Most Wonderful Time Of The Year

Via Pinterest

Want to know all the reasons why it is the most wonderful time of the year?! It is because .....

//It is sitting by the fire time - time of the year

//It is listening to the top songs of the year lists time- time of the year

//It is only 20 days until Christmas Eve time - time of the year

//It is eating and drinking all of the pumpkin and peppermint treats (but not together) time - time of the year

//It is not forgetting to commit to your health and wellness during the hectic holidays time - time of year (especially after having one too many of the above yummies)

//It is curl up with a good book (by said fire) time - time of the year

//It is trying on wedding dresses time - time of the year. Eek. More on that experience to come later. 

//It is finishing up (or just starting) Christmas shopping for others and maybe a few things for yourself too time - time of the year

//It is listening to all of the Christmas music time - time of the year

//It is getting to spend as much time as possible with your friends and family time - time of the year

SO yeah, just a few reasons I love this time of year even if it is cold and rainy....

Cheers!

<3 BB

ps. Hi Guys! Glad you're sticking around even though I am not around nearly as often as I would like to be :)

christmas is all around me

I feel it in my fingers. I feel it in my toes. Oh man! Oh man! Christmas is all around me. Holiday Cheer is in the air people. It's official. You know what else is official, my excitement level for said Holiday Cheer.

The tree is decked. The presents are purchased and mostly wrapped. I am attempting to stay away from too many holiday treats.

And now this week's installment of things I learned this weekend. 

1) Your tree will start to die if you don't cut off the bottom and give it some new life. 

2) Fun ornaments from friends are cuter than cheap target balls. 

3) Glitter makes everything better during arts and crafts time. 

4) Holiday parties are more fun with a photo booth. 

5) DMC from Run DMC is jacked for how old he is. 

6) It takes a lot of work to actually do your hair and makeup.

7) It takes even extra work to paint your nails....but if you do paint them, make sure it's with gold glitter 

8) When you lose your DSLR's battery charger, you can't upload any of the actual photos you took of your cute Christmas tree. 

Cheers! 

<3 BB 

baby christmas tree

So sometimes Brad does things that win him extra boyfriend points. Last night was one of those times when he came home from work with a baby Christmas tree in hand! He lost a few points when he made us stay up past my bedtime, but that is neither here nor there.

After some rearranging of furniture and attempting to cut the end of it with a bread knife we have the tree inside! Mental note: get Brad tools for Christmas next year. Now we don't have it decorated yet, but just having it in the condo makes me a happy girl. Plus, it smells like Christmas and it's not just coming from my favorite Glade candle either.  Side note, go buy yourself this candle. It will be a well spent $2.99.  

Anyway, I am a happy girl on this rainy, cold Friday and am feeling extra giving - so here are some fun links for you. 

::I don't have a 10 month old, but I can only imagine this to be true. 

::Listen to Amos Lee cover John Prine's Christmas In Prison.

::Going to Brad's company Christmas party tonight and I really wish I had this, this, or this to wear.

::The 18 best sounds at Christmas.

::Lastly, enjoy this Christmas song for #backthatazzup Friday with Whitney, unless you're missing someone during the Holidays, then don't because it might make you cry.

Cheers!

<3 BB

fitness lover's christmas wish list

Today I have rounded up some of my favorite items that should be on any fitness gal's wishlist. The great thing about these items is you can be a newbie fitness person or an elite athlete and these items will be a perfect fit...Or at least make it look like you are athletic and just came from the gym when you go to run errands - even though you were actually vegging on your couch all day.

::Ear Warmer:: - This Lulu ear warmer is the perfect width, not to mention the only thing I can afford from Lulu. So spendy. 

::Kettlebell:: Kettlebells might be my favorite item to workout with. They are a little expensive to buy an entire set. My advice is to find a weight that is challenging, but can be used for many movements. 

::FitBit:: The fitbit is super similar to the Nike Fuel Band (which is what I have), but it also tracks your sleep cycle.  

::Nike Running Tights:: You can never go wrong with running tights. Plus, this fun pattern looks like it is dark enough that it would still hide sweat. Not that I ever sweat, because I am a lady.

::Nike Sweatshirt:: This is not a sweatshirt that I would necessarily go running in, but it is a sweatshirt I would throw on to head to and from the gym. Just because you're hot and sweaty after a workout, does not give you the right to go out into the cold without warm clothes! 

Now go buy me these things, please. kthanksbye! 

<3 BB 

always a kid at christmas

So you know how I said I was woefully unprepared yesterday? Consider me even more unprepared for today. I forgot there was the awesome linkup 'Always A Kid At Christmas' with Taylor from the Daily Tay and Helene from Helene In Between and I don't have any old pictures at my place. Dumb, I know.

What I do have to share with you though is one of my favorite Christmas albums that I play every year. No, it is not your traditional Nat King Cole or Frank Sinatra. It's not even a compilation of multiple artists. The Christmas album that will forever remind me of my childhood and being a kid at Christmas is Neil Diamond's The Christmas Album circa 1992.

My parents had this album for some awful reason and we would always listen to it on the 4 hour drive home from my Grandparents' house after Thanksgiving. This album is how we knew it was time to start celebrating Christmas. My personal favorite would be The Diamond's rendition of Little Drummer Boy. Bahhh rump a bum bum. 

Runner up for Christmas album that reminds me of being a kiddo would probably have to be Amy Grant's The Christmas Collection. Does it get better than Breath Of Heaven?! Where did my parents get these albums?! 

So yeah, enjoy the masterpieces that are these wonderful Christmas Albums. Let Neil & Amy get you in the Christmas spirit.... And maybe this weekend I will round up some old, fun pictures from my Grandma! Also, It has officially been decided we are getting a baby tree!!! Now to go find one. Wish me luck.  Cheers! 
<3 BB 

25 and snow flurries

25 degrees and snow flurries don't happen very often in Portland, but when they do it makes me happy. It reminds me of when I was little and lived in the middle of nowhere mountains and got snow every year. Too bad I have to sit at work all day and not by my fire place with hot chocolate. Good news is, I sit by the window and I currently have coconut milk - mint chocolate creamer in rotation for the morning coffee. Mix that with my Christmas Playlist and I am happy. 

Also, last night I went out and got my Christmas cards and picked up wrapping paper from Target. Brad laughed at how long it took me to make a decision when it came to which Christmas cards I wanted. I am never, ever going to be able to plan a wedding at this rate if that day ever comes. So many choices. I don't want them to say Christmas, because WHAT ABOUT M Y JEWISH FRIENDS?! I don't want them to be over the top or tacky. Not my style. Also, decided I wanted my theme to have gold. I finally decided on two options and am going to send them out this weekend...I hope. 

On top of Christmas cards, this girl is hoping to go see some Christmas lights and put up the rest of her decorations now that we are back from Indiana - too bad our house is a wreck. Probably need to clean first, it looks like a war zone ever since our bags finally arrived.  

And people keep asking what I want for Christmas and I still don't really have any ideas. I mean there are always things I want, but then I always feel pressure / guilty when people ask ! Just surprise me?  Or better yet, get me something off this list. I will take the 1,000 bucks or the pet puppy with the peace sign collar, please. 

In honor of my Holiday Cheer I am leaving you with this #backthatazzup song.  Yes, it's Chris Brown and he is a doucher, but I just can't stop listening to it. 

Cheers! 

<3 BB 

Kentuckiana thanksgiving.

Don't worry I won't bore you with too much Thanksgiving talk, sure there was plenty of food, I attended an Indiana football game, hung out with Brad's family, etc, etc. but that's old news now... we're on to bigger and better things like Christmas! Besides, I forgot my charger for my DSLR and my camera was dead the entire visit. Instead, what I do want to share with you are the two embarrassing things I did over my trip to Indiana. 

Embarrassing story number 1.

On the flight out to Indiana I had brought a CamelBak water bottle like this one. Well funny story, when water that is stuck in the straw mixes with cabin pressure, you might as well have a fire hose. I flipped up the straw to take a drink of water and it shot straight into my face...Not only did I get a water facial, but there was so much force the water shot up to the airplane ceiling.  There was water everywhere. In my hair, on the roof, all down my sweater. I still don't know how I managed to not drench the older gentleman sitting next to me, but I definitely think I got a few drops on the people in the seats behind me. My bad.

Brad did nothing, but laugh and I really couldn't blame him. I looked like a wet dog or pathetic cat. 

Embarrassing story number 2.

Every year Brad's family plays an annual sporting event for a trophy and all. Aunts, uncles, cousins all partake. They used to play flag football, but too many people were getting hurt. Brad made his mom and sister both cry in one game, not to mention the game his mom tore a muscle in her bicep.  Anyway, the past three years they have played soccer instead of football, because there is a little less chance of someone getting seriously injured....One would think anyway. Now see, I don't play soccer, never was on a youth team growing up, always played sports where you could use your hands. I dribble the ball with my hands, not my feet, ok?! I also only have two speeds when I kick a soccer ball, barely move it an inch or kick the shit out of it. Ball control is not something I pride myself on twss. Of course not long into the game I go to kick the ball and guess who's face happens to get in the way.... Yup, Brad's Loving Mother. wa wa wahhh.  I hit Brad's mother in the face with a soccer ball. I felt horrible. Although, I must say she took it like a champ. She is a stronger woman than I. 

So yeah, that about sums up my trip in a nut shell. We'll see if they ever invite me back. 

Cheers to being an asshat! 

<3 BB 

forgive and forget

I came across this quote on pinterest last night after I had to go to Ulta to buy things like a brush, travel size shampoo, and the minimum amount of makeup I can get by with until my lost bags get back to me. Side note, I think I might be in love with this BB Cream / Primer by Tarte. Sorry, getting off track.... 

Anyway, as frustrated as I was by my travel day from hell and the fact that I was having to spend money out of an inconvenience I did not cause...the quote made me realize how well I actually handled the situation compared to a lot of the others that were in my same situation. Brad and I were not the only ones to miss a flight that day and we were definitely not the only ones that were frustrated - but unlike some people, we were not rude to the workers that were trying to help us get home. Especially, because they were not the ones that actually caused us to miss our flight home in the first place. 

At the end of the day our trip to Indiana was great and I am so happy Brad got to spend time with his family. He only gets to see them a few times a year, whereas I get to see mine often since we all live in the same state. So yes, getting home at 3am after a busy weekend of Thanksgiving festivities was not ideal and still not having my bag with all my essentials (like a hair-dryer) is annoying. (Wet hair in 25 degree weather is cold) - but it happened and you can't really change it. 

I hate how people are so quick to anger in situations that don't go their way. What good does anger really do for us anyway? Do you really feel better after yelling at the ticket gal? Does it get you home any faster? No. The holidays can be a stressful time of year, so instead of picking frustration and anger as our first emotion. Take a deep breath and think before you speak. Forgive the situation or the person and just move on. You'll be happier in the end because of it. 

Cheers! 

<3 BB 

holiday travel is the worst

So I started writing a nice little recap post during my first flight back yesterday thinking we'd be back in Portland by 6:30pm.... and then from there I had the travel day from hell and I don't feel like recapping my weekend. Instead let's recap my last 24 hours. 

::Dec 2nd - 12:00pm eastern time. Leave for Indianapolis. Drive for an hour and a half to the airport. 

::3:30pm eastern time. Fly out of Indy to Denver...but first we get to sit on the plane for 40 mins and wait for a mechanic to fix a broke seat. A broken seat!

::4:55pm Denver time (I don't even know what that is, central?) Land...and our connecting flight back to Portland left at 4:50. Did I mention our original layover in Denver was 45 mins and we sat for a broken seat for 40? 

::Missed our connecting flight home. Cool. Real Cool, Frontier Airlines. 

::Now mind you Brad and I were 2 of at least 15 people that missed their connecting flights because of this. Needless to say, the customer service counter of Frontier Airlines was not the place to be last night, but there sure were a lot of us hanging out there. What was even worse is they said that the seat was broken by a passenger and since the issue was not caused by them they did not have to reimburse any of us and could only offer 2 options to get back to Portland and neither was enjoyable.  

::8:55pm Denver time fly to Phoenix (we were never supposed to go to Phoenix) 

::10:50pm get into Phoenix only to be told we have to take a van to a different terminal and go through security again. Almost miss this connecting flight as we are running through the airport and messing with security. hooray fuel points?

::11:50pm 2 hour and 40 min flight to Portland.  

::Dec 3rd - 1:34am we arrive back to Portland.... only to be told our bags have not. Are you kidding me?!

::3:10am arrive back to our condo. 

::6:30am alarm goes off for work.

::7:00am get to work.

::Guess who is not wearing makeup and wearing her old glasses today... this girl. 

Guess who is also not wearing deodorant. this girl. 

::7:45am Brad calls to tell me his car keys are in my car...so I got to sit in traffic again for an hour because I had to drive them back to him.... Girlfriend of the year award goes to me. Also, get a spare key, Brad. ugh. 

::Silver lining: I stopped and got myself a coffee in a holiday cup and there is Christmas music on the radio. Plus, I am getting Chipotle for lunch.

Is it bed time yet?

<3 BB

riding the happy train into monday

Just a few highlights from the weekend shenanigans that are still making me happy today...even if it is a  dreaded Monday. 

//Might have ran errands this weekend and may or may not have gotten twinkle lights on sale at Michael's. Along with a few other Holiday type items. And before you start yelling at me that it's too early for Christmas, just stop. I don't want to hear it. Plus, in my defense, they aren't technically Christmas decorations - it's just twinkle lights with gold accents. 

//I got to play with this puppy. Holy Moly, cuteness overload. My cousin has her hands full with this little guy, but those blue eyes are worth it. 

//Had a good hair day on Saturday, even if I did only end up getting to see the inside of a movie theater and then my apartment. Also, my favorite Holiday beers are back. Cheers to that! 

//Lastly, speaking of movie theaters. Go see this movie. Go see it right now. Leave work, stop what you're doing, and just enjoy everything about the movie About Time. I might have cried both sad and happy tears - but to be honest it doesn't take much to make me cry during movies and shows these days. Evidently I have turned into a big, emotional, sap in my old age of 25. 

Cheers! 

<3 BB 

Christmas Cookies!

Does anyone else feel like they were slapped in the face with Christmas and it is now gone all too soon?  I am sad it is over already, but had a wonderful Holiday that was spent with family.  We opened presents, went to Midnight Mass, and ate wayyyyy too many of these cookies...

  Swedish Cream Wafers. YUM. 

Now, I would like to pretend that this Swedish Cream Wafer recipe has been passed down for generations and generations in just our family only, but after a quick Google search, it looks like that is not the case (insert sad face).  Either way, this is probably the world's most perfect cookie that has been made every Christmas.

I mean, what more can you ask for, really? 

Perfect Frosting: check 

Pie like cookie: check 

Sandwich form: check 

Melt in your mouth delicious: check 

Our tradition is to bake the cookies a day or two early to make sure they get a chance to cool over night and  then frost them on Christmas Eve while we wait to go to church. 

Make that dough roll.  

cookie avalanche.  

 I tried to sneak in as many pictures as possible to make it look like I did something other than just eat the cookies. Mom informed me I had poor frosting form, because I was holding the knife wrong and did not add enough frosting for her taste.

Totally posing.  

The highlight of this year's cookie making was the addition of Winter Blue frosting. Normally we just go for the red and green, but I have to say the blue might have stolen the show. 

There are still plenty of leftover cookies at Grandma's, so stop by to steal some and say hi and maybe she'll share! 

Cheers to Christmas Cookies! 

<3 BB 

ZooLights!

ZooLights - Take 2.  I say Take 2 because a group of us tried to go a few weekends ago and the line to just purchase your tickets was over an hour wait.  As much as I love Christmas lights, we quickly decided to abort that mission.  So, last night we tried again!  My cousin Kyndra, her friend Kris, Bradley, and I all bundled up some of us bundled more than others. and checked out some awesome Christmas lights. I guess a little snow in the forecast will cause people to stay inside, which worked in our favor, because there was hardly a line last night. 

We rode the train, got hot chocolate and cookies, and tried to walk briskly to keep from getting frost bite. 

Bonus for me: Kris is a photographer so he tried to give me a few pointers.  Pointer number one: taking photos at night is kind of hard.

This might have been my favorite.

It had a 3D affect going on when you were looking at it.

Ok, does anyone else think that looks like a monkey? The costume, not Brad.  Bradley of course asked if he could take a picture with the horse and the ZooLights volunteer quickly corrected him by saying it was a cow.  We were all wrong in guessing what animal it actually was.

He also asked if he could get a picture with the unicorns.  How could I tell that face no?

Unicorns and glitttttter!  (name that reference)

Sometimes all times Brad does not like to corporate for pictures and that happens.

This was take 3.  I finally gave up and said I would post his awkward photos if he wasn't going to behave. I imagine this is what my mom felt like when my dad and brothers never smiled in pictures growing up. There are a lot of pictures from the 90s where they are not smiling.  My guess is she gave up too.  

Anyways, the ZooLights are going to be on display for a little while longer.  I suggest you check them out on a week night to get a little less of a crowd.


Cheers!

<3 BB

PS. The reference I was referring to earlier was the Progressive commercial. Gotta love Flo... and glitter.

One Week Till Christmas!

Since it is officially one week until Christmas and it is currently snowing outside, I figured some Christmas music was fitting!!!!!!!  Also, you should probably either make your own or purchase some hot choc.  And for the record - it is hard to pick a favorite Christmas songs list.  I LOVE THEM ALL. I will probably post this and then realize I left out at least 7 other great ones... but this will at least get you started!



Bing Crosby :: White Christmas
White Christmas is fitting right now since Portland is getting snow.  I grew up having snow a lot of the winter, so it's always nice when I get a tiny bit in Portland.

Nat King Cole :: The Christmas Song
Turkey always helps make the season bright.

Chris Brown :: This Christmas 
You can have your opinions about Chris Brown (I am sure most are not that kind), but it doesn't really change the fact that this song is catchy.

Zooey Deschanel and Leon Redbone :: Baby It's Cold Outside
There is just something about this version I just love.  Maybe it's Leon's voice, maybe it's because it's from Elf.  Either way it makes me smile.

Boyz II Men :: Silent Night 
When I was growing up my dad was kind of an OG (original gangster) and had the Boyz II Men Christmas CD.  This was always my favorite on the album.

Neil Diamond :: The Little Drummer Boy
For the record my parents had an odd variety when it came to Christmas Albums.  They also had Neil Diamond's and The Little Drummer Boy is one of my dad's favorite Christmas songs.  This version always reminds me of sitting in traffic driving home from my Grandparent's after Thanksgiving.

Straight No Chaser ;: 12 Days of Christmas 
Obviously, the best part of this song is when they break into AFRICA! Toto did it right with that song. 

Mariah Carey :: All I Want For Christmas Is You 
How could I not include this on my list of favorites!

I could keep going, but I will leave you with Mariah stuck in your head the rest of the day! What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?!


Cheers!

<3 BB

Happy One Week Till Christmas Eve!

Happy Monday, Everyone!

Oh Man! I am in full Christmas Cheer Mode.  One week till Christmas Eve, are you kidding me?! It's going to be gone before I know it.  Gotta soak it up while I can!

Now with all that Christmas Cheer I have, one would think I spent my weekend doing awesome Holiday Festivities..but I didn't.  I have no fun updates from the weekend.  Like zero, nada, null... you get the idea. Brad and I were lazy - as in spent almost 10 hours on the couch Saturday and close to that same amount on Sunday. We watched movies and enjoyed our Christmas tree and fireplace!  Real cool 20somethings, I know.

More or less my view for the entire weekend. 

I must say, I definitely needed the rest. I was still working on getting over a cold and just plain tired.  We knew going into the weekend we wanted to be low key.  However, by the end of it, I somehow felt even more lethargic than before I started the resting period.  My evening workouts were sub-par and my body felt like I was a bear coming out of hibernation; it just didn't want to cooperate. And even though I forced myself through a good ab workout and cardio on Saturday including a 3 min. plank and a deck of cards workout and cardio on Sunday, it felt like I was just going through the motions, torturous motions.

It made me realize that rest is a good thing, but only in moderation.  Kind of like everything else in life, I suppose.  It also made me understand how easy it is to make being lazy a habit.  Being that sedentary, not only affects your body, but it also affects your mind.  It made me lose motivation to be productive and also made my body sore and stiff - which did not help my already lacking motivation. It was a good lesson for me  and forced me to get my butt up for an early morning cardio session before work so I can go to dinner with this little lady, her mom, and her kiddo.  That was until Brad and I blew a fuse in our apartment's fitness center.  Who knew having two treadmills going at a running pace kills the power?!

Brad's highlight my lowlight of the weekend had to be when he scared me as I walked out of the bathroom.  Felt like this guy.  Now there is not video proof or anything, but I might have gotten a little panicky and started to cry, while laughing and cursing at Bradley all at the same time.  Hate when he does that to me. Am I the only one that gets that startled?!


Cheers to the Countdown to Christmas!

<3 BB

Gift Guide for the FitFluential

Brad and I got a great / quick circuit workout in last night, which was supposed to feature a jump rope portion.  Neither of us own a jump rope and improvised, but Brad commented on how he should put that on his gift list. This got me to thinking what items I would put on my wish list when it comes to the fitness side of life. Plus, when it comes to workout gear and accessories, I tend to not ever feel guilty about these purchases, because they are bettering my health, mind, and body!!!  

Nike Sweatshirt: Gotta stay warm and cute to and from the gym, this sweatshirt does just that.

Nike Lunar Glides +4 Shield: The added shield protection makes these shoes water resistant, which is perfect for anyone running in the NDub (aka Northwest).  Plus, the Lunar Glides come in both men's and women's styles.

Nike Relay Running Capris: You can never have enough running tights. The end.

Jump Rope: Jump roping is not just for children.  You can get a solid cardio workout with a good jump rope.

FlipBelt: The flip belt might be one of the smartest ideas to come through the fitness world in a while, especially for outdoor running.  It lets you hide your valuables securely so they aren't bouncing around in your pocket or sports bra. 

Smart Touch Running Gloves:  More or less a necessity during the winter months, when it's freezing, but you still want to be able to change your tunes.

Wang Buds: Speaking of tunes, headphones are a great gift, at least for me, because I tend to always break my headphones, but hate spending money on them.

Nike Fuel Band:  I know I posted this in my Tech Savvy gift guide, but it's just that cool.  It is definitely on my wish list...Either that or I will steal the Boy's (Which is sounding like a cheaper alternative for all parties involved)


PS: Here is the workout we did last night if you're feeling strong! 


For time: (with a 35min cut off)

50 x double unders* --- we substituted tuck jumps**, because we did not have a Jump Rope. Rest 1 minute
50 x sit ups
Rest 2 minutes
50 x pull ups
Rest 3 minutes
50 x push ups
Rest 4 minutes
50 x squats
rest 5 minutes
50 x burpees


*here is what a double under is.
** here is what a tuck jump is.

Including the rest time, Brad finished the workout in 24:31 and I finished in 28:35.  The burpees at the end were the hardest part for sure.


Cheers to Giving the Gift of Fitness!

<3 BB

Gift Guide for the Tech Savvy

Most people these days have some sort of cool tech gadget - whether it be a smartphone, iPad, or nice camera.  Here are a few of my favorite tech items and accessories that range in dollar amounts to fit any gift giving budget!

Nike Fuel Band:  Keep track of your workouts and fuel points all the time.  Brad has this Fuel Band and it definitely helps keep him motivated to beat his set daily fuel points goal.

Sling Shooter: This might be the perfect camera strap.  It goes from a secure cinch to a flexible shooter in one move.  Plus they have designs for both men and women!

iPhone Case: Society 6, hands down, has the best iPhone case options around.  It has hard to pick a favorite, which is why this would make a great gift.  Then someone could pick out a new case for me, so I wouldn't have to make a decision!

Power Mate Plus:  Is an on the go backup iPhone battery for when your phone dies at the most inconvenient time.  The polk-a-dots are super adorable, but J. Crew also offers manly options too!

Une Bonbine:  Is it a phone cable?! Is it a tripod?! Wait for it... it's both!!! I am just in awe of this item.  Want and double want.


What items are you asking for / eyeing on the tech side of things?!


Cheers to Giving!

<3 BB

Holiday Cards!

My goal for the weekend is to get my Holiday Cards out.  I have already purchased cute ones from Target.... but I kind of want to find different ones after browsing the interwebs. I tend to stick to the more Holiday Neutral cards instead of ones that yell Merry Christmas at you.  That way my Jewish and other Non-Christmas celebrating friends don't get offended.  There is just something about getting a Christmas card in the mail that makes me happy and no, ones sent via email do not count.

Here are a few of my favorites...

source. 

source. 

source.

source.

source.

source.

Ok, it's official, I want to pick out new Christmas cards.  Do you send out Holiday cards?  Do they include a picture or a year in review? 

Cheers to Holiday Cards in the Snail Mail, 

<3 BB 

The S&S Aptartment Has A Tree

We have a tree, people!  Bradley and I are making moves in the world of Holiday Cheer.

This weekend was spent with the college roomies, which is one of my favorite ways to spend a weekend.  Plus, one of my roomies parents happen to live on a Christmas tree farm out in Banks, Oregon, so Sunday was spent picking out our favorite tree!

Schlegel Christmas Trees are the best Christmas Trees. 

The rain did not stop us from picking out the tree, but it did keep my friend Rachel in the car while we looked.

The Schlegel Tree Farm is a U-Cut farm, so naturally I made Brad get dirty do it. 

 

Don't worry though, I had the very important job of keeping it from falling over! Timber!!!! 

Growing up in the Umpqua National Forest, my family always made a day out of Christmas Tree Hunting.  We would take our sleds, go up in the snow, and my mom always managed to find the perfect tree in 5 feet of snow a half a mile off the road that my dad and brothers had the pleasure of carrying back to the truck.

Now, this wasn't quite the same experience, but it was still nice to actually cut the tree we wanted and was a lot more fun than picking out a pre-cut tree from a parking lot. 

We had to let it dry out a little bit before we could decorate it, but I plan on bringing the cheer tonight!!!! 

Happy Holidays! 

<3 BB