Just Another Two Linkup Friday

Morning and happy Friday, loves. I'm excited for a weekend with very few plans and one that's finally here at home. Can I get a hoody-hoo or a PTL?!?! It will be nice to just chill out, for sure.

Alright, it's time to kick this weekend off, MY WAY ;)!

Favorite meal of the week: Oh  man ladies, do I have a delicious and easy recipe for you. Le Husband and I made fish tacos on Wednesday and they were out of this world. So flavorful and super easy too. I'll be sharing the recipe next week, so make sure you stop on by :)!

Favorite quote of the week: It's a choice we make daily and sometimes I need to remind myself what truly is important and what really doesn't matter. While I can't be HAPPY all the time, I can try to be happy MOST of the time. Life's too short to be miserable!

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Favorite gift of the week: Macaroons from PAR-EEEE! I haven't mentioned anything on the blog before this, but my parents just got back from a two week trip in Paris. Yeah, Alaska then Paris, they have the life huh? They joined other family members to cheer on my cousin who was playing in the Rugby World Cup. And yes, she's a complete bad@$$, even had an article written about her on ESPN.com. Anyway, when they left, I told my mom I wanted her to bring me macaroons from LADUREE and she sure delivered. Le sigh, they were le fabulous!!!!

sooooooo sad they're all gone :(

Favorite funny of the week: Kids say the darnedest things :)!

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Favorite video of the week: Obviously there are many, wonderful memories out there with Robin Williams. But, I saw this one on Facebook and it made me cry and smile. From all accounts, he was one of the biggest supporters of our military men and women, so watching his face during retreat was priceless. If you get the chance, check out this video. Rest in Peace, Robin, we miss you!


Get on up and shake that booooooty

**linking up here and here this week**

Somedays You Just Gotta Say It's Okay

\\To have a bad picture//

\\\To wear the same jeans, four days in one week.

\\\To leave the clean laundry in the basket for a day... or two.

\\\When you're driving home and you use every curse known to man.

\\\That you threw your travel mug after your coffee spilled. #ellostarbucks.

\\\To roll your eyes at people grasping at straws to feel superior.

\\\To reset the alarm in the morning and enjoy 45 more minutes of sleep. When the boss is away... the mice will get extra time in bed.

\\\When you're all talked out and ignore texts, calls and emails.

\\\To go over someone's head to get the job done.

\\\Not to want to cuddle, sometimes you just want space.

\\\To turn down an invitation because you just wan to veg out at home.

\\\To look in the fridge at your healthy lunch, and then go out and buy something different.

\\\When an idea doesn't work out, to scrape it and start all over.

***inspiration found here***

Confessions of a Soccer Player

I'm doing things a bit different here today. I'm still confessing, because duh, I just love Kathy and her confession linkup. But, instead of confessing random things, I'm confessing about being a college soccer player. Why you ask?

My college coach sent out a Facebook message earlier this week, asking alumni to write a letter to the current team as they begin their preseason. UGH, that's the worst word ever. I dreaded August when I was in college, because it meant three-a-days in the hot humid weather and the Cooper test, nightmares, mini-mares, deck of cards and the Dairy Queen run. WOOF, just thinking about it makes me break out in a sweat.

So as I was writing my letter to the girls, it got me thinking about my life as a college athlete and the many things I miss and don't miss. So today, I'm confessing, soccer girl style.

I confess… I don't miss the first practice back from summer break. No matter how much work I put in during the summer, I still felt so out of shape the first few weeks.

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I confess… I've had more ball imprints on my body than I care to count. Let me tell you, they look super hot when wearing a bathing suit or a dress, ow ow!

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I confess… I do not miss three a days plus stairs.

I confess… soccer tan lines were my life in the summer.

I confess… I've done this routine many, many a time.

I confess… I big part of me still wishes I were a college athlete. I miss my team, my college body, the winning and the shenanigans.

I confess… I'm mad I didn't think to make this video. 

Happy hump day, kit kats!

What Do You See?

Yesterday I read Rachel's post and it really stopped me in my reading tracks. She so eloquently stated the frustration most women face with our bodies and the judgements we so sadly put on ourselves. We are our own worst enemy, calling ourselves names we would NEVER, EVER think to call a friend, despite the fact that WE ARE our best friend. And that's just sad, right?!?

Rachel did something so a m a z i n g with her post though. Instead of staying negative about what she views as 'her flaws', she chose to put a positive spin on the post and herself. And I can't help but applaud her immensely for it.

I pride myself on being an extremely optimistic person, but the one thing that I'm really negative about is myself, and my physical appearance. I'm the biggest cheerleader of my friends and family, but when it comes to myself, I'm really good at being nitpicky about everything. But today that stops.

What do I see, today in the mirror?!?!

I see a mix of my mother and father's best attributes. No one can doubt that I am, indeed a Brady, and I love hearing "You look so much like your parents".

I see big hazel green eyes that are smiling 90% of the day. Sometimes they're full of tears, but they are the eyes into my soul and I love them.

I see an athlete.

I see an able body, for which I am so thankful. I may not be the best athlete, but I can run, swim, play soccer and kickball, jump, stretch, climb stairs and much more, all without pain. Thank you body!

I see a physically strong woman. I am reaping the rewards of  heavy lifting and I see strong biceps and triceps, that can lift more weight than people imagine.

I also see strength of heart and character. Someone that stands up for what she believes in, even if it isn't the popular belief or thing to do.

I see a daughter of Christ.

I see the oldest sister of three, who sometimes thinks she's a mom. Even though I get annoyed sometimes, the well being of my sisters is of utmost importance to me. I will walk through fire or go to jail to keep them safe.

I see an emotional woman, who wears her heart on her sleeve.

I see freckles that are a testament to the many hours I've spent outside. Maybe the sun wasn't the best for my skin, but the memories of playing outside on long summer days are worth it.


I see a woman who will stand up for her closest, Tier 1 friends, no matter WHAT they've done. I'm fiercely loyal to my inner circle of friends and can be ruthless to those that try and harm them, in anyway.

I see someone who is striving to be more patient and loving, but also someone who just doesn't want to deal with BS anymore. Which to me, isn't a bad thing. Life's too short to be anything but happy.

I see a wife, who is learning about herself, her husband and marriage.

I see laugh lines around my eyes and my mouth and I'm very proud of them. They mean I've laughed more than I've cried and that's just fine with me.

I see a lady that is just trying to figure life out. Someone that's striving to be her best and someone who wants to make a positive difference in the world.

Ladies, take the time to go read Rachel's post and then go look at yourself in the mirror. Forget the ridiculous flaws you normally zero in on and take a closer look. Find the beauty within and see the amazing lady everyone else sees. I < 3 you, sweet friends!!!!!

Operation Crush Nashville

Morning ladies! I'm back after another whirlwind kickball weekend. Yes, two in a row… again! And no, the kickball madness never stops!

This weekend I…

… Flew to Nashville Thursday night, on a delayed flight. 

… Drove to our friend's home and passed the beep out. 

… Slept in for the first time in forever…ah-mazing.

… Found a new favorite pancake at Cracker Barrel. 

… Spent the afternoon driving around Nashville, looking for potential future homes. :)

… Indulged in another delectably decadent meal. AMAZING! If you're ever in Nashville, you have to hit up Urban Grub for brunch or dinner, it is an incredible restaurant. 

Lobster BLT flatbread, lamb chops with purred cauliflower, homemade single chocolate meringue, homemade vanilla doughnuts and chocolate covered bacon. DIVINE! 

… Had a great time at the Friday night meet and greet. I love kickball friends.

… Woke up an hour late Saturday morning because my alarm didn't go off. Thank goodness we weren't too late. I felt horrible. 

… Got a lil grumpy about playing time, but everything worked out in the end. 

… Had two killer bunts and two awesome catches. 

… Beat a team I've never beaten before. #FINALLY! #YES!

… Rocked my new last name on our jersey's. Oh and camo pants too.

… Won my 3rd championship at my 7th tournament on my 5th team in nine months.

Operation CRUSH!!!

… Had way more fun on my team than expected. Hooray for good chemistry. 

… Chose to stay in with our friends instead of party on Broadway street. It was an amazing evening of steak, wine, dessert and wonderful chit-chat. Looking forward to see them more in the future.

… Became smitten with a certain two year old. Good morning and good night kisses from a lil baby boy may be the best thing in the world. 

… Didn't freak out on the flight home. YAY easy flights. 

… Had to drive to BWI after we landed at DCA because we forgot we booked two different airports to save $200.  

… Chose NOT to make it a big deal and just rolled with it. #goodattitudemakesallthedifference #whycomplain #therearegreaterthingsinlife.

… Cried for my SIL's family as they had to say goodbye to a very special person. Please continue to send prayers and love, they all need it.

… Made a wish on the super mooooooon!

… Skipped my 11pm game, because I was exhausted.

… Devoured Z burger and Ben&Jerry's. Healthy eating starts tomorrow.

How was your weekend?

Linking up with these beautiful ladies today!

Miranda Kerr for the Win

Not only is she gorgeous, she's super smart and I love her outlook on life. I saw THIS post on In the Gloss and immediately book marked it to share with y'all. Today, I'm sharing her points, with my thoughts. But check out the article, for her explanations, because she's incredibly articulate and I found myself nodding along while reading.

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 Seven Rules for Adulthood.

1. PLAN EVERY LITTLE THING - Okay, I have to say, I don't plan every little thing, but when certain things need to get done, the list gets written and we check things off. I've found if I don't plan dinners with friends and write them down they never happen. I often will write down my gym dates in my planner, just to ensure I KNOW I have them on the schedule. I'm more of a spontaneous person, but completely see the importance of planning and preparation.

2. SAY ‘THANK YOU’ - Whether it's for a gift or for the opportunity to wake up, say thank you. In the age of technology, a simple thank you note just isn't on people's radar anymore and that's sad. It's easy to do and the polite thing to do. But, I've also witnessed people not acknowledge the kindess of others to their face. Say thank you for the door that was held open for you or for the menu place on the table. I personally believe in God and am so thankful and grateful for each and everyday. I do need to start to take moments in the morning to be grateful for the new, blank slate. So many people never wake up, and we need to be grateful that we did.

3. EMBRACE FORGIVENESS - This is something I'm still working on, but totally agree with the sentiment. Until you truly forgive, you're just harboring ill thoughts and letting bad karma fester in your own head and heart. Once forgiveness happens, bad feelings can be swept away and life can proceed as it should. People that wrong me or my friends really tick me off, but I need to learn to just forgive the action and let it go. Forgiveness brings peace, and we could use a lil more peace in our lives right?

4. HEALTH IS WEALTH  - It's true "You only live once", but that doesn't mean you should eat all the food or burn the candle at both ends. I'm a firm believer in enjoying food, especially really good food, but I also believe in moderation to keep my body healthy. I definitely need to get better about prepping for busy days, because a fast food meal isn't going to make me feel any better. Oh and also, WATER, WATER, WATER.

5. …BUT SET BUDGETS - While I'm a big fan of "You can't take it with you" when it comes to money, I also am a save for a rainy day kind of gal. I don't budget, but I do tell myself I can only spend X on some things, each month. I will make allowances for birthdays and celebrations, but I really do try and keep myself in check. It's crazy how much money people waste at Target and Walmart, just because it's there. Enjoy life, but remember, you still need to be able to enjoy life tomorrow.

6. CHOOSE YOUR EMOTIONS - You can be the worrier, fearful of any and everything or you can be the optimist, expecting the best and hopeful for all things good. Yes, sometimes life sucks and back things happen, but you can choose to be the bug or the windshield. It's incredible how much difference a positive and grateful attitude can make on your day. Similar to what Miranda said, you can be upset about the rain or grateful for the rainbow that's coming afterwards.

7. BE A KID - We waste so much of our childhood trying to act grown up, when we should have been embracing the fun and freedom of being a kid. Children are so optimistic, hopeful and excitable and honestly, those are three things I strive to incorporate in my life. Yes, there are serious issues that we face as grown ups, but we can still dance in the kitchen, run barefoot in the grass and laugh till we cry.

What do you think of her advice? Is it spot on? Is it ridiculous?

Am I ridiculous?!!? WAIT, don't answer that!

WIGGLE WIGGLE WIGGLE...

Currently

[our life is currently kickball]

 Reading  lots of different books. Chocolate Chip Murder series [so fun],  Nora Roberts, Brad Meltzer and David Baldacci.

Trying not to stress over my face. I had a [free] laser treatment for my sun damage and while I'm excited for the results, the stage I'm at right now is no fun. I'm extremely conscious of the dark spots and am dreading the peeling to come because there's really no hiding my face. Fingers crossed for a quick easy process, pretty please!!!

Anticipating our one year wedding anniversary next month.

Buying lots of lunches. Our crazy traveling schedule has really messed up my pack lunch at home time. Hopefully after this weekend I'll be able to get back on track.

Lusting over my husband....gag too much....#sorryimnotsorry

Praying for my SIL and her family. An unexpected accident may bring about an unexpected death and my heart hurts for them all. Please pray for healing and a miracle, because it is desperately needed.

Enjoying my days off from the gym.

Cursing my lack of willpower in the recent week.

Listening to Bach, Chopin, Mozart and Vivaldi.

Annoyed with my brain's inability to just let things drop.

Watching Chopped, Top Chef, Diners Drive-Ins and Dives

Wishing I had more vacation days at work. We've had so many amazing trips this year, but I still have a few more scheduled, plus my first time traveling for Christmas. I just need three more days.

Devouring duck. I order it every time I see it on the menu.

Waking up tired. Too many fun things to do.

Loving everything about the warm summer weather.

Hating the turmoil in the Middle East and the death of the US Two Star General.

Wanting our kickball captain to get his ish together. He doesn't understand the women on the team and constantly hang us out to dry with playing time. It's driving me batty!

Hoping for a fun weekend.

Feeling content with life and the people I'm surrounded by, at this time. I always strive to keep good people around me, because your choice in friends let's you know who you are and what you value. Le Husband and I have a good group of friends and continue to expand our circle through kickball.