Currently || April Edition

It's April and currently it's snowing.  That's depressing...but here's what else is currently going on in my life this month.

Drinking-
Water.  And lots of it.  I'm trying to really work on my water intake.  Recently it seems I've come across several articles where people are trying to drink half their body weight in ounces of water.  What does it do?  Cleanses your body, makes you feel better and could cause you to lose a few pounds.  Of course it's hard to go from drinking a normal amount of water to 50+ ounces a day.  So I've just been giving myself the daily challenge of filling up my Swell water bottle so many times during the work day.  Side effects include frequent trips to the restroom.

Lusting-
This GORGEOUS dress from BCBG Max Azaria.  Omg this dress is everything.  I tried it on while I was on vacation in Florida and I can't get it out of my head.  I've been watching it for when it goes on sale to snatch up...and attempting to justify the purchase by thinking of possible events I could wear it.

Listening-
Well Nick Jonas just revealed the album name and track listings for his upcoming album "Last Year Was Complicated."  Along with that the first single "Close" was released featuring Tove Lo so I've bene listening to that repeat.  In addition, I've been traveling a lot recently so my Zen playlist has gotten a lot of air time.  This playlist is filled with some songs with great lyrics that I can either tune out and multitask while on flights or just veg out and really have a chance to reflect.  Here's what my zen playlist looks like right now...



Wearing-
As the weather starts getting warmer I've started busting out my spring/summer shoes.  One of my favorites are my go-to Toms booties and a new addition to the shoe family are my Vince Camuto wedges.  Both are so comfy and I've worn them on tour, at conferences and through airports.  They get my seal of comfort approval.

Booties from Toms & can still be found online here

Reading-
I've really been on a self-help/memoir kick recently.  I enjoy reading about the experiences of others and learning from them.  Here are a few that I've read recently or am in the middle of reading right now:
What Remains by Carole Radziwill
Stronger Looks Better Naked by Khloe Kardashian
Why Not Me? by Mindy Kaling

What are you currently up to this month?  Take the time to jot it down and post it on your blog or in the comments below :)

On the Road || Remember the Alamo

This past weekend felt more like mini vacation than a business trip.  Friday I departed Cleveland for Memphis.  It was a long day going straight from the office and airport hopping until landing in Memphis late Friday night.  A quick night's sleep and it was off for a music store appearance in Tennessee.  It was a quick morning and afternoon then it was back to the airport to head to San Antonio.  Luckily we'd be in San Antonio for more than 24 hours, which means some time to explore!

We arrived in San Antonio at a reasonable hour Saturday night so I had the chance to get a good night's rest.  Then it was time to get up bright and early to get in some time to explore the area.  Luckily my hotel was very close to the Alamo, so I started my Sunday morning by taking a walk down to see the historic structure.  I snapped a few pictures of the Alamo and few other sculptures and landmarks around it.

Then it was time to explore the Riverwalk.  The last time we were in San Antonio was for the holiday tour, which means there really isn't a ton of time to really take in some of the sights and sounds of the city we're in.  I didn't want to waste this trip, so I jogged the Riverwalk stopping occasionally to snap some pictures of some unique sculptures, works of art or just the wonderment of nature.  It was the perfect way to see such a big part of San Antonio while getting in a workout.

It was a gorgeous day and the pool at the hotel just happened to be on the same floor as my room.  It was meant to be.  So after my run, I cooled off poolside with my Starbucks Americano.  Now this really felt like a vacation.  Next was brunch with John and Jim while we enjoyed the great food San Antonio had to offer.  And I can't forget about work and why we were actually here.  Roland invited Jim to stand at the Roland booth at the Music Teachers National Association Conference.  Jim had the opportunity to meet music teachers and some students from across the country both Sunday and Monday.  It was really cool to make some connections and tap into this group that is really important to the music business.  Plus we can connect with teachers and in turn their students to hopefully inspire them to continue their piano education and more importantly their music education.

Overall it was a great "work trip."  I met so many wonderful people in both Memphis and San Antonio.  San Antonio was so fun to explore and I think it would be a great long weekend destination to return to in the future.  Now it's back to the office and hopefully the blue skies and sunshine will follow me back to the CLE!

xoxo,
B.

What I've Been Up To || West Palm Beach

I've been a little MIA on the blogosphere lately, mostly because I was soaking up the sun in West Palm Beach with my family.  My office was a lounge chair poolside in the blue skies and sun.  It was nice to get out of Cleveland for a week and spend time with my family.  Take a look at some of the fantastic places we frequented during our week vacation...

  

It was a great trip filled with a lot of laughs, some great meals and memories to last until the next Deppas family vacation.

xoxo,
B.

Dear B || How to Pack for a Beach Vacay

I'm gearing up to spend an amazing week in Florida with my family.  I can't remember the last time that JUST the 5 of us were on vacation together.  I'm so looking forward to taking a break from the 216.  Plus I cannot wait to get 7 days worth of solid Vitamin D.  Anyway, as an avid traveler I've really perfected the art of packing whether it be for work or pleasure.  So I decided to let you in on my packing secrets...

You'll Need...

• Your Suitcase
• Carry On Bag
• Killer Playlist
• A Buddy (lucky for me A agreed to sit in on my packing process)
• Mirrors (preferably full length)

1.  Press play on that playlist and let the fashion show begin.  I usually start by trying a few different outfit possibilities to start building a foundation or color palette I can work with.  Then I can add different pieces that will mix and match with each other.  This part is great to have a buddy so they can share their opinions on what works well and what doesn't.

2.  Find shoes that go with every outfit.  I stick to neutrals or blacks.  It just makes everything easier.  I usually bring 2 pairs of wedges or heels, a pair of gym shoes, a pair of flip flops for the pool/beach and another pair of nicer flip flops to wear at night.

3.  As you narrow down your day or night outfits now move to any workout clothes, pajamas, swimwear or loungewear items you'd like to bring and place them in their own pile.

4.  Let these piles sit for a day or so outside of your suitcase.  As you let your choices sit in your mind, you'll either feel confident about your decisions, feel like you've packed too much or not enough.  Usually at this point I end up pulling an item or 2 out of my piles realizing that I don't need that many choices.

5.  Go back to your piles and think about how many outfits or pieces you really need...I'm going to be gone for 7 days and here's what I'm bringing

• 1 pair of jean capri pants
• 1 pair of leggings
• 4 tops
• 2 dresses
• 1 skirt
• 2 workout tops & pants
• 4 pairs of shoes
• 2 swimsuits
• pajamas
• loungewear outfit

Everything is all packed away with plenty of room to spare to add some new additions from the trip :)

6.  Begin packing your suitcase with shoes on the bottom and try to fold or roll your clothes so you can make the most of your space.  Then start adding in those other essential items you'll need.

7.  Then it's on to accessories.  When traveling I like to bring a simple set of gold and silver jewelry then a few nicer things to add on dressier occasions.  I lay out these pieces and have my jewelry case ready to go.  This is just in case I wear something in the days leading up to my departure.

I have a few things for gold, silver and to mix & match. I bring a small pouch for earrings and another for rings. An easy way to keep things organized.

8.  I also prep my toiletries.  I refill any medications, hair products or lotions so I'm sure I'm prepared.  Then I pack any "extra" items I have for travel: razor, toothbrush, toothpaste, hair accesories etc.

I love this organizer from L.L. Bean.  There's a spot for everything!  And you can get it monogrammed with your name or initials if your heart desires

9.  Lastly is the makeup and hair styling tools.  I wait to pack these until the day I leave so I can use them and throw them right into my toiletry bag. It's easy and I know I'm not forgetting anything.

10.  DON'T STRESS!  The worst thing that could happen is you forgot something.  Luckily there are drug stores and Targets pretty much everywhere so you can always buy what you may have left behind.

I hope my packing ritual helps you tackle what can be a mundane or stressful project, in a more organized and fun way.  And always ask your buddy if you really need that extra pair of shoes or one more top.  They'll be honest with you and help you keep that weight down on your suitcase.  Just think the lower the starting weight, the more you can buy! :)

xoxo,
B.

If there's something you want me to feature on the blog or give a try leave your questions or suggestions in the comments below :)

What I've Been Up To || Weekend in Wichita

Hello readers!  Yes, it's been a few days since I last posted but that's because this past weekend was all about some QT with my BFF (that's Quality Time with my Best Friend Forever).  I traveled for work last week with stops in Oklahoma City & Hutchinson, Kansas.  After doing some Google Mapping, I realized I'd only be about 51 minutes from my best friend C who lives in Wichita, Kansas.
I had the brilliant idea that instead of flying back to CLE on Friday, I'd spend the weekend in Wichita with C and her bf K.  C & K were great hosts and showed me a great time in Wichita.  We even got to celebrate St. Patrick's Day a little bit early :)  Here are some pictures & GIFs from the amazing weekend...

Getting in the St. Patrick's Day Spirit with Green Beer

They say every (fake) brunette needs a (fake) blonde best friend

C, I love you and thanks for having me!  I can't wait until our next adventure in the next city.

Sending you lots of love <3

xoxo,
B.