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 

portland blogger meet up

Last Sunday I finally took the plunge and went to my first Portland Blogger Meet Up. I have always been a little hesitant to go to these types of things, because I often feel unprepared in the world of blogging. I don't have a 'blogger business card', I don't really have a 'blogger brand', and I only know a few bloggers. Luckily I was able to convince Jessi to tag along with me to this Photography Workshop  they were hosting and I am glad we went. 

The event was hosted at the cutest space, which happens to be home of two local companies Favery an online jewelry boutique and Ellie a design boutique specializing in stationary and invitations.  

There were three wonderful local photographers that were at the event that shared their stories, their work, and their advice which was nice. They gave lots of good feedback on how to style shoots, how to take close ups of food, and how to photograph people. All of which I need more practice on. 

Margaret Jacobsen - focuses on portraits and fashion photography

Aubrie LeGault - focuses on food and Portland Restaurants 

Linnea Paulina - focuses on Engagement and Weddings 

Here are some of the photos I took when I was practicing during the events. My one regret was that I did not take more photos of the actual event space, because it was super cute. 

Cheers to practicing more photography!!!

<3 BB

Confess sesh

It's Wednesday, you know what that means.  I get to word vomit all the confessions I have been saving up for this week and link up with Kathy to share them with you. Who's excited?!?!? 

//I confess: I wore earrings for the first time in so long today, solely to distract from the fact I did not wash, or brush my hair, or even attempt to fix the pony I slept in. But my eyeballs look pretty today, so I still got a compliment from Bradley when I left the house. #winning. 

//I confess: I finished a jar of pickles earlier this week and I wanted to drink the juice but other people were in the room and I didn't want to get made fun of. 

//I confess: I have regretted the above decision ever since. This also reminds me I need to pick up more pickles tonight. #obsessed 

//I confess: I was more sad than I should have been when I heard it was the last day for Dave on the KINK morning radio show. I did not call in and cry like some of the other listeners though.  In my defense, I do listen to him pretty much every morning on the way to work. It's the end of an era. 

//I confess: it's taking alllllllll of me (said in my best John Legend) to not go home and make this pie tonight. 

//I confess: I got far too excited when I found out a good friend of mine is getting butcher block counter tops in the home she just purchased! I don't think you realize how much I love butcher block counter tops. I could spend days on pinterest and design websites looking at pretty kitchens like this one. 

//I confess: I went shopping and had dinner with a bestie and her little boy this week and her son is just too, too cute. I was also exhausted by the end of the night. The little guy has far too much energy for me.  All the moms out there, you impress me. #bestkindofBC PS. Don't forget about Mother's Day this weekend either. Moms are pretty much awesome. They deserve the respect. 

//I confess: Sometimes I start to get a little panic-y when all the people around me are doing crazy things like buying houses, and having kids, getting married, and being grownups and I am still over here just being awesome and not doing all those things. Am I doing this wrong? Did I miss a memo about what the proper timeline is to do all those things? How do people have money for those things? I am getting sweaty just thinking about it all. I am off to go look at pictures of puppies to calm me down. 

Cheers! 

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

Things I learned over derby

As always for this fine Monday, I am here to link up with Katie Que and tell you about all the things I learned this weekend while celebrating Bradley's favorite Holiday aka the Kentucky Derby. 

//Chocolate chip cookies taste better with Bourbon and sea salt in them.

//A horse with the name A Rod will never treat you right and is totally overrated.

//I am really good at making messes while preparing to host a party. Flour and Bacon grease were poured ALL OVER MY KITCHEN FLOOR on separate occasions. 

//Brad takes his Derby outfit very seriously.

//I am bad at remembering to take photos when I am enjoying the people around me. 

//I am not sorry for not taking many photos while co-hosting an awesome party. (also not sorry for using the word not too many times in this sentence.) 

//The best way to top off celebrating the Derby is honoring Cinco De Mayo and getting Mexican food. Yum! 

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Cheers to the Derby!

<3 BB

how to rock the kentucky derby.

As some of you may remember from last year, the Kentucky Derby is a big deal in my home. Bradley grew up 15mins away from Churchill Downs (where the race his held every year) and he has gone to multiple Derbys. This is the weekend he gets the most home sick and so I have learned to love the Derby for his sake. So naturally, I wanted to link up with Sarah of Venus Trapped In Mars for Fan Friday to give you guys a few more details on the special weekend and the sport of racing. 

Here is what you need to know leading up to tomorrow's race. 

//There is actually more than one race at Churchill Downs the day of the Derby.

//The race itself is only 2 minutes long. A lot of lead up to end in a quick finish. twss

//There are actually races on multiple days leading up to the Derby race.

//Jennifer Lawrence is from Louisville. This actually has nothing to do with the Derby, I just love her.

//The State of Kentucky and Southern Indiana make a big deal out of the Derby. We're talking fireworks known as Thunder Over Louisville the week leading up to it and the Friday of the Kentucky Derby (today) is a local Holiday and people often get the day off. 

//If you want to be like the top 1% you spend a lot of money and sit in classy seats and wear big hats. 

//If you want to actually party and get crazy at the Derby....Get tickets to the Infield. Rumor has it they don't mess around on the Infield. 

//The cocktail of choice on race day is Mint Julep, because Kentucky is Bourbon Country. Fact: they aren't actually that good. 

//Most importantly, know your horses. My advice - Know the top horse coming into the Derby and also the one that you think has the coolest name. I personally like the name Vicar's In Trouble, because it reminds me of the Friends episode where Joey finds the book Rachel is reading. 'Do you even know what a Vicar is?!' 'Like a goalie, right?!' 

//And lastly, never, never forget your big hat.

I also got you this song from one of Brad's friend's Band - Houndmouth. They are from the area so it seems fitting to have them for #backthatazzup Friday with Whitney - Kentucky Derby Edition.


Cheers the horsies!

<3 BB

i just want my coffee in slushie form

Starbucks. Why must you be so complicated? Here is the deal, I have a very love / hate relationship when it comes to Starbucks. Yes, I have wasted enough money there that I am a gold card member. Yes, I love red cup season. Yes, I extra love iced coffee time --- but I just can't handle how big of a deal they make everything. 

Like yesterday for instance, it was uncharacteristically hot for April at over 80 degrees here in Portland and I wanted to treat myself to an iced coffee on my lunch break...And not just any iced coffee, but I was craving an iced coffee in a delicious, perfect texture of ice, blended, slushie form.  With that being said - all I wanted was some iced coffee blended up with some soy milk. No pumps of sweetener. No whipped cream. No extra bells and whistles. So, I walk up to the counter and here is the exchange between the barista and I after I have stared blankly at the menu for a few moments searching for anything that might resemble what I am craving.   

Me: Hi, so I was wondering does the Caffe Espresso Frappuccino have a lot of extras in it or is it more just a blended iced coffee? 

Barista: Oh no, the Caffee Espresso doesn't have much extra to it. They really try to highlight just the espresso flavor in this drink. 

Me: Oh Perfect, I'm trying to stay away from extra sugars and dairy if possible. Can I get it with soy milk, please?

Barista: Oh well, it does come with an espresso infused whipped cream and Italian drizzle that is delicious. 

Me: Wait? What? I thought you just said it didn't come with anything extra. Ok then, can I get it without the whipped cream and the sugary drizzle please? If I wanted sugar I would ask for it. Don't just go throwing Diabeetus in there!

Barista: But the whipped cream is really good, it is infused with espresso!!!

Me: I know you mentioned that. I still don't want it. I am cutting out dairy. 

Barista: So since you're not getting the extras. Do you just want the coffee frappuccino then?

Me: Wait?! Coffee Frappuccino was an option? But it is not up on the board!? Do you people have a secret menu that I don't know about?! Now I am so confused. Why can't you just say here are small, medium, large, here are flavors we offer, here is coffee.  Yes, I would just like the coffee frappuccino then if that is an option. No sugary drizzle, no whipped cream. Just blended coffee, please. 

Naturally, I was super awkward during this whole exchange and started to get red and splotchy trying to explain what I wanted. Besides, all I wanted was the simplest drink on the menu - coffee goodness in slushie form. Is that so hard to make, Starbucks?!?!? I am pretty sure whatever I ended up with still had extra sugars and sweeteners in it, but at that point I just gave up. I took my drink and quickly power walked away. This is why I need to just stick to the Kcups at the office. I wonder if my boss would get annoyed if I brought a blender into work?! That wouldn't be loud or anything.... 

Cheers to Iced Coffee? 

<3 BB