songs that define me

So when I first saw Helene's link-up for songs that define me, I got a little too excited. I thought to myself, gee self, two music posts in one week, sweet! ...but then I remembered I hate having to pick my favorites or pick songs that define me. That 'ish is hard to define! I have a lot of layers, like an onion. Either way, I was going to take a stab at this. I probably put way too many on this list so sue me.

Trevor Hall :: The Lime Tree  Oh boy, this song will always have a special place in my heart. When I was in college I worked in Alaska every summer at a fishing lodge with some of my best friends. This song was pretty much our AK Anthem.  Citizen Cope :: Sideways  You know how there are just certain songs that just get you. Sideways is a song that just gets me and it will always be there for me.  Sara Bareilles :: Gravity  My love affair with Sara B. really started when I heard this song. Plus, it was always a go to when I was trying to get over boys. Funny how music will often taken you back to relationships too.  Ron Pope :: Our Song  Speaking of boys, Brad was the one who introduced me to Ron P. when I was in college and I am very thankful for that :)  The Avett Brothers :: I And Love And You  I mean, it's Avett Bros. and it mentions me, Brooke Lyn, how does this song NOT define me.  Sufjan Stevens :: Chicago  Sujan is a crazy guy, but I just feel at peace and back in college when I listen to him.  Ray LaMontagne :: Shelter  Ray is one of my favorite singer/song writers. And he sings to my hear when it gets sappy and romantic on occasion.  Amos Lee :: Keep It Loose, Keep It Tight  I'm in love with a girl,
Who's in love with the world,
Though I can't help but follow.
City And Colour :: The Girl  Who doesn't want to be the girl he is talking about in this song? I know my little college heart sure did and still does when I first found this song.  Modest Mouse :: Gravity Rides Everything  So, I fist found Modest Mouse in high school and I would listen to this album every day on the way to school, my brother hated it, but this song always takes me back to first getting my license.  The Head And The Heart :: Rivers And Roads  Back to the boy who stole my heart. Brad and I had to do cross country distance for a year and I found this song while we were traveling rivers and roads to see each other.  Bright Eyes :: First Day Of My Life  I think whenever I listen to this song it makes me feel refreshed and revived. I am ready to tackle life again.  Dire Straits :: Wild West End  Will always remind me of my daddio!  The Postal Service :: The District Sleeps Alone Tonight I don't want to get all crazy and say The Postal Service changed my life, but this band did open my world to what fantastic music was out there. Welcome to Indie music, Brooke.  Third Eye Blind :: Motorcycle Drive By  This jam helped me through a breakup. So yeah... Thanks TEB  The Format :: On Your Porch  The summer after my senior year of high = this song. Also, fun fact, this was the band before FUN. and I personally think they are a lot more fun than FUN.  Dave Matthews Band :: Crash Into Me I feel like you can define a person by whether he or she is on team DMB or not and I am definitely team DMB and it all started with this song.  Sinead O'Connor :: Nothing Compares 2 U  My mom and I used to sing this song so loudly when I was little. 
So yea, I am really bad at this. And this list probably could have been longer... but is already way too long. And sorry to those that didn't want another music post this week, but I couldn't pass up linking up with Helene. Sorry, not sorry.  Cheers to music!!!!! 

<3 BB 

things i hate paying for

So I really need to get my hair done like yesterday. Right now it is starting to look ombre and not in a good way and it is doing this:


Hello rat's nest. Could that knot BE ANY BIGGER? (said in my best Chandler).  This got me thinking about other things I hate paying for now that I am out on my own. Obvs had to put it in list form and the cast of hills feels my pain too.  

My car :: But no really, gas, oil changes, new tires. JUST NO.

Doctor's appointments :: they really are the worst. I start PT on Thursday for my IT Band and knee, but I don't want to pay for it. It's part of the reason I have been waiting so long to go.

Rent :: I think I'll just move back in with the parents, so I never have to pay rent, ever.

Groceries :: Why can't I just eat for free?

Flights :: Even when it's to somewhere I want to go, why does it have to cost all of the monies!? Especially during holiday, ugh.

Basically anything that is grownup like. I don't wanna.

Seeya never, savings. 

<3 BB 

Links found here. 

tuesday tunesday :: fall edition

Guys,

Guess what?! This girl is having some good luck in the blogger world. First I found out I won a free year of Passionfruit from Sarah's giveaway and on top of that I won another giveaway and have some lovely Fifth & Mae goods to start sporting including this necklace below! I NEVER WIN and this makes me happy.

Someone is excited. Nice face, Brooke. 

In other news. I had a dream the other day that it was my wedding day and the music wasn't ready and I WAS FREAKING OUT! Stressing, because I couldn't just use Pandora, what if a commercial comes on? Then I tried Spotify, but it wasn't letting me create a playlist and I can't just use the songs I have stared, what if the Goofy Movie Soundtrack starts playing as I walk down the isle....On second thought, that might be the perfect song... Obviously, it's probably safe to say that the music might be more important than what my dress looks like when that big day comes....

Anyway, let's just get to this week's playlist shall we.... wedding talk is making me uncomfortable and sweaty. In case you're wondering this playlist reminds me of fall. As sad as I am to see summer leave, I can definitely feel my music tastes shifting a little bit now that the crisp mornings are starting to come (even though it is supposed to be in the 90s this week here in Portland). I am starting to gravitate towards beats that are a little less in your face and the music is just a little more somber, I guess you could say? Does anyone else change their music around with the seasons or is that just me? 

Peter Terry & The City Profits :: The Lawyer

Valerie June :: Somebody To Love

Wye Oak :: Civilian 

James Blake :: Retrograde 

Free Energy :: Dance All Night 

Little Comets :: Her Black Eyes

Kendrick Lamar feat. Drake :: Poetic Justice 

Young Wonder :: To You 

Andrew Belle :: I Won't Fight It 

Sarah Jaffe :: Clementine 

The Milk Carton Kids :: Michigan 

Joe Pug :: Speak Plainly, Diana 

James Blake :: A Case Of You 

Cheers to Fall Music! 

<3 BB 

chi-town shenannies

Chicago (said in my best Midwest accent) Shenanigans were short and sweet, but they sure were fantastic. Technically, the wedding we traveled out for was in Galena, IL, which if you're keeping track at home is really close to Iowa and was like a 3 hour drive outside Chicago. Who knew?! 

Luckily, we were traveling with my old college roomie and her bf, whom (nice use of whom, Brooke) I worked with for a few summers in Alaska, so the trip was entertaining.  

The day after the wedding we drove back to Chicago for the night to see the city and watch a Cubs game since Brad is a huge fan even if they never win.

We flicked the Bean, walked around Millennium Park, and did a little window shopping at Zara (wanted everything).

My favorite part of the trip, even if our reservation wasn't until 10:45pm, was eating at the Girl & The Goat. Best.Meal.Of.My.Life. I mean their about section isn't lying when they claim it is a rustic and badass environment  The owner, Stephanie Izard, was the winner of Top Chef season 4 (love that show, ps). 

We knew going into the meal we wanted to treat ourselves.  13 plates of food, 2 desserts, and 1 bottle of wine later, we were full and happy :) My favorite was probably the grilled baby octopus or maybe even the duck tongue, oh and the green beans, sheeet, not sure if I can pick a favorite. Did I mention I love food?! 

So yeah, that pretty much wrapped up the trip. We hit a breakfast spot on the way back to the airport and called it a success. Would have loved to spend a little more time in Chicago, but all in all the wedding was gorgeous, the people were great company, and Chicago fed us well! As always, I linked up with Sami, to share these Chi-Town Shenannies.

Cheers! 

<3 BB 

Off to Chicago

Up and going at 4:15 this morning is going to make for a long day. I am le tired as I sit here in the airport waiting for my flight to Chicago, but I am excited for my weekend of wedding fun. 

Catch you on the flip side of the weekend. 

<3  BB

workout wednesday :: travel edition

Anytime I go on vacation or travel, I like to have a few workouts in my back pocket that I don't need a gym for. You never know what the hotel gym is going to look like and sometimes the weather can be unpredictable for a run outside in a new city, even if that is my favorite way to explore. Although, I am horrible with directions, meh. Since I will be outside of Chicago this weekend for a wedding, I am trying to make sure I still get in a few good workouts, so I can enjoy some yummy treats...deep dish pizza?! Maybe Girl & The Goat, pretty nice little Saturday....I don't know if we'll have enough time?! (name that movie) 

I am getting off track. Anyway, this workout is perfect for traveling because it's quick, effective, and is one you can totally do in your hotel room. Maybe just lay a towel down first black lights are not a hotel's best friend.

Δ AMRAP: As Many Rounds As Possible in 20 mins. 

Δ Try not to give yourself too much rest time in between each set. 

Δ Here is an example of a Single Leg Squat or try the Pistol Squat. 

Δ Here is an article on why you should work on one legged squats. 

Cheers to being active!

<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