Favorites {Blog Series}

In light of recent events, I think it's time for another fun random questions survey here on Sweet B's.

Cheers!

As Janetha mentions on her blog, I too have a hard time picking favorites. I definitely go through seasons when it comes to favorites. My favorite beverages, foods, movies, and clothes are always changing. Honestly, sometimes within the same hour.

So, whoops, some of my FAVORITES may have more than one answer.

Person. I have quite a few favorite people in my life. I married my best friend, the lucky man I want to annoy forever ;)  So let's start with Mr. B, my lobster.

And then, of course, my best GIRLfriend, who never tires of my annoyance, and gets me completely when I say things like, "I don't have a VB purse that does what I need it to do right now." "I just want to walk by Banana Republic." "I went to Starbucks twice today." "Help! I just spent an insane amount of money at Target, and Mr. B is going to kill me." "This plane doesn't even have phalanges!"

And my parents....who know why I am the person I am. And I can't leave out my beloved Grandma Bays, the woman who had the biggest influence on my life.

Color. Purple. Plum to be exact. But I'll never turn down purple-ish anything.

Food. While I do have a favorite food, I love all foods. When asked the question, "What would you eat for your last meal on Earth?" I will more than likely reply that I have my whole last day of food planned. I know what I want for breakfast, lunch, dinner, mid-day snack, dessert, and beverages. But my couscous is definitely my favorite, and I'd just really want to devour an entire bowl of that.

Smell. It changes every time I smell each of these, but these are all my favorites: rain, coffee, the smell of someone burning in the country (most folks would call this a bonfire). Oh, and the smell of a peach will stop me dead in my tracks. I will turn around and probably eat it promptly. But that's a close second to the other three. Oh, and gardenias is tied with that.

Book. Pride and Prejudice. Hands down favorite. But Gone with the Wind, Little Women, and The Princess Bride are close seconds.

Movie. It's a tie between Pretty Woman and Steel Magnolias.

Time of day. Mornings, where I find my quiet time with Jesus, that first cup of coffee, and a gorgeous sunrise. (Preferably from my new deck.)

Day of week. Sunday. It's the Lord's day, and I believe we are to rest and spend it with the ones we love. I love Sunday mornings, going to church and coming home to a big pot of something on the stove or in the oven, lazy Sunday afternoons, and lots of football! Possibly a nap curled up on the couch with the puppy.

Thing to do when bored. I don't get bored. I don't understand when people say they're bored. Well, then do something! I enjoy reading, yoga/working out, walks through the park, cooking/baking, board/card games, coffee with friends, and Netflix. But I guess if I was extremely bored, you'd probably catch me singing and dancing around the house. Or...I might be taking this little guy for a car ride.

Celebrity. Ummm, I'm sure my movie favorites gave that away. It's Julia Roberts. (But I'll never say no to Jeremy Renner.)

Beverage. Coffee!!!!!!! (If you have any doubts, please read this post and then this one.)

TV Show. F.R.I.E.N.D.S. Like there is anything else?

Fruit. Peaches. Every time I eat a peach I look at Mr. B and say, "Peaches are my absolute favorite. When someone asks what your wife's favorite fruit is, it's peaches." He then replies, "You say that about every fruit. You said it about strawberries last week." "NO. PEACHES ARE MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE." This conversation exchange happens.every.day.

Vegetables. I'd say tomatoes, but then you'd say that's a fruit, so I'm answering CORN. But just so you know, I can't pick between the two. Mr. B says I must choose one. Why? Why must I choose? When will I ever be in the position where I must choose one over the other?! (Apparently, when answering surveys like this.) Over the last week I've been enjoying on average two ears a day. It's the best.

Store/Shop. Target. Banana Republic. Starbucks. Vera Bradley Outlets.

Workout. YOGA. All kinds, any time of day. (But I do like a good kickboxing class.)

Quote. Here are a few current favorites....

"But the Lord stood with me and gave me strength." --2 Timothy 4:17

"Until I feared I would lose it, I never loved to read. One does not love breathing." --Harper Lee

 "Some people look for a beautiful place. Others make a place beautiful." --Hazrat Inayat Khan

"You can be the ripest, juiciest peach in the world, and there's still going to be somebody who hates peaches." --Unknown

Potato chip flavor. Hmmm, I am not a chip fan, so when it comes down to this snack I would say tortilla chips. Or better yet, pita chips.

Meal of the day. BREAKFAST! I am a firm believer about starting your day right. Your body has fasted all night long, and it needs something to kick start your day. Whether it's coffee and an apple with almond butter, juice/smoothie, a bowl full of oats, or a full plate of eggs and waffles, you'll never find me missing this meal.

Ice cream flavor. Coffee! or something with peanut butter in it. And it has to be a peanut butter ripple, not peanut butter cups. YUM.

Season. Fall. Of course, it's Fall.

Dessert. Well, it used to be cheesecake, which I treated myself to twice a year (my birthday and Mama's Thanksgiving Cheesecake Special). But as I said, in light of recent events, I'm sticking with ice cream. Homemade. In a bowl. A Sundae. Waffle cone, only please. Full-fat variety. Fro-yo. Gelato. Even my banana "ice cream." Yes, I'm a fan of them all. People who say they don't care for ice cream (Mr. B included), who are you? I don't think I've ever been more dumbfounded by any other statement.

Lifehack. Using a straw to pit your cherries. Bring on the pie, please! (BTW, I found this question to be quite random.)


With Love and God Bless,
Brindi

Mid-Week Ramblings {Blog Series}

HUMP DAY!

Today, I'm playing along with the recent 20 questions floating around the blog world....even though I participated in another one last month. But Q&A's are so fun.

1. What brings you the greatest joy?

Knowing I am a child of God and am surrounded by love.

2. What are your vices? 

Ice cream. Coffee mugs. Shoes and sundresses.

3. What is on your nightstand?

A few things, which Mr. B constantly grumbles about when he dusts. But I can't help it; I mean, a nightstand is supposed to have things on it, right? Besides a lamp? (Said lamp is apparently for looks only, according to Mr. B. who, again, grumbles when I want to read at night and he wants to go to sleep. Ai yi yi...) So, with all that being said, here's a short tour: said lamp, wedding picture, a book with daily inspirational quotes and scriptures, a gardenia-scented candle, favorite Aveeno moisturizer, lip balm from The Body Shop, my Bible in its Vera Bradley Carnaby Good Book case (in case wondering minds wanted to know), the current Yoga Journal, and water.

4. Do you have a secret talent? 

Ummm, no. But I do think I have a gift with words :)

5. What is your greatest indulgence?

Cheesecake. Probably once a year, and I usually request it as my birthday "cake."

6. What should every woman try at least once in her life? 

Focusing on improving/creating a personal relationship with God. The strength and understanding she will come to know from His truth is life-altering.

7. What makes you laugh? 

Mr. B. This man....I pee my pants daily. Possibly too much information, but I love to laugh. I come from a very comedic family.

8. What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?

I grew up wanting to be a singer, then an actress, then a singer, then an actress, and back and forth I went until graduation day came and I went off to Kent State as a journalism major. Yes, I'm sure God, too, laughed at my plans.

9. What is on your bucket list?

To go horseback riding. I've never been. I don't think riding the pony at the county fair when I was little counts.

10. What is on your feet right now? 

11. How did you make your first dollar? 

At a local diner/ice cream parlor called Miller's. I was your local car-hop gal (minus the skates).

12. What superstition do you believe in?
I don't believe in superstitions. However, I am in full belief that when you see a rainbow, God is promising you something.

13. What items in your closet do you wear the most?
Probably my various dress pants for work and cardigans/jackets. I'm in need of layers because my body temperature changes multiple times hourly. I'm usually cold. (In warmer weather, it would be my sundresses ---> see #2.)

14. What is the best gift you’ve ever received?
I'm not materialistic at all, but I would have to say the best gift was my high school graduation gift from my parents. Daddy made me a hope chest. I had no idea and was surprised completely.

15. What is on your liquor shelf?
I don't drink, except for the occasional glass of wine here and there...so nada.

16. What is on your kitchen counter?
I'll tell you one thing that isn't on my kitchen counter. A coffee pot. Because I have a beautiful coffee bar.

17. What would you never leave home without?
Sunglasses! It's Ohio, people. The weather changes every five minutes.

18. What movie has the greatest ending?
Inception

19. Who is on the guest list for your ideal dinner party?
Ummmm....these two.

20. What is one thing you wish you had known when you were younger?
How unhealthy pop and processed and fast food are for you!!!! Ugh. Especially when childhood is such an important time to build healthy habits.

Cheers to a fabulous rest of the week!

With Love and God Bless,
Brindi

20 Things {Blog Series}

I found myself with a little extra free time today, and I came across this neat little list about blog topics, conversation starters, ice-breaker questions, etc. I thought, how fun! More random stuff to entertain my readers. Sweet. I'll try to fit in these short, informational posts once a month or so. You're welcome ;)

So kicking off this new "Blog Series" are my 20 random facts. For more randomness, check out this post.

1. I'm an Irish twin. My younger brother and I are the same age for one day.
2. Gardenias and calla lilies are my favorites.
3. I never had a manicure or color on my hair. All natural over here. However, I think I would thoroughly enjoy a pedicure.
4. I can spend hours in Target, literally. I just need a warm Starbucks beverage in hand, a buddy, and a reason, and before you know it, hours have passed and I have a full basket of items I didn't know I needed. It's my favorite store. (Actually, my absolute favorite is Banana Republic, but I can't really afford to shop there as often. My bank account and Mr. B are my constant reminders.)
5. I am in full belief a bucket of fair fries with vinegar is a perfectly healthy dinner during fair season.
6. I eat a Granny Smith apple with raw almond butter every.single.day.
7. I collect coffee mugs, Vera Bradley, and cookbooks. (And magnets from vacation trips.) Oh, and family Christmas ornaments!
8. My favorite number is 8. I learned recently it's considered a power number. If I can't have 8, then I'll select something with an 8 in it or a dividend of 8. I am all about an even 8.
9. I have a tattoo on my hip of a pink and blue butterfly. I have it for two reasons, 1) a butterfly is a symbol of rebirth. A re-dedication of my life. Christ is often compared to a butterfly. 2) it's in remembrance of my paternal grandparents. I lost both of them to cancer.
10. I drink my coffee black, mostly it's straight espresso. Unless I'm treating myself, then it's a Caramel Macchiato. Extra espresso. Multiple shots, please.
11. Besides dogs, my favorite animals are penguins, squirrels (black!), and tigers. Those tigers are absolutely beautiful.
12. Never do I go anywhere without a book.
13. Or slippers. I always have slippers with me. Because, you know, it's cold sometimes.
14. I prefer, actually, to do the dishes by hand myself. I've been doing dishes since I could stand on a chair and help, so I can get those suckers done faster than Mr. B can clear the table. But I LOATHE drying.
15. I'm terrified of scary movies! In my tween years I quite enjoyed scary movies. As I grew up, I'd watch them every once in a while. I was home from college one summer and had my eyes "covered" as I watched a few parts of The Grudge. I remember Daddy telling me to just turn it off if I was scared. I didn't. I was determined to see it through. BUT, a year or so later I decided to watch The Strangers on Halloween night, alone in our apartment (Mr. B was working midnights at the time), with all of the lights on. I have never been more petrified in my entire life. I had to fast forward through parts so I'd know what was coming. I remember watching it through tears and fingers. Afterwards, I declared "never again!" and stayed up until Mr. B came home around 6 a.m. I haven't watched a scary movie since.
16. I think fennel is the devil. It's probably worse than my dislike for pineapple. However, I will probably never eat pineapple again so I can't give you an adequate answer.
17. I dream very vividly multiple times a night, and usually remember them. Mr. B however never does. It's a very rare occasion when he has a dream to tell me about. I, on the other hand, have about five to recall to him upon waking.
18. I have troubles spelling weird. I can never remember if it's ei or ie. Instead I'm always finding a way to say that's odd....ha! Also, in 4th grade I came in third place in my school's spelling bee because of that forgotten "c" in AntarCtica. Never again! <--- she says with a shaking fist.
19. I listen to Christmas music all year round. Love my Pandora stations shuffle option.
20. I jump at every chance to make a list :)

With Love and God Bless,
Brindi