Well good news, everyone. Even though the US lost yesterday in their World Cup game they are still moving on to the next round so Bradley didn't break up with me! Plus, this morning started off with a breakfast burrito and bacon so I would say Friday is looking pretty good, guys - even if it is cold and raining. Get you ish together, Portland.
With my good mood this morning let's get to linking up with Amanda for Friday Favorites.
//This article speaks to me. Everything about it is spot on.
//But no really, this was my life. Thanks Glide High School.
//For the record - this song will be EVERYWHERE this summer. Mark my words, people. Mark my words. - PS. look how hipster I am with my music tastes. Sharing this song before it blows up.
So this girl is rocking a solid migraine at work this morning. Real fun - said no one ever. This is pretty much how I feel about my migraine right now. It has left me with zero motivation for this day.
Basically, what I am saying is, I have nothing of value to bring today. Instead I will just share my favorite links for Friday Favorites with Amanda and bang my head against my desk hoping that new pain will distract away from my current migraine pain. Seems logical, right?
//Do you want to know what makes me feel a little bit better about my life? The fact that I am not as dumb as any of these people.
//Why did no one throw me a first moon party?! But no really, best commercial ever?
//What would a Friday during the World Cup be if I didn't talk about the hottest players?
//One of my favorite things about teams losing...their sad, sad fans. Sorry, not sorry, England.
Lastly, in honor of summer I am sharing one of my favorite summer time songs for #backthatazzup Friday. This song never gets old for me and always reminds me of my summers spent working in Alaska during college.
Now I'm off to go make friends with my headache so it goes away.
Happy Friday, my lovelies. Today I want to discuss Friday Favorites and things from this week that made me happy with Amanda from Meet At The Barre. Want to share some links. Some food. Some Yoga moves...and some all around goodness.
First, let's talk about this awesome 'dessert' I made last night. Here is what you need.
::banana
::peanut butter
::honey
::dark chocolate chips
::whole wheat tortilla
::butter
Then go ahead and make yourself a dessert quesadilla with all the goodies. In case you live under a rock and have never made a quesadilla...The butter goes on the outside of the tortilla so it doesn't burn to the pan and the outside of the shell gets nice and golden brown with a little crisp. The rest of the goodies go inside for some heavenly goodness that is not too unhealthy for you.
Next, let's talk about how after that dessert I decided to play around with some yoga. It was an off day for workouts, but I wanted to get some stretching in. I am trying to do yoga at least twice a week these days and it is definitely helping with my tightness. I was also really excited because I was able to build into this headstand after watching this video posted by Lululemon.
I might have also pulled something in my neck a little bit when I was flopping around trying handstands and other poses, but that is neither here nor there... Let's just focus on the fact that I was able to nail headstands and crow's pose multiple times last night.
And now let's share some of my favorite links.
::With another school shooting this week, this time too close to home, I found this article to be very interesting.
::Thanks Macey for this find on 5 things every daughter should be taught.
This girl has big, big plans this weekend. They include being outside in the sun, going to Portland's Saturday Market...maybe laying by my grandma's pool. Going on a hike since there is no rain in the forecast for the next 10 days. Potentially watching The Fault In Our Stars, although, honestly, I am afraid I will cry like a little baby in public and I am not sure anyone needs to see that.
You know, really important weekend things. Basically what I am saying is I need to day to fly by so this fabulous weekend full of plans and no plans can start. Before the weekend starts though, let's link up with Amanda for Friday Favorites and talk about some of my favorite things that happened this week.
My favorite moment this week - besides my sister graduating - had to be falling asleep while reading outside yesterday afternoon. Gosh I love a good unexpected nap, especially when it is outside in the funshine.
For my favorite links of the week I want to also team up with Sarah and Fan out for Fan Friday on one topic. Let's focus on - World Cup 2014
Now, I know not everyone is obsessed with soccer like Bradley is - because let's be honest. Bradley is a little crazy and a little out of his mind with his love for the US Men's National team and soccer in general.
But here are a few reasons why you should take some time out of your schedule over the next few weeks and watch some of the World Cup games - especially the United States Men's National Team (you can cheer for us, Melissa even though you're Canadian). The World Cup is being held in Brazil this year, so there will be many, many good looking fans that will be showed on TV. The Stadiums are ridiculous (if they get them finished in time - a lot of them are still not finished yet and the first game is in less than a week), and the hair styles by soccer players are always comical.
::First let the cast of Bend It Like Beckham explain the World Cup for you. Then....
::Get to know the US Men's Team a little bit better and read this.
::Next, you should watch because there are at least 180 hot men that play soccer.
::Watch because our most important player is good with kids.
BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY WATCH BECAUSE IT IS THE MOST AMERICAN THING YOU CAN DO FOR YOUR COUNTRY FOR THE NEXT MONTH. One Team. One Dream.
Oh, and watch for this Derp Face by Clint Dempsey (he is American).
Lastly, my #backthatazzup song of the week is even World Cup Theme. Check out this awesome music video / ad for the World Cup by Beats By Dre. It's sick.
Cheers to America!
<3 BB
ps. sorry for the link overload. I think I blacked out after looking at so many pretty soccer players.
Three cheers for Friday!!!!!! I see there is no shortage of exclamation marks today, Brooke. Last night was officially my last track meet that I had to coach at and it feels weird. I don't have a meet to go to this weekend for the first time since the beginning of March and next week will be the first time I don't have to commute an hour for practice twice during the week. What am I going to do with all my free time?! So much time for activities now like: sleep, eat, sleep, workout, eat, repeat.
Anyway, today I want to share a fantastic thing with you...or at least I think it is fantastic. So Sarah posted this link on her blog the other day and it just hit home for me. Today I want to share with you the Body Image Movement. I love what Taryn's mission is for not just herself and her daughter, but for women everywhere. We need more women (and men) that believe in the power of things like the Body Image Movement. We need more people to love their bodies and themselves.
'In 2012, while contemplating my impending plastic surgery which would make my breasts perky plus neatly tuck away that excess fat on my stomach, I had an epiphany.
If I go through with this, what am I saying to my daughter about body image? How will I teach her to love her body? How am I going to encourage her to accept and love her body, when I am standing in front of her with a surgically enhanced body? What type of hypocrite or mother would I be?
Presented to me at that moment of realisation, were questions I needed to address, and within that moment, I knew the answer. It was clear. I chose Mikaela, and the future of my daughter.
With the decision to cancel my surgery firmly in place, it still left me with the awareness that I was stuck in a body that I didn’t love, with parts I detested. I was at rock bottom, I hated my body more than ever.
Then a thought popped into my head. What if? What if I could live happily with my body? Was this even possible?
I picked myself up off the floor, wiped the tears from my eyes and looked into my mirror. Bursting from my soul came my old friend Taz. The one I knew and loved, the happy-go-lucky self which had been hiding for too long.
She simply said, “You can do this”.
And so began this journey. This unwavering desire to teach, educate and shout around the world that loving your body can bring you happiness and by learning to do so, change lives forever.' - Taryn Brumfitt
I think the most powerful part of this video that really hit home for me are the responses that women gave her when they described their own bodies. So many women and girls, including myself, are too quick to find their faults instead of all the beautiful and wonderful things about their bodies. Our bodies are strong and powerful and full of life, we need to respect them and respect ourselves. There is no such thing as a perfect body, but there is such thing as a healthy and happy one.
So, do me a favor today and take a second to find some positives in yourself. And then do a happy dance to this song, because it's Friday and that's what we do on Fridays. We choose to be happy and we dance.
I wanted to link up with Amanda to share my favorite video of the week. I am sure most of you have seen this video by now. It has been viral all over the internet this week, but I need to share it again. Yes, I know sharing it and making you watch it via my blog is slightly ironic with the message it shares. But this message...this message needs to be heard, over and over and over.
Blogging is a funny thing. You talk and interact with people you have never met in real life. You might even know more about their daily schedules, their fears, and their dreams more than you know about your 'closest friends' in real life, the ones you interact with daily. We have stopped looking people in the eyes. We have distracted conversations, where no one is really paying attention to people. We are slaves to technology and self promotion.
'We're a generation of idiots. Smart phones and dumb people.'
The thing is, I totally support the internet and blogging and what it can bring to people. However, I 100% agree we need to put down our phones and our ipads more. I 100% support being present in the moment. So, as much as I love this little space of the internet that I call mine..I also love the real people in my life. I am so excited to spend the weekend with people I love and engage with them without being distracted by my phone and I hope you do the same.
And for a little #backthatazzup Friday jam with Whitney, I want you to hear this new single by Sam Smith. He is legit. Stay With Me is the new single for his upcoming album. You can check out his other stuff here. Plus, the lyrics about staying with a person and being all they need seem a little fitting with today's post. Enjoy.
I knew I wanted to link up with Amanda for her favorite things this Friday....BUT can we do it a little differently? Would you all mind? Here is the deal, I have been a bad blogger and bad internet friend. I have been stockpiling my favorite links of Benedict Cumberbatch waiting to share them with you all. It's rude. It's not fair and you deserve better, BUT good news is I am sharing all my favorites with you today!!!
//Here are 52 things you might not know about Benedict.
//You know how I shared that 2048 game a few weeks ago...well you are in luck, because they have a version with Benedict's faces. You're welcome.
You're welcome, my favorite people of the internet.
Now let this song carry you, run you, dance you, whatever you need it to do into the weekend for #backthatazzup Friday. I am off to Win a Conference Championship! Well the athletes are, I am just going to try and coach them to victory.
First things first. I would like to note a few things that have happened in my life since yesterday.
1) I was successful in peeling my hard boiled eggs this morning. No eggs were called asshat in the process.
2) Bradley normally makes breakfast smoothies in the morning. He did not make me one this morning and I am sad and feel like there is a void in my life today.
3) RAC's spotify page has been my jam since yesterday afternoon. Can't. Stop. Listening. His version of Zee Avi's Concrete Wall. Wowza.
4) I hate sleeping on my back. My allergies are bad enough that I have been forced to mouth breathing on my back. Talk about some crappy sleep....whatever though, it's Friday.
5) Oh Em Gee.....Bradley made up for not making my smoothie when he pulled the trigger for tickets to Portland's Tedx Talk tomorrow!!!!! The theme is Perfect and I cannot wait to see all the speakers. There are a number of fascinating speakers on the docket, including Macklemore even. Hopefully I will feel like changing the world in a positive way after tomorrow.
Anyway, here are a few links from the internet I enjoyed this week.
Guys, I made it through Thursday, just barely. It ended with this short story, though: anytime I go somewhere and do not want to take my purse with me, I put it in the trunk of my car - just in case someone tries to break into my car. (please don't go break into the trunk of my car now). Anyway I get to the track yesterday and park out in the big parking lot that gets quite a bit of action. Anyway... I put my purse in the trunk go on with my coaching blah, blah, blah...well I get back to my car 2 hours later only to realize that my trunk had not shut all the way and it just chillin there wide open. I start to mini panic in my head. Is my purse gone? Did people steal all my stuff? Is my car battery dead? This is really the last thing I need in my life. PRAISE SWEET, SWEET BABY JESUS my purse (with everything in it) was still there and my car started...but this was just proof that I need the weekend.
Sidenote, I think this gif wins the internet.
Anyways, I got home made dinner and got straight into bed to read so nothing else could potentially go wrong and guess what... I made it to Friday, I am not tired and things are looking up!!!!! Now let's enjoy to some internets to celebrate.
//I listened to the most interesting interview last night on the way home from track practice. Fresh Air had Jolie Kerr on, author of the book My Boyfriend Barfed In My Handbag..And Other Things You Can't Ask Martha. Kerr also writes a post called Ask A Clean person and for someone that secretly loves to clean this interview made me the happiest. She talked about how to get out all kinds of stains from blood to puke, and why things like mildew-y towels happen and how to fix it! It was gross and fascinating at the same time! Highly suggest you listen to the interview or check out her writing.
So I finally got on the Divergent train and am halfway through the first book. Totally FanGirling right now. Loving everything about it. If obsessing over fictional characters who are much more badass than I were a sport, I would totally be the MVP. (Can we make this a sport Sarah? Think Goodell would fund it?) Hopefully I will have enough time to finish it to catch the movie in theaters! Anyway, last night when I was reading I came across this quote and just fell in love with it.
I wish more people (including myself) felt this way, acted on our thoughts, and stood up for one another more often. Just a real life, deep thought for your morning. Sorry I took it to serious town on a Friday.....
Now let's get to some links.
//These photos from the mudslide in Washington will break your heart.
//What we 20 somethings are saying and what we actually mean.
//In honor of Divergent I am bringing you a song from the movie soundtrack for #backthatazzup Friday. The whole album is pretty fun, plus it features Chance The Rapper, M83, and Kendrick Lamar. Good stuff people.
Cheers to your Friday! Hope it's not as rainy as mine.
Happy Friday, BZs. I am super excited for this weekend because while Brad is off in Reno losing betting money on the March Madness games with some buddies, I get to go play with my old college roomies at the coast...and the best part, it's not even supposed to rain this weekend. Can't ask for much more. Well you can, things like 80 degree weather and hot surfers to look at would be extra nice, but we are going to the Washington coast not the San Diego beaches. Can't win em all I suppose. Anyway here are some of my favorite links on the internet this week.
//You might hate me a little after you get addicted to this game.
//Not to mention the thoughts you will have while playing said game.
First, thanks for all the hair ideas yesterday. Still undecided, but you know how I said I wanted to keep the length...I might have changed my mind. Thinking about going more drastic and chopping off like 6 inches, because I have found my hair muse.
The girl from Gal Meets Glam (the 2 bottom photos) can do no wrong when it comes to her hair. I want it. I want it in all the colors, all the styles, all the lengths. You get the idea. How is it so perfect?! We'll see if I actually commit or chicken out come Monday afternoon. Enough about my hair. It's just hair, it grows back, and it's really not cool enough to blog about multiple days in a row.
Let's check out this week's entertaining links.
//Have you guys seen this strangers kissing video yet? It's weird and I can't tell if it is a good thing or not.
In honor of #backthatazzup Friday with Whitney, I have two songs to share with you today. First Pharrell WIlliams' new CD came out and G. I. R. L. is legit. My favorite song on the album that I have been listening to on repeat is Lost Queen. Something about it is just so catchy.
The second one is a Babbling Brookelyn Original... does anyone else sing to themselves in the morning? Brad laughs and mocks every day me as I stand in my closet each morning singing this little tune.
What do I want to wear today? Wear today? Wear today? What do I want to wear today?! I don't know....
Nerd alert. Who am I and why did I just admit that on my blog? Getting dressed is hard. Anyway, enough embarrasing stories about me. Let's enjoy some Friday links.
//Hannah's posts speak to me every time. Especially this line in her post from the other day:
'We still want to be something really special for the same reasons that anyone, at any age, wants to be something really special: because it’s nice to be noticed every once in a while, even if it’s just by someone who has always taken you as you are. And in a world where it’s nearly impossible to get someone to look you in the eye instead of at the screen, it’s nice to be someone’s kind of Special at the end of a long day. --this part especially'
//Someone come make me this. Even if we already have a headboard.
//Speaking of what to wear, someone buy me these, please.
//Thinking about doing this workout on my lunch break today.
Annnnnnnd now to get through this Friday and onto the weekend. Bradley is taking me here for date night, even if he doesn't know it yet. Get in my belly, yummy food.
Getting all Fan Girl on you with Miss Sarah, because Willamette University's Track season is in full swing. Our first meet is this weekend! Holy Moly, that pretty much means all my Saturdays until the end of May will be spent at the track. It also means I will be in full nostalgia mode for a while. True story, I miss competing. Last night I even brought my Javelin boots out to the track so I could throw around with the girls. In case you're wondering, I've still kind of got it. The little freshman gal I coach was impressed. Don't worry though, my old coach also saw me throwing and brought me back down to reality when he pointed out my form was garbage. This ego is still in check.
//Anyway, enough about my love of track and field. Let's get to some entertaining links.
//Not really eating much dairy these days, but how good do these new flavors look?! HAZED AND CONFUSED GET IN MY MOUTH!
//Holy crap: the average American consumes 16 percent of his or her daily calories from sugars added during food production
//Lastly, for #backthatazzup Friday, I have this Jam I heard yesterday on the way to practice. It reminds me of summer. It features the lead singer of Sublime. It also makes me miss the original lead singer of Sublime. I mean Rome, you're cool and all, but I miss Bradley Nowell. Why do all the talented ones OD from heroine?! Anyway...... It's sunnyish in Portland today, so I am going to pretend it is summer.
It's been a long week, guys. I skipped a few days of blogging, because I just didn't care; slash didn't have anything to really write about; slash needed a break; slash had other stuff to do.
Track is in full swing, which means I get to commute over 45 mins one way 3 times a week to practice and meets to help coach. Bonus points, it's been really rainy this week. It makes coaching extra enjoyable.
I haven't washed my hair since Tuesday. Yes, it's Friday. I am aware, I am a gross human.
But you know what makes this all okay ...
The fact that I was describing this scene of Parks And Rec to Bradley the other day.
And when I got home from track last night this was in the oven.
MacNCheese Pizza, people. The only thing healthy about this pizza was the fact that he used coconut milk instead of real milk and whole wheat pasta. The best part about it - I don't even care one bit. Hot Daumn, it was a beautiful sight for my eyeballs and an even more beautiful tasting treat for my tummy.
Now let's get on to the fun links, so you can go about your Friday and get to the weekend already!
Happy Valentine's Day my pretties and Bradley, I guess. Hope you're feeling the love today, whether it be from your husband, your mom, your dog, your crazy cat, your crazy mother... Kidding love you, Mom!!! Hope you have a great day.
And last, but definitely not least, in honor of both #backthatassup and Valentine's Day with Helene and Sarah...I want to leave you with the most romantic song of freshman year of high school.
Have a good Valentine's Day, however you celebrate it, you crazy kids, you.
I am sure we have all heard about the Beebs latest stunt. He was recently arrested for a DUI in Miami and on top of that he is underage. And yes it's easy to make fun of him, he is kind of a big dummy sometimes... but let's try something else instead.
I found this article on NPR yesterday and it really hit home for me. Why is our first move to automatically make fun of celebrities that are struggling and are in trouble instead of our first thought be to help them? In the NPR article they show this clip of Craig Ferguson from a few years ago when Britney Spears was going through all her crap. (The clip is about 13 mins long, but it's interesting and it is good.)
Now, I am not trying to make people feel guilty for drinking or feel guilty for making fun of celebrities when they do dumb things. For me this isn't even really an issue of JBeebs, he is just the latest celeb to do something dumb with alcohol... it's more the issue of how we deal with alcohol and alcoholism as a society that bothers me. We make jokes about alcohol and treat it so carelessly; but then we shun alcoholics and make people feel embarrassed when it does actually become a problem for them. Alcohol and addiction is a serious thing - so let's treat it like one. It is an illness, not something to laugh at. I am not an alcoholic myself, but it runs in my family and it is something that hits very close to home. Alcoholism not only affects the person struggling with it, but all of the people involved in an alcoholic's life. I think maybe it's time for us to all start taking it more seriously...but what do I know?
PS. If you ever want to read a beautiful book on addiction pick up Beautiful Boyby David Sheff or Tweak by David's son Nic Sheff.
And since I don't want to get too serious on this post today, I still want to leave you with a #backthatazzup song. Obviously, we have to go with the Beebs.
It's Friday, Friday gotta get down on Friday. This Friday is extra special because I am only working a half day, I woke up early to do a nike training club workout(PS. download this app. It's the truth), and I even curled my dirty hair. You can start hating on me now. I am ready for it. And, because I want to win you all back, I got you these entertaining links. Enjoy!
//Instacurity is a real and serious thing. The background music says it all.
//I don't mind the Seahawks, but I just don't like Seattle Fans. Sorry, not sorry.
//Amy Poehler is a smart lady. Bonus cute puppy pics.
So I killed the internet this week. It's dead, done and gone. These links are the truth.
//Starting with this gif.
//This article is kind of a long read, but worth it. Especially now during the season of 'it's about that time I quit my New Year's Resolution'. //Speaking of resolutions, these people can go ahead and just quit the gym already.
//Here are 10 small ways to be a better person right now.
//This music will probably go under the radar in 2014.
