#midwestroadtrip Recap.

This B is back. Oh heeeey.

I had grand intentions of updating this blog from afar but once I got in the air and later on the road I realized, I really need to just be for a week.  That of course didn’t keep me from an influx of photos from my absolutely wonderful week long Midwestern road-trip adventure.  So here’s a quick recap…

This trip was about people.  

I should start by confessing: I don't go to weddings.  It's not that I don't like marriage and people's holy matrimony and all that jazz.  It's just that when you're 27 you get invited to weddings every weekend and I just don't have the time and travel fund to accommodate everyones nuptials.   

So why then did I fly 800 miles north, borrow a car and drive another 3.5 hours to attend one?  Because Mer isn't just a friend, she's family.  When I moved to Tampa once day after finishing my last class at Purdue I had a few remaining friends down here but essentially, I was on my own.  A few months later, Mer moved to Orlando.  

We hadn't been close friends in college but she immediately got in touch and you know me, I was happy to plan a visit.  We spent the next two-ish years being each others Florida family.  We commuted back and forth on the weekends to spend time together, exploring our own cities and each others, and doing life together.  I honestly look back and can't imagine that season of my life without Mer and her friendship.  She was exactly what I needed.

Eventually, sadly, she moved back up north which I guess was good since that's how she met Nick, her now husband.  But for me it was a sad, sad time of saying goodbye.  But she helped me through the hardest years and for that I owe her big.  So when the invite to her wedding came I thought, I'm going to make this happen.

Oh Mer - I'm so happy for you and so extremely grateful for your friendship.  

While in Chicago I got to catch up with my very first college roommate, Alyssa.  We were put together by some brilliant person at Purdue in Shreve Hall and we've been friends ever since (though I admit, I wasn't the best roommate on the planet)...

Here are, 9 years later.

I even got to meet her sweet boys - I can't believe she has 2 kids! Ack!  This handsome boy is Ethan, her oldest.  What a doll he was.

Since I was cashing in all my frequent flier miles for this trip, I decided to make it an adventure and soak up as much face-time with friends as I could squeeze in without falling asleep behind a wheel.

I flew in Friday and Jared picked me up.  Ya'll probably know this sweet boy has become one of my closest friends.  How is it I adopt all my bff's from the midwest? 

He gave up his Friday night to pick me up from the airport and do dinner with me.  And then dropped my off at my parents house.  They were still on their own road trip adventure down south so I felt like a high schooler being in my high school bedroom with no parents home.  

Lucky for me, he also gave up his Monday to hangout with my down in southern Indiana and show me around his families farm and I finally got the pleasure of meeting his family - including his parents and one set of grandparents.  I officially love his family as much as he's come to love us crazy Christensens.  In my book, there's really no greater friendship honor than being welcomed into someones family.  This kid has become one of us, and may his fam will let me do a little bit of the same now.

The remainder of my trip I spent in Seymour, IN with my main girl Meagan and her family.  This part of the trip has left me with a vacation hangover.  I almost cried in my coffee the first morning I wasn't drinking it beside her, reading my bible, and talking about life.  

It's hard to believe that this girl also came into my life 9 years ago during my freshman year at Purdue.  But really the last 2ish years have been when our friendship has become overwhelmingly my saving grace in good times and in bad.  This girl encourages me, keeps me going, challenges me, and blesses me every.single.day with her friendship.  I hope I never have to do a day without her (except when I go on missions trips and have to be sans phone, I guess).

There were fairs, homemade ice cream, dinners out, mornings in, coffee, smoothies, vintage shopping, reading, talking, pool days, and even a girls night.  It was a blast.  Can't wait to have her on my turf in the fall for a few days.  Meagan and Tyler are such amazingly gracious hosts - I just love when I get to go to their house.  

I also got to see this long-time friend for a lunch date while I was in town...

Lucky for me Candy now works in the same town Meagan lives in, and one town over from where Jared's family lives.  So when I go south I get to see all of these fabulous people at once!  We caught up over lunch (delicious mexican, I might add).  It was so good to see her.

I can't believe I didn't get pictures of everyone I got to see but I also enjoyed a wonderful breakfast with Jodi, who lead me during my time in Indianapolis youth group - she's amazing.  I caught up over Fro yo with Josh, my first college friend ever - from my 2 years at IUPUI when I was technically way too young to be in college (16) - and almost 12 years later, he's still such a sweet friend. Loved getting time with him and hearing what he's been up too.  I love friendships that weather time and distance.  And I even got a great visit in with my sweet friend Sean who has been such an incredible friend from college through my summers in Indy and now through the 5 years of my being in Tampa.  I'm so grateful for his friendship and prayers.  He never misses a chance to pray for me and with me - what a blessing.  I also got to see my Eric, my dear, dear college friend who lives in the Chicago area now and has graciously stayed friends with me all these years.   Loved catching up with him over lunch and seeing his family who will soon be headed down to Tampa!

Whew.  So I'm back in Florida and recovering from a whirlwind of fun.  I have had a lot on my heart and mind this week so there may be more writing to follow soon.  But for now - there's a little snippet of my Midwestern adventure.

Love y'all.

B

Weekends Away.

I had no idea how badly I would need a little weekend away with friends when I booked my cheapy flight to Indiana four months ago.  But these past four months have been action packed and I can say with complete honest that this weekend really morphed from the intended agenda to what ended up being an incredibly timely and perfect weekend away.

I was supposed to depart for Indianapolis Thursday night so I could spend a little time with two of my favorite guy friends before I headed south for the remainder of my self-proclaimed long weekend.  But I guess the ice storm of the midwest had other ideas because my flight was cancelled and I found myself here in Tampa Thursday night.  I took the time to relax with a book and a few chores and get my mind right for the weekend ahead.

Friday morning I caught a flight to Indy to meet up with my sweet friend Meagan.  Meagan and I met our freshman year of college in the photography lab where we were both, at the time, photo majors.  After our freshman years our paths took elsewhere (her to another college and mine eventually out of art school and into Social Work which of course isn't what I do now either, go figure) but we stayed in touch throughout the years thanks in large part to Facebook.  It's really been in the last two years that we've gotten really close, though.  I am so grateful that our friendship really stepped up in a time in both of our lives where we wanted and needed that.  Meagan has been an incredible friend and encouragement to me and in so many ways inspires me.  What a blessing she is.

We spend Friday afternoon at the outlet malls.  We've both been doing some purging and it's time to replace and revamp our wardrobes (except another post related to this at a later date).  But we had the best time and we ended up both finding perfect jeans (which we both bought 2 of) and matching sweatshirts (which you will observe in one of the photos below).

We came home to a delicious meal cooked by Meag's sweet husband Tyler.  Talk about the star treatment - a homemade meal right off the bat!...and that boy can cook!

Saturday morning we got to relax at home, drink smoothies, and talk face-to-face instead of our usual 6am-10pm texting routine.  We also headed to Drake (Meagan and Tyler's 5-year-old son)'s basketball game.  If you've never watched 5-year-old's ball you're missing out.

Saturday night they took me to meet some of their friends at a birthday party (yes, I'm a party crasher).  They have the sweetest friends, I loved getting to know them.  There's something extra special about meeting your long distance friend's other friends and just getting to be a part of their lives and relationships for a weekend.

Sunday we headed back to Indy a little early to have lunch with my sweet Momma.  She is THE best, truly.  And I get so spoiled when I get to be with my close friends and my family in one place.  For that, I am so grateful for Indiana which is home to so many of my favorite people.

(note: matching sweatshirts here)

After these sweet pictures my Mom and I got a little alone time parked in the cell phone lot and then I hopped a flight home to Tampa.  It was so fun to get a little face time with her though and to pray with her in the car about the coming seasons in my life, her life, and the lives of each of our precious family members. This year promises in true Christensen fashion to be a busy one.

I came back Sunday night so grateful for the Lord's provision of wonderful friendships and time away to recoup, renew, and refresh.  I am excited for several upcoming weekends away with friends.  I would hop a flight to see friends just about every weekend if I could get away with it (slash afford it).  Ok, now that talking about it is making me miss sipping coffee with these fine folks, I'm going to sign off this post.

Love,

B

Kansas City.

Well, summer is over and September has officially begun.  I love September not only because it's the month of my birth as well as several of my best friends and my baby sister but also because it's the true beginning of football season!  I desperately wish I was headed to Chicago for the Colts opening game next weekend but alas, I think I'll be sleeping in my own bed at home in Tampa for a whole week now!

I had an amazing trip to Kansas City this past weekend to spend some time with friend Jonathan.  He was quite the host and I have to say - it was so fun I barely noticed it was the Midwest (I kid).  But really, it was such a fun holiday weekend away.

I flew out Friday night from Tampa, through Nashville, and landed in KC about 10:30 Friday night.  I made the sweetest friends on my flight whom I've been e-mailing with since and I'm hoping to get together with very soon in Tampa (they live in Sarasota - about an hour from me).

Saturday night I had my first Kansas City bbq experience.  It was literally life-changing.  We ate at Jack Stack in 'the plaza' area of KC.

How cute is this?

My apologies that the only picture I took of Jonathan and I is dark and hard to see.  Oops.

Jonathan did a great job of exposing me to new music this weekend (I know many of you who know me well enough to know I barely listen to music will be excited about this) including going to see Samantha Fish on Saturday night.  I'm not officially in love with her voice and came home with 2 CDs of it.  As well as a 2 other CDs of new music I'm stoked about.

I didn't take nearly enough photos to do the weekend justice but I do have to share that we made a swirly cupcake tower for Brett, Jonathan's best friend's birthday this weekend:

We were pretty proud of it.

I'm back in Tampa and (I think) ready for an intensely busy September!  Thankful for a perfect weekend away to start it off right and hoping I'll get to return the favor with a Tampa weekend soon!

Love,
B

Labor Day Weekend.

Well, happy Labor Day weekend to all.  I'm out of town this weekend (yes, again) enjoying some time with a fellow Purdue Alumni from my Midwestern days.  This will be my first real trip (as in, more than to work or passing through the airport) trip to Kansas.  I guess when I return on Monday night I can say I'm not in Kansas anymore?  Here's to hoping that as you read this I'm enjoying less than 100 degree heat indexes and good company.

I didn't know when I made my facebook background, which reads: I would gladly live out of a suitcase if it meant I could see the world, that I really would be living out of a suitcase for half of August and most of September.  Oh well, it's officially my birthday month!  11 days left as a 26-year-old.  Anywho...

Wishing you all a great holiday weekend with little to no 'labor' involved.

Love,
B

Weekend Recap: Daytona Beach.

It's no secret I love to travel but I'm a little sad to admit most of my travels that few years have involved flying.  That's not to say, I don't love a good road trip.  In fact, I love to drive for hours by myself (that sounds weird, doesn't it?).  I picked up a few books on CDs at the library last week, filled a cooler with diet coke (totally unnecessary but awesome), and hit the road for Daytona Beach Saturday morning after a quick workout and a few cups of coffee.

My niece, Noa, is now 6 months old and my sister and bro-in-law were coming down to celebrate the 35th wedding anniversary of his parents.  35 years, isn't that amazing?  Lucky for me, they usually let me tag along when they visit so I can get extra time with both families, whom I adore.

So here is my quickly growing 6 month old niece, Noa June:

(please excuse the disaster that is my hair in this picture)

She's growing so quickly these days, it makes it hard to be the faraway Floridian aunt B.  But I cherish every second that I do get with my sweet niece.

Saturday night was the official party so Noey and I got ready and went to the beach clubhouse to celebrate Nan and Ned's big 35!

This is my older sister,Rachel and of course Noey and I at the party Saturday.

Noey and her Aunt B.

This is my favorite picture of the weekend.

A special thanks to Jess for lending me the dress, loved it.

I drove back last night to play catch up before today when I'll return to work.  But it was a perfect 36 hours away with my family.  And I'm so thankful it will only be 4 weeks til I'm reunited with them all in Myrtle Beach.

Love,

B

Weekend Continued and New Purchases.

Note: this post contained self taken, mirror pics. If you're annoyed by these you may want to skip today's post.

Saturday I headed across the bridge to St. Petersburg, FL to cookout with my sweet friend Daniel. Daniel moved to Texas a few months ago and even though that stinks for me, I'm so happy for him and his amazing job there. Daniel has been an incredible friend to have and I miss having regular fro yo. But it was great catching up with him, meeting his family, and playing games with his friends (even though I normally hate games I lose).

I also did a little babysitting Saturday, and I'm getting SO close to having all the money for both of my home projects. I'm so proud, I've done it in about half the time I planned on and even that was ambitious! So exciting. May 1st can't come quick enough....I'm ready for fresh painted walls and new countertops.

Sunday after church Jess and I went to see the Hunger Games. I'm of course on team Peeta, but will happily kiss Gail any day of the week. You know, to comfort him and all.

(image from Vanity Fair)

I had heard mixed reviews from people who had read the books but Jess and I were in full agreement, the movie was great! I was most impressed with the casting - I thought they did an amazing job of picking characters and I was grateful the acting was well done (not Twilight like, as I had feared).

I would LOVE to be a made up extra in the capitol in the future films, please. The makeup and outfits were really fun. If I could do eye makeup like that I might actually spend money on eyeshadows.

I was home a total of about 3 waking hours this weekend but I while I was there I was trying to determine what I'll be wearing this weekend AND I purchased a few new things while Jess and I were having our girls day on Sunday. I wanted to share a few items/ideas (hince my picture warning)...

I snagged this shirt at the Nordstrom Rack during triple points week (it was March 14-18th) - planning to pair it with skinny jeans and boots or wedges (it's long, although you can't hardly tell here).


Since it's already 90 degrees daily in Tampa, I figured it was time to add some fun springy color to my wardrobe for the year. Jess helped me pick out this fun scarf at TJMaxx (please excuse my early morning, very tired looking face).

I need a new bag like a hole in my head but I couldn't resist this inexpensive flash of color:

Still holding out hope my groupon scarf will come this week before I leave but it's looking more like that may be for next weekend, in NC. We shall see.

I still need to invest in a few pairs of fun wedges for spring. What's on your shopping list this spring? What plans are you looking forward to this weekend?

Love,

B

Travel Fashion & Purchases.

I love love love to pack because it means I'm going somewhere. I love picking out my outfits, planning what I'll wear to which place, which bags to carry...I even enjoy trying to get the most out of what I pack. I make packing an art.

I leave Friday for 3.5 days in Indiana/Kentucky with my bestie. Afterwards I will be back in Tampa from mid-morning Monday til first thing Friday morning, when I will depart again for Raleigh, NC to spend Easter with my sisters, bro-in-law, and niece (Noa). So my head has been swimming with ideas of what to pack.

I'm hoping to sport a few new things I've bought but haven't yet worn.

I bought the scarf on the left from Collection XIIX - when they were featured on Groupon Goods. The color is called cerulian blue and I loved it. I'm crossing my fingers it arrives sometime next week so that I can wear it in the midwest over the weekend. I like the way the girl in the middle wears the scarf more than the girl with the color I bought, though.

I snagged a pair of neon yellow sneakers while at Target the other day. I swear everytime I'm there I buy something that isn't on my list. They were only a couple bucks. They're wicked comfortable too! I'm thinking they may be just right for travel! I like to have my feet covered in case it's cold on the plane but I like things that are easy on, easy off for security purposes. Slip on sneakers with no laces? Perfection!

I'm picturing them with loose fitting rolled jeans and a casual grey top - thoughts?

This trip I may also try out my new overnight bag as a carry on. I believe I've shared it before but it looks like this:

I bought this at Nordstrom Rack a few weeks back and was going to take it to Tally until my trip was cancelled. So it still has the tags on it and it's gathering dust in my closet next to my old and faithful Coach carry on. But hopefully for only a few more days!

My weekend in Indiana will be low key - consisting of our typical Roadhouse dinner, twin 2 year old's birthday party, church, and lazing around soaking up the awesomeness that is my best friend. So I will most likely pack jeans, tees, sneaks, and pjs and call is a day.

My weekend in Raleigh will be low key as well but since it's Easter Sunday I will have an excuse to dress up. I managed to find a pic I uploaded the day I found the dress I'm going to wear (remember that time I had a makeover on TV and they dyed my hair burgundy? Yeah, this picture is from then):

I need you all to take a vote now, though. I'm torn between combining is with teal or coral accessories and cardigan. I have some of each - but I would probably invest in a cardigan in whichever color we determine. So - votes please!

I can't wait to post Easter pictures with my niece! You're in for a treat - she's darling.

Ok, much more to think about. But I had to share a little of what I'm thinking about for packing. Suggestions are always welcomed. Anyone else have fun spring trips coming up? Anyone else want to shop like they're going somewhere cool this spring even if they're not?

Love,
B

Weekend Plans.

Happy Friday to All!

After a wicked early start to work a Cambridge Christian All Pro Dad's Day chapter meeting this morning (the highlight of my work month on many occasions), I will head out early this afternoon to depart on my first 'for fun' trip of 2012. I have lots of upcoming travel as previously mentioned on the blog and highlighted in the right column. But this is the kick off trip. Booked in November during a Southwest Sale - I've been anxiously counting down the days until now...departure day!

I will depart at 4:30 on a non stop flight only to be picked up on the flip side by my best friend, Candy! I am literally thrilled. Were headed tonight to 'the roadhouse' for a late dinner at the restaurant Candy worked in growing up in the 'burg.

I'm really looking forward to some downtime, with a few of my favorite people....in what has quickly become one of my favorite places on earth. Let's just hope I can semi stick with my diet and exercise plan while away for a few days. There will be blog posts still, so you won't have to miss me too much, and I promise to have some fun photos and stories when I return as well.

In my carry on for this trip I will be taking two new books to read:

This is the 7th book in the Women's Murder Club series which many of you who have been following the blog for a while and/or are my friends on GoodReads already know about my obsession with all things JP and this series. So I picked this up from the library this week after being on hold between books 6 and 7, and will begin this while away (and possibly finish it too).

Actually both of the books I'll be traveling with this trip are by JP but #2 is a love story, not a murder mystery. Some of you may be unfamiliar with Patterson as a love story author but he's actually had several famous, non-violent novels. This one was gifted to me by a client who knows about my love of JP and reading in general.

Here's what amazon has posted about this one:

From Publishers Weekly

Unlike Patterson's Alex Cross thrillers, this sentimental tale does not translate well to audio. The plot twists seem all the more absurd when read aloud, and the audiobook's maudlin music, inserted during the story's poignant moments, is as distracting and disturbing as a TV laugh track. Jennifer, a newspaper columnist who's grieving the death of her husband, has more reason to mourn when her beloved grandmother, Sam, falls into a coma. Jennifer rushes to Sam's home in Lake Geneva,Wis., where she finds a packet of letters addressed to her. The letters detail her grandmother's life story, including an affair she had with a mysterious man. Jennifer takes comfort in the letters, and at the same time, embarks on her own romance with Brendan, an old friend. Heche's thin, mousy voice is perfect for the perpetually worried Jennifer, but she rarely varies her intonation, not even for Brendan's dialogue. Alexander does a better job as Sam, conveying the elderly woman's concern for Jennifer, but her performance isn't sufficient to elevate this flawed audiobook.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Alright well, it's about time I wrap this up and allow you all to continue with your Fridays (I'm probably working or traveling when you're reading this) but I hope you all have a great weekend.

Love,
B

Back for Good?

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,

B

My Dreams Lately...

...have looked a little bit like this:

Image.

Image.

Image.

Image.

Image.

I can't wait to go to New York City, can you tell? We bought our New York City Pass's this week so we can site see like crazy tourists on extra large cafe mochas. A few of the things on our intial hit list:

- MOMA

- A broadway show

- Tea at the Plaza Hotel

- Empire State Building/Ellis Island

- Times Square

- Macys!

- 911 Site

- Dillion's Candy Store

- Grand Central Station

- Chinatown

- Little Italy

Who votes I take my laptop and blog from NYC?!

Love,

B