There is nothing quite like an afternoon of skipping class for french fries, diet cokes, and holding hands underneath the table.

Tommy's Burger is a new favorite of mine, (and in my humble opinion) is way better than Ripples just up the road. No diner should be named Ripples.

the 90s.

Thought Catalog (which I love) published this article (below) which I love, love.

Things 90s Kids Will Have to Explain to Their Children:

-Topanga was at some point in human history considered not only a legitimate first name for a human being, but the kind of name that would inspire in malleable teenage boys a life-long infatuation. Topanga, in our day, was leading lady name-material. Topanga (pronounced Tah-payne-ga, for those who will have only ever seen in it written down) is the name of the quintessential girl-next-door who will live, along with Feeney, in our hearts forever.

-At some point, we carried around little plastic eggs with tiny screens on them — in these screens lived our hearts, our pets, our raison d’etre, our very own Tamagotchi. We loved them, we listened to their tiny electronic screams of malnourishment, and we occasionally forgot to pick up their poop for long enough that they died a tortured, poop-filled death. They were perhaps our first foray into the life-consuming world of electronics and self-absorption, later to be fully manifested by Facebook.

-Though on the surface, they are the exact same thing in every conceivable way, whether you liked The Backstreet Boys or N*SYNC said more about your character than all of the terrible macaroni art you could ever make for your child psychologist. Essentially, liking *NSYNC meant you liked Justin Timberlake, as he was clearly the Seabiscuit in that race from the get-go. You even liked him with his terrible, icy-blond mini-fro. Liking the Backstreet Boys gave you a bit more of a cultured palate, as there was no clear Diana in those Supremes. Nick was kind of the wholesome, if northern-Florida-redneck safe choice (save for his humiliating younger brother, Aaron). Brian was the shy, sensitive type. AJ was the hottt, dangerous meth addict. Kevin Richardson was mute with sexy, sculpted facial hair. No one liked Howie. Choosing between the two groups was like choosing between two beloved children, but once that line was crossed–there was no going back.

-“I wanna really really really wanna zig a zig ahh,” has a meaning, and all true nineties kids know it, but we must never share it. Like the Illuminati, it must remain between us, the keyholders. With great power comes great responsibility.

Is it sad that I still feel like the 90s were basically yesterday?
When did I get so old?

via

sunny with a high of seventy five.

After trying the cinnamon pull apart bread at Great Harvest the other weekend, (the newest contender for the best dessert I've probably ever had) I decided to make my first loaf of bread - and not just any loaf of bread - but a cinnamon swirl loaf of bread.


I was hoping that it would put my mothers homemade bread to shame (nearly impossible) - so it was unfortunate that the dough tasted better than the actual bread. Regardless, I would give myself 7 out of 10 stars. 5 for trying, 2 for using less sugar than it called for (which is why it tasted more cinnamony than sugary) but 1 star for trying to be healthy. 7 stars.

--

We also discovered La Jolla Groves the other weekend (on a bike ride, of course) during one of our trips down to the Riverwoods. When we noticed the twinkle lights in the windows and the lemons hanging from the trees, we knew we would have to try it out.


So try it out we did! And in my most humble opinion? It smelled like lemons, we were allowed to order off the kids menu, and the water boy was super cute. 8 out of 10 stars.

--

And I saved the best for last, because the last is the best of all the game.


This drink machine has become our treat machine. We stop by every day on our way home from the gym, just so we can pick from 3,029,482,093,852,093 different sodas off the touch screen menu. And okay, there are actually only 101 options - but still... One hundred and one. From one machine. It's like the drink machine of the future. Our children will be a part of this sugar revolution. I am convinced Willy Wonka was the brains behind it.

And best of all? It's at Cafe West -- aka my home away from home. So it's kind of like fate again.
10 out of 10 stars my friends.

The end.

dear blank, please blank.

Having a bad day? Need something to just make you smile? Well, look no further my friends -- dear blank, please blank just made today 10x better.

Some of my favorites:

Dear Noah,

We could have sworn you said the ark wasn't leaving till 5.

Sincerely, The Unicorns

Dear America,

You produced Miley Cyrus. Bieber is your punishment.

Sincerely, Canada

(haha - so funny even though I am in love with him)

Dear Scissors,

I feel your pain... No one wants to run with me either.

Sincerely, Sarah Palin

Dear 2012,

Please disregard all the rumors. You'll be fine.

Sincerely, 1984.

Dear Nickelback,

That's enough.

Sincerely, The World

(amen and amen)

--

and if this glee song doesn't make you want to dance all weekend, you're not human.

beethovens fifth symphony.

this little conductor could give us all a lesson when it comes to enthusiasm. best part is at the end when he can't control his laughter. how cute is he?

wish i had something more exciting to share, or at least say today -
anyone else more than ready for christmas break?

the treasure map.

I had to fight a pirate to get a hold of this treasure map...
Okay, not really.

It only took a Sunday afternoon to complete this,
but whoever thinks New York City and L.A. are the only exciting places to live, simply just haven't created a treasure map of their own hometown.

Key to Treasure Map:
SSCG = Strawberry shortcake cupcake gang hideout. Navajo Indians once lived there. This is also where "The Shire" can be found.
Hobbitville = They may be little, but they sure know how to fight. Bring pepper spray, just in case.
"Kings Rock" - Discovered once by Louis and Clark, we re-discovered it this past summer on a hike through the mountains. Best view of the U.C. -- and best when bringing a fall picnic (including a thermos of hot chocolate and an ipod).
Maple Lake - Legend has it that Merlin still lives here. If you want to fall in love, bring a raft and a date, and the odds will most certainly be in your favor, (trust me on this one).
Kong Kones at Maceys - Will cheer you up 100% of the time.
Haunted elevator - Downtown P-town. Includes flickering lights, rickety sliding doors and all the works. Just be aware of the office workers...
Cafe West - Best when you tell the cashier your name is "Wes" when ordering 99 cent fries and ice cream. Glorious.
The Wishing Fountain - Been in use since 2006. Every wish I've ever made there has always come true.
Nickel City - Although I'm not a fan of arcades, Nickel City has a machine that predicts the future. Seriously...I think we spent $10 dollars worth in nickles, just so everyone could find out their future spouse.
Muse Cafe - Monday night, open mic night. This is the only cultural experience you can find in Provo, and it's always a pretty good show.
Sweet Tooth Fairy - And now ladies and gentlemen, you've hit the jackpot.

The list of "treasured items and places" goes on, and on, and on...
but if there's anything I've learned in the past few years,
it's that usually the funnest things only take a few good friends and a good imagination.

little big books.

the little big book of love,

the little big book for brides,
even the little big book of christmas.

i found out yesterday that i adore the little big books.
so i bought three.

best present to myself in a long time.

"channel into the witches"

the title to this post is more of an inside joke,
but saturday night we definitely "channeled into the witches."
every year, gardner village has a witches night out,
where literally hundreds and hundreds of women dress up
just to gallivant all around these cute little shops in this tiny village.

so last minute we decided to attend this event,
and after making 3 different stops in order to find witches hats,
(who would have thought those would be so hard to find??)
i have to say that i was pleasantly surprised.
dancing, costumes, fortune telling, caramel apples -
can any halloween activity get any better than that?

and as for our halloween plans this year --
we've considered going on a legitimate ghost tour, and maybe staying in an old motel where it is rumored serial killer ted bundy murdered one of his victims...
are we crazy?

halloween cupcakes

(RIP Josh -- you know who you are)

I could spend hours looking at Martha Stewart's website getting ideas for all sorts of Halloween treats, but the traditional graveyard cupcakes we usually make are always so fun and easy, that I still can't help but go to the store and get everything weeks in advance as soon as October rolls around.

And with Halloween only two weeks away, I'm still trying to get as many activities in as soon as possible (even with midterms -- which I should be studying for right now, but Martha Stewart takes precedence).

So far on the list: ghost tours, witches night out, corn mazes and scary movies -- any other fun ideas?







PS.
dear delivery boy,
date me?

the 5 loves of my life.

the very first cassette tape i ever owned was:
the beach boys

the very first crush i remember having
(besides jonathan taylor thomas,
who comes in at a close second)
was:
the beach boys

before the dream street era,
my boy band of choice was:
the beach boys

___

so after learning that the beach boys are coming to provo, utah this november,
i officially have one good reason to be excited for the fall.

north by northwest.

I've been waiting all summer to go see North by Northwest
in the park tonight,
mainly because 1. It's an Alfred Hitchcock film,
2. The leading role? Cary Grant.
And 3. There's always a sense of perfection that comes while watching a movie
underneath the stars in the summertime.


Has anyone else seen it?
I've heard several mixed reviews,
but lets be honest -
any opportunity to watch Cary Grant for 90 minutes isn't something to be missed.

(just an afterthought: longest. movie. ever. made.)

daily affirmation.

i know that 99% of you have probably already seen this video,
but i just watched it today and decided that this little routine is something i'd like to start doing every morning before i head to work. dancing on the bathroom counter and all.

so cute.

the time machine.

(*pictured above: the time machine control panel found on board.
*pictured below: a blurry view of the time machine in all its glory)

last time when i mentioned that my time machine wasn't working...
i really wasn't kidding.

this genuine, handcrafted time transporter 360 is the perfect way to escape for the evening, and best of all: it's ran completely on bubbles.

when you step aboard, take notice that the control panel allows you to set any month, day and year, and with the press of a button, off you go!

but don't forget: you must wear your personalized tinfoil hat and 3-D goggles during any time of travel - just in case of an extraterrestrial encounter. you can also find a bag full of skittles (we didn't have any reeses pieces) - just in case, too.

we also crafted this machine to be able to receive all cellular service (note: t-mobile isn't the greatest) but in case a need arises for an emergency landing, you can always make a phone call.

now for those of you wondering what inspired our time machine:
i don't know what it is about 2010,
(or maybe it's just growing up in general)
but time is going by faster and faster and then... even faster.
it really feels like just yesterday i was a high school graduate,
and now i'm preparing for my senior year in college.

and although i like being a "grown up" - or at least feeling a little grown up,
for one night it was really fun to just be a kid again.

*one final note: the time machine is a manual. this is pretty important information for the driver.

cheers.

here's to my summer starting off a lot like this.

(this includes, but is not limited to the following:)

riding my bike all the time.
going to california.
eating, sleeping, breathing otter pops again.
turning 21.
finding a drive-in movie theater.
reading on lazy afternoons.
enjoying yet another summer
(in apparently)
"the most boring place in the united states"
(haha - reading that headline on friday made me laugh)
listening to the beach boys.
starting a picnic/book club.
and waking up early enough to watch the sunrise.

can you tell i'm getting excited for the summertime?

(and yes, i am a justin bieber fan)

Dizzy Lizzie.

if you're ever in town,

or just have a reason to celebrate life,

go get a dizzy lizzie.

i believe they will be in heaven,
and

i love them.

seventeen forever.

today while i was doing crafts/listening to golden oldies on pandora --
(tangent: tuesday afternoons this summer better look a lot like today did)
anyway,
while crafting, i simultaneously surfed the net while working on my new spring project,
(impressive multitasking, eh?) and i came across these vintage seventeen magazine covers.

i have to be honest: i (really, really, really) wish they still looked just like that, or that i had at least lived during that decade --
had i lived back then, wally cleaver would have been my zac efron.

Hotel Room 6214.

music videos.
face masks.
night gowns.
pink nail polish.
little mermaid cake.
old love movies.
and a box of chocolates all to myself.

today, i love mondays.

ps. in the second grade i was martha washington in the presidents day play.

Love Maps.

Sometimes, on Sunday nights, we get a group of friends together
and talk about whats most important to us.

Other times, (like January 31sts) we like to get that same group of friends together, and create love maps.

there are a few of us who happen to be single during this month of love, and last night as we had another great discussion over
dr. peppers and club crackers,
we came up with the idea of a love map.

whether it be entering the forest of conversation or finding out their favorite color, we each created 5 (or in some cases) 9 steps to win the love of our lives.

figure 1 A: (will remain anonymous)


Figure 1 B: (will also remain anonymous) *

[click on image to enlarge]

now, before you judge us, (or more specifically me)
just remember that we've all been there before;
and, afterall, its the month of love isn't it?
drastic times call for drastic measures.

and even though we drew these maps just for fun**
(and even though i really would love to arrive
"at the land of promise" with so-and-so)
i realize that i have already won the
hearts of those who are the most important to me,
and they happen to be my [insert: dorky, nerdy, weird]
but amazing friends.






and i thought that was something worth mentioning.







____








*please note on Figure 1 B that "cuddle" is spelled with a k and "watching scienfield" is a prerequisite for marriage - again, how can i not love my friends?

**there may or may not be a wager for those who successfully cross off one of their steps of love within the next 28 days.

Advantage #88 of Friendship.

kels + ky & sar+ the buried life
amounts to love.

and when you watch the preview above,
you'll probably cry.
just like we did.
(advantage #89 of friendship:
i don't have to cry over silly things alone)
____

so we started talking,
and got to thinking:
what are on our own lists?

kels:
-catch a firefly
-play tic tac toe with zac efron
-fly a kite at six in the morning
-drive across the golden gate bridge
-make an outfit out of bubbles


kylie:
-meet michael cera
-shower in a waterfall
-walk through a car wash
-have a paint fight
-sleep in a cherry orchard


sara:
-ride in a hot air balloon
-join a book club
-go to the airport and buy a ticket for the next flight,
with no agenda whatsoever
-be in a movie
-sew a wedding dress

& that's when we started to think a little bit harder...

what if we devoted this upcoming summer to documenting
our own lives in attempts of trying to accomplish some
of our own "things to do before we die"?

luckily - sara happens to be a film major,
with some major filming & photography skills
(check her out here)
and is embarking on her capstone project within the
next few months;
which means... funding may just be possible.

___

i just knew 2010 would be great.

and ps. while we're talking about it...
whats on your list?

Worth More Than Gold.

I was talking with some friends last night over a fine meal at Wendys,
and aside from the usual topics of:
kissing, school, kissing, funny stories, and kissing...
these were some of the things that were listed on the (quote)
"worth more than gold" list.

Number 1: Girls.
(but that's because the boy-girl ratio was 3:1)

Number 2: Mountain Dew.
(gross)

Number 3: James Bond.
(that's only because my friend Heaston was there)

Number 4: Fix & Mix frosites.
(yayayay)

Number 5: Friends.
(and i can definitely agree with that one)

but lately, my number one is:
sleep.

i love it. i love it. i lovvvvvvve it.

i love waking up at two in the morning knowing that my alarm
clock won't be going off for a while.
and i love it even more when i'm getting into bed
and it's not already two in the morning.

...

but i'm 20.

and sleep doesn't come often.

especially as a college student.

especially during finals week.