Oh The Places You'll Go...

Writing.

2012-01-27T08:35:00.000-08:00

Growing up I was frequently told I 'wasn't much of a writer'. I was determined that one day I would be a writer, in some capacity or another and 10 years later, my blog is quickly narrowing in on 50,000 views. Writing certainly doesn't come naturally to all but like most skills, it can be taught, learned, practiced, and perhaps even perfected. If you’ve dreamt of starting a blog, writing a book, or having your thoughts published don’t allow the challenge of learning to write to dissuade you from fulfilling that dream.

Learning to write did not come easily to me. Being mildly dyslexic, even learning to read others writing was a challenge for me. I loved the written word from a young age and I wrote diligently in my journal for years before I gained the confidence to share my writing with others. By college I was finally given positive feedback by teachers who believed that I had the skills needed to become a writer, if only I would hone them.

Many of you have probably faced this same dilemma. You’re ready to write something worthy of being read, but your skill set and confidence aren’t where they need to be. If so, consider getting writing tutor. Online tutoring is a popular way for busy writers to get the help we need to grow our skill set without going back to school. Make time for what is important to you and be willing to put the time and effort into developing your skills.

Don't Waste Your Life.

2012-01-27T06:56:00.000-08:00

There seems to be a reoccurring theme in my life this week...prison. No really. I'll share more about this at a later time (on the 30th) but I participated in a book swap through a blog I read and my sweet partner sent me a memoir written by a woman who spent a year in women's prison. I was about 100 pages into this yesterday morning when I attended a video watching with my coworkers of John Piper's called, 'Don't Waste Your Life'.

The video wasn't what I expected, but they interviewed prisoners from Angola (in Louisiana). Each of the three featured men were facing life in prison without chance of parole or pardon (sorry, I don't think that's how they say it). Each had found faith within the prison walls. I was blown away by their use of the word 'freedom' to describe how they feel within their faith. These men, who spend 23 hours a day in a cell. These men who also spoke of being unable to use the restroom alone or chose when they turn off their lights at night. They feel free.

I share this to say that as the Lord teaches me and grows me this year I am struck by how we can be prisoners to our own lives. Do we experience freedom, even as we're allowed to come and go as we please? Do we appreciate the ability to take walks outside or to spend holidays with our loved ones?

Even more sobering for me perhaps was the realization of how our actions are paid for by the ones we love. As I read Piper Kerman's story and as I watched these men in Don't Waste Your Life I'm humbled by the fact that we all my mistakes. Perhaps mine haven't put me behind bars for life, but I've also been given the luxury of a good home life. The men in the video were all in the midst of life sentences that began when they were in their late teens. Who wasn't a bit of an idiot at 18? And how different would my life be if I were still paying the price of my 18 year old sins?

They spoke of their spouses, their parents, their own children and the profound affect their incarceration has had on those they cared for most. One man shared that he had always desired to be nothing like his own father, who had been incarcerated. Then he said, and here I am, absent from my own children's lives for being just that. He had turned into the man he loathed.

As a social worker by education the failures of our 'system' aren't lost on me. I'm not ready to break open the prison doors and free them all but I admit that I feel a sense of sadness when I think about how many people's lives are ended by one bad decision. One decision I recognize I'm not beyond making myself. By the grace of God, that has not been my life...but I recognize that as a sinner, saved only by His grace, it could have been.

When I consider what it looks like in my own life not to waste this time, this freedom, it grows my excitement for Haiti. For the chance to get my hands dirty loving on the Lord's children. Heavy on my heart this week are these thoughts:

Matthew 25:40 - 'The King will reply, ' I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me'.

'If you judge people, you have no time to love them.' - Mother Teresa

When I think about my purpose as a believer I truly believe it's to love others and that always brings me back to my favorite verse about love...where the Lord says in his word that love never fails.

Love,

It's Ok Thursday...

2012-01-26T06:05:00.000-08:00

First off, I will be featured as a guest blogger on Lindsey's blog today so please stop over there and see what I had to say about being Financially Fit.

Ah, that favorite time of the week again.

It's ok...

...to be wicked excited for a trip in 8 days.

...to pack a week in advance, knowing you'll pull everything out and change your mind...twice.

...to plan on reading two books on your trip, knowing you won't have time.

...to schedule your blogposts so you can truly relax while you're away.

...to have a love/hate relationship with flying. Love to people watch. Hate to be trapped on a plane feeling like you have to pee just because you shouldn't while the lights on.

...to give dirty looks to TSA when they make you get in the 'naked machine'.

...to rarely guest post because you care barely do enough writing for your own blog.

...to judge people who talk about how they never have time to read, but watch 15 hours of TV a week.

...to like twitter more than facebook, but enjoy the ability to stalk facebook photos.

...to pretend to be asleep on planes when you don't want your neighbor to talk to you.

...to be stoked to use your travel blanket you asked for and got for Christmas.

...to find most of the new blogs you follow through 'it's ok Thursday'...if they say something I do is ok, I feel instantly connected.

...to quit sending people cards who never send them back.

...to put a certain amount of pages per day on your to do list to read so you'll meet your goals.

...to be pretty much all around nerdy.

Hey it's Thursday and it's ok.

Love,

2012 Goals - An Update.

2012-01-25T06:04:00.000-08:00

A creative man is motivated by the desire to achieve, not by the desire to beat others.

- Ayn Rand

I set 12 goals for the year 2012. I achieved much in 2011, but my goals list was not one of them. And so, I hope to be more focused with this years goal list and to report back with more frequency. Accountability is key for me. What you have to realize about goals is the importance of achieve, not competing. I have a competitive spirit I frequently have to stuff down.

I have to remind myself that the purpose of setting reading goals is to expand my mind, avoid the TV, and keep illiteracy at bay. Not, however, to beat anyone else by reading a greater number books or deeper, longer, more classical books, for that matter. The point is to meet my own goals and standards and not to compare myself to others. This same principle applies to each of my goals. I admit, though, that I often struggle with this.

That disclaimer being said, let's talk about my goals and where I'm at as January draws near it's end...

Photo.

1. Well, I've read 7 books so far in 2012. Being just under 4 weeks into the year, I'd say this makes my goal of 50 look attainable. More than that, I find that my love of reading is growing in leaps and bounds. I'm thankful for the blog community where I have found so many other diligent readers to relate too. I don't really know how to use it well but if you're on Goodreads feel free to add me!

2. Leave the US for the first time. Well, you can expect another Haiti update soon - much is happening in my prep to meeting goal #2. But you can count on April being the month I tackle this one officially....

3. Take Washington DC by storm. I can happily report that my plane ticket has been book for my trip to DC in May...so this goal is also in the works.

4. Skydive, even if indoors. Hm, not progress on this yet. Although, I have been watching the groupons.

5. Lose another 20 pounds. I changed this goal to add 'by Haiti' in early January and after 2 weeks I'm over 6 pounds down. So I'm hopeful that I will lose 20 and possibly more before I depart on April 21st.

6. The dates are set for me to finally see my sweet cousin, Whitley, play ball this year. You can anxiously await pictures and a full report in March.

7. Shower my niece with love letters. This is going well. I've made her the most precious Valentines Day card I've been making myself wait to send...

8. Slow but steady progress towards my unspoken goal #8.

9. Crap. I haven't written anymore pages for my book. Boo.

10. Visit one new state. Maybe I should take suggestions on which state it should be?

11. Get back into photography, for pleasure. I'm hoping Haiti will give me some inspiration for this.

12. Write, I have! Here, often, honestly...and even for my own personal benefit to possibly be shared at a later date. I've also been writing letters and e-mails to several of you who have reached out for help or advice. I enjoy the chance to be thought out, as writing allows me.

Thanks for cheering me on...I'm so pleased with 2012 so far. I'm sad to see a month of it come to an end next week. I'm cherishing every moment.

Love,

Continuing a Year of Experiences.

2012-01-24T06:16:00.000-08:00

Image.

Note: If you're semi new to the blog go back and read this entry to see why this year has been themed the year to experience.

I said this year was about experiences and if you were worried I would let you down perhaps I can give you hope. This is the year to go for it. This is the year of no-holds-barred. I've laid the ground work, and I'm enjoying the benefits now.

I determined that even though I will be headed to see my best friend in 10 days (whoo hoo), to Haiti in April, and to DC in May...it was time to get some travel on the books to see my sister, my bro-in-law, and my beautiful baby niece, Noa. The great thing about budgeting for travel is that I get to do what I love...go. And since that budget is always growing, I don't have to wait 6 months to buy a ticket. I talked to my sister Sunday night about an Easter weekend trip, and Monday on my lunch break, I booked it!

Let me note here my absolute love of Southwest Airlines. I do all my travel with them and so I was able to buy one leg my flight in 'points', and the other leg on sale for $94. It was budget friendly, easy to book, and hey - I can even over pack! Nothing but love for the Southwest way of travel (hey Southwest, you should totally make a flight to Haiti!).

What I have grown to appreciate about being responsible with my money is seeing my hard work pay off. I have learned to live simple, save hard, and prepare for these exact moments. Because I want to be with my sister to celebrate my nieces first Easter. Because I value the chance to be a part of my brother-in-law's church congregation and see him in action. And most of all because I have learned the value of experiences over things.

When I think about my role as an Aunt and what I want Noa to admire about her Aunt B - I hope that she sees my unfailing love for her first and foremost and that she treasures the time I'm creating for us to be together. I hope she grows up knowing that being there for her every step of the way has always been a top priority. And hey, I wouldn't mind if she's telling her kinder garden classmates how cool her Aunt B's life has been with a shoebox full of postcards from the places I've been, either.

Chapel Hill, North Carolina - you're on my books.

Love,
B

Weekend Randoms.

2012-01-23T07:11:00.000-08:00

Hello loves,

I took the weekend off of blogging and texting (for the most part). With several things in my life/family up in the air, I just needed a break. Turns out texting is semi necessary to my actually having a life on the weekends so I broke it a few times, but I felt my phone at home while I spent time in the gym, and left it on silent while I ran errands and went shopping. It was a welcomed break from being too available.

I'm plowing through my 7th book of 2012 as I work towards 50 by the end of the year. I'm currently reading:

I bought this book at Big Lots. No joke. I had just gotten back from New York City where I ate Serendipity and the title/cover grabbed my eye. I bought it for all of 2 dollars and it went into that inevitable stack of 'to read' books that we all have stashed beside our beds or somewhere in our homes screaming 'you said you were going to read us'. Yeah, that stack. I think I previously mentioned I was going to try'n tackle a few of those so I could yard sale them in Feb. I'm 230 pages in and with less than 100 to go, I think it's safe to say I actually like this book. I thought it sounded a little dark for me, but it's been really entertaining and kept my attention this weekend. I would be willing to bet I'll finish it in the next day or two.

I had coffee outside in the beautiful 70s weather with my bestie on Saturday morning. Man, the South Tampa Starbucks is quite the place for people watching (read: outfit judging). One of my sweet friends, Jon, had given me a Starbucks GC in honor of paying off my debt and being debt free (don't you just love your Dave-Ramsey-approved friends?). After a 3 part workout that morning it was fun to relax with coffee and my sweet Aubs.

My Saturday continued to go well when I went on a treasure hunt that turned up the final piece of furniture for my bedroom (well, at least for now)....

I dislike rooms that look too heavy on the furniture. I do not want to feel trapped within the furniture in a room, it make me anxious. So furnishing my room has been a slow, well thought out process of trying to keep the furniture from owning the room, but making sure it's pretty, pleasant, and functional. That chair was burried for the last 2 years under a big leather tote thing full of crap. I ditched the crap in early jan at the tote has been relocated to the living room to hold throw blankets. So the chair has resurfaced and actually looks like a chair again. Fab.

The piece with the tag on it is of course what I purchased Saturday afternoon at HomeGoods (I love HomeGoods and all it's cousins: TJMaxx, Marshalls, etc). The little drawers at the bottom are the new home of my power cords. Between my Kindle, iPad, ipods (2), iPhone, Macbook, etc...I feel like I'm swimming in power cords! So now they have a little home, out of the line of vision (but not stuffed in a bathroom drawer).

I shared previously that my goal was to lose 20 more lbs in 2012...then I changed it to 20 pounds by my trip to Haiti, in April. I'm happy to report that my week 2 weigh in put me down 3.4lbs for a total of 6.4 in 2 weeks. 13.6 to go by April. I can do this.

I was able to FaceTime with my sweet family last night, since they were all together in NC (without me, I might add) this weekend. My niece is already growing so fast. I feel so grateful that my family has gotten this time together, even if I wasn't able to make the trek (I really need a private jet, don't you think? Need!).

The countdown til my next weekend of travels is almost to the single digits: 11 days to Scottsburg. Let's be honest, the packing will probably start sometime this week.

Happy Monday morning - this girl better starting getting ready for work!

Love,

2012 Reading List.

2012-01-23T05:05:00.000-08:00

And again I say, the list...

1. Catching Fire - Suzanne Collins
2. Mockingjay - Suzanne Collins
3. A Life in Stitches - Rachael Herron
4. Leaving Paradise - Simone Elkeles
5. Sing Me Home - Jodi Picoult
6. The 6th Target - James Patterson
7. Serendipity - Lousie Shaffer

5 Wardrobe Additions I Hope to Make.

2012-01-20T07:00:00.000-08:00

First off, happy Friday!

When I revamped my closet last week, I started a list of things I'd like to add to my wardrobe in 2012. Out with the old and slowly in with the new. I used this lovely thing we like to call the Internet to browse some fashion blogs about items everyone should add to their wardrobe in 2012 as well, to make sure if there was anything fetching on the list, I was in on it. I thought since we haven't talked fashion in a bit, why not today?

1. First up, a new black cardigan. I have one and only one and it's seen better days. Since I wear one on the regular to work and over weekend-wear, it's time to replace it. Hoping to tackle that with the help of Nordstrom Rack this weekend.

image.

2. An envelope clutch. I have a metallic silver one but I want a practical one. I'm leaning towards a navy blue one I found recently and love...but we'll see. This image kind of makes me want a practical neutral one.

3. A bomber jacket. I think this makes sense with my current wardrobe and I will get a lot of use out of it. So, I ordered one this week. Part of my deal with myself was that when I cleaned out this closet so I really knew what I had, what I needed, and where things were - was that I could add some pieces I really love and will use. So, I got me one of these...

I ordered it this week so it will be here sometime next weekend. It may make it's debut for my trip up to KY/IN on the 3rd. We shall see. May I also note that this girl's facial expression really gives me the creeps?

4. Bangles. I'd like to add some new bangles to my collection this year. I love wearing them and I'd like to snazz up my bangle wardrobe with some fun new colors.

5. Grey Pencil Skirt. I really want one. I have the perfect shirt to wear with it when I get one too.

Planning on watching the sale racks of the next few weeks. I also still have a few giftcards/christmas money I can spend. So, expect to hear about these things soon.

Also, I found a fabulous lace top I'm in love with during the Ann Taylor clearance event. Maybe I will wear it to the Tampa Bloggers Meetup next weekend. Who else is coming? I'm so stoked for this.

Love,

It's Ok Thursday.

2012-01-19T06:26:00.000-08:00

Special thank you to Neely and Amber for these, I freakin love 'it's ok thursdays'.

So this week I'm thinking it's ok....

...to crave chips and salsa every single day of your diet (as long as you don't give in)

...to be so desperate for chocolate you'd kick a puppy or trip an old lady.

...to have a love/hate relationship with Jillian Michaels. Hate dealing with her at 6am, love the results.

...to have a midweek weigh in just to make sure you'll hit your weight loss goal by the official one (freak, I know).

...to treat yourself (hello, Ann Taylor shirt for 7 bucks each).

...to love your city and STILL want to travel every weekend.

...to love your friend who talk budgeting with you a little more than all the others.

...to not respond to every text message you get, especially if they're about things you can talk about yet (still appreciated the love)

...to hate getting shots.

...to be cheap. Not even just thrifty, but downright cheap sometimes.

...to be scared to buy any flavor of Chobani yogurt other than pomegranate because it's the only you're sure you like.

...to secretly judge people who make excuses for everything (fine, not secret, I openly judge...blast)

...to say what you think.

...to wish you were with your family because they're together without you right now.

...to want to report your progress towards your goals everyday, even though you know that would be wicked annoying.

...to be so proud of your closet, you made a blog post about it.

Love,
B

Blown Away.

2012-01-18T06:30:00.000-08:00

Do you ever have what I like to call 'oh me of little faith' moments? Well, I do. One of my favorite blog posts of 2011 was finally being able to talk about this football season and what the Lord taught me. That may have been the first time that I experienced a desert season with joy and the expectation that the Lord had a plan.

I'm not going to rehash that here today...today is about another time the Lord has blown me away recently. I've already told you all I committed to go to Haiti the day I found out there was a trip. My heart for that country has grown of there years and since I flippantly said I'd go if my church did, I knew I had too when I got the chance.

With the lofty goals I set for this year I felt a little scared at the idea of raising $900 plus buying a passport, getting vaccines, meds, etc. But I sat down and wrote out my prayers. I talked specifically with the Lord about my fears, my anxiety, and my needs. If I was going to go to Haiti I needed Him to clearly keep marking my path for me and encouraging me along the way.

The bible says more than a couple times that when we submit our requests to God we're called to have faith and believe he'll do it. So I set out to do just that and had a little 'help me with my unbelief' clause at the end.

The Lord continues to blow me away. With 24 hours of deciding to go a group from another church offered to do a fundraiser for me and and 2 friends offered to help support me financially. My family agreed to put money towards my expenses and trip as part of my Christmas, and bought quite a few of the supplies I needed.

I started to doubt myself when I went to the first meeting and the Pastor leading the trip said it was a mostly man trip, because we'd be laying 35 pound cinder blocks 12 hours a day. But as I sat in the back and thought 'maybe I should get out of this' that same Pastor who I haven't spoken to in years walked right up to me and said 'Becca, I was so excited to see your name on the list for this trip. I couldn't be happier to have YOU, specifically, for this trip. You're the first one we approved to come'.

Ok Lord, I get it. Here I am, send me?...

But it gets crazier still friends.

My application to go to Haiti held the question: what are you most afraid of when you think about this trip? For those of you who have been following this blog faithfully you know my health has been a bit of a struggle the last 2 years as my doctors and I have fought through how to treat my severe case of IBS. Combine bathroom related problems with a 3rd world country and you pretty much have my worst fear. But I told the Lord I was committed...

So I marched my butt down to the doctors office on my Monday lunch break with my speech all prepared. It was going to go something like this: 'I'm going on this trip Doc, so give me whatever you've got because I don't have time to be sick I've got a church to build'. Can I just say that the Lord delivers me more than I ask for or imagine, on the regular. Not only did my Doctor help me make a stomach plan (Can I get a whoo hoo?) BUT he also agreed to write my prescription for my malaria meds (when I find out which antibiotics are recommended for the region I'm going too) - and said he'd do it via the phone so I didn't have to pay for another appointment.

What a blessing! The health center was going to charge me $50 to write the prescription. Ah, and while were talking about the health center... that's where I was told to go for my vaccines. Mind you, I was also told I'd have to wait in line, outside before they open, in the ghetto, to get them done. They don't take insurance, and each shot was going to cost me 50 bucks plus a 30 dollar 'administrative fee'...oh and that's per shot, per round (hep shots are series shots..). They also said there was one other option in town to get my vaccines but the first time would be $185 and I'd have to go 3 times to finish my vaccines. Ouch.

I was prepared to do it. I was in this trip for the long haul. But when I look back at how simple my requests were to the Lord they can be summed up by this, 'Lord, meet the needs I don't even know I'll have yet. Meet me where I'm at and meet me everywhere I have to go to get to Haiti and show your people love'...

Just before finishing up my consultation with my doctor he said, 'Hey Becca, what vaccines do you need?'. I responded Hep A and B - but that when I'd called the office they said they don't do international travel vaccines. To which he said to me, ' we do hep a and hep b, and we can get em done for you today while you're here'. I was thrilled not to have to wait in line at the health center so I got both shots done....

That's not even the good part! When I got back to the office I logged into my insurance policy online and looked up the cost for those vaccines with my insurance (since I wasn't going to be able to use my insurance either of the places recommended to me, I'd never checked). Are you ready for this? $22 a shot. Instead of $80-$120 a shot. Now when you think about the fact that I need 3 rounds of these shots, that's a TON of money. He probably saved me, what, 500 bucks?

Oh me of little faith...I feel so grateful the Lord gives me more than my little faith can imagine.

Hey, I'm going to Haiti!

And I won't be coming back with any of the heps. ; ]

Love,
B

Cleaning Bug 2012 (and more Batch Pad pics)

2012-01-17T06:15:00.000-08:00

Ok so I was happy to read that I'm not the only one who has had the cleaning bug so far this year. I found this great post on The Secret to Success is Support's blog Friday. I love a good blog post about being organized more than the next girl - but I especially love that Gigi took on her closet clean out with a friend.

When I returned from 8 days away in Indianapolis for Christmas this year, I literally came home and started cleaning. My friend Kayla can testify to this, since she picked me up from the airport and witnessed the beginning of the whirlwind. She came with nothing and left with 2 kinds of dishwasher soap that just didn't work out for me (but I couldn't throw them away, they were practically new!), a tray (that was gifted to me but doesn't go with anything in my house), and a few other randoms.

With my yard sale coming up for Haiti (don't know about Haiti yet? check here) I decided January was the perfect time to go through EVERYTHING in the Batch Pad. And so, it began.

When my Mom was here last spring we did a big overhaul on the garage which included ditch all the boxes and changing what needed to be stored to plastic totes. Did you know that bugs love cardboard? Hince, I won't store any of my stuff in actual boxes anymore. Yuck.

I had an entire tote of office supplies. I believe I've previously confessed my obsession with office supplies? Anyway, they've been in that tote for an entire year without me desperately needing them (or with my buying more because I forgot I had some) - so, I went through them and either, saved, tossed, or relocated them so they would get used up or gone quickly.

Anywho, friday night I came home from work and decided to stay in since I wasn't feeling well. Most people relax when they're sick yes? But not this girl. I go to work.

This is my walk in before (please reserve judgement):

Not hoarders worthy, but certainly not looking awesome.

An hour later when I determined to pull every single thing out, my room looked like this:

My best friend couldn't fly in from Indiana for this - but I did FaceTime her in on my ipad from the floor of my closet for the fun. This cleanup went on way past midnight on Friday night and included finally vacuuming and dusting out my closet before I started returning only the things I wear/use. Whew.

I'm happy to show you that progress was made and my closet now looks like this:

Ta da! I mean, I know there's still alot in there, but honestly, I got rid of ALOT. I made about 8 garage bags of things for my yard sale, too 4 bags of trash out Monday morning from all my bathroom and junk drawer clean outs, etc. I really did good about only keeping what I wear (which obviously is still a pretty decent amount). I will say, however, that another benefit to doing this was figuring out what I still want to add to my wardrobe, or what needs to be replace (like my poor very faded black cardigan).

If you feel like you're in a wardrobe funk this might be the perfect way to remember what you have hiding in your closet, and revamp all at once.

Also, I cleaned the whole rest of the house as well so I thought I'd share at least one picture from the main floor while I'm at it (hopefully more pics to come in the near future!)...

Anyone else caught the cleaning bug in 2012?

Love,
B

12 Things I'm Already Loving in 2012 - v2.

2012-01-16T09:05:00.000-08:00

Last weeked I told you 12 things I'm already in love with about this year. I loved your responses and I loved how I felt about celebrating and appreciating a great start to this year. I don't know if this will be a weekly post per se, but expect many more 12 things posts in 2012. I want to make sure I keep my attitude in check and remember to be thankful.

1. Motivation. I feel so motivated to reach my goals this year. My 2012 goal was to lose 20 pounds...the I decided to do it BEFORE my trip to Haiti, in April. Totally doable. Losing 3 pounds this week to start it off? Feels good.

2. Outdoor workouts. Iv'e scheduled in a couple outdoor workouts per week. Because I'm lucky enough to live in Tampa, FL and the weather here is beautiful. Monday night I was headed to the gym when I switched directions, headed to the bayshore, and finished my workout by walking to the end of the pier to appreciate this view.

3. Being an Aunt. Even though my sweet niece, Noa, lives in North Carolina - I love sending her letters and getting pictures of her from my sister. I love being an aunt.

4. Goodreads. I don't care enough to find a bunch of friends but it's fun being connected to my blog friends who have set goals for 2012 reading lists too. I've been reading consistently... 5 books down...45 to go.

I'm going to combine these next two...

5. Shopping. I let myself do a little shopping this week. Which goes well with 6. Having the chance to wear my new sweater because it's chilly-ish for Florida this weekend.

7. Brilliant friends. When I had an investment dilemma this week - I knew just who to call (thanks Jon).

8. Scheduled travel. My trip to see my best friend is less than 3 weeks away.

9. Groupon goods. Got a camera for super reasonable to tote to Haiti with me.

10. Good hair days. I've actually had like 2 this week. That's fairly remarkable for me.

11. Baseball caps. Couldn't live without them.

12. The blog. I'm loving blog world lately.

So much to be thankful for and enjoy about this fabulous year.

Love,

Pizza on the Grill & a Hockey Game.

2012-01-15T08:11:00.000-08:00

It's no secret, I am a football girl. I come by it honest, in my family football is THE sport. I spent much of my childhood running the field, pacing the sidelines, and screaming in the stands. It's also not a secret that I know little about other sports...any.other.sports. But, that's not because I don't enjoy them.

I was given four club level tickets last minute on Wednesday for Thursday nights Tampa Bay Lightning game against the Carolina Hurricanes. I was thrilled. The only thing I love more than attending sporting events is attending them with free tickets! (this is not a joke, I'm probably the cheapest person you know). Plus, what's not to love about any full contact sport? I'd much rather watch football and hockey than tennis or golf! Can I confess - I like it when they fight? (I guess it's a good things my parents don't read this blog - they would not be proud of that statement)

I already had plans to make pizza on the grill with my neighbor, Edmund. Lucky for him, I ended up getting tickets and he happens to love the lightning. I had bought all the fixings so naturally I still wanted to try out my grill-friendly pizza stone (a gift from my bestie, Auburn, who also joined us for the game). I put together a cheese and mushroom (yuck) per Edmund's request and topped the rest with just cheese and pepperoni (fine, I like my pizza like a kid).

Let me pause here to say - I need to stop trying to combine too much fun into one night. After working til almost midnight Wednesday night, planning a day that involved a full day of work, cooking for 4, and getting us to a hockey game on time - was more than I should have determined to do. So as a result this pizza cooking experience was experimental. The first one was undercooked. Edmund and I ate it anyway and it wasn't so bad (and thankfully, neither of us got sick). The second one was better - but we ended up putting it in the oven on broil to try'n get Brett fed before we had to leave for the game...next time, I will do this at a more leisurely pace. Oh, and not make my pizza so thick!

The game itself was really fun - although sadly lacking in enough fights for my personal taste. Aubs and I snagged a few pics. I was called out for my blue and white (even down to my purse) because lucky for me, colts colors and bolts colors are the same. That made it easy to be rather festive.

For those of you who put in your vote on my shoe dilemma on facebook I went with the majority: Michael Kors (the top pair). Thanks for the imput, you sure do know how to help a girl in a fashion crisis out!

Love,
B

Personal Style.

2012-01-13T08:18:00.000-08:00

'Fashion fades, style is eternal' - Yves Saint Laurent

On a lazy Saturday afternoon between workouts and chores I was chatting with my roommate about style. I was sharing with her my surprise when people say they like my 'sense of style', I've never really thought of myself as someone who has one. Stay with me on this - to me you can define your friends style, right? Most people's style can be tied up with a neat bow. One of my sister's is trendy while the other is a bit more ...bohemian? My 'style' if you will, is not really defined. I'm not classic but I'm not trendy. I'm not hippie or bohemian or edgy.

I chalk this up to the fact that I don't dress for style - I wear what I like. I wear what works for me (and sometimes things I love that I later realize don't actually look good on me at all). I think the most important factors to anyones personal style are that they know how to dress their body, and how to incorporate their personality into their wardrobe.

When I think of the people who's style I most admire, they are people who can look put together but effortless in one outfit. Probably my favorite example of this is Lauren Conrad (yes, of the Hills). I love her, always have. But as she's developed herself as both a fashion designer and a brand in and of herself, she has that perfect blend of natural style and a hint of personality. Here's a few examples:

Photo cred.

Photo Cred.

Photo cred.

Whose style do you appreciate and what defines your personal style?

Love,

It's Ok Thursday, Again.

2012-01-12T06:07:00.000-08:00

It's that time again. Time to justify all my quirks. Whoo hoo...

So this Thursday I say it's ok...

...to read at stoplights. Hey, how else am I going to get 50 books done in 2012?

...to loathe morning workouts, even though you feel 100 times better on days you do them.

...to be over zealous about reaching all of your 2012 goals (they're year long goals, don't have to do them all the first month).

...to be weird about giving out your cell phone number, even though you have (as the verizon guy announced) 850 phone numbers already.

...to lose sleep if you didn't finish everything on that days 'to do' list (and yes, every day has a list)

...to be stoked to make homemade pizzas on the grill and go to a hockey game tonight.

...to LOVE getting free stuff (in this case - 4 club level hockey tickets).

...to be proud of yourself every day that you remember to take your vitamins (celebrate the small things, right?)

...to obsess about your budget. I love love love budgeting. And saving. (the saving part is pretty new).

...to love Kona coffee. I can't even drink other coffees anymore. Even Starbucks has lost it's edge for me.

...to love Sam's Club, even though you're single and you don't need family sized everything.

...to love clean sheets!

...to save your In Style for the weekend because it's the highlight of the month.

...to get a route 44 sonic diet coke every day during happy hour. (yes, every.single.day.)

Hey, it's ok.

Love,

B

Weekend Recap.

2012-01-10T09:08:00.000-08:00

The weekends come and go too quickly it seems. Monday always sneaks up on me and usually trips me while it's at it! Whew. But this weekend really was just what I needed!

Friday night we hit up Fly Bar downtown for dinner. It's this great Tapas place I've recommended on the blog before if you live in the Tampa area. But it's seriously one of my favorites. Lucky for me it's also Kayla and Jessica's fav too. So we met up for dinner and then hung out on the roof top deck for a bit.

I managed to get in bed at a decent hour so I could start Saturday fresh...

Kayla and I met for a mid morning walk on the Bayshore and did a leasurely 3 miles while catching up on life and what 2012 might hold for us. You may already have noticed how stoked about this year I am!

After our walk we headed to the local Starbucks to sit outside and enjoy out drinks (I got a skinny peppermint mocha) because I had a few Sbux giftcards from Christmas and I was dying to work on my latest book. We sat across from each other and read for an hour or so...making this morning productive to both my goal to drop another 20 lbs in 2012 AND my reading goal (On Sunday I finished book #5 of 50).

The rest of Saturday afternoon was spent getting things done around the batch pad. I came back from Christmas vacation with a list of things to do through, clean up, and clean out. With my Haiti yardsale in the works, it's good motivation to declutter! But honestly, I created a monster in myself - because I am LOVING the purge that's happening now.

I tackled the garage this weekend - cleaning out totes, organizing my yardsale piles, sweeping out, and spraying to make sure no bugs find their home in my garage this winter. I have to tell you a funny here though. Not too long ago, I ran over my broom with my car. This happened because I use to keep in the corner of the garage and I didn't realize it had fallen over, when I backed my car out right over it and this happened:

Oops! The funny part though, is that the other day I was in such a cleaning frenzie, I didn't want to stop to go to Target and buy a new one. So I was hunched over holding the two pieces of my broom, sweeping. This is how my neighbor, Bob, found me. I have a VERY friendly block and I absolutely love my neighbors. In fact, on Saturday, I spent a good part of the day hanging out, outside, with my neighbors. Anyway, Bob got such a kick out of my and my broken broom that he said he'd buy me a new one if I was that poor. : ]

Don't worry though, I did get a new broom - so I won't acquire any sweeping related back problems, I hope.

While in Indy I picked up a Colts sweatshirt for one of my other neighbors, Billy. Billy and his wife Alice have been so good to me since I moved into the neighborhood. They're generousity inspires me. And they've rallied all the neighbors to contribute to my yardsale for Haiti - which really touched me. Billy and I both love to grill so we have many a chats about football while we were cookin'. He's been extra supportive of my Colts this year and I wanted to make sure he had the colors to wear! He was THRILLED. He loves his new sweatshirt.

Saturday night I did a little babysitting (working towards my financial goals for 2012 - what can I say) which really meant reading and watching Netflix all night while the kiddos slept.

Sunday I got a morning workout, did a few things around the house, went to church, and had my first missions meeting! I'm getting so excited about my trip! Hopefully you caught my Haiti update post on the blog yesterday. If not, feel free to read that next. I also got to FaceTime with my bff - and finish the night (and my 5th book) while babysitting Sunday night as well.

I'm feeling good about this year...it's been productive, but in a relaxing sort of way. And it's only just begun.

24 days til my next trip!

Love,
B

Haiti Update: January.

2012-01-09T08:10:00.000-08:00

Image.

Whew, it seems like just yesterday I sat down to write the December update. I supposed that means April is going to sneak up on in a fury of preparations.

Thank you for the kind words since I announced my intentions to go to Haiti. Your encouragement has lifted me up and grown my excitement for all that the Lord has for me on this trip. I've read every comment, text, e-mail, and tweet with your words and soaked them up!

I had my first missions meeting yesterday. I was excited to finally get a little more info after felling like the last month my mind has been swinging with Haiti info. I will say, I got a little scared when I realized how phyical this trip will be. We will be doing construction, which I knew, but this will include lugging and laying 35lb cement bricks for the foundation of a church in Haiti. Ouch. I've been advised along with the rest of my team to train, physically, for the difficulties we will experience physically. Jillian Michaels and I have some big dates coming up!

I'm pleased to announced I've been officially 'approved' to go from the church - so this trip is REAL!

Many of you have been kind enough to want to help! I've spend some time thinking about how this could best be done. I LOVE finding ways to contribute to others mission ambitions myself, so I wanted to find real, tangible ways for you all to be a part of this trip (if you want too) whether you're a friend, neighbor, family member, or blog world friend. So here are some ways you can help, all of which I would be grateful for!...

1. Prayer. I mean it when I say that if what you've got to give is prayer - I will TAKE IT! I am excited, peaceful, and confident in the Lord's provision for my safety, finances, etc but I will take every last prayer with a grateful heart. This is certainly a crazy little adventure of which, I will need the Lord direction every step of the way. If you're committing to pray for me - I'd love to know about it, and I would also love it if you'd remind me along the way that you're praying and how you're praying! That would really to my heart good.

2. Supplies. If you want to 'give' in a tangible way, I still need a few supplies. I shared before that my Mom bought quite a few things from my list for my trip as stocking stuffers, but there's still some basic supply needs. If you aren't in Tampa but you'd like to send me a supply care package, I will happily e-mail you my address (as long as I semi know you - so I'm not giving my address to creepers ha ha).

Here's a list of some of the things I still need:

- Water purifying tablets (you can google them - they're for international travel)
-Granola bars and...
- Other prepackaged snacks
- Peanut butter
- Dry shampoo
- Baby wipes
- Hand sanitizer ( I got some in my stocking but I'm thinking I may need a good bit of this)

(May I state as a disclaimer that if I end up with too much of any of these things I will happily donate them to my fellow travelers. I promise not to hoard 100s of packs of baby wipes all for me)

3. Treasure/Trash. Yep, you read that right. What might be your trash can be turned into treasure. My sweet friend Jess has agreed to host me a yard sale and I will be accepting any donations of things you no longer need/use/want to be sold to benefit my trip. I figured this was a simple way that anyone who wanted to contribute would have a chance to do so, however big or small your donation. So if you want to clean off your bookshelf, clean out your closet, or get rid of a pile of tees taking up too much room in your dresser save them for me! The yard sale will be Saturday, February 18th in the Northdale area - and I will most likely start taking the donations in the week before (I can't store them for 6 weeks...) Again, if you want to ship a box of stuff, I'll take that too.

4. Finances. I wanted to list this last because I'm not a big fan of asking for money. So I'm not going too. I'm just going to put it out there, that if you want to contribute financially to my trip - that would wonderful. The trip itself costs $900 and in addition I have to get immunizations, a passport, etc. So it's not cheap. I trust the Lord to pave the way and feel completely comfortable with it all. But several of you have asked about giving and I am touched my your generosity. If you're interested in giving money wise - please e-mail me for further info.

(Another disclaimer - if there is a crazy influx of funds I do promise not to use your money on a new handbag - if I raise over what I need for this trip, I will be donating the rest to the members of my team who need funding as well. All donations will go towards the Haiti trip)

For more info on any of the above need listings you can e-mail me at: thequeenbc@gmail.com

Thank you for your continued love and support.

Love,
B

12 Things I'm Already Loving in 2012.

2012-01-07T08:44:00.000-08:00

1. Starting the year off with friends, over brunch. It was a delicious and relaxing way to ring in the New Year with some of my favorite people. A great way to start this year off on the right foot.

2. Being halfway done with my 5th book of 2012. When I'm in a reading groove, I'm REALLY in a groove. (I read 15 pages while doing my hair the other morning)

3. Friday Night Lights on Netflix. My boy E hooked me up with Netflix on my new iPad and I'm pretty much obsessed with this show right now. Even though I've seen at least the first 3 (of 5) seasons, I'm going back through from the beginning. I should probably be pacing myself so I don't run out of episodes too soon.

4. Year Three. I'm in my third year as a homeowner and well into my 3rd year at my current job. Year three feels good.

5. Travel! My decision to make this year's theme 'experiences' was well received by friends and blog readers alike. And I am welcoming the first few months of that with travel. I received my e-mail from Southwest yesterday saying 'your next trip is just around the corner' and I squealed with excitement. First up, Scottsburg, Indiana. But that is only the first of many travels coming soon (FSU, Haiti, DC...).

6. Family. I feel closer to my family than ever going into this year and I am loving that.

7. FaceTime. I started using FaceTime after I got my iphone in the fall but since becoming an iPad user, I'm loving it even more. Feeling like I can sit at home and have a face-to-face chat with my best friend in Indiana, one of my closest guy friends in Chicago, my niece in North Carolina, etc has really made this year exciting so far.

8. Budgeting. After 2 years of successful budgeting I started 2012 with the best lead yet. I feel good about reaching my financial goals this year, staying debt free, and enjoying that travel budget I've worked so hard for.

9. Living in Florida. May marks 4 YEARS since my move to Florida and I can say very honestly, I've loved every minute (ok fine, maybe there have been 10 minutes here or there where I curse the heat or something).

10. Chasing Dreams. I've determined that your 20s are the time for chasing your dreams and I'm giving that my full attention and effort. Stay tuned for how that's shaping up for 2012.

11. Cleaning up and cleaning out. Since I came back from Christmas vacation a few days before my return to work I had time to do a little simplifying. Clean up some clutter, prep a few boxes for my upcoming yardsale to raise money for my Haiti trip, and make a list of what I still want to go through. Honestly, I even cleaned out the condiment section of my fridge, some of which has probably been hanging out there since I moved in, in December of 2009.

12.Being Me. That sounds weird, but honestly - I love my life. I'm so thankful for the people in it, living in my favorite city, and all that the Lord has given me. It's good to be me in 2012.

Love,
B

#3.

2012-01-06T09:26:00.000-08:00

Well lovies, my flight is booked. DC 2012 is happening. I was talking to a friend over Christmas who said, 'I really want to come visit you this year, but I just have to find the time'. Here's what I've learned about life - you don't find time, ever. You make it. Make time for what matters and what you value, because otherwise it slips by and the next year you'll say the same.

One of the great benefits to my job in events is that I travel for work. While traveling for work (on flights I book) I rack up points, usually with Southwest, my favorite airline. I get to use the points for pleasure. And so, after my trip to NYC last year where I used a freebie flight to make it an affordable, though not 'cheap', trip - I was inspired. Why not for this season of life where I get to travel for free one or twice a year to see major US cities? And so, the plan to visit Washington DC was born.

Truthfully, I'm already dreaming of where my 2013 destination will be! I know, ridiculous.

I did get that across body bag I wanted for my trip for Christmas so I can travel light at least while I'm perusing the city. I've started a list of all the places I want to go, see, and of course, eat (hello, DC Cupcakes).

Going to DC is #3 on my list of goals for 2012 - so here I am taking a big stride towards it, with a booked flight. May can't come soon enough. But it will have to wait it's turn, because Haiti is coming up first, in April. And before that I'm headed to Scottsburg to see my best friend and Tallahassee to see my cousin play baseball in March. Whew, 2012, I like you already!

It's OK Thursday.

2012-01-05T06:05:00.000-08:00

I'm back in Tampa and back on this link up with the girls. I love Amber and Neely - especially interacting with them in twitter world.

So here we go again...

It's ok...

... to not know what to do with yourself when you're visiting your parents for 9 days (why yes, I read 4 freakin books).

...to hate the cold weather and want to live in Florida forever.

...to over commit, sometimes. ( fly home, work 11.5 hours, host a brunch less than 8 hours after that...whew).

...to refuse to call your goals 'resolutions' even though it's pretty much the same thing.

...to want to travel every weekend.

...to obsess about budgeting in an attempt to stop obsessing about spending (clearly, not obsessing about anything doesn't work for me)

...to obsessively watch the NFL twitterfeed for the fate of friends.

...to want to watch every single episode of Friday Night Lights (best show, ever)

...to be giddy with excitement at the progress towards previously mentioned 2012 goals

...to be freakishly proud of yourself for finally having a 'big girl' savings account

..to have a crooked spine because since Christmas you've been toting your Kindle, ipad, planner, and book EVERYWHERE.

...to fake like you're asleep when the nutcase beside you on the plane seems too chatty.

...to check your southwest rewards points regularly to see how close you are to more free flights (even though I booked a freebie YESTERDAY)

Hey, it's ok.

Love, B

Christmas Vacay Recap.

2012-01-04T08:18:00.000-08:00

Disclaimer: I promise this blog will not be this boring forever - new layout coming soon.

Hello loves,

I hope 2012 is off to an excellent start for each of you. I feel refreshed, motivated, and blessed as I begin what promises to be my most exciting year yet (do I say that every year? Well, it's true).

I returned on Saturday from an excellent, and blessedly long, relaxing trip to Indiana where I'm pleased to report I finally met my niece...

Noa. Sweet Noa.

Noa and her crazy Aunt B. ; ]

I flew in just in time to witness a Colts win (those were few and far between this year).

(this is my sweet baby sister Ruthie)

Me & my sweet Momma.

Got to see my best friend!

And have breakfast with my college roomie (well one of them).

I read 4 books, did a little shopping, ate too much, only worked out once...and came home excited for all the Lord has in store for me and my precious family in 2012.

Love,
B

12 Goals for 2012.

2012-01-02T10:23:00.000-08:00

Photo Cred.

1. Read 50 books. (I'm baaack)

2. Leave the US for the first time (hello, Haiti)

Photo Cred.

3. Take Washington DC by storm (May 2012)

4. Skydive - even if it's only indoors.

5. Lose another 20 pounds

6. Finally see my cousin play college (base)ball

7. Shower my niece with love letters

8. I'm sorry to do this - but #8 is going to have to be an unspoken. Due to...well, just take my word for it: I can't tell you yet but if I make this goal a reality I will blow up blog world with it.

9. Finish at least 100 pages of my book (writing).

10. Visit one new state (on my way to 50)

11. Get back into photography - for pleasure.

12. Write. Write often, write honestly, and write here.

Well 2012, lets do this with excellence.

Love,

2012: the Theme.

2012-01-01T08:12:00.000-08:00

Welcome to 2012 friends, family, and blog followers!

In my life it seems there are themes for every year. 2010 was about discipline. Learning to eat healthy, workout, budget, and be healthy in all aspects of my life by making discipline a priority and reseting my habits. It was a hard, successful, and rewarding year that set the tone for what would come next...

2011 was a year about relationships. When I sat down at the end of 2010 I thought, I've worked on 'me', now it's time to build up my relationships to where they need to be. I purposed to spend more time relating to others in the ways I love: entertaining, cooking, random gifts, and hand written letters. I also spend time making an effort to love others in the ways that made sense to them, in their love language, if you will. This included stepping up my phone call game.

With purpose, I devoted my time to the friendships I value most and that I see being for the long haul. What few people know about me is that while thousands of people have read this blog, 1500+ people call me a 'friend' on facebook, and over 500 people follow me on twitter - there are really only a small handful of people that I 'let in'. I may be a social media over-sharer but what I share with others and how close I let them is calculated. I can count on one hand the people I let know my hopes, my dreams, my fears, and hardships. Those are the people I most sought to invest time in, in 2011, and I have seen that be a success.

So what about 2012? Two great years have come to an end and enter 2012 with more promise than any year before it. How will I spend it? What will be my focus? And what will the overwelming theme of 2012 be?

Well ladies and gentleman, I won't even leave you in suspense. 2012 is a year to experience. I'm taking on 2012 as the biggest adventure yet and the chance to take it all in. This is a year for experiences. I welcome it with great excitement and I hope even a bit of courage as I plan to go after this year with all I've got.

Happy New Year, to each of you...what a great new year it will be.

Love,
B

Christmas 2011.

2011-12-26T05:14:00.000-08:00

Good morning friends and hello from Indiana!

I hope each of you had a special Christmas day with family and or friends. Our Christmas was a bit out of sorts this year. Dad was actually off for Christmas day in the first time I can remember, which was a huge blessing! We normally celebrate Christmas very early in the morning so he can get to the office by mid morning but this year we waited until the afternoon so Noa could arrive.

As you can imagine we're all quite smitten with her already. She had a big first Christmas, much of which she slept through. But she was a trooper to make it from north Carolina, through Baltimore, and onto Indianapolis at just three weeks old without so much as a whimper, I hear.

So far it seems she's enjoying her aunts b and ruthie as well as her 'paws' who she hadn't met yet either. It is clear she will want for nothing in the Christensen household!

I am getting increasingly excited for both of my big 2012 trips as my Christmas presents were related to them. I got a coach across body bag for my trip to dc and a passport holder, travel blanket, and loads of sunscreen and bug repellant for my Haiti trip. Oh, and some money! :) that will be needed as well. 2012 promises to be a year I'll relay to my sweet niece for years to come.

Since being in Indiana I have finished 2 books - the last 2 books in the Hunger Games trilogy. I am trying to do what I rarely do in Tampa - relax. I feel a bit antsy but today might cure that - since I will be meeting up with friends at some point!

Well I think I have successfully typed this as my first blogpost from an iPad! again, Merry Christmas to each of you and your families.

Love,

Best Friend Christmas - Tampa.

2011-12-24T06:24:00.000-08:00

This year was Auburn and I's 3rd annual best friend Christmas here in Tampa. I probably don't say enough how grateful I am to have her. She's an incredible friend and she constantly encourages and inspires me. I love her with all my heart and I love our tradition of having our own Christmas, here, in Tampa.

Normally we go out for a nice dinner and exchange gifts before she heads off to Joplin, MO and I head to Carmel, IN to celebrate the holidays with our faraway families. This year we decided to change it up and cook in. Auburn is an incredible cook and I credit my recently found love of cooking to her.

I agreed to grill steaks for the first time. Mind you, I had to google on my iphone how to do this but I figured I've managed not to have any grill disasters yet, so why not? I grilled filet's and make a bleu cheese topper.

Ta da! They came out surprisingly good. I was of course worried, but they really were delish.

Auburn let me off easy - all I had to do was grill the steaks and pick up a two liter of diet coke. She did all the real work. Garlic red skinned mashed potatoes, these amazing green beans that were inspired by a PF Changs recipe, and apple fritters with ice cream. I told you she was a good cook.

After dinner we got to Skype with Auburn's boyfriend who lives in Texas and who, sadly, I haven't gotten to meet face-to-face yet. And of course, exchange gifts. Auburn is pretty much the best gift giver ever...
She gave me a pizza stone...for my grill! As you all have probably noticed I'm more than a little obsessed with grilling everything from fruits, to veggies, to bread, to meat so I am THRILLED about my pizza stone (pictured above) and my sweet new pot holder that covers both arms! She also got me (but I was out of hands to show on in the photo) an italian cookbook. I love love love Italian food.

Some of you know me well enough to know that buying teams other than Colts or Bears gear slightly pains me but since Aubs is a die hard Cowboys fan with a dream of someday returning to Texas to reside, I got her this:

It was such a sweet, special night for me and I great reminder of how the Lord has blessed my life with great friendships. I'm so thankful for of his gifts, but Auburns friendship in my time in Tampa has been priceless. I can't imagine doing life without her. I feel so, so lucky to have her as my bestie.

Hope you're Christmas season is off to as good a start as mine! I'm headed to Indiana today so spend some time with my sweet family. Colts game tonight, who's tuning in? I'll be the one in blue...oh wait...

Love,

Advice from Bloggers - Round One.

2011-12-23T11:48:00.000-08:00

I decided to poll some of my favorite bloggers/twitter friends on their thoughts on some of my favorite topics. This has been in the works via twitter for a bit and now the fruits of the conversations can be to your gain. Each of these fabulous girls have uniquely different, busy, incredible lives and are full of good advice! I'm constantly going to them for tips and tricks from fashion to makeup to life as a twenty-something. So first off, meet the ladies I love (I'm linking to their blogs and giving you their twitter names) :

The Girls who Keep my Twitter Feed Interesting:

Neely - @neelykins

Kerbi - @KerbiH

Amber - @brunchwithamber

Ashleigh - @ashleighhbowers

First off, with Jan 1st looming in the not-so-distant future I thought I'd start by asking: How do you stay organized?

Neely - I have a life planner, a blog planner, and post it's :)

Amber - I have boxes, drawers, baskets, etc. for everything! Everything has it's own place. I recently started saving my Birchbox boxes after I empty them and use them to store things too. I also make sure to put things away as soon as I'm done using it so that way I don't find myself with a mess. I also use my planner religiously. The second I make plans or an appointment, I pull out my planner and jot it down so I won't forget.

Ashleigh - As a SAHM, I really don't have a strict way of organization-- I am pretty laidback, but I DO NOT like clutter! I keep all of my daughter's appointments, recipes, meal plans, grocery lists, playdates, blog posts, giveaways, deadlines- in my Erin Condren life planner. Otherwise, I just go with the flow :-)

Kerbi - I have an EC life planner & an EC school planner, my iPhone, and post its!

Most of these girls it seems have an Erin Condren planner as Ashleigh referenced. I first saw one on Neely's blog but since have seen lots of the bloggers join the force. I love that you can customize the front cover with all of your favorite things - naturally, mine would basically just need to say diet coke in big black letters on the front.

Photo.

I haven't joined the EC force, but am faithfully sporting a Coach planner for the 6th year running. While working for Coach in college I got my best friend Candy, too many purses and accessories, and a planner that changed my life. I color code mine with highlighters because like Amber, I'm totally OCD. With a strong emphasis on the obsessive.

Something none of the girls mentioned that I do to stay organized is my Harriet the Spy notebook. I don't actually spy on people (well I do, but I don't take notes); I do keep a small notebook with me at all times which is filled with my daily 'to do' lists as well as grocery lists, birthday cards I need to send, etc. The list notebook. This has changed my life. I never forget things anymore.

Next question: What's one thing you 'do yourself' to save money?

Neely - I do my eyebrows, trim my bangs, and sometimes bake bread.

Ashleigh - I do my own mani/pedis, cook instead of going out, and I use to make baby food with L was little.

Kerbi - I do my own nails every other time (in between nail appointments), I do my own eyebrows, and I shave with conditioner instead of shaving cream.

Amber - I do my own eyebrows. I also do my own manicures and usually my own pedicures. I know this isn't DIY, but I wear jeans twice before washing them if they don't get dirty. It saves a laundry load sooner than later. ;) I also stretch my contacts out. Not the best thing to do for my eyes and my optometrist hates me for it, but mine are 2 weekers and I wear them for a month. So a 6 month supply lasts me a year! :) I'm a bit of a Sbux addict, but I try and make my own coffee at home as much as possible. I try and borrow/swap books with friends/family instead of buying it myself.

(Amber - we clearly need to start exchanging books! I love love love to share books)

Um first off, all you excellent eye brow pluckers need to give me lessons. I have to get my cave man eyebrows tamed by a threader about once a month. I am horrible at plucking. Horrible.

Things I do myself to save money...hmm. Cooking at home instead of eating out is a big one. I DVR movies instead of renting them, since I already have to pay for cable and there's always good movies on, if you plan ahead.

Question #3 (mostly because I'm curious): What one item do you always buy when you find one that fits?

Neely - Jeans and bras. I have a very hard time finding bras that fit right. Sad but true.

Kerbi - Bras. I just found my fave at Target and bought 2 of every color they sold. Sweaters, short and long sleeved tshirts, I find a good fitting one and buy every color.

(Kerbi - this makes you a woman after my own heart. I once bought 5 of the same dress in different colors because it fit perfectly)

Amber: I will always buy a pair of jeans that fits me like a glove! Being as short as I am, but having a set of hips - it can be very hard to find jeans that fit me perfectly. Also, bras are important. If I have to wear this sucker for most of the day, I want it to be comfortable. Luckily VS makes the best bras (in my opinion) and I can always find something that fits great! Oh, and maxi dresses. Most of them I swim in because they're too long, but when I find one that just barely touches the floor like it's supposed to, I get it. :)

My answer to this is simple and won't shock most of you...dresses! I have over 50 dresses and I feel no shame about it since I wear them probably 4 days a week on average. To work, out with friends, to church, on errands. Some of that is because I love them and their easy and some because I live in Florida and it's pretty much always hot. But if I find a great dress that fits - I always buy it.

Christmas Reading List.

2011-12-22T07:12:00.000-08:00

Lucky for me Amazon had an ebook sale at just the right time. I'm prepping to leave town early tomorrow morning for 10 days of Christmas vacation. I of course plan to dominate a few books while I'm on there. I'm pretty much a weeny when it comes to the cold so I expect I will spend plenty of time indoors reading and drinking homemade hot chocolate. I thought for all of my crazy little reader friends you might want to know what I'll be working on.

I'm currently reading this book which came highly recommended on a newsletter from my library (which is also where I got this book):

From Amazon: John Ajvide Lindqvist has taken the horror world by storm. His first novel, Let the Right One In, has been made into critically acclaimed films in both Sweden and in the U.S (as Let Me In). His second novel, Handling the Undead, is beloved by horror lovers everywhere. Now, with Harbor, a stunning and chilling masterpiece, Lindqvist firmly cements his place as the heir apparent to Stephen King.

One ordinary winter afternoon on a snowy island, Anders and Cecilia take their six-year-old daughter Maja across the ice to visit the lighthouse in the middle of the frozen channel. While they are exploring the lighthouse, Maja disappears – either into thin air or under thin ice -- leaving not even a footprint in the snow.

Two years later, Anders, a broken man, moves back to his family’s abandoned home on the island. He soon realizes that Maja's disappearance is only one of many strange occurrences, and that his fellow islanders, including his own grandmother, know a lot more than they’re telling. As he digs deeper, Anders begins to unearth a dark and deadly secret at the heart of this small, seemingly placid town.

I'm only 50 pages in but I wouldn't describe this book as 'horror' at all. Suspense, yes but not horror. Although I imagine losing a child for any reason is horrific. So far I'm impressed with how well written the book is and the imagery the author is capable of.

On Kindle I bought:

(this is in prep for my trip there in April - I wanted to learn more about the history of the country and their culture there)

I also still have the 2nd and 3rd Hunger Games books downloaded to finish as well. After that, well, I've got a list if I get through all of these in time to tackle more. Whew. Let's hope I get plenty of reading time.

Any of you planning on getting some reading done this holiday season? What's in your book pile?

Love,

The Post Where I Finally Talk about this Football Season.

2011-12-21T14:00:00.000-08:00

I shared this article that was recently printed in the Indianapolis Star's sports section about my sweet Dad. I was so touched by the author, Phil Richards, I wrote him an e-mail thanking him for his sweet words and the highlight of my Dad's placement of faith and family over football. I received a delightful response from Mr. Richards which included the statement ' you're a lucky girl, your Dad is one heckofaguy'. I couldn't agree more.

I haven't written much about this season and what it's been like but before this year ends I wanted to share a little about what the Lord has taught me through a season that began 0-13. If you've read the Old Testament you'll be familiar with Moses and his story as it's featured in Exodus. Moses lead the Israelites out of Egypt, where they were slaves. After which, they wandered the dessert for 40 years. Yes, you read that right, 40 years!

Now I'd encourage you to read the story of HOW the Lord came to bring the Israelites out of Egypt. The story of how Moses used plagues on the Egyptian people to finally get Pharaoh to release the Israelites is a pretty crazy story chalk full of miracles that include when he parted the Red Sea. Seriously, read it.

So now they're wandering in the dessert complaining because what else would you do if you're stuck in the dessert for 40 years, right? Part way through this epically long period of wandering, they start feeling like maybe slavery wasn't so bad. Hey, at least it wasn't the desert even if we had to work all day in the sun, be beaten and whipped, and eat everyone else's leftovers.

This of course had to annoy/frustrate the Lord as well as Moses. Hey, remember those miracles we did to get you of there? Remember when I was literally raining down food from heaven to feed you everyday in this desert? Can I get a little appreciation?

Eventually the story ends well and the Israelites do make it to the Promiseland. But that's not really where I'm headed with this. After the best 9 year run in Indianapolis Colts franchise history (as referenced in the article), we went 0-13 to start this season. That's right, for 13 painfully long weeks we didn't win one single game. It was a long fall from the top, from winning a Super Bowl, to here - with our most promising title for the year being earning 'first round draft pick' (which goes to the worst record in the league).

My dad was quoted in the article as saying, ' Footballs like life,' he said. 'This isn't cancer, but it certainly teaches you what it's like in hard times. You've got to face it. You've got to be a man'.

This football season is what you might call the desert. And about 5 games in (which felt a bit like 40 years) I recognized this year as that. I knew with clarity, I am in the desert. I can be like the Israelites and I can whine and whimper about what this desert season feels like OR I can remember all that the Lord has done to bring me here. The miracles.

When I look back at Dad's time in the NFL, I recognize that it's been chalk full of miracles. And I don't just mean on the football field. If you read the article you know that my Dad is in and of himself, a bit of a miracle. Born to 15 year old unwed mother, placed for adoption in LA, and adopted my a Pastor and his wife.

But our story is miracle after miracle. Our time in Indianapolis started off on a rough foot. After the best 5 year run in Tampa Bay Buccaneers history we were blindsided by a full staff firing. I had just finished my sophmore year of high school. It would be the first move I made without my best friend and older sister, Rae. It rocked my world and began the longest season of struggle I've endured to date. What I see when I look back though, is the Lord's hand in it all. Even desert seasons have purpose.

This year hasn't been without tears and hardship. Without careless words from media, old college ' buddies', and strangers in the stands. This year hasn't been easy and much of it hasn't been fun. The first 13 games of this season were hard. There has been heartbreak, disappointment, and worry to go around.

The Lord, like he did for the Israelites in the desert, has a way of keeping us encouraged when we need it most. The article I linked above was just that for me. A reminder of the Lord's faithfulness, purpose, and plan to prosper. That article highlights how the Lord has used not only a tough season this year but the years of sacrifice and faithfulness of my precious Dad to bring glory back to Him.

I don't know what the next few weeks hold, starting with the game I will attend tomorrow night in Indianapolis, as we enter it 1-13. What I can tell you is this - God is good. Win or lose. Super Bowl wins or first round draft picks. I believe with as much conviction at the end of this long, hard season that God's plans are to prosper (Jeremiah 29:11).

I want to close with the exerpt from the article:

They might struggle. The crowd mght boo. THe calls for firing the coaching staff might be renewed and invigorated.

Christensen will call the plays. He will smile. He will compete. He will suffer and he will enjoy and he will soldier on.

'Football is important,' he said. 'Winning games is important. But this is about more than football. It's bigger than that. It's about the city. It's about using the platform. It's about making an impact'.

Love,
B

Party Planning: The Menu.

2011-12-21T06:48:00.000-08:00

Well, obviously our New Years Brunch is a trifold hostess affair. But I thought I would tell you what I'm going to be making, at least.

If you've been reading the blog for a while, you may remember that I've done this before but I will be making Red Velvet Pancakes - topped with whipped cream, hersheys syrup, and sprinkles.

Picture and recipe cred.

I will be making my Mom's famous coffee cake recipe which my sisters and I all love. Actually, I would be willing to bet we'll be eating some of that over Christmas in Indiana.

Lastly (for me, there will be much much more food) I will be stealing this idea from pinterest and making french toast shots:

Photo and idea cred.

If you're coming to our brunch, be excited. If you're not, well, I wish you were and I hope you're planning some yummy New Years fun of your own!

Love,

Bargain Shopping & My New Brand of Choice.

2011-12-20T15:45:00.000-08:00

So, I had to share that I have a new brand obsession. You may have noticed that I love casual, comfortable 'run around' clothes. I love in black calvin klein atheletic pants and a variety of Under Armour and Nike tops. But with my ever growing obsession with Nordstrom Rack - I recently got introduced to Zella. Have any of you bought their clothes before?

I have been frantically looking for a few cold weather outfits so I can survive a week in Indiana. I literally called my mom after 3 days of shopping clearance racks and reported, 'I think I can come home, I have 3 long sleeved tops now'. After four years of living in Tampa AND losing over 50 pounds, nothing I had from my days of living in the midwest has remained. Ok fine, some of that has to do with that I refuse to store anything I don't wear regularly and I love, love, love to purge things.

Anywho, I found some great things on the Nordie Rack's clearance racks and that's how I got introduced to Zella.

It started with this top (excuse the self portrait - but admire the new hair)...

It was marked down from $60 to $19 and it looked comfortable and met the long-sleeved requirement, so I bought it. I'd never bought anything by Zella before so I thought, I'll buy one and see what I think. So I wore it to my spa day on Saturday as a trial run and loved it. So naturally, after getting a giftcare and a coupon in the mail I went back to Nordie Rack for more...

I bought this top in two colors:

I bought it in a pretty deep turquoise color and a dark pinkish about the color of the one in this photo. They were also clearanced for $19 each and I thought they'd be perfect for lounging around showering my niece with love and for the gym to try and keep the Christmas weight at bay.

While I'm living on the edge I also bought another pair of black pants (because again, I live in these suckers). I couldn't find a photo of the exact ones but they're wide leg, draw stringed, and pretty freaking comfortable.

While we're talking bargains I also have to make one more brag here...

I've never owned a Northface Fleece before (I think I was literally the only student at Purdue without one) but I found this one at Nord Rack for $30 and I had a coupon and a giftcard! Whoo hoo. I also love the color green, so that was a win as well, considering this was the only one they had.

So I feel not only really proud of my purchases but much more prepared to for almost 10 days of hopefully not freezing my tush off in the midwest. You can find me by the fire with my ugg boots and my new sweats, reading a long list of good books.

Love,

Haiti Update #1 - December.

2011-12-20T08:08:00.000-08:00

Give my your eyes for just one second

Give my your eyes so I can see

Everything that I keep missing

Give me your love for humanity

Give me your arms for the broken hearted

Ones that are far beyond my reach

Give me your heart for the ones forgotten

Give me your eyes so I can see

- Brandon Heath

The ball is rolling, friends!

I turned in my application and my first $300 on December the 11th, and hit the ground running towards preparation. On the 12th I scheduled a doctor's appointment to talk about malaria meds & the complications that my ibs may cause with international travel (for January), found out where I'm supposed to go for vaccinations, and requested the prayers of some of my faithful warriors.

On December the 13th I applied for my first passport! I spent the night before tracking down all the info I needed and gathering my proof of identity. The post office in Tampa that does passports is actually less than a mile from my work so I set out to knock that out on a Tuesday over lunch.

This is my copy of what will now be my passport photo!

The wait wasn't bad at all and the two gentleman working were cranking them out. I was in and out in just over half an hour which was a huge answer to prayer since everyone told me it would be a lengthy experience. I managed to do a few days worth of Sonic surveys (for free drinks) and play a little words with friends and before I knew it - it was my turn!

The hardest part has been that to get moving towards the trip I had to fork out quite a bit of cash from the get go - for my deposit and then $180 for a passport. Ouch. But I believe the Lord will provide every cent I need to make this trip a reality. My travel fund took a hit but I'm excited that my family has agreed to make my Christmas presents contributions and several of my friends have asked if they can pitch in!

I have my first mission meeting the Sunday after I return from Christmas in Indiana - so I'll know more then about my supply needs, vaccine needs, etc.

The first person I called to tell about the trip is my friend, Rafael, who spent some time in Haiti and who's excitement for the country and the people after that trip inspired me and I think pitched into my desire to go there, specificially. We finally caught up over this past weekend (he's on West Coast time, which makes it harder). I have to say, that boy inspires me with his hunger for knowledge and his desire to truly help people. I can't wait to tell him all that I see and learn while I'm away.

My sweet friend Jess has agreed to host a yardsale for me in February to help me raise money for the trip - so I'm grateful to her for her support and the donation of her time and driveway!

Until I update again - please keep praying for my trip. April will be here before I know it!

Love, B

Weekend.

2011-12-19T07:04:00.001-08:00

If you haven't already please check out my Christmas Letter for the year. It's my favorite thing to write each year and this is the first time I've done it on the blog instead of writing it out.

I'm in for a crazy half week before an early morning departure Thursday for Indianapolis. I'm looking forward to finally meeting baby Noa, seeing the Colts play Thursday night, time with my best friend, and catching up with friends and family. I've spend some of this week trying to find a few long sleeved shirts and sweaters in prep for freezing cold. I will pretty much be living in jeans, ugg boots, and possibly blankets to makeup for my lack of winter clothing. It will be in the high 20s at night and love 40s high 30s during the day. Yikes!

I did get to enjoy a spa day this weekend where I got my haircut and colored, a facial, and my eyebrows threaded. So I should be ready (and slightly less unibrow like) for my trip home.

Feeling gratefult to start this week off with a Colts victory - a wonderful Christmas gift from the Lord!

I can't wait to post a picture of me and Noa for you all to see sometime next week.

I hope you're final week in prep for Christmas isn't too overwelming and that it's full of food and the people you love. I love this time of year to remember the birth of my Savior.

Love,
B

2011 Reading List.

2011-12-18T06:03:00.000-08:00

Here we go again...

1. The G Free Diet - Elisabeth Hasselbeck
2. Firefly Lane - Kristin Hannah
3. Half Broke Horses - Jeanette Walls
4. Fashion Babylon - Imogen Edwards-Jones (Do not recommend - totally forgettable)
5. The Almost Moon - Alice Seibold
6. You Can Be a Friend - Tony & Lauren Dungy (children's book - loved it)
7. One in a Million - Priscilla Shirer
8. Baby Proof - Emily Giffin
9. The 7th Victim - Alan Jacobson
10. He Speaks to Me - Priscilla Shirer
11. Private - James Patterson
12. The Postcard Killers - James Patterson
13. Heart of the Matter - Emily Giffin
14. Step on a Crack - James Patterson
15. Run for your Life - James Patterson
16. Love and Respect - Emerson Eggerichs
17. Worst Case - James Patterson
18. Sacred Marriage - Gary Thomas
19. Beauty and the Beast - Marie Le Prince de Beaumont
20. id know you anywhere - Laura Lippman
21. If You Have to Cry Go Outside - Kelly Cutrone
22. Discerning the Voice of God - Priscilla Schirer
23. The Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins
24. Tick Tock - James Patterson
25. Summer in the South - Cathy Holton
26. 1st to Die - James Patterson
27. Compact with the Devil - Bethany Maines
28. 2nd Chance - James Patterson
29. 3rd Degree - James Patterson
30. Ruth - Kelly Minter
31. These Things Hidden - Heather Gudenkauf
32. The Help - Kathryn Stockett
33. 4th of July - James Patterson
34. Beautiful Disaster - Jamie McGuire
35. 5th Horseman - James Patterson

Note: links to book reviews for the books I felt like reviewing/had time to review.

Legacy.

2011-12-16T10:15:00.000-08:00

I had to share this article...this is what it's all about, leaving the right kind of legacy.

So proud of him, today and everyday.

http://www.indystar.com/article/20111216/SPORTS03/112160324/Clyde-Christensen-Colts-eternal-optimist?odyssey=modnewswelltextIndyStar.comp

Love,
B

Weekend Update.

2011-12-12T07:26:00.000-08:00

Well hello loves,

I took the weekend off from blogging and well, alot of other things I normally do. I'm a go getter. I get up an hour early almost every morning to do chores, read my bible, read, etc. before work and I go hard til my head hits the pillow in exhaustion at night. But even I know when I've tuckered myself out and it's time to relax a bit. This weekend was that tuckered out recovery weekend.

Friday I worked all day, babysat for four hours, and then went out. Now, I have a funny here. I told my clients when I arrived (in sweats, no makeup, and a straight haired ponytail) not to be startled when they came home and I looked completely different. Since by babysitting I mean the kids were asleep before I arrived - I decided to use those few hours to get ready to go out with friends afterwards. When they came home I was plopped in front Criminal Minds with curly hair, a full face of makeup, and a fresh change of clothes. She remarked, 'you weren't kidding - I barely recognize you'. Ha!

Well congrat to Daniel who graduated Friday morning from USF - and what fun I had celebrating him at Fly Bar downtown (pic below) on the rooftop.

I, Becca Christensen, stayed in bed until 10AM on Saturday. This has to be a post-college record! But after seeing 2am the night before (which is highly unlike me and my old lady ways) I slept in, relaxed, and even watched a little TV! I managed to get my lazy butt out of bed and to the Nordstrom Rack where I got 2 pairs of Under Armour sweatpants for $9 each! I was so pumped. I'm about ready for my Indy Christmas trip now.

Saturday night I also babysat but this time I worked on some reading, paperwork, Christmas cards, etc. and then came home and promptly fell back into bed.

Sunday consisted of church (GREAT message on Mercy this week), lunch with a sweet new friend, more movie watching (oh redbox, I love you so), a little shopping, a few chores, and some hangout time with my long time friend Sean.

I also got the wheels turning on my 2012 trip to Haiti! I told you all there were big, crazy, awesome plans coming in the year to follow but I'm only now starting to get them in the works! My trip to DC is near having a date, and I turned in my PTO request, filled out my application, made me deposit, and booked a doctor's appointment to work towards a Haiti missions trip in April of 2012.

So, please pray me up as I hit the ground running and prepare to leave the country for the first time, go on my first missions trip, and serve serve serve with all my heart. I couldn't be anymore excited about this opportunity!

Hope your weekends were as fun, relaxing, and exciting as mine.

Love,

Christmas Wish List.

2011-12-08T15:23:00.000-08:00

If you're here for the first time - please check out my Christmas letter.

Ok I'm going to start off by cheating because let's be honest, sometimes we cheaters actually DO prosper...the first item on my list I bought for my Mom to give me. ; ] Aren't I a doll to help her with her Christmas shopping? It will arrive this week with a free gift box included she can stick it in and under our tree.

I actually had a surprisingly hard time decided what I wanted for Christmas this year. I work hard, I save up, and I buy what I want/need as it happens (and I can afford it). I usually ask for practical gifts some of which have recently included: carpet, tires, and a gas grill. So keeping with the practical but with a fun flare I told my Mom I'd really like an across body bag for my upcoming travels including my Spring trip to Washington DC!

This is the one I picked:

From Coach's Madison collection - I selected this all black leather one. I wanted something simple, chic, and timeless I'll use on many trips to come (I've got 3 in the works and we haven't even started the work related trip planning for 2012).

I asked my best friend for a robe. NOT a big terry cloth chunker but a simple, soft, jersey one. I don't have a picture but I bought her one a few years ago and ever since have kind of wanted one for myself. I don't currently own a robe, so this has been on my wish list for a bit.

In a dream world I would be getting this: I already confessed I do a great job of getting what I want - one way or another. But this has been on the wish list for quite sometime because it is just that a WANT. An expensive want. With no 'need' mixed in there. So I keep talking myself out of it. BUT if any of you would like to buy me one for Christmas - I will make you mashed potatoes on the regular. Deal?

My relatives are going to pitch money into my travel fund - which I'm stoked about. I want to see the world - or at least DC and my best friend at some point in the near future.

I would also REALLY like a chic overnight bag like this suede bag from Abro:

Other than that - I'll take NO snow, my family together, meeting my niece for the first time, our second annual downtown pizza date with Jon, some time with my favorite Indy friends, and a little rest and relaxation.

Love,

Christmas Letter.

2011-12-08T07:40:00.000-08:00

Hello friends & Merry Christmas!

If you're coming to this blog for the first time because you received my Christmas card with the address - welcome! I decided to add this link to my Christmas cards in hopes that this blog will continue to keep those who care enough to read, updated on my life. In the past I have frequently included a letter with my Christmas cards and this year I thought, 'why not put it on the blog?'. This way those of you who won't receive a card can still read it and those of you finding your way here two years after it's birth, will also have it.

2011 has been a big, beautiful year for me. This month I complete my second year as a homeowner to which I am grateful to the Lord for allowing me to survive with only one fall down the stairs, one broken door handle, and one new microwave! Whew. I will admit sometimes owning a home makes me feel old and when that happens I make a few good jumps on the bed, which no one can tell me I can't do anymore!

This year 'the batch pad' as I've so affectionately coined it has seen many visitors, a roommate, a few parties, and lots of love. My Mom stopped in and made some beautiful changes and additions in the spring. My sweet sister Rae and brother-in-law Chris made their first trip to stay with us, while in Florida for my sisters baby shower. My best friend Candy visited twice and with her husband, Josh, one of the times. My friend Ashley from my high school years in Carmel, IN made her first trip to Tampa/the batch pad in the fall bringing with her great memories and making new ones. Many others have come for a meal, a movie, a sleepover, or just to witness my grilling mastery.

2011 brought my Dad here briefly for a game, some nachos, and a big cup of frozen yogurt. It took me to Indianapolis, Baltimore, DC, New York City, St. Louis, Raleigh, Pittsburgh, Lexington, Minneapolis, and more for both work and play. It brought with it my 2 year anniversary at my current job with All Pro Dad as well as three and a half years of membership at my church, Grace Family, where I have never felt more at home.

In 2011 I ran a 5k (I use ran loosely). I read over 30 books. I began writing my first book (which may or may not ever be read by anyone but me). My blog reached 45,000 views. I willingly spoke in public on several occasions. I lead a small group bible study in my home. I wrote well over 100 handwritten letters after my 2010 commitment to be more thoughtful (and 'old school').

This year has brought new experiences, new challenges, and new opportunities. I continue to be blown away by the Lord's patience, provision, and persistent love of me. I am eternally grateful for the frienships the Lord has provided and the incredible people He's placed in my life for this season and I hope, many to follow.

On December 4th, the Christensen/Breslin clan welcomed sweet Noa June into our crazy families. My sister put it perfectly when she wrote, ' how appropriate that our Noa joins us during a season of thanks for all of the Lord's blessings, of which she is one of the greatest'. Sweet baby Noa is an answer to so many prayers. I hope that in the close of 2011, in 2012, and beyond I am able fulfill my new role as an Aunt with grace, love, adoration, and a whole lot of fun! I am blown away by how much I loved Noa before she had even arrived.

Noa was a great reminder to me of the Saviors love for us. That at this time, so many years ago, his Son was born to save us - me & you. What a beautiful image of the Lord's unfailing love for us and how grateful I am for that this Christmas and always.

I'm humbled by the blessings 2011 has brought, not the least of which is each of you. I look forward to doing life with you in 2012 here on the blog, in real life, through letters and phone calls, and by praying for you and with you. This has been a bit of a 'desert' year, one to remember all the Lord has already done and his promises for the future. I have never felt more blessed or more excited for all the Lord is yet to do with me.

May I close this letter by sharing that I spent time studying 1 Samuel in recent months and I wanted to share this verse as a prayer for my own life, for yours, and a challenge to us all:

'Be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things He has done for you' - 1 Samuel 12:24

All my love,
Becca

Let's Get Crafty: Party Prep.

2011-12-07T08:11:00.000-08:00

Since Jess, Kayla, and myself decided our New Years brunch should be true to it's source I've decided to craft (which is rare and out of my element) and recreate one of my favorite things I saw in New York - the wish wall.

If you spend New Years in New York you can place your wish on the wall for the whole next year. Well, why can't we have our own wish wall? Since the batch pad is not to be poked with a million holes I've decided to take the crafting and create a stellar (I hope) cork board version where our brunch guests can post their wishes for 2012. In June of this year when I visited New York this was my favorite wish and the most fitting for me...I want to be this happy forever.

I guess you'll just have to wait and see what I post for this year. Right now I'm leaning on my own spin of this tutorial for the board.

Maybe I should let some of you send in your wishes for our board?

Love,

Let the Party Planning Begin.

2011-12-06T08:09:00.000-08:00

I've perhaps over mentioned my first trip to New York City which was in May. But while in New York I may have decided more than just that I am not cut out for public transit...I determined that what I love about New York is the social scene! Everytthing becomes an event, a party. A chance to celebrate with friends.

New Years Day brunches are all the rage in New York and while I will be ringing in the New Year here in Tampa, I've decide the NYC brunch tradition should still reign supreme. Never ones to shy away from the chance to feed and fellowship my dear friends Jess & Kayla have decided to host a New Years Day brunch with me.

Naturally, plans are just now in the works but I may be about to blow up Pinterest with brunchie ideas. Whew. This is why we people in the event planner biz rarely have parties of our own - once we get on a roll we're an unstoppable force of over planning. I'm going to try'n control my enthusiasm.

Anyone been to a New Years Day brunch and want to share what they loved most?

Love,

Weekend Recap.

2011-12-05T05:45:00.000-08:00

First and foremost may I announce with great joy that my precious niece has arrived! I am thrilled to begin my role as an aunt to sweet Noa June. I am amazed by how much I already love her. I won't meet her face-to-face until Christmas but my heart is filled with great joy at her arrival - healthy and happy.

While my sister was in labor and working towards having my sweet niece I was in downtown Tampa celebrating the Costa Rican elopement of sweet family friends. It was a beautiful celebration and I'm grateful for the Huhta's who welcome me as an honorary family member regularly!

Sweet Brynnie and Me.

For those of you who sent me encouraging notes, texts, tweets, etc and sent prayers up on my behalf for last nights little public speaking number - I am grateful. Your thoughts, words, and prayers meant so much to me and I hope the Lord was honored by my testiment to his provision and goodness in my life and that the recent FPU graduates were encouraged by my words. What a joy and an honor it was to celebrate with them.

It was a busy, busy weekend but a great reminder to me of God's goodness.

Love,

Auntie Becs

Here's to the Weekend!

2011-12-02T08:13:00.000-08:00

I usually enjoy my weeks as well as my weekends but every once in a while (and especially after a holiday weekend) I feel like I'm working for the weekend. This week has very much felt that way. I'm still awaiting the arrival of my baby niece who is clearly already on her own schedule, since she was due last Saturday and is still cookin'. My family is spread out in 4 states (that's just my immediate family...) and I'm getting anxious for us to all my in Indiana celebrating Christmas with my sweet Daddy who couldn't make Thanksgiving this year.

I'm spending the weekend with this lovely lady as my roommate:

We're already enjoying chilly daily walks (well, chilly for Tampa) and I am suspicious she's enjoying making me scoop poop!

I'm thrilled to be celebrating the Costa Rican elopement of a sweet friend on Saturday night in downtown Tampa. I still haven't decided what to wear and I desperately need to find time to get myself a pedicure. But besides that, I'm excited to celebrate their wedded bliss with eating and perhaps some dancing with my Tampa fam tomorrow night.

I'm nervous but excited to give a little talk at the FPU graduation on Sunday night and then grab a little face time with my sweet friend Kayla who I have not seen nearly enough of lately.

I'm hoping to finish the second Hunger Game book, read some of the next James Patterson in my series, finish addressing my Christmas cards, and finally return a few phone calls that are long overdue. I'm also looking forward to baking up some goodies for one of my sweet friends I'll see Sunday night - thankfully he loves my baking (because I can't bake if I might end up eating it all... ). Whew. Here's to the weekend!

What are your weekend plans?

Love,
B

Macys: Friends & Family Sale.

2011-12-01T14:13:00.000-08:00

I'm on Macy's 'friends and family' list - so I always get their fabulous coupons. I rarely shop Macy's full price because I am, through and through, a bargain shopper. I love to find a good deal. I'm picky about my brands, my quality, and my styles but I'm pickiest about my price (well, sometimes). I printed out my coupon and hit Macy's on my lunch break (it's literally across the street from my house, and a mile from my work).

I figured I'd peak through the clearance rack and see what I came up with. I found this dress from 50% off (an additional 25% off with my coupon) and thought it would be great for Christmas parties, etc. I do own it in pink, already so I knew it would fit.

(Jessica Simpson)

I've been wanting a metallic shirt but not sure which one, what style, what sleeve length...you get the idea. So, I snagged this Calvin Klein top for $12 after all the sales and discounts and I'm pretty stoked about it. I don't love this picture of it, but it's a flattering fit and a skintone flattering shade.

Any of you hitting the friends and fam sale? Any bargains I might have missed I should know about?

Love,
B

Budgeting Ideas from Pinterest.

2011-11-30T14:12:00.000-08:00

After my blogpost yesterday I got curious about budgeting ideas that might be on pinterest. I'm not much of a pinterest user myself, but I like to dabble here and there. I found a few useful article with ideas I liked. Here's a few of my favorites:

via quirky momma (this was my fav article):

- We do the “packets” budgeting system. All spending money we take out at the beginning of each month. We then pay for everything with that cash, when it is gone there is no more till the next month. This budgeting method works for us, find one that works for you!

Cash is king in most budgets. Any of you tried this method to keep yourself from overspending on clothes, entertainment, or some of the other tough catagories?

- Surround yourself with “frugal-minded” folk. If you don’t have any friends who are willing to make a frugal journey with you try looking online, Frugal Village is a great network, and One Income Dollar and the Prudent Housewife are both great inspirational blogs. We found it is easier to save when you are not surrounded by spend-happy folks.

My closest friends are budgeters (some because I make them be) and this really does work! We do more redboxing, cooking in, groupon dining, etc because were all trying to be smart with our money. The best part is then no one feels like they have to bow out because of funds - were all fund concious and we help each other out!

- Meal plan and coordinate so that leftovers can be utilized fully, yet keeping variety. (Ex: Tacos day one, use left over taco meat day 2 for stuffed peppers)

I love doing this. I plan my meals at end of a week, grocery shop over the weekend, and cook on Sundays usually for my lunches and dinners for the whole week. This would be slightly more complicated if I was feeding 3-4 people, but it works great for us singles or just marrieds. Packing my lunch to take to work has saved me TONS.

Also from Pinterest and worth reading is this ladies post.

If you're thinking about going to a cash system in 2012 there are some precious make-your-own-cash-envelop craftings happening there as well.

As for me, I'm not sold out on being 100% cash...BUT I will say, using cash in my trouble areas (clothing, food, entertainment, travel) really helps me keep to what I say I'm going to spend. Budget reasonably...you know you're not going to spend only 20 bucks in 6 months on clothes...we realistic. But determine what's appropriate and stick with it.

Here's to a budget friendly 2012 with lots of saving in store for me.

Love,
B

Two Years Later.

2011-11-29T05:45:00.000-08:00

I've probably confessed before that I don't consider myself much of a public speaker. The funny part about this is that because I'm all personality and energy and ridiculous decibels - other people usually think 'oh becca could totally do that'. I've tried to challenge myself in recent years not to be afraid to talk to crowds. I'm good one on one and I don't mind mingling with strangers at parties and social gatherings so why shouldn't I be able to address a crowd, right?

Naturally, I had to take speech in college like everyone else and because I can write a good speech, I was able to do well. But every critique I got came back reporting that when my nerves take over I talk so impossibly fast I'm hard to understand. Honestly, I think that's pretty much every day anyway.

So, I'll take all the prayers I can get this week as I prepare to give a 5 minute talk for this season's FPU graduates. We've talked about budgeting here on the blog in the past and I think most of you who have been here for any length of time know that I took Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University and that like most things took in SERIOUS. It was excited to announce via twitter when I became debt free (other than my condo, they don't make you count house debt) and I've been diligently saving for my 5 year plan.

So, I'm headed to hopefully inspire the new grads the way I was inspired my taking and later leading the course, myself. I've written out what I want to say and will most likely be practicing it in front of the mirror all week to hopes of speaking in understandable English by Sunday.

I think it's important to celebrate your successes, your met goals, your accomplishments, and your milestones. I'm coming up on 2 years of living on a budget, 2 years of being a homeowner, and 2 years since my weight loss journey with 60+ lbs kept off. I feel really good about the last couple years!

I also wanted to get some feedback from you all. Do you budget? What do you find works for you? Are you good about saving? I'm always looking for good tips and tricks.

Love,
B

When I Grow Up....

2011-11-28T06:41:00.000-08:00

I was thinking yesterday about who you dream of being as a kid. Revisiting the home my Mom grew up in brought back so many fond memories of being a kid for me and when I returned to Tampa to MY home it got me thinking about who that little girl in the picture dreamed up being. I've shared some of those dreams before...I dreamed of living in Florida. I dreamed of owning a home. But what I've been thinking more about is who I dreamed of being.

When I got home from church yesterday I was standing out front having a chat with my neighbor. I make an effort to know all the people who live on my block and visit with them whenever I can. When I was growing up we always had people in and out of our house, we still joke that we basically grew up in a hotel with all the company that constantly stayed for game weekends, holidays, etc. My parents are great hosts.

In my preteen and teen years I spent every minute I could talk my Mom into letting me, at the Huhtas. This is when I really caught a vision for the kind of homeowner/hostess I wanted to be. Nancy, who you've heard me talk about many times before and her kids are my Tampa family. I still love being with them every chance I get. But for the purpose of this post lets stay focused...

Nance was that amazing hostess who didn't have to plan a week in advance for you to come over. You always felt welcomed in her house, with little or no notice. You could call and say 'I'd like to come over today' or 'what are you having for dinner' and she'd welcome you like she'd been waiting all along for your arrival. I loved that. I still love that. And I remember thinking, 'I want to me like that. I want my home to be the place people want to go and I want to be the hostess that makes everyone feel special and welcomed, planned or not.

My neighbor mentioned that his brother, sister, and cousin were in town and they were headed out to the beach for a few hours. I'd been planning after a day of watching football with friends at Beefs that I was going to grill out. ALL of my guy neighbors get excited when I grill - so I invited him to come by later for a burger if he wanted. He was, of course, all about that...but as I pulled back out of the driveway to head to Beefs I realized, hey, why not have them all?

And so I did.

I fired up the grill and we ate in my living room off paper plates and talked about New York (where his cousin lives and I went for the first time this year) and all kinds of weird things that come up when you have 3 nurses in one room (like me having a panic attack over giving blood even though I had my wisdom teeth pulled without a pain killer). And in the midst of these fun festivities I thought, this is it. These last minute, low key, hangouts - this is who I dreamed I'd be.

I'm scheduled, organized, and totally OCD but I still purpose to be someone who will drop my plans for working on my budget and dusting my baseboards to throw together food and sit around and spend time with people. My Dad does a brilliant job of reminding me that people are what matter. Not agendas or chores or things....people.

The importance of loving people really clicked with me recently. My roommate, Bekah, and I had invited our friends over back in October and we invited a neighbor (who's new to the block and close to our age) to come over as well. We introduced him to our friends and fed him, of course...and throughout the course of the night our churches came up. My roommate and I attend different churches and we each had friends from ours present. I didn't think much about it until two weeks ago.

My neighbor called me out of the blue and reminded me that when he'd been over I'd talked about my church. He said, 'the way you described it and your excitement about it stuck with me...I was wondering if I could come sometime?'. I called him back and gave him the scoop on days, service times, etc and told him he was welcome to come with me sometime soon. Last night it came up again...he told me how great it was to move in and be instantly welcomed by Bekah and myself. We've had him over to eat 3 or 4 times now (food is the key to everyones heart, right?) and welcomed him to two parties we've had. Honestly, that's just the way we are...we're inclusive. But I hadn't thought about that much until he said it got him curious about my church.

More than ever I am learning that loving people is the key. I'm not much for yelling on street corners or preaching in the streets, but I'm open and honest about my faith and I purpose to be someone who loves the people God brings into my life with all I've got. It's neat when you see the Lord use that. It's also a great reminder that people are paying attention to what we say and do, even when we don't realize it.

Love,

Treasure.

2011-11-27T08:55:00.000-08:00

Hello from Winston Salem, North Carolina. By the time you read this I'll be back in Florida but I'm writing while I'm away. I'm thankful now I toted my macbook with me on the road, it sure is fun to be able to keep up with blog world while I have more time than usual and fun to be able to post pictures to facebook, etc.

This has been a really special trip for me. I spent the first night in Raleigh/Chapel Hill with my older sister, Rae, and my brother-in-law Chris. My baby niece is due any day now and I was sure hoping she'd come in time for my visit but she's not quite ready, I guess. We ate frozen yogurt and french fries and watched Modern Family at their place Wednesday Night.

Thursday morning we woke early, worked out, and headed to Winston Salem to spend Thanksgiving with my Momma's side of the family. Winston Salem is a precious town, if you've never been here, it's worth a visit. The people are delightful and the the roads are named after Robin Hood!

I'm treasuring this time with my sweet family including my amazing cousins:

My sweet cousin Whitley and I on the front porch of the house our Momma's grew up in.

My Wessy and I on the front porch swing. Many a summers have been spent on this porch.

My first night here we spent looking through old photo albums and I had to share with you this find:
I haven't changed a bit, have I? Ok, so my eyebrows and my haircut have come a ways but that face is just about the same.

What a blessing having a family like mine is. I couldn't love them more. These trips are the best - I'm loving it.

Love,

Wedding Bells.

2011-11-26T07:39:00.000-08:00

Hello lovies.

Are you read this I'm en route from North Carolina back home to Tampa for a whirlwind day of wedding festivities. I spend the last 3 days in the Carolinas with my sisters, bro-in-law, aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents and I now much hurry home to celebrate my sweet friend Joy's nuptials.

Joy and I met in May of 2008 when I moved from Purdue University to Tampa, FL and took a job with Impact. Joy and I were the Teen Impact Coordinators together, each assigned to our own territory and we worked together planning retreat, events, speeches, pranks, and just about anything else you can think of. She's been a sweet and faithful friend since our departures from Impact as well and I've grown to cherish her in so many ways.

Here's a little picture tribute to my friend Joy on her wedding day:

John Mayer Concert - September of 2008. (clearly before I dropped 60+ lbs)

Rocky Horror Picture Show on broadway - October 2008 (am I little bit redhead here?)

End of the year banquet for work.

Celebrating one of our birthdays...I think mine?

Another banquet.

Another birthday.

So this morning I'm flying home, grabbing my car, changing my clothes, and driving out to the beach to watch this sweet friend and beautiful lady tie the knot! Congrats and may this be the beginning of your happily ever after!

Love,

Book Club Friday - From the Road.

2011-11-25T05:45:00.000-08:00

Hello from North Carolina!

I hope this blog post finds you all fat and happy after a great thanksgiving feast yesterday. I'm still in NC for another 24 hours before I jet back to Tampa for wedding festivities but I wanted to share with you what I brought with me (via Kindle) to read while I'm away.

Months after reading the first one (so clearly I'm not obsessed) I'm finally going to read the second book in the Hunger Game trilogy - Catching Fire.

I assume you all have heard enough about these books and I don't need to fill ya in. Suffice to say, I'm finally getting around to this one.

I'm more excited to share this one:

From Amazon (booklist): Maggie has just returned home from a long stay in the hospital to repair the leg that was badly injured in an automobile accident; Caleb has just returned from prison, where he served nine months for driving the car that hit Maggie. In spite of a court order to stay away from her, Caleb continues to encounter Maggie and even ends up working for Mrs. Reynolds, the same elderly lady who Maggie helps. Telling the story in alternate chapters, Elkeles reveals the traumatic accident and its consequences from both victims' points of view. Maggie can no longer play tennis and is now convinced that she is ugly; Caleb must endure the harassment of his former friends, especially the beautiful, seductive Kendra. Not everything in the crowded plot is adequately addressed, but Elkeles creates raw emotions, dialogue, and high-school ambience that's just right. Maggie and Caleb are complex and authentic teens whom all readers will embrace. Theirs is a delicate, delicious love story--without the happy ending.

I have a feeling it won't be the best written book I've read to date BUT it looked like a fun vacation type read. It's also only 99 cents on Kindle so for my other ereadin' friends - you may want to check it out. Hope you all are getting to happily read off your food comas as well.

Love,

Thanksgiving.

2011-11-24T14:26:00.000-08:00

Silent gratitude isn't much use to anyone.

-G.B. Stern

I've been enjoying reading blog posts about all that people are thankful for this year. In light of war, famine, natural disasters, and a recession/depression; I'm encouraged to see that Americans seem to be more in the Thanksgiving spirit this year than ever before. This has been a tough year for our country but we still have so much to be thankful for.

I should probably have the longest list of all. This year has blown me away. I am so blessed. I could go on and on forever but to keep this short and sweet I'll give you my Top Ten.

Becca's Top Ten - Things I'm most Thankful for this Year

1. Faith. I think in the midst of this crazy year I'm more thankful than ever for my faith. For the gift of knowing that my life has a bigger purpose than just surviving this earth. That I have a God to go too in any and every circumstance.

2. Family. I have an incredible family and I write about them often. I'm thankful that my family loves the Lord. I'm thankful that I still have all four of my grandparents in my life and for the wisdom I get to soak up during my time with them. What a precious blessing they are to me.

3. My home. I've shared previously that as a kid who grew up in over 20 different houses before leaving for college, I've always had the desire for a home. I have that now, and man does it feel good. The batch pad has grown with me over the past almost 2 years (in December). I'm thankful for another successful year as a homeowner. It keeps getting better and better.

4. Provision. I've experienced the Lord's provision in miraculous ways this year. He has met every need and I feel him changing the desires of my heart to line up with his.

5. Friendship. For my long term readers you know that friendship for me over the years has been feast for famine. I'm thankful for 4 solid years of great friendships, since college. Deep, meaningful relationships that I can't imagine a day without.

6. Health. Some of you may remember my struggles with my health in 2010. I'm thankful that this year I've bounced back and found some normalcy. I feel good and I'm more thankful than ever for good days.

7. Council. This kind of goes hand-in-hand with friendship in my case. This year I've purposed to seek good, godly council in my decision making and I've seen a vast improvement in many areas as a result. I'm thankful for the wisdom people have shared with me this year, as I work towards lofty goals.

8. Tampa. Tampa is home to me. It always has been. I'm thankful for this season of life in which I get to live and work in my favorite city. I don't take a day of it for granted, because tomorrow isn't promised. I am treasuring this time.

9. Travel. I'm thankful that this year I was able to see New York City for the first time. I'm thankful I got to visit my best friend in her hometown twice (with 2 more on the books). I'm thankful I got to see my family members in several states this year. I'm thankful for frequent flier miles I gain from my work travels that allow me to travel for fun as well.

10. You. I'm thankful for this blog. For what the Lord has taught me and continues to teach me through my interactions with you and my writing. For your comments, your encouragement, and your challenges. I'm thankful for the wisdom shared on others blogs. I'm thankful for each of you that have shared in and continue to share in my life.

Happy Thanksgiving to all. I hope you celebrate today and everday all the good in your lives.

Love,

It's Ok Thursday.

2011-11-24T06:45:00.000-08:00

Hello and Happy Thanksgiving loves. I have to say, tgiving is not my favorite holiday (Christmas is). Since I don't eat turkey or pie I always feel a bit out of place but don't worry I eat my weight in mashed potatos like a boss.

I couldn't resist linking up with two of my bloggin' favs for It's Ok Thursday which has become the starting line of many of my texts with friends including a recent from my sweet friend Katie:

'Hey it's ok to buy your boyfriend a really soft shirt so you can wear it'. Oh yes, yes it is!

So this thanksgiving I'm saying it's ok....

...to overeat. Do it. Go big or go home. Join the clean plate club. Let your inner fatty loose.

...to wear your 'fat jeans' so you won't pop a button. (or if you prefer, just leave that top button undone all day under a chunky sweater).

...to workout thanksgiving morning so you'll be extra hungry and can justify 'carb loading'.

...to travel in skinny jeans or leggings in hopes of avoiding what I can a 'gina poke' from the TSA security. Man I hate those people.

...to feel overwelmed by holidays because you feel at the mercy of other people's planning (I'm an OCD control freak, we know this).

...to be giddy with excitement about your black friday TV because you can watch movies in BED now (Hey, it's ok that the rest of the world has been doing this for YEARS without me)

...to have a love/hate relationship with New Years - it's never as good as you hope, right?

...to obsessively clean your house before you go out of town because you love coming home to perfection.

...to secretly hope your neighbors never sell their homes because you love them all and don't want crummy replacements, ever.

...to overpack. We all do.

...to not dress up to travel but also not look like a bum because you never know who you'll meet. I've met a guy I later went out with AND gotten 3 job offers while flying.

...to color code your planner.

...to love it's ok Thursday.

...to enjoy twitter more than facebook because you can tweet about all the people who don't have twitter.

Love,

B

Missing a Piece and a Video Blog.

2011-11-23T13:44:00.000-08:00

First off, a video to say farewell as I head to NC:

And now the real season for this post:

As I pack and prepare for my trip to the Carolinas it's with a bit of a heavy heart. There was a great debate about how the holidays would be spent this year with Dad busily working and unable to travel, Rae pregnant and ready to deliver my precious niece any day, Ruth still in school, me in Florida, and Mom wanting to be with each of us. It was hard for me to commit to a plan that involved any Christensen left behind - but alas, it will be a Daddy-less-thanksgiving day for me.

I'm thankful he pressured me to go be with the rest of the family, even if he can't be this year. But it's been a bit of a sad week for me, prepping for Thanksgiving with one piece of the family missing. I sure do hate when we can't all be together.

So today I thought I'd add to the long list of things I'm thankful for - this guy. In a country sorely lacking in good fathers, I really hit the jackpot. My Dad is my hero, my inspiration, my leader, my advice giver, my encourager, my face twin, and I couldn't love him anymore than I do. Sure do wish I could be with him this Thanksgiving - but looking forward to a Christmas in Indianapolis with him soon.

Love,

Recipe: Grilled Sweet Potato Fries.

2011-11-23T06:11:00.000-08:00

If you all hunt the web for everything like I do - then you may have already tapped into the weath of food knowledge that can be located on about.com. I've previously shared my obsession with grilling everything from pineapple to burger to side dishes on my grown girl birthday present. But I HAD to share this recipe for homemade grilled sweet potato fries. They are delish, healthy, and easy to make.

I've recently been exploring their steak topper ideas as Auburn and I will be changing up our Christmas dinner tradition and cooking in, instead of going out this year. Auburn is an incredible cook and I want to be like her when I grow up. But I've offered to grill steaks for our dinner this year, so I'm trying to take a page from her book and do it up right. I'm leaning towards a topper that involved blue cheese. Mmm.

Anywho, hope you enjoy my new favorite recipe. Let me know if you give it a try!

Love,
B

Bargain Huntress.

2011-11-22T17:17:00.000-08:00

You all know I love a bargain more than the next wanna-be-fashionista and fall/winter really brings it out in me. I don't believe in store credit cards, which I've probably shared is a direct result of my taking the Dave Ramsey course a few years back BUT I have to say I'm a huge supporter of stores who are not issuing rewards debit cards and Nordstrom is the one that got my vote. I signed up for the Nordstrom debit card, which comes directly out of my normal checking account but I still get points as if I had their credit card - cha-ching. This way I'm never tempted to spend money I don't have BUT I still get rewarded for being a more than faithful Nordie Rack shopper.

Since the Tampa Nordstrom Rack is just around the corner I peruse the sale racks fairly regularly, hunting for buried (clearanced) treasure. This week I found this fabulous jacket market down from 158 to 38 AND thanks for my Nordstrom debit card, I had $20 in 'Nordstrom Notes'...so for $18 I got a jacket I can't wait to wear in North Carolina this week.

Please excuse the makeup-less face cell phone photo, I will try to be more prepared in the future.

Anyone participating in Black Friday this year? I have a few friends that make this a tradition and I admire them but as for me and my house? We don't fight crowds an early hours in the cold. We watch the pre-black-friday specials online and strike while the irons hot and sans tent, hot choco, and crowds. This year I diligently hunted for a petite TV for my bedroom. I'm not a huge TV watcher but since my roomie moved in, in May, the idea of having a second TV in the house, in my bedroom started to appeal.

So I present you, my new darling...

Don't ask what's on the TV, there was a commercial on at the time, ok? And that weird glow on the wall is because my accent wall (located directly behind is magenta. But I had to show you my first ever Black Friday purchase. : ]

Love,

Creating Space - 2012.

2011-11-22T07:23:00.000-08:00

Photo.

In 2010 I shared all that I learned from my church's 'Creating Space' series and the steps I would take to create space in my own life. Well, 2011 came and went with purposeful busyness that has accomplished many new goals and while I'm thankful for that, I realize that it's time to revisit creating space as 2012 is quickly approaching.

While I'm not one for new years resolutions I do find that the new year lends itself to reevaluating where you're spending your time and how you're using your resources. What needs the boot in 2012 to create space for new opportunities? What good things can go so God things can come?

I hope to find a quiet spot over Thanksgiving to really start muscling through these areas so that I can streamline and begin this new year with purpose and poise. Anyone else worried that if they aren't intention this holiday season will leave them exhausted and uninspired? I want to use the time I get off work and out of town to regroup and redouble my efforts towards my long term goals/five year plan.

Anything getting the boot in your lives for the coming year? Anything you want to create more space for? Any advice you want to give me for 2012?

Love,
B

My Style: Banquet.

2011-11-21T17:33:00.000-08:00

I miss when Lindsay did My Style Monday's even though when they were going on I couldn't always get my act together to post. Oops. Since I asked you all for advice on what color shoes to wear with my dress for my work's banquet this past Thursday I wanted to make sure you got to see the finished product.

The dress was a traditional gift from my Momma who helped me pick it out back in September - which I was visiting her in Indiana. I took Autumn's advice and went with nude heels - although I opted for BCBG wedges instead of heels, because I wasn't sure I could hack it in heels all night on my feet (13 hour work days are intense, after all).

Are you all feeling a little spoiled by getting two blog posts in one day? Well that merriment just might continue for the rest of the week! We.shall.see!

If you haven't already, please do make sure you sign up to give and get some holiday cards this year - here.

Love,

Generous.

2011-11-21T05:52:00.001-08:00

'if I am content with little, enough is a feast' - Isaac Bickerstaff

My Tampa bff and accountability partner, Aubs, and I served this weekend at our church in the 'holiday helpers' booth. We worked both services so a good 6-7 hour shift of selling turkey dinners for church members to buy that will feed the needy in our community. I am always excited to see my church, Grace Family Church, meeting the needs in our community and this Christmas they are on it. We worked the food booth as I called it, but there was also the opportunity to adopt a family, adopt a child, etc.

The reason I share this is because I went to give of my time, something I find I tend to be selfish with - but what I received was worth far more. I was blown away my the generousity of my church family. There eagerness and excitement to give blessed my heart more than you know. I was most touched my a single Mom who came to me and said that while she couldn't afford to adopt a whole family - she thought we could pair her and her son with another single mom and kid and they would give them a Christmas. Wow.

The quote I shared above was from our message this week which really got to the heart of keeping life in perspective. We keep Christmas pretty simple in our household but this year more than ever I'm excited for the holiday season to be about giving. Of time, resources, and sometime even money. God is so good.

What are you all doing this Christmas to bless others? I love hearing your ideas!

Love,

For the Love of Snail Mail.

2011-11-18T08:42:00.000-08:00

We all know how much I love snail mail and how much I love the holidays so I'm teaming up with Krystal and Meghan to make sure we all get enough holiday snail mail this Christmas season! We know the holidays can be chaotic AND expensive so we're giving you the chance to spread some holiday cheer without breaking the budget! The three of us are hosting a holiday card swap!

Enter your information below and we will pair you up with 4 other bloggers to exchange cards! You're welcome to include fun photos or little extras but please keep it simple - this is a one stamp kind of deal!

This is a win win friends - so get on it.

Love,
B

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Bold.

2011-11-16T17:00:00.000-08:00

Cred.

So I made a bold move this year and put my blog address on my Christmas cards. The big debate amongst bloggers seems to be - how much privacy do you keep as a blogger? Many bloggers don't share their blog with their 'real life' friends and enjoy the privacy of being able to share openly without judgement. Clearly, that is not the case with my blog. There's nothing anon happening here (not even comments!). BUT even though my blog is public via facebook - there are quite a few people who will receive my cards this year who don't know about the blog yet.

I decided though this would be a great way for them to keep up with me. Despite my diligent letter writing and forced phone call making (I am not a phone talker) - it's hard to keep up with everyone and even when I do, it's hard to remember to relive all that's going on. I have a busy life, in case you haven't noticed. ; ]

So tomorrow night is our banquet for work and I'm excited to wear my cobalt blue dress my Mom bought me (that I previously shared on the blog). Hopefully I'll get some pictures up Friday morning.

Wednesday (one week from today) I will be headed to North Carolina to see my sweet family there as well as hopefully meet my niece (if she arrives in time). It will be a whirlwind Thanksgiving with my flying in Wednesday night to Raleigh, driving to Winston Salem with my sister and bro (if no baby) for thanksgiving and a 10am departure Saturday morning to head back to Tampa. Saturday I land at noon and I have a wedding at 2:00 out by the beach. So I will be in a sprint to get my bags, collect my car, assemble myself, and drive out to the beach for my former coworker and sweet friend Joy's wedding festivities.

Then back to this side of the bridge for another engagement by 6. Never let em see ya sweat, right? Even holidays are manic for me.

I've got 50 christmas cards printed and read to address so I figure I'll take those along to the Carolina's with me next week and knock them out - then they'll be ready to ship in mid Decemeber. I bought those cute disposable goodie boxies to deliver Christmas baked goods to my favorite neighbors (have I ever mentioned how much I love my 'hood?). My Christmas presents are more than halfway bought AND I wrapped 3 of them already.

After Thanksgiving the official countdown to Christmas begins folks.

Let's do this.

Love,
B

The Art of Growing Up.

2011-11-14T07:41:00.001-08:00

'a true friend prods you to personal growth, stretches you to your full potential. And most amazingly of all, celebrates your successes as if they were his own' - Richard Exley

People are quick to use the line 'misery loves company' but as I've grown up what I realize is that through a rather crazy year of ups and downs I have chosen to be happy with this life I've built and as a result it has been easy to be happy for others. Talking this through with a friend the other day I said it something like this - 'I guess I finally realized that I've grown up this week. Because when I think back on the people who have hurt me most over the years and how hard it use to feel to forgive them now I look back and I hope that the Lord blesses them as much as He's blessed me'.

This is what one might call a breakthrough. The point in your life where you're so happy (not that everything is perfect, by ANY means) that even the malicious motives of other people that have contributed to who you've become and where you are in life can feel like blessings. That you can be thankful for the good and bad circumstances that brought you here and hope the best for those who have hurt you. Breakthrough.

This year has tried my communication skills like no other year before it. I started the year single, living alone, and in a pretty easy role at work. By mid year I was in my first serious relationship since college, living with a roommate, and had taken on a much bigger role at work with more responsibility as I entered my 3rd event season on staff. I remember laughing to my best friend as I said, 'I swear I started this year thinking I was a GOOD communicator and the more I've learned about communicating the more I realize how much more I have left to learn'.

The relationship didn't last, the roommates still going strong, and I survived a crazy event season feeling like I really grew. But most of all I take away from this that growing up is hard! Learning to communicate openly, honestly, and out of love is challenging, even for those of us who are obviously very good at saying alot without really saying what we mean. The gloves came off and the honesty box was entered and I have to say that as tough as it's been - the growth has been worthwhile. I anticipate that like most disciplines, it will get easier the more I practice it. Or at least, I'm hoping.

I'm thankful that the while misery may love company - so does happiness. This is the life I wanted. This is the future I'm building. And I'm excited for the successes of my friends and my foes. I'm thankful for the people who build me up and the people who have forced me to grow stronger.

Oh my oh my...the art of growing up is hard to master.

Love,
B

The Book I Couldn't Put Down.

2011-11-11T07:38:00.000-08:00

I got back in my groove by participating in last weeks Book Club Friday - but after reading this post by Heather, I immediately downloaded this book on my Kindle ereader:

Never one to keep good ideas to myself - I immediately told Candy, my best friend and Brandy, my sweet friend from back in Indiana to download it as well. I knew they both had e-readers and they've bought books I've recommended before. I needed someone to obsess with me while I read at rapid speed.

Let me just say that I couldn't put this book down. I finished it literally in 24 hours (and this was a workday - so know that I read on lunch, at stoplights, while I dried my hair, etc).

My one caution should be that there is some 'adult content'.

I loved it. Brandy finished before I did (she stayed up late and read it all in one night) and Candy was close behind. They both LOVED it as well and we've spend the rest of this week trying to decide if we want to buy the other 2 books Jamie McGuire has written, even though they're not in the same genre. We've also all felt sad it's over now that we hurried through, we wish we'd rationed it out! Ha! Thanks for Heather for a great recommendation - it made my week!

Currently reading:

Watch for a review on this next week.

Love,

Surfacing.

2011-11-08T12:00:00.000-08:00

I love when a good book sucks me but I have to say after 24 hour with my nose in a book - it felt good to resurface today. I love a book you can't put down and I'll share on Friday during Book Club Friday just what book had me reading at stoplights and on the treadmill so I could try'n function in society while absorbing every word as fast as my eyes could move.

November and December are crazy months but to of my favorites to be certain. Holidays, family, shopping, baking, still football season. What's not to love?

Coming up for me:

- Our work banquet which will include hearing Nicole C Mullins sing live (yay!) and Dr. Ben Carson as our speaker. After seeing the movie about his life, gifted hands, I have to say I'm giddy with excitement to hear what she shares.
- A batchelorette party
- A wedding
- A post-elopement wedding reception (not for the wedding I just mentioned)
- A trip to North Carolina
- A trip to Indianapolis
- A couple days in the 'burg with my bestie
- Christmas parties for work and friends
- Birthday parties/dinners/festivities
- Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years

Ee can I just prance around for 2 months in fabulous dresses and heels please?

One month to the day after the end of our event season for work ( I work in event - in case you missed that) it feels good to be down almost 10 pounds, back in the gym 4 days a week, AND back in my reading groove, having demolished 3 books in the last week. Ah, I'm back.

Love,
B

Thankful.

2011-11-06T13:02:00.000-08:00

November is the one month out of the year people all over the US purpose to be thankful. I have to say it's been easy to be thankful year round since my return to Tampa just over three years ago. But I'm thankful this year in a new way. As I reflect back on this year, I'm thankful that if I had to do this year over again - I would literally do it over, the same.

I have grown so much this year as a friend, a daughter, a sister, a homeowner, a coworker, an employee, a leader, a blogger, a reader, a writer, a christian, and a person. I have faced more obstacles than any previous year and I'm happy to report with more grace than in years past. I've gone through some tough times with friends and relationships and grown and learned from them in a way I can be proud of.

I am thankful for grace and forgiveness. For the people in my life who call me out and hold me accountable. For new, attainable goals. For provision. For spiritual growth. And amazingly, for the Lord allowing me to see some things and some people really clearly this year.

It has been a year full of many things - good and bad. But I find myself living in a state of thanksgiving for where the last few years have brought me. I'm loving the life the Lord has given me and the person I feel like he's growing me into. I have never been this happy to be me.

What a great year this has been.

Love,
B

Happy Saturday.

2011-11-05T07:53:00.000-07:00

As you read this I'm off hunting through other people's craftiness at the Junior League Holiday Gift event at the Fair Grounds. So, happy Saturday to you and happy hunting to me.

I believe I shared last year that I wanted a tradition with my best friend when it came to Christmas. The chances that we'll get to spend Christmas together are pretty slim with our families living in different places and our lives seeming to keep us a few thousand miles away. So, for now, we settled on exchanging Christmas ornaments every year. Last year I gave her a starfish painted to look like santa claus with my name and the year on the back. Today I'm off hunting for her Christmas 2011 ornament (maybe I'll post a pic after I give it to her) - I thought the JL fair would be a great place to find a unique one.

She gives me one too but as I may have previously confessed I've never actually had a tree in my grown up life. For now, I spend Christmas with my parents every year (and one or both of my sisters depending)and they have a tree so I've never felt the need to have my own. I hate the idea of storing Christmas decor all year to use it for a month. I guess I could take Tara's route and leave it up year round to make it worthwhile?

I've been toying with the idea of a small fake tree though - maybe buying one after the holidays this year for next year? (I'm cheap, this much you know).

I did hit up the Nordstrom Semi-annual sale this week and at regular Nordstrom all I bought was this fabulously comfy tee:

We in Tampa are lucky enough to have a Nordstrom Rack as well - and I bought an additional two shirts on clearance there. I've been trying to build up my 'tops' wardrobe. It seems like every time I have anywhere to go I reach for a dress as my go to outfit. But the weather may someday decide to cool off a bit here AND sometimes a girl wants to wear jeans and sit with her knees apart, you know? So for those such occasions said girl needed some shirts.

Yesterday I wore my new White House Black Market jeans for the first time. I snagged them on clearance during my outlet mall trip with the girl last weekend for $20! I got several compliments on them, especially the slightly ornate booty pockets I was feeling self concious about. I usually pick very plain pocketed jeans.

I know this is the season for buying gifts but I have to say -I save up a little for myself this time of year as well. When I'm out snagging fabulous gifts and nifty prices, I want to have room to splurge on a few things for myself as well. $20 jeans and $12 shirts are in all the time, in my mind.

Anyone doing black friday this year? I don't get up early for anything that involves a crowd, but I am hoping to snag a small TV for my bedroom during the pre-black-friday-online-deals. Arguably, cheaters do sometimes prosper. Just saying.

Love,

Friday - Books, Weekend Plans, etc.

2011-11-04T06:39:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I participated in a book club Friday. If you're wondering why it's because I've been stuck trying to finish the same book for WEEKS! The crazy part about this is the book was just good enough I couldn't quit, but not good enough to suck me and get me done with it quick.

So for the book portion of today I should tell you I was finally able to finish The Help.

I have to say what I found most fascinating about this book is that Stockett was a first time author - the Help is her first book! What? Can I get a lunch date with her and talk about what she did right to have such a widely read first novel that went on to be a successful movie? I need some advice, sista.

I had a great talk with my Mom about her take on the movie (she's not a big fiction reader) and she said it hit home for her. My Mom grew up in small town North Carolina during the integration of schools so the racism that's dealt with the the Help as well as the overwhelming desire of that 'middle class' to be socialites isn't far from the truth of her childhood. It was fascinating talking through some of that with her after I finished the book.

I haven't watched the movie yet but I hope to in the near future (redbox style). As for the book - it was good but not great for me. I was glad I read it but with as slow a read as this was for me I would also somewhat hesitate to recommend it. Does that make sense?

I'm headed to a wedding tonight, the Junior Leagues Christmas market Saturday morning, some babysitting, lunch date with my friend Jason Sunday after church, etc. November and December are going to be delightfully busy with fun activities and parties. I can't wait to send out my Christmas cards and distribute my baked goods in the cute Christmas goodie boxes I bought.

What are you reading lately and what are your weekend plans?

Oh yeah, I'm already flying through the 4th book in James Patterson's Women's Murder Club series - 4th of July.

Love,
B

It's Ok Thursday.

2011-11-03T05:43:00.000-07:00

I haven't done one of these in a while but I think it's about time I did a 'it's ok Thursday'. So, this week I say it's ok....

...to be halfway done with your Christmas shopping (glass half full - not half empty)

...to look forward to baking goodies for all of your neighbors.

...to feel sentimental about everything.

...to randomly cry while on a jog praying for your soon-to-be-born niece, it's crazy how much I already love that kid.

...to have made your packing lists for your next three trips, one of which isn't until February.

...to be wicked excited for a lunch date at Nordstrom Cafe with Nancy and Blaire today.

...to be over the Help and happily devouring the next James Patterson in your series.

...to have a love/hate relationship with working out.

...to put 'take your vitamins' on your to do list everyday so you will and so you can check something off first thing.

...to pray in the car, the shower, and on your workouts because you have alot to talk through with the Lord lately.

...to shameless record Lifetime movies on the Tivo.

...to love dogsitting because it reminds you that you do not want an everyday commitment to a pet, even if you really like them.

...to already be planning the details of my spring trip to DC, even though I haven't set a weekend yet.

...to literally dream everynight about visiting your best friend.

Hey, it's ok.

B

When Good Things Make Me Crazy.

2011-11-01T12:00:00.000-07:00

I tend to be a bit obsessive. Not in a Lifetime movie kind of way - but I have a habit of becoming so excited and motivated in certain areas of my life I allow them to take over. This is a tough balancing act for me because while they're usually good things - ie: working out, healthy eating, learning to cook, or budgeting - even too much of good things can be bad. I'm a self proclaimed OCD with far more emphasis on the obsessive and not so very much compulsive with a ridiculous enthusiasm to reaching goals. That was my fancy was of basically admitting I'm crazy.

The good news is - I have two close friends I'm extremely honest with (ok, so I'm extrememly honest MOST of the time with everyone) and they reel me in when I'm obsession with succeeding at something starts to run over the rest of my life.

I need to be better at balancing things. Learning to let the small stuff slide. Being content with my best and not feeling like I have to beat myself up when the good isn't great or my best isn't perfect. I tend to be a 110% all of the time kind of gal with high expectations for myself. Sometimes the girls have to reign me and give me the 'Rome wasn't built in a day' speech.

I AM learning though. I'm trying to grow and take it all in stride and learn to just relax, laugh, and enjoy. This has been a strangely logner and harder process than one might imagine. Whew. I feel better having confessed this!

Love,
B

Fashion Help.

2011-10-29T08:15:00.000-07:00

Ok, I need some advice. One of my favorite post-college traditions with my Momma is that every year she helps me pick out (and treats me too) a dress to wear to my works banquet. We're bargain shoppers so it's never anything excessive, just a fun dress I can rewear throughout the fall to holiday parties or weddings, etc.

In 2009 it was a leopard print Michael Kors dress. I couldn't find any pictures of myself from banquet that year so here's me rewearing it at a later date:

Why yes, I was twice the size then AND I don't know what's going on with my hair color. But we'll just roll with that for now.

In 2010 it was this fancy little number:

The photo doesn't do a great job of showing the best part of the dress, the skirt part which was silver and had cool flowerish things (you can kind of see them here, a little).

Not that leopard print wasn't bold but this year I've decided to kick it up a notch with some color. So I introduce you too this year's 2011 Banquet dress as selected by my Mom and I in September (I will post a picture of me in it after the banquet, of course, but not before).

(it's cobalt blue, if the pic quality fails me here)

Here's where you come in though. I can't for the life of me decide what shoes to wear. See, the problem is, they have to be comfortable and functional since I'll be on my feet working most if not all of the night. So, all my truly fabulous shoes are out. There's not chance I can quickly dart around in 6 inch stilettos all night without breaking something.

I don't want to wear flats (blah) but I'm thinking wedges are as good as it's going to get. Thoughts? Suggestions? Shoes you want to lend me? (I'm a size 8).

Love,

Friday, Friday....

2011-10-28T06:30:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday morning to all! I'm quickly writing this entry over a cup of coffee before I head to work (but of course you won't get it til I'm already there). I'm excited for this weekend! I'm babysitting a good bit (hello, exceeding my financial goals for Oct) BUT I'm also enjoying a spa day Saturday morning that will include a facial, a new hair color, and a long overdue haircut. I think I'm going to go lighter brown this time...

Think the after picture of this set. A golden brown (sans highlights however, I think I've shared before how much I despise myself with highlights). Plus I like to keep my hair low maintence. I don't have the kind of time and energy required to maintain good highlights.

I've kept my hair really dark for a couple months now and I think going into winter it will wash me out too severely so, I'm going to lighten up and roll with a bit more like my natural color (if anyone even knows what that is).

Keeping with my LC theme the cut will be more like this:
It's been a busy couple of weeks and I decided it was time to have an unwind and pamper kind of morning - so starting at 9:30am, the transformation begins. I'll try'n post pictures to the twit afterwards. Stay tuned. Either that or I'll blog the results later in the day (when I'm not fresh off the facial table, yikes).

Sunday I will be shopping til I drop getting ALL (I hope) of my Christmas shopping done in one day. Jess, Kayla, and I will be heading out early Sunday to Ellenton to 'get er done'. I've got my list ready, I've filled up my Christmas present budget, and I'm ready to go. I'm hoping to pack a whole suitcase with my family gifts and take it with me to Thanksgiving to send them home (to Indiana) with my Mom afterwards. I try to avoid having to ship a bunch of stuff - it just feels like such a waste of money.

While babysitting a couple evenings in the next few days I'm hoping to finally finish The Help, the latest InStyle, and my packing list for Thanksgiving which seems to be fast approaching.

Check back tomorrow for a fashion related post about my upcoming banquet and my newest edition to my rediculous dress wardrobe.

Love,

Present and Future.

2011-10-26T05:56:00.000-07:00

With 2012 fast approaching I'm having a hard time living in the present. I attribute this not to being unhappy with the way things currently are, since I don't ever remember being this excited or motivated but to my excitement for the year to come. I've got big dreams, high ambitions, and fun plans already coming together for 2012 and it's making it hard to live in the now.

My best friend and I have been happily planning the times we'll be together in the coming year which has made me look forward to December, February, May, July, and even the holiday season next year. Having a long distance best friend may be harder than having a long distance dating relationship, I swear. I cry harder saying bye to her than I ever have over a guy (if my Dad read my blog, he'd read that line with great pride).

This is my favorite time of year. Buying presents. Going to holiday parties. Spending the holiday season with my family and best of friends. Shopping. Lights on trees. Giving. And the anticipation of the good things to come with a fresh year!

I'm headed Christmas shopping this Sunday with Kayla. We've decided to hit up the Ellenton Outlet Malls and do some treasure hunting. Ok fine, there will probably be a few fall/winter/holiday outfits for ourselves included in this trip. But with my newly inspired (and so far successful) budget - I'm ready to knock out most or all of my Christmas shopping AND a few things for myself.

Let's be honest, I'm probably going to need long johns to survive my 3rd winter up north since becoming a renewed Floridian. I get a little wimpier each year. Have I already shared my holiday plans?

I'm headed to Raleigh, NC as well as Winston Salem, NC for Thanksgiving. I will fly up Wednesday night after work and hopefully meet my niece for the first time (if she decided to arrive in time). Followed by thanksgiving in WS with my Mom's side of the family (she grew up there). I will jet back to Tampa Saturday morning to arrive by noon and do the worlds fastest transition to wedding attire to arrive at my friend Joy's beachside wedding in Ft. Desoto by 2:00. Can I do it? We shall see. Never a dull moment for me, is there?

Christmas time will be spent in Indiana - both Scottsburg for a traditional Christmas visit to my bff and her family and Carmel, Indiana to be with my own family. Here's to hoping the whole Christensen clan will be there! You can find me curled up by the fire (mostly because I couldn't feel my feet for a good 8 days last year) reading books. I can't wait to have some downtime to actually just sit and read a book a day (I hope). I will also be enjoying some time with my closest Indiana friends, whom I love and adore and maybe even sharing a ridiculous amount of pictures, here, on the blog.

Oh and I will be catching a Colts game on the 22nd as well, I fly in the afternoon for some Thursday Night Football.

I'm obsessing over holidays, clearly, so you should share your holiday plans with me. Please?

Love,

Weekend Recap.

2011-10-24T08:30:00.000-07:00

This was a truly great weekend. I won't bore you with all the nitty gritty details I'll just give you the highlights.

Friday I got to have a wonderful lunch with my sweet friend Toni, who I've been exchanging letters with but haven't seen in far too long. We go to the same church but on different days and we live on opposite sides of town, etc. So we met for lunch Friday and it was delightful. She is so fun and I just loved the face time with her after weeks of wonderful letters. Not to mention the food, at Wrights, is delish as well. Hoping for many more lunch dates to come!

Flash forward to Saturday night and I hit up the lightning game with my friend Jessica and her fiancee Mike. I was delighted to be invited and actually be free to go, this time.

We started off by enjoy the new Party Deck:

I love the view of downtown in the background. And of course the lightning that's coming out of my head in this particular photo.

I probably would have gotten into hockey a lot sooner if someone had told me how good the food at those games is! Whew! Off the hook. We were in the club area so there was literally a giant hallway of stations of food. You name it, they had it. Including a pretty amazing dessert bar. Good for my soul, bad for my waistband.

View from our seats.

Jessica & I.

With the rink, of course.

I haven't been to a lightning game literally since high school so I had a blast and I love Jessica and Mike. Ever since we met on a plane last year, we've been fast friends.

Sunday I attended the first birthday party of a precious little girl I babysit for. I love her and it meant so much to me to be included in the family birthday. I wish I thought to get a picture with her.

Sunday night my roommate, Bekah, and I had a few friends over for food, fellowship, and of course football. The highlight of the night may have been our new neighbor saying, 'you girls know way more about football than I do'. Fact.

Yours truly made 50 hotdogs on the grill, as promised! I may have been a little freakishly proud of them and wanted my picture taken with the finished product.

I was a bad party photog and missed some of the guests but I think it's safe to say a good time was had by all (pictured and not):

Hope you all had wonderful weekends as well. I can't wait to read about them!

Love,

October.

2011-10-21T15:25:00.000-07:00

I've never been particularly fond of the month of October but since I like to stir up a little backlash from all my crazy Christian followers who read this blog waiting for the chance to say something snarky about the fact that I've, gasp, read Twilight ...or something...I like Halloween. I know I know, it's Satan's holiday or whatever but as a believer I've never celebrated Satan, I just like costumes and candy. My Dad use to take my trick or treating and I loved it. It's the one time of the year your parents actually encourage you to take candy from strangers...winning!

I think it's great when people stick to their guns, everybody needs their standards. But as for me and my future household there will be trick or treating (even if I have to take my animal because I don't have kids). Wait, I don't really do pets either. I'll take my future husband trick or treating I guess. Or at least to costume parties.

This weekend will hold it's usual amount of chaos and craziness mixed with relaxing workouts, reading, babysitting, and cleaning. But Sunday the roommate and I will be having a football party at the batch pad. Well, a game night partnered with Sunday Night Football. Yours truly will be in charge of grilling (does that make me the man of our house?) hot dogs. Can I please share that I literally laughed out loud at myself for how fat I must of looked buying literally 48 hot dogs and buns at Sam's Club? As if that wasn't bad enough, giggling about it just drew MORE attention. Awesome.

I've had the itch to buy sweater after sweater lately. I live in Florida - I know I don't NEED them but in my defense I have 3, count that, THREE upcoming trips and I just want classy sweaters and boots to wear, is that too much to ask?

I haven't gotten to wear alot of sweaters yet but I have enjoyed wearing some rich fallish colors:

I never find stuff I like at Old Navy but I popped my head in during their 75% off sale and bought this shirt. I have a purse (pictured) and shoes that match so I thought, why not? Their stuff is usually so ill-fitting on me. But every once in a while I find something worthwhile there. My roommate has much better luck there than I.

I've been pouring through the November InStyle. I have to say, I'm not into alot of the fall trends but I DO want a neon yellow dress. Asap.

Happy Friday Night to all - hope you're weekends are fabulous.

Love, B

This Hiney is in Gear.

2011-10-20T13:16:00.000-07:00

Image.

Fall finally feels like it's here in Tampa, with the highs in the low 70s! My AC is finally off, my windows are FINALLY open, and I can enjoy having the balcony open when I'm at home which - oh wait, hasn't been much lately! I thought with the end of the 2011 event season at work, life would get a little less chaotic for me. It turns out this fall/winter is going to be crazy in a whole different way.

The good news is I'm back in my groove which is making my feel like myself again. You know, super OCD, super organized, super over-the-top. Feels like home. It's good to be back to my crazy old ways.

I'm no longer living at the office and have returned to my (almost) daily workouts, card writing, and book reading ways. I managed to finally get a few fun packages out to my most loyal pen pal, Lacey, and my bff Candy this week. I've finally returned the 30ish letters I got last month. My laundry is done AND put away, for once. I returned my suitcases to the garage until at least mid-November. The girl at my gym doesn't regard me as if I'm new or she should know me but can't quite place my face because I'm gone every other week. And I've actually seen and talked to my neighbors within the last week. I'm almost done with two, yes, two books.

This girl is baaaack!

I'm happy to report that as some of you know I've been on a budget mission lately that has kept me busy, thrify, and a little obsessed. The good news is - it's working. I declared via twitter a few weeks back that the last item on my 'to pay off' list is my house and then this girl will be totally and competely debt free. Thanks Dave Ramsey!

I've been obsessively saving as well because you know me I had to focus my attention somewhere new as soon as I finished the pay offs, right? I've already saved for all the Christmas gifts I need to get done which will be taking place next weekend on an outlet mall trip with Kayla. I'm also happy to report my hardwork is paying off in tangible, fun ways. This week when Southwest announced their sale for the week which included flights in Jan and Feb, I had the money in my travel budget to spend and I bought myself a ticket to visit my best friend the first weekend in Feb.

This my friends is what were working for, right? Financial freedom and the freedom to have fun without having to pay interest on it for months to come. Ah.

In case you were worried I'd lost my freakishly organized edge - have no fear. My custom made two photo Christmas cards arrived in the mail yesterday from Vistaprint. Can I brag on my thriftiness for a moment and tell you all that I managed to swing 50 cards and envelopes with two photos and shipping for less than $20 bucks? AND I have them before the end of October. This way, I figure I can start addressing a few a week and then drop them all in the mail (without pulling a December 20th all nighter) in mid-December. Ah.

I've been furiously writing in my Harriet the Spy notebook (ok, really, I tote a cute notepad with me everywhere so I can write things down as they come to me). I'm in holiday overload already and I'm loving every second.

I COULD use some help on what to put on my Christmas list though. What's on yours? Maybe I'll want one too.

Love,
B

Fight.

2011-10-18T06:06:00.000-07:00

My best friend has been working for the American Cancer Society in Louisville, KY for the last couple of months preparing for their walk, which will take place this Sunday. I'm so proud of all her hard work and for her dedication to see the cure for breast cancer found. I love her passion for the cause and her desire to do more than just throw a few bucks their way - she's gotten in there and lead tons of teams who have raised alot of money AND created an awareness in the community.

I desperately wanted to join her for the walk this week but with plans already in place and not enough money in the budget for a last minute trip up there - I will be doing my own walk here in Tampa sporting the above t-shirt. It's not the same, but hey, I do what I can. I realize that we are in an absolute battle against breast cancer, with one in eight women having it in their lifetime. I really desire to see us beat this, find the cure, and eliminate this before the next generation suffers as our already is.

If you want to join my Mom and I in supporting Candy on her walk you can visit her page here: http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?team_id=1008494&fr_id=36122&pg=team

What are you all doing in October to participate in Breast Cancer Awareness month?

Love,
B

Weekend Recap & Misc.

2011-10-17T08:19:00.000-07:00

First off, I joined pinterest. I'm not NEARLY as thrilled as everyone else seems to be. But I'm on there. Kind of. I haven't done much. Again, not that into it. Is there something wrong with me?

This weekend was amazing. I got in some good long workouts including weights, 3 miles Friday night and 5 miles Saturday, some Jillian Michaels, etc. I made a big jump towards my October weight loss goal this week, so I feel excited about it being within reach and motivated by this weekends success despite having to eat out 3 times! Whew.

I've been slowing learned how to use apps (lets be honest, my blackberry could barely handle the amount of texts I get in a day, let alone app usage). I'm not on endomondo which I love for tracking my walks/jogs on Bayshore (pictured above). I also got the 'lose it' iphone app to track my weight loss and it says I might just reach my final goal weight by MARCH! That seems so soon and acheivable.

Saturday night I went to FCA's event that replaced their banquet this year. It was a blue grass and blue jeans night and I wore the sweater I told you all about last week with my new bag (well, birthday bag):

Jess commented that she liked the reverse cuffs on this sweater and I have to say that was the selling point for me! If I look a little dazed, excuse me, I was feeling a bit under the weather that night.

I loved the event though. What a fun idea to change it up from a traditional banquet and give people the chance to mingle instead of being confined to their table. The venue, Mosi, was a fun change of scenery as well. I even rode a rollar coaster simulator (which thankfully did not make me sicker!). It was a fun time to be amongst sweet friends and show support for a ministry that has had a huge impact in my own family over the years.

After a day full of church, football, and working out (my trifecta for Sundays, btw) - I got to head out to dinner with my friend Jessica and her best friend Becky who was in town from Kansas City. We went to Fly Bar for Tapas and if you live in Tampa and haven't been - I highly recommend it!

Unfortunately my Colts didn't pull out a victory and our rough start to the season continues. But other than that - this was a great weekend! I've been busily planning my holidays with my mom, sisters, and best friend all of whom I will be seeing shortly. Christmas shopping is in 13 days AND my vistaprint Christmas cards should arrive sometime this week. Yikes.

Love,
B

Splurge and Steal.

2011-10-14T06:30:00.000-07:00

I was flattered by some of the comments I received during the September Style month on the blog. I don't consider myself to be particularly stylish - I just wear what I like and what I feel like works for me. But I guess I consider that to be good style, working with what you have. We all have unique builds, shapes, sizes, and coloring so the trick is in finding what highlights the you that you love as Carrie Bradshaw would say.

I've been pondering lately the art of balancing what you splurge on and what you get as a 'steal' (a rediculously good deal, by definition). See, some of my best outfits include at least one 'steal'. An item I got for less than 20 dollars on most occasions but when pair right - can make a really great outfit that looks anything but cheap.

Allow me to illustrate. I bought the top I'm trying on for you below at Kohls. It's a LC by Lauren Conrad top that started at 56.00 (I think) and I found on super clearance for $12. That's right $12. Think how many people spend that on a lunch in a workday.

This picture doesn't do a great job of shop the color which is a pale pink. I see it with dark denim, a black cardigan, and simple heels. Since I already own a black cardigan, dark jeans, and more than a few pairs of black heels, I don't actually have to purchase anything additionally to go with it, making it that much more of a 'steal'.

This next one is more of a splurge. I found this Lucky Brand sweater at Marshall's in South Tampa for 29.99 which isn't totally unreasonable but isn't in the 'steal' catagory either.

I love it though - especially the cuffs being reserved. It fits great and it comfortable! I can see myself getting a lot of use out of it this fall/winter - with jeans (obviously) boots or flats, maybe even some fun red or gold accessories.

Ok fine, I have to share my big splurge of the month. I'm a little ashamed of this one because it was over my normal allowance for one item, especially a top but I LOVED it and can imagine doing so many things with it.

I'm a Nordstrom Rack insider so I know when all the sales are going to happen in advance. I usually hit them up on lunch ready to hunt through the sale racks for treasures. This item is a splurge but it's also what I'd call an investment piece because it's versatile and could be work a lot of different places and ways. Ok I'm justifying...here:

This was on super clearance but was still a little steep. Marked down from $158 to $58 - I just had to have it. I sent the picture above to two of my budgeting babes and they said go for it, just this once. ; ]

What have you been splurging on lately? What steals have you found? I'm always looking for fun ideas and I love to talk fashion.

Love,
B

Oh Fall Oh Fall, Where Art Thou?

2011-10-13T06:56:00.000-07:00

So I keep hearing the hype about pumpkin lattes and gingerbread this and that - but I have to tell you it does not feel like Fall in the TPA.

Now the good news about this is that I can layout this weekend and the next 10ish and come home for the holidays tanner than all you people. I do love that. Especially since I have crazy tanning bed paranoia so good old natural sunlights the only way this girl will be sporting any color come December.

The bad news is that other that football, it really doesn't feel like fall!

I have, however been trying to invite fall weather my way by dressing for the occasion when possible...

Sporting my new Max Studio leopard print flats I LOVE that my Mom bought me while I was home in September. Oh and my new bag I bought myself for my bday. Happy 26th birthday to me (and many more?).

I think I may have previously shared my love for the brand Caslon as sold at Nordstrom but I found this fabulously comfy sweater there a few weeks ago while shopping with my best friend, Candy, and have worn it both with jeans and leggings in the last week (oh and the previously featured ballet flats).

I realize that big comfy sweaters are not the most figure flattering fall wardrobe addition but hey, we've all got to pick comfort of flattery once in a while, right?

One last fallish outfit share for the day. I felt a little skeptical of this combo together so was relieved when several of my coworkers (in a row) complimented it.

In total it was brown boots (that match the belt), black leggings, the striped shirt you can kind of see is long (and by kenneth cole), covered by a new york & co...sweater vest? I don't know what to call it. It comes to about my knees but it's open in the front (until I belted it). I also have one in grey. It was riskier than my usual but I think it went ok.

Sometime soon I want to share a few pictures of a few bargains I've found lately....but those will have to wait til another post.

Love,

Hello, I live here.

2011-10-12T06:12:00.000-07:00

Do you ever go through these weird phases where you have this kind of sad feeling like 'I want my life to be like this forever, but I know it can't'? I know, I know I'm a crazy but seriously, even though every year keeps getting better I've been feeling this since of 'but I like the way things are right now'.

I'm fast approaching the 2nd anniversary of owning my condo. 2 years! Where have they gone?! These have been without a doubt the best 2 years of my life and I wouldn't trade a single second of them. I think I'm starting to realize that no one gets to stay in one place forever (I don't necessarily mean physically) - I have to keep moving, keep dreaming, and allow myself to be content but not too comfortable. I am NOT the kind of person who can just stop pushing myself.

Change has always scared me. My whole childhood was this shifting, changing, unsettling mixture of loving, leaving, moving, and packing. I swore my adult life would not be the same. But as I feel torn between places and people and dreaming and well, just hanging out in happy land - I have to say I feel weirdly sentimental about everything.

I'm enjoying this season of life but I'm praying that the Lord will keep leading me forward. I don't know what all that will include but I have the sense that something is coming. Something good. Something big.

Since we're clearly in the honesty box today - can I just say I really hope it's that book I've been meaning to write for the last 3 years?! Come on writing inspiration, I'm ready!

Love,
B

And this is my, beautiful life.

2011-10-11T07:42:00.000-07:00

While I was so busy with real life I didn't find time to get on the blog, I had my best friend and her husband in town the same weekend as my precious Dad. I'm blessed to get to see both of them on a pretty regular basis but I have to say there is something extra special about having them on my 'turf'. I love to play hostess to those I love the most. I shared with you previously how much it meant to me to have my sister and bro-in-law a few months back (August) and now to have my Dad as well as Candy and Josh - well, I'm getting just plain spoiled.

Out to dinner at Lee Roy Selmons.

Doing a little Florida shopping for their fams back home - these were my idea, clearly. But I got overruled.

Happy One Year Anniversary to my best friend!

Church with my bff.

Grill master.

Quick nighttime trip out to the beach.

I love making memories in my favorite city. It's so fun having company. We also got to catch a Colts game including sideline passes for warms.

Candy, me, and Kayla in the WAY upper deck.

Josh and his two favorite ladies on the sidelines.

Dallas Clark - one of my favorite Colts during warmups.

The only part about this weekend that wasn't perfect was that it had to come to an end. I said a tearful goodbye to my sweet Dad at the buses Monday night after the game and a sleepy but thankful too sleepy to include tears goodbye to my bff on Tuesday morning. So thankful for a perfect weekend and looking forward to being reunited with them all in Decemeber.

Love, B

Back for Good?

2011-10-10T12:29:00.000-07:00

Well hello friends. I know I've continued to be fairly absent since my last post saying I was hoping to be done being absent. Oops, here I am again. I've just returned from what I suspect will be my last work trip for 2011 (don't worry, there's some personal travel coming so I won't forget how to be a profesh flier anytime soon).

I imagine you can go ahead and expect that there will be a series of updates coming in the next week or so filling in the gaps on where I've been these past few weeks.

I just returned late Saturday night from a whirlwind 48 hours in Baltimore, DC, and Virginia. My work hosted out Baltimore event for the second year in a row at M & T Bank Stadium. Don't worry I brought you back a few snapshots...

M & T Bank Stadium - home of the Baltimore Ravens.

I thought this was really cool - between the locker room and where the guys can come onto the field.

Beautiful stadium.

A little time with my sweet PopPops (my Mom's dad)

Oh and hey Washington Monument - we'll be hanging out in the spring on my much longer trip to DC.

Thankful to be home safe but I have to say I wished this trip could have lasted longer. I got to sneak away to Alexandria, VA to spent a night with my Aunt Ju, Uncle David, counsin Wesley, as well as my Meme and Poppops who were up for a visit. It was precious family time, which I treasure. Just wish it could have lasted longer. Glad to have thanksgiving with Mom's side of the family already on the books to look forward too in a couple of weeks.

Hope you all are well and for those of you I haven't been keeping up with via letters and the tweet- I'll be catching up soon.

Love,

It's Ok Thursday.

2011-09-29T07:54:00.000-07:00

Here we go again. It's ok...

...to write out detailed menus of what you're going to feed your friends all weekend because you're so excited to have them in your home.

...to be obsessed with football, 24-7.

...to miss an entire week of working out because you worked 33 hours of overtime, literally.

...to eat fro yo for dinner 2 nights in a row, to catch up with friends.

...to be giddy with excitement when you check the mail everyday.

...to be thankful everyday that you don't have a blackberry anymore.

...to hate the idea of not finishing a book a week so much you have your kindle read to you at work when you're too busy to read at night.

...to find yourself raising your standards on guys higher and higher because you have the most amazing guy friends ever to compare every guy too.

...to laugh off the rumors you hear about yourself (which seem to be plenty where I'm concerned) because honestly, they're funny.

...to be trying to play catch up in all your relationships from 2 weeks of craziness (I actually think I'm doing a pretty good job!).

...to want to buy a new dress for every occasion, even though you have 50.

...to be excited when your coworker tells you, you look beautiful on the one day this week you've done your hair.

Love,
B

A Recap of Travels.

2011-09-27T05:23:00.000-07:00

I've been busily working these past few weeks to prep for our Colts and Vikings events and then traveling to each and putting on the event with our excellent teams from work. It's been a busy busy BUSY couple of weeks from which I'm still trying to catch up and recover but I wanted to bring a taste of them back to you here. So here's a few photos from my Indianapolis Colts event trip:

Dad, Makaylie, and I at the event. That sweet girl (and photo cred. belong to my sweet friend Kristen).

This is me with Kristen's other little girl - Audrina. Isn't she precious? (Photo cred belongs to Erik Deckers)

I got back at midnight on Sunday night from this event and was back in the office early Monday to prep to leave again Friday to head to Minneapolis, MN - for the first time. So I got to check off another state in my pursuit of 50 states which is a bucket list item for me and it was my first time working a Minnesota Vikings event for work (All Pro Dad).

So a few photos I brought back from my first Vikings FKE & trip to Minnesota:

Vikings office - via Instagram.

Me with Victor the Viking.

Practice facility where the event took place.

And me, on a boat!

It's good to be home and I'm ready to have my feet on the ground for over a week! But this will be short lived. My best friend, Candy, and her husband will be headed down here Saturday for a long weekend and some Monday Night Football and then I will jet off to Baltimore for my next work event the following Friday.

September is crazy!

Love,
B

Trip Announcement for 2012.

2011-09-24T06:02:00.000-07:00

In 2011 I took my first big trip without my family and explored New York City. I saved and saved so I'd have plenty of money to spend and then spend 5 glorious days with my sweet friends exploring New York City for the very first time. I did the touristy thing, ate my way through the whole city (and a couple cupcakes), and even saw a broadway show on 'real' broadway. I shopped til I dropped and I came back exhausted but with a new found love for the kind of travel that doesn't have to do with work.

And so, I'm pleased to announce that my frequent flierness that lead me to New York on Airtran's dime last year has now earned me a freebie flight on Southwest and I think I've decided where I'm going to go with this one. I'd been mulling it over for a while because the city I've choosen I've been to before - but not since being a real adult and I think I'll appreciate it in a whole new way, this time. I talked to my Aunt about it over my birthday and she said come on...so I think it's now safe to say my big trip in 2012 will be to....

Washington, DC!

Get ready DC, you have no idea what's coming your way in 2012. This girl is ready to take the city by storm.

One of the things I appreciate most about this season of my life is that it has opened up opportunies to experice life more freely than ever before. I have a job I can still sneak away from for vacation (just not during event season, right?). I am racking up frequently flier points like I've never done before. And I've fallen in love with travel, for fun. I am so excited about my life and all the next year has to offer. Stay tuned.

Love,

Book Club Friday - Four Books Deep.

2011-09-23T05:03:00.000-07:00

Please excuse my lack of updates to my 2011 reading list and my lack of contributions to book club. I actually have been keeping up with my reading, though it's been mostly on the go lately (why yes, that include reading at stoplights and on planes).

I finished my study of Ruth with Kelly Minter followed by the next two books in the James Patterson's women's murder club (they're on the list too, now) and have moved on to read simultaneously the following two books:

Found this book at the closing of a bookstore for 75% off and after being told for a long time by many people I would love it - I have begun! I'm only a few pages into this but I have to say, I'm impressed so far. I like his style of writing, the heart behind his message, and the level of inspiration I'm feeling from what I've read, only a chapter in!

You may remember that last year I read 'The Weight of Silence' by this author and so when I found this book (also on crazy sale at the closing of a bookstore) I picked it up thinking I could probably devour it in a few days and pass it on to my best friend while she's in Tampa in 2 weeks. I started it Tuesday and I've been trying to read 50ish pages a day so hopefully by the end of this weekend of travel, I will be finished.

Gudenkauf has a way with words that keeps you intrigued and on the edge of your seat. Amazon has the following posted:

From Publishers Weekly -

Gudenkauf's scintillating second suspense novel (after The Weight of Silence) opens with the release of 21-year-old Allison Glenn from prison, where she has served five years for an unspecified but particularly horrible crime. Allison is reluctant to enter a halfway house in her hometown of Linden Falls, Iowa, where "even a heroin-addicted prostitute arrested for armed robbery and murder would get more compassion than I ever will." Allison, her family's former golden girl, secures a job at a local bookstore, but her efforts to resume some sort of normal life are undermined by her well-to-do parents' indifference, her sister's hatred, and the stigma of her conviction. Meanwhile, one little boy holds the key to the tragedy that led to Allison's imprisonment. The author slowly and expertly reveals the truth in a tale so chillingly real, it could have come from the latest headlines. (Feb.)
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

Doesn't that make you want to grab it off the shelves?

I love book club, it feels good to be back!

Love,

It's Ok Thursday.

2011-09-22T06:02:00.000-07:00

...to leave your suitcase unpacked for several days because you just don't have the time or energy to deal with it.

...to immediately repack it for the following weekend without so much as a sip of tea between.

...to let your room get totally messy from time to time.

...to be sad when your weekend with your family is over because it was perfect - absolutely perfect.

...to take a few days to catch up on the 12, yes 12, cards you received from your favorite penpals last week.

...to neglect your blog from time to time in favor of your real life.

...to make all your phone calls from the car, because you have no other time.

...to run out of milk.

...to go make-up-less to save time, sometimes.

...to be really excited already about a dress you bought for a work banquet in mid-November.

...to miss your blog friend terribly when you can't be read them daily.

...to use every lunch break for a week to catch up on life, laundry, and grocery shopping.

...to go to bed before 10:00 two night in a row.

Hey, it's ok.

Love,

B

Fall Fashion from my Travels.

2011-09-21T08:51:00.000-07:00

Ok so since month is about style and I got all serious on you yesterday, lets get back on track. I remembered to take some photos this weekend (with my new phone - finally) for you all of how I dressed when I got a taste of fall in Indianapolis! The weather there was a beautiful break from the Florida heat I so love. I got the chance to wear trenches, scarves, etc. I will get more of that this weekend in Minnesota but in the meantime here's a taste of my fall fashion in Indy.

Blue trench at the Colts game in Lucas Oil Stadium - you all know I love me a good trench.

Finally wearing a scarf - with my sweet friend Sean after the event and before going out to dinner on Saturday night.
Sporting my new reddish-orange Kenneth Cole I found at Nordie Rack from $22 - marked down from 150!
Quite possibly my new favorite shirt - at least until I went shopping with Mom this weekend. Getting ready for the Colts game at my parents house in Carmel (hince cool lookin mirror).

Love,

Humbled.

2011-09-20T06:44:00.000-07:00

Hello sweet friends. I know it's been a week or so since I've appeared here on the blog. I wonder if you've missed me as much as I've missed being here with you. If I had to describe the last week of my life I would have to say it's been humbling. I don't mean that negatively. As a believer I'm supposed to cherish humility, right?

I turned 26 in the midst of a 12 hour workday filled with fires to put out, stress, and a bit of exhaustion. It wasn't particularly fun or special but I found myself uplifted by the outpouring of love from friends. I got over 200 posts to my facebook wall, tons of phone calls, thousands - I mean literally thousands of texts that forced my phone into error about once an hour, and literally a mailbox full of letters and cards and packages everyday last week. I was humbled by your love.

Hear my heart as I share with you what is so hard for me to say. In the last few months but especially the last few weeks I have struggled with the balance of desiring to do my job with excellence and the rest of my life with the same. As my job has recently demanded more of my time, my energy, my passion, and well, me - my personal life has needed the same. And my heart felt heavy as I wondered - am I really doing any of it well anymore? I felt so ripped apart by trying to be too many things to too many people all at once.

One of my greatest fears is failure and as I got in the car to head to the airport Thursday afternoon, I hung my head and cried. My poor coworker who was driving me was a bit shocked - most of you know me to be strong, upbeat, positive. I'm sure my meltdown was a bit overwelming to her but I finally choked out - 'why can't I do anything right anymore? I have nothing left to give'.

Don't worry, most of that was just the exhaustion of a very long week coupled with anxiety about balancing family and work over an event weekend in my parents hometown. When I fall, I fall hard - but I always bounce back stronger.

I share this with you because it came to a bit of head over the weekend when my Dad was sharing with our dads and kids at the event and he said about fatherhood, 'we cannot fail at this, it's too important'.

I managed to spend a few meals and one very early morning driving my Dad to work - catching up with him and I hope encouraging him. I spent a morning/afternoon shopping and catching up over starbucks with my Mom. And I managed to work in there two event days full of work and feel good about the work I put in there. The one thing I didn't get enough time for was friends, but lucky for me - they understood this trip needed to be about family.

After a long, crazy, but wonderful weekend I hopped a plane back to Tampa late Sunday night to prepare to leave again this Friday for our Vikings event and I kept asking myself, 'what is too important in my life to fail at?'. That friends is where I remain.

Not one to wait around to take action - I came home and let go of some commitments right away. I knew which ones didn't fall into that 'too important' catagory and I said goodbye and opened up a few additional nights in my week. Because the too important to fail list includes my family, my job, my friends, and above ALL else - my relationship with the Lord.

Hear me clearly when I say that I have been humbled by feelings of failure - some warranted and others not. I know more than ever my need for a Savior and for a godly support system I find in my church family and my friends. I serve a gracious God, I tell ya. He gave me exactly what I needed to take me from 'I have nothing left to give' back to feeling my cup overflow. I sat last night and wrote out a long letter to a sweet friend in New Jersey about all the Lord has been teaching me through my study of Ruth and now in 1st Samuel.

If any of you feel caught in this kind of place I offer you this verse that has been on my desk the last few weeks and constantly on my heart:

'But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint' - Isaiah 40:31

I see now more than ever that this holds true in my life. The Lord is where my hope is, and he has given me strength I can't explain in words.

Love,

A Fairwell to Twenty-five.

2011-09-11T06:27:00.000-07:00

Well loves in honor of my last day of being 25 - I wanted to celebrate a GREAT year. 25 noteworthy events during the quarter-life-crisis year:

1. I was in my best friends wedding.

2. I successfully completed my first year of homeownership!

3. and 4. I wore coveralls for the first time AND road a four wheeler, in the dark, on the ice.

5. I added Missouri to my list of states I've been too, putting me one closer to my goal to visit all 50.

6. I finally saw Wicked.

7. and 8. I fell in AND out of love.

9. I kissed a camel, no really I did.

10. Ran my first 5k.

11. I went to New York City for the first time!

12. Saw my blog hit 40,000 views.

13. Finished reading 50 books in a year.

14. Found out I was becoming an Aunt!

15. Met Justin Bieber ...oh wait, he was made of wax.

16. Took dances lessons.

17. Completed a 21 day Daniel Fast. (and broke it with a giant chicken sandwich, obvi)

18. Learned to cook.

19. Got my wisdom teeth pulled, sans drugs (but somehow still looking quite drugged).

20. Got a roommate (for the first time since being a homeowner -does that make me a landlord?)

21. Went to Berns for the first, second, and third times.

22. Sold my first item on Craiglist (and lived to tell about it).

23. Spoke in front of my whole church (that's thousands of people, by the way)

24. Survived my first real injury (a torn romboid - how do you spell that?)

25. Grew up.

This has been a year of learning, growing, friendship, love, and spiritual maturing. I'm so grateful to everyone who has been a part of it. I wouldn't trade it for anything - it has truly been my best year yet. Looking forward to the next one, starting tomorrow.

Loved ya 25,

Book Club Friday: Style Edition.

2011-09-09T05:30:00.000-07:00

In the name of Style I'm still participating in the Book Club Friday link up but giving this weeks post a stylish flair...

This week I'm sharing a book ALL about making the most out of what you've got hanging in that closet (or lining the floor, in your makeup bag, and under your sink). This is the book that covers it all from skin care to what handbags go best with your height and build to how to wash your face.

I posted earlier this month some ideas from the book I saw in a magazine and then I quickly hopped online and reserved this baby at the library. I picked it up a couple days ago and started flipping through and I have to say she knows what she's doing! A great book for working on the wardrobe you already have - what to keep that's still fabulous, what needs to go, and what you can redeem with a little tailoring.

This book should be on all our shelves - but especially those budget savvy working girls, this bookw as made for us!

Love,

It's Ok Thursday - Style Edition #2.

2011-09-08T05:43:00.000-07:00

Hey it's ok...

... to untag all unflattering pictures of you from facebook when you're friends post them (I don't want fat arm, my bangs unruly, or to be tagged in photos of me in my bathing suit, thanks).

...to dedicate an entire month to Style on the blog and then suddenly have serious things to say (October may be deep, ya'll)

...to reserve a style book from the library to browse for blog ideas because you've almost exhausted your magazines for this month.

...to schedule your blog posts a week out so you can take a week off...and then show back up because you can't go a week without reading other peoples blogs.

...to blow dry your hair and go from time to time (to work, at least). No flat iron, no curlers, just rollin' it with it. (hey, it's event season people - something had to give)

...to desperately want a boyfriend watch but be non commital on color, brand, and metal so just keep lookin.

...to buy your friends present from time to time - just because it would look great on them.

...to want people to know you loved zebra print before it was cool.

...to have a 'style' to your stationary, not just your wardrobe.

...to obsessively buy office supplies for at home, even though you don't work at home. I like stylish office supplies, sue me.

...to tote books around in your giant purses everywhere because you never know when you might have 5 minutes to read.

...to also tote a Kindle in addition to your library book in said giant purse in case you have tons of time to read, randomly.

What's ok with you this week?

Love,

Honesty Box: Shape Up or Ship Out.

2011-09-07T05:56:00.000-07:00

I interrupt this style heavy month to bring you a serious blog...

When I was working as a relationship educator (my first year out of college) we were always explaining to people that you 'teach people how to treat you'. When you're a kid, your behavior is met with one of two responses - the kind that affirms your actions and encourages you to repeat that action (say, taking your dish to the sink) and the kind that makes it clear you better shape up or ship out (say, drinking out of the milk carton).

I was pondering that over the holiday weekend. How am I teaching people to treat me? Let's just say the light bulb really clicked on for me and I said goodbye to some facebook friends, cut some ties, and burnt a few bridges. Alas, I'm dragging no unnecessary baggage from 25 to 26 on Monday. I'm starting fresh and I'm giving my best, and having reasonable but firm expectations of the people in my own life. We'll consider this my giving the necessary people the 'shape up or ship out' look.

No one's perfect BUT everyone needs their standards. I'm not unwilling to extend grace but I have a feeling you all know the kind of people I'm talking about...sometimes you just have to cut em loose. I'm not going to teach anyone to treat me poorly. In my mind cutting people out of your day to day life doesn't have to mean that you are rude, mean, or treat them poorly - it means you create some necessary distance from certain relationships.

Please don't mistake the tone of this blog as being negative. I have never felt more excited about my life and future or more grateful for the incredible people the Lord has placed in this season. I had a perfect weekend followed by a day off that cleared my head and got me pumped for the next year. I'm welcoming 26 (in 6 days) with passion, love, excitement, fun, laughter, and purpose.

I challenge you not to be afraid to shape people up or ship them out - teach people how to treat you right.

Love,
B

The Commandments of 9 to 5 Style.

2011-09-06T06:36:00.000-07:00

The do's and don't of the 9 to 5ers according to The Hills star Lauren Conrad (who worked at Peoples Revolution and Teen Vogue):

•Thou shalt never let your outfit outshine your work. (Yes, creatives and fashionistas, this applies to you as well!)

•Thou shalt abstain from clothing with obnoxious logos. (Besides Bebe logo tops being so 1999, no one wants a walking billboard in their office.)

•You shall avoid all sexy and revealing clothing. Never show more than 1 inch of cleavage or wear a skirt that skims your bum. For most offices, skirts that hit more than 3 or 4 inches above the knee are considered inappropriate (If you want to wear shorter skirts, or even dress shorts, pair them with opaque tights to temper the higher hemline). Also, no tank tops unless you have something layered over it to cover your shoulders.

•Thou shalt not wear any ripped, torn, or sloppy clothing. This includes anything that can be worn to the gym or the beach (gym shoes and flip-flops etc.).

•Thou shalt dress like my female boss. If you do not have a female boss, emulate the highest-ranking female in your company. This doesn’t mean steal her style. Rather, base your office attire on what she considers appropriate. Is she casual? Always dresses to the nines? Take a cue from the people in positions you aspire to have someday. They don’t say, “dress the part” for no reason.

•You shall always dress to impress—even on “casual Fridays.” Don’t let casual Fridays fool you. Jeans may be okay, but that old tee reserved for lazy Sundays and those hot pink flip-flops are just not going to cut it… Casual Friday attire should be based on your weekly work wear, but taken down a few notches.

•Thou shalt not don underwear as outerwear. Ever. This is pretty self-explanatory…

•You shall always use your best judgment. Consider your work environment and dress accordingly. Anything you can wear to a club should never step foot in an office. If you’re unsure about an outfit, it’s best to err on the side of caution and go with something else.

(full article here)

Here's a few example of Casual Friday done right:

Cred.

I loved this list though. I couldn't help taking in the 9 to 5 style of New Yorkers on my trip to the city in May and I was shocked by some of the outfits they wore. Granted, I dont' know where they worked - but I can tell you shorts, tiny skirts, and 'club wear' would never fly at my job.

I've read many times to dress for the job you want, not the one you have - and I do love that idea as well. For my job, I have to be aware of how physical my job will be that day as well. If I'm packing 40 boxes to mail to our Rams event in St. Louis - it's not a skirt or dress day. If I'm going to have to sweat in out washing water coolers as part of my post event routine, I'm not going to wear 5 inch heels. So I'm a firm believer in wearing what works for you - but that doesn't mean a compromise on dressing to impress.

Love,