clouded...

This week I have been a bit out of sorts. This sinus cold is kicking my but in a big way. I even went to bed at 8:30 last night with a migraine. 8:30 people! I am usually lucky if I get to bed by 1am, so clearly my body knows best, that I am in need of some serious sleep. I had a busy blogging week planned but that will have to be re-scheduled. For now I will direct you to my husbands new Tumblr account for a little entertainment. Because when I cannot get it together, he does it for me :)

and now, the resolution to your TK needs:




Yes ladies, that is the face I kiss every morning. Don't be jeal.

Talks with TK...

I am still at home sick but nothing makes me feel better than a dose of TK. I think this might be one of the best things Tim has said yet!

While driving to California...(I was looking out the passenger side window and TK was driving)

TK:(in a sad tone) Aww man. That sucks. I hate seeing that.
BK: What did you see?
TK: A dead deer
BK: Oh that is sad
TK:(with a puzzled look on his face). Or maybe it was a chair?
BK: What?

Now don't you wish you had him around when your sick?

My Weekend in an Instant...

The weather has definitely changed for the worse and my allergies are not too happy about it. I called out of work today due to extreme sinus congestion, so I am going to make this quick since all I really want to do is lay down and watch re-runs of Bones. This week we were smart to spend a lot of time inside and excited to spend time with my Uncle and cousin who were in town from California for my cousins volleyball tournament. So here is my quickie recap on the weekend:

-Friday: we went to the tournament and I was surprised about how exciting and enjoyable volleyball can be. It helps that my cousin is quite the player!

-Saturday: We actually ended up spending majority of the day at home watching Fringe (our new addiction!), lounging with pups and I painted my nails. My Grandma came over and we chatted for a bit (or awhile-she is quite the talker) and then we treated her to a Greek dinner, that she rather enjoyed. I love that woman!

-Sunday: we attended a surprise birthday party for my Uncle at my Aunts house. I made the cake, in packers colors, and we had a great time. That is until I started to get a terrible headache that, see above, has not gone away. BTW- this cake was a pain in the butt to make because the frosting kept melting- ah the joys of living in Arizona.

-Every day of the weekend: we drank lots of beverages from Sonics to keep cool. delish!




Now I am grabbing my blanket (which I have to blast the AC to use) and watching Bones.
How was your weekend?

Friday...

Do you see that up there? Summer has definitely arrived. We can feel it and we can smell it. That's right it smells hot. For the next few months we can expect burned fingers from the steering wheel, bangs sticking to your forehead and unfortunate back of the knee sweat.Well, actually, sweat everywhere. Is this TMI? No people, this is Arizona. Please help us. The heat turns me into a monster but the only thing I typically attack is my husband. God bless him. I think I will be parked in my parents pool for most of this weekend, but when that starts to feel like I am just taking a bath outside, you can find me sitting in front of my fan.

Here are some links I enjoyed this week:

I should be attempting this for Fourth of July right? Via

On the subject of sweets, this sort of cake flavor combo is straight from my dreams-btw this girl is awesome! I want to make everything I see here.

I LOVE this map and then I realized I sorta love everything over at the THESE ARE THINGS SHOP, like this and this

Emily always has the cutest nails! I want to try this

This is sad and gets you thinking, Via

Did you know that I hate my couch? I am dying for this one... so cute and my fave color!
Via

Sal from CROMEYELLOW is going crazy at LA Film Fest! Check it out here and here and here and more to come!

This is so stinkin cute! Via my cousin Keelie's Facebook.

Have a great weekend!

S.I.L.

It seems like all my posts this week are in reference to last weekend, but you know what the weekend really was that good. Besides, it's my blog so I do whadda I want. Last time we went to California I only got to spend a couple hours with my sister in law which was lame so this time around I was super excited to hang with her because I super missed her. You might already know a few things about her from previous posts like her name is Debbie and she loves cats, but there is just a whole lot more you oughta know. Here are a few things I especially love about Debs:

-She is super funny (Note: especially while tipsy)

-She is probably the most stylish person I know and inspires me to branch out

-She is fully committed to her celebrity crushes. Example:



-She never turns down an opportunity to dance or play ping pong. Which personally, I think says a lot about a person

-She is serious about food. No "lady salads" to try and be cute (Note: She also dances when something taste really good)

-She is always willing to take pictures with me and has mad facial skills. Example:


-She is pretty much the ultimate Ride or Die girl. You know the kind you want in your corner when some B gets an attitude at the club or in the bathroom with you when your dress gets stuck in your nylons

-She lets me borrow her deodorant when I forget mine and I think that is love

So I am sure you totally understand why I would dedicate an entire post to her. She is awesome <3 Go Debbie!

P.S. My brother-in-law, Ryan, told me that if I posted hot pictures of him I would gain more followers. This is the best I could come up with. I will let you be the judge on hotness.

Party Time & Lots O' Photos

This friend had a birthday party Sunday night and it was one of the most enjoyable parts of the weekend. I am so glad we took Monday off so we could attend. Great people makes for great fun! Just have a look...(and if for some reason you hate pictures of cute people and smiles, turn around now)







I am not ashamed of my large nostrils...okay, yes I am. Will you guys still love me?








Have you ever seen a cuter couple? BTW- this is CROMEYELLOW

Birthday Boy...










Sasha found a date...




















I hope ya'll are not overwhelmed by the attractiveness that is my friends... btw-did you happen to catch the most beautiful baby in the world up there?
What does "biased" mean?

<3

Talks with TK...

Most girls probably would be upset about this memory, but it happens to be one of my favorites.

On our wedding day, minutes after our ceremony ended and everyone was gathering for pictures. Tim and my brother in law Ryan were walking towards me...
Ryan: Bri, you look beautiful.
Bri: Thanks Ryan!

TK: You look like a ninja!

Bri and Ryan: What?

TK: You know cause your wearing all white.

Bri: Was this a mistake?

Let me compare..

So remember here, when I could not get my pictures off my phone for my weekend update? Well, I finally was able to get the pictures and now, as promised, I will show you the photos that inspired my artwork.







Now, please enjoy yourselves with some laughs.

My Weekend in an Instax...

So even though it is Tuesday I am not late on this post because yesterday was a holiday. It was "Brianna needs to go to California" day and we celebrated it big time. I decided to use my Instax camera for this weekend since I don't get around to using it that often, but I was sorta disappointed with the outcome of most of my shots. This weekend was amazing and just what I needed to get a little bit refreshed! I don't think these photos really capture the fun that was really had this weekend so I will be posting more (real) photos later!

I cannot emphasize enough how much I enjoyed this weekend. I really have the best friends ever. Anyways, I am going to make this one quick and just give you a list of what went down...

-Watching old friends play good music
-Late night Japanese dinner
-Make-up Shopping and girly stuff with Debs
-Evil Dead (1&2) watching at the Egyptian
-LA Hot dogs via Papaya King
-Father's day card shopping
-Family lunch
-Pinata preparing
-Birthday Party attending
-Boys tandem bike riding
-Tear inducing laughing



P.S. It is supposed to be 113 in AZ tomorrow. I am still wondering why we drove home at all.

Friday...

*Griffith Observatory-Los Angeles, Ca

Ah, finally it is Friday! For most of the day yesterday I kept thinking it was Friday and each time I was reminded it was not I was just oh so sad. haha. I think mostly it is because I am so excited to head to LA tonight! It has been over a month since we have gone back and lately I have just been so dang homesick I really need to see my friends and family...plus it is getting hot here so I could use a big dose of California weather (although I don't think it has been too bad for the middle of June. I just want to clarify that to keep things good between me and AZ. Keep it up Arizona!)

So for all of you that don't get to escape for the weekend (sucks for you! j/K although it probably does sucks for you) maybe these links can keep you busy:

TK and I watched Super 8 over the weekend and LOVED it! It really is quite a darling film, so read about it here and go then go catch it if you have not already! VIA CROMEYELLOW

This new Death Cab song has been on repeat for me all week and has been surprisingly encouraging. I am really loving the new album, btw.

Within seconds of seeing this I purchased this. Now I am anxiously awaiting for it's arrival so star lit dance parties can commence!

Read this. Just because everyone wants, no scratch that, everyone NEEDS more Nic Cage in their life.

When I decide to have a kid, I might just try and buy one of these guys Via Misha!

Have a great weekend!

Mateo...

Four years ago today, I lost one of the best guys I have ever met. He also happened to be my cousin. Matthew is his name, but I liked to call him Mateo. He was also one of my best friends and a brother. Things got a little bit darker for us all that day, and it has stayed just a bit dim. But how could your world not be any less bright without this beautiful smile around?


Not one day passes that I don't think about Matt. Sometimes those thoughts bring nothing but smiles to my face and other times just tears. Matthew was known and loved, and is now missed, by so many people. Even though many called him a friend, it always makes me a bit sad to think that no one else will get the chance to meet him and experience what it is like to have someone like him in their life. So I want to introduce you to my cousin Matt and share a few things about him that I love and I know you would too.

First things first, no one could ever love as fiercely or be as loyal as Matthew. Family is everything to him and if Matt was around you never had to worry about someone having your back. He stood firm on what he believed and knew was right and no one could shake him. Not ever. So now that we got a little bit of serious stuff out of the way let me fill you in on what was the constant entertainment of Matthew.

Everyone should be aware that he preferred to be called "The Matt" and without hesitation he would inform you that "King" or "Mr. Awesome" would work just as well. He was the most stylish and well groomed man I have ever met. Let me tell you, I have yet to meet another person who showers and does their hair before going to the gym!

Matthew and I not only worked together for a few years we also sat right next to each other, so I was "fortunate to be able to hear the thoughts and ideas of The Matt", as he informed me...daily. Here is just a taste of the sort of words I was blessed with:


"One day I will have a non-stop party and my own bus and I will go on a nation wide tour. It will be called MATT-A-PALOOZA. I will be a big star because people will want to party with the Matt but don't worry Brianna you can come along, because you are my cousin and I will need an assistant"

"I need to learn spanish so I can take a trip to cuba but I think all I need to learn is the following, 1. You can stand next to me if you do not talk to much. 2. It's okay I am The Matt!"

"I really think ostrich eggs could be used as weapons. Have you ever seen one? They are really big and if you were standing on your roof and dropped it on someone it could definitely do damage. I think I will test it on your friend Jerame when he comes to visit. Tell him to watch out"

He was truly convinced that Tim, even though he is Korean, would be most successful as a Japanese Pop-Star. He reminded him of this daily and encouraged him to follow his dreams.


As inspiring and intuitive as his words are, the thing that probably impressed me most about Matt, was his face:

Boy, do I miss that face.

I miss you everyday, Matt. Every single day. Thanks for these memories...I really am fortunate.

Talks with TK...

I know you were probably all waiting with bated breath to see if you would get your weekly dose of TK. Well it is a little late but here you go!

While on speaker phone with our friend Jerame, who lives in San Francisco and works at apple, discussing a possible visit to SF...

TK: Hey Jerame, If I walk into the Apple store eating a pear, will they kick me out?

How I got a free dinner and felt like a jerk for it...

*this picture of Sal has nothing to do with this story. But doesn't he look cute with those little glasses around his neck?

Tim, myself and my little sister livi were doing a bit of shopping late in the evening and decided to grab a bite to eat at a little Mediterranean place in Tempe. The place was empty with only the three of us, a server and one man sitting in the corner eating. After a minute or so the man says "Tim. Hey Tim". Tim turns around and realizes it is Fahad, a guy he has played basketball at the gym with a few times. They greet each other, Tim introduces us and we go back to our separate tables. Immediately I feel the urge to invite him over. How does it make sense for him to sit alone 3 feet away from us with no one else in the restaurant? "Should we invite him to join us? I don't want him to have to eat alone", I think to myself. I contemplate discussing it with Tim and think about how I could do that quietly without Fahad hearing our discussion.

At this time Tim is thinking the same thought, "I wonder if Bri would mind if he eats dinner with us?". In an effort to avoid stepping out of our comfort zones and a possible awkward situation we both individually put the thought aside and never bring it to discussion.

Fahad finishes his meal a bit before we do, says his goodbyes, shakes Tim's hand and walks out the door. Fifteen minutes later we are ready to leave and Tim goes to the front counter to take care of the bill. The server informs us that Fahad had so generously purchased dinner for all three of us. We were blown away by his kindness. Truly blown away. Here is this young man, whom I have just met and Tim only knows from the court, and he is kind enough to buy our dinner? I honestly was so moved by his gesture.

And I could not even invite him to sit at our table, Seriously Brianna? Come on.
I am not an entirely shy person. I am good in a professional setting or if I am introduced to someone I have no problem carrying on the conversation. When I am the approach-er, I tend to get a little shy. Throughout my meal the thought of inviting Fahad to our table never left my mind, but I kept pushing it down with my social insecurities. I learned a couple valuable lessons tonight:

One-Sometimes I need to stop and listen to myself and if I feel strongly about something I need to act on it

Two- I cannot let my self-doubt affect my life experiences

In general I consider myself a confident and outgoing person, but tonight I realized that one small insecurity can really make a difference in how you live your life. I am grateful for Fahad's kindness and the lessons that I learned from it. I hope the next time I am offered an opportunity to share a meal with someone or possibly make a friend, I will not hesitate to act on it.

The Magical Musical Card...

I have this friend. Let's call him Eric, because that is his name. He is a swell guy with good hair and is a recent graduate of UCLA!(plus he has a really sweet and pretty girlfriend!) Years ago, just before Eric's 16th birthday he told me a story about how when he was a wee one his Mom once purchased him a musical birthday card and how he thought it was just the bees knees. Since his birthday was around the corner, I decided to try and find him a new musical birthday card. Of course, these days they are not hard to come by, and you can get anything from The Happy Birthday song to I'm Too Sexy, but back in the day they were kinda scarce.



The card I stumbled upon is by far not a fancy one. In fact I believe the cost was just one dollar. But Eric loved the card and that made me happy.



Come March the following year around my birthday I received a package in the mail from Eric. Lo and behold it was the card with a message saying "this card is too cool to only use once"



Since then we have passed the card back and forth every birthday. It has become one of my favorite traditions and I look forward to it every year. This Sunday, Eric turns 23. The card is tattered and torn and running out of space, but if you hold it in just the right way, you can still hear the music play. (rhyme not intended)



Happy Birthday Friend!

*Do you and your friends have any fun traditions? tell me about em!

My Weekend in an instant...

So I know this post is late (apologies to those who were hoping I had given this up. Darn. So close!) but for some reason I am having a terrible time getting pictures off my phone. BTW- I sorta hate my phone.
Anyhow, in order to not delay the sharing of my weekend I decided to draw the pictures for you. yep, DRAW! I am known for a lot of things. Like, having small toes, having a large forehead, enjoying insanely bad movies (I never said they were good things) but I am not known for being a good drawer. There is one reason for that...because I am not. Very simple.

But, when you are bored, you do what you have to. Moving on...

This weekend we watched a lot of movies. Four to be exact, plus a lot of Fringe. Friday I came home and we had a lot of time to kill before our scheduled event for the night so we watched Movie 1- No strings attached. I love Natalie and almost everything she does, including Anywhere But Here, but while watching this movie, I wanted to be anywhere but watching that movie. But...Redemption! TK and I watched Movie 2- Tree of Life, later that night and Whoa. Intense. Beautiful...I think this sums it up.

Saturday I had a lazy morning while Tim mowed the lawn. Gold Star for the hubs! I laid around and read my new book before heading to the office for a few hours



Later that night we met up with Emily and Pat where we proceeded to watch Movie 3- Limitless, and Movie 4- Jackass 3. Both enjoyable, one with much more genitalia.
Emily got a little cray-cray (wine? possibly) and had a mad craving for eggs. I think she may have shouted "I just want some eggs!!" at one point so we headed to our neighborhood Denny's for a late night feast. Like way late. Like 4am late. But that's okay because I am not sure Denny's taste good at any other time.


* I would just like to note that Emily's hair is much prettier than what I have done for her here. As well as her face. The eyes might be acurate though. She really wanted some eggs.

Sunday our house felt too hot to be inside so we headed down the street to my parents house for a swim. The weather was actually quite lovely and the water was perfect. Ah, what a lovely afternoon.




Tim made us Salmon and Bacon sandwiches (boy can cook!) for dinner and we ended the night with some Fringe.
Once I can get these pictures off my phone I will do a comparison post so you can have some entertainment. I am not going to ask you all to be nice about my lack of skill because if you draw anything like I do, I would not hesitate to laugh.

How was your weekend?

Let's all thank Grandma for these good looks...

Saturday while at the birthday party, I snapped a ton of photos. Last night I finally got around to reviewing them and I spent a good amount of time admiring all the gorgeous woman in my family! (crazy thing is, this is not even half of them!)
My grandma, mom and aunts have been the most powerful influences in my life and I have been so blessed to be taught, encouraged and inspired by such beautiful woman both inside and out. And now as one of the "older ones" I am so proud of my little sisters and cousins and I hope I can be for them what the leading ladies in my life have always been for me.

bee-tee-dubs...big shout out to the O.G. Matriarch, Grandma, for passing on the gift of good skin and long eyelashes. She don't know what a wrinkle is! Good lookin' out Grams!

Now here is some pretty...










-Bri