Loving Lately...

I can't get enough of...

1. Waterfront Workouts.

2. Fresh Flowers.

I absolutely love carnations which happen to the world's cheapest flowers.  Score.  Does that qualify me as low maintenance? Anywho I love them and my last bunch has lasted a solid three weeks now.  Don't they still look amazing?  They're spicing up my coffee table.

3. and 4. Apple TV & a Clean House.

My sweet friend Debo got me an Apple TV for my birthday and it's been life-changing.  Now I can watch my current Netflix obsessions on ym TV instead of just my iPad.  Whoo whoo.  And I finally managed to get my house back it's normal-ish clean state.  Aaaah.

5.  Surprises.  

Normally I'm not a big fan of surprises...but the ones that have been happening lately?...I am loving.

Love,

B

Something You Want.

My sister, Rachel, and I have an inside 'thing' about our gifts.  If we ever give each other gift-cards or money for a holiday we always specify - buy something you want, nothing that you need.  We're both frugal, responsible ladies but birthdays and Christmas are supposed to be about indulging in the things you wouldn't normally get, right?

So this year I was under strict instructions to use my GC to my favorite store, Nordstrom Rack, for something I want that can't be considered a need.  Well we all know I need a handbag like a hole in my head but I've been in love with a funky, fun holiday/fall Kate bag and so with my GC and my Nordstrom notes (God bless triple points days) I added this to my collection...

The something you want clause has become one of my favorite traditions. : ]

I miss my sister.

B

Becca Lately.

Well, hello there loves.

Whew, I feel like I've been so absent it's time for a real update.

Fall has come in a bit of a blur.  Football season is in full swing (though my team as a bye this weekend).  Event season is moving forward with 3 more NFL events before the end of the year I will be on my tippy toes at work the next few months.  My Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years plans are locked and loaded with flights booked.  We're almost a month into bible study and I'm loving leading almost as much as I'm loving my group of girls.  Our tables full of vibrant, beautiful women as we study women of the Old testament.  It's already been an amazing journey and we're just getting started.

Life continues to be full of sweet surprises and special people and so far, twenty-seven is on track to be the best year yet.  It certainly was a great birthday.  Thank you for the flood of cards!  I've read and reread all your sweet words.

I am NOT dominated my works NFL pick em yet and I'm not even sure my consulting for my guy friends fantasy football teams has been particularly helpful - this year has been rogue.  BUT I will say a big fat welcome back to the refs, you've been missed!

Wishing the happiest of birthday's to my very best friend, Candy on her big 2-8 today!

Hope you all are enjoying you fall as much as I am, it just keeps getting better.

Love,
B

Shopping Budget Success.

I'm a newly limited shopping budget as I tackle my Christmas shopping early.  I'm about halfway done AND I've already designed and ordered my Christmas cards.  But in the meantime I have put together a new system for my shopping to keep it under control because let's be real - who doesn't love shopping the most in the fall?

My best friend, Candy, and I have set a monthly 'item limit' on clothing we can purchase which has helped me walk away from a great many 'likes' and wait for 'loves'.  But I finally used one of my precious items this week for a vintage NFL sweatshirt I've been obsessing about on Pinterest...

I've loved putting a little money aside for clothes and having it when I do find something I love.  And cutting back on the item amounts instead of just the money spent has helped me to use it wisely, instead of buying 'cheap' things so I can have more.

Anyone else having to limit their fall shopping budgets because they could go sweater and boot crazy?

Love,
B

The End of a Reading Era.

I'm finally nearing the end of a reading era - the Women's Murder Club series by James Patterson.  I've been working on this series on and off for a year or two now.  One of my coworkers recommended it to me and I have loved it.  I'm attached to the characters, I love Patterson's writing style, and the books move quickly (a must for me).

There are actually 11 books in the series now and I'm finishing up book 11 now. I highly recommend this series if you like murder mysteries.  It's also not overly 'gory' in any way, which I appreciate.  I don't mind a little crime but I don't want the nitty gritty details of all of them, if you catch my drift. 

I'm a little sad to bid this series fair well but it's on to more Patterson series in the near future!

Love,
B

It's Ok Thursday.

It's been a few weeks so this one is overdue...
It's ok...
...to stalk every airline website immediately after your best friend leaves so that you can see her again soon.
...to hate being away from your family during football season.
...to get out of the shower and make a huge wet mess to get more shaving cream when you run out after one leg.
...to drink coffee immediately after working out.
...to read at stop lights.
...to make all your phone calls on the go.
...to look 12 years old when you wear glasses.
...to have taken a cell phone picture when your neighbor weirdly had a bra laying on their front porch.
...to pull your clothes out of the clean (or dirty) laundry pile in the midst of a busy week.
...to not be a fan of Starbucks.
...to alternate morning and evening workouts because you can't get up extra early EVERY day.
...to be totally in love with life right now.
Love, B

Beach Retreat Weekend Recap.

This weekend was perfect.  Literally perfect. I wish I could relive it for the next 234929 weekends in a row.

I snagged my best friend from the airport late Wednesday night.  Thursday we had a Pinterest breakfast at home, went shopping at Nordstrom Rack (our absolute favorite store), and then headed out to Sand Key (just beyond Clearwater Beach) for a retreat with the women from my church. 450 women attended!  It was truly an amazing experience for Candy and I - full of friends (old and new), scripture, worship, downtime, reading, and of course the beach!

 (enjoying the beach on our first day at the Sheraton Sand Key)

 (Reading on our balcony)

 (lunching at the Columbia on the water with Patricia and Toni.  Amazing food, unbelievable view, and three of my favorite women!)

 (Me and Kristin - our women's ministry leader!  Love her)

(Candy and I on our last night of the retreat - pretty much the only time I ditched my baseball cap and comfy clothes all weekend and looked human)

It was hard to say goodbye to the weekend and most of all to Candy as I dropped her at the airport Saturday morning.  But the pain was eased by a fun Saturday block party with my neighbors.  They are truly amazing and we had the best time!

 (prepping my munchies for the cooking part of the day - I also provided homemade ice cream for dessert later)

(the boys were amazing on the smoker/grill - wings, ribs, steaks, kabobs)

We literally cooked and ate ALL DAY in honor of all the September birthdays on our block (which is pretty much all of us).  It was perfect. I had the best time and I truly, truly love my neighbors.

Sunday was of course about church, football, food, and friends - what else would Sundays ever include?

I went to Beefs with friends for lunch and the 1:00 games before heading home to have two of my friends (one old, one new) over for dinner at my place where I got to use my new place mats AND the ice cream bowls I got from my neighbors for their birthdays!

I couldn't have asked for a better birthday weekend.  I had the best time. I'm not plotting how fast I can save up to see my bestie again.

Love,

B