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  

five things

Kasey, over at Life and Love with Mr. Wonderful (too cute makes you want to vomit a little right?) tagged me in her 5 things Post and I figured this would be a great way for everyone to get to know me a little bit better. It's funny how you can blog multiple days a week and yet the blog world does not know that much about you.

\\ Five Things I Have A Passion For \\

::Fitness - after being active in athletics all through high school and college, I just can't seem to quit it.  I even debate about getting certified to become a personal trainer. We shall see.

::My family and friends - but let's be honest, what would we do without our support systems?  I know I have a lot of good people in my life, that I probably take for granted, but I am quite fond of them and appreciate all they do for me. 

::Music - can't sing or play any instruments, but I think that is part of the reason I love music so much. I am so impressed and envious of those that can. Plus, the wonderful thing about music is there is always a song for anything you're going through in life. Happy, sad, relationships, you name it, there is a song to help you through. 

::Food - I mean I know we'd die without it, but I really love a fantastic well thought out and prepare meal.

::Photography - Ever since I got my big girl camera I can't stop taking photos. Am I a pro? No sir. Do I think I am getting a little better? Yeah! I am definitely learning, but have a long way to go!

\\ Five Things I'd Like To Do Before I Die \\

::Travel to Europe - Sadly, I haven't had the opportunity yet. I would love to just take at least month and explore. 

::Find a job or career I am passionate about - Do I like my job now? Sure, but do I truly love it. Nope. 

::Own my own home - Renting sucks. 

::Volunteer for a cause I support - And not just a few hours one day, but really become involved. 

::Look back at my life and be content - To be happy and proud with all I have done and not compare my life to anyone else's.

\\ Five Books and/or Magazines I've Read Lately \\

::Currently reading The Year of Fog - Michelle Richmond. Easy read and so far enjoyable, but a little sad.  It is about a child that disappears and the step mom's hunt to find her. 

::The Happiness Project - Gretchen Rubin. Do yourself a favor and buy this book. 

::GQ - Yes, it's a magazine for me. Yes, I have my own subscription. I love men's fashion (odd I know) and they have great articles about food, cities, celebrities, and more. 

::The Great Gatsby - F. Scott Fitzgerald. So technically, it has been a little while since I last read this, but it is one of my favorite books and I just saw the movie last night finally!!! Great stuff.

::Women's Health - Great recipes, great work outs, and fresh ideas for fitness clothes and gadgets. Sign me up. 

\\ Five Favorite Movies \\

::Good Will Hunting - Fantastic. Must see, over and over and over. 

::Wedding Crashers - You shut your mouth when you're talking to me. 

::Almost Famous - Classic. This scene, I mean does it get any better? 

::Can all the Disney classics be included -  Also, I include Mulan and The Lion King in the list of classics, so sue me.

::Tommy Boy - Classic Chris Farley (RIP)

\\ Five Places I'd Love To Travel To \\

::Greece 

::Brazil 

::Spain

::Africa

::Cayman Islands

\\ Five People I Tag To Join Me \\

Who wants to play? Tagging (if you're interested) Confession: It's a really easy post if you are ever having an I have nothing to blog about day.

Kailyn at Kailyn Marie

Jessi at Jumping JE

MacKensie at One to Nothin'

Rachel at Lobster LoveFest 

Kait at Making A Run For It

Cheers!

<3 BB

my jams and not so jams

Things that are not my jam: 

::Finding this cherry stem down my shirt yesterday after I ate cherries.

But no really, how in the heck did you get there? So confused and scratchy. 

::Also not my jam, having our dryer break yesterday in the middle of laundry and having to lay two loads worth of clothes out around the apartment. 

Things that are my jam: 

::This dinner - featuring green beans from the farmers market and fresh cucumbers from my Grandparent's garden. So delish. 

::Another thing that is my jam. This workout being over. 

Worst 7 mins of my life, but it was a beautiful feeling when it was over.  Finished with 81 burpees.  Went for 11-12 burpees per min and gave my self a little rest time at the end of each min.  If I do it again, I will probably try and get a few more each min, maybe even attempt to do 100+.  We shall see..... 

Speaking of Jams... (see what I did there) Here is some music I have been playing on repeat lately. 

Cold Specks :: Blank Maps Beautiful song, beautiful voice. Check out this stripped KEXP version too! Basecamp :: Emmanuel  This song is just sexy. Very James Blake meets The Weekend. Panama Wedding :: All Of The People This band has a very Phoenix vibe. Happy go lucky feel to them. I dig it. Hunter Hunted :: Keep Together  There are just certain songs that sound like summer, this is one of those songs.  Icona Pop :: All Night I love it. Get it? It's a play on her other hit.  Fractures :: Twisted  I think I have maybe posted this song before, but am too lazy to check. Either way it's great, you should listen.  From the Airport :: Colors  I can't get enough electronic pop these days. Music like this just puts me in a good place. Adrian Lux Featuring Dante Kinnunen :: Burning  The lyrics of this song aren't quite as happy (the light we had is burning out), but I still enjoy it.  Cheers to jams (and not the strawberry kind, although that's good too!)! <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 

that one time i got a birthday gift early

So I have a story for you folks today. Let's talk about how I got one of my birthday presents early and it wasn't even on purpose.  The past few days Brad was working an event on the Nike campus for an ad agency out here in Portland.  All the workers were given some Nike goods and products to wear during their time on campus.  So he gets home after the first day of training and shows me all the goodies he got. New pair of shoes, couple pair of shorts, shirts, socks, and a backpack to keep it all in.  Pretty legit stuff for only a 3 day event. Anyway, later in the evening at dinner he offhandedly mentions that the other workers also got a Nike Fuel Band, but he didn't get one because he already had one.  WHAT?! AND YOU DIDN'T THINK TO BRING IT HOME FOR ME?!?!?!?!?!? IDIOT! 

Now let me tell you a side story about Brad. He never passes up free shit, like ever! So for him to tell me that he didn't get this Nike Fuel Band (something I have been wanting since they came out) was really uncharacteristic of him.  I may or may not have gotten a little very pouty with him over it (which is very uncharacteristic of me).  I might have even called him dumb and told him he had to ask for it again at work the next day....I might have also kicked rocks and pouted on our way home from dinner.

I may have also bitched to my friend on the phone and told her how big of a dummy Brad was for not bringing home the fuel band for me.... For the record me not believing him never crossed my mind.  Not once did I think, oh I bet he is lying to me and he is going to give the fuel band to me on my birthday so there is no need to be irrationally upset, Brooke. See how trusting of a girlfriend I am?! I was too focused on him being a dumdum for not thinking of me! 

Also, I understand how selfish and self involved this story makes me sound, sorry, not sorry. 

Anyway after I get off the phone he comes over and puts the box in my face and says something along the lines of, 'Way to ruin your birthday present.  I can't keep listening to you bitch about me until Friday. Now call your friend back and tell her I am not an idiot.' 

Of course now I am super excited, but also feel really, really bad that I had given him so much shit. Nice life, Brooke.

Moral of the story... Don't get irrationally upset until you know for sure you aren't getting a gift.... OR get irrationally upset and get your gift early.  Either way it's a win, win situation!!!!!!!! Thank you, Bradley!!!!

Now, I can't wait for tomorrow so I can treat myself with Beaverton Bakery cake at the office! And then do the math to figure out how many fuel points I will need to burn to work off the cake! Thanks Bossman!

    Cheers!    <3 BB 

Images: 1, 2,

why blog question mark

Why blog? I often get that question a lot from my non-blogger friends. I also get:

::What's the point of blogging? 

::What do you blog about? 

::How do you always have content to write about? 

.... you get the idea.

For me, what keeps me blogging is wanting to share things that inspire me, things that make me laugh, music that makes me smile, workouts that keep me healthy, and ideas that make me think, with other people.

via

My biggest blogging 'inspirations' definitely come from small things in my daily life, music, yummy food, fitness, places on the internet like buzzfeed and thought catalog, and most importantly other bloggers you betches are funny. I hope I am half as entertaining as all the blogs I read.

Blogging, although it can be time consuming, keeps me creative and I love that.  It keeps me creative with my non-blogging activities (need to have something to post about later, amiright?!) Creative with my content and writing, and creative with my topics.  Plus, blogging helps take my somewhat average life and forces me to focus on the good that comes with it.

Happy to be linking up with Helene and Sarah today.

What inspires you?!

<3 BB