Once a Year...

(Image from Pinterest)

Hello friends and blog readers!  Happy Friday to each of you.  I'm taking this weekend to follow the wise advice of the Dalai Lama and heading to enjoy a place I've never been though I will confess I would probably be the teacher's pet if he knew me because this is my second new place this year and I have one more already booked.  This weekend I'm off to Austin, TX to enjoy a city and state I have yet to meet and to spend time with my sweet bestie Auburn who moved from Tampa to Austin just over a year ago.

Auburn is my cheerleader.  She has cheered me through the challenges of my years in Tampa and built me up when I was at my lowest.  She has given me tough love and honesty when I've needed it most and sweet, kind, encouraging words on the days my heart has most needed them.  I can't wait to be part of her big Texas life for a weekend and fall in love with the city that's stolen her heart (and her from me and my city).  There is something so sweet about seasons of being able to visit faraway friends and love them and their new seasons.  Look out Texas here I come...

Love,

B  

Living Out of a Suitcase.

Image.

I said it last year and I'll say it again, I would live out of a suitcase if it meant I could see the world.  Well, for now, I'd settle for the United States.  But I'm keeping my suitcase handy and packed as 2013 is promising to be an amazing year full of new adventures.  It started out with finding out I will be an Aunt to two as of September, Dad signing a contract to stay put in Indianapolis, starting a new job in a completely new work environment, and making some big life and relationship changes.  Whew.  But with all the chaos and craziness I haven't lost sight of my goal for my 20's - to experience. 

At the end of January I departed for JFK followed by Ghana where I took a 6 hour bus ride to Togo (in West Africa).  I knew starting off a new year with a trip that big would set the tone for an adventurous year.  After barely surviving third world country food poisoning followed by 22 hours of travel back I thought for a brief moment I might be writing off this whole travel idea for a bit.  But you know me - I had the itch again by the time I departed three weeks later to Indiana to spend a weekend with my sweet friend Meagan and her family.  Isn't there something so sweet about being part of a friends life for a bit?  Meeting their friends, sharing their home, and being part of their family even if just for a few days?

With Africa in Jan and Indiana in February I thought why not keep the travel alive?  I spend the end of March in Raleigh, NC with my sweet baby niece, Noa, my bro-in-law, and my sister/best friend Rae.  It was a weekend of cool weather, incredible food, fun fellowship, catching up, chasing that crazy niece of mine, and celebrating the gift of the cross (Easter, of course).  I cried in the airport before I departed for home - man I just love weekends away with the people I love.  My solution?  Just keep finagling my way into more trips.

I forfeited presents under the tree for Christmas this past year and had all of them lumped into a Southwest gift card.  When I sat down in November and wrote out my thoughts about 2013 I found that I kept coming back to the same idea - I value experiences and people over things.  I wanted to keep that going and so I said 'no more' to clothes and cookware for Christmas and I traded them for the chance to travel.  

When Southwest threw a heck of a sale in February I cashed in some of those GCs and booked a cheap flight to Austin, TX which will be my April trip.  I will spend my first weekend in the great, big state of Texas and some quality time with one of my best friends who moved there a year ago.   I can't wait to see where Friday Night Lights was filmed, eat the ridiculously awesome food I keep hearing about, visit Jen Hatmaker's church, and love on my sweet Auburn.  Welcome April - I think we're going to get along just fine.  Especially since you also include a visit from my presh Mom AND a weekend of building a custom walk in closet with her (oooo da lolly - what up Container Store, prepare to be owned).

Loyalty it turns out does pay off because by the end of last year I had racked up enough points for 1.5 trips on Southwest this year (I promise this blog is not a paid plug for them, I'm just a happy customer). I used some for half of my trip to Austin but the round trip I hoarded until a week ago when I booked a flight to Salt Lake City, UT to spend a long weekend with my long time (as in, 5th grade to now) friend Sean and his family!  Sean has been a loyal and incredible friend over the years and our friendship has survived first my leaving Tampa for Indiana (followed eventually by my return) and now his move to SLC.  Looking forward to some actual face time in stead of just Facetime, ya dig? I have never been to UT so I get the added bonus of being one state closer to seeing them all.  

Good grief I'm giddy in my chair as I share about this.  I'm so excited about this year!  But don't worry, I'm not tapping out in May.  June my baby sister Ruthie gets married up in NC so I'll be returning to the fabulous city of Raleigh for some family time, bridesmaid duties, and ya know - awesomeness.

July brings with it a summer wedding in Chicago for my long time friend and former Floridian - Mer!  Eeee! Can't wait to celebrate her big day with her AND manage to see my fellow Purdue Alums both at the wedding and while I'm in the windy city.  May have to hangout a few days and catch up and explore that big, beautiful city.  It's been too long, Chicago, it's been too long.

August is open so any of you with a private jet - feel free to invite me somewhere exotic.

September it's back on the go as one of my Tampa besties will be getting hitched in at a vineyard in the ATL.  I may forgo my love of Southwest's party seating for a road trip for this one but hey, travel is travel - am I right?

I'm not ready to reveal my fall flight schedule since I'm still plotting and scrimping points to see what I can make happen.  But I thought I'd share, since I've been a bit MIA, that I'm not avoiding the blog because I have nothing going on.  Quite the opposite really, I've been so busy living my life lately, I haven't had enough time for writing about it.  But fear not, I am here.  I'm am living and thriving in my new job and in the fabulous city of Tampa (well, for three weekends a month at least).

Share with me what your travel/summer plans may be - you know I'm always up for some inspiration!

Love,

B

A Bittersweet Return.

Hello loves,

Thank you for allowing me to disappear from blogworld last week and enjoy every minute of my experiences.  As most of you know I spent the last 6 days in Washington DC.  This was my 2nd big city trip in 2 years and I decided on DC shortly after returning from exploring New York City in 2011.  I'm now working on my big city plan for 2013! 

I am grateful that my life and my job (which gives me frequent flier points) have allowed me to spend these young semi-single years seeing cities and falling in love with the places I go.  I could spend the rest of my life traveling and never run out of things I want to see and people I want to meet.

Here's a little taste of what last week was like for me:

Lincoln Memorial - Thursday.

 Arlington Cemetery - Saturday.

Botanical Gardens - Friday.

 Capitol building and Library of Congress - Friday.

 Mt. Vernon - Sunday.

 White House - Thursday.

WW2 Memorial - Thursday.

While I was there I also got to meet my sweet blog friend turned in-real-life friend Leanna!

Isn't she darling?  I had the best lunch with her at Old Ebbitts near the White House. I can totally see why she ditched NYC for DC - I would too.  So glad we got to meet, hopefully next time we can dine in Tampa and I can show her around!

Most of all it was wonderful to get some family time in!  My aunt, uncle, and my cousins, Wesley and Whitley were so welcoming and gracious and I couldn't have had a better trip!

(that's Wesley on the left and Whitley on the right sporting the Tampa Bay Rays t-shirt I gave him)

I have said it many times and will say it again I am incredibly blessed to have the family that I do.  I enjoy that the older I get the closer I feel to each of them and thankfully the more I'm able to see them!  The Mayberrys are amazing and I cherish every second I get with them.  They have been my biggest cheerleaders these past few years of figuring out adult life AND they currently hold the family record for most visits to Tampa since I moved here (trumping my parents and sisters).

It was hard to leave DC BUT I am excited to host my sweet Momma in Tampa later this week!  My isn't May just the best month ever?

Every time I travel I come back inspired to save up and plan more trips!  This trip was no exception.  You can expect many announcements, ideas, and decisions coming soon to this blog but I will start by announcing I have officially paid my deposit and will be headed to Togo in West Africa in January of 2013.  It is my desire to continue to grow in my faith and serve diligently.  As I prayed, the Lord has continued to break my heart for his people all of the world this year and I am thrilled to be saving up and headed to Togo to love on their people and build an Aquaponics center there with two guys from my Haiti trip - AJ and Casey.  I would treasure your prayers throughout the next few months of prep!

Love,
B

Travel Chic Bargains.

In my guest post on Darby's blog I gave advice about the best ways to keep your wardrobe fresh, functional, and budget friendly. One thing I may not have mentioned that complicates this for me is all the travel I do! Living in Florida I could almost get away with all summer clothes and a jacket but I tend to travel at least 10-20 weekends per year all over the country for work and play so that makes it a little harder.

One thing I've learned in almost 4 years of living in Tampa is that you can get some great fall/winter pieces on our clearance racks! During a particularly ecky day a few weeks ago I went to Nordstrom Rack on lunch for a little budget-friendly retail therapy. I've had in mind getting a few things I can wear to DC in May as well as on my fall trips for work, football, and to see friends. As I've said many times before I like to shop out of season, to save money. Since it's already 90 degrees on the regular here, it was the perfect time to buy these:

North Face zip up fleece in bright red. Red is a great color for me, and I really enjoy it (you may know this if you've observed all the red in my house). Normally this would be $99 but I found it on the clearance rack for $34. Not cheap, but really reasonable for a functional, comfortable piece I can wear often.

This next piece, a Zella jacket, I've had my eye on for months. It was originally $138 and later marked down to $50. I thought that was still a little steep for me so I decided to wait it out and see what happened. It disappeared from the racks a few weeks later and I was little bummed but assumed it wasn't meant to be. Then, on this trip in, I found there was one back on the shelf and it had been marked down again, to $20! Done and done. I am not the proud owner of this:

I know, it's a little funky. But I like odd, comfortable pieces. I think this will be great for traipsing DC, windy or rainy event days, and just running errands around down in the colder months. I've bought several Zella pieces in the past (it's a Nordstrom brand) and been really pleased with the quality of each. I'm also a sucker for a hood.

I better end this entry before I start packing and head to the airport right now. Anyone reading this been to DC before and have a recommendation of places I don't want to miss out on?

Love,

B

Working for the Weekends.

I'm afraid the next couple weeks I'm really going to be itching for the weekends. But before you think that's to get out of work some of the weekends are actually FOR work. I know I'm not the only event planner in my blog circle so many of you will relate to this... I'm entering the time of the year where the fruits of months of labor come together in events.

Obviously while you read this I'm in Haiti. I will return Saturday night the 28th and spend Sunday getting all the furniture into the guest bedroom for the painter to start May 1st. But after that the next couple weekends are insanely awesome. Ok wait, the first weekend in May will be low keyish. As low key as I ever am. Since the house will be in full blown upgrade mode I will be in town, hanging out, and getting things done.

The following weekend (May 12th) we have our Tampa Father & Kids Experience where Tony Dungy will be speaking. We're expecting about 1500 Dads & Kids. I've been working on this for weeks as you can imagine so I'm excited to kick off event season in our 'hometown' with one of my favorite men leading the way!

After that I leave Wednesday the 16th for Washington, DC! I will be there for 6 days with my cousins, aunt,uncle, the city, and Leanna! I am thrilled. This trip is exciting on so many levels. I love big cities. I love to explore. I love to get away. I love to experience.

I will return on a Monday and by that Wednesday the fun will continue with a visit from my Mom who will be in town just shy of a week, though spending the first few days (while I'm working) with her best friend on a little road trip as I understand it. Once the holiday weekend hits we'll be sunning, funning, fro yo eating, and guest bedroom decoring machines. I can't wait! My Mom's visited me once before in Florida and we had a blast! I've been begging for a repeat and I'm finally getting my wish.

After she leaves (boo) I'll head out a few days later to Alabama to work our Auburn event! I've never been to Auburn and I'm stoked to check out their stadium and work there for 2 days. I love to visit new places and to add stadiums to my list. You know you're in love with football when you keep track of all the stadiums you've been too, right?

The next few weeks promise to be crazy but packed with fun. Don't worry, I'm carving out time for the blog and friends during the weeks to come as well. But if you're hoping to get some face time in May you may want to put in your request soon, it's looking like this spring is going to be a blur!

Also to come over the Summer:

- Myrtle Beach Trip
- Best friend visiting
- Girls weekend with Mia, Jo, and Amber
- Possibly Daytona Beach to see my sister, bro-in-law, and niece
- Several other pending visits from friends
- Several other pending work events

Thanks for sharing in the excitement with me!

Love,
B

Chapel Hill/Raleigh Trip.

Hello darlings,

I've been working ahead of schedule on the blog lately, in prep to be away in Haiti for a week. I've noticed the trend is to have guest posts while you're away and I've actually had a few offers I may take them up on it someday but I've actually had plenty to say/share/write about, just need the time to get it down before I'm away. I also expect I will come back with plenty to write about as well. We'll see. Maybe you all would prefer a few guest posts...

First up I wanted to share after my post about crochet sweaters that I found an orange Michael Kors one in Kentucky with Candy and I wasn't lying when I tweeted I planned to wear what I bought the week before instead of doing laundry for North Carolina. This was my favorite purchase of the Kentucky/Indiana weekend trip:

After my tweet a few of you wanted to know where I got it. The answer is TJMaxx and it was $39. I've already worn it twice and I love it.

My weekend in Chapel Hill/Raleigh was incredible. It was so nice to be away, to be with my sister and her family, to reunite with my sweet niece, and extra special that I got to spend Noa's first Easter with both of my sisters and my bro-in-law.

The girls on Easter morning @ church. That's Noa, me, Ruth, and Rachel.


Noey and I before the Good Friday service.

Rae and Ruth at Geer's Garden with our 'pile' o fries.

Noa and I on Easter Sunday.

Reunited! This is Friday after I arrived.

Ruth drove in from Clemson on Thursday night. Chris, my brother-in-law grabbed me from the airport on Friday morning. We all went out to lunch at Geers Garden (near Duke). We also had a fro yo stop immediately following lunch. Thankfully, my sisters love self serve fro yo as much as I do!

Friday night we went to a special Good Friday service put on my Chris's church where he is the Associate Pastor, it's called 'The Gathering Church'. It was so fun to be a part of their church and to meet their friends! Everyone was delightful.

Saturday morning I met Jo and Mia for coffee at Starbucks (actually Mia came got me and bless her heart, got lost!):

These girls have such a special place in my heart. I treasure their friendship and it felt so good to chit chat over coffee and bagels with them. I feel like I've known them forever. And I have to say it's great to have friends who understand the football world. It's really not something you can understand unless you've been part of it, lived it.

I was so excited leading up to this meeting that I was kind of depressed when it was over...BUT they've agreed to let me host a girl weekend in August here in Tampa that will include food, sun, beaches, pools, tans, and shopping. So I will just anxiously await that while obsessively over planning in the meantime.

Saturday afternoon the girls and I hit the mall for a bit. I behaved myself, buying only one top from the Limited that was on sale for $6 (couldn't turn that down, now could I?). That night my sister and bro-in-law cooked an AMAZING Easter dinner for us all plus a few of their friends. We had a blast! And I haven't eaten that good in...well, maybe ever. It was delicious.

Sunday we went to church and celebrated the resurrection of my Savior! What a special thing to celebrate with my precious family. I'm so grateful for the sacrifice and the victory associated with Easter weekend. I hope each of you celebrated it with your families as well.

I feel so blessed to have spent Noa's first Easter with her. It was great to catch up with both of my sisters as well as to be part of Chris's church during this special holiday weekend. It was hard to board that plane back to Tampa and I did so tearfully. But I'm already looking forward to many more weekends like this.

Love,

B

For the Love of Books.

I have been a reading fool so far this year. I set out to read 50 books this year and I'm already crushing that goal, being almost halfway through in March. I am apparently 12 books ahead of schedule, or 22% if you prefer.

I committed and shared here that one of my goals for 2012 is to get through some of the books I've been putting off. I've been checking those off book by book on both my Kindle and at home bookshelves. But perhaps the most fun has been passing them along. A week ago now I finished the book 'American Wife' and after seeing via Goodreads that Amber was wanting to read it, I dropped it in the mail to her.

There are very few books that once read I will ever read again. With so many books available and more being written every day I just don't find that I want to go back and cover the same territory. I already feel like I will never have enough days in a year or years in my life to cover all the literary ground I desire. So, swapping books is a great way to get fun, fresh reads and keep your shelves from going stale.

In my mailbox in the last week I've gotten this book from Amber:

Listen to this from Amazon:

In 1977, pregnant Genevieve Russell disappeared. Twenty years later, her remains are discovered and Timothy Gleason is charged with murder. But there is no sign of the unborn child.

CeeCee Wilkes knows how Genevieve Russell died, because she was there. And she also knows what happened to the missing infant, because two decades ago she made the devastating choice to raise the baby as her own. Now Timothy Gleason is facing the death penalty, and she has another choice to make. Tell the truth, and destroy her family. Or let an innocent man die in order to protect a lifetime of lies…

Um, let me guess - you want to read it next? ; ]

And this one from MK:

Literature according to Amazon:

In his 14th book, bestselling author Nicholas Sparks tells the unforgettable story of a man whose brushes with death lead him to the love of his life. After U.S. Marine Logan Thibault finds a photograph of a smiling young woman buried in the dirt during his tour of duty in Iraq, he experiences a sudden streak of luck -- winning poker games and even surviving deadly combat. Only his best friend, Victor, seems to have an explanation for his good fortune: the photograph -- his lucky charm.

Back home in Colorado, Thibault can't seem to get the woman in the photograph out of his mind and he sets out on a journey across the country to find her. But Thibault is caught off guard by the strong attraction he feels for the woman he encounters in North Carolina - Elizabeth, a divorced mother -- and he keeps the story of the photo, and his luck, a secret. As he and Elizabeth embark upon a passionate love affair, his secret soon threatens to tear them apart -- destroying not only their love, but also their lives. Filled with tender romance and terrific suspense, THE LUCKY ONE is an unforgettable story about the surprising paths our lives often take and the power of fate to guide us to true and everlasting love.

I'm SO excited because after reading reviews and seeing the stars pop up on Goodreads I can't wait to read both. Also they seem like perfect vacation reads. So as I was packing, I added these to my carry on. Hoping for some quality reading time on both of my upcoming trips.

Who's in favor of putting together a summer reading list and/or doing a summer book swap? I know I'm not the first to come up with the idea but I've loved each one I've participated in AND I've found some of my favorite bloggers through swaps. If I put one together would any of you be interested?

Love, B
Ps: If you have a Goodreads account and we're not friends yet, add me. I love seeing what people are reading and if I own something you're interested in, you might just get mail!

Pick Me Up.

Note: I'm also on Neely's blog today with 5 dos and a don't of being in your 20s. So if you haven't, check me out there (and follow her) and if you're here because of that post, well thanks for stopping by!

I'm a firm believer that sometimes it's healthy to run away. In honor of this I keep a healthy sized travel budget and when life gets really ecky, I buy a flight to some place else. Don't worry, I always come back to Tampa. This is home. No matter what people say about where your heart and your family are - Tampa is my home, even if I live here alone. But sometimes the grass really is greener on the other side and you just have to go.

I got some hard news on Monday. Hard not necessarily meaning bad, but difficult all the same. As you grow up your life is always changing and people are coming and going as they pursue their own dreams. As the one who's always moved before now, it's a new phenom for me to be left behind. I've said it before and I'll say it again - I have the kind of friends who will change the world and you can quote me on it.

I was feeling especially blue yesterday after a tearful night on Monday. And so, in an attempt to bounce back, I have booked a flight 24 days away to go spend a weekend in my favorite small town - Scottsburg, Indiana. Time to go see my best friend, get away, clear my head and focus on the future and all that it holds for me and the people I love.

The next few weeks are heavily travel laden so be prepared for many updates from afar (and probably some picture overkill). First up: Tallahassee, followed by the burg, Raleigh, Haiti, and Washington DC.

Love,
B

Continuing a Year of Experiences.

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

Trip Announcement for 2012.

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,

B

Girls Weekend.

(Sarah and I during one of our girls weekends in 2010 in Jacksonville)

About a month ago, after a particularly weird couple of days I was hashing through the deets with my friend, Sarah, from Purdue who has also relocated to Florida (she's in Jax) and we decided we were long overdue for a girls weekend away. And so, I bring to you Girls Weekend 2011 in....


Saint Augustine, Florida. (cred)

Cred.

Cred.

For those of you who haven't been to St. A before - it's similar to Charleston, SC or Savannah, GA but the Florida version, naturally. It's historic, quaint, full of fun stores, neat museums, beautiful beaches, and a million places you can walk too. I love it there but haven't been in a few years and so I pitched the idea to Sarah of making a girl's trip of a weekend there.

Since she was totally on board with it my mind has been running wild with ideas of where I want to go, what I want to do, what we absolutely have to see (when did I become such an overacheiving tourist?). I've already pitched the ideas of horseback riding on the beach, ziplining through the alligator farm, riding on a pirate ship, and attending a murder mystery dinner theatre. So we'll see just what adventures we land on.

Looking forward to time with a special, fun-lovin friend, away from Tampa but still full of sunshine and summertime TLC.

Eeeee!

Love,

B

Meet Me in St. Louie.

I made my second trip to St. Louis, MO this past weekend for our Rams Father & Kids Experience. It was a quick, action packed trip but as always we managed to sneak in a little fun including:

My first trip to the arch.

A trip to Crown Candy for lunch.

Which included homemade ice cream, of course.

Loved the flags with the bridge in the background.

Enjoyed meeting their head coach, Coach Spanuolo, who knows my sweet Dad. And the event was a great success. It's good to be home and recovering from a crazy 36 hours away. But I have to say St. Louis as a city and the Rams as a team are really leaving me with a great second impression.

Love,

B

Pittsburgh, PA - Round 2.

Well I'm back from my second trip to Pittsburgh and after taking it easy (as easy as I ever take it) yesterday - I'm back up and running. With only 4 days between Pittsburgh and Scottsburg I've got to be on my A game this week. I continue to feel bad that the blog has been sorely lacking in attention as of late. But as we all know, there are just those seasons of life where certain things have to come to top of the priority list for a while, while others fade and so forth.


But here's a few highlights of this past week...

Thomas and I enjoyed a great date night at Fly Bar and Restaurant, a tapas place in downtown Tampa the night before I left for my Pittsburgh adventure. We had a great time and you can read my review of Fly Bar here. We enjoyed a walk around downtown while we were there and partly because with as busy a week as we both had, we were afraid if we sat still too long we'd fall asleep. I love that we've explored and dated all over Tampa from New Tampa, to North Tampa, to Clearwater, to downtown, to St. Pete - we've been all over the place and back.


Don't worry - I remembered to keep up the tradition alive with a Pittsburgh postcard for Thomas and I's collection. We'll actually be adding 2 new ones this week, and another in 3 more weeks from St. Louis. I love having our own special tradition.

After our lovely date night on Thursday it was off to the first of 2 burghs I'll visit this week for our Steelers event....

I got to have a quick catch up chat with Steelers head coach and All Pro Dad spokesmen Mike Tomlin on the morning of the event. He did a great job and it was fun to catch up on what his family is doing and give him the quick run down on ours.



Had to get a shot with the practice field while I was at it. Be jealous of my britney-wanna-be headset and my double nametag usage.

It was a great event though and I enjoyed my time with our team working this weekend - but as always it was good to return home. Tampa has a wonderfully welcoming feel every time I return.

Home for 3 days and then it's on the road again.

Love,
B

I Can't Wait to be on the Road Again.

(Image.)

Well lovies, I am packed up and ready to peace out at lunch time today for a glorious weekend in the Keys with long-time bff, Jess Corbin. In the midst of a rough week over a month ago we determined it was time to get a plan and get out of town. I refuse to even answer to Becca this weekend, I'm making up a fake name and pretending to be someone else all weekend long - name suggestions are welcomed.

I plan to be somewhat disconnected from the internet world all weekend. I've planned my blog posts so I won't have to worry about writing while I'm away (but rest assured I will come back with a list of new blog topics I'm confident, traveling inspires me). I'm going to keep the texting to a minimal (I receive on average about 20K a MONTH - it's exhausting). I'm taking no calls. I'm leaving my laptop. I will probably post a few facebook status and tweets (it's hard for me not to brag a bit when I'm on the beach) but other than that, I'm unplugged friends.

It's time for this part-Hawaiian to tap into her inner island girl and relax where I belong - in the sun. I hope to come back rested and sickeningly tan.

Pictures and thoughts to come when I return, until then enjoy the blogs I've scheduled and don't worry I'll be back to commenting in full force on Monday.

Love,
B

New York City.

Hello beautiful people.

I determined as I started to 2011 that this year was going to be significantly different from last year. 2010 was a great year for me and to be honest I was sad to see it go. But, after spending a year really purposing to practice discipline, I wanted 2011 to be more about experiences (than saving money and losing weight).

I'm 25, single, and really in a great place in life. I may never have the freedom I have now, again. Now is the time to live it up. Not chucking the discipline I've developed but planning to spend my time, money, and other resources really living life to the fullest!

Over lunch at Nordstrom Cafe with two of my absolute favorite people in the world who double as my Tampa family I got an invite I couldn't have been more excited about. They invited me to New York City! Cue the Sex in The City theme music. Since they offered me a place to stay AND I had a voucher for the flight - it sounded like the perfect opportunity to see a city I already know I will love!

New York City is home to great shopping, famous landmarks, much of our nations history and landmarks and of course, the set of one of my favorite shows - Gossip Girl! Hopefully I will become friends with Blair and Chuck while I'm there. And if I win the lotto or find a million dollars on the ground between now and then I may just buy up a bundle of designer wear. But mostly I'm looking forward to strolling in Central Park, seeing shows, and spending time with people I love! Oh, and showing off a few of the fabulous outfits I've acquired recently.

So so SO excited to have this booked and ready to go. Now hurry up May - I've got a new city to conquer.

Love,

B

Cowboy Take Me Away.

Ok, so, sadly no cowboys around to take this girl away. I actually grew up riding horses though, so I should be able to ride myself off into the sunset if I ever need too. Sans cowboy a girlfriend is taking yours truly away for a weekend in the Florida Keys next month. Jess is a long-time friend and honestly, frequently my saving grace when life gets tough. As two high energy, tough-as-nails kind of girls we still accept that sometimes, you just need to get away.

After a particularly disappointing day last Tuesday I tweeted Jess (if you don't follow me on twitter, feel free - @thequeenbc) and begged her to run away for a weekend with me. I believe 'anywhere but here' may have been my exact request. As mentioned recently Tampa has my heart but even I like a little time away now and again. She quickly tweeted back that the same had been on her mind and we got to work planning a trip out of town and agreeing we may even pick a fake identity for the weekend like in those Vegas commercials (but for much less scandalous reasons, naturally).

The next time you see these faces posted it will probably be recapping our Keys Weekend in late-March. Can't wait to get away with a bestie and just take a vacation from life for a few days. I don't know why people always say you can't run away from your problems? I'm a firm believer that you can run away for a bit, as long as you come back and beat them afterwards. So for two worn out fasters with alot on their minds, this is going to be just the needed retreat - full of sunshine and the feeling of summer time.

Add the keys to my list of 2011 travels because my bags are as good as packed!

Love,

B

2011 Plans in the Making.

Image.

Well I added two new states to my list of places I've been this year as I continue in my journey to see all 50 states before I kick the bucket. With 21 to go at only 25, I think there's a good chance I'll make it yet. Though, it's probably about time I get to work on some trips!

Speaking of which, it's been fun to have a clean slate for 2011 with my new calender insert installed. 12 months ahead to explore new places, meet new goals, and enjoy this amazing stage of life I am in! I can't wait to share with you for New Years my recap of 2010, which has been an absolutely incredible year for me - but you know me, I'm already forging ahead to what's next!

I was thrilled to make the first big insert into my new calender a visit from my best friend in February. Reuniting with 'the other Bekah' for some hang time in May has also been added to the books with much excitement. A college buddy is visiting in January (hopefully) and I'm working on a few others to get Florida trips on their books. My aunt, uncle, and cousin Wesley will be down in March for baseball tournaments and I'm hoping I can host them at the condo a few night while they're in town as well. Those being said (with much enthusiasum) I'm also hoping to get out of town and see a few places myself this year...

- I want to drive over a spend a weekend in St. Augustine, Florida. My family went a few years ago and I love it there. Since moving back to the Sunshine State I've been meaning to go back there, but just haven't had the time yet. Expect to see that in 2011.

- Scottsburg, Indiana. That's right - as Josh fondly refers to it as 'Mayberry' it has stolen a piece of my heart (since it holds my best friend, her hubby, Ellen, and a town full of sweet people and cute little places to go). I want to head down there in late 2010 or early 2011 so see my bff's new home and spend some time with the people she loves, and I've grown to love.

- Washington, DC! My aunt Ju and Uncle David live there and I haven't been to explore the city since the days of living in Maryland with my family (when I was under 10). It's time. I love spending time with my aunt and uncle and I'm hoping to catch my cuz, Whitley, playing some baseball (at the University of Virginia) while I'm up there. With a few free flights just around the corner from my 2010 travels, I look forward to planning a trip up that way in 2011.

- I should know in the next month or so where I'll be traveling for work in 2011 - but you can look forward to a long list of those destinations in early 2011 too and I'm hoping maybe a few new destinations for me will be on that list as well.

- Jacksonsville. I broke tradition last year (out of necessity) and skipped the Colts v. Jags came in Jacksonville but I fully intend to be back at my tradition in 2011. Who's with me?

- Atlanta. I want to hit the ATL for a trip sometime in 2011 and I'm hoping that'll include some face time with T.

I'm still open to suggestions (and invitations for free places to stay, naturally) for my 2011 adventures.

Love,

B

Another Chilly Weekend.

Picture.

Well I'm headed to the 'lou' tomorrow morning. St. Louis that is. My first trip to that side of Missouri. I'm looking forward to my first view of 'the arch' and of course the usual experimenting with a new cities cuisine. Life has to revolve at least a little bit around food, right?

I thought it had gotten chilly when I was running errands last night and it was only 50 degrees but it's looking like that's only a little prep for a chilly weekend in the L. The temperature should be a slightly terrifying 41 degrees when we touch down tomorrow morning. I woke early this morning to work on my packing. Good thing I had my coat dry cleaned. It's new but for some reason it was a bit smelly. Thankful for 1.99 dry cleaners this week - especially since my Christmas party dress is also now clean and ready for Tuesday.

On a happy note my most recent review was a success on multiple levels. One of my readers, Lisa, has already, bought, read, and finished the book - so my review was actually taken seriously, which I always like. Lisa wrote on my facebook last night:

If that wasn't good news enough, I may have mentioned previously my excitement at being found (via the blog) and asked my this particular company to review the book. It was my first time working with them and obviously, it was my desire to review the book with excellence and please them with my work.

I wrote my contact to give her the links to my blog review as well as a consumer review (on amazon) and received a positive response from her last night as well. She wrote that not only had she enjoyed the review but had pasted it on the Heather's editor who was equally pleased. She also wrote that she would be happy to work with me again and would send me other books for review if I am interested. This was great news.

Well, I best be getting moving if I'm going to have time to stop for a diet dr. pepper on my way to work.

Love,
B

Three Days til Indy.

Hello Lovelies.

First off, thank you for your feedback on my last blog. After hesitating to post pictures (eck) of my before and after I was pleasantly surprised to get not only comments but e-mails, facebook messages, and texts about the post. Turns out more of you than I thought can relate to where I've been, where I'm at, or where I'm headed. So thank you for your encouraging words, your kind thoughts, and your questions - which I thoroughly enjoyed answering!

For those of you who asked that I keep you up to date on how I do - I will do so! I'm two days into my newest contest and plan and feeling strong.

I leave Friday for Indianapolis for a whirlwind 3 day weekend of work, family, friends, and football - pretty much in that order. We are having our Fall Colts FKE in Indianapolis this weekend. It will be sold out soon but if you're interested you can register on our website - www.allprodad.com and I will see you there!

I'm excited to have some of my closest friends return as volunteers - Candy, Josh, and Sean. Also excited to have my new friends, Ellen and Chris coming to bring their son, Cason for the first time! The Colts event has a special place in my heart A. because of my love for the Colts but B. because my own sweet Dad will be there as a spokesmen. My Dad and I have attended quite a few of these events over the years together. Starting with the very first one, here in Tampa when he and Coach Tony spoke. Later as a volunteer in high school and college. And now as a staff member.

Watching Dad engage with the crowd never gets old for me and my pride in him has only grown throughout the years. I am so proud of him. I guess once you hit your mid-twenties that glow parents have about their kids comes full circle and we kids starting having it about our parents. Coach Jim and Dad will rock the house again this year, I'm confident and I look forward to another year I get to be there to cheer him on.

Friday night I'll get some family time and hopefully a chance to meet up with a new-ish friend, Jon I met through an APD event as well! : ] Saturday will be the event and several of my friends will be in attendance, volunteering, etc. so while it will be work it will be the best kind of work day. Afterwards a group of us are going to grab dinner at a place I haven't tried in Indy yet - Tony Sacco's Coal Oven Pizza. If you've been - give me some feedback!

Sunday is all about my Colts. I'll get to go to church with the fam, an at-home-favorite of mine (attending church without them just isn't quite the same). Then we'll head downtown to show em some love as the Colts take on the Cincinnati Bengals and one of my favorite people I love to hate - Chad Ochocinco. I don't know why but he really grates on my nerves in interviews. I have preciously confessed I did watch his entire dating show, The Ultimate Catch, though. Sad.

Looking forward to a great trip to my former home and some quality time with the people I love most. Of course, a chance to break out my fall/winter clothes is pretty exciting as well. I'll try to remember to take pics for once. How many pairs of boots can I fit in a carry on? Hmm...

Love,
B

Back From Baltimore.

Well lovies, I've been back a few days but I like to recap my weekends away. Last weekend I traveled with my work to Baltimore, MD for one of our events. I simply love going places I either haven't been, or haven't been recently. Years ago my Dad actually worked at the University of Maryland, so Baltimore isn't a foreign place for me but it's been so long, it was certainly seeing things with fresh eyes.

Br! I forgot that it's actually fall most places. We Tampa-ites are still enjoying the 90s and in my case, still working on our tans. You northern people totally have an excuse for your paleness - I forgot how cold 50 degrees can feel! I was layered up til I looked like the Pillsbury dough boy and I was still shivering. What's up with my thin blood?

Ok I can officially swear by the neck pillow (pictured above) I slept the best I ever have on both my flights this weekend. Love! None of that falling over when you first fall asleep and waking yourself back up. And I didn't strain my neck like I usually manage to do. I felt great, I got a good mornings and nights nap en route. Delightful. I bought the serasoft kind, because I'm obsessed with those blankets (I have 4) and because, let's be honest, it was 7 bucks at Marshalls. It has crossed my mind to start collecting them though. If anyone finds a zebra one, let me know. It must be mine.

So it was my first trip to M & T Bank stadium - which is beautiful. I know I'm a bit of a football nerd but honestly, seeing new stadiums is such a thrill for me. I love the game and I love where it's played. I can't help myself!

This blog post wouldn't be complete without showing you that from my hotel room I could see Camden Park - where the Orioles play AND M & T Bank Stadium where the Ravens games are played. Love.

I wouldn't mind a lengthier trip to Baltimore in the near future for some sight seeing. Maybe when it's not so cold though.

One last thing of note about my trip - the outlet mall! We stopped there for breakfast when we landed and had a few minutes to explore. When we ended up with 40 minutes to shop I managed to turn 40 minutes and 48 bucks into - 2 pairs of work pants and 3 tops. Oh Gap outlet, you are officially my best friend in Baltimore. I loved it. Maybe some pics to follow. We shall see.

Love,

B