I’m typically not into fall (couldn’t tell you why, I guess I’m more of a spring girl) but for some reason, this year I am LOVING it. The brisk nights, the cozy sweaters, creamy soups and the promise of change. I can’t get enough. I even want to put up some fall decor! This is seriously abnormal for me, but I’m going with it.
Here are some of my fall inspirations this year:
What are you loving about fall this year? What’s your favorite season?
xx, b
Oktoberfest was in Tempe last weekend, so Drew and I hopped on the Bonnie for a day full of sunshine, beer, pickles, fresh lemonade and bratwurst. What could be better?
We sat down in the grass for a while when this cute little kid started attacking us with his giant inflatable skull-covered bat. Drew fought back with a giant inflatable purple alien. Not going to lie, my ovaries hurt a little watching him “roughhouse” with the little mohawked dude. It also made me wish we lived in France, near Drew’s nephews. Or that my brothers had kids, and that we lived near them. Any of the above would make me a happy bear. 
Afterwards, we took a walk around the lake. I always forget how beautiful the architecture is in that area. I especially love the juxtaposition of water and earth, the modern and the desolate desert. Gorgeous. 
Best part of the day? Relaxing with this man. 
How did you celebrate Oktoberfest this year? Have you been to the real Oktoberfest in Munich? It is definitely on my bucket list.
xx, b
Drew’s birthday was a couple weeks ago and we decided to hit the road and explore Jerome.
We wondered about town for a bit and grabbed a late lunch at 15.quince. One word: incredible. Upon being seated, we were greeted with a huge, double-sided menu of their specialty drinks. I knew that all decisions from there on out would be tough. I settled on something sweet and fruity, while Drew got something smooth and spicy. Both were incredible. And strrrooonnggg. One was enough for me!
We stumbled walked around town for a while, peeking into shops and admiring all the local art.
We climbed to the top of Cleopatra Hill, chatting about where we might spend the night, when we spotted this beautiful home.
(Don’t worry, it wasn’t already nighttime.) We sat by the side of the road, overlooking the Verde Valley and Yelp-ing all the hotels in Jerome. The Surgeon’s House. That lovely home. Our interest was piqued. The Surgeon’s House. Bed and breakfast. Let’s go knock on the door. Andrea greeted us with warm smiles and open arms. One step through that door and we were sold. The energy is so inviting, calming, inspiring.
Our room. Our private patio. Wine. Views. Lush gardens. Magic.
Waking up with the sunrise the next morning, I headed out to the patio for some easy yoga. Breathing in my surroundings. A cool breeze. Water dripping down a fountain. Bird’s melodies. Sunrise. Peace and calm in my heart. Love.
Then we headed downstairs for a homemade breakfast. Arguably the best part of the whole experience. We sat with a few other B&B-ers, discussed everything from travel to motorcycles to water conservation to food and love. Begrudgingly and with a bag filled with breakfast’s leftovers, we signed the guest book, gave Andrea big hugs and sincere thank you-s and parted ways.
Some more exploring around Jerome:
(Best bumper sticker=”Doctors should teach nutrition, not pharmaceutical addiction”.)
We headed home with full heart and bellies. Spirits refreshed. Arms open.
What was the last spirit-refreshing experience you had?
xx, b
i haven’t talked to him in so long
tonight it hurts
she’s so beautiful and i’m so thankful
it’s been a long few years
i’m finally in a good place
glee just got really hard for me to watch.
sometimes it feels like it will never get better, never heal.
Remember my 23 before 24 list? Well, cross #14 off the list because I am currently blogging from a brand new computer! It’s about three years overdue and I saved like a crazy person for it and it’s finally here. As my first big purchase as an “adult”, I’m feeling a ton of anxiety! I know it’s due time for a new computer, I saved the money and purchased responsibly and am extremely happy with the new purchase but dropping that much money…it’s tough.
hi from the new webcam!
Now that I am no longer confined to a desk (as my last laptop’s screen broke and has been tethered to a monitor the past three years), expect a more regular blogging schedule! I am excited for the things to come here.
(in case you were wondering, here’s the base model of the computer i got.)
xx, b
it’s been a while.
time is flying by me.
i’m sorry.
As promised, here is the full recap of my fabulous birthday.
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After clearing up a hilariously confusion situation, the day started out with an early coffee date at Copper Star with my friend Sophie and her two beautiful daughters. I managed to not take a single picture during my time with them because that is clearly what I do every. time. It’s ridiculous. But we enjoyed iced coffees and iced teas and the much-loved vegan apple spice muffin.
Next, Drew and I blended up some margaritas and headed out to the pool. The weather was actually pretty nice that day.
Phoenix has a tendency to get stifiling, to where being outside is out of the question. Thursday was just cool enough to spend time at the pool, but then fall asleep in the sun and dry off in minutes.
After drying off, we headed inside to do a quick outfit change, take a quick picture (so serious, Drew Bear) and head to the next activity:
PEDICURES!! Without a doubt, my favorite time to spend with my mom. My best friend Kristine also came!!! My mom usually picks a basic red, but as Kristine’s toesies were getting painted, my mom decided she wanted that color too! It was a bright coral-y pink color and it was lovely. Mine wasn’t too far off, just a little bit more orange-y. I also got a flower on my big toe, complete with rhinestones. Flashy!
When we were done, Drew came to pick me up and he brought me these beautiful flowers! I was so surprised. I love having fresh flowers around the house and these were nothing short of gorgeous. 
Orchids, calla lilies and those green puffy things are actually a type of carnation! Another sruprise was that K had baked me some cookies! They were amazing, maybe the best cookies I have ever had. And they were her first attempt at vegan baking! I was impressed. Check these babies out.
The beautiful plate they’re on? That’s our friendship plate 
We painted it together at As You Wish and promised to pass it back and forth, always full of goodies! I’m still trying to decide what to bake for her next! Next, it was time for dinner. I’ve been dying to go to Seasons 52, so that’s where we headed. 
I didn’t take any pictures inside the restaurant but it was incredible. Seasons 52 is focused on using fresh, seasonally available ingredients. Their main menu changes with the seasons, and they also have a special menu which changes weekly (52 times a year). The wine list is curated by one of only 142 master sommeliers world-wide. And to top it off, all dishes on the menu are less than 475 calories! Portion sizes are perfect and the use of butter and frying is basically non-existent. Just freshly prepared, perfectly designed and beautifully plated food. We’ll be back again soon.
The night ended as calmly as it started, lounging around with Drew and talking about how blessed we are. I kept saying throughout dinner how much I had enjoyed the day and that it was one of (if not THE) best birthdays I’ve ever had. My mom had a hard time believing that, and started listing off all the wonderful things I’ve ever done on my birthday. And it’s true-I’ve had many. I am truly humbled by the amount of love that surrounds me and holds me together. Thank you for all your kind words, best wishes and your loving acts. I cannot believe how lucky I am to know such wonderful people.
xx,
b
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tell me about some of your favorite birthday memories!!
the other day, i finally signed up for a pinterest account and lost my mind pinning things for four hours. among my finds was this beaut:
what a fabulous way to start your day. even though yesterday really wasn’t that exciting of a day (getting over this-whatever-i-have-that-is-making-my-lymph-nodes-swell-to-the-size-of-golf-balls is not fun), this idea of being excited for everything brings a smile to my face. it’s an instant injection of energy.
today, however, the excitment is organic. i really am excited about everything today. a coffee date with sophie. drinking margys by the pool with my love. pedicures with k and my mom. dinner at a healthy and locally sustained restaurant.
what a great way to celebrate this day of my birth
i’ll leave you with this somewhat fitting song. i know it’s a bit of a downer, but it’s really beautiful.
amazing still it seems, i’ll be twenty-three.
