real talk on a friday

You...Guys....

If this song and video does not make your heart swell and want to be a better person and do the right thing you probably need to reevaluate your life. just sayin'

Not to mention this fabulous band, Ages and Ages, is from Portland, which makes them extra cool.

I am starting to find my groove and get in the flow of my new life with its new schedule of balancing two jobs and a life outside work. With the added extra hours and extra stress, it definitely makes me evaluate what the right things are. 

What is the right thing to do with my free time?

What is the right thing to do for my clients?

What is the right thing to do for my family and friends?

What is the right thing to do for my own health and well being?

Naturally, after the first crazy, busy week at the gym, I got a cold. I think it was my body's way of telling me that if I want to be successful and sustain this new schedule I am going to have to make some changes and that is ok - I just have to figure out what the right changes are going to be. 

One of those right choices for me will be heading home to visit my family for the Holiday weekend. Even though it is a short trip and a long drive I am excited to surround myself with good people and have some much needed family time. 

Hope you enjoy your Holiday weekend :) 

Cheers! 

<3 BB 

Gains Friday...Or Something Like that

GUYS!

I made it through week one of the gym. Well, almost I have work again this afternoon and tomorrow...but still! Week one in da books more or less. I definitely have a lot to learn and get comfortable with when it comes to getting in front of potential clients, selling personal training, and getting people excited to work with me - but I have been killing the 5 am open a few days a week, so I've got that going for me. It's nice and quiet that early in the morning, plus I am always impressed that people show up that early to get sweaty. They get extra points in my book.

Since it's Friday and my attention span is about at a nonexistent, I wanted to provide you with fun things that make me happy on the interwebs this week.

::First, my girl, Grace Helbig now has a podcast. My life can't have enough Grace Helbig. 

::Next, we have this video of Grace and Mamire hanging out in Portland, it makes me wish I stalked and met them when they were there. 

::You should try out #tablessthursday.

::Here are 19 things that are cheaper than raising a kid. Kids are ugh, expensive. \

::Benedict Cumberbatch did the ice bucket challenge. HEYO! Also, John Krasinski also did it and he is too cute. 

Cheers, 

Betches. 

Well, Isn't This Post Ironic?

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. 

Don't Miss Chances. 

<3 BB 

more talk about eggs

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. 

//Here are 4 life tips for building muscle, bro.

//Shoot, I would even pay Paul Rudd the dollar.

//Just two local, private high school baseball teams in a bench clearing brawl. nbd. 

//This may be my favorite link of the week. Why do we make love so complicated?

//What does your drink really say about you?

....Now enjoy this #backthatazzup Jam and head into the weekend!

Normally I am not a huge Paramore fan, but this jam....super catchy.  Don't go cryin' to your mamma, cause you're on your own in the reallllll world. 

Hope you have a weekend full of funshine!

<3 BB

sweet baby jesus

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. 

//Hipsters love coffee.

//Samuel L. Jackson recites Boy Meets World.

//Why does nothing cool ever happen to me on planes. I just get stuck next to the annoying people or crying babies. 

//Nice Life, Juanny Pabs. 

//If you've ever had the misfortune of opening a woman's makeup bag, you know that it smells like a dead actor.

//What did people do before email? Just stare at papers? 

Now let's play some tunes to get your ready to #backthatazzup into Friday. 

Cheers to the weekend! 

<3 BB

links on links

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. 

//Children falling over is never not funny. 

//Men don't understand cravings. 

//Just one more and you get a taco.

//This is why I can't be a princess.

//House of Cards Drake. 

//Be aware of what you are ordering at Starbucks. 

//I'm that asshole that holds up the line for cilantro-free rice.

//Guys, this colaboration with Frank Ocean, Diplo, and The Clash. Wowza. Perfect for #backthatazzup Friday with Whitney.  

Now go celebrate Friday already. 

Cheers!  <3 BB Images: 1, 2 

What do I want to wear today?!

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.

//How do you define beauty?

//Which Hunger Games character are you?

//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.

Cheers!

<3 BB

track is back

Guys,

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! 

//My love for Paul Rudd runs deep. 

//This was kind of a given, but Juan Pablo is the worst. 

//This instagram feed. Cuteness overload. 

//JLaw and the history of cool girls. 

//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. 

Cheers!  <3 BB

riding the struggle bus

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! 

//Signs you might be Tom Haverford. 

//What does the way you speak say about where you're from? 

//All of the hilarious hashtags Jimmy Fallon has gotten to trend.  

//Speaking of hashtags, Jimmy is at it again with #hashtag2. 

//I miss Riggins. 

//This workout I should do twice after that macNcheese pizza. 

//Why is T.J. Oshie so good at shootouts? 

//Matt Lauer asks Bob Costas if he is taking the red eye home. Get it?! 

And for #backthatazzup Friday, we're going with Price today, because you CANNOT be in a bad mood when you listen to him. It's the law. 

I'll try and be a better blogger next week, but I am not making any promises.

Cheers!

<3 BB

links for all

Hooray!!!! We made it through another week, unless you're someone that works weekends, then I feel very, very sorry for you. Anyway, in honor of the oh-so special occasion, I collected all these links for you. 

//Allen Stone sings to my soul.

//I can't stop listening to Jillian Michaels podcasts. I know not everyone is a fan, but I enjoy her.

//Kay posted this link earlier in the week and the graphic is spot on. Sitting is the worst.

//What does you celebrity crush say about you? Side note: what does it say about you if you have more than one crush; my signals are getting all sorts of crossed! Paul Rudd, Jennifer Lawrence, Aubrey Plaza...

//For Fan Friday with Sarah...Are you a betting man? Check out all the odds for the Super Bowl. This is probably the best one:  21 percent chance announcers say "Marijuana" during the game (Yes +350 | No -600)

//If you're in Portland check out this cute coffee shop Blend.

//Also, do yourself a favor and go check out a hockey game in your area. We went on Wednesday night to the Winterhawks game and it was super entertaining. Multiple fights were had.

//And for my final trick today, I am making you listen to this song by Allen Stone for #backthatazzup Friday, in case you were too lazy to click on the link above. You're welcome, you lazy asshats. 

Cheers!  <3 BB 

about to get serious about the beebs

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 Boy by 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. 

Happy Friday!  <3 BB 

Welcome, Friday

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. 

//29 Things that can easily ruin a woman's day. 

//We all suck at watching football now. 

//Fill the silence with these random facts. 

//Lastly, for #backthatazzup Friday, we have some new Avicii. Well sort of new. I first heard it a while back on The Voice. 

Now get to gettin' Friday, some bz named Kailyn is coming to visit and I am excited! 
PS. I found this on Pinterest today and it definitely was needed this week. 

Cheers! 
<3 BB 

killed the internet this week

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.

//Gimmie all of the Bokeh.

//Lord, I love a man in a good suit.

//Made these tasty (and healthy) treats last night.

//Here are 20 reasons a 20-something would never survive in the hunger games.

//And finishing with this #backthatazzup song, because, guys, it's Friday!!!!!

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 

links on friday

Brooke is a little tardy to the party today. Had physical therapy early this morning and rolled in late to work. Good news I am almost done with PT! Only one or two more appointments and as much as I enjoy my therapist I don't want to pay for any more visits. Sheet is expensive.

Anyways, here are some links that I enjoyed. You should enjoy them too...since it's Friday and no one should do real work on Fridays. 

// Sorry, not sorry. I am obsessed with Christmas.

// This headbutt (one T or two?) happened in last night's Colt's game.

// Just do it....later.

// Jim Gaffigan knows a thing or two about food, especially kale.

// Sorry Brad, not going to put our relationship up on facebook. Ever.

// So Alissa and Shay have gotten me beyond hooked on the Daily Grace YouTube. Almost embarrassed to admit how many videos of hers I have watched in the last week.... almost. I want to be her. I want to be friends with her....Just please watch this one. I beg of you.

Lastly, I am leaving you with this Summertime Sadness cover by Miley for #backthatazzup Friday. My friend Scoob sent it to me and it's fab. If you're into Lana Del Rey covers and into Miley just being Miley then you'll like this. 

Cheers to the weekend, Betches!  <3 BB 

twerk team friday

My friend Cory wanted to wish you a very happy Friday, betches! 

We can't stop. We won't stop... #backingthatazzup with Miley and Whitney.
Cheers! 
<3 BB 
ps. He's single and ready to mingle. 

too much

So, I have been listening to the song Too Much by Drake, well too much. Now when it comes to Drake, sometimes I enjoy him, sometimes I just can't.

....but this song. This song is different. I can't stopppp....I won't stopppp...I included it in Tuesday's Tunesday and it's just too good. That means you get to hear it again for #backthatazzup Friday. You're welcome.

You do you, Jimmy Brooks, I mean, Audrey Graham, I mean Drake....whatever.

Happy Friday! 

<3 BB 

Images: 1, 2

it's friday, take selfies

Guys,

I have this problem. I can't stop wearing this jacket.

Nice face, Brooke. Another desk selfie? Really? Might have not realized my volume was on and when I took this picture the click sound went off. Hope my coworkers didn't hear me taking selfies.

It's not mine. It's too big. It goes with none of my outfits, but this is the third time this week I have stolen it from Brad. In fact, I was really sad when he had it on before I could take it from him yesterday. It's just so fleecy and warm and perfect on the inside. Plus, my office is freezing so I feel like I need to be dressing for snow while sitting in my cube. 

In other news, Brad must have caught on to my subtle hints (aka blog blast), because he went and found a bunch of free boxes for the move tomorrow! Those said boxes are still empty and we have a lot of packing to do tonight, but we have the boxes and that is the most important step. 

Lastly, I am going to leave you with this fantastic link. 25 Things Every Woman Needs To Know. Kait introduced me to it and I LOVE everything about it. Now go read it, actually listen to this awesome song first to get your Friday hoppin' and then go read it. It's what Whitney would want you to do for #backthatazzup Friday. 

Ok, now you can go read that fantastic link! 
Happy Friday, 
<3 BB 

fan friday :: mariano

So this happened last night.

I would be lying if I said I didn't get a little teary eyed when I watched it. If you didn't catch Mariano Rivera's final send off at Yankee Stadium, you can check it out here. Editor's note: If you have a heart or ever played sports, this will make you cry.

I don't particularly like the Yankees (don't tell my Grandpa that), but this man is a class act and this moment is a special moment. Not just in baseball, but athletics in general. It made me happy and made me re-appreciate my love for sports. So thanks for that, Rivera. 

Linking up with Sarah for Fan Friday.

Also, linking up with Whitney for #backthatazzup Friday! Went with a little Macklemore and Ryan Lewis and their tribute to baseball (mainly the Mariners). Now, it's not a tribute to Rivera, but still, it just works, I think. 

Cheers!  <3 BB  Image found here. 

happy labor day weekend

I got you this.




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

Cheers! 
<3 BB