Why We Work

We work because we are patient with one other when we need to be. Especially with his latin sassiness and my over-dramatizations. {Speaking of which, he texted me this pic earlier today saying this kitty reminded him of me...}

We work because we've been through crazy ups and downs in our first 2.5 years of marriage together that most couples don't go through in 5 years.

We work because he does the dishes cause I gag every time I smell them, and I walk down the super creepy and small stairs to switch over laundry cause his arms are too buff to fit.

We work because when Ryan is tuned in juuusstttt right, he says exactly what I need to hear and it gives my heart warm fuzzes.

We work because we love to have fun and absolutely love including our friends and family in on that. Which usually means that I'm creative direction for the parties we throw while Ryan gets to help pull the vision all together with his handyman know-how.

We work because he understands my need for: hot bubble baths, new shoes, fashion magazines, talking with my family a couple times a week, and Audrey Hepburn movies.

While I understand his need for: his football obsession, educational podcasts, crazy colored no-show socks, and growing ridiculous mustaches {example below.}

We work because I look forward to seeing his half-asleep smile in the morning and he likes to wrap me up in his warm bear hugs when I get home from school.

We work because we are a great team, and I sure am looking forward to all our years of adventures together {i.e. our couples to-do list which includes going to a Super Bowl and traveling to Italy} :)

7 Deadly Sins

I found this link-up on Shane's blog Whispering Sweet Nothings & thought it was super festive seeing as how Halloween is just next week! :)

Pride 

seven great things in your life

1. The fun marriage I have with my best friend

2. My work ethic & organizational skills {most of the time}

3. An amazingly supportive & loving family

4. My music & creative skills 

5. My home that I've taken lots of time & energy to put together

6. How I have the greatest friends around

7. Utilizing my closet by mixing & matching everything I already have

Envy

seven things you lack & covet

1. More time

2. Financial stability

3. The drive to exercise every day 

4. Patience 

5. Cooking skills

6. Being calm & collected in stressful situations

7. Prioritizing my time

Wrath

seven things that make you angry

1. Utah drivers and their lack of turn signals/general driving knowledge

2. How much BYU professors work our bums off {we dang well EARN that degree}

3. Others staring at me for no reason

4. People who are incompetent 

5. Expired food in the fridge & cabinets

6. People mispronouncing my name, nails on a chalkboard!

7. Whiny girls and un-manly men

Sloth

seven things you neglect to do

1. Dishes, yuck!

2. Practice my piano more than 3-4 hours a week

3. Talk with people on business-related matters

4. Answer the phone {which is why I usually leave it in another room}

5. Make the bed, it hardly ever happens

6. Homework 

7. The rest of household chores haha

Greed

seven worldly material desires

1. A trip to Italy, London, Paris, and Greece

2. A walk-in closet

3. A tan fluffy pomeranian named Nugget

4. A home to decorate that is alll mine

5. Can't get enough shoes, right? More shoes!

6. White low-top converse

7. A thin gold wedding ring with a raw diamond

Gluttony

seven guilty pleasures

1. Girly tv shows

2. Bubble baths filled with Lush bath bombs

3. Chocolate, yummm

4. Glamour & InStyle magazines

5. Shopping by myself in the middle of the day

6. Wandering Target with a nice drink {Diet coke or Caramel Apple Spice}

7. Buying a new book from Barnes & Noble and just reading away

Lust

seven things you love about love

1. Waking up next to my best friend everyday

2. I can look absolutely hideous, but still am told I'm beautiful

3. Unlimited hugs & kisses

4. Always having love & support

5. Fun date nights!

6. Laughing at the same things

7. Building a life we both want, together

Turning Point

Tuesday, September 10th: Describe a distinct moment when your life took a turn

Let us travel all the way back to 2009, shall we? I was an overachieving senior in high school with all Advanced Placement classes, a position in Executive Student Council, over a 4.0 GPA, and a needy boyfriend. Not only was he needy, but I was loyal. One of my best and worst qualities is being too loyal and trusting. We had been dating for almost 2 years at this point and even talked about attending a California school together. Not only did my family and friends not like him, but he had no religious background and everything I knew to be true had derived from my religious beliefs. During senior year we were constantly fighting over where we would go to school and what our futures would soon look like. So we decided that these topics were off limits and we would not discuss them further until we absolutely had to.

My parents knew what was best for me before I knew it for myself. They agreed to pay for my California school applications as long as I also applied for BYU. I begrudgingly started the BYU application, but I did refuse with every fiber of my being to even apply for BYU-Idaho. I could handle Provo, but Rexburg? Shoot me. I applied to appease my parents, but was convinced that I would be attending UCSD or UCSB so I didn't think twice about my BYU application after it was submitted.

You see, I've always been a goodie-two-shoes. It took a lot of energy and emotion to defy my parents {especially since they are such awesome ones}, and I wondered how I could hold that up in the long run? Was this boyfriend really worth it? Would he give me the happy life I felt I deserved? This culmination of doubt, frustration, and defiance all came to head when I received my acceptance to BYU. I didn't even check the acceptance myself, my mom saw it and told me that I had gotten in starting Summer term of 2009...2 weeks after graduation. I broke down crying while my mom held me because it just hit me. I knew at that moment, in my heart, that things needed to change. Which also meant breaking off this toxic relationship and choosing a different path that would eventually take me to where I wanted to go. My parents sweetened the deal by offering to pay living expenses for my freshmen year if I attended BYU, because it was the best deal around...I accepted.

Surprisingly my boyfriend at the time was supportive, but I could tell he was hesitant in letting me go. Throughout our relationship he would jokingly say: "You are just gonna go find some Mormon boy who is going to sweep you off your feet! I don't deserve you." Of course at the time I responded with the typical "That won't happen, I'm with you!" But after first moving to Provo, I would hear his pitiful and martyr-like comment resounding in my mind. Noticing how it had such a different meaning to me now, than it did back then. He had this hold on me, but always knew that I deserved better. Once I realized that for myself, I started to feel my self-worth and confidence grow with each passing day. And a couple years later...I would end up finding that Mormon boy who would sweep me off my feet, for eternity.

3 Month Pause on Life

{source}

Wednesday, September 4th: If you could take 3 months off from your current life and do anything in the world, what would you do?

If I could press pause on my life for 3 months...I would travel the world. I know that sounds ridiculously cliche, but that's what I would do. After reading about the beautiful art, architecture, and scenery found around the world, I have such a craving to see experience them for myself. My admiration of Audrey Hepburn carries over to the locations of her movies. Italy, France, New York {Italy is definitely at the top of my list, Roman Holiday anyone?}. Although Ryan doesn't have the travel bug like myself, I would still drag him along with me so I could enjoy & appreciate the world with my sweetheart.

{Tuesday's} Letters

I know this is usually a Friday link-up on The Sweet Season blog, but I figured...what the heck. Let's put it out there on a Tuesday night cause I don't feel like waiting 'till this weekend :)

Dear Essie Polish,
Not gonna lie...I'm not a huge fan. You are so runny and obnoxious to paint with but your color options are so tempting! I guess I'll always stay a OPI girl.

Dear Travel Bug,
Oooohhh have you been itching me! I've just been dying to take a cruise to Mexico to tan on the beach, fly to New York to watch a broadway show, or rent a beautiful luxury villa in Turks & Caicos {I fell in love with the ones here}...just so I can escape and see the world! I need a vacation pronto, asap, post haste. Cruise at Christmas time and New York next summer maybe?

Dear Husband,
You have been working so hard. I'm trying my hardest to show my support by making your lunches every morning, washing your work clothes, and picking up band-aids for your blisters. I love you with all my heart and I'm so excited with all the progress and direction in our life together!

Dear 4th of July,
A complete BLAST. Amazing BBQ with family & friends, The Lone Ranger movie time, and a fireworks show. Couldn't ask for a better day!

Dear California,
I've thoroughly enjoyed my time with you. I soak in the warmth of the sun knowing that I won't feel it in a couple months! Granted, I'm sure when I'm done with my summer here, I'll be more than happy to return to my 'lil yellow brick house :)

Friday's Letters

Dear internship, you are leaving me confused and a little lost. I'm trying to work at the intimacy blog but I don't even know what to write. I don't know much after only 2 years of marriage! Time for some more research I suppose. Dear husband, you are working so hard and I'm so insanely proud of you. I know that it's been a rough few days but I'm so grateful for your optimistic and positive outlook on everything. It honestly makes my days better knowing that I get to see your smiling face at the end of it. Dear blates {blogger+date}, ummm how rad are you? I got to hang out with Courtney today, and I was finally stoked to meet her after being online friends for what seems like AGES. Now I'm pumped for more blates this summer! Dear mom, I seriously have the best time with you. We are totally on the same page as far as sarcastic comments/jokes and you can make me laugh like no other. I love our mother/daughter dates, which now that I live close seem to happen a few times a week...AWESOMENESS. Dear california, don't feel left out. I love you too ;)

Piece(s) of Advice

"Day 8: A piece of advice for others. Anything at all."

Can I have a bazillion pieces of advice?? 

Since it's my blog, I shall allow it. 

Here's my all-inclusive advice list:

+ say thank you when someone opens the door for you, and hold the door open for others

+ smile & nod your head when a stranger looks your way

+ don't be a doormat for the sake of peace, stand up for what you believe is right

+ learn to communicate in a healthy way with others

+ after eating sweets all day, don't...I repeat DON'T chill in the jacuzzi later that night. you'll get such a horrible stomachache that lasts all the next day. it's not worth it!

+ when you "fail" in reaching towards your goal, pick yourself back up again and keep working at it

+ endure to the end! even though the end seems so far away, keep working towards your goal! the time will pass anyways, so why not constantly improve yourself? 

+ get to know your in-laws before you get married, so you know what situation you're stepping in to!

+ when you need help, ask for it. don't allow yourself to suffer in silence

+ when you're stressed out; a shower, some food, and a little rest can do wonders

+ take care of yourself! put good food in your body, exercise it, and treat it right

+ to make sure your lips don't chap with lipstick on...first exfoliate your lips then put your face moisturizer on them. voila! lipstick doesn't move all day and your lips don't chap up

+ read read read! books let you step into another world or reality, even if it's just for a little bit

+ be grateful for the little things. the sun, family, bright nail polish, the beach, etc 

No Good, Very Bad Day

Welcome to my home! 

We finally have some blooms poppin' up in the front yard with it being sunny outside and I just couldn't be happier. Much needed after such a rough weekend...oh, let me tell you allll about it. For Geology extra credit I did a hike in the rain {it was miserably cold & the wind didn't help any}, my poor iPhone face planted on the cement during a group date so now the backlight is messed up, when trying to put a new car deck in the Jetta it took hours for Best Buy to ring us up then finally install it {other than that, it's freaking awesome}, and I've been stressing about everything that still needs to be taken care of before we leave for the summer. Isn't it funny how everything obnoxious just seems to happen at once? 

Saturday was just a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day! {If anyone knows the reference, I applaud you!} After a much needed stress-cry, Ryan gave me lots of hugs then we picked up McChickens & apple pies on the way home and I watched Teen Mom for a good hour or two. Reality tv shows always seem to pick up my spirits, maybe because it's such mindless entertainment? Also cheap-y fast food always helps in these kinds of situations. Now I'm up and roarin' again and can't wait to conquer the week! I just keep reminding myself that it's only one more week. One more week people.

Friday's Letters

Dear Sun,

You have finally made an appearance!

It just makes me more excited for summertime :D

Dear Professors,

Why in the world would you schedule another test right before finals week?

So cruel.

Plus loading us with final projects all at the same time?

Not cool.

Dear All-You-Can-Eat-Sushi,

I feel like a balloon.

I always make the mistake of starving myself all day then stuffing myself with delicious sushi. 

Then I later seriously regret it. 

Never mind, I take that back, I still enjoyed stuffing my face.

Dear Blogging World,

I really don't understand the smack talking of other bloggers, if you don't like someone or their blog...the beautiful thing about the internet is that absolutely no one is forcing you to follow them.

Unfollow, then move on with your life and follow only the people you want to. Easy as that!

Now let's just visit this awesome Bloggers Anonymous site & spread the love!

Happy Friday :)

Friday's Letters

{Coral pants re-mixed}

Dear Target,

You slay me with your adorable home decor, irresistible clothing, festive holiday sections, 

and your affordable sale sections.

You are my calm solace when I'm stressed out and need my alone time.

You are probably one of my bestest friends and you don't even know it.

You help me pick out clothes {like these coral pants above}, nail polish colors {the coral nail polish you convinced me to purchase}, and you even go grocery shopping with me {you make it fun!}

Itso facto, your'e awesome.

Dear Yellow Brick House,

We've finally had the time to clean you and BOY, do you look awesome.

It's amazing what peace of mind comes with sitting in a clean & organized home.

And that gallery wall? I promise I'll fix it soon so you don't look like a hot mess.

Dear BYU,

UGHHHHHHHHH.

I now only have school Tuesday/Thursday from 9am-6pm.

Oh, but it's killing me.

The sun coming out today makes me long for my sunny summer in CA...

only one more month!

Dear Husband,

Thanks for waking up and cuddling with me when I couldn't sleep the other night.

You always make me feel safe, warm, and cozy.

Which makes you my favorite teddy bear pretty much.

Dear Blog,

Sometimes I like you. Sometimes I don't.

I get tired because life is busy and don't feel like posting or other times I can't wait to see you.

It's a hot-cold/on-off relationship.

We would probably be an "It's Complicated" status on FB.

Sometimes Google likes to announce confusing things, and I don't like that either.

Most of the time though, you make me happy & the time I spend on you is worth it to me.

Capisce?

Dear Jillian Michael's 30 Day Ripped DVD,

Thanks for whipping my tush the past week. 

I'm now on to week 2 and can't wait to see some more results!

I'm already feeling the tone in my legs & am seeing that middle line on my tummy/abs. SCORE.

What To Wear...

I had the opportunity to review a dress from eShakti's spring line, and all I can say is OMG. 

I'm in love is pretty much what I'm saying.

What says SPRING more than a yellow gingham dress??

This dress was the first and only dress I wanted to review because it's everything I love in a dress.

Bright, girly, spring-y, 50's inspired, and a fit-and-flare style.

This blue striped dress would have been my second place pick {there is a yellow option}, I would have used the customized styling option to put sleeves on it and make the dress a wide scoop neck.

What's funny is that I used to absolutely hate the color yellow....weird right?

I felt that with my blonde hair that it was wayyy too much yellow and I would start to look like a banana...hopefully that image didn't just come to your mind.

A Bri Banana that is.

Use the code: BREEZYDAYS to get 10% off at the eShakti checkout, and remember that if you sign up with your email address, you get a free $25 gift certificate. How cool is that?!
Happy Sunday and almost happy Spring! :)

It's Ok

{These pants also worn with chambray & for the first day of school...plus they are on sale!}

Hey, it's ok...

...to completely procrastinate & pack 4 hours before your flight

{SLC,UT-->LB,CA}

...to cave in & use your Diet Coke allowances for the month 2 nights in a row 'cause it's been a long and busy week 

...to only allow dresses, bright colors, swimsuits & sandals to grace my luggage for the trip to So-Cal this weekend

...to cry whenever I think even think about my brother leaving for his 2 year mission in Mexico, even though it's for the best

...to buy the "Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred" just to see what the hype is all about

{Maybe it'll be a fitness goal for the month of March?}

...to wear my new CA pendant with pride & borderline pompous-ness

{yup, I bet you wish you were a California girl}

...to laugh out loud when I see my husbands car with a Montana license plate and a Lakers plate frame

Kind of an oxymoron right?

But I guess that's the theme of our life :)

Finals Week

For all you students out there, I totally feel your pain of horrendous finals week.BLEHHHHHH.I have a research paper due tomorrow night & 3 tests to take by Wednesday!I'm trying to not be a complete procrastinator and I'm going to knock out that dumb paper tonight.It's so hard to focus when all I want to do is go snowboarding, make my jewelry holder, drink hot chocolate, go to a Christmas party, wear tons of glitter and sequins, make gingerbread houses, go gift shopping, wrap presents, and make tasty treats to deliver to my friends!Welp, as soon as these tests are over & done with....Christmas overload here I come :)