Cleveland Memories. [#RallyTogether]

Wow... Your Indians made it to the World Series! Yeah, you heard that correctly, THE WORLD SERIES. Amazing! You've waited for this for a very long time and you've wanted to see them win this for ... well, forever! You weren't even thought of in 1948.That's incredible, what an electric and unrecognizable feeling. You all but completely covered your eyes when they brought Shaw out in the ALCS game 5 appearance and can't really remember how long it took to focus on anything else after Santana fell to his knees. You cried with them, in pure happiness that night and then struggled to not go out at 9PM for your very own World Series gear. You hate the phrase "once in a lifetime" when relating to this week ahead, but the realist in you tells you to treat it that way. But after-all and for what it's worth, it'll also tell you to "live every day like it's your last" so it can't possibly be a sign of pessimism. 

Then, you sat in your living room after a long day on Saturday and watched as the Cubs had the very same celebration as the Indians did, just a few days later. The Cubs! Maybe these events are scripted after all (Ayesha Curry didn't tell me to say that). The Cubs & Indians have waited for a long time. The longest time to be (almost) exact. So it's bittersweet either way, right? Both teams have talent, both teams have passion and both are ran very well. I just hope the team on Lake Erie can hang the banner when the series is over.

Either way, I'm writing this because it's exciting. It's exciting no matter what. Your team made it to the World Series! Out of all the teams in the MLB, your team, the "mistake by the lake", the underdogs, the laughing stock of sports and the one that is never considered to win anything. Above all else, you guys made it. Enjoy it, take deep breathes and remember everything. 

Just over 28 hours until the first pitch, and I'm still pinching myself. Here's to The Cleveland Indians. My guys.

When Great Grandma came to town.

Hi All (or those of you who still check-in)!

Sorry for the radio silence, but life has been pretty fun lately and I can't complain about that! This past weekend, Cade and I went on a little, fun weekend getaway to Columbus. During our trip we went to a few breweries, and it was memorable to say the least. I personally, really loved The Brothers Drake (Apple Pie mead is what my fall-dreams are made (mead) of?!).

But before I go too deep into my weekend getaway, I want to share some photos and words from my great grandmothers trip up from Florida. She came to meet her great, great, granddaughter - Lilah Rae. Who is perfect and wonderful and about the cutest thing to ever exist. I am just absolutely smitten with my little niece and so excited that I get to be her aunt! 

Here are some photos from our beautiful day a couple weeks ago: 

Here she is! The woman of the hour, the reason for us all, the one, the only - Great Grandma! I love this woman so much and am so inspired by her daily!

Five generations. F-I-V-E, five! Can you believe that?

Look at that beautiful new family.

Never been more proud of her.

GUYS. GUYS! LILAH RAE IS IN THE WORLD. And the world is a lot better for it. She's sweet and precious and perfect as can be.

The local fire department came to visit my great grandmother while she was in town in honor of my great grandfather who passed away 25 years ago this month. They gave my GG a plaque in recognition and ... oy. There was not a dry eye in the house. I wish I could remember him because he meant so much to everyone. This woman is still madly in love him and I am pretty sure he gave her his entire world during his time here. The way she talks about him and everything she says. That is my definition of true love.

The whole fam-damily.

I love this life and everything it's made up of. My family, my friends, my husband. Everything makes sense and it would be so wrong of me to go a single day without recognizing and appreciating the love that I am surrounded by.

Cleveland Adventures (Part One of hopefully many!)

Cade and I really made it a point to explore parts of Cleveland that we have never been to before this past weekend since we both had a long(er) weekend than usual. Thanks, birth of America! 

We started it all off with lunch at Nano Brew which is one of mine and Cade's favorite hang out spots in Cleveland. After that we wandered over to The Plum which was this most adorable little bar and cafe. We were actually trying to go somewhere else, but they were closed at the time so we just made alternate plans. I'm so happy we did, because I couldn't get enough of this beautiful little place. The staff was incredibly friendly and the the colors just made you feel happy! I'm glad we stumbled upon this place and I will certainly be back! 

On Saturday, Cade and I decided to check out Edgewater Park at Lake Erie. To be completely honest, I went with very, VERY low expectations. Not going to lie, I had even been putting it off for a couple weeks. When I hear "Cleveland" let alone, "Lake Erie" I do not think ... beaches? BUT, I was genuinely impressed. I couldn't get over it! The view was incredible and the beaches reminded me of some of my best memories on beaches. I have to give credit where credit is due. MetroParks really made Lake Erie a nice place to be. Fortunately, I actually remembered to bring my camera along with us so Cade and I snapped some pictures! 

You know how sometimes you really want to brag about how much you love someone/something and you just can't find the words because the emotions take over and they don't know how to use their words so you just just kind of have this feeling that you wish you could explain to people? He gives me that. I want to frame this picture and keep it in my wallet. I want to make sure I tell him every day how much I love him and how I have enjoyed every single second of this first year of marriage with him.

So that's Edgewater Park! We will be back. 

I have a mental reminder to bring my camera to more events/outings. 

On Sunday we painted our dining room a bright orange and it's perfect! I am going to snap pictures of that soon so I can share. Stay tuned! 

Thanks people. Be back soon(ish) (hopefully).

Renee

Life Lately

Hello, hello! I decided to take this past Friday off so I could clean up the spare room and guess what?! I actually stuck to my plans and did it! It felt so good to see that room cleaned out and not just keep it a huge mess. Go me! 

So to say the least, this has been the ultimate relaxing/productive weekend. I have gotten a lot done that I wanted too, but I've also just been able to relax a little bit. I even watched a movie. Not going to lie, I turned on The Intern totally expecting to just have it as background noise and nothing more. Then I started and couldn't stop. Ugh! Instant comfort movie and favorite. I surprised myself at how much I loved it. (P.S - It's on HBO for now so you can watch it totally free if you have access!)

Today (Sunday) has been perfect so far. Woke up slow and easy, no rush to get out of bed... Cade & I made a delicious breakfast and then made big plans for our day - quick trip to the grocery store and then hanging out on the porch and doing nothing (except, watch Game of Thrones, of course). 

Messy kitchens mean nothing when you had a delicious breakfast. More than worth the pick-up.

I love our dining room. It's open and airy... Lots of natural light and it just makes everything better! Here is our little breakfast set-up!

More plants! FYI - I got a nasty sunburn two weeks ago - put that aloe vera on my shoulders and BAM! It was like the sunburn never happened! If you don't, I strongly suggest going to a local store that carries plants and buying an aloe plant. They're affordable and really pay for themselves in time. They're also incredibly easy to care for!

Hope you all had a wonderful week and weekend! There is nothing too special coming up, but I just have a good feeling that this is going to be a wonderful week ahead! 

Renee B.

P.S - My heart breaks for Orlando today. Unspeakable and too sad.

Pictures! Finally, pictures!

Hi Guys! I know it's been another hot minute, but this time it wasn't because I forgot about the good ol' blog. It was because... I wanted to share something more than just words! I wanted to share pictures. Okay, so here goes: 

My Prayer Plant. I saw ONE picture of this plant and was hooked. Knew right away that I needed it. So, I went to Lowe's, asked a specialist and BAM(!), I was the proud owner of a prayer plant. They are easy to maintain and just absolutely beautiful. I would strongly suggest this plant to any indoor plant beginners (like myself!).

Last Sunday was a lazy one. It was a day right between a non-stop busy day including a wedding and then Memorial Day. So we decided to do whatever we wanted and that included crafting! I bought four tiny, low light plants and four plain vases. We sat down and painted away! I really loved the result. Plus, it really brightens up our dining room.

Side note: Cade thinks that I have a plant problem. BUT, it's not a problem if you don't admit to it. Also, plants are so beautiful and generous that it simply cannot have the word "problem" associated with it. THEY PRODUCE OXYGEN! If anything, we are lucky to have them. Right, Cade?! (haha!)

Guys, this little dude. He adjusted so well to the move and he's so comfortable here. I love our little "stinky-butt" a.k.a Frankie Buckus.

Memorial Day Parade in Rootstown, OH! My brother is a firefighter there so we watched him ride in it! I'd say that I am a proud sister every day, but I was especially proud this day. Thanks Gary, and every firefighter/paramedic/cop that selflessly take on the task of willingly supporting and helping people every day. You are the hero's who are protecting this country, within this country!

It's also a special day to reflect on all of the men and women who have sacrificed or are willing to sacrifice their lives for the people back home. You are stronger and braver than we deserve, and we are thankful for you every day.

Check out all of the ladies!! Such a fun day at the parade, but even more fun when they're all around!

Life-sized JENGA! Talk about a thrill. This photo is nothing compared to what it looked like right before A BREEZE knocked it over. Not a faulty human error, a breeze!! I couldn't believe it.

We've got a swimmer! Frankie was non-stop in the pool! It wasn't even worth trying to get him out because he'd jump right back in. I really loved watching him swim! Proud dog-mom!

Well, thanks for checking in! Hope you had a wonderful week and I can already tell it's going to be a beautiful week ahead!! 

P.S - Go Cavs!! Game two is tonight and I think we need to win if we want a shot at the championship. #216CLEAllIn

-Renee B.

Findings & Readings.

So, I wrote this post in October and never published it. I just re-read it and I think I have to share it. I still love reading, and I still love getting recommendations. In fact, I think I am going to hop on Barnes & Noble right now to check out the newest, bestest books out there. Thanks past me! You inspired me without trying!

---

 Have you ever read a fiction book and felt like you were either the main character or like you were shadowing them around? I read The Girl on the Train and I actually believed that I could smell the scents she was referring to and I could see the eerie gray day in London even though I’d never been there before.  I started getting so involved in the book that every time I said “Okay, last page” it would turn into one more chapter and eventually, before I realized it I was done with the entire book in one day. If you like reading suspense-filled fiction then I would highly recommend this book.

Also, if Non-Fiction is your thing then you really need to read My Story by Elizabeth Smart. Her story and the details she describes are haunting… But to read everything she went through and all of the emotions she felt and know that she came out alive and stronger is just amazing. It’s inspiring to know there are women out there that strong. She doesn’t want pity parties and she never asked for anything… I (unfortunately, but realistically) know a lot of men and women who wouldn’t have handled her journey even 1% as well as she did.

I want to read more. I want to always have a new book on me… I want to read more than just a book a month… The idea of getting to experience something else in my mind where I can also add details or create and expand my imagination is so thrilling! I know I don’t often get comments on my posts, but I’m curious what you would recommend. If you want, please, give me a recommendation or tell me a style that you like to read and why.  

LIFE (Pronounced: kay - Aus)

Hey there guys & gals (or robots that are intrigued with blogs collecting dust).

Okay, I know I have been non-existent on here and I won't even blame you if you are checking this post in June or July out of pure boredom to see if I ever even wrote anything again. BUT, in my defense - when this gal says that she is going "social media free in two thousand sixteen", it apparently involves computer-free too. My poor Macbook has served more purpose as a decoration than an actual functioning item. Sorry, Macbook. Truly... I am back and (hopefully) here to stay.

OKAY - enough with that ^^ stuff. How have you been? I know most of you would give the typically "I've been fine, how about you" answer so I'll just get to mine: 

Cade accepted a wonderful job that he couldn't pass up in Cleveland. He is now a junior art director for a great advertising agency and I am a gloating wife. JK, I still have a job. (Stay-at-home-gloating-wife has a nice ring to it though?) Anyway, with the new job, we decided to pack a million boxes, create tons of new bruises on our bodies, eat incredibly unhealthy, because - ain't nobody got time for groceries when you're packing - and move everything to Cleveland. You are now reading the blog of a Cleveland resident. We moved about two weeks ago on an usually nice weekend of NE Ohio. It was a lot of work, but I'll tell you - this is hands down the most beautiful house that I have ever lived in. So much character, very unique and in a great little neighborhood on the west side of Cleveland. We are not even 15 minutes from the West Side Market, very close to the Cleveland Zoo and absolute best of all? - we're a 10 minute drive from nearly any store you can think of... I love it. I love the convenience and I really love that it's in a safe neighborhood. The worst part of the whole thing is that we're not so super close to our family. Although, it's just another excuse for them to come visit us and explore all that Cleveland has to offer. (Which is surprisingly more than I thought!)

By the way, Frankie transitioned surprisingly well into our new place. I know Cade and I were most nervous about him and how he would handle the move. I think he may have settled in before Cade and I did. It probably helped that he didn't have to lift a single paw during the move. Lucky dog!

Hmm... what else is new? Oh, maybe about a year ago, Cade and I tried to watch Game of Thrones. We made it two or three episodes in and I just couldn't get in to it. Too many characters (with unusual names), too much violence for my taste and just a very busy show. ANYWAY - We just so happened to watch the Saturday Night Live that Peter Dinklage hosted and afterwards, we decided to give the show another try. One month later and 4 seasons down, we caught up. Just in time for the premiere. GUYS, Game of Thrones is where it's at. What an incredible show! Just make it past the first few episodes and it's smooth sailing. I'm hooked and I know it. 

So, I promise to write a little bit more and keep up. Next on my list is breaking out my camera and giving a virtual (still) tour on here of our new place. I am so excited for the summer and exciting new things we get to try. 

Until next time! - Renee B.

21 Days.

If it's true, and it indeed takes three weeks to form a habit, then I have officially formed my habit of no facebook/instagram/twitter for 2016. I still have 49 more weeks to go, but I've made it to the point of "forming a habit". Here's what I've learned/experienced so far!

1.) Are you pregnant yet or are you engaged yet?! Have you had your baby or did you break up? Guys, I know nothing over here except for what I'm being told. Admit it or not, but we are designed to love exciting or breaking news.

2.) Friends/Family from far away that I don't often get to see/talk to. I do miss this... I miss seeing their faces when they post pictures or knowing what they're up to when they shared stories/statuses.

3.) PHOTOGRAPHY & Hashtags! Okay, this is probably just a me thing, buuuuuut... My go-to way of researching somewhere quickly is to look up hashtags on IG (#zionnationalpark or #sydneyoperahouse) I really get a kick of exploring the pictures and seeing what people from all over the world are seeing... I know there is Google Image, but it's not as authentic.

AND to calm me down before I get too far into thinking I miss social media; the things I DON'T miss: 

1.) POLITICAL/SOCIAL RANTS. Hello! Just to be blunt, no matter what side of the spectrum you're ranting about - I don't care. #Trump2016, #Clinton2016 or #Bernie2016 - I'm not changing my mind. I form my own opinions based on facts and/or platforms that are not dominated by other opinionated people. By no means am I saying that you are wrong. I think you should stand up and speak out about whatever you believe, but I personally don't read them nor do I really care... So, there's that!

2.) "Like my depressing/"TMI" status so I can feel special" Yikes. Those people, amiright? Sorry you had a bad day... It happens though. 

3.) (Kind of related to # 2) Those pictures where someone says "I look super fat/ugly" on a caption of a photo. NO. If you felt that way, then why on earth would you share it? I call liar-face! 

Okay, this seems like it's getting mean and I don't think I'm a mean person... SO I'll stop. But really guys, Facebook is great to stay up to date with friends/family and share exciting things happening in your life... I don't think it's fair for someone to log-in and immediately feel anger or depression. 

ANYWAY - Life is awesome. I have bad days, I have amazing days and then I have so-so days but it's all good. I'm doing just fine without social media and I'm enjoying spending less time on my phone! Also, I have like... 70-75% battery at the end of every day which is kind of unheard of! 

Okay, to send you off - here is a photo of the clouds from last week. Mother Nature is a pretty amazing artist. I mean, she's no Cade Buckus, but she's good. I'll give her that! ;)

Life Lately // As of 1/17/16

Hello, hello! I'm currently playing "fake it 'til you make it" with this cold. If I act like I'm feeling 100% then hopefully I'll trick my brain into thinking that I am. Also, if I can vent for a minute. The weekend is the WORST time to get sick. Like, hello! I had plans and you are now forcing me to do nothing. >gr!<

I did, however, manage to get out and do some quick shopping with my mom yesterday. That two hours with her was much needed! After that, I laid on the couch and watched some Netflix & HBO. I just finished Togetherness which is like the more drama type of Modern Family and perhaps a little more realistic? Also, seeing Mark Duplass's face isn't hurting anything... (Sorry, Cade!). Now I am starting on The Newsroom. Only one episode in but I have a great feeling I am going to like it. I'm probably not alone, but I definitely started watching it because of this speech. (are you guys digging my hyperlinks here?!?!)

Other than the TV business (thanks sickness!), I've been incredibly swamped at work lately. Which makes coming home afterwards all the sweeter. This week was a great week for coming home! We planned our dinners ahead of time last weekend so we knew exactly what we were going to make every evening. I'd like to think that I'll continue it, but who am I kidding? I get most of my dinners ideas from Pinterest and I've learned now to really choose the dinners that are within my skills. Also, time limit. Unfortunately, I didn't hit the 1.5 billion dollar lotto so I can't pursue my dream to be a stay at home wife. 

Anyway, enough of my rambling. Here are some pictures of life lately! Enjoy: 

Ryan, Becca, Cade & I made some delicious pizzas a couple weeks ago which included this velveeta and bacon pizza. Nothing beats combining liquid gold with bacon. NOTHING!

I can't believe that little Maverick is going to be ONE in 11 days. How on earth did a year pass by that quick?! In either case, he is truly the most adorable and lovable little boy and I'm so glad I get to watch him grow up next to my best friend.

The house is all back to normal now after Christmas. I love all the decorations that I'm surrounded by during the holidays but there is nothing better than seeing your clean, beautiful house back to its normal state.

Little Franklin just has my whole entire heart. I'm so proud of this sweet dog and how much love he gives Cade & I. How did we get so lucky with him?!

This sunset was unreal Friday morning. I had to grab my camera to document it. Thank goodness I did too because it was gone within 10 minutes.

Hope everyone has a wonderful, exciting week! 

Renee

My love for movies!

If I’m being totally honest, award season is kiiiiiiiiind of like a smaller, less family oriented Christmas for me. I love everything about them. I love seeing all the interesting movies up for nominations, I love seeing the stars and I really love watching in anticipation of whether my favorite movie/TV show is going to win an award or not. With that being said, since Cade and I have cancelled cable, we are really only watching Netflix/HBO and binge-watching “older” TV shows. (Our current favorite show to binge watch is 30 Rock) Also, I should add a quick note to let everyone know that over the past weekend, Cade and I successfully (and unashamedly) watched all SEVEN Star Wars. Yeah, you read that right. BOOM. Lazy weekends for the win.

I probably only have about 50 favorite movies... Narrowing it down to a top five or even 10 proves to be more difficult than it should be… But here are my current favorite movies.

5. Forgetting Sarah Marshall – This probably isn’t in a whole lot of “Top Movies” but this movie is one of those “comfort movies” to me… If I need a good laugh, or something to keep me distracted… This is my “go-to” and I can easily and flawlessly recite this entire movie. Sorry to everyone who’s ever watched it with me. “YOU SOUND LIKE YOU’RE FROM LONDON”

4. The Last Kiss - #ZachBraff (I wish I could just include Garden State & The Last Kiss tied for fourth. That would only be fair.)

3. V for Vendetta – Remember, remember the … first time I watched this movie and fell in love. HI NATALIE PORTMAN, I LOVE YOU!

2. Little Miss Sunshine – Since the first time I saw this movie I knew it would be a forever favorite. Steve Carrel stole my heart in this movie and now I have to see everything he’s in. Although, this movie holds the trophy, I still love him in most everything!

1. Pride & Prejudice – Hello Mr. Darcy! You stubborn, arrogant, manly, handsome, lovable creature you.  It took me way too long to finally sit down and watch this movie but this truly is a "better late than never" situation. I love everything about this movie. It’s the perfect length with the perfect cast. This has been my # 1 for a while and I can’t really see it changing any time soon.

So, there they are! My Top Five. I did it! 

I also really love Interstellar, Stuck in Love, Avengers (both of them), The Lego Movie, Crazy, Stupid, Love Jurassic Park, The Gift … See what I mean?! I can’t decide! There are too many good ones. Also, my sister and I recently went to the theaters and saw “Sisters” with Tina Fey & Amy Poehler and now I think that’ll be a favorite. I know other people have this problem so I don’t feel so alone here… I just hope they never stop making great movies! 

Oh, and also all of the Pirates of the Caribbean! OK, I’m done now. I think!

Happy Awards Season!

Sunday Morning / / Easy Life.

In the last 11 days, I've worked a whoppin' two. While I could easily get used to this lifestyle, I'm now sitting here thinking about the week ahead knowing full well that it involves heading back to work. I love my job, but I also love cooking, organizing my house, spending time with Cade & Frankie, and relaxing when all is said and done.

Since today is the last day of the holiday break, I decided to make an easy, but delicious breakfast... Biscuits! Then I decided to photograph it. Cade and I manage to have THEE best mornings on the weekends. Yummy breakfasts, fun talks and lots of calmness. I always want to have my camera ready to photograph it and I never do. So today I did and I'm so happy. Here are a few snippets of our morning.

I think some of the best meals require the biggest messes. I've learned the hard way that the best thing to do is to clean as soon as I'm done cooking. Otherwise it turns into rock and haunts you forever. (slight exaggeration!)

I put them in some time apart so the back left ones are almost done and the front right just went into the oven.

I MADE THE BISCUITS!

Best. Jam. Ever! (Smuckers Sugar Free Blackberry Jam)

And then ... of course. Frankie! He's annoying the crud out of me as I type but he was really good this morning!

Hope everyone had a wonderful, productive and easy weekend.