Things Only Provo-ites Know

 // University Avenue and University Parkway are two completely different streets, and are horrific at the following times:
+ 4-5pm everyday
+ Whenever it's snowing
+ Monday night FHE {family home evening}
+ Friday & Saturday date nights
+ Wednesdays during MTC {missionary training center} drop-off times
+ In between General Conference sessions
+ And during the summer when EFY kids are being dropped off at BYU

// The Velour is known for hosting up and coming Provo bands for hipster kids to drool and obsess over. Neon Trees anyone? {Still bitter that I didn't go when they were performing there...}

// Going on the West side of University Avenue over by the train tracks is super sketchy...how does that part of Provo even exist?!

// Everyone knows what you mean when you say that you live south of campus or condo row.

// Granted, everyone still gets Alpine Village and The Village confused...

// You are accustomed to random people asking you for weird favors such as: a picture for their FHE picture scavenger hunt, to film you wishing a stranger happy birthday, or taking surveys from you for their psychology class.

// If you are an out-of-state driver, then you blame all the horrible accidents and driving practices on other driver's "Utah plates".

// Instead of the Six Degrees of Separation, we have the Three Degrees of Just Being Mormon. You pretty much can track down a connection with anyone through various friends, acquaintances, school peers, missionaries, or family because we are all so dang inter-connected.

// BYU Cougar fans are the loudest when we win a game, i.e. driving through the streets honking, screaming, dance parties, fireworks, etc. When we lose? Provo is a complete ghost town.

// Betos drive-thru is hoppin' between the hours of 10pm-3am cause BYU students don't get the typical drug-induced munchies....we get the study munchies from studying all night for our dang tests! {Plus Betos is one of the only 24/7 businesses in Provo...smart move Betos, smart move.}

Last First Day

Today marks my last first day of a college semester {this is why I'm holding up a 12}. It's so surreal, that I'm only 4 months away from that diploma! Of course all that excitement comes at a price...it's been ridiculous trying to sign up for my classes this semester. I decided over the break that instead of taking it easy with 6 credits, that I might as well re-declare my Communications minor & finish off the last 9 credits with classes I enjoy. 

All last week I called back and forth between the the Comms and Family Science offices, filled out graduation plans, and emailed the advisement assistants to finally get the thing declared in order to sign up for classes. I then rush to sign up for classes only to see that I would still need "departmental approval" to get them added to my schedule. What the?! *Sigh*

I know it'll eventually work itself out, but I hate that feeling of being all scattered that first week of school. As of right now, I have exactly 1 class for sure on my schedule...and I'm trying to add 3 more. Also meaning that I have not bought even one textbook. Eek! At least it's one step closer to that blessed graduation day? ;)

Yellow Brick House: Christmas Tour 2013

With Christmas taking soooo dang long to get here, I couldn't wait to put our decorations right after Thanksgiving break! We are slowly adding to our Christmas candy-themed decor collection, and I love the life & cheer it brings to our home! {And yes, that is Friends on the tv...we are now on season 6 after staring a week ago from the pilot episode. I know, it's ridiculous}

We are in California for the holidays in my parents Grinch-themed house, so I'll definitely have to take some photos to share with all of you. It is totally decked out! Hope you are all enjoying your families right about now, and counting down the days 'till Christmas :)

Snow Leopard

Can you believe it's only one week until Christmas? I heard this quote the other day "the days are long but the years are short", and it feels so true! Most days I'm just trudging through to make it to the next, and then I look back wondering what happened to the last month??

Well, the snow is sticking to the ground in time for the holidays and my love for leopard is still going strong. If it weren't completely weird and totally old lady, I would wear some form of leopard print every day. Btw, this Old Navy jacket I picked up on mega sale is probably my new favorite. Olive puffer coat, black leather lining, with a fur collar? Sold.

{Remixed: Blouse}

I'm living it up in the snow for now, because being in California for the holidays mean 65-70 degree weather everyday...you don't hear me complaining! Ryan always freaks out because he thinks it's "inhumane" for it to be that warm at Christmas {PSH!}, I laugh because it's all I've ever known! I'm just ready to break out those sandals again ;)

End of Finals Countdown: T-9 hours

Hey, High School Self

If I showed this outfit to my high school self and told her this is what she would be dressing like her senior year of college, she would laugh right in my face. Fur? Colored pants? Short boots?! Then if I went on to tell her that I not only wear these "crazy" things, but I post pictures on the internet for everyone to see them? Ya...she would bust a gut and call me a fruitcake.

I remember owning a pair of forest green skinnies from Forever 21 in high school, but only wore them on 80's day with my mom's watermelon earrings because I was too scared to wear them on a regular school day. Now I'm cursing myself for ever giving those away, they would have looked perfect with my furry snow boots!!

{Remixed: Coat // Scarf // Pants}

It's funny to see how my style has not only matured but gotten more bold and unforgiving with time. Even just a year and a half ago I wouldn't have been caught dead wearing lipstick or booties, and now I have a bazillion shades & at least 4 pairs! Today I wouldn't be caught dead wearing harem pants...but who knows in a few years??

Weekend Update: Sodalicious + The Tortilla Bar

Last Thursday was our last day of classes, so Ryan & I totally partied it up! We visited this new place called Sodalicious in Provo on Friday...and OMG. I've been craving it everyday since. I got the "Your Mom Extra Dirty", which is a Dr. Pepper with lime and coconut in it. I haven't had soda in months, and usually when I take a sip of soda after such a long drought it burns my throat...but this was just downright delicious and there was no searing soda throat burn. Plus their sugar cookies are divine, so you have to go & let me know what you think!!

In the spirit of "no more classes", we decided to be super adventurous and try out The Tortilla Bar up in Orem for our date on Saturday. We were the only ones at the restaurant which was odd to me, seeing as how it was only 9:30 on a date night. Also, when you look at the menu and there aren't any prices....you know you're in trouble.

It was a three course meal with a salad, appetizer, and meal; and while it was good quality and very delicious, it wouldn't be my go-to place for dinner. We were being stared down by the waitress the entire time, and the chef was scolding the other workers in Spanish. Telling them how lazy they are and how he was going to cut their breaks and meal privileges; which obviously made for a tense evening. 

Also, for Provo/Orem standards it was a little price-y {and while I hate making that excuse, because I'll pay whatever for amazing food}, I don't think the environment and food made up for the price tag at the end of the date. Despite all of that, Ryan and I still had a great time spicing it up and trying something new instead of going to our same go-to places. 

This weekend was also full of crazed gift shopping and gift wrapping! So when I found these prints in an Etsy shop, Alexa Z Design by a fellow UT blogger Lex, I fell in love. I picked up the LA temple for my parents and the SLC temple for my mother-in-law, and put them in these adorable frames from Target, which make for the most awesome Christmas presents! I got myself a frame and can't wait 'till Lex puts up the San Diego temple she just drew {so I can add it to my gallery wall} :)

Last week I started watching Friends from the very beginning {now I'm on season 4}, so that it what my Sunday night consisted of. Watching Friends next to my heater and in the glow of the Christmas lights. This week I have my English final on Tuesday, Conducting on Wednesday, and a Jazz essay I need to email in by Friday. The goal is to be completely done by Wednesday night, so I can finally enjoy being free! Good luck to students with finals, and to everyone else with crazy Christmas shopping crowds ;)

End of Finals Countdown: T-2 days

Xtend Barre Provo

After a really awesome Winter, Spring & Summer full of consistently working out {average 2-3 times a week}, I epically failed this Fall. My school schedule had me running around like a chicken with my head cut off so I didn't put any emphasis on gym time. Sure, I walked the 30 minutes to and from school 3 times a week and had dance classes, but I'm usually accustomed to a more rigorous workout. Which means that lately I've been feeling unfulfilled in regards to workin' up a really good sweat.

I've heard about Xtend Barre before, more specifically about how it's a new style of working out that is similar to a dance warm-up...but way more intense. After my first class there, I totally agree. Two days later I'm still feeling the muscle soreness, but it hurts so good and I love it! Our teacher Kacey was a total rockstar, keeping everyone motivated to do just 4 more reps. We did: arms with weights, abs, and leg strengthening on the barre, along with cardio; so this workout is not for the faint of heart, but it's absolutely worth it. It's pretty much addicting, and I honestly cannot even wait until the next class I'm able to attend. 

At the end of the blogger Xtend Barre class, the teacher came up to me & asked if I was a dancer? I told her that I had taken some ballroom classes at BYU, but didn't consider myself a dancer by any means. She complimented me on my foot-floor connection, pointed toes, and how I was able to keep good posture pretty much the entire class. Suffice it to say, I was pretty stoked to see that the teacher was impressed by my technique and even came over to compliment me on it!

Deidre, our awesome host of the event, handed out prizes for Most Creative Instagram pic, Cutest Instagram pic, and Best in Class...which I won! The teacher had picked me to win Best in Class and while I definitely wasn't expecting it, I was super stoked to win that Albion Fit gift card! I seriously had a blast here, and will definitely start making Xtend Barre classes a part of my routine. The teachers, support from your classmates, high energy music, adorable venue, and creative full body workouts are AMAZING. Make your way over to Xtend Barre Provo in the Riverwoods, you will not regret it one bit!

Thank you to our event sponsors!
Xtend Barre: Website \\ Facebook \\ Instagram  
Rock These Socks: Website \\ Facebook \\ Instagram \\ Twitter 
Blickenstaffs: Website \\ Facebook \\ Instagram \\ Twitter 
Mend Juicery: Website \\ Facebook \\ Instagram \\ Twitter 
Provo Beach Resort: Website   
Lime Ricki: Website \\ Facebook \\ Instagram \\ Twitter
Sodalicious: Website \\ Facebook \\ Instagram \\ Twitter 
Sammys Cafe: Website \\ Facebook 
Albion Fit: Website \\ Facebook \\ Instagram \\ Twitter 
3B Yoga: Website \\ Facebook \\ Instagram

Walkin' In a {Ridiculously Freezing} Winter Wonderland

Well my friends, it is absolutely and ridiculously freezing. Though, I actually think that we were blessed this year for the snow to start in December as opposed to last year when it started in October {gross!} Suffice it to say, last winter was a loooong and horrible one. This year I was able to thoroughly enjoy fall, and so I'm trying my best with winter!

First off, winter means over the top and adorable accessories. When else can you wear a truckload of fur, lipstick, or hats with flowers/fluffy pom poms/lotsa ribbon on them? Technically you can wear them other times of the year...but you'll probably look stupid {just to warn you.} I've been soaking up all the time I get to rotate all my cute gloves, coats, boots, wool skirts and tights because I know I'll miss them in a few months!

With this hard {& stressful} semester finally coming to an end and the temperatures dropping like crazy, I've made the conscious effort to really enjoy where I'm at. Thinking of every little thing I have to accomplish between now and next Wednesday makes my head spin! Though, if I only focus on taking it one day at a time then I start to slow down and appreciate the little things. Such as this gorgeous sunset reflecting off the snow & school buildings on my walk home after a long day of classes, it makes my heart feel so warm!

With all this snow, I was inspired to do a winter snow manicure! Not gonna lie, this was FREAKIN' HARD. I'm making the effort to be more creative with my nails, but I have possibly the most un-steady hand in the world {which is why I could never ever ever be a surgeon/nurse, that and the fact I gag at the sight of blood and skin lesions. Even typing it out makes me want to bleghhhh. Yet I digress...} Can't even tell you how many times I swiped off the color and started from ground zero when I would mess up on a snowflake. What made the victory of finally finishing this manicure even sweeter, was Ryan asking me when I put the nail decals on? SYKE. I painted them on! He was genuinely impressed, and it made me genuinely happy :) 

A Christmas Throwback

I realized that I never posted my pictures from Christmas last year, and still want to share them with all of you. Thus, a Christmas throwback! I was working retail during the holidays and was not able to leave Utah, so my family came up from So-Cal to spend Christmas with Ryan & I in our 'lil yellow brick house.

I went all out with a real tree, stockings for everyone, and lots of Christmas decorations to help them feel like they were at home. I absolutely love decorating for Christmas, it's so festive & fun! Our Christmas decor theme is a "winter candyland", so we have lots of candy ornaments on the tree and even a little light-up candy house. Plus I looove penguins, so they are all over our house! 

If you haven't noticed, Evan is a total ham when it comes to Christmas photos! After opening up presents, we made a turkey dinner topped off with Evan's homemade apple pie {yumm}. Then we hit up the theaters for our Christmas movie tradition, and finished off the night by a warm fire. I was so grateful that my family came up to be with Ryan & I for the holidays, it was fun hosting them for Christmas. This year we will be going down their way for the Christmas break, and I can't wait! :)

Friday's Letters

Dear Cold & Ear Infection,

You are so horrible! I've been laid out for a week now with disgusting congestion, clogged ears, sore throat, and a pounding headache. Now that I'm on 3 different medications and with lots of sleep I'm just now starting to feel better. Being sick is such a waste of time, plus a total downer on my fashion blogging. Boo!

Dear BYU,

This semester only has 2 weeks left of school and a few days of finals...I'm almost there! Now that I finally have my official email saying that I can graduate, I can't wait 'till April. Only one more semester of 6 credits, woot woot!

Dear Portland,

The last time I saw you was all the way back in summer of 2011, when Ryan & I lived there for summer sales. Crazy how it feels so long ago. Now we'll be on our way to you this next Tuesday for our first big Rios family Thanksgiving. I'm pretty stoked for some delish food, fun company, and finally trying Voodoo Donuts. 

Dear Hunger Games,

I am SO STOKED to see you tonight. Everyone keeps raving that you are wayyy better than the first movie, which gives me hope that you follow the book better. Any excuse for a date night is an awesome one. 

{Remixed: Jeans // Jacket}

Dear Bijou Market,

I just love meeting up with my blogger friends & hittin' you up! I found some dainty 'lil earrings and some delicious smelling lotion that I can wait to try out. You never disappoint. 

happy friday :)

Happy Halloween!

Last Saturday I helped Elise {along with some other local bloggers} put together a couples Halloween party, because there is a complete lack of engaged/married couples parties in Provo! Ryan grew out his mustache and we went to the party together as Mario & Princess Peach :)

{Mario & Peach // Mermaid & Ship Captain}

There was an amazingly delicious soup bar with 5 different soup options & a Pinterest worthy treat table decked out with graveyard pudding cups and monster cupcakes! Check out Elise's post with pictures of everyone's fun couples & family costumes; there was a lost boy & tinker bell, Shaggy & Daphne, Ash & Pikachu, and so many more creative & adorable costumes! 

At the end of the night we met up with the mermaid & ship captain for caramel apple cider drinks and a late night chill sesh. Can't wait to pass out candy & finish up my outside Halloween decor for tonight. Happy halloween!