📣 Take Me Out to the Ball Game! 🎵

Last Saturday was a day of firsts for me! As a lifelong Pittsburgher, stepping into PNC Park for the first time was a moment I'll never forget. But here's the twist – my loyalty wasn't with the home team. Nope, I was proudly donning my Cubs gear. As a proud Pittsburgher, it might come as a surprise to my local readers that I was rooting for the Cubs. But there's a sentimental reason behind it that connects me to the team.

You see, my dear grandfather was a man of dreams and steel. Back in the day, he teetered on the precipice of becoming a bona fide pitcher for those illustrious Cubs. But life had other plans for him, nudging him toward a different career path at J&L Steel. Talk about a curveball! However, his love for the game never wavered, and his stories of near-glory on the pitching mound ignited a fire within me, starting an unconventional allegiance to the Cubs. So, there I was, a proud Pittsburgher, sporting my Cubs cap and ready to shout from the rooftops, "Go Cubs, go!" Being at the game, I felt a connection to him and his unwavering spirit.

To make the outing even more special, it was a double date with one of my best friends, her boyfriend, and my fiancé, Adam. We were all eager to soak in the atmosphere of the ball game and create lasting memories together. The excitement in the air was palpable as we entered the stadium, the anticipation building with every step.

As we settled into our seats, the stadium pulsated with an electric energy, infused with the fervor and enthusiasm of ardent fans. The ambiance was alive with the harmonious symphony of cheers, chants, and the collective heartbeat of the crowd. The resonant crack of the bat, the soul-stirring roar of the spectators, and the tantalizing aroma of freshly popped popcorn permeated the air, forming a delightful sensory overload that I will never forget.

Throughout the game, we cheered, laughed, and bonded over our shared love for the sport. It was a perfect blend of camaraderie and friendly rivalry, with fans from both sides engaging in good-natured banter. The innings ticked by, each one bringing a new wave of excitement and anticipation.

As the game reached its climax, tensions ran high. The Pirates and the Cubs battled fiercely, each team vying for victory. Every play, every pitch, held us in suspense, and we couldn't help but get caught up in the drama unfolding before our eyes.

In the end, even though the Cubs didn't clinch the win that night, the memories we made will last a lifetime. And beyond the final score, what truly mattered was the experience itself. The joy of being surrounded by friends, loved ones, and fellow baseball enthusiasts created a sense of belonging and community that transcended the game itself.

From the crack of the bat to the roar of the crowd, every moment felt like a piece of history unfolding before my eyes. Attending my first baseball game was a milestone in my life, a cherished memory that I will carry with me forever. It reminded me of the power of sports to bring people together, to unite us in a shared passion and create bonds that defy boundaries.

Sharing this experience with my fiancé Adam, and our friends on a double date, made it even more special. There's something about the camaraderie of a ball game that brings people together, regardless of the team they're rooting for.

So here's to the magic of baseball, to the thrill of the game, and to the treasured moments spent with loved ones. Take me out to the ball game, indeed!

What’s your favorite pastime? And any particular team you root for? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below!!


Xx, Bree

Date Night Chronicles: The Melting Pot & The Book of Mormon

Back on March 3, 2024 Adam and I had a delightful little date night that I decided I’d go ahead and chat about here because why not?! It was a good time and this will give me the opportunity to discuss two of my favorite things to do in the ‘Burgh and those would be eat fondue and see a musical at the Benedum Theater! (Not to mention, I’m playing with the idea of starting a little column called “Date Night Chronicles” where I write about the stuff Adam and I do around Pittsburgh and share some of our favorite spots!)

Part One Dipping Down Memory Lane: Our Fond(ue) Love Affair with The Melting Pot, Station Square


To start our date night, let’s step into The Melting Pot at Station Square, Pittsburgh – a place that's not just a restaurant; it's a cornerstone in the love story of Adam and me. You see, The Melting Pot has been witness to countless chapters of our romance, making it a bona fide member of our date night hall of fame. From those early days of nervous laughter over bubbling pots of cheese to the comfort of long-standing love affairs, this place holds more memories than a yearbook – but with way more cheese and chocolate.

A Cheesy Prelude: The Wisconsin Cheddar Tradition

Speaking of cheese, let me wax poetic about the gooey goodness that kicks off our culinary escapade. The "Wisconsin Cheddar" has become our date night tradition, a cheesy prelude to an evening filled with laughter, shared bites, and the promise of sweet indulgence.

Fondue Maestros: A Culinary Dance of Flavors

Now, when it comes to the main course, we play fondue maestros – each dip in the broth or sizzle on the grill is a collaborative effort, a culinary dance that mirrors the harmony of our relationship. The sizzling symphony of flavors and the playful banter create an ambiance that's uniquely Melting Pot – a feeling that's become synonymous with our love story.

Sweet Escape: The Yin & Yang of Chocolate Fondue

And don't even get me started on dessert! The "Yin & Yang" chocolate fondue is our sweet escape, a decadent swirl of dark and white chocolate that perfectly encapsulates the duality of our relationship – sweet, balanced, and utterly irresistible.

So, whether you're embarking on a new romance or celebrating the milestones of an enduring love, The Melting Pot at Station Square is not just a restaurant; it's a time machine of tastes and a witness to the chapters of our love story. Grab your forks, bring your appetite, and let the fondue-filled nostalgia unfold at our go-to date night spot – The Melting Pot, where every dip is a step down memory lane.

I had fun and decided to dress in character for Book of Mormon

Part Two: A Decade of Hilarity and Harmony, The Timeless Appeal of 'The Book of Mormon

A decade ago, I stumbled into a Broadway theater with a mix of curiosity and excitement, unknowingly about to embark on a musical journey that would forever alter my perspective on both comedy and introspection. It was my first encounter with "The Book of Mormon," a theatrical masterpiece that has maintained its cherished spot in my heart ever since.

The Promise of Laughter and Revelation

Back then, the allure of this production was twofold: the promise of a side-splittingly funny narrative and the revelation that the creative minds behind "South Park," Trey Parker and Matt Stone, had orchestrated this musical marvel. Fast forward to today, and "The Book of Mormon" continues to be a musical I hold dear – a testament to its enduring charm.

Blending the Outrageous with the Poignant

What makes this musical a perennial favorite is its ability to seamlessly blend the outrageous with the poignant. The satirical humor, a hallmark of Parker and Stone's work, is delivered with a precision that elicits uproarious laughter, but it doesn't stop there. Beneath the irreverent surface lies a thoughtful exploration of faith, humanity, and the universal quest for purpose.

Nuanced Characters and Transformative Journeys

The genius of the writing extends beyond witty one-liners; it lies in the nuanced characters and their transformative journeys. From the bumbling yet endearing Elder Cunningham to the charismatic Elder Price, each character contributes to a tapestry of self-discovery and personal growth. It's this depth that elevates "The Book of Mormon" from a mere comedy to a resonant cultural commentary.

Timeless Relevance and Resonance

Reflecting on the past decade, what stands out is the musical's timeless relevance. The humor hasn't aged a day, and the themes remain as poignant as ever. It's a testament to the universal truths embedded in the narrative – the struggles, triumphs, and the quest for meaning – that continue to resonate with audiences, regardless of the passage of time.

Soundtrack to the Soul

The music, composed by Robert Lopez, adds another layer of brilliance to the production. The infectious melodies and clever lyrics ensure that the songs linger in your mind long after the final curtain falls. From the upbeat "Hello!" to the introspective "I Believe," the soundtrack is a treasure trove that enhances the emotional impact of the storyline.

As a devoted fan who has witnessed the magic of "The Book of Mormon" unfold over the years, I can confidently say that this musical is more than a theatrical experience; it's a cultural touchstone. It has the rare ability to make you laugh uproariously while prompting introspection – a delicate balance that has kept it relevant and cherished in the hearts of audiences for a decade and counting. Here's to another ten years of irreverent humor, heartwarming moments, and the enduring legacy of "The Book of Mormon."

Final Thoughts:

Whoo! This post was essentially a double feature, but I hope y’all enjoyed it! I have to ask, have you ever been to The Melting Pot, if so what are your thoughts and if you’ve never been would you wanna try it?! Also, do I have any other musical lovers out there? What are some of your favorites and why?! And lastly, what do you think of this Date Night Chronicles idea, does it work, does it interest y’all? Let’s chat about all this in the comments below ✨

Xx, Bree

Hi, hello, I’m BACK! (Feat. Finding Balance: Why I Took a Break from Blogging)

Hey there, it’s been a while, hasn't it? What, 2018? That’s the last time I posted minus my little teaser a little over a week ago?! $#@%! It didn’t seem that long. You might be wondering why I went MIA for quite a bit. Was it personal reasons? Was it the pandemic? Well, let me pull back the curtain and share why I decided to take a break from blogging.

Disclaimer:
The TL;DR version of this answer is I am well and happy, I had a bit of a career shift since 2018, and then the pandemic happened in 2020 which is when I initially anticipated relaunching following my second degree. But spoiler alert: I earned my third degree (my masters in professional counseling) during the pandemic, passed my NCE exam over a year ago and am currently working as a clinical therapist and LPC. I also plan to begin working on getting my MSN and possibly DNP in the future—however considering I also got engaged in the midst of all this and am currently planning a wedding, my academic endeavors are on a slight pause; but focusing on the now, outside of that, still the same old Bree!

And, regarding the blog, it will be undergoing some changes, but I plan on continuing to post because I’ve greatly missed this part of my life (to get a bigger scoop on the ch-ch-cha-changes, stay tuned in the next ten days!). So, for y’all who’ve been wanting my life update and what I’ve been up to for the last (almost) six years, here’s the scoop:

1. Prioritizing Mental Health:

Life can get hectic, and so did mine. Juggling work, grad school, personal life, and blogging can take a toll. I realized I needed to prioritize my mental health and step back to recharge. It's essential to acknowledge when the creative well needs a refill.

2. Quality Over Quantity:

In the pursuit of consistency, I found myself prioritizing quantity over quality. I decided to take a pause to refocus on creating content that truly resonates with me and, hopefully, with you all too. Quality always trumps quantity, and I want each post to bring genuine value, and not feel like forced labor to keep up with sponsorships and sometimes perceived competition. Because all in all, I’m doing this for me, it’s my creative outlet and I feel I should enjoy creating content as much as my audience enjoys consuming it!

3. Embracing Change:

Change is inevitable, and sometimes, it's crucial for growth. I took this break to reflect on where I want my blog to go and to embrace the changes happening in my own life. It's okay to evolve, and my blog should reflect that evolution too.

4. Personal Growth Journey:

Life is a journey of continuous growth. I wanted to dedicate time to personal development, learning new skills, and gaining fresh perspectives. This break allowed me to invest in myself, ultimately enhancing the content I create for my wonderful readers (psssst I’m talking about y’all!).

5. Avoiding Burnout:

Blogging can be demanding, and burnout is a real concern (especially as my main profession, a clinical therapist, has a high burn out rate too). To prevent reaching that point of exhaustion here and in my full time gig, I decided to step back temporarily. Taking a break is not a sign of weakness but rather a proactive measure to ensure I can continue to deliver my best in all aspects of my work, on and off the blog.

6. Reconnecting with Passion:

Blogging should always be a passion project, not a chore. I took this break to reconnect with the initial spark that inspired me to start this journey. Rekindling that passion ensures that every post comes from a place of genuine enthusiasm, because that’s what myself and my readers deserve.

7. Balancing Responsibilities:

Life's responsibilities can pile up, and it's crucial to find the right balance. My hiatus allowed me to reassess and reprioritize, ensuring that I can manage my blogging commitments while also fulfilling all other aspects of life. Again, I want this to be something I enjoy and share with others as a means of connection—not something I force myself to do.

8. Quality Me-Time:

Self-care is not just a buzzword; it's a necessity, and I learned this all too well during my time in grad school during the COVID-19 pandemic. I took a step back to indulge in some quality me-time, enjoying activities that I'm passionate about outside the blogging sphere. A rejuvenated blogger means better content for you!

9. Setting Boundaries:

Blogging often blurs the lines between work and personal life. Taking a break helped me set clearer boundaries, ensuring that when I'm working on my blog, I'm fully present and passionate about the content I'm creating, opposed to feeling like “I have too” it’s an “I want too”. Like any labor of love should be. This also has helped me set boundaries for when I’m not working on the blog as well, my personal time shouldn’t be consumed by worrying about sponsorships and deadlines—just like in my clinical work, I need to leave my blog work on the blog and enjoy my experiences outside of it. I have found this makes for a much more harmonious work/life balance.

10. Coming Back Stronger:

Sometimes, you need to take a step back to leap forward. I assure you, this break was not in vain. I've spent this time brainstorming, planning, traveling (*cough, cough* there will be a post very soon about my excursion to New York Fashion Week with my wonderful ghoulmate Adam) and creating content that I can't wait to share with all of you! So get ready for some exciting new posts coming your way!

I appreciate your understanding and continuous support during this hiatus. Let's dive back into this blogging journey together with renewed energy and passion!

And as always, I’d love to chat and catch up! So please feel free to tell me about anything and everything you’ve been doing to rejuvenate and care for yourself in the comments section down below!

P.S. All my socials are still the same, but just in case you forgot you can follow me on Instagram (and connect with me on Threads!), Pinterest, BlogLovin, Twitter (oops I mean “X”, major eye-roll), you can also like/follow me on Facebook and connect with me on LinkedIn!

P.P.S. Also, though my shop is currently under construction, you can still connect with me via LIKEtoKNOW.it (now LTK for short!) and then you’ll be able to shop my closet again once I get some new style posts uploaded.

Xx, Bree