Pin-Up

I love 50s dresses & style.

Maybe it's because I have an hourglass shape and those are the patterns of clothes that flatter me best.

And maybe just because I love the music and people of the oldies era. 

Sometimes I wish I could pull off that "vintage-y/hipster/indie" cool vibe,

but I just can't.

I don't have that body type and never will, and I've come to accept that and love it.

Wayyyy back to my freshmen year of high school, I was on the basketball team.

We were running so much {maybe a little too much}

that I dropped down to 110-115 pounds.

Even at that low of a weight I still had a chest, a booty, a curvy waist, and the lovely genetic pooch.

No matter how much weight I lose I still have my pin-up shape.

Which back in high school was definitely not the popular body type.

Now that I'm in my third year of college

{and after gaining then losing the dreaded "Freshmen 15"}

I've learned that:

A. Size doesn't matter as long as I am and feel healthy.

B. I can be a size 8 & M at Anthro & Loft, but an XXL and size 12 at Forever 21.

 It's all about the way they make their clothes.

C. For as much as guys say {or think} that they want a skinny girl, once they have one, they don't like all the boney-ness that comes with it.

{Nothing to hold, grab, or look at!}

D. I've learned to love the tailor. 

As long as something fits nicely to my shape, I don't care that I bought a size 10 and had it taken in.

AND

E. Guys just want a girl to be athletic and feminine. 

Be able to lace up those basketball shoes and play with the guys, then slap on a summer dress and show off those curves! Double whammy.

Dress, Necklace: Anthropologie. Shoes: Target. Bangles: Forever 21. Purse: Magic Step. Lipgloss: Bath & Body Works.

Embrace those curves and keep 'em healthy!

<3 Bri

P.S. Brown Sugar Muffins recipe tomorrow :)

Ok, that could be countering what I was just talking about, but just eat one! 

Or two...or three.... :)

Blue Eyes

Hola amigos {and new amigos}!

Guess what. Almost the weekend!!! Can't wait :)

Just wanted to share some thoughts that strayed my mind today.

Half-way through the day I was a skunk and got in a little tiff with Ryan and stomped off to class.

People would smile at me as I walked by and as a common courtesy I would do the closed-lip smile back.

Which, not gonna lie, doesn't really work for me.

Even the photographer taking my high school senior pics asked me to do one of those serious face pictures.

He looked at the picture. 

And then proceeded to tell me not to do it again cause I looked pissed.

Case & point!

Going to my first Interior Design class {which goes towards my major!}, made me feel a little better.

In the midst of talking to the people that were sitting nearby, I went to smile, then I held it back or put my hand over my mouth.

Wow. I'm one of those people now?!

Writing this down makes it a tad more realistic and makes me sad.

Because one of my favorite assets is my smile.

I even won Best Smile in middle school and high school.
{Not to sound cocky, but I am proud of it ;)}

I just love to smile and laugh.

After class I headed on over to Smiths {grocery store}, perused through the magazines, and bought some trash bags that were much needed in our kitchen. 

I was done checking out and was about to walk out of the store, when I hesitated and my gaze was distracted by all the beautiful bouquets of flowers.

Have I told you guys that I love to arrange flowers?

I was even ready to apply to the Lake Elsinore Flower Shop before I knew I was accepted to BYU for summer term. I've taken classes at JoAnn's with my mom and have done many arrangements for my high school dances. 

I don't know what it is.
If it's the smell, the colors, or just the calm feeling that comes over me when I am making an arrangement and being creative. It is just intoxicating. 

Even my freshmen year of college, when I was feeling down, I would drive over to Smith's and buy myself a bouquet of flowers.
 People would always ask who they were for.

Welp, they are for me.
Insert awkward look from the other person...uhhhh.

So you know what I did today?

I beelined towards the flowers and walked right back to the cash register and bought them.

For myself.

Then walked out of the store and smiled the whole way out.

Next I went to 7-11 to get some hot chocolate as a peace offering for my husby, when the cashier 

{a guy} complimented me on how cool my gator ring was. 

I smiled back real big and said 

"Thank you! It bites :)"

You know what, I have to stop being embarrassed and enjoy the journey.

My braces already draw enough attention, why not put on a bright blue comfy sweater and matching winged liner? I'm gonna freaking OWN it.

The braces aren't gonna be on forever. Might as well enjoy looking like a 15-year old for the time being ;)

Sweater: Christmas gift from Sam :). Top: OP from Wal-Mart. Pants: American Eagle. Shoes: H&M. Belt: Forever 21. Gator Ring: Payless. Necklace: LA Fashion District. 

Own your nerdy tendencies

Your dorky hobbies.

Plus it never hurts to buy yourself a nice bouquet of flowers.

<3 Bri

Out of the Box

Does anyone remember the "Out of the Box" little tv show they had on Disney ages ago?!

If anyone was wondering that's where the title comes from :)

Anywhoodle.

Today was the first day back to school.

I got a blender mix of emotions going on here:

Tired, excited, optimistic, tired, hopeful, nervous, anddd tired.

Tired just because when I think of what I have ahead of me this semester, it already makes me exhausted.

Speaking of which. 

*Intermission for Diet Coke & Nap*

Now that we are back from that lovely intermission, I'll esssplain  my former fear of lipstick.

So you're thinking:

"You are wearing BRIGHT PINK lipstick, how did you used to fear it so?"

Lipstick used to have this "old lady" stigma to it. 

Don't you remember?!

Where all the old ladies at church would have a weird brown shade of lipstick and it would get on their teeth. {ewwww}

Thus, why I stayed away from it.

But as of late, the blog world/fashion world is in LOVE with lipstick.

Lipstick is the new lip gloss! {Insert whatever color} is the new black blah blah blah

So. After looking at many a blogs where fine young women were sportin' the red lipstick fad, I thought I would be a complete lemming/follower/poser and give it a shot.

Dress: Anthropologie. Sweater: Target. Necklace: Fossil. Belt: Plato's Closet. Boots: Magic Step. 

I put on the lipstick...it starts to bleed. Oh crap. How do I fix this?!

 Get a paper towel to slowly wipe off the excess on the edges without smudging everything else

 {hey, I'm still learning.}

Finally get it fixed. 

Wow..... It looks kinda nice!

I kinda feel a lil more grown up. 

This is weird.

I walk out of the bathroom and Ryan says:

"Wow baby, that looks really nice."

SCORE.

What has this whole experience taught me?

That I now LOVE lipstick, it jazzes up any outfit.

And that I need to put my toe in the water more often and try out new things.

So what new things am I trying out you may ask?

-I'm a referee of men's league basketball {it's as scary as it sounds}

-Working at an elementary as a club leader where I make up a lesson plan each week and make crafts and have fun with kids that come from less fortunate home lives

-Going to apply for jobs that are really outside of my comfort zone {customer service/call center}

-Start getting into Zumba

-I'm going to start playing basketball with my friend from upstairs {Kelli!}, even though I haven't played hardcore in years

-Add the Communications/Advertising minor

andddd

-Choosing an item from my closet each day that I don't remember when I wore it last. Then form a whole outfit around that one item.

Sweater: Buckle. Jeans: American Eagle. Shirt, Shoes: Target. Necklace: Forever 21.

And yes, the silver belt in the first few pics was an item I haven't worn in ages.

And also the sweater in the bottom pictures.

Look at me go! haha.

What's something that you intend on trying that's outside of your comfort zone?

<3 Bri

On To the Next One!

Why does the dating world just stink nowadays?

You may ask why the heck I even care cause I'm married now. 

But that's not the point here.

I have 2 brothers and a slew of friends who are single and when I hear their dating stories it makes me cringe inside. 

Granted I've had my slew of weird/creepy dates and little flings. So I feel as if I  am allowed to write on the subject.

And these are the things I've learned through my dating adventures, having best friends being boys my whole life {and listening to all their woes}, and watching friends and siblings go through it.

Guys:

Need to stop being wimps and start asking girls out.

Girls: 

Need to stop going on dates cause they feel "obligated".

Guys:

Need to stop going for the eye candy, not saying that you should go date someone hideous. 

Just stop chasing the girls that look like plastic.

Girls:

Stop posting stupid crap on facebook like "Boys are lame" or "I hate dating!"

You aren't gonna get a date with that attitude.

Guys:

If you are shy, start small! Don't go and plan some elaborate date. 

If you are more comfortable in group dates, try that out first. 

Then once you are more comfortable and confident, start with the one on one!

Girls:

Don't do this whole "beauty on the inside" stuff.

Guys are visual beings. I know I know this is so horrible. But it's true.

Once you accept it, guys make sooo much more sense.

And finally, please let this following example NOT be you:

 Guy asks girl out, she is not really into him, but she feels obligated to go out with him just because he asked her on the date.

They go on the date, the girl is texting during the whole dinner and during mini golf while the guys is trying to strike up a conversation. 

She goes home then facebooks about how lame her night was.

WHAT THE HECK.

THEN DON'T GO ON THE FREAKING DATE.

Think about it. 

If you say no to the date, it may hurt him in the short run, but in the long run it's worth it.

You are saving both of your guys' time, his money, your extraneous time getting ready for the date, and you are ultimately saving either of you from the heartache.

And I know it's totally against everything you have been brought up to believe through the many hours spent watching Disney princess movies. 

But please. If you like the guy. Think he is cute.

Stop waiting around for him to ask you.

If he is shy, then it makes sense why he hasn't asked you out yet.

Why not you do it?

What do you have to lose?

If he says no, then fine. On to the next guy!

If he says yes, then perfect!

Top, Sweater, Pants: LOFT. Boots, Purse: Magic Step. Necklace: stolen from Mom.

And yes those are jewel tone blue corduroy pants. AWESOME SAUCE.

And here are my last thoughts:

Girls, it's a dog eat dog world out there, you want a chance? Go after it. 

Ask that nice/cute/genuine guy in your Chem class out, what do you have to lose?

 A lot of those boys don't have a clue what's going on and you gotta give him a shove in the right direction {ahem, you!}. 

 But if he is lame? On to the next one!

Guys, suck it up and ask her out. 

Do you really think this is the last/only time you will ever be rejected in your whole entire life? Nope. Get up the guts and ask her, what if you didn't and she was the one?

But, if she is lame. On to the next one!

You have to start showing off your confident self & if the guy/girl you want doesn't work out?

Pick yourself off the ground again and get out there to meet the one that's for you.

There are so many fish in the sea, so many students, so many people around you. 

Get out there and put yourself out! 

You can't just wait around in your room waiting for a guy to jump through the window asking & begging to be with you. 

{If that does ever happen call 911}

You gotta be social, cute, and most importantly yourself.

Girls, I expect you to ask some cute guy out this week.

Hustle it up!

<3 Bri

Guest Post: "Little Tranquility"

Hello everyone! Hope everyone is back into the swing of things, whether that be school or work.

I have a guest post for you guys today from Amanda who blogs at 'Little Tranquility'.

She is a midwestern girl who loves sunshine, traveling, vintage, vegetarianism, chai tea, animals, and blogging!

I asked her some questions about her blog and about herself...enjoy!

1. What is your blog all about? And what are some things that your readers should know about you while reading your blog?

I moved to Washington, DC over the summer from Wisconsin, so I started the blog mainly to keep my friends and family back home up-to-date on my new life on the East coast. But, Because my boyfriend travels a lot of his job, I started traveling with him and my blog sort of turned into a travel blog for a while since I wasn't in DC much of the first couple months I lived here.

{I've posted about my trips to Anguilla, Puerto Rico, and Qatar so far.}

I haven't travled in a few months though, so I started posting about other things that interest me: like pretty DIYs, photography, music, etc! I want to continue posting as often as I can about things like this, but I also plan on keeping with the travel theme and writing about my trips as often as I can.

2. Do you think that leggings are appropriate as a substitute for pants? Why or why not?

Hmmm, I think sometimes leggings look cute with a babydoll shirt or a short dress. I wear them like that sometimes, but I don't know if they substitute for pants exactly. I wouldn't think of wearing a shirt with them. They're sort of like tights to me. I'd at least want my bottom covered by something other than leggings, haha.

3. How did you meet your other half, Andrew?

Andrew and I met only 6 months ago {on the internet!} and my life has changed dramatically since. He's the greatest :) I feel so luck to know him, and he's proof that there are still good-hearted guys out there who only want the best for the people they love. <3 

You can read our story HERE.

4. What is your favorite book and why? And is the book really better than the movie?

My favorite book is The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath, but Into The Wild by Jon Krakauer is also a favorite. I've been in love with Sylvia Plath since I was 14, and I even have a Plath tattoo! I actually wrote a blog post about why I love her which you can find HERE. 

I think a movie came out in the 70's but I've never seen it. I'll have to look into that. There are rumors that a new version is coming out next year and Julia Stiles is going to play Esther Greenwood! That's so exciting. I hope the rumors are true!

It's hard to pick between the book and the movie for 'Into the Wild' since they're both incredible and 'Into the Wild' is my all-time favorite movie {and I'm deeply in love with Emile Hirsch} but if I had to choose, I suppose I'd go with the book mainly because the book includes a lot of Chris McCandles' acutal writing. He was an amazing guy. You should definitely check out the book AND the movie if you haven't already! You won't be disappointed.

5. Finally, what is your biggest learning experience and why?

I'd have to say my biggest learning experience took place almost a year ago today. I was in a 6 year relationship with a guy and decided I didn't want to be with him anymore. Leaving was hard, but I knew it was for the best. I hadn't been alone since I was 16 years old and I was afraid to venture out into the world as a single adult, since it was something I had never done before. I never gave myself a chance to be my own person since the two of us always did everything together. So, I packed my bags, moved out of his house, and found an apartment in a new city, distancing myself from him. It was hard, but I'm so glad I did it.

I think everyone should experience complete aloneness once in their life. It makes you a stronger person and you learn a lot about yourself. When you only have yourself to lean on, you view everything in a very different light.

That being said, I'm so happy now with Andrew. He has proven to me that there is such a thing as beautiful beginnings. I took time to grow as a person and now being with him is easy. I don't always relay on him and I make decisions independently. That's how it should be, right? There's nothing wrong with being alone, but when you can be happy with your partner 100% of the time, I think you can consider yourself pretty lucky. :)

Loved her post, I can totally relate with feeling extremely lucky to be with the person I am. But it is also really important to spend time with yourself and become the person you want. 

Check out Amanda's blog HERE.

<3 Bri

Familia Olympics

Oh gosh, I love California.

My mom's side of the family all met up in San Diego in celebration of my grandparent's 50th wedding anniversary, so it turned into a family reunion.

We do an "Olympics" everytime we get together for a family reunion, sooo fun.

We get split up into 3 separate teams, get to make our own flags and team names, and compete in all the different games.

My team was originally 'The Cougars' thennnn the little girls got ahold of some markers and we became the 'Colorful Cougars'

They colored it to the point that you couldn't even tell we were the cougars anymore. 

So our motto became: 

Out of the javelin {throwing straws} or discus {throwing two paper plates taped together}, or even shotput {beanbag toss}, you ask what my favorite competition was? 

Three-legged race hands down.

It was all the adults, and it was INTENSE.

 {Evan and Uncle Rich}

 {Me and cousin Amanda}

{Ryan and Dad}

Ryan thinks he is bad ace.

Enjoy the video of the race.

Look to the far right and watch Ryan and Dad completely biff it at the end.

And watch me and Amanda WIN.

Anndddd

Here is my lil cousin Ethan.

Seriously the cutest baby ever.

Our different teams even got to win our very own medals. 

YUM!

I won the Silver medal {with my chocolate kisses on it} and Ryan's team won the Gold {with Hershey's nuggets}. 

So everyone wins!

Afterwards we hit up my dads new favorite bbq place. 

Phils BBQ in Point Loma and San Marcos.

Some of the best BBQ I've had in a looong time. 

It filled you up but it wasn't mega rich, thus not making you sick to your stomach.

And also making you feel like you are gonna die from too much food.

This bbq doesn't make you feel like that.

SCORE. 

Later that night we hit up Old Town San Diego for even more food!

It was a nice lil area filled up with boutiques and Mexican shops.

With a mariachi on top of it! 

Sweater: Target. Top: Loft. Necklace: Forever 21. Jeans: Fossil. 

We took the pic cause it says 'Rios' on it and Ryan's favorite part of the picture below is the 

'Blessing of the Animals' sign...um. ya.

That's a real thing. They really do that.

<3 Bri

Ready or Not!

Whew!

 Finally back from all the festivities. With lots of pictures!

I finally got all the pics uploaded and am looking around at all my family....asleep.

So. 

I've been left to thinking back on this year and how...well, difficult it's been.

Between funerals, surgeries, and poor newlywed/student-ness, it's been a rough year.

 But I now have a stronger testimony of the Lord's timing.

There is no way that I could have gotten through this year without Ryan, and vice versa, and for that I am so grateful to have him. 

To have met him when I did and had the opportunity to marry him when I did was not just coincidence. 

My goals for this upcoming year?

Pretty much just piece my life back together.

That may sound a little defeatist, but I'm actually very optimistic for this upcoming year.

Getting back to the gym {Zumba!}

 Keeping up the healthy eating {Find good recipes}

Sleeping a good 8 hours a night {zzzzzzz}

 Find a nice good paying job 

Keep up on the school work

Getting braces off and having perfect teeth again {4 months}

 Give more service

 Have a good savings tucked away,

 Be a better friend/sister/wife. 

Overall, just having a better schedule. 

Or just even a schedule in general. 

{Life gets hectic and a schedule just goes out the window!}

What's happening in 2012 for me you ask?

Evan {brother} going on his 2 year mission 

Zannie {cousin} getting married

Being almost done with school {Human Development major, music minor, communications minor}

Workin' a good hard summer to save up for a town house/Italy trip/school

Celebrating my 21st birthday {Sep.} and my 1 year anniversary {June}

Gettin' back into bikini shape for this next summer

Friends coming back from missions

Working on my crafts, home decor, and voice lessons

and finally,

Watching my blog grow!

Top: Loft. Skirt: Anthropologie. Jacket, Earrings: Forever 21. Shoes: Target.  Purse: Magic Step.

Onto other optimistic things...

we spent Wednesday-Saturday in San Diego celebrating my grandparent's 50th wedding anniversary.

Crazy, huh?

You don't hear about that much nowadays with all the divorces and re-marrrying happening in the country.

It's fun to hear that long & loving marriages still exist!

As a gift, the family ordered a cake topper to be made that mirrored them on their wedding day.

Way cute!

We are ringing in the New Year with Martinelli's, Catch Phrase, Uno, brownies, Die Hard, and family.

What more could I ask for?

Ready or not 2012...I'm coming to rock your socks off.

<3 Bri