Shindig Weekend

A weekend getaway was much needed, and it was a weekend that I had been looking so forward to for Months. The weekend of Billy Reid's Shindig No. 10 was one for the books!

[photocred:Billy Reid]]

Aaron and I hit the road last Friday, calling our weekend a little early! We made the two hour drive to a place that holds a huge place in my creative heart...Florence, Alabama. 

FIRST STOP: STAY BOLD CUSTOM TATTOOS

I finallyyyyyy started something on my arm that I've wanted to do for so so long. I have been patient, waited it out to see if it was just a "phase" of life. But after nearly a decade of still wanting it, I think its safe to say it wasn't just a phase in life. So I decided to go for it! Here's a little peek at it. Matt Green is AWESOME and I'm so so glad I waited patiently and went to him! His design on my arm far exceeded what I had envisioned and the bright colors are just so incredible. 

SECOND STOP: THE ADAM'S HOUSE

 You guys, these people are my family, maybe not by blood, but truly by the blessing of God!!! It blows my mind that I went into my 20's not having these people in my life. Either way, I am so glad God put them in my life and they will forever be now!! This was Aaron's first time going to Mary Mac and Mr. Gary's house. If you don't know who these people are, let me explain briefly. In 2012 (I think) I got a great job offer in Florence, AL thanks to the work of my BFF, Frances. At the time, I lived in Birmingham. This family welcomed me into their home, no questions asked and let me live with them for as long as I wanted! They are the most welcoming people that I have ever known. When you walk into their home, you immediately feel like its your home and you've known them for your entire life. They are just so genuine and caring! It was soooo good to be at my Home away from Home :)

THIRD STOP: COFFEE WITH THE BESTIE

When France and I worked together, we made it somewhat of a habit to take an late morning walk from work to the local coffee shop, Rivertown. So we set out to do just that. We made a few stops on the way such as to Cotton & Ivy as well as to Mefford's! We met our sweet friend Adrianne for coffee and a sweet snack at (a new to me) Turbo. Mmmmm, y'all. This place was soooooo good and it connects to the oh so beautiful GunRunner Boutique Hotel.

Florence just overflows with Creativity and I feel so refreshed every single time I leave there. The most creative I ever felt was when I lived there. It's crazy how being around other creatives really challenges you!

Spending good quality time with my gal Frances always does this heart of mine good.

FOURTH STOP:

Shoals Theater for the Amazingly talented and beautiful Kacey Musgraves!

Such an amazing night. We cannot wait to see her again in March!!

We spent the rest of the weekend drinking coffee and spending time with the whole Adam's and Ledgewood Clans, showing Aaron around UNA and just getting some good quality time adventuring.  

This whole little weekend getaway was so much fun and I'm so glad we were able to go! 

The streets of downtown Florence are just lined with amazing little shops that have been formed by people with vision, drive and dreams. If you've never been, I highly recommend it! If you ever want to plan a trip to the amazing town of Florence, Please do not hesitate to shoot me an email if you need suggestions or help planning!

XO

[[all images by Brianna, otherwise noted]]

The Move!

This is how I feel when I see a brown cardboard box!

I am wrapping up the final day of MOVING. 

I am officially completely moved to Birmingham and I am SO excited.

Of course I will miss Florence, but its time to be here now. 

Its going to be a great move. 

My little space is coming along nicely.

Gee I have had some awesome help over the past week.

{Mom, Dad, Brady, Nanny, Paw Paw, Uncle Brian, Auntie Stacey, Grandmommy & Grandaddy, Uncle Eddie, Denny, Nean, Babby} and praying I didnt leave anyone out!

I could NOT have made it without these people. 

Especially my Dad and Mom! they have helped me with this move more than I could have ever asked them to help me and I am SO thankful!!!

I'm ready to be completely finished. 

There are a few more things I need to get taken care of so I am able to work from there. So until then, I will continue to work from my parents house. 

I can't wait to share photos of my cute place.

Bye for now, 

bB***

It has begun...

Hello There!

As you know, my last few days with my little buddy Gyp Gyp are passing by quickly. On Sunday, I drive to Atlanta to send her off on her way to Hawaii. It seriously breaks my heart. So, right now, I really dont want to ponder on it, so on to the next subject....

I am MOVING to

B I R M I N G H A M 

permanently. Well, you know what I mean....until God is ready for me to go elsewhere.

When I temporarily moved to Birmingham to watch after Gypsy for a few months, I was dead set that I was NOT staying in Bham, and that I was absolutely definitely going back to Florence. So, over the past few months, I continued to fork out rent money, while my apartment sat completely vacant. Although, I will say in my defense, I did stay in Florence most of October!!!! I love LOVE my little space in Florence. I made it a place that really reflected my style, as well as a place that I could really call home!

After I was in Birmingham for about two months or so, I realized I hadnt for one second missed Florence or even thought about it, unless I was writing out my rent check or paying other bills. The only things I would be missing out on from Florence are FRANCES and her family, as well as Epic and my other friends from Florence! {all of which I can visit at any time!!!} I was having so much fun here in Birmingham that I hated the thought of leaving. So, why not stay?!?!

I sure am going to miss the heck out of my cute little space <3

This week I started up the packing process. DEAR LORD!!! This is going to be a task and a half! I packed for a good four hours on Monday, and only completely packed up my Kitchen. My sweet best friend stopped by on her lunch break, brought me boxes, and we had lunch together! YAY!

 I will be heading back later next week with some good ole help from my momma and nanny {fingers crossed} and we will finish up the packing! So by the end of next week, I should be completely moved out!!!

::bitter sweet::

I am glad that I will have the task of moving to keep my mind off of Gypsy being gone!

HAPPY WEDNESDAY FRIENDS!!!

Bye for now!

bB***

ibB Catchup!!!

Hey Hey Heyyyy!!!

Oh I have missed my little space here. I've been SO busy with Faith these past few days. 

Sadly Faith got on a plane yesterday to head back to her Paradise!!! I was SAD to see her leave. BUT I will be seeing her very soon. in 70something days or so. 

My last weekend in Florence was P E R F E C T ! ! !

I got to enjoy it with Harry. We had such a good time. I laugh constantly at him. He's hilarious and its awesome. So, we went to the movies on Sunday and saw Fury. I  LOVED the movie. SO MUCH!!! Some of it made me sad, but if you've been wondering if you should see it, I totally say YES to that!

Harry Finallllllllyyyyyy got to meet Faith and Gypsy. YAY!

Holy Heaven Ya'll!!!  I wish you could have seen Gypsy yesterday when we pulled back up to my parents house in Bham. She went ballistic and knew exactly where we were and who was inside. I couldnt get her out of the car fast enough....actually, she normally will sit in the seat until you help little princess out of the car. But, yesterday when I opened the car door, She leaped out and ran as fast as she could to the front door with that little booty of hers swaying back and forth doing that little Gypster Hipster dance that she does when she is super excited! I was cracking up!!!!!

I will leave you with this awesome picture from Saturday! This is at my FAVORITE FAVORITE FAVORITE place in Florence! It's so peaceful and so beautiful. 

I miss this so much!

it's almost the weekend friends!! What are your plans??

Bye now

bB***

FGG!

Sooo...I will be starting THIS tomorrow!!

Should be fun and pretty challenging.

How has your weekend been??

Mine has been pretty good! 

I'm ready to tackle this week and get it over with because I am ready ready ready for this coming up weekend. Harry will be here in Florence AND I am getting to go watch some good ole Hockey!

F U N

Bye for now, 

B's

Catchup!!

Hi!!! I am back in Florence for three weeks. So far its been a whirlwind of different things. I've cleaned! I've worked with FAITH. YES! I love love loveeee being back with Faithy. Its soo much fun. I've played with Gypsy. 

So, Speaking of that little princess, its been tough for me not having her by me non stop. I love that little pup. Its going to be really hard on me when I have give her back to Faith & Dan! BUT, I sure have enjoyed every second with her!!! I'm pretty sure my whole family is going to struggle with it. 

Tonight its a SLUMBER PARTY night with my Best Friend! Oh my goodness. I am so over the moon to hang out with Frances!  AND in the morning I get to have coffee with Mary Mac! Yippppeeeeee!!! I love my second family. 

Well I'm off to catch up on some shows with Frances!

See you soon! I will be posting a new illustration tomorrow soooo, stay tuned!

Bye now 

Bs

The Next Three Weeks....and a new illustration

Hey Friends!!!

Today, I pack up three weeks worth of stuff, My whole entire giant iMac, my Macbook, Basically my entire work station, as well as Gypsy Marie's Belongings, and I hit the road for Florence!!

I will be in Florence working hard for three weeks and I am SO excited about being back for a little bit. My FAVORITE parts about it are first of all, and the obvious reason, spending time with my Bestie Friendy Francelina Mae!! And next being able to work with Faith!!! YAHOO.

Before I go, Here is my latest illustration.

If you have asked me to do an illustration of you, I promise you, I am working hard at getting them to you!! In my spare time away from working these next few weeks, I can guarantee you, I will get you a wonderful illustration that you are going to L O V E. 

I am having WAY too  much fun with these. 

Bye now, 

B's

Fall Fun List

I guess we can officially say 

F A L L   is   H E R E

which for me means

more coffee

and 

BOOTS

I absolutely LOVE fall and honestly wouldnt mind if it was Fall ten months out of the year, as long as I have two full months of Summer!

One of my favorite things to do is sit by a fire with friends.

Catch Marshmallows on Fire.

And chat the night away.

Last year one of my favorite fall memories was doing this with some awesome people from Epic! I miss my Florence friends and all of the fun times we had last year. 

Anyway, so this fall, here are a few things that I R E A L L Y want to mark off the

 Fall To Do List!

__Bonfire

__Catch Marshmallows on Fire

__Go to the Greek Festival

__Go to a Carnival or Fair

__Bake Fall Treats

__Make my Own Fall Coffees

__Go to an AUBURN GAME

__Go to an ALABAMA GAME

__O H M Y G A H go to every Hockey game physically possible

G O   B R U I N S

{obviously I most likely wont be going to Boston for a game...}

__Go see the Havoc Play a whole bunch!!!

__Explore Florence the last three weeks of Florence

__Downtown Cool Night Birmingham Adventures

__Have a crafty lazy saturday

__Have a cute new wall display

__Try not to go into depression when I send Gyp to Hawaii

__Keep kicking my own tail with Yoga & Barre

{I'm on a mission to my Hawaii Body}

__Plan for my SYNC Trip to Destin

__Plan for my Trip to H A W A I I

__Make lots and loads of new fun loving memories

Well that's my list. 

Pretty chill & simple, yet rewarding. 

I LOVE FALL!!!!

Well I'm off for a little fun day that may or may not be full of a little surprise for someone.

Are you the one??!?!  Probably NOT but if you are, isn't it just your lucky day. 

Bye now

bB***

Family Time & Epic Time

Hey Hey!!! A freaking fun and very blessed weekend is what I have had.

Here are a few photos from all of my fun. 

Here's the run down.

1. I got my hair cut Friday. I have the best boss who recommended Aleesha Crowe to me. THANK YOU FAITH. I now have my own hair stylist in Florence FINALLY after eight long years! haha

2. My jewelry on my counter was a mess...but it sure was a beautiful and pretty mess.

3. My Rae Rae Surprised me. I knew my mom and my auntie were coming to florence to visit me but I had no idea that my sweet Raeghan was coming. When I opened my door and her smiling face was standing there, my heart got SO happy. Gosh I just love that girl and glad she's BACK to Raeghan!!!

We went out to dinner. We had the Pie Factory. It was Awesome!

We talked and talked and talked about life and everything that is changing. I don't know what I would do without my family. They mean more to me than anything. I trust their advice and always take it to heart. 

4. Raeghan ducking in the back seat hiding while her mom was embarrassing her. GAH those two are hilarious. 

5. Late last night I found Dirty Dancing on T.V. Oh Patrick you are stunning. 

& Nobody puts baby in the corner. 

6. I got to do Zombie makeup today at church. I LOVE Epic. Like seriously I don't  think I could ever put into words how thankful I am that God led me to Epic that random Sunday when I was probably at the lowest point in my spiritual life. I was deep deep down in the dumps discouraged and ready to throw in the towel. I never ever imagined finding a place where I not only would find a church, but a church filled with his presence, filled with people who seek only his presence, a place where I have a FAMILY, a place where I have made some of the best friends I could ever have prayed for... I could go on and on and on. 

As always, God has showed me that if I just trust him with every single direction of my life, he will be faithful and he will put everything in my life that I NEED. {not want..but NEED.Huge difference}

So see. I've had a pretty fantastic weekend and sure hope you have too.

Be back later

B's

OH and THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU

my day was made today! I was grabbing some coffee at church this morning after I finished up zombiefying the Kelleys. As I was getting my coffee that sweet lady that was serving the cafe, said "I just love reading your blog." and it made my heart so incredibly happy.

You all have no idea how much that makes me want to cry. It means the world to me when someone enjoys my little space here. I've kept this blog going for quite some time now. I started out doing it just so my family would feel connected to my life while I was away for school. I had no idea what a huge impact my little blog would have on my life. It has become part of my being and I am so grateful for all of you who read it and continue to support what I love doing. 

Thank you all so much!!!

Missing Florence.

Today I am heading back to FloTown. I've missed Florence. I've missed my friends. I've missed my apartment. I've missed my Mackinna Jack {my iMac}. Yes! I have finally decided on a name for her.

This thanksgiving has been great. I've loved being home and seeing my family and friends. However, I have been sick this whole weekend and am just ready to feel like myself again. I'm trying SO hard to tough it out.

Yesterdays events were pretty tiring when your sick. The Iron Bowl was tiring even when youre at 100%. That game was c r a z y. Loved watching my crazy family though. Seriously they are CRAZY. Such a blast. After the win, we did the usual Iron Bowl celebration at Outback. Everyones Dinner on Pawpaw if Auburn wins! He loves it!

It's my favorite day of the week. I am trying to catch up on my blogs :) Today my brother and I are getting a few photos for our Christmas cards. We are ALWAYS last minute with this. Just the norm. 

Hope your sunday is wonderful!

Bye Now,

bB***

Inspiring. Weekend. Fun.

It is F R I D A Y my dear friends and I'm over-the-moon about that. As soon as I get out of work, I am heading to BIRMINGHAM. 

Fun fun FUN weekend ahead. My poppie & nanny are taking me to the Auburn Game, then later we are going to see those handsome john & jacob fellas.

Can't wait to see them:) makes me soooo very happy. 

The only thing I am worried about for the weekend is those auburn tigers....please please oh please let them win. Don't want to be in an ill mood after the game....I also don't want the rest of the fam to be ill either!!

I snapped a photo this week of something I wrote in my planner when I bought it. The first day I got it, I went through every month and wrote something to inspire me for that Month. This is the quote and boy oh boy did I need it. You know...at the end of the day, what is standing in my way of the things I love?!? I know that answer and its very simple. It's M E 

A very inspiring little lady commented on my photo and her comment is dead on.

Sweet lynds is right smack dab in the middle of a six or seven week travel all through Europe {completely solo on her own}, something that she has always DREAMED of doing. Shes just traveling, going with the flow. She took the first step and I'm pretty sure that first step for her was a gigantic and terrifying move. But, she did it anyway, and now she seems incredibly happy with the decision she made. 

Honestly this girl is so inspiring. Lyndsie, Keep on living it up in Europe! You're an amazing gal and I can't wait wait wait to hear all about your travels. I N S P I R I N G my dear. so so inspiring. <3

- - - - - - - - - - - -

Last night two of my favorite guys came to visit me. They are currently still snoozing. I believe they are going to fish today! I hope they stop by and see me at work. They better!!! 

I just love that picture of us. My brother and I look so much alike in this picture. That doesn't happen too often.

Well, It's 7am and I'm sitting here without any makeup on, I have to pack for the ham and get these boys up all before 8! woooooo better go.

Tootles,

B's

Florence FUN!

Hey hey there. This passed weekend my family came in town for a visit and it was SO much fun. My mom, dad, nanny & paw came and stayed with me. Friday night when they got in town we went out for mexican. It was so delish. 

Saturday Morning I took them to Rivertown and we had some coffee! Then we went out to McFarland Park. We saw the replicas of the Nina & Pinta and enjoyed being out in the somewhat fall feeling weather! It was such a blast! We LOVED it. and my nanny & Paw had never been out there before.

Here are a few photos...enjoy!

See how much fun we had! haha I love my momma;) I hated my little broseph wasn't there to have fun with us.

So this week on the plate I have a lot of fun. business. work. school. piled up high! Lets hope this work week goes by FAST!

Bysie for now loves.

bB***

Black White & Billy Jean

Just a few Black  Whites from my reuniting with my sweet babies. I finally got to go see sweet Katy Bug & Harps at Frannies house this week! Harper has gotten SO big and hejust cuddles cuddles cuddles. It was the sweetest thing.

I love those babies so much:) and the entire Adams fam. I've missed being around them as much as I was before I moved!

LOVE YOU ADAMS FAMILY, Yall are too sweet to me! ♥

So as a parting song....here is my friend Justin playing Billy Jean as Swampers in Florence, Alabama. Such a fun time. Justin is super talented and swampers is such a cool atmosphere. I love it! Watch! and ENJOY!

Bysie for now my friends.
B's

HAPPY MONDEY

Hey Friends!!! It was the BEST monday.

Work was so fun. Didn't stop all day...only long enough to have a great lunch break at City Hardware. I might or might not have crashed some major "Bro Time". 

After lunch I didn't stop...at all. 

Tonight was such a blast.

We celebrated sweet Raney's Birthday at the Skate Center:)

Nice good work out haha. Helping kids skate takes skating to a completely different level.

After skating we hit up Miami Ice.

Love Love LOVE the people God has put in my life!

b l e s s e d beyond.

I have school work to finish up!

B's

AWESOME week!

Umm can you say AWESOME week?!? Yep I do believe so.

I was a little overwhelmed at the beginning of the week with so so sooo much work. I might have had a few breakdowns. Thank GOD I work with my best friend in the entire world. Frances understands it. So, she can talk me through anything that might be driving me insane on a stressful busy day!

Wednesday was the B O M B. 

About an hour before my break, I hear the door to PSI open.

From my computer in the very back of the store, all I could see was a silhouette of a very familiar hat.

THE BEST SURPRISE EVER.

J came to see me!!!

He's so stinkin precious. I just love him to death! I didn't want him to leave. gah. BUT he'll be back in  TWO weeks for Handy Fest. <3<3

P r e c i o u s Guy!

Thursday was BUSYBUSY helping Frannie Mae get ready to go off and stock PSI up with some fantastic Merch! She is gone to the Gift Market in Atlanta. 

She has sent me some pictures of GREAT things that I can't wait to get my hands on.

Well I dont know what the plans for the weekend are...Homework, illustrations, and hanging with friends is what I am thinking. 

OH and meeting Baby Charlee Bea Tomlin and visiting her momma and daddy!!!

HEY incase I haven't said this in a while 

I am B L E S S E D beyond belief. 

HAPPY WEEKEND FRIENDS.

B's