Top Tracks of 2014

Way back when, when I was young and used to blog daily, every week I would put together a playlist of my favorite tunes of the moment. It's been a little while since I have done that for you guys, but it doesn't mean I haven't been listening to great music. The end of the year is always my favorite because it is full of top lists from the year we just finished up, as well as great new tunes and artists that will be making a name for themselves in the coming year.

Now before you get too excited - I didn't make a playlist myself. Ain't nobody got time for that. What I did do for all of you though, is compile a list of other playlists. I wonder how many more times I can say the word list in this post today?

Some of those lists (there it is again) are below....

// Spotify's List (is anyone keeping a tally?) Of Who To Watch In 2015. Keep an eye on Houndmouth for sure. One of the members is friends with Brad.

// NPR's Songs We Love 2014  

//This new single from Pablo Nutini just slays me.

//5 Artists To Watch In December of 2014

So yeah, cheers to music :)

<3 BB

Friday Favorite - Vacation Style

Guys! It is here, finally!! Starting at 11am I am off work for the next 9 days. So basically that is the only Friday Favorite I have to share today. That and this song that Amos Lee played at his concert last night.

Baby Makin' Music + A Frank Ocean Cover = One Happy Girl

Also, he covered Boyz II Men. I was in heaven.  Technically, neither of these videos were from last night's concert, but you get the idea. These photos were though...

Perfect night, for a Perfect Concert, with some pretty Perfect Friends.

I may or may not post a time or two while I am on vaca, who's to say really.... Miss me while I'm gone!

<3 BB

things i love

So a week or two ago I decided to spruce up my About Me section - because I had nothing better to do with my life, evidently. Anyway, I wanted to give people a better idea of what they will find when they come to my blog and also give them a little taste of my favorite things. I thought making a collage would do just that. It also made me feel like I was back in 8th grade. Collages were my jam. 

It shows my love: 

//for music 

//for fitness
//for coffee and food

//for my future home that will someday be filled with industrial design (take notes, Bradley)

//and most importantly it shows my love for this great city of mine that has so much to offer. I am having a love affair with Portland and I want everyone to know. 

These are the things that keep me excited to blog. They help keep me creative. They help keep me active and more than anything, they help me experience new things, so I can come back and tell you guys about them. 

things i love by brooke-l-smith 

What are some of the things you love? 

<3 BB 

planks on planks

Guys! Guys! Guys!

When I found out that Kait the great! was co-hosting a cool fitness link-up, you know this girl couldn't say no. My girl Kait from Kait Makes A Run For It, Rebecca from Getting To The Show, and Chelsea who blogs over at Delipsch are hosting a challenge to show off your favorite fitness moves during the month of May. Today's calls for sharing your favorite abs movement.

Hands down my favorite movement would have to be any variation of the plank. Why planks?! Answer: because they work than just your core. It may not look like it, but Planks are pretty much a total body exercise. Plus, there are so many variations you can do with the plank, so you'll never get bored. Besides the regular plank, you have:

-Push-up to Plank Rows

-Side Planks

-Plank Row to Burpee

-Alternate Plank Push

-Cardio Plank

-and so, so many more. 

Here is a great plank circuit from PopSugar Fitness to try out. If you need to know any of the movements you can find them here.

And don't worry, I found you a great playlist to keep your mind off the planks while you're doing the circuit. I am so kind, I know.

Take me home from Vickaela on 8tracks Radio.

Now go get your twerk plank on!

Cheers!

<3 BB

happy wednesday?

Happy Wednesday... for those of you that don't have to work this Friday (hey, that's me! I don't have to work this Friday). Sorry to those of you who do; hope your Tuesday goes by quickly... Although I am not sorry enough to give up my day off for you. I am nice, but not that nice. 

Anyway, Spring is hopping here in Portland and I wanted to share a few things that are making me happy because of it. 

//It was warm enough to wear shorts for my workout on Sunday... I quickly remembered that shorts are the worst, but that is neither here nor there. 

//Saw these flowers at the grocery store the other day. I was going to buy some for myself, but then didn't cool story, Brooke. So I took a picture instead. 

//Guys, iced coffee season has arrived. HEYO. I haven't been letting myself buy coffee now that I have a Keurig, but sometimes you just need to treat yo self with some iced coffee now and again.

//Might as well call me Bubba Watson, because I am going to win the Masters next year after a few more buckets of balls at the driving range. 

//Lastly, I wanted to share this playlist that has been making me extra happy these days. The whole thing is pretty legit (if I do say so myself), but if nothing else, check out the song I See Fire remix by Kygo. It's the truth. 

Cheers to a short week! 

<3 BB 

try again tomorrow

It's been a morning. Well, technically it started last night when I was forced to stayed up past my bedtime to watch the United State's Men's National Soccer team play long hated rivals Mexico and they ended in a tie. Ties are dumb. Brad also almost gave me a heart attack during the game. The one time I look away from the TV the US scores and he loses his shit in excitement. This late night lead me to snooze one too many times this morning. That had me running late to work weird how that works. For the life of me I couldn't put a cute outfit together - I am ready for warm weather. Got to work and noticed my water bottle had leaked all over the seat of my car. I dropped my avocado in the parking lot and it rolled under my coworker's car. Naturally, I struggled to get it out from under the car, because I had earlier decided a skirt was a grand idea today. I already know I will be disappointed when my avocado is bruised for my lunch. I spilled my coffee on myself. And I can't eat my oatmeal, because I am doing this no sugar / most carbs thing.  My life is hard, feel bad for me. 

Is it the weekend yet? I am going to go look at cute puppies while listening to this playlist filled with banjo love and try and re-start this day. 

Let's try again tomorrow!

<3 BB

Some rainy day things

So let's talk about how yesterday was 70 degrees and sunny in Portland. It was the most beautiful thing in my life. Now today it is POURING rain and not supposed to stop the rest of the week. Here are a few things that are helping me through this raining day. 

//First let's talk about the greatest mug I ever did see. I participated in a mug swap that my favorite girlie Kailyn Marie hosted. I was paired up with Shannon over at Imperfectly Perfect Grace and she picked out the most perfect mug. It has triangles, it's from society6, it has my favorite colors, AND it is HUGE (twss). It makes my morning coffee taste better - science. 

//Second, when I got my hair cut last week, I also picked up some new leave-in conditioner. Holy moly, my hair smells so good this morning. The brand is called Number 4 and I just love it.

//Lastly, I have a new playlist for you guys today. I feel like it has a very rainy day vibe - even if it is spring and we should be thinking about sunshine. It's Portland, spring = rain. Hope you enjoy the tunes as much as I do.

Cheers!

<3 BB

frozen

It makes me really sad to know that I am not one of the people that has made Frozen the highest grossing Disney Animated film of all time. It beat out Lion King, guys. That ish cray. (PS. there is no way it is  actually better than THE LION KING!) I have yet to see it in theathers, but that hasn't stopped me from listening to the soundtrack on spotify often. It also hasn't stopped me from watching way too many covers on youtube either.

So with the Oscar win, plus the fact that it is such a big deal, I wanted to share this.

Fun fact, Bradley is obsessed with Idina Menzel and musicals in general. Obsessed I tell you. Ask him about his love for Wicked or his love for the tights he got to wear in his high school plays - it's pretty entertaining. 

Anyway, I also wanted to share the soundtrack so you can listen to it too.

Enjoy!

<3 BB

get fit playlist

Today I wanted to throw some music your way that you can use for your workout playlist....because I am going to assume that 1) you workout and 2) you want to listen to awesome music when you do said workout.

The playlist has a little bit of everything. I like to keep my workout music varied with good beats and uptempo vibes, but it doesn't have to beat you over the head with intensity. Plus, this playlist has got my girl Beyonce and let's be honest, if she doesn't make you want to get a little sweaty, then you're doing it wrong. 

Now go throw some weights around or run in circles - whatever burns some calories! It's good for you. 

Cheers! 

<3 BB 

Image found here. 

Amos lee

So you might remember that for Christmas Brad got me tickets to see Amos Lee. What he didn't realize is that I had gotten him tickets for the same concert and was going to give to him on his birthday in January. Safe to say we both have great taste in music, are great gift givers, and are definitely both selfish gift givers.  For the record, my seats were better! Anyway the concert was on Sunday night and it was perfection.

Now, I know I go to a lot of concerts and I often have positive things to say about them, but trust me...If you get the chance to see Amos Lee live - never pass it up, ever. He puts on such a fantastic show. With his mix of folk, blues, gospel and baby makin' music it's hard not to be in awe. I mean, the guy even covered Frank Ocean's song Thinkin' Bout You. The man can do no wrong in my eyes.  

Also, I don't know what it is with us, but we have had some weirdos next to us the past few shows we have gone to. This concert was no different. We had a couple next to us - had to be in their mid 50s, but were trying to pretend they were in their mid 20s still. Anyway, the lady was on a mission to get backstage and the boyfriend was letting everyone around us know. To the point he said he was even going to give the sound guy 400 doll hairs to get her backstage. Brad and I were in the outer seats and they each got up at least 10 times before Amos Lee came on. Whether it was to try and track some sound guy down, go to the bathroom AGAIN, or get another drink. The best worst part was every time the boyfriend would get up, he would have to hop over the lady, but he would always take an extra minute to straddle her and make out with her before he actually left. I, of course, had the pleasure of sitting right next to them. I almost felt like I was part of the make out sesh each time it happened. Brad and I, along with the people all around us, couldn't help but laugh at the struggle street that took place. 

Anyway, since I am still on a concert high, I figured we should listen to Amos Lee for Tuesday Tunesday. I also posted a few songs by the opening act Black Prairie. They are from Portland, super folksy, and they feature three of the band mates from The Decemberists. Can't go wrong there! 

Enjoy. 

<3 BB 

songs that are lovely

Erhmahgerd the week of love is upon us. Now I know there are a lot of feels when it comes to Valentine's Day. Not all of them are good. Some people get really excited about it. Some people put way too much pressure on one day. Then there are those people who refuse to awknowledge the 'Hallmark Holiday'. They are the worst people.

Now, I am not saying I am super over the top when it comes to Valentine's Day. I don't expect much from my significant other or anything like that...But I am ok with taking a little extra time to tell the one you love, that...well... you love them. I am also the person who thinks the big day doesn't have to only be celebrated between couples. Shoot show your dog how much your care for it, tell your mom she is extra special on VD and tell her how much you love her. Maybe your bestie needs some extra loving...Basically what I am trying to say is, don't be a grinch on this made up holiday and spread the love like Buddy The Elf spreads Christmas Cheer.

And with that. I have put together an awesome playlist full of songs about love. Enjoy ! 

Cheers!

<3 BB

Tunesday is needed

Hey Tuesday.

It's your girl Brooke. I haven't seen you in a week. Can't say I missed you much either. In fact I may dislike you more than Monday. Yeah, I said it. I went there. You're just annoying to me. You're far away from Friday. You aren't kind to me early in the morning. I have to stay up late and watch The Bachelor on Mondays and you're so inconsiderate with your alarm the next day. Do me a favor and go away quickly would you? I would really appreciate it. My bed is already calling my name. To get me through the day I am going to listen to this playlist I made, because you're not the boss of me Tuesday. You also don't get to judge me for the One Direction that is on this playlist either. So sue me, I think Story Of My Life is a catchy song. I'm already over you Tuesday. Try again next week. 

Deuces, 
<3 BB 

not a fashion blogger

You know you're not a fashion blogger when the only idea you have for a photo shoot is to lay down on your living room floor and use your iphone. Either that or I am far too lazy - probably a little bit of both. 

With that being said, check out this awesome scarf I won from Erin's Giveaway. It is from the cutest little shop called Oakleigh Rose Boutique. First off, it's a scarf and it case you were not aware I wear them every day. No joke. I couldn't tell you the last time I planned an outfit that did not feature a scarf. Second, this is the first item of leopard print I have ever owned and like Erin, I am totally considering it a neutral. 

Speaking of neutrals, they are pretty much the only colors I wear any more. I think the last time I wore something other than olive, gray, or black was last summer? Best part about it... not even a little bit sorry for it. 

Take this outfit for instance. Black and white, with a splash of gray, just like it should be. Also, I have yet to perfect the perfect roll for these black pants with my booties, it just never looks like I want it too. Where are the J. Crew stylists when I need them!? 

  

Anyway, enough fashion, that is not why you come to my blog on Tuesdays. Tuesdays you come for music or I make you come for music, one of the two. On the playlist today we have this awesome mix from Anthropologie's blog (so you know it's good). 

Enjoy! 
<3 BB 

best songs of 2013

My girl, Helene, always makes it so hard to create playlists when she picks link-ups like 'songs that define me' or like today's for instance, which is 'the best music in 2013'. Don't make me choose. It's like picking my favorite child if I had any kids or ice cream.

Never the less, I tried. I am sure I will kick myself and think of others after I post this and probably add them to the playlist.

The mix is quite varied from Miley to Bastille to Kanye - my taste in music doesn't discriminate. Plus, how could a top 2013 playlist not have Lorde?! Hope you enjoy :)  What are some of your favorites from 2013?!

<3 BB

semi-charmed life

I got to see Third Eye Blind in concert last night at the Crystal Ballroom. Forgive me if I am tired today. The concert was everything I imagined and then some. The set was well balanced with my favorite old tunes and a few new, yet to be recorded tracks. The lead singer, Stephan Jenkins, is an oddball. Their drummer is legit.... and there were so many mid twenty to early thirties people just fangirling out. Especially the group of 6 bros in front of me. I tired to get video evidence of their love, but it just didn't do it justice. 

I will also try and describe the amount of love they had, especially this one tall, goofy mother-effer that stood right in front of me. Every song that came on he would look over to his bros and give this smug, condescending nod, like yeah I guess this is pretty legit. Then proceed to sing every word WITH HAND MOTIONS. I thought he might have been the lead singer of a girl pop group or the guy from Napoleon Dynamite...No, just a 20something loving himself some Third Eye Blind. One song came on and informed the group that 'this is my least favorite 3eb song, but I still know all the words' uhhh good for you, dbag? He was also VERY thrown off when they played a few new songs that have yet to be recorded. Don't worry he still gave his buddies the nod of approval, even if he didn't know all the words. 

But moving on... let us talk about the couple that was trying to make a baby right next to me. The girl was CLEARLY on something special.  Maybe she was high on her boyfriend, maybe it was coke... WHO AM I TO JUDGE?!  What I do know is they were extremely inappropriate, I felt like I needed to be warned I was going to be in for an R rated scene. Like when you're watching Love Actually and then bam awkward scene with boobies. The favorite part was when she awkwardly grabbed my arm and started sensually rubbing it, because she thought I was her boyfriend. Sorry honey, going to need to look elsewhere for your lovin'. 

So yeah, not only did I get to see a great Third Eye Blind concert, I also got to experience soft core porn LIVE. Thank you? I wonder what google searches are going to lead people to my blog, now that I just used the term soft core porn.

And with that picture fresh in your mind, I will leave you with some great Third Eye Blind tracks (yes, I know I have posted this before. No, I don't care)


Cheers to this Semi-Charmed Kind of Life!

<3 BB

kid president and some music

Happy Friday! I mean Tuesday - but it's my last day of work for the week, so it's Friday in my eyes. We fly out for Indiana tomorrow morning. I even got packed last night (who am I?). Cross your fingers all our travel goes smoothly. The last thing I need is delays or missed flights. Ain't nobody got time for that.

Anyway, I have a few things to share with you today, because I am feeling so giving this morning. It must be Thanksgiving that is making me so kind don't get used to it.

I saw this running around the interwebs this morning and thought it was fitting for Thanksgiving and beyond. Kid President is a smart dude, we should all listen to him more. But really, let's say thank you more often and apologize if you're wrong and forgive someone if they do apologize...but maybe stay away from the corn dogs though, they aren't very healthy. 

Also, I have a playlist for you since it's Tuesday, duh. I personally think it would be great background music for a Thanksgiving or a Friendsgiving or if you want to take a nap after all that turkey...it would be great napping music too.

Pearl and the Beard :: Sweetness 

The Oh Hello's :: Hello My Old Heart 

Laura Mvula :: She 

Jamie Woon :: Spiral 

Hey Marseilles :: Heart Beats 

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds :: Into My Arms 

Oscar Isaac & Marcus Mumford :: Fare Thee Well 

Bastille :: Get Home 

Years Around The Sun :: Miles Away (Acoustic) 

These United States :: What Do You Want With My Heart? 

City and Colour :: Harder Than Stone (Acoustic) 

Paul Buchanan :: Mid Air 

Enjoy the music, people. Not sure I will be around the blog much over the rest of the week and I don't hate the sound of that. Don't miss me too much.

Cheers!

<3 BB

About Time

Ok, so you know how yesterday I raved about the movie, About Time?! Well I think part of the reason I liked the movie so much was the soundtrack. It just blended perfectly with the story. It never overpowered the movie, but each track helped create the perfect mood for each scene. I figured today I would share the soundtrack if you want to give it a listen. 

Hands down my favorite on the album is Into My Arms by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds. This Gold In Them Hills track by Ron Sexsmith is a close second and you can never go wrong with The Luckiest by Ben Folds. I think Shay would agree with my choices, especially since she was the one to send me multiple tracks from the movie soundtrack after she saw it for the first time (Thanks Shay!). Music will forever tell a story and it definitely helped tell the story in About Time. 
Now go watch the movie. And go watch it again if you've already seen it. 
Cheers! 
<3 BB 

songs i've been hoarding

Happy Tuesday? If Tuesdays can be happy, I think I dislike them more than Mondays. They are just so blah and so far away from the weekend. At least Mondays are excepted and you're prepared for them...Maybe it is just today I dislike. It's raining. It's dark. I thought taking Tylenol PM last night was a good idea, it is not such a great idea this morning. I am tired and groggy. Give me all of the coffee. 

Anyway, for Tunesday I have some good stuff for you. I have been hoarding these songs for a few weeks adding to the playlist when I hear something I dig. They're good or at least I think they are.

Tove Lo // Love Ballad 

Bronze Radio Return // Shake, Shake, Shake 

Amos Lee // Johnson Blvd

Hands down my favorite song on the Amos Lee album. Because I know you cared.

Passenger // Patient Love - Acoustic 

I have been a Passenger fan for a long while. This song. I just have no words.

The Avett Brothers // Souls Like The Wheels 

And this is hands down my favorite song on the new Avett Bros album. 

London Grammar // Wasting My Young Years 

Little Green Cars // The John Wayne 

Keaton Henson // Flesh And Bone

'It might just be something my soul needs'

Caroline Smith // Bloodstyle 

If I could be half as cool as this Smith, she just has so much soul.

Ivan & Alyosha // Easy To Love

Blue Hawaii // Try To Be 

Cheers!

<3 BB

3eb

Guys, big news....one of my all time favoritest bands is coming to Portland. DO I GO SEE THEM?! I guess I should probably fill you in on who they are to help form a decision..... 

Third Eye Blind. Not only are they coming to Portland, they are also playing in my favorite venue, the Crystal Ballroom. I mean, I kind of have to go, don't I? 

With all this excitement, I figured today's playlist would feature some of my favorite 3eb songs! You're welcome. So, without further ado, I leave you with the greatest playlist ever. Ok, maybe not ever, but it's pretty damn close. 

Hands down, my favorite song by them (and on my top 5 songs list, dare I say?) Motorcycle Drive By. Close second would be Slow Motion. Also, fun fact, their later album Ursa Major, did not get nearly enough hype or love in my opinion. So.Many.Good.Tracks. Such as, but not limited to, Bonfire and Water Landing.  Enjoy!  <3 BB 

tunes that will make you break a sweat

Ever since my knee pain got bad and physical therapy started I have been slacking on the workouts. It's partly due to the knee pain, partly due to laziness - but either way it needs to change. Now that my physical therapy is winding down I am slowly starting to pick the workouts back up, which I am excited about, but also realize how quickly you can lose your fitness base. When the workouts aren't easy, I need good music to help get me through. Here is what I have been listening to during my recent workouts. 

When it comes to my workout music, I just need a good beat. It doesn't always have to be crazy fast or in my face, but it needs to be rhythmic - especially when I am running. Some of my favorite workouts songs are ones like Poetic Justice by Kendrick Lamar or the older, but never out of style Int'l Players Anthem. Plus, how could I not feature my current favorite, Too Much? Drake is just killing it on this song, but you already knew my thoughts on that. My workouts playlists also always feature my electronic loving, funky females like Banks, Lorde, CHVRCHES, and Haim. 

Enjoy. 
<3 BB