uplifted with all the mini meltdowns I've been having lately.

<3 Bri

Tissue Paper Flowers

This week for my craft club, Crafting Just Bee-Cuzzzz, we made flowers and bouquets out of tissue paper :)

Anddd for 1st-3rd graders it proved to be a lot more difficult to teach than I had anticipated.

But everyone was jumping for joy when they found out we were making flowers.

Even most of the boys surprisingly!

All the little ones made their flowers and they all decided to give them to someone they love.

One little boy, Leo, made a bright blue flower for his mom cause that's her favorite color.

Another girl, Kylah, made a whole bouquet to give to her mom and dad.

And another boy, Israel, made one for his girlfriend (why he has a gf at 7 years old I have no clue...haha)

My heart melts :)

Supplies: 

Tissue paper, pipe cleaners, scissors, garden stake, crepe paper, tape, ribbon (opt.). 

Have fun! 

<3 Bri

White Jeans

Is March considered a Winter or Spring month?

I never can tell with those tricky 'lil in between months.

If you are a follower here, you know I have a new penchant for colored jeans.

Well, I swear I will buy white jeans as soon as freaking possible after looking at these Anthro outfits.

Found these inspiration bites on the Anthropologie Facebook fan page.

 Boho- I'm really loving how casual chic this ensemble is. Plus it would be mega easy to recreate with the neutrals I already have in my closet!

Preppy- Personally, I'm a little 'eh' about the shoes. But I love how the bright yellow blouse screams SPRINGGGGGG!

Loving the low-key/easy-going feel of this outfit. Maybe instead of those flat platform shoe thing we pair this up with some awesome cobalt blue platforms?

This look says: "I'm low-key, loving life, and have a legit sense of casual style".

Anddd I seriously need that ring right now.

This looks kind of African inspired. I'm really digging the colors that balance out the classic black and white.

Have fun spring shopping! 

<3 Bri

The Story of Us: November I Can't Remember {Part 7}

First of all, I did a "Sweet Sunday" post over at Foxy Whiskers, I love Lou and her blog.
She is so sweet, fun, and always has gorgeous pictures and stories to tell!
Totes one of my fave reads.
Sooo you should follow her too :)
....................................................

We last left off with Ryan & I's first kiss.

"A toe curling, warm fuzzy, feel like I'm in a dream type of kiss."

Anddd after this part is where it gets a little tricky.

 I don't remember what happened in the whole month of November.

Literally the month just *poofed* out of my mind!

I don't have any pictures or a journal to even jog my memory.

Even to this day I constantly ask Ryan:

"Can you tell me a story from the November I don't remember?"

I either misplace the events and think that they happened earlier or later than they actually did, or I completely forget that something even occurred. 

And no, he did not drug me and I didn't get in a car crash and lose that whole month. 

But obviously I was too busy falling in love to notice that the month had flown by!

One memorable moment was our first fight. 

I can't even call it a fight because Ryan & I just don't fight. 

It's either a "tiff" or a "miscommunication".

We were talking with another couple in my apartment, when the topic of babies comes up.

{In Utah? Whatta shocker...}

Ryan cracks a joke saying:

"When my wife is giving birth, I'm just gonna be at home watchin' football!"

I don't know what the heck triggered in me, if it was the time of the month or what, but I just flipped out.

I walked briskly upstairs to the kitchen to avoid crying in front of everyone like an idiot.

Ryan follows me, completely stunned and confused, and doesn't know what to do because it's the first time he has ever seen me cry, or seen me actually upset:

"Bri, are you ok?? What's wrong??"

Me, doing one of those cry/sniffling/talking things:

"You *sniff* won't be there *sniff* when I have our baby?!?! You'll just be at home watching stupid football??!!"

Ryan starts smirking, realizes that it's NOT a good idea to laugh, and just hugs me real tight.

I bury my head in his broad chest & shoulders.

Ryan:

"Bri, if you want me to be there for you, I will. 

I promise."

Keep in mind that we had only known each other FOR A MONTH.

We weren't even DATING yet.

Looking back at this I'm so so surprised he didn't just go running for the hills.

What kind of lunatic was I?!

Obviously it was meant to be. 

<3 Bri

P.S. Next part, I'm skipping over November and straight to December when some exciting things took place 

{BF/GF, Marriage talk, Deciding to marry, etc.}. Stay tuned!

The Story of Us: Kisses {Part 6}

This is Ryan, I'm posting this while Bri is still trying to go through her Media Fast.
Let me tell you, she is kinda going crazy.

If you haven't read Parts 1-5 take a look at the tab above, "The Story of Us", to catch up.
...................................................................

After completing what is probably the longest and stupidest movie of my life, I look over at Ryan in utter shock. Was he even attracted to me?
I would nudge & try to cuddle with him during the movie and he would MOVE AWAY.

What the.....

He finally turns to me and says:

"Bri, you are a really hard person to read...."

HA!
This is the biggest crock ever, cause I am in fact. The easiest person to read!
Meaning that pretty much everything that is going on in my head, you can see written all over my face.

Me:
"Are you being serious?!"

Ryan:
"Well, ya. I can't tell what you are thinking about."

Me:
"You don't think I know what I am getting myself into?
I am sitting next to you, watching a movie, in the dark, at midnight, on a Friday night.
It's not that hard to guess what I'm thinking."

BAM.

Insert first kiss action :)
It was a toe curling, warm fuzzy, feel like I'm in a dream type of kiss.
{or kisses....}

We ended up talking till 5 in the morning just about everything.
Life, school, fears, aspirations, family, past loves, dating, etc.

He ended up falling asleep, so I walked back to my house down the street, with a smile on my face :)

Which I guess was horrendously apparent, cause when I walked into my darkened bedroom, my roommate says:
"OH MY GOSH BRI. DID YOU JUST KISS RYAN?!"

Um, first of all Marissa. How the heck did you pop up out of a sound sleep like that?!
Creepy.

So I told her all the deets, and she was just as twitterpated as I.

<3 Bri

Media Fast

I know I'm smiling in the picture below, but I am SO not smiling right now.

......

Ok, that was a tad overdramatic I know.

I am being forced to take  a blog break for 3 days.

Actually, a computer/phone/technology break.

Let me explain.

I'm in a Communications class, and one of our projects is that we have to take a Media Fast.

Takin' a break from all things media-related.

This project is meant to show us how much we depend on social media resources and how well we can cope without them. I can already tell you I'm not going to cope very well.

But at least it will open up some free time for me, and make me bored enough to do my homework.

My Media Fast includes the following:

-I'm not allowed to use my phone. AT ALL. No calls, texts, emails, and I can't even use my alarm on it

-No computer unless absolutely necessary to turn in homework

-No internet browsing/pretend shopping

-No television, hulu, netflix, movies

-No going out to the movies

-No camera/picture taking

-No instagram, twitter, youtube

-No facebook

-No emails

-No blog

:(

BUT.
You know what?
Imma try and make the best of it!

I will try to complete the following during my fast:
-Practice my singing & piano playing
-Write a handwritten letter to my bff Sterling
-Deep clean the apartment
-Study & take my two tests by Tuesday
-Catch up on school reading
-Exercise/go to a Zumba class
-Donate/sell clothes I don't wear
-Take an inventory of what clothing I have, and what I would like to get for spring
-Sort paperwork stack in the kitchen
-Finish my burlap lampshade
-Organize/decorate the office

I know I'll probably get about 3-4 of these things done, but it's always good to have a list of choices. 

Dress, Belt:Ross//Flats: Forever 21//Necklace: Anthropologie {gift}//Coat: Forever 21 {Valentine's gift from Ryan!} 

So that is the jist of it all.
I'll see you all soon!

Don't go just yet though, I have a present for you all :)

I just finished the sixth installment of "The Story of Us", and it's sitting in my 'lil post folder.
I'll have Ryan post it for me in a day or two when you all start having Brios withdrawals.

Love you all dearly, and I'll see you on the other side and tell you allll about it!

<3 Bri

P.S. Can I have just a little bragging moment? The white coat above, Ryan picked out all by himself and gave it to me as one of my surprise Valentines presents. How cute is he!?
He went to Forever 21, loved the shape and stitching of the coat, thought I could wear it through Winter and Spring and picked it up for me. Gosh, I'm so lucky.

Stylish Blogger Award

Just wanted to thank Melina at "Only a Flight Away" for giving me this award!

Definitely makes me feel all warm fuzzies on the inside :)

Requirements:

1. Thank and link back to the person who gave you the award.

2. Share 7 things about yourself

3. Award 7 bloggers you recently started following

4. Contact them about the award.

7 Things About Me:
1. I check the expiration date on EVERYTHING.
I'm a nazi about expiration dates, one day past the date on the box/gallon, I won't eat/drink it.
{A bad experience with egg nog in 6th grade caused this neuroticism}

2. My favorite pair of jeans are dark wash, bootcut/skinny jeans from Fossil.
That I've had since sophomore year of high school.
{That's about 5-ish years now}

3. I love love love the sun!
I can't imagine living anywhere long term where it snows half the year.

4. Growing up I had two 'lil businesses.
Bri's Jewelry started when I was in 4th grade.
And Juicy Purses in middle school, where I made purses & wallets out of Kool-Aid Jammer packages!

5. I love getting in and playing sports.
I was on the Varsity Tennis team for a couple of years, and loved it!
Need to get in shape for this summer!

6. I am a trained basketball referee.
I have officiated men's basketball games as well as Junior Jazz.
{Lil 1st and 2nd graders}

7. I'm 5'3, size 8, but have some serious curves.
Ryan calls me his fun-size wife.
Like mini fun size candy :)

7 New Stylish Blogs I'm Following:

A Sparkly Silver Lining
An American Girl Doll
Awkward Girls
Glam or Sham
Life's Golden Moments
Pink Peonies
S'LK

Some outfits from this week :)

<3 Bri

5 Lovely Little Things

So I've known Jessica from the verrry beginning. Before she became such a blogger superstar!
I asked her to write out 5 lovely little things about herself, seeing as how the name of her blog is...
you guessed it, Lovely Little Things :)


Have fun reading! She is uber cute!
..................................................
Hi Breezy Days readers :)

I'm so happy to be posting on Bri's blog today - she's awesome don't you think?!

.

Anyway, I'm Jessica & I blog over at Lovely Little Things.

I haven't been blogging for too long, but I'm already in love with it (oh yes..IN love ;))

I use Lovely Little Things to keep creative no matter how busy I
get, to appreciate my life, and to meet other bloggers who inspire me. There
really is no limit to what you’ll find on my blog. I like to share things that inspire me, product reviews, Pinterest finds (who doesn't love some Pinterest?!), organization ideas, good books I read or
music I listen to, my triumphs and failures, fun pictures from my everyday life
- anything and everything creative. I hope that by continuing with Lovely
Little Things that I will discover lots of fun new things about myself (and the
not so fun things, too) so that I can grow as a person, and maybe even inspire
one or two people along the way! Come visit and let’s do life together!

.

Today I want to share with you guys 5 lovely things that make me happy :)

one.

Getting snail mail (excluding bills and junk mail, obviously)! I just love checking my mailbox and seeing a little package or letter. Brightens my day right up :) It's nice to know that some people still take the time to handwrite letters in this social media-driven world that we live in. 

via

two.

Going on coffee dates. Is that a lame one? I hope not. There is nothing I love more than meeting up with an old friend that I haven't seen in awhile and just pouring our hearts out over a good cup of coffee. I'm a talker, so my coffee dates tend to be 3+ hours. Fun fact: I collect coffee mugs. Send me one and I'll love you forever ;)

via

three.

Arriving at my destination and turning my car off right as the song that is playing ends. Perfect timing at its finest! Sometimes I even try to drive slower so that this will happen. I'm a little weird, I know.

four.

Waking up and realizing that I still have a few more hours to sleep. It's probably better to sleep through the night, but I love waking up, looking at the clock and seeing that I get to sleep a little longer. Kinda makes me feel like I've defeated time or something? I do a silent happy dance as I drift back to sleep actually. Now if only I had a bed that looked like this I'd be set...

via

five.

This is probably cheating, because I incorporated 5 things in this one. That's okay - I just love a lot of stuff! Anyway this is a picture of my grandma, my boyfriend & wine (both which make me happy), my best friend & my little kitten. :)

I hope you guys stop by my blog & say hello!

Thanks again for having me, Bri!
....................................

Go on over to Jessica's blog and check out my "Inspired By" outfit post on her blog!