Super Bowl 2014

I grew up in a basketball family...my entire family has played and I'm now a basketball referee for Parks & Rec {makin' my dad proud!} Then I married Ryan...who is all football all the time. He played his entire life, and is now a walking football encyclopedia. Super Bowl sunday is where we come together as one...party planner extraordinaire and football fan maniac ;) 

We love being social and having a reason to rally up some of our favorite people to come over, which is why this is our second year hosting a Super Bowl party. I love hosting parties, so I had a complete blast putting the food and table together!

I made some Cafe Rio pork in the crockpot and had rolls {or "Bronco Bread", so corny right?}, cheese, and sauces for everyone to make their own little sliders. Throw in some southwestern dippers, themed cupcakes, cheesy potato skins, and 7-up punch and we're in business! Everyone brought over their own appetizers to contribute which included: cream cheese filled croissants from the Provo Bakery, amazing avocado salsa with chips, homemade girl scout cookies, and delicious artichoke dip. Can you tell that we all love food?!

I also printed up some Super Bowl commercial bingo cards which was actually super fun! We all got pretty competitive to see how could hit bingo first ;) I don't know if it's a sad or happy thing...but I had such a fun time the whole night that I didn't even pick up my camera to take pictures of who was there. BLOGGER FAIL! Even more of a fail? The Denver Broncos...ouch!

The Bear aka Satan's Sandwich

Last weekend one of our good friends, Cody Holmes, was in town to meet up with his GF and we ended up hanging out all day Saturday! Cody wanted to hit up this place Lucky 13 in SLC to compete in their food challenge. Two sandwiches. 58 minutes. $200 on the line. 

Ryan ended up getting "The Bear", one of the 2 sandwiches that Cody would have to eat in his competition. "The Bear" was 2 grilled cheese sandwiches, with a 14oz meat patty in the middle. The meat had been mixed with habaneros, there were habaneros on the sandwich, AND a habanero hot sauce. Keep in mind that both Ryan and Cody served LDS missions in Honduras and aren't new to spicy/hot food. 

Ryan got his food and started narfing it down...then his eyes starting welling up. Then his eyes were bloodshot. Then he downed everyones water at the table. He barely got through half of the sandwich before calling it quits and dubbing it "Satan's Sandwich." He said it was the hottest thing he had ever tasted in his life. Hearing this made Cody pretty nervous for his challenge...

He ate the burger on the left in less than 15 minutes, and was setting a good pace for himself. He got to "The Bear" and only ate about 1/8th of it before his eyes got insanely bloodshot and he was running for the restroom. Cody and Ryan for the rest of the night kept on yelling "What did we do to ourselves?!?!" We came back to the house and they laid in the fetal position on the floor for a good hour before having the strength to get up. Even the day after Ryan was just puttering around because he could still feel the fiery burn of habaneros in his stomach! 

Scary to say the least?! It's amazing what food can do to you!! I just ate this BBQ bacon cheeseburger and some of these fries and still couldn't even get through all of it haha! No more food challenges or Satan Sandwiches for these boys...

Midway Ice Castles

Back in December I snagged a Groupon for the Midway Ice Castles knowing that it would be a perfect budget friendly date! Especially since it's hard to get myself to go out on dates during the wintertime...cause all I want to do is cozy up in blankets, eat pizza, and watch Netflix. We finally went this last Friday and it was absolutely breathtaking.

Even driving up to Midway was beautiful, I snapped this picture and just enjoyed looking at all the snow capped trees. Sometimes I forget how pretty Utah really is, so it's nice to have these reminders every once in a while!

Ryan was being a rebel and punching some of the icicles...that dork. It was cool to see these manmade ice castles and walk through all the different mazes and crevices they had to offer. At nighttime they have LED lights inside the castles light up to make it even more magical, how cool is that??

We even saw Queen Elsa and Princess Anna from Frozen come to take some pictures, and it just made me wish I was a Disney princess! Although, I do think that I have the whole Sleeping Beauty thing down ;) This is something that I would definitely want to do next winter, it's a good excuse to get out of the house and make the best of the freezing temps here :)

Weekend Update: Parks & Rec + Awful Waffle + Church

This past weekend was a crazy one! I'll start from the top...so for my American Heritage class {yuck, still irked I have to take that class}, I have to do 10 hours of community service as a part of my grade. I emailed my old boss at Provo Parks & Recreation asking if he could use me for any volunteer work? I went in to the new Recreation Center {which was recently built & is insanely gorgeous}, and he said I would be directing traffic at the front desk for Junior Jazz {city basketball program for 1st-8th}. 

I had mentioned that I kinda missed being a referee to the little kids and that I would probably put in my application again...he told me no need and handed over the paperwork to have my job back, gave me a raise, and a shift for this upcoming Saturday. Ummm, can I say pumped much? I had worked there up until basketball season ended a couple years ago, then I started my Francesca's job soon after. So it's been a while since I've reffed, and I'm a tad nervous...but mostly excited. It's always nice to know that your hard work is appreciated and that old employers will take you back in a heartbeat! 

After I volunteered Saturday morning, I made my way to Sodalicious {man, was I craving that dirty dr. pepper/sugar cookie} then ended up at Awful Waffle for Deidre's going away party. She is moving to be with her baseball-player husband in Arizona, and we are so jealous she is moving to warmer weather! She has been such an awesome friend, so of course I'm sad to see her go, but I'm so excited for her new adventure :)

Then on Sunday we were invited by our neighbors to hit up a young married ward in the area, which I was a little hesitant about. I've always heard horrible things about married student wards, specifically that they are: cliquish, drama-filled, and awkward. Yikes! Although, we haven't felt very "at home" in our current family ward, so I was up for trying something new.

In all my years of living in Utah {about 5 years}, I've NEVER had anyone approach me and ask if I was new to the ward. Just because there are so many people moving in and out all the time, the ward members just don't know how to sort out who's new or already a part of the ward. I was honestly stunned when I had a few different people ask me who I was, and was genuinely interested in getting to know me. Everyone was so dang friendly! Luckily we are zoned to be in this ward, so we will be hopping over there soon and I'm stoked to meet other couples who are in the same phase of life as us :)

WHEW! That was a major weekend update if I do say so myself. This weekend is chock-full of more exciting stuff: 2 exams, Superbowl party, and my first shift back as a referee! 

Weekend Update: Steve Madden + Football + Texas de Brazil

I drove up with my best friend Alexa, and blogger friend Rachel up near Salt Lake to the Fashion Place Mall to wait in line and meet the amazing STEVE MADDEN. I am a huge fan of his purses & shoes...ok, I'm obsessed. Although, being the bargain diva that I am, I only purchase his merchandise on sale at Ross or on eBay. I'll let you in on a little secret...Ross almost ALWAYS has Steve Madden purses for $30-$40 when they usually sell for over $100. Crazy!

We waited in line with fellow blogger friends Gentri, Jody, and Jessi for over 2 hours because Steve was just chillin' in his green room, getting ready I suppose? The line was a total party with food, shoes on a platter, a DJ dance party, shoe raffle, and taking pictures with the emcee to post on the Nordstrom Facebook page. So the line wasn't too brutal with the par-tay going on!

When Steve finally came out, he passed right in front of our group and he shook my hand! I was fangirlin' hardcore. I got my purse signed by Steve, we all got a picture with him, and we got a free swag bag. It was pretty dang cool! Definitely worth the drive up & time in line :)

{That's me grabbing Steve's hand!! Thanks Jody for the video!}

On Sunday Ryan & I made our way to Kyla's place to watch the Seahawks/49ers game {because Kyla is from Nor-Cal & her husband from Washington} and ate some delish dinner while having a blast cheering for the Seahawks {woot woot}! Then on Monday we drove up to Salt Lake with Benexa to visit our favorite Brazilian Steakhouse, Texas de Brazil, because they are doing 50%  off of dinner prices for the month of January. Oh my gosh, it was soooo worth every bite & penny :) Suffice it to say, it was a super fun & filling weekend!

Weekend Update: Baby Ford

This past Saturday I went to my blog BFF's baby shower for her little girl who's due on Valentine's day! How cute is that?? Everything was decked out in pink & gold by her awesome mom and sisters, and the food was deeeelish. I seriously had 10 of some sausage roll-up finger foods, cause they totally hit the spot. Yummmmm. {Check out Kyla's full post on the shower!}

Ryan and I had a blast picking out adorable little girl outfits for Kyla's little one, and it makes me look forward to that time in my life when I'll be buying little baby clothes up the wazoo. Tutus, baby jeggings, and frou-frou galore! Until then, I'll just spoil my friends babies :)

After the shower, Ryan & I just vegged the rest of the weekend because we are exciting married college students and all. Hooray for sleep & a ridiculous amount of Sodalicious runs! 

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

Weekend Update: Pasodoble + Thor

{Mock Competition for Samba from Oct.}

I know I'm writing this early for a weekend update, but I've already done all the exciting stuff I'm actually going to do for the entire weekend. Now it's just homework and being lazy around the house! Yesterday I competed in the BYU Dancesport competition with my partner Brandon in the Pasodoble. In the mock competition for Samba a while back we placed 3rd, which we were super stoked about. Even though we only made it to Quarterfinals {competing in a higher level} for Paso, it was a fun time & I'm proud that we made it a couple rounds :)

{Dancesport competition in Pasodoble}

Our latin dance teacher trains some of the best latin dancers in the country, so he is pretty intense when it comes to competition. So he instructed us that all the girls are supposed to have their hair slicked back, shiny, and in a tight bun. Ummm ya, that is really difficult. I used Ryan's hair gel and slathered that stuff on like no one's business then used at least 15 bobby pins to keep my bun in place. I also caked on the make-up & sunless tanner {and I'm still white as ever!} It's taken 2 showers & lots of shampoo to get all that gel out. Yuck!

After I competed we made our way over to the Riverwoods Lighting, where we drove into the parking lot then promptly turned around to leave. The traffic was CRAZY. I didn't think it was such a popular event, so I was surprised to see the place swamped with families in their snow coats. We decided to hit up the other side of Provo {to avoid all those people} and see Thor 2 at the Provo Towne Mall {which was actually really good, a lot better than the first movie.} It was a low-key night where we picked up some amazingly discounted sweaters from American Eagle, Panda Express in the food court, and hit up a 10pm showing of the movie. Just love those spur of the moment date nights :) Plus, I soooo want to start decorating for Christmas, but I can't bring myself to do it until after Thanksgiving! Old habits die hard my friends.

Not Apologizing

{A reese's cheesecake recipe I made this past weekend, yummmm}

I know that some bloggers will apologize for being absent from the blog world for an extended amount of time. In my younger days I saw other bloggers do that and thought "Oh, I guess that's just blogging etiquette?" PSH, lies. Now that I've been around for a while, I feel like I know better.

I'm sure you were able to continue breathing and living without a Breezy Days blog post? Life goes on, and I'm sure as heck not going to apologize for playing N64 Paper Mario with the husband or being busy with school when I "should" have been blogging {according to those posting-everyday-standards.} This is my place of refuge, and I'm more than happy to share a little piece of my life with you. So I'll let you in on a little secret...I've been eating pizza and wearing sweats all weekend and unless you want to hear more about that, I'll more than happily take blogging breaks until I actually put on some real clothes :)

happy monday.

Weekend Update: Cornbelly's

Growing up I absolutely LOVED Halloween, probably because my parents would go all out for decorations and costumes. I still relish the Hallowen decorating, wearing fun costumes, watching Nightmare Before Christmas, making Halloween treats, and handing out candy. My dad & I even bought a remote rat one year for Halloween! We hid in the window, watching the front door for trick-or-treaters and would then race the fake rat up and scare little kids with it. Cheap entertainment! Ryan on the other hand is a little freaked out by Halloween, mostly because he grew up thinking there was a cucuy living in his closet...so I gotta make sure my decor is "cute-sy" enough so it doesn't scare him. 

I found a Groupon to hit up Cornbelly's in Lehi, a corn maze/pumpkin fest, and snatched it right up. It was our first time going {and doing really anything Halloween-related} and it was super fun! We took the hay ride, walked through the little kid corn maze, played beanbag games, looked at all the fun Halloween decor, watched a pig race, and picked out mini pumpkins. Nothing too scary ;) Then we ended our date with Cafe Rio pork salads & burritos, what better way to cap off the night?!

What's your favorite part about Halloween? 

Are you a scared-y cat?

Weekend Update: Comedy Sportz & The Choc'late Mousse

Ryan & I have made it a point to plan one date night activity for each weekend, a time where take a breath from school and really focus on one another. We haven't been good about consistent date nights in the past, so this is something new for us! Last weekend we hit up Comedy Sportz {a comedy club in Provo, on Center St.} to watch one of our friends at work, and it was such a blast! 

Being that we are in Provo, it was fun to have the comedy tailored to us as an audience. Meaning that it was clean with some Mormon culture jokes thrown in there :) If you want to try it out, make sure to pay for the tickets online {they are cheaper, $8 instead of $10} and make a reservation in advance. The Friday & Saturday nights get sold out super fast!

Then we walked around the corner to this cute 'lil pie bar I've seen when driving by on University Avenue. The Choc'late Mousse has only been in business for a month, but it's only 2 storefronts down from the Velour; so they are usually visited by our one & only Provo hipsters for band after parties, which actually sounds super fun! I grabbed the smallest size, because it's really rich & filling, and totally devoured the oreo crust and pumpkin mousse. YUM. Seriously check it out, you won't regret it!

What are you favorite date night ideas?

Weekend Update: BYU Football Monsoon

My parents were in Utah for a cousin's wedding and decided to make a quick weekend trip out of it by staying with Ryan & I for a couple nights {plus they dropped off my Lucille, yessss!}. We snagged tickets for the BYU vs. Texas game on Saturday because even though both my parents attended BYU, my dad had only been to one game while my mom had never even been in the stadium!

We got all decked out in our BYU gear, grabbed our anoraks for the 40% chance of rain, hopped in the car, and made our way over to campus to find a close parking spot. When getting out of the car, we noticed that the dark clouds were quickly moving towards Provo, in a creepy Wizard-of-Oz-flying-monkeys-are-coming-to-attack-you sort of way. We brushed it off thinking that it would pass over soon, were not too worried about it, and kept pressing forward!

Ok, the clouds were moving in WAY too fast, it looked like someone was hitting the fast forward button on a VHS tape! So of course, I had to stop and take pictures...for the blog. As we kept on foraging our way towards the stadium, the winds were getting harsher with every passing second and I thought I was gonna get blown off the sidewalk! It was the most blustery windstorm I had ever been caught in, and while we kept on moving forward some families took cover under a tree, hoping the winds would soon calm down.

Then it started POURING. Insanely ridiculous downpour! As the raindrops fell, they stung the backside of my legs with every single pelting drop. It burns it burns! We were instantly soaked...as were the poor tickets. My mom & I took off our California sandals/espadrilles and continued barefoot to the LaVell Edwards stadium, only to find that because of the monsoon-like weather and lightening, that the game had been cancelled until further notice. 

Ryan's extensive football knowledge gave us hope that the game would go on. He said that once the lightening stops, they will start a 55 minute countdown until kickoff; this was then confirmed by our good friends on Twitter. The boys hiked to the other side of campus to grab the car while my mom & I drip dried under the bless-ed cover of the Hinckley building. 

It would then become absolutely necessary to procure some delicious 7-11 hot chocolate {my favorite} on the way home to dry off & warm up at the 'lil yellow brick house. Once we got to the house...did we forget to close the windows before we left? Why yes, of course! We ran around closing windows, mopping up puddles, throwing sopping wet clothes in the dryer, and blow-drying tickets...waiting with baited breath for go-time. 

From ByuTv we got the go-ahead. Game time. 55 minute countdown starts now. SCORE.

We put on our newly warm & dried clothes, found an even closer parking spot and walked amongst the excited BYU fans to the stadium. We were FINALLY here!

Seeing as how we are a basketball family, we drew on Ryan's football knowledge {ahem, obsession} when needing clarification on rules and calls. We cheered when we needed to, which was the most important part. And how often did we sing the BYU victory song? TOO MANY TIMES TO COUNT {ok, I'm sure you could count it, but it was a lot}. It was freaking awesome! We picked the best game ever to come to! And you know what? It only sprinkled a couple times the entire game. Completely amazing, especially since we were stuck in a massive thunderstorm only a couple hours previous.

After the game we hit up Smiths to pick up some lasagna & pizza to make for dinner. We made food then promptly fell asleep. We were all tuckered out! Granted, even with the rain it was probably some of the best fun I've had in a while. Go Cougs!