Babies and Bengals

In honor of the long anticipated NFL season kickoff tonight ... here's a little Throwback Thursday action of our NFL adventures.

We took little man to the first Bengals game this year and crossed our fingers he wouldn't be as terrified as he was last year by the loud noises the crowd brings. Hard to believe how much has changed since last season.

When Bennett was born he was gifted an AJ Green jersey by one of Shane's college roommates\fraternity brother.

A couple months later he sported it for his first appearance at Paul Brown Stadium.

And here we are today, one year later with a much larger boy that finally fills out that adorable little AJ Green jersey.

 It's gonna be a good season. I can feel it! WHO DEY BABY!

Workin' On My Fitness

A couple of months ago a couple of buddies and I decided to try out the new barre workout fad. Believe it or not, I'm getting pretty into it. My biggest struggle has simply been sticking with a routine during the crazy busy summer months and days, but I'm sure that goes with anything … so I'm still going to say it's a win.

If you've ever taken a barre class you'll really appreciate this blogger's post. I feel compelled to share it with you simply because it is hysterical and so completely on point.

But anyways, back to the topic at hand: Fitness Fashion. Recently I posted about some lustful items I've been eyeing for my birthday list.  So, today I'm gonna share some new workout gear I've got my eye on. A new season doesn't just mean regular clothes refresh, workout gear need some freshening too … am-i-right?!

Daybreak Hoodie | Intention Cover Up | Cochise Jogger Shoe by The People's Movement (MOVMT) | Pallabrouse Baggy Boot by Palladium  | Powerhouse Mesh Tank | Odyssey Cami | Fast Track Tank

First, you'll notice this list does not include anything lulu lemon. And let me mention, if I could afford it and all its glory I would likely have listed all new lulu items (since I seem to the be the only one in my classes that doesn't rock it 24/7), but I can't so I don't even know what size I would be and all that jazz. So, I'll stick with my trusty Athleta and Gap brands … they're working juuuuust fine. 

Second, the tanks: I'm sort of obsessed with all things strappy when it comes to work out tanks right now. I still love the tried and true racer back, but something about the strappiness makes me feel really feminine and dare I say, a little pretty?

Third, the hoodie and tunic cover up: nothing says fall like a great jacket. These are on point.

Fourth, the shoes: no, you don't wear shoes to the barre, but I mean seriously. Those tennis?! How fab would those be with a good ole' pair of boyfriend jeans. And the boots, I love the sneaker feel while combining them with my ultimate love: boots. Simply can't go wrong. 

Okay, I'm off to move no more than an inch, but it will be the hardest thing I do all day. (Fellow barre goers … see what I did there?!)

Fall and Football.

It's almost here!

My absolute favorite time of year in the bluegrass. So much to look forward to and so much to do! Amidst the almost PERFECT weather and my FAVORITE wardrobe, fall fashion, and BOOTS it's hard to not be excited!  The food, the colors, the events, eek too much for me to handle.  Not to mention, throw in my birthday and our anniversary and things are pure bliss.  I made a bucket list for our little family to check off this fall and I'm ready to tackle the season head on.

One of my all time favorite quotes. So perfect. 

Speaking of tackle, is there anyone out there who doesn't love football season?  Don't get me wrong, knowing that my TV will be screening only sports center 24/7 does get a little old ... but tailgating, Saturday cookouts and road trips to Cincinnati for Bengals games has me super pumped!

We kicked off the college football season this past weekend, with an on screen viewing of my beloved CAYUTS vs WKU while we lived it up at the lake.  And I still love them no matter the outcome :(  University of Kentucky, you will always have my heart.

Then we headed home Sunday morning to enjoy the UofL game so hubs could see his team stomp Ohio in the 2013 season opener.  Woohoo, we can already check "Bennett's First Football Game" off the fall bucket list!  I couldn't bring myself to put our son in that red garbage, so I made Shane dress him. I just feel so guilty since he's not able to make his own outfit decisions yet :) hehe.

Oh man, tailgating and cookouts have my cooking brain a spinning. It's time to start scouring new dip recipes to bring to the games.  

Yes. I love it. 
Welcome Fall, welcome.

Peanut or Peanut Holder?

At a mere 1 month old hubs and I took Bennett to his first Major League Baseball game. 

The Cincinatti Reds vs. The St. Louis Cardinals

He obviously wasn't as enthused about the game as we were ... 

But the Red's pulled out a victory.  Bennett got his first official game certificate.

 He was also able to wear his #5 jersey we got at the consignment sale earlier this year (Johnny Bench's number for other red leg fans out there) and he was the absolute perfect little peanut holder. So, we call it a success!

It's never to early to teach youngin's the love for the game right?!

Couch Focus

sIt's Monday ... again ... wommmp.  It's one of those mornings where I swear if I wasn't preggo I would fill the sink up with coffee, stick my head in and drink the whole thing down.  And it doesn't help that hubs is out of town, so the entire morning routine was completed by lonely lil' me .... ohh how I loathe morning responsibility.  I better learn soon though, right?! Nothing like motherhood to bring morning responsibility to a head.  Nevertheless, according to some people in my city, it's not your average Monday.  There is a special event happening this evening that has my husband, and other crazy Cards fans even more wound up than normal ~ The NCAA Men's Basketball National Championship game!

So here's the deal, I am a University of Kentucky fan through and through.  I was born and raised into a family that bleeds blue and Kentucky Basketball keeps the blood pumping.  Unfortunately (and to put it as nicely as possible) we had an off year this year, so my Cats never got a chance at the Big Dance ~ THIS YEAR.  Last year however, and actually until the game is over tonight, let me remind everyone, The University of Kentucky Wildcats hold the 2012 National Championship Title.  And you better believe I was court side in New Orleans to relish in the glory.  Throwback to one of the best extended weekends of all times:

Comments these photos can't do without:

1. Top Left: Hubs did participate and wore a UK shirt to the final game once his team lost - team player right there
2. Top Right: Yes, we had a chance get a picture with Dick Vitale.  After Laura's Husband took the picture he said, and I quote "OMG it's so good!" -- we walked away, looked at the picture and what you are looking at is the final result my friends.  That is not a bad crop job by me.  He did indeed chop Laura's head off. Cool Chris.
3. Bottom Left: Laura and I have been to NOLA 3 times in the last 2 years, always together.  We've acquired new masks every time and we're the best partners in crime on Bourbon Street. 
4. Bottom Right: Hubs is the best travel buddy :0)

Anyways, the first round of the Final Four took place on Saturday, and whew buddy was hubs ever "IN THE ZONE".  We spent a good portion of Saturday day running errands and random hoopla, simply to get him out of the house so he didn't go crazy with nerves. While we were out and about we discussed the "big question" where would we watch the game?! OH THE HORROR!

The big parking lot party at Tin Roof was an option, but that would probably be super crowded and we'd have to bring our own chairs to find a seat.  There was a 30th birthday party at a local bar, but hubs was convinced it was mostly UK fans and he needed to be surrounded by positive UL mojo.  All other invites didn't tickle his fancy enough and he was convinced he needed his #CouchFocus.  Uhmmm ... what?

 Yes, that's right, Shane has coined a phrase that is unique only to twitter and UL games: #CouchFocus.  #CouchFocus comes into play every UL game that hubs is unable to attend. He describes it as "an intense stabilization of reality and fantasy, channeled through specific brain waves cultivated from the weight of the moment that lay on his shoulders, all for the betterment of the team and the university".  Yes, this is indeed a direct quote and he is serious ... we're talking a big time UL fan here folks.

Alas, once all options were surveyed, he settled on coming home and watching the game in the comfort of our own basement. So he could hear the commentators, yell as loud as he pleased, and channel as much #CouchFocus as possible to ensure they pulled out the "W".  Maggie and I agreed we'd keep him company and "try" to cheer as much as we could for that ugly red team.  But, really we just giggled together and snapped photos of his intense reactions to the game ... for the sole benefit of sharing with our bloggy friends. 

You'll notice her reactions: (left) "What is he DOING? Does he realize how ridiculous he looks right now?!" (right) "OMG mom, I can't watch. Thank goodness my friends aren't here to witness this."  Nevertheless, in hopes some of our readers out there can relate to this intensity we are required to endure, we wanted to share :0)

Here are some of our favorite #CouchFocus and other focus shots (#CarpetFocus, #PoleFocus, #HunchedFocus ... you get the idea) from Saturday night.  I promise, all of these are 100% candid and the pictures don't even do his intensity justice.

Hubs caught a plane to Atlanta yesterday to bring #CouchFocus directly to the Final Four, so he could be with his boys and celebrate the victory with the Cards  in person.  So Mags and I will be giggling at home tonight imagining his intensity in the Georgia Dome.  God help whomever has the ticket next to him ;0).