Meet Christen and Brandon Fisher. Their love story is vampire meets zombie. Intrigued? Keep reading! This is their Love in the BOI story.
How Did You Two Meet?
Brandon and I met working as actors at a haunted house in Arizona. Just a classic love story between zombie and vampire! Our friends had asked us if we wanted to make good money while working a interesting job. I had seen him from across the room and was immediately struck (later he told me the same). I was so shy though I barely spoke to him whole month we worked there because I had the biggest crush!
Describe Your First Date
On the last day [of the haunted house] I thought this was now or never, so I asked for his number so we could go to the company Halloween party together. There would be our first kiss too by the way (and I still had my pointy teeth in haha!). We started dating after that and found out we had just missed each other in the same schools and he only live a couple miles from my house which in Phoenix is a big deal.
We have been through everything together including long distance so I can finish school. The first time it was up north in Arizona, the second was when I was accepted to go to a school in Idaho. When we learned that, we had been together for 4 years and he decided that was when he was going to propose.
Now, Brandon had never gotten me flowers because at first he thought they were a waste of money since they just die anyway (men.), but then he realized that would be a good way to propose eventually. So he asked my mom to take me out shopping. When we came back to our apartment he had filled it with bouquets of flowers for every event that he had missed giving them (birthdays, valentines day, etc.). In the middle was a box that said open me. I was in shock. Inside it said turn around. When I did, he was dressed up in a suit and down on one knee. He was so nervous he blurted out “would you marry me?”, and after I (tearily) said yes he admitted he had a speech ready but he was so nervous he forgot! So then he said it and it blew me away. We planned to get married in two years after school in Idaho. And we ended up getting married this past June in McCall!
What is Your Advice for Those Looking for Love?
As far as the advise for people looking for love… you can find love in unexpected places. We put ourselves out there signing up for a odd job and ended up finding soulmates. Be open to opportunities but if it doesn’t happen just enjoy the time while you are out there. You will know when you are gradually going through the dating steps and it just feels natural and easy. Everyone is different and there will be ups and downs, but I know Brandon and I never felt any doubt that we were going to end up together forever.
What Is Your Favorite Thing To Do In Boise?
Now that we live in Boise it is truly hard to pick one thing that we love to do here. We love to go hiking in the foothills, paddle boarding at the different lakes, running with our dog on the greenbelt, checking out the nightlife downtown. trying out different restaurants, or going to the myriad of events always going on in Boise. We love it! I think we found our paradise.
Meet Erika & Ray. Ray traveled to Spain to study Spanish, while Erika was in Spain volunteering to show Americans around. Their love for one another & Erika’s love for Boise lead to be a Love in the BOI story.
How did you all meet?
Back in 2010 Ray was studying Spanish so he decided to study abroad in Spain. I was studying English so I decided to become a volunteer and help American students to integrate in my city and show them around. Ray was one of those American students. I had never met such a joyful person and we became best friends. Soon enough we fell in love and I decided to come to USA to keep studying English.
We had a long distance relationship for 18 months until he finished college. After graduation, we traveled the world together and lived in Colombia, Spain and Russia. In 2015 we got engaged and he said : We can live anywhere in the world you want. I answered : Let’s go to Boise!
I had fallen in love with Boise since the very first day I visited it and here we have had the happiest days of our relationship.
Describe Your First Date.
Our first date was at my favorite beach in my Island (Mallorca ).
We jumped cliffs and listened to Johnny Cash in the Ipod. I had always loved Johnny Cash but pretty much no one knew him in Spain. When he chose Johnny Cash in the playlisy and imitated his voice , I knew I had found the one.
What advice do You Have for those looking for love in Boise?
Try and find a partner in a place where a similar interest exists that will build your relationship over time: book shops, concerts, climbing gyms, fitness classes, etc. Bars are a natural go to, but the atmosphere often times doesn’t reflect an environment of “looking for something serious”.
And for people from around the area who think they already know everyone here, don’t lose hope! Boise is attracting droves of young people as of recently and there could be someone new coming to town just for you.
What is your favorite place to go (or thing to do) together as a couple?
We love skying , taking interesting classes at Jump, enjoying the great outdoors and eating amazing food ! Our favorite places are El Cafetal Colombian restaurant, Wild Root, Parilla, and Bier 30. Oh and we love traveling!
Meet Brody and Vanessa Wright. This is their Boise love story told by Vanessa.
Vanessa & Brody Wright
How They Met:
I was living in Pocatello at the time. My friend wanted to leave town to celebrate her birthday so we decided to head to Boise for the weekend! Brody and I met downtown boise off 6th and main, in the middle of the street! We stopped on that corner to exchange numbers, and later met up the next day! That following night, He showed me around Boise and I fell in love with the atmosphere even more.
We have been inseparable ever since. After 4 months into our relationship and long distance, I finally took the step to move to Boise to pursue our going relationship. A year later, we got engaged, and a year after that, we got married . We now have a beautiful daughter, Moana who is 6 months. We will be together for 4 years this coming March, 2 year wedding anniversary in June ❤️🤗
Meet the Wrights
Describe Your First Date:
He offered to come visit me in Pocatello for our first actual date. We had breakfast at a place called “Butterburrs” and I was pretty shy! I refused to look him straight in the eye during our date because he was so intimidating! He thought I wasn’t interested in him! We attempted a second date the following weekend. Second date kicked off much better! And he continued to come down to see me every weekend for 4 months until I moved. Been together ever since ❤️
What Advice Do You Have For Those Looking for Love in Boise?
My advice for those looking for love in Boise is HAVE FUN, live a little and don’t have such high standards!!!! I honestly did not plan on being in a relationship so soon when I met my husband. But that’s what life does to you! People show up at the right place and the right time!
Beautiful smiles from a lovely couple
Before, I used to be so picky, but being picky isn’t always a good thing! Once I realized what was actually realistic in a man/relationship, the more fun it became to meeting people!! I never thought I’d meet my husband in the middle of the street! I took that as a sign and opportunity to see what would happen next!
So have fun, take chances, and live life with a positive outlook!! Always!
What we enjoy doing as a couple:
We LOVE sushi! You’ll catch us at your local IOU Sushi, or outdoors paddleboarding, or hiking with our German shepherd named Kuma and our daughter Moana around the valley! We also enjoy The Village at Meridian, and Bowling at Big Al’s with family and friends!
Vanessa & Brody’s outside adventures
Vanessa also has a YouTube channel where she does amazing makeup tutorials. Her Instagram is an amazing feed of her family, friends, and her beauty tutorials. I tease her sometimes on Instagram to help teach me some amazing makeup tricks! Make sure to follow her at @vanessamwright.
If you are like me a year ago, I didn’t know what to do when it came to my first holiday season in Boise. For those who are new to Boise, or if you’re looking for a few new ideas, here’s my Top 16 Holiday Activities to Cross Off Your Boise Bucket List:
1. Capital Tree Lighting on the Grove Plaza
Date: November 24th, from 5pm -6:30pm.
Get ready to snuggle with your loved ones as you enjoy the holiday tree lighting. It’ll be held at The Grove, and festivities begin at 5pm. Entertainment by Red Light Challenge and the Boise Men’s & Women’s Choruses.
Date: November 18 & 19; 10am – 5pm; Pioneer Room at JUMP Boise
Looking to find some homemade goodies you can give as gifts? The 2017 Wintry is here and will be held at JUMP. The market will be open and free to the public this Saturday and Sunday from 10am – 5pm.
3. Saint Alphonsus Festival of Trees
Date: November 22nd – November 28th.
Last year, I attended this wonderful event and I highly recommend it. For so many reasons. All funds raised will support the expansion of Saint Alphonsus. You get to walk around and be surrounded by all of the holiday splendor that makes you feel warm inside. Let’s not forget the hundreds of decorated Christmas trees, wreaths, and holiday decor.
4. Idaho Food Bank Empty Bowls
Source: Boise Bucket List/Instagram
Date: Friday, November 24; 11am – 2pm; Grove Plaza
It’s the 20th anniversary of the Idaho Food Bank Empty Bowls! The Empty Bowls is where you get to choose from hand-painted bowls from professional and amateur painters, students, and studios. After you select a bowl, you can then enjoy a hot bowl of soup generously donated by one of the local Boise restaurants.
Over 3,000 bowls to choose from, and bowls start at $10.00. It’ll be held at the Boise Center. *Parking WILL BE FREE on Friday.
Recommendation: ARRIVE EARLY! I made the terrible mistake of attending around 12pm. The line was long, wrapped around Main Street.
5. Boise Classic Movies at the Egyptian Theater
Source: Boise Classic Movies
I’m movie geek and fanatic, so when Boise Classic Movies released its holiday schedule, I screamed with joy. Maybe not scream, but definitely got giddy.
This year, the list of classic movies range from action to romcom to the classic holiday movies:
Love Actually
Christmas Vacation
It’s a Wonderful Life
Die Hard
A Christmas Story
Home Alone
White Christmas
Elf
Some of the movies showings include beer and wine (21+). I believe these will all sell out, so grab your tickets early. Plus, you get to watch it in the coolest place here in Boise: The Egyptian Theater.
6. Ice Skating at the Village of Meridian
Source: Adam Eschabach/MP
Date: November through January 2018
I’ll admit — I’m not the best when it comes to ice skating. BUT for the holiday season, I’ll put on some ice skates.
The Village of Meridian now has an ice skating rink in Fountain Square. Its open from November thru January. Ticket prices start at $5.00.
Enjoy a night of ice skating, then grab hot chocolate at Village Coffee, and sit by a warm fire.
7. Winter Garden aGlow at the Idaho Botanical Garden
Source: Boise Bucket List/Instagram
Date: Thursday, November 23 – Monday, January 1; 6pm; Botanical Garden
The Garden isn’t only for the warm months. The Idaho Botanical Garden becomes a dazzling display of lights during the holiday season. Over 380K lights, to be exact.
On select nights, you can even see Santa and enjoy the sounds of local choirs.
Tickets start at $8, and children under 4 are FREE
8. Idaho Hot Springs
Source: Visit Idaho
Stay warm in one of Idaho’s hot springs. There a public and commercial options when choosing a hot spring. There are quite a few an hour or less from Boise:
The Springs Resort
Roy Stone Hot Springs
Little Anderson Hot Spring
If you’re willing to drive further, your options expand!
9. The Nutcracker at Ballet Idaho
Source: Morrison Center
Date: Friday, December 15th and go through Sunday, December 17th.
When I was growing up, my parents brought my siblings and me to see the Nutcracker. My sister especially loved it because she was into ballet. When I close my eyes and think of Christmas, seeing the Nutcracker is part of that vision.
Luck for us, we have a chance to see the Nutcracker live at Ballet Idaho. This year, Ballet Idaho is hosting Nutcracker parties prior to each performance!
Snag your tickets early because these showings HAVE SOLD OUT! Not kidding.
10. Downtown Carriage Rides
Source: Stock Photo
Date: Every Friday and Saturday from November 24th – December 16th, 4pm – 8pm
You’d think you’d have to travel to New York City to enjoy a classic carriage ride. Or, at least that’s what I see in the movies.
Starting in late November, you have the chance to enjoy a FREE carriage ride in downtown Boise. Yes, I said FREE.
Pickup is in front of the Washington Trust Bank 9th Street downtown Boise.
11. Boise Annual Holiday Concert
Source: Boise State University Music Department
Date: The concert is December 8th at 7:30pm.
Let’s celebrate the season with Boise State University’s annual family holiday concert. The Boise State Music Department puts on this wonderful concert for all to enjoy. BSU students, faculty & staff are eligible for free tickets. Non-BSU tickets start at $8
12. Claus N Paws Day at Zoo Boise
Source:Boise Bucket List/Instagram
Date: Saturday, December 2nd from 10am – 5pm
Want to have a fun FREE day at the zoo? On Saturday, December 2nd starting at 10am, you and your family can enjoy all the zoo offerings. Santa Claus will visit the zoo for photo ops.
13. Boise Holiday Parade
Source: Downtown Boise
Date: Saturday, November 18th starting at 9:45am
You can’t help but to enjoy a good, entertaining holiday parade. On Saturday, November 18th, come to downtown Boise and enjoy the “Storybook Christmas” at this year’s Boise annual Holiday Parade. The parade kicks off on Jefferson at 10th Street and heads to 4th Street.
14. Winter Wonderland in Downtown Caldwell
Date: Friday, November 17th from 6pm – 9pm.
If you haven’t driven to Caldwell for its Winter Wonderland, you’re definitely missing out! I attended this last year, and I’m so happy the time has come where I can go again. You have the beautiful light display in downtown Caldwell. Lots of children activities, music, and plenty of vendors.
15. Elf the Musical at The Morrison Center
Source: Morrison Center
Date: Shows start on Friday, December 1st and run through Saturday, December 2nd. Tickets start at $35
Want to experience Broadway in Boise? As part of the 2017 – 2018 season, Elf the Broadway Musical will be playing at the Morrison Center. After you see the classic movie at the Egyptian Theater, head over to the Morrison Center to see the Broadway Musical!
16. Idaho State Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting
Date: Monday, November 27th
Source: Boise Bucket List/Instagram
Last year, I attended the Idaho State Capitol Christmas Tree lighting right after work, and it was absolutely worth it. There was free hot cocoa and cookies for everyone. After the tree lighting, you can head inside and explore the Idaho State Capitol building. Holiday decorations are something that’s magical – amazing, even. With the vibrant reds and the deep greens to the holiday wreaths, you can get lost in the sea of beautiful holiday decorations. The Idaho State Capitol building does not disappoint. The interior of the Capitol building is absolutely amazing!
Do you have any ideas of holiday festivities I should include on this list? Feel free to email me at theboisebucketlist@gmail.com for activities worth crossing off the #BoiseBucketList
Make sure to follow me on Instagram and use the hashtag #BoiseBucketList to share your stories of new adventures!
Last week, I had the chance to visit with Shane and Shiela — founders and owners of Ripsnort Food Truck. I met them at the College of Western Idaho , Boise location. It was their first time serving the students. During my visit, I witnessed how busy they were.
Ripsnort Food Truck is a newly food truck to bless the Treasure Valley Food Truck scene. Up and running since July, Rip Snort has enjoyed sharing its delicious and rather extraordinary burritos throughout the Treasure Valley, including: College of Western Idaho (Boise location), Payette Brewery, PreFunk, and various local festivals. Although the menu may seem small, it provides you with exactly what you need for your evolving palette:
The OG: Roasted butternut squash, sauteed mushrooms, onions, garlic, Parmesan rice, and bacon
The Don Jon: Gallo pinto (Costa Rican rice and beans), Pico de Gallo, sour cream, avocado, and cheese; named after Shane and Shiela’s friend in Costa Rica
The Yardbird: Grilled Chicken, cilantro lime rice, avocado, Pico de Gallo, and crema sauce; named simply after chicken and egg
The Gaucho: grilled steak, roasted potatoes, black beans and Chimichurri sauce; named is of a Argentinian cowboy
House Salads
Soups
Other specials including sandwiches and chicken bacon tacos
Ripsnorting Good Time
Ripsnort Food Truck beginning roots stem from when Shiela used burritos as a means to feed her family. Breakfast burritos are her jam! (hence the name of the OG burrito). Shiela then started to share the burrito with friends and family. Over the course of 10 years, Shane and Shiela were encouraged to start their own burrito food truck. On July 25th, 2017 this married couple did exactly that — started a food truck here in Boise that serves not your average burrito. Shane and Shiela are happy to return to Shane’s home state after living in Denver for some years.
Like me, you’re probably wondering where Ripsnort came from. Pretty awesome story, actually. When Shane and Shiela were thinking of a name to call their food truck, they kept coming across the standard (and already used ) burrito food truck names. One day, the Merriam-Webster word of the day was ripsnorter, a term used to describe something exciting and extraordinary.
Shane and Shiela also imagined that when eating their burritos, it’s a ripsnortin’ good time! Plus – their family dog snorts a lot. Seemed like a perfect name for their food truck.
Is it a Mexican Food Truck?
Shiela recognizes that her burritos are inspired by Mexican culture, especially with the use of soft flour tortillas. There were also inspired by their time in Costa Rica. The Don Jon is named after their friend, and it includes authentic Costa Rican sauce and spices. That said, the burritos represent the eclectic cultural mix of food & spices they personally love and enjoy.
Boise Bucket List Review:
Roaming Hunger said it best when describing Rip Snort Food Truck that its food is authentically unauthentic. I couldn’t agree more. When Shiela asked me what I wanted to order, I decided to go all-in. I ordered The Gallo, added a freshly cracked egg to the mix, and topped it with Shane and Shiela’s pineapple sweet hot sauce — secret sauce that is wildly popular among their customers. It’s looking like they may even start bottling this sauce and selling it. How exciting!
The burritos are rich with flavor filled with fresh vegetables, the tortillas are indeed soft yet strong enough to securely hold all the ingredients without spilling, and the mix of the pineapple sweet hot sauce coupled with spicy Chimichurri sauce kept my taste buds guessing.
Are you a vegetarian or vegan? Ripsnort has options just for you. You can order the OG sans bacon, or the Don Jon without sour cream and cheese.
It goes without saying that I am an avid fan of the food truck scene here in Boise. I’m privileged (and my belly is cursed) to have food trucks near my job every day. If you’re looking to try authentically made burritos comprised of new flare and tastiness, head over to Ripsnort & let yourself have a ripsnortin’ good time each time you take a bite.
Fun fact: Shane restores vintage motorcycles on the side. In fact, they will be at the Petroliana Motorcycle Show from on 9/10 from 10am – 5pm. Shane may even bring one of his bikes.
Big thanks to Shane and Shiela for serving me the best Gaucho around. Can’t wait to return and try the Don Jon!
Ready to become a ripsnorter? Follow them on social media for their weekly schedule:
Also – email Ripsnort for any catering needs at ripsnortfoodtruck@gmail.com. \
Thanks to Shiela and Shane for inviting me and sharing your extraordinary burritos! Can’t wait to try the Don Jon. Head over to their food truck and cross it off your #boisebucketlist
Thanks to the ladies in my Girls Night Boise group, I have a creative list of first-date ideas when dating in Boise. Even if it’s not your first date, here are some date night ideas you can impress your lover with:
Grab a Scooter, get a picnic basket, and zip around Boise.
Scooters are fun, and they add this layer of exhilaration any couple would enjoy. You can either take the picnic to a romantic spot in Boise (Julia Davis Park, Ann Morrison Park, or Camel Back’s Park), or end your scooter adventure at a romantic restaurant.
This is my personal favorite because the dates with my then-boyfriends started off carefree and casual. Think about how fun it’ll be to tap into your inner kid again. No pressure of highly romantic dates. This is a personal preference, but I’m a big fan of fun and casual dates. Why?
Be slightly competitive, fun & flirty while playing mini gold
Jump in a go-kart and race each other & see who wins
Have fun as you play laser tag
Get to know each other over a slice of pizza
Take some of those classic photo booth pictures
Plus – it’s my way of seeing if a guy is hyper competitive and if whether he can be silly & relaxed. Not take himself too seriously. It’s also an excuse for me to wear a cute top, some boyfriend cut jeans, and throw on my Converses.
Talk about bringing it back, in an entertaining and fun way. Who doesn’t old school arcade games? SpaceBar Arcade is this cool spot located below Dharma Sushi and Thai on Capitol Blvd in Downtown Boise. You know you’re in the right spot when you see the line of old school arcade machines for your perusing. Head to the bar to grab some drinks. You’ll notice an 80s movie playing one these 3 small TVs in the corner. And it’s a VHS that’s playing (my younger audience may need to google what a VHS is.) If you want to tape into your Nintendo skills, grab a seat on the couch with your date and start playing!
I’ve been to the SpaceBar Arcade to hang out, but never on a date. This is on my list.
Calling all Demi Moores and Patrick Swayzes (Ghost movie reference). Well, maybe not so much like that scene, but you can get together and paint your own pottery piece. It allows both of you to tap into your creative side and see how each other creates. You can even give each other your masterpieces once they are ready.
Hiking & Grab Healthy Smoothie Afterwards
With plenty of hiking trails, you have many opportunities to have your first date be an active one. You can see beautiful Boise while getting to know each other. After burning off some calories, you can grab some healthy cuisine at places like Fresh Café Boise.
Capital City Market + 8th Street Brunch
Since I’ve experienced the Capital City Market for the first time last weekend, I can definitely see it being an ideal place for a first date. You can take your time exploring all the various vendor tables, buy each other fun gifts, and take your time strolling as you talk & connect. It’s low key enough to where you don’t have that high pressure to keep chatting. Plus, you can be flirty in a less-than-obvious way. Maybe that’s me talking because I’m not the best with all of that flirty stuff. After taking your time walking around, you can then head over to one of the restaurants on 8th Street: Juniper, Eureka, Wild Root Café, Bittercreek Alehouse, and Red Feather Lounge. You can even venture off 8th Street and head over to Bacon or St. Lawrence Gridiron.
Get Your Laugh on at Liquid Laughs
You can’t beat having a good laugh in at your first date. It’s an ideal way to break the ice between 2 people. Why not head over to Liquid Laughs for your first date? I haven’t been to liquid laughs, but I know it’s a place I’m adding to my date night bucket list. You can grab dinner beforehand at Solid, or Bardenay, or P.F. Chang. You can walk over to Liquid Laughs, sit next to each other, and enjoy being entertained. Afterwards, you can maybe walk around downtown and keep the conversation going.
This is my PART I of my 1ST date ideas. Big special thanks to my girls night boise special ladies for their dating ideas and input: Taylor, Ashley, and Crystal! Stay tuned for plenty more ideas.
Thanks to you all, I have an entire list of coffee places to try out here in the Treasure Valley. I’ll even create a checklist sometime this weekend that you all can use too.
Today I visited Frogs Fix Coffee Parlor comfortably located in the Boise Bench (thank you @domagotchi!). It’s a quaint little coffee parlor next to a daycare. At first, I didn’t notice Frog’s Fix until I walked around the corner and saw the sign. Frog’s Fix does live up to its mission of being a “welcoming environment with unique drink choices and numerous pastry selections.”
About Frogs Fix: locally owned since 2012, it has become a staple within the Bench community. The Parlor also aims to sell high quality coffee and pastries at a fair price.
When walking into the Parlor, I was greeted by this huge (and pretty awesome) map of the world. I proceeded to walk near the “Order Here” sign and excited about the options. What to get, what to get was on repeat in my head. Because I didn’t have my usual coffee during my drive to work, I defaulted to my usual order: drip coffee with a pastry side. The Parlor serves Evans Brothers Coffee, which is a first time for me trying their coffee. I had one of the stronger roasts, and I can’t think of the name! I believe Schweitzer was in the name of the coffee. Nonetheless, it was strong, delicious, and exactly what I needed this snowy morning.
Did you know: Frongner + need for coffee = the name , Frog’s Fix Coffee Parlor
Too bad all the snow was blocking the outdoor patio; otherwise I would have walked outside and snapped a photo. Only more of a reason to return this spring/summer so I can hang out on the patio.
Make sure you checkout the Parlor’s weekly specials:
Teacher Tuesday: offers $1 OFF any drink all day to school district employees with showing of school ID badge (a fav of mine since BOTH my parents are seasoned educators!!)
Happy Hour: $1 OFF expresso drinks, hot chocolates, and Italian sodas from 3pm-5pm everyday (when open)
Double Punch Thursday: for every drink you order, your Frog’s Fix Punch Card will received a double PUNCH! I got my Punch Card, and I’m ready to collect my punches.
If you’re wondering, no I haven’t finished that Ham and Cheese Croissant. I’m bringing it home to nibble on throughout the weekend 🙂 🙂
Do you have an idea for a coffee shop I should visit/checkout? Send me an email at theboisebucketlist@gmail.com.
Anytime I tell someone I’m originally from West Palm Beach, Florida I’m greeting with this automatic “oh dear, how are you holding up in the winter?” Great question.
Fortunately for me (or unfortunately, depending on your mindset), I lived in Portland, ME for 5 years. During that time, I gained firsthand experience of what it means to dress warmly. Such is a foreign concept for Floridians — unless that 3-day cold front we usually get in January.
Thankfully, lessons learned in Maine helped me transition to life during this BOI winter. Here are the 5 ways I dress warmly:
L.L. Bean Boots. For those who don’t know, the founders of L.L. Bean are from Maine. If you ever visit Freeport, make sure to snap a photo in front of the famous Bean Boot.With all my Mainer friends talking about their “beans,” I took note and decided to do some research for myself. I immediately became hooked after purchasing my 1st pair. Yes, I have more than one! The ones I wear for winter are the L.L. Bean Boots with the shearing-lining. They keep my feet extra warm, which is necessary for me! They can be a bit costly upfront, but it’s a lifetime guarantee with their products. I’ve had mine for over 6 years, and they still look good as new.
Wool Socks. Understandably, I had NO CLUE what wool socks were prior to moving to New England. Once winter came around, I overheard a classmate of mine talk about his wool socks and how they made him itch. Say what?What are wool socks? Rather than asking and being embarrassed, I did the usually thing: Google search. I have no clue how I survived my first winter without them! I try to keep it colorful with these wool socks.
Parka. I tried my hardest to refrain from pulling out the parka here in Boise. I wanted to show that I can handle the cold temps. Then I was (re) introduced to 20 degrees F. That made me change my mind real quick. I have a few parkas, but my favorite is my North Face parka.
Here’s a tip: if this is your first winter and costs of jackets are wearing you down, I recommend visiting the local thrift stores such as Idaho Youth Ranch and Goodwill. I received this tip when in New England because I was worried about costs, particularly since I never had to spend over $20 for any warm piece of clothing. At the thrift stores, I found everything from brand new jackets still with tags to gently used high-end jackets. My first winter in New England was manageable because of those 2nd hand L.L. Bean jackets.
`
Gloves. A few weeks ago, I made the terrible mistake of leaving my gloves at home when I volunteered at the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. Boy were my hands freezing! Moving forward, I now I have 2 pairs — one I keep in my jacket pocket. My go-to gloves are those with a buckle closure and those which are touchscreen-friendly. Prior to these touchscreen-friendly gloves, it was annoying to have to remove my gloves to answer my call or text.
My winter hats. I have my fair share of winter hats. Some hats are more appropriate to wear when my hair is straightened; others times I wear hats made to fit my entire head of curls. My when-my-hair-is-straight winter hat is the standard beanie. It’s comfortable, keeps my head warm, and it compliments my face. Now, when my hair is too curly, the only hats that can handle it is the ski caps with a visor. I wear this all the time — even at home! Makes me feel warm and toasty.
With what appears as this record-breaking winter for snow, I’m glad I’m equipped to stay warm. What are some of your must-have winter items?
Boise Bucket List 