Brooke Does Indiana

Alternate title: no, we're not engaged. 

So, I sat in the airport on my birthday (ps. I am officially 26 now. I got old, when did that happen?!) waiting for our delayed flight home from Indiana as I wrote this.

After over a week away from home, I am ready for my own bed - but this past week was a blast with Bradley's family and I am feeling full of love and food. 

Bradley and I also had a lot of people question why we would randomly pick to visit humid, southern Indiana in the summer time...and before another person asks us....no, we are not engaged, nor am I pregnant. We just thought it would be nice to visit his family in the summer time. I have only made it out to the Louisville area over Thanksgiving and it is always cold and a whirlwind of Thanksgiving festivities. This trip was different. Yes, it was a whirlwind, but I was able to explore the city he grew up in, as well as let Bradley spend quality time with his family. Win! Win! Win! (as Michael Scott would say). Now it is back to the real world and back to playing catch up, because evidently work and life in Portland doesn't get put on hold when you leave for a week. womp womp. 

Cheers to good times with good people!

<3 BB

balance, you fickle thing

So my girls Rebecca, Chelsea, and Jessi are hosting a challenge for the month of July and today's prompt had to do with balance. 

Balance: What brings balance to your life? A favorite workout? Book? Specific location? A person or animal? Share with us how you bring balance to your life.

Balance is funny. There are so many things in my life I am trying to balance and I feel the list keeps growing as I get older. 

//The balance of work and play (this scale is shifting even more now that I have started a second job)

//The balance of fitness and relaxation 

//The balance of being the best person I can be for others versus for myself. 

//The balance of healthy eating and the occasional yummy treat. 

//The balance of being connected with technology and knowing when to disconnect.

I could go on and on and on, but I won't waste my time, because you know...balance. 

I can say after my first week at my new job balancing my life just got a little bit harder. However, my goal is to be smarter with my time and the choices in my life. I mentioned Tuesday that I may not be around this space quite as often, because I need to devote my time to other priorities for a bit. It was weird not posting yesterday, but it was also necessary for my balance.  I am quickly realizing I will have to pick and choose what is extra important to me when it comes to my time and here are the things I know I will never give up when it comes to living a healthy, happy, balanced life. 

//My people

//My fitness 

//My health

//My me time 

//My things that make me happy (which includes my blog)

So my question to you is, what keeps your life in balance? 

Cheers!

<3 BB

my little sister is growing up

Eeeeeek. So my little sister is graduating high school tonight and I can't handle it. She is supposed to be the little baby of the family still - not a beautiful, young woman. Being the oldest and wisest of 4 children I sometimes take on the role of 3rd parent - which my siblings hate. As the 3rd parent I have come to the realization that none of my siblings are little any more...Especially Brittany. Brittany and I have something special going on.  I think you have to form a special bond when you have two brothers in between. Us females have to stick together.

Brittany is stubborn. She is smart. She is strong. And she only reads my blog when it's about her. She has gone through not 1, but 2 ACL surgeries during her high school basketball career and yet she still has a positive attitude. She is basically a rock star.   

Over the weekend we got together with family and friends to celebrate her achievement and tonight we head to the graduation. I will confess tomorrow whether or not I cried. 

Also you can check out her, senior photos that my fabulous friend Anne Blodgett took, here. 

Can't wait to see all the great things you do in college and beyond, sis!

Cheers to Brittany!!! 

<3 BB

photographs & memories

In case you guys haven't caught on, I am a big picture person. I bought myself a fancy DSLR camera. I use my iphone for photos of anything and everything. From selfies, to food, to beautiful places I have been. Pictures make me happy. Pictures help me remember where I've been, what I've done, and who I was with...or at least I think they do? 

Yesterday on the way home from work, I was listening to NPR and they had a piece on taking photographs and how it effects our memory. Long story short, there was an experiment done where people were asked to go to an art exhibit. Some people were told to only look at the art, where others were told to take photos of the art. After all they were done, the  participants were given a quiz and asked to describe the art work they saw. Naturally, the ones that only snapped photos did not remember nearly as much detail as those who only looked at the artwork. 

Guys, this is my fear with technology in general. As much as I love it, I am afraid that sometimes it takes away from my experiences. Am I took focused on getting a good photo for instagram that I forget to take in everything around me? I don't want to be that person who cannot remember what I did years from now, because I was too busy on my iphone trying to document it so I don't forget later.

There is a silver lining though - in the article they talked about how they added a third group to the art patrons. This group was asked to take more specific photos of details within the pieces of art. When the people had to focus more and capture up close and detailed photos it helped them remember more of what they saw. 

I guess my takeaway from the interview and technology in general is. Yes, photography and technology is a beautiful thing and can help us recall events and places and things we have done...but be mindful when you're taking photos. Make sure you enjoy the present. Cherish the details and the experience you're having in the moment, so you have better memories when you go look back on the pictures later ! 

Cheers to photos!

<3 BB

ps. listen to the piece here, if you missed the link above.

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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<a href="http://www.imyourkatieque.com/" title="imyourkatieque"><img src="http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t197/jumpingje/learnedthisweekend.png" alt="imyourkatieque" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

//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 

Things I learned from easter weekend

Hi Blogland, 

I wanted to linkup with Kaite Que and share a few things I learned over Easter weekend. 

//First, it is hard to blog when you leave your phone at home all day and that is what all your photos are on. Hence me blogging on a Monday night. Who does that? 

//Do not go to Costco the day before Easter. Holy packed. Good lord, sometimes I don't like people. Saturday afternoon before Easter at Costco was one of those times. 

//Brunch on a Saturday afternoon is always better when it is with good friends and gravy. Tilt always does it right.

//Ice cream treats after over a month without it tastes better when you eat it on your Friday off from work.

//Portland's Spring Beerfest is always entertaining. 

//Easter with family makes my heart happy. 

//I always eat too much food at family gatherings. 

//If you haven't caught on yet from this post - my life revolves around food.

//Bubbles are still fun to play with when you are 25. 

//The Fault In Our Stars is a great post Easter coma read. 

Cheers to learning new things! 

<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 

thoughts on the biggest loser

Not sure if many of you watch the show The Biggest Loser, but I am a HUGE fan. I can pretty much guarantee that I will cry every episode - big ugly tears, too. Now I understand that this drastic weight loss is not normal and not realistic for the average person. The contestants are under strict watch, strict diets, and I can only imagine are severely over trained. However, I also know that is has the power to change lives, as well as help educate the individuals at home struggling themselves. At the same time, I also know it has the power to provide viewers with unrealistic expectations of drastic weight loss in a short amount of time. 

I see why people have their issues with the show too. I am a firm believer in focusing on the health aspects of fitness and nutrition, over the weight loss aspect.  At the end of the day, if you are being active and healthy, your weight will work itself out and I am not sure The Biggest Loser produces always have that mindset. Nor does the show really provide that as an option when it focuses only on weight loss percentages.  

This week on the show's finale, the winner Rachel lost 60% of her body fat over the course of 5 months. She went from 260 pounds to 105 pounds and the internet had a lot to say about it - most of the reactions not positive either. 

At what point does it turn from focusing on being healthy and fit and becoming an obsession for weight loss. I feel like this is the flaw of the show. The 250,000 dollar grand prize can ultimately set them up for failure even if they are 'the winner'. The contestants get so obsessed with the weight loss aspect, that they stop being fit and healthy and have the potential to take it to unhealthy levels of weight loss, especially in such a short amount of time. 

Now, I am by no means blaming Rachel. She played the game and she played it well, some will say she played it too well. She was my favorite throughout the entire season. She worked hard and while on the show seemed to be strong, fit, and healthy...Now I would never judge a person's health by their looks and weight alone, especially not knowing all the details of their journey, but I feel like she might have crossed the healthy line in her quest for Biggest Loser greatness. Besides, with today's unrealistic standards of beauty, why wouldn't you want to lose as much weight as possible. We shouldn't blame Rachel. Can we blame the show? Can we blame the media? Can we blame society in general? We live in a world that praises weight loss and being skinny. We shame people if they are too fat and we shame them if they are too thin. There can really be no winner if we only focus on a number on a scale or a dress size. 

One of the main reasons I decided to get certified to be a personal trainer is so I could help people be fit, active, and healthy. I want to help people understand it is not a diet or fad, but a life style change that needs to take place and at the end of the day a scale is not needed. So instead of shaming Rachel and judging her only by her rapid weight loss, let's find a way to create a society that praises health and wellness instead. 

Cheers to being healthy, 

<3 BB 

image via. 

blogging is a funny thing

Blogging is a funny thing, I am sure you have all heard or felt that before. When I decided to jump into blogging, for reasons I am still unsure of, I didn't know what the hell I was getting into. Here I am two years into it and still don't know what I am doing - but I am enjoying it. 

I love getting to write about whatever I want, but I think what keeps me coming back are the friendships I am making. My real life friends don't quite understand and that's fine. They don't understand how I was not nervous to meet Kailyn and have her come stay at my house for a weekend. They find it a little amusing that I get thoughtful packages from people like Jenny, who remembered my New Year's Resolution was to write more with stationary - so she sent me the cutest cards around.

And the thing is I don't care if they don't understand the friendships I am making. I may not meet most of these people I interact with online every day and that is fine...because for me, at the end of the day, I love that I am forming bonds with people. I love that people take the time to read my posts and they keep coming back to see what I have going on in my life. I love that I look forward to reading about what is going in their's. It's corny, but it's nice. 

So, today, cheers to blogging and the friends I am making along the way! 

<3 BB 

new year, new goals

Resolutions - ugh.

I am not here to make new year's resolutions. I am not here to make unrealistic expectations and goals. I am not here to set myself up for failure. I am just trying to be a better version of myself and here are a few things that I think might help me do that. 

Along with my last goal to take more photos, Brad had a pretty baller idea for part of my Christmas present this year. With the help of design goddess, Kailyn Marie, he surprised me with the idea to create a photo-a-day blog for us.  He figured this would be a great way for us to be better about documenting moments both big and small, as well as give me an excuse to use my DSLR more. Go check out the new blog the daily special. We are hoping to update it daily with a new photo - but we won't be making promises. 

Cheers to the new year! 

<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 

thankful thursday

These are a few things that I am thankful for this week and it makes me happy. 

::The fact that it has not rained the past few days and actually feels like fall. 

::I attempted a short run yesterday. My knee was only a little sore by the end of it. 

::I got to run here. 

::I am liking my new neighborhood. 

::The new Amos Lee CD is on spotify. 

::I woke up at 5am, had coffee, listened to Van Morrison, and read my personal training book. 

:Tomorrow is Friday.

::Brad and his parents brought home these yesterday.

::I had my mine for breakfast. There was bacon on it.

 What are things that are making you happy this week?! Hopefully you say bacon. 

Cheers! 

<3 BB 

labor day shennannies

Oh man,

Happy Tuesday or for me this is my Thursday already since I leave for a wedding in Chicago on the real Thursday! Definitely not complaining to only have two days of work after coming off a great Labor Day filled with lots of shenanigans. Sami would be proud.   

Celebrations even started a little early, because our friend Cory had extra tickets to the Hillsboro Hops game last Thursday annnnnd they had a free buffet, sign me up. 

The rest of the weekend consisted of family time, cards, eating, swimming, more eating, working out, hiking, and did I mention eating?! 

The weather was perfect all weekend, which made for great hiking. Hit up my favorite spot on the North Umpqua River. 

Oh and here is a sneak peak of my sister's senior photos! Anne did a fantastic job and I can't wait to see the rest!!!! 

Hey hottie, stop looking so beautiful... Actually, it's really crazy to see my sister all dolled up, she never wears makeup, but I think she should. She is so pritay, like model or cheerleeda. 

Cheers! 

<3 BB 

40 days of dating

So, let me share a little tidbit about myself with you all. when I love something, I want everyone else to love it as much as I do. So when I found 40 Days Of Dating, I fell in love with their story and I want everyone to feel the same way I do about it.  I shared it on every social media outlet possible, emailed it to friends, etc. It is only natural to share it with my blog friends too. What is 40 Days of Dating, you ask?! Here is the back story of the Project: 

What do you do when you’re tired of the prospect of dating? Two good friends with opposite relationship problems found themselves single at the same time. As an experiment, they dated for 40 days. via

Oh and there are rules. Because what's an experiment without rules?! 

::We will see each other every day for forty days:: 

:: We will go on at least three dates a week:: 

::We will see a couples therapist once a week:: :

:We will go on one weekend trip together:: 

::We will fill out the daily questionnaire and document everything:: 

::We will not see, date, hookup, or have sex with anyone else:: 

Each day Jessica Walsh and Timothy Goodman will then answer a little questionnaire about what they did together and how they feel the dating is going.

  I. Can't. Stop. Reading. 
Here is the deal, I want, no, I NEED them to fall in love...Because, yes, at the end of the day I am a huge romantic sap. I may not announce my love all over social media, I may not show much affection in public, and I am definitely not your stereotypical good girlfriend - but I believe in love, especially the nontraditional kind of love like theirs could be.  40 Days of Dating is love story gold and I am eating this shit up. 
Brad doesn't think they will end up together, because Brad doesn't believe in love and happy endings just doesn't think they have traits that will work well together in the long run, but I disagree. I think their differences in personality and views on relationships are what will make it work in the end. That whole opposites attract thing is real, right?!    
Also, double points to this project, because both Jessie and Tim are fantastic designers, so the graphic design portion of this project is spot on. And the little things they do for each other during the 40 days has been so unique and creative.  It makes me want to be more creative myself or take up graphic design fat chance...
My point is, do yourself on favor and get hooked on this project, you won't regret it. Unless they don't end up together and you end up heartbroken like I will be (fingers crossed that doesn't happen)!

Cheers to love, 
<3 BB  

birthday shenanigans

As you all know I celebrated my birthday this weekend. Minus the fact that I am officially old ballz 25, I couldn't have asked for a better weekend. On top of the Nike Fuel Band that Brad got me, he also made me cook my own dinner on Friday night at the Portland Culinary Workshop... and I had a blast. 

We attended a 4 course cooking class that featured a Sommelier and wine pairing with each course. 

The kitchen was adorable (and had exposed brick, my favorite!). 

Melinda Casady and Susana Holloway are the owners of PCW and here is what they have to say about the place on their website:

We could wax poetic on how we LOVE food, LOVE to teach and are a hoot to hang with, but the nitty gritty of it all is that we are two smart, hilarious women who talked over a breakfast one morning and knew what we had to do. We had to follow our dream of teaching our way…for you.

Susana was our instructor for the evening and she did a fantastic job of balancing teaching techniques and sharing kitchen tips, with letting us learning on our own.  

These mashed potatoes were lovely, in case you were wondering. 

Check out that form. 

We were paired up with another couple for the evening and they were super friendly, which made the experience more enjoyable, since we did have to share equipment and food with them. 

My favorite dish of the evening, besides the Pork entree, was the Huckleberry and Rhubarb compote over ice cream. 

It was paired with a sweet port and it was fantastic. 

Do you have these must have items in your pantry? If not, get on it! 

Once we were done prepping our food, the whole group (24 of us total) sat down family style for the meal, while the Sommelier, Maxine Borcherdine, explained each of her wine pairings. I found that portion of the evening super informative, because while I know my way around a kitchen fairly well and have worked in a restaurant, I am by no means a wine expert. 

Like I said, how cute is this space? The tables were made from doors and that brick, I want! 

Plus we got to take home goodie bags that each featured a 10 inch chef's knife. Yes please! 

Needless to say, I had a great evening and a great birthday weekend and I HIGHLY recommend checking out one of PCW's classes if you're in the Portland area or ever want to come visit me and cook together!!!! 

Cheers to 25! 

<3 BB 

25 things

It's my birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Get excited!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Celebrate accordingly!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

In honor of my birthday, I wanted to share 25 things I have learned along the way, since I am so old and wise now.


1:: Exercise and be active, so you can have cake once in a while.

2:: Don't feel guilty when you do eat said cake, Brooke.

3:: Don't waste your energy on friendships or relationships that aren't worthy of your time (time is a precious commodity these days).

4:: Invest in the ones that are.

5:: Don't forget to put yourself first once in a while.

6:: A clean apartment home, is a happy home

7:: It is justified to spend extra for a good pair of jeans.

8:: Trying on jeans is the worst.

9:: Listen to music that makes you happy, not what you think you should enjoy.

10:: Some people just aren't meant to be crafty. I am one of those people.

11:: It's okay to be a grandma at 25.  So I like my 9:15 bedtime and Werther's Original candy, sue me.

12:: Don't play the what if I had... game. You will always lose.

13:: Cute animals make everything better.

14:: STOP COMPARING YOURSELF TO OTHERS, BROOKE. Comparison is the thief of joy.

15:: Shaving with goosebumps is pointless, not to mention it hurts.

16:: Just because and thank you cards in the snail mail still make my day.

17:: Cilantro sucks.

18:: Pet names for your significant other aren't cute. They're annoying. baby, honey, muffin, gag me.

19:: You can still get acne at age 25, who knew?!

20:: Yes, Pandora, I am still listening to you.

21:: Clean sheets night is totally underrated.

22:: Carrie Bradshaw is the worst.

23:: Take care of your body. Stretch, Ice, and Foam Roll after workouts.

24:: Don't take yourself too seriously.

25:: I think I like who I am becoming.

Also, Always.Wear.Suncreen.

Feel free to #backthatazz up in celebration of my birthday!!!!!!!  Cheers,  <3 BB