Things I Learned Over Mother's Day

Happy Monday Everyone, 

This girl had a fabulous weekend at home for Mother's Day and I learned a whole lot that I want to share with you all. To do so I figured I would link up with Katie Que, read this, then hop on over to her blog and see what she learned this weekend (it's probably much more entertaining than what I learned.), and then link up with us to share what you learned.

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//Surprising my mom and coming home for Mother's Day was probably one of the better decisions I have had in a long while. 

//Rifle Paper Comany makes the best cards. 

//The only thing that has changed about my mom in 20 plus years is her hair style. She's still got it. 

//Outkast Pandora station will play hit after hit on your 3 and a 1/2 hour drive. Including this song.

//Tupac knows how to honor Mother's Day. 

//The movie Neighbors not that good, not that I expected it to be. Sorry, Helene. 

//When you're in Southern Oregon, you do Southern Oregon type things - like shoot guns in the mud. Don't worry though, my little brother is getting ready to into the Police Academy, he knows what he is doing. Me.. not so much. 

//My mom's pond is the best place to drink your morning coffee.

//Hiking in the sun is fun.

//And the most important thing (that I already knew, because I'm so smart) family is the bestest.

Cheers to Mother's Day! 

<3 BB 

27//365

Not a shabby sunrise, Portland.

-b&b

office space

So I bought a desk this weekend. I don't know about you guys, but buying items like this is really hard for me, because I cannot make a decision to save my life. I know what I like and I know what looks good, but actually committing to a desk. Wow, that is hard. How am I ever going to commit to a guy forever....  

In my dream world I would have an office like this or this, maybe even this. However, they don't really go with the space I am working with. I have decided I want my our office space to look something like this. I love the crisp white and clean lines. I even braved Ikea alone yesterday and bought this desk.

But you know what is really freaking hard. Like even harder than picking out the desk... Picking out a chair to go with it. The chair makes the room when you have such a simple, white desk. Oh boy, oh boy. I don't even know what direction to go. Annnnd, why do all chairs have to be so expensive. Plus, I have a theory, the more money you spend on a chair the less comfortable they are. Ugh. I just want to be able to use my desk to study for my personal training certification, but can't do that if I don't have a chair. Brad did not understand my dilemma last night as I was searching the internet for what felt like forever instead of using my free time to study. BUT YOU CAN'T STUDY AT A DESK IF YOU DON'T HAVE A CHAIR TO SIT ON. Needless to say, I was not very amused when he tried to set a time limit for my internet use. What am I, a child?! 

Anyway, here are some of my favorites. I really, really love the colored folding chair from Anthropologie, but I still don't know what I am going to end up with.

desk chairs by brooke-l-smith featuring a swivel-chair

Side note, why does every Polyvore template have shrubbery on it?! Green plants next to my picture does not make my collage of chairs look cuter. The one I picked still does nothing for me, but I was too lazy to create my own, because I am a horrible blogger...but that is neither here nor there. Anyway, if you have any say on what kind of chair would look best with my desk or where you can find inexpensive ones, let a sister know.

Linking up with Sami for these office space shenanigans. Now if only I had a red stapler. 

Help me! 

<3 BB 

surprise. dad got another day older

Oh Hey Monday, 

I'm not ready for you. Then again I'm never ready for you, unless you're a Holiday and we're celebrating by not being at work.  Although this weekend was kind of like a holiday, or at least my father thinks it was, being his birthday weekend and all. My sibs and I all decided we were going to surprise my dad and be home for his birthday, mom was even in on the plan. Friday night, Brad and I left Portland at 10pm and arrived at the parents' house by 1am and my other sibs had gotten in earlier in the evening. Brad HAD to watch the US Men's National game, which is why we had such a late start, but it was definitely worth waking my dad up and confusing him ;) 

The weekend was perfect, food, family, friends, and nice weather. 

My parents purchased a new home a little over 2 years ago now and their pride and joy of the place is the backyard so far.  Last summer they focused on putting in a pond and this spring they just finished putting in a 9 feet tall water feature. It's awesome. 

Mom's pretty pond. Mom recently had 2 very traumatic experiences, one featured birds and the other was caused by a power outage, both killed all her koi fish in the pond. She's still not ready to talk about it.  

Dad's project.

This thing is massive. twss.

The weekend was super relaxing.  The guys golfed a lot. The girls went hiking, and lounged in the pool and we ate a lot of food weird, I know. We did manage to get some circuit workouts in to counteract all the eating though, so there's that!

Look at those grill marks. Perfection.

Putting my old sous-chef skills to work on the grill.

PUPPPPPPPY!

And here is where my brother thought it would be funny to lounge in the water feature even though my parents have an above ground pool.

It didn't work out very well for him.

Sister, sister.

One of the best parts about the weekend was picking up a new lens from my friend Anne.  She is who I bought my camera from and was selling her old lens now that she has a bigger and more bad ass camera! I am in love. 

I took way too many pictures of the backyard testing it out. Sorry, not sorry. 

Mallows. Nom. nom. nom.

My sister, evidently, had a few too many s'mores and broke the hammock. What a fatty.

True story: I only ate one bite of s'mores. Okay, that's a lie, I had two bites, but still! I was impressed with my self control, okay?! Lay off me, I'm starving. May or may not have dabbled in a little carrot birthday cake, but who's keeping track? 

The crew. 

Also, just realized that I forgot to add any photos of my Mom and the birthday Dad and now I am at work and the photos are at home. I suck at blogging. Sorry my favorite parents :) Still love me please?!

Anyways, that was my weekend. how was yours?!

Cheers,

<3 BB

My Bathroom Got The HGTV

So, yesterday I went all HGTV on our bathroom safe to say that's a stretch.  I didn't mean for it to happen, Target will do that to a person.  I go in for just a new clear shower curtain to put inside the shower and next thing you know I have purchased not just the clear inside, but new rings, and a brand new, boy approved, outside curtain too.

ta-dah! It's a little hard to tell in the light, thanks a lot iPhone but those are blue stripes.

See, I have this thing with stripes probs has to do with the fact they are the classy cousin of the chevron. About 70 % of my shirts feature stripes, our bedding is stripes, and now this! I mean really, how could I not purchase the shower curtain, especially since I have been going to the WestElm site at least once a week to look at this one. I only paid $14.99 for mine, thank you very much suck on that, Westie. Plus, I think it goes better with this painting that I brought to the big kid apartment when I moved in with Bradley than our old curtain. 

slowly taking over this place! 

Speaking of HGTV, is anyone else obsessed with that network or just me?! I mean the kind of obsessed where next thing you know, your entire Saturday is gone and you have watched 28 episodes of House Hunters with a Property Brothers or two thrown in there?

I always get super invested with each episode of House Hunters - it's like I am making the purchase with them, except I have way better taste and am not a huge bitch like some of the people on that show (males included). I mean I get it, for a lot of people this is their 'dream home' or whatever and you want to enjoy the space you're living in so you get to be a little picky - but shoot, these people kill me with what they except from a home, especially when they have a horrible, baby budget to work with.  Let's get realistic, ladies and gents, 250K is not going to get you granite counter tops and 5 bedrooms in the heart of a downtown LA.  Move to South Dakota or something.

The worst part of all of this HGTV watching is it gets me all panicky.  How do people come up with the money to buy a home?! At the rate I am saving money, I will have enough money saved for a down payment when I am dead or at least close to it and by that point I might as well be checking out nursing homes not my dream home... Also, I highly suggest NOT getting online and researching how much cash-ola you will need to buy your first home.  Very depressing if you are nowhere near the goal. Not that I know from recent experience or anything. 

Thought Catalog recently posted two super funny and totally correct articles on what you learn while watching House Hunters.  Check them out here and here.


Does anyone else share this love/hate relationship with HGTV?!

Cheers,

<3 BB


PS. DON'T FORGET ABOUT MY GIVEAWAY, CHECK IT OUT HERE!!!!!!

Weekend Roundup :: Oscars, Home, and More

Oh, Katniss Jennifer.  Let's be friends.  You're funny and awkward and lovable and pretty. Basically we're like the same person.... More or less destined to be besties, just haven't had a chance to meet yet - but once we do, you know we'll be awkward and probs trip over each other and then have a good ol' laugh about it, maybe even snort a bit, just like bff's do.

I don't know who you're angry at, but I'll be angry with you if you need the extra support! 

Until we meet, I will keep watching videos of you -ones like this and this and pretend I was taking a shot with you backstage in honor of your win not that I take shots, bad things happen when shots come out. I cringe just at the thought of a shot. 

So, obviously I watched the Oscars last night.  Might have eaten this while watching:

yummmm.

Also, this may come as a surprise to you, but this is like the first time I have had fro-yo since summer. Crazy, I know.  I am a baby when it comes to being cold, so frozen treats on top of cold hands is not that fun for me.  Still was worth it last night and tasted fantastic though :)

It was really nice to have a low key Sunday evening, because the rest of the weekend was busy. I even tried yoga for beginners yesterday, thanks YouTube. Got my weight loss / stretch and meditation on before dinner.  It was needed after this workout on Friday night:

:: 50 mins of cardio on the elliptical

Followed by:

::44 sec handstand
::44 situps
::44 pullups
::44 lunges (#50)
::44 sec L-hang
::44 burpees
::44 wall ball shots (#15)
::44 pushups
::44 back extensions (#10)

Plus, a run on Saturday morning and then 6 plus hours in the car Saturday and Sunday driving to and from here:

Oh hey, parents backyard.  

As I mentioned on Friday, Brad and I caught a ride with the Grandparents and headed down to the lovely Glide, Oregon to watch my little brother Coach Smith and the Glide Lady Cats in their first State-Playoff game since 2004 (cough, cough when I was in high school).  His girls lost, but played a good game.  Have to admit I am super proud of the little brother.  This is his first year as a Varsity coach and he already took his team to the State-Playoffs.  Not too shabby.


When I was home I stole this from my parents:

High class with the Eddie B. 

I am definitely going to need a little refresher, because I haven't played Cribbage since college, but I am really looking forward to playing again. I really want Brad and I to be better about our electronics usage in the evenings and am hoping this is one way to cut down on the iPads and TV at night. He is on board with this idea - even if he doesn't know it yet....Punny, I know.

Speaking of iPad, I purchased this book last night on mine and am excited to start reading it! (Yes, it counteracts what I just said above, but still.) I have heard it's a quality read and am hoping to pick up a few helpful tips from it.  Prepare for this girl to be even happier! 

Happy Monday, Folks! 

<3 BB

Tuesday Tunesday :: 2.5.13

You want to know what the best life decision I made this week was? (Bold statement to make as it is only Tuesday, I know.) Taking the day off from the gym yesterday and hitting up Mellow Mushroom's Happy Hour with a few friends since I had time to kill before picking Bradley up from the airport.

The good part is I had gotten some good workouts in over the weekend and didn't feel too guilty about the amount of carbies I consumed... That was until I headed to my Grandparent's house to visit with them after HH and Grandma had made a huge dinner...Couldn't offend her by not eating some right?! Wrong  Two meals later I was feeling full, guilty, and ready for bed, but still had to wait until 10pm for his flight to land. Best GF of the Year Award goes to: this girl

I am a happy girl now that the apartment is no longer quiet.  I enjoyed some solo-dolo time, but am glad he is back and I have someone to watch the Bachelor visit with.

Here are my thoughts wrapped up into one corny printable you can buy on etsy.  

Anyway, enough of my blabbing, let's get to the important stuff this fine Tuesday... MUSIC! I went to finish up the post this morning and realized I had stockpiled a lot of music for you this week.  Hope you enjoy!


Penny and Sparrow :: Creature
I'm a creature for your love. Big fan of those lyrics, it reminds me of how we are a little bit (or a lot a bit in my case) creatures of habit. I read that this band has some pretty big ties to faith in their music, but at the end of the day, the great thing about music and lyrics is you can interpret it however you need.

Flightless Bird :: Iron & Wine 
I have been in an Iron & Wine mood lately. I blame January. Not that being in an Iron & Wine mood is a bad thing, but just that their music can give off a very January Grey type of vibe sometimes.

Iron & Wine :: 4AD Session
Like I said, Iron & Wine kind of mood. Also, the first song in the set is my favorite Iron & Wine song of all time.  Super nostalgic and I think it's safe to say everyone has an experience like the one he is describing.

Sleeping At Last :: Turning Page 
Some of you Twilight fans might recognize this song and for those of you who have not see the movies, give it a chance in spite of KStew.  It's beautiful.

Robin Thicke :: Lost Without U 
Taking it back a bit here with this baby makin' jam.  Popped up on my shuffle the other day and took me back to college.  My old roomie and I used to rock out to this song in my car. Gosh it just never gets old for me.

The Lighthouse and the Whaler :: Under Mountain, Under Ground
My friend Creshea reminded me about this band.  She has good taste in music, guys! This is one of my faves by them, but check out the rest of their work.  You won't be disappointed.

The Neighbourhood :: Sweater Weather
This song is fitting right now, because it really is too cold for you here.

Goldroom :: Fifteen
This song makes me wish it were summer.  I think it's the synth that helps This remix is also good, if you're into that kind of thing. Oh, and Creshea also suggested this band too -we have good taste, get used to it.

Annnnd lastly, happy birthday to one of my favorite blogger friends, Kait. I hear Baltimore is throwing a Parade in her honor today..... Or maybe it was for the Super Bowl win... details, shmetails. 

Either way - HAPPPPPY BIRTHDAY! Eat cake for me!!!!!



Enjoy the music and hint of sunshine while it lasts!

<3 BB

N.U.T.

Whenever I head home to Glide, I try and take the opportunity to get at least one trail run in while I am there.  This time Brad and I headed a little farther up the North Umpqua than usual to a new footbridge that was recently put in.  The coolest part about the Tioga Bridge is the fact that the company my dad works for, Weekly Bros., Inc. helped put it together.  Previously this section of the trail was not easily accessible unless you planned an overnight walking trip, so the new bridge is super convenient, not to mention - b e a u t i f u l. 

 Plus, it was really rainy this past weekend so the water was extremely high.

The water is usually crystal clear, but because of the excess rain it has taken over half the bank and turned brown. womp, womp. 

The details of this bridge are amazing.

And here is where I tired to get all artistic with my camera. 

The speed and force with which the water was taking these twigs HUGE TREES down stream was incredible.

This is usually a small creek that runs into the river, but the monsoon decided to make it a full on waterfall.  Excess rain will do that to a creek (oh and slowing down the shutter speed on my camera also helps the picture). 

Brad and I ended up running parts of both segments of the NUT because the downpour the night before turned the trail into a river about mile into the Tioga seg. forcing us to backtrack and run the Swiftwater side for a bit.

If you are ever that way, be sure to check out the North Umpqua Trail.  You won't regret it and say hi to my parents and brother too while you're at it :) You won't regret that either.


Cheers to the NUT!

<3 BB