Because It Feels Like Tunesday :: 9.5.12

I think one of my favorite things about music is there is something for every mood and every season.  With Labor Day already gone I am falling in love with Fall all over again.  It's definitely my favorite season with crisp morning air and warm days... Not to mention the pretty leaves and Pumpkin Spice Lattes from Starbucks.  With all that being said when Fall rolls around I notice my music taste changing with the leaves as well.  Here are a few songs that are transitioning me into fall and preparing me for a long winter.



Sean Hayes :: Miss Her When I'm Gone

My friend Creshea and I share a love for Sean Hayes (because we both have awesome taste)...annnnnnd who doesn't miss me when they're out making money. Duh.



Imaginary Cities :: Where'd All The Living Go (Berlin Session)

My dear friend Courtney told me about this band and the lead singer's voice fits perfectly with my love for whiny and raspy voices.



AnnenMayKantereit :: Leaving (Cardinal Session)

Such a big voice, for a little man.



Deep Sea Diver :: 1972 (Berlin Session)

Evidently there is more than one band named Deep Sea Diver.  Who knew?! Whatever the case, I like this one :)



Julia Stone :: It's All Okay (Mahogany Session)

Julia Stone is usually part of the brother/sister duo Angus & Julia Stone, but she also dabbles in some solo work.  Her voice is lovely and super unique, and it makes me want to curl up in a blankie.



William Fitzsimmons :: Beautiful Girl (Berlin Session)

Gosh, what to say about Mr. Fitz.. He has been through some 'ish depression, etc., but with all that pain comes some of the most beautiful music.  He also puts on an amazing live show, do yourself a favor and see him and his beard live if you get the chance.

Cheers to Fall! (and cheers to acoustic sessions too, I am sure you have caught on to my love for them by now)!


<3 BB

Labor Day or Bust!

Oh Man...

It's Tuesday already, which kind of throws my week off for Tunesday, but that can be put on the back burner, because fun pics are way better to share.

Labor Day weekend is the one planned outing my family schedules where everyone ventures down to Glide for campfires, BBQing, relaxation, and eating.... lots of eating!!  There were 18 of us total (sadly a few fambam members had other commitments and couldn't make it) but the rest of us ate too much food, checked out Crater Lake, and some even went fishing - I opted to stay on dry land.

As per usual, with any Schwabauer gathering, I ate entirely too much food and am going to be working off LD (Labor Day, for those of you that are not hip with the lingo) food for the next month, but it was worth it.  My Aunt Sue makes the best apple crisp, not to mention Grandma's potato salad and everything else that was consumed over the long weekend.  Yuuummmmm.

Here are a few photos to recap my weekend home.  It was super nice to be able to spend a few days home even if the weekend came and went too quickly.  At least I only have 4 days to get through this week!?

Mom and Dad finally decided to move down to Glide, after living 45mins away from civilization for years- after all of us kids quit going to school there, of course.   

They have put a lot of working into the back yard and the pond is proof. 

And here is the lovely view they have out the backyard. 

The new fire pit they installed might be my favorite spot.  Even if my hair still smells like campfire. 

I realize now, that I took living in such a pretty area for granted.  Growing up 25 mins from Crater Lake did have its perks and I was lucky enough to visit Crater Lake often.  So now it is nice to go back now and appreciate how beautiful it really is. 

Plus, Bradley got to experience it for the first time. Bet they don't have anything like this back in Floyds Knobs ;)  

Cheers to a Labor Free, Labor Day! 

BB 

Hitting the Links :: 8.31.12

via

Happy Friday!!! And a great, awesome, fantastic, can't wait for Labor Day Weekend Friday at that!!!! I am headed home to the lovely, Douglas County for some family time full of swimming, hiking, Crater Lake and more! Super excited.  Figured I would leave you with some awesome links to keep you keepin' on until the weekend finally starts.

::First off, we have some secret style tips from a J. Crew stylist.  Who knew there was a secret way to rolling your pant leg perfectly?  Don't worry, totally rolled my casual Friday jeans just like she did in the post.

::Next I have two awesome links just in time for College Football to get started back up.
    ::One:  The Oregon Duck's take on the best music video ever.  (I would just like to state that I posted the original video on my Facebook a few weeks ago, before it blew up, because I am just that awesome)
    ::Two:  Here is your Hater's Lover's Guide to the Top 25.  My boy, Drew Magary, is the funniest man in the Sports Blog World.

::When it comes to fitness, I have a very broad approach to things.  I don't consider myself solely a runner. You wont see me running 15 miles just because. Nor do I consider myself a strict Crossfitter either.  I do not belong to a local box (Crossfit Gym) or anything like that, but I do dabble in a lot of their workouts.  So I really agreed with this post, by my latest blog crush, Jess from The Blonde Ponytail.  

::New episode of Comedians In Cars Getting Coffee is up on the website.  I love watching hilarious people, doing such a regular thing and being super funny without trying. Enjoy.

::Lastly, if someone wants to buy me this necklace with my initial, I wouldn't hate it. KThanks!

Cheers to Labor Day!

BB

Hey You Guyyyys

Guess what!   I finally went MAXI!!  You know how I have been obessed with trying to find a maxi dress?  Welllll, I finally broke down last night and got a maxi, however, it is a skirt, not a dress.  Found this Bobeau maxi at Nordstrom Rack for under $25.00 and just couldn't pass it up.  It is seriously the most comfortable item in my closet, plus I don't have to shave my legs (the lazy in me is rejoicing)!

Today I am pairing it with a J. Crew button down I bought at the Woodburn Outlets a few summers ago and some flat sandals, and gave it a little pop with a statement piece necklace I scored on sale at Kohl's and my fun, boyfriend style watch I got from Urban Outfitters.  I am also rocking my glasses today, because I am fighting a cold and it makes my eyeballs feel heavy, so I decided to make them happy and leave the contacts in their case.

This outfit is super casual, yet pulled together enough I can wear it to work, plus the long skirt makes me feel feminine, which is an added bonus, since my boss gave me a hard time yesterday for sounding like a man... Just call me, Bob, not Brooke, for the next few days. - Thanks a lot, cold.  

I put together a little style board below of what my look is doing today.  Not all the items are the same as what I am sporting, but they are super similar.


Cheers to Maxis!

BB

Maxi by brooke-l-smith featuring ankle strap sandals

J crew
jcrew.com

Bobeau long maxi skirt
nordstrom.com

American Eagle Outfitters ankle strap sandals
ae.com

Longs jewelry
kohls.com

Vintage style jewelry
urbanoutfitters.com

Gucci sunglasses
$275 - net-a-porter.com

Let Me Tell You...

..about the time I went to The Avett Brothers concert solo dolo.  Now as most of you know. I love music.  Especially live. I even attended a concert last night (yes, on a week night - who's the Grandma now?!) to see Atlas Genius with my friend Jessi and the Boy.

Anyway, back to the story about me having no friends and going to a concert alone.  ok - that is a big lie, I have one friend, my mom :) 

Here was the deal.  Brad and I got super pumped when we heard The Avett Brothers were going to be playing at the McMenamins - Edgefield. (Side note:  I really want to go back to Edgefield soon to check out their restaurant and hotel)  We bought our tickets the day they went on sale (or so we thought) and didn't think much else of it.  Well, a few weeks before the concert, Brad found out he was going to be gone in Nashville for work.

No big deal I thought,  I would invite the little bro to go with me instead.  I always love some sibling bonding time and a chance to drop some music knowledge on him any chance I get.....This is where things get interesting. 

A few days before the concert I go to print off the tickets and notice I only have one ticket to print. Quickly ask Brad if he bought his own, where he proceeds to tell me that he thought I purchased them both.... hmmm this is not good.  Trying not to get bummed out I jump online to see if I can score another one.  Of course the show is sold out and there was nothing on Craigslist for me.  WOMP, WOMP.

After a little internal debate on whether or not to sell my ticket and a few people giving me a hard time at the thought of me going alone, I decide to just go.  Why miss an opportunity to see a band I love, when I had been so excited for the concert and already had the ticket in my hand.

Long Hair, Don't Care

So Saturday evening I kept date night going and packed up a book and a blanket and set off for Troutdale. It was the perfect evening for an outdoor concert.  Like Baby Bear's porridge, not too hot or too cold and I enjoyed reading a good book and people watching on the lawn while I waited for the show to start.

Take my advice - see them live, even if you have to go alone

The concert rocked. It's the second time I have seen them live and they do not disappoint.  One of my favorite songs they played was January Wedding:

After spending most of my weekend on my own and really loving my me time, it got me thinking: why does society give being on your own such a negative connotation?  Why is it weird for a person to eat a meal on their own or attend a show alone?  Yes, it is always nice to share moments with people you're fond of, but what's wrong with enjoying something on your own, instead of worrying what the person next to you thinks, because you're chilling solo dolo?   Which leads me to the question: what kind of things do you do on your own?  Do you feel judged or uncomfortable when you do?

Anyways, enough ramblings for the day.  I am going to go drink more tea so I no longer sound like this.

Cheers to being independent!

BB

Tuesday Tunesday :: 8.28.12

So every week I tell myself I am going to be better about not bombarding you with music and only feature a few songs -- but then I realize that is dumb and good music needs to be shared.  So you get 7 awesome tunes today!



Atlas Genius :: Trojans (Acoustic)

Going to their concert tonight.  Super excited!! - minus the fact it is a weekday and the show doesn't even start until 9.  This Grandma already knows tomorrow is going to be a long day.



The Young Romans :: Lemon Trees

My friend Maria recommended this band to me last week and I am super happy she did! They make a lovely pairing, just like strawberries and Bisquick!  (Sorry, back when I was a waitress in Alaska we once had a grumpy old man, who was mad because we did not have A1 Sauce, tell us that steak and A1 go together like strawberries and Bisquick and I have never forgotten it. Who picks those two things? so random, anyway, moving on....)



Michael Kiwanuka :: I'm Getting Ready

Kiwanuka's voice is super raw and I am a big fan. You should def check out the rest of his album when you get the chance.



Glen Hansard :: Love Don't Keep Me Waiting

You might recognize Hansard's voice from the duo The Swell Season.  This song is off of his new solo album.  Hansard has an old soul vibe, reminds me of listening to Van Morrison with my parents when I was younger. Great stuff.



Milo Greene :: 1957

I like this song. Not much else to say... well that's a lie, I would also say to check out their song 'Don't You Give Up On Me' because it is also good.



Ethan Burns :: So Lonesome 

Sad songs are my favorite and it's not because my life is sad and depressing or I was full of suburban angst as a teen,  I just think they tell the best stories.  They are full of passion and emotion.  If a songwriter can make you feel their pain, as if it is your own, then they doing something right.



Modest Mouse :: Gravity Rides Everything

This song came on as I was finishing up my post and it is probably my favorite Modest Mouse song, which is saying something, because they have a lot of good ones.  Anyways, it's by no means new, but that doesn't mean it gets old. These lyrics make the song for me:

In the motions and the things that you say. 
It all will fall, fall right into place 


Cheers to Tunesday!

BB

Date With Myself!

Saturday Market is my favsies

So this weekend both Brad and the Roomie were out of town, so I decided I was going to date myself and I have to say it was quite enjoyable.  I hit up the driving range, checked out Saturday Market and got a great trail run in.  I even attended The Avett Brothers' concert on my own (more on that later this week).  

Here are a few pics I snapped while at Saturday Market.  Now, originally I thought this was going to be a great place to get some cool pictures, but once I was there, I realized I was a little intimidated.  I didn't want to be that girl with her camera in the way of people actually trying to buy things, not to mention some of the booth owners are a little picky and even have signs that say no photography.  In the end I decided to stick to out of the way items.

What up, Fountain?

Totally wish it was acceptable to wear these at my age.

Decided to hit up Pittock Mansion before I headed out on a trail run, where I then proceeded to roll both my ankles... One of which was bad enough that I am still having to ice it a day and a half later.

Almost got stung too.  The things I do for a good photograph. 

It was definitely nice to get some me time this weekend.   What does everyone else do for their me time?!


Cheers to dating yourself!

BB