happy labor day weekend

I got you this.




Literally #backthatazzup into anything that it will fits or sits in. 

Cheers! 
<3 BB 

when did i get so old?

Guys,

I am officially old, the baby sister is getting her senior pictures taken this weekend by one of my real life besties, Anne. I have talked about my sis on the blog before and she only reads my blog when posts involve her, she is selfish like that. I am still in denial that this is her senior year of high school. She better not go to college too far away. I think I will miss her too much....Have I mentioned I am having a really hard time coming to terms with her growing up?

When did she decide it was ok to become a teenager? 

When did she start driving?

When did she get to be a senior?

When did she get to be cooler than me? 

When did she start being funnier than me? 

WHEN DID I GET SO OLD?!

Half the time I feel like her second mom (the cooler one of course) even if she never listens to all my good advice.

Basically, what I am saying is, stop growing up, sister. I don't like it. 

***Update, as of this morning my sister is officially cleared to play basketball again after her torn ACL!!!! Cheers all around!***

Love, 

Your, cool, wise, smart, funny, pretty, older sister :) 

i have a dream

50 years ago today, Martin Luther King Jr. gave his memorable 'I have a dream' speech. Our world needs more people like him and we all need to incorporate his ideologies in our own lives more, even if it is on a smaller scale. In honor of the celebration, I wanted to share a few of my favorite MLK quotes today. 

Also, this piece by the Times is worth checking out.


Be Kind.

<3 BB



Images: 1, 2, 3 

miguel

Oh Miguel, you make my heart burst with happiness. I found this Spotify Session yesterday and it makes me smile. It gives us a look into Miguel's thought process and his songwriting journey. Not to mention his beautiful, sexy voice, yes please.  It reminds me a lot of his Tiny Desk Concert for NPR which I LOVE. Swoon. Plus, who doesn't love a good stripped down version of a song, especially smooth R&B like his. Annnd best part, we are both left handed. Heyo! 

Cheers to Miguel! I'd make babies with you.
<3 BB 

productivity works best with food

Guys,

Guess who had productive weekend shenanigans, while still managing to not do much at the same time?! THIS GIRL.

But first off let me introduce you to my new boyfriend. Move over Bradley.

Why yes, that's my boyfriend Ryan Gosling.  Just loving women, for the sake of feminism. My good friend Justine got me him for my birthday. Also, I must really like that Chambray shirt, because I am wearing it again this morning and that picture was taken Friday. Whatever. 

Anyway, back to my productivity. Friday I was too productive for my own good. Went and got a Physical Therapy consultation and it's official my IT Band is mad at me, so looks like I will be starting PT soon to make it feel better. 

After PT I headed over to check out an apartment. Good news is we had no gross mishaps.... we also didn't pick that apartment complex...here is the kicker though, viewing that apartment helped us solidify our decision and we know where we are going to live, which is a huge relief. So if anyone wants to help us move like the second week in October, I wouldn't hate it!

I also made Brad take me on a date Friday night.  Yeah, I am an awesome girlfriend and beg for dates.  We went and ate at some local food carts and then wandered around Alberta street, which is one of the more hipster parts of Portland and I LOVE IT (said in my best Icona Pop). We might have caved on eating paleo and shared this piece of Banana Cream Pie from Random Order. 

Good, god, that pie was delicious. Also, still trying to figure out what was going on with their bathroom mirror. It featured a fake grass mat and an itty bitty mirror. Not sure what to think of it.   

Speaking of food, this food was more paleo, which I need to write about my 60 day challenge soon. 

Made salmon on a cedar plank on Saturday and it was delish. What I didn't get a photo of though was the cedar plank engulfed in flames. Whoopsies. Might have left it unattended for a tad too long. No salmon was hurt during the process though, it still tasted wonderful. 

Other than that I studied for my CPT and enjoyed a low key weekend.  What about you guys?! 

Cheers! 

<3 BB 

internets to help me procrastinate

1 trip to Target, 1 paper cut, and multiple flash cards later...my first night of studying for my personal training certification is in the books. This made me realize I have not studied in a long time.  Need to get back in the groove of things. It also reminded me that I have to have all my stuff ready and organized before I can start. Just a tad OCD when it comes to my study habits.It also made me realize that I have a lot to learn in the next 6 months if I want to pass this test. Here we gooooooo..... 

Because I was so busy studying last night. I figured I deserved a procrastination break and wanted to share. Here are some entertaining links for the week. Enjoy.


27 everyday decisions that 20 somethings are really bad at making.

The best soul-cycle parody ever.

31 things the show Friends taught us about life.

20 things no one warns you about your 20s.

What rhymes with hug me?!<-- might be my favorite link of the day.

I think I am more of an introvert than I realized.

It's funny because Brad is obessed with Wicked. 


Happy Friday, my chick-a-dee and chick-a-doods!

Icona Pop and I are both going to #backthatazzup and are ready for the weekend.

Cheers! 
<3 BB

house hunters gone wrong

Ok... it's more like Condo / Apartment Hunters, but still. This shit is hard. I find myself saying things that I yell at my tv for when I watch HGTV. Here is the thing though, when it comes to sticking to a budget. I get it now.  Doing the math on the difference of 200/mo, it's a lot when you add it up! Tired of being broke. Anyway, this past week and a half Brad and I have been checking out a few places, because our lease is up in October and we would like to be in a two bedroom. Need more closet space for our Nikes. We viewed a condo that I am a big fan of and we have one other place to check out tomorrow night. Hopefully we will have this all figured out soon, because it stresses me out. The idea of looking for a new place seems really cool at first, until I remember I can hardly decide what I want to make for dinner, let alone make a big decision like where we should live. I dread the day I actually buy a home. 

I also have a story to tell you about our apartment hunting. It's probably not blog appropriate, but I am going to tell it anyway, because it's so funny. (heads up: if you don't find poop funny, you might want to quit reading).... 

On Sunday, Brad and I were on our 3rd apartment complex tour of the day and we were both tired of the apartment hunting. The complex itself looked pretty nice, but it was really annoying because they did not have any apartments to actually show us. Red flag number 1. 

The lady basically tells us that their policy is they do not show apartments until they are move in ready, which essentially means you would see them the day you move in. Uh no thanks. Red flag number 2. 

After our pointless meeting we decide to walk around the complex a little bit. We head over to the pool area that is fillllllled with children running around unsupervised being idiots wild. Red flag number 3.

This is where the story starts to get good. We stop at the restrooms before we head out.... After Brad comes out of the restroom he is so distraught. Dry heaving and gagging, just so upset. I ask him what's wrong. His answer: I just stepped in poop...... HUMAN POOP!  

Wait, what??!!?!?!?!?!?!

Oh Jesus. Not Ok. Dis.Gus.Ting.

I start dying. Can't control my laughter. He is trying to find grass to wipe his shoe off or a lighter to burn the shoe. I am still dying from laughter. 

Needless to say our experience there was ruined and even if we had fallen in love with an apartment there, we would not be getting it because Brad is scarred for life.  

Naturally Monday I spent all day sending him photos like this, and this, and this.  I am a great girlfriend.

*Also, for the record, I do not feel bad sharing this story since he updated his facebook status to tell people he stepped in people poop, so sharing it on the blog is fair game.*

Cheers to poop?!

<3 BB 

Images: 1, 2, 3,  

workout wednesday :: helen

Hello my peoples. 

Guess what! The materials to study for my Personal Training Certification should be coming in the mail today!!!!! Well technically I think they are coming via Fed-Ex, but those are small details. Also, remind me to tell you a story someday about JanJan the Fed-Ex man. It was weird.... Anyways, I am getting off track. In honor of my CPT stuff coming, I wanted to share the workout I did on Monday with you. It is a Crossfit workout, but don't worry you don't need to be a member of Crossfit Box to do it.  I do a lot of their workouts, but don't actually belong to a gym. I am cheating the system I guess you could say? Sort of?! Anyway, this Helen chick is a betch, but she is a good quick workout if you're up for the challenge. 

You might also want to figure out how far 400 meters is before you start your workout and not do what I did and run close to half a mile for each round.  But to each their own! 

Here is how to do a kettlebell swing.

Here is a video on how to build up to a pull-up. 

Here is a video on how to use the assisted pull-up machine. When I first was learning how to do pull-ups I would jump into each of my pull-ups, so there are a lot of variations on how to build up your strength.

Cheers! 

<3 BB

it's tuesday

So it's Tuesday, you all know what that means. New music! Get excited. It features a little something for everyone. We have soft and slow up to electronic jamz. You're welcome? In other news, I am glad Monday's over.  I was grouchy yesterday. For no reason at all grouchy. Brad got the brunt of it whoopsies. I was nice and apologized later, but man, EVERYTHING annoyed me. Do you ever get in those moods? Good news is, I went to bed at 8 and read and then woke up this morning feeling better about life! So hooray for that! And I have this great new music to listen to this morning so double the fun :) 

Twenty One Pilots :: House Of Gold

Love the simplicity of this song and the lyrics are too cute.

Lorde :: Tennis Court

If you guys are a fan of the song Royals, you will also enjoy this one. This little 16 year old is doing it right.

Matt Corby :: Resolution 

If I were to write a letter to Matt it would thank him for his beautiful music and probably confess my love.
The Head And The Heart :: Shake

NEW MUSIC FROM THE HEAD AND THE HEART. GET EXCITED! 

Dawes :: Most People 

Anyone else think Dawes sounds like Jackson Browne? 

John Mayer feat. Katy Perry :: Who You Love

Have to admit KP might make this song. She is killin' it. Also check out this JM concert if you want.

J. Tillman :: First Born

If you like Ray LaMontange, you will appreciate and enjoy JT - the other JT.

Dylan Owen :: The Window Seat 

It's that new, new from Dylan Owen. Love his style of hip hop. It's very story like and his flow is pretty.

Collin McLoughlin :: Light This Fire

Off his new EP. I just want to move around when I hear it. I would say dance, but I don't have rhythm.

Cash Cash feat. Bebe Rexha :: Take Me Home

You know female vocals on an electronic track are my weakness! Also, there is an acoustic version!

Cheers! 

<3 BB

weekend

Is anyone else bad at family reunions or is it just me? I always end up still just talking to my immediate family. Whoopsies.

We had corn on the cob though, so I didn't even care. Who doesn't love corn on the cob? YUM.

To answer your question, yes that is butter in there to dunk the cob. *clarification: not all of that is butter, some of it is hot water.*  We aren't total fatties around this joint. 

So yeah, had a family reunion this weekend. It was a blast. Ate yummy food (duh), hung out with family, and enjoyed the nice weather.  What more can you ask for? I suppose you could have asked me to visit more with my distant relatives, but that seems like a lot of work ;) 

Besides, I was busy visiting with my mom whom I had not seen in a few weeks. #Priorities.

My brother's girlfriend and I are really attractive dinosaurs, rawr. 

Here is take 2 featuring my sister. Much better.

Linking up with Sami for shenanigans! How were yours?

Cheers, 

<3 BB 

think happy

it's friday.

think happy.

be happy.

 hope you have a wonderful weekend. I am leaving you with this and this song for #backthatazzup .




cheers,

<3 BB


Image: 1

personal trainer, whaaa?

Exciting things happening around this place. Yesterday I took the plunge and ordered my study materials to become a Personal Trainer.  That means I now have 180 179 days to study for and pass my NASM exam to become a Certified Personal Trainer. 

I am so excited and nervous!!!!!!!!

What did I get myself into?! 

All my life I have been healthy and fit. I played sports all through high school and college and now that I am done with specific workouts for sports I still find myself working out a lot.  Part vanity, part sanity, but mostly because it makes me feel good and I need it in my life. Over the past few years I have realized it is more than just a workout to me. You know when people ask what your hobbies and passions are, I am that person that picks fitness and health as part of theirs.  Weird, I know...Here is the kicker, I want other people to be as excited about being fit and healthy as I am. I want to be a part of a person's success and lifestyle change! I want to learn the science behind the fitness.

But here is the deal, I know how to train myself and I know my way around a gym, but do I know how to make others succeed? Do I know how to motivate in a positive healthy way? I don't ever want to make others feel bad about their lifestyles, but I do want to encourage and push others to be happy, healthy, and fit. When in doubt I can just give my clients a shake weight right?! 

And the test, I am nervous for the test itself. I have 6 months to study, so that is good, but I have been out of college for like 4 years. Do I ever remember how to study? I don't think I have taken a class on the human body since high school health ahahaha.....Calm down Brooke, you're starting to freak out.

I am not sure how I am going to put my certification to good use once I have it, but I suppose I should worry about passing the exam before I move onto the next step. I could definitely see myself having my own business someday, but that would involve getting liability insurance, getting an LLC, etc....so I will probably start out in a small fitness center or gym fist.  I am pretty positive that I don't want to work somewhere like 24hr Fitness though, not really my style.  Annnnnyway, wish me luck and go get sweaty!!!!

Cheers! 

<3 BB 

Images: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 

awkward turtle

Do you ever get caught eavesdropping on someone else's conversation? No, just me?! Cool...Anyway, the other day I was waiting in line for food... let's be honest I was at Chipotle, no need to hide my love ...and the server was super friendly, which I always appreciate. He asked each person how their evening was going while he was waiting on them, which I always find to be kind. 

Here are some acceptable responses when asked a simple question when someone is trying to be cordial:

Δ Thanks for asking, I am doing well

Δ Doing great, super hungry 

Δ Little tired, ready to grub 

Etc...

Unacceptable answers would be the one that came from the couple behind me.

Chipotle guy: How are you guys tonight?

Girl from the awkward couple: Ugh. Horrible. It's been a bad day...

Crickets, crickets.

Chipotle dood: Ohhhh, sorry to hear that....Why? 

Noooooooooooo don't ask. Don't you stick that knife in your leg, Ricky Bobby.

Guy from awkward couple starts to explain. Girl proceeds to get mad at him for airing their dirty laundry when she started it in the first place and says something like, we don't need to talk about it here....BUT we have been arguing allllllllllllllll day. It's not going well.

The worker just stares. says sorry, and proceeds to make their burrito bowl that they are going to share....By the way, who SHARES something at Chipotle?! Whatever, rant for another day. 

Here I am so uncomfortable for the poor server, who you know regrets even asking in the first place. 

But it got me to thinking. Why are some people so awkward in social situations.  Why can't they pick up on appropriate social cues?! Why don't people catch on to simple protocol and edict when it comes to being in public. 

This guy isn't your best friend or therapist...he doesn't want to know you have a crap relationship, so stoppppppppp! Just stop. Stop talking. Stop telling perfectly nice strangers your sob story.  This is why people are rude half the time. They don't want to regret being nice!

  

Just be normal people. I beg of you. That's it. That's my rant. 

Cheers to stupidity!

<3 BB


Image: 1, 2, 3

reading tunes

Bought a new book last night guys! It's an Oprah Book Club pick, it's based on a true story, and has portions in Oregon. Win, Win, Win, as Michael Scott would say. 

I am excited to  dive into Wild, by Cheryl Strayed . I have only ready the first chapter, but so far, so good. 

From the book's website: "At twenty-two, Cheryl Strayed thought she had lost everything. In the wake of her mother’s death, her family scattered and her own marriage was soon destroyed. Four years later, with nothing more to lose, she made the most impulsive decision of her life. With no experience or training, driven only by blind will, she would hike more than a thousand miles of the Pacific Crest Trail from the Mojave Desert through California and Oregon to Washington State—and she would do it alone. Told with suspense and style, sparkling with warmth and humor, Wild powerfully captures the terrors and pleasures of one young woman forging ahead against all odds on a journey that maddened, strengthened, and ultimately healed her."

Anyway, as I was browsing Songza for a good bedtime reading station, I  started to think about what makes for a good song to listen to when you're reading.  It has to be soft background noise, not overbearing, beautiful melodies that just blend into moment, etc. So then, I decided to put together my playlist of great music to read to .... or if you're like me start to read, but then nap to. The playlist is also great for work if you're one of those people that can't have too much going on or they easily get distracted! (Not that I get distracted easily or anything...oh something with glitter!) 

So without further ado. 

The Civil Wars :: Poison & Wine Whyyyyy must you be breaking up. Make it stop you two. You're like a mom and dad getting a divorce. Ron Pope :: 65 More Years God, I love Ron Pope. This song is so sappy and perfect. Joshua Radin :: Winter His first album is still his best album, hands down.  Jason Mraz ::After An Afternoon One of his more underrated songs I think.  Birdy :: Skinny Love Great rendition of Bon Iver's Skinny Love The Avett Brothers :: January Wedding One of their less known songs, but one of my favorites.  Lew Watson :: Sink Or Swim  Just can't stop listening to this youngin'  The Staves :: Mexico The Staves make some beautiful music. This is one of those songs.  Sara Bareilles :: Gravity  Hands down my favorite Sara B song, which is saying something. Love her.  Green River Ordinance :: Dancing Shoes  This song just makes a person happy, and if it doesn't make you happy. Then you have a black heart. Daughter :: Candles  love these lyrics: Just a young heart confusing my mind, but we're both in silence The Lone Bellow :: Two Sides Of Lonely This folk group is starting to blow up and it makes me happy :)  Houndmouth :: Houston Train Speaking of bands blowing up. This is Brad's friend's band. They are awesome.  Deer Tick :: These Old Shoes The lyrics. Fantastic. Doesn't everyone want to be loved this much?!  The Paper Kites :: Featherstone Every time I hear this song or see the video, I feel like I am in Where The Wild Things Are The Lumineers :: Slow It Down The best Lumineers song in my humble opinion.  Bejnamin Francis Leftwich :: Pictures  Beautiful voice. Beautiful song.  Alexi Murdoch :: Orange Sky  The OC Soundtrack anyone?! Not that I found this song there when I originally bought that CD or anything...
Happy reading! Or Napping! Or Working! Or whatever it is you'll do while listening to this play list :) 

Cheers, 
<3 BB 

shanana-eats

Let me share with you the burger that kicked off my weekend. I took myself on a date for Portland's Burger Week.  Restaurants all over the city were offering their ridiculous burgers for only 5 dollars, so I had to partake. 

This burger featured 3 buns, a fried egg, and 3 patties.  I didn't even attempt to eat two of the buns and it was still huge. This monstrosity can be found at a place called Tilt, up in the industrial part of north Portland. Gawd, it was fabulous.   

Because of said burger I had to workout a lot this weekend. Okay, I didn't have to but I wanted to. Luckily, Saturday wasn't too hot (it was a little humid by Oregonian standards though), so I took myself on a 45 min. run, which sadly, is one of my long runs. Anything over 30 mins and I get bored. Trying to work through that though. 

Also, do you ever have those weekends where you do a lot of fun stuff, but then don't really document it. I guess it's not really a bad thing at all...Means you were actually enjoying yourself. Anyway, I had one of those weekends. #badblogger #whatever. Got to see a few different college friends that were home from out of state and it was lovely, but I have no photographic proof, minus this coffee from my coffee date with my old college roomie at Stumptown (I don't know what makes their coffee so fabulous, but it was the best soy latte I have had in maybe ever. Magic beans obviously.)

Lastly, did I commit to doing a 60 day Paelo challenge with my friend Anne?! I think I might have. Good thing most of the food in my house already is. Had this strange concoction last night.  Sweet Potato, Apple, Chicken, and green hot sauce, with a splash of honey and cinnamon. Sounds weird, tasted good... Where is Jessi when I need her, going to have to get creative with my meals. 

Overall my weekend was low key and my shenanigans were on point. Now I must attempt to get out of my food coma and get to work.... ugh.

Cheers!

<3 BB

reasons to watch futbol

Hellllllllllo Sports Fans,

In honor of Fan Friday, I wanted to share with you a sport I have started watching more regularly within the past 2 years. As you may have caught on, Brad has made me become a futbol fan....and no it's not the American kind. It's the kind that everyone, but the US, loves....SOCCER. Actually that's not true. Come to Portland and you'll see it's really popular here too. Brad and I even have season tickets to the Portland Timbers games. Anyway, after being immersed in the beautiful game (that's what they call it) for a little while now, I thought I would tell you all the reasons why you should give soccer a chance.

Δ The players are hot.

Δ The goals are impressive.

Δ The fans are crazy.

Δ The goal celebrations are LEGIT.

Δ The Wives and Girlfriends of the players are sexy. Hello WAGS. Yes, Shakira is a WAG.

Δ The commentators rival golf commentary and if you watch golf, you know that commentary is gold.

Basically, what I am saying is give soccer a chance, like this American football coach is.


*Editor's note: It's true about the 3/4 capris. Brad is obsessed with them and he didn't even buy them in the women's section. 


So appreciate soccer... or at least appreciate this.

And last, but not least...I will leave you with a song off of FIFA 2013 (that's the soccer video game in case you didn't know) for #backthatazzup Friday!!!!! 

Cheers!

<3 BB

timmy wimmy lake

As promised here are some photos from the little day trip we took to Timothy Lake. Timmy Lake is located about an hour and a half outside of Portland. Our little day trip was probably one of the better days I have had in a while. It was nice to get out of the city, put the cell phone away, do a different form of exercise as opposed to going to the gym, and just enjoy being outside in the nice weather.  I am trying to hold on to summer as long as possible, because I know the rain will be here before we know it and I am just not ready for rain. 

Timothy Lake has multiple campgrounds along the water and it made me super nostalgic. Growing up my parents took us camping a lot. Probably close to every other weekend during the summer, so seeing all these people camping made me missing being little and eating s'mores.  It also made me want to just join in and nap in their tents...because that's not weird or anything. 

The trail head supposedly goes around the entire lake and is about 13 miles round trip. 

What up Mount Hood!!? You so pritay, like model or cheerleeda. 

Although we somehow got on another trail part way through and ended up at a historic Ranger Station about a mile and a half away from the water, so we might of had to backtrack and didn't make it all the way around the lake. 

Still managed to hike at least 8 miles though! 

And got to play in the water :) 

Model status. 

Insert random yoga pose, that I never actually do other than for picture time.

Note to self, make sure your sammies are wrapped in more than just that brown paper before you put them into an ice chest. Note to self number 2: the bread will get soggy once said ice begins to melt in the ice chest if the sammie is not properly wrapped. 

We still went ham on them anyway. 

If you guys were smart, which I all know you are because you're following my blog and that is a smart life decision, take my advice get out and enjoy your surroundings before summer is over!!! 

Cheers! 

<3 BB 

PS................HOW PRETTY IS MY NEW DESIGN?!! My blogger buddie Kailyn Marie did it up for me. We're pretty much twinning right now with our designs and we don't hate it. You should hit her up if you are in the market. Here is her design info.