The First of Spring

Every spring I get the urge for change. I love spring cleaning and the chance to start fresh. We'll open the windows, let the light and crisp air in, and start shaking things up a bit. Now, the weather here is just starting to warm up, but it's still in the 30's so for the moment I'm just dreaming. 

Anthony and I have already started some big changes around here, and because I'm not one to back down from a challenge, I've decided to "go big or go home". You may have noticed I haven't been around the blogosphere much lately. That's partly because all this change in my behind the blog life looked scary and I wasn't sure what to say to all of you. But there comes a time when you've got to stop being scared and start being tough.

With this change, I started thinking about what I believed. Change bring decisions, and I want these changes to enforce my values. I believe in packing light and traveling often. I believe eating healthy should taste good, that fitness should be fun, and that you can't take care of others if you don't take care of yourself. I believe stress is important, as are headstands. I believe spending time outside is the best therapy. I believe we can do more than we think, and I believe spring is a time for change. 

You may be able to guess what type some of these changes are, but don't worry, this isn't the last you'll hear of them. For now, smile. It's time for change. 

The Days It Just Doesn't Happen

Well hey there. Did you miss me? It's been one of those weeks. I've fallen behind in just about everything I have to do. I have so many posts just about done to share with you all (including some pretty awesome new products and shops!) coming oh so very soon. But for now, I'm taking just a few more minutes to breathe before the weight of my to do list crushes me.

[Photo from one our our last we-have-more-to-do-than-hours-in-the-day times. Drink local!]

With Love From An On Again Off Again Girlfriend

With Valentine's Day growing near, I've gotten to enjoy all of your heart-filled posts and so many storybook worthy tales of you beautiful blogger's relationships. I've purposefully avoided saying much about Anthony and I because, well, our story is different. But since we're celebrating love, I thought I would share with you a story of it's survival. So grab some popcorn and cuddle up because this is a long one, but well worth the words. 

You're Not "That" Kind of Girl

As I was leaving my last class for the week, another student stopped me. His comments, though spoken with the nicest of intentions, brought to mind one of the reasons I started Backpacks and Belly Button Rings.

A Look at Family Life

Good Morning! Hope your Monday is absolutely lovely. If not, you can relish in the fact you didn't have to be a part of this family photo. 

Every year, around Thanksgiving, my wonderful family takes a photo to send in our holiday cards. Every year we fail... miserably. 

To paint you a picture: No one is given any sort of advanced warning that the photo will be taken. This year, my dad was wearing the same cloths he did the day before, and Sarah hadn't brushed her hair yet. After threatening, coercing, and forcing us into one room my poor mother has to figure out how to get everyone to sit still. You would think this would be easy, but it couldn't be further from. Between the dogs, my hyperactive sister, and my adhd, we struggle. If, by some divine intervention, we can all sit still, we later have to flip through the shots and find what is often a single photo in which no one is making a funny face. (Which has almost led us to send a photo of my father, cross eyed and sticking his tongue out to his wonderful coworkers) 

This year was even better, as we bypassed the self timer method and had Anthony snap a few for us. By this I mean, we're all sitting on the couch, and in the first minute or so he's taken fifty frames. No one really noticed, and no one was ready, but we were done. We always get a laugh out of the process. It's more of a joke than a family photograph, but looking back, taking the photo means more to me than whatever the result may have been. Looking back I see the moment just after Sarah decided she would sit on my lap, and before my dad reminding us to look normal as my mom tries to get the puppy, who's decided he must sit on someone's head, to behave. So if and when you take a family photo this year, remember: no one's family is normal, you look absolutely beautiful, and it's the memory, not the print that matters most. 

*My mother emailed it to me, which is why it's so blurry- and it will probably say something different... (but knowing my family, probably not). 

So let me ask you this:

Do you take a family photo for the holidays? 

How does your picture day unfold? 

Nod and Smile

Good morning loves! 

(Instagram @kbailey814)

Sometimes... you just have to nod, smile, and accept. For example, this conversation between Anthony and I regarding my stand up comic caliber humor. 

I start, of course: Why don't you laugh at my jokes? 

Because they're not very funny, baby. 

But... you laugh at me sometimes. 

Because you're funny

Just not my jokes? 

No. Just you... when you're not trying to be. 

Oh... So apparently this is a "I'm laughing at you, not with you" type of thing, and you know what? I'm Ok with that... Somebody's got to be the entertainment around here. 

P.s. Anthony's back in town today (because I know you guys missed him around these parts!) 

What are you smiling about today?

Meet SheJumps!

Hey Ladies! In place of your Motivation Monday, I'm sharing with you an organization you'll probably here a lot about around here... mostly because it's absolutely awesome! This is just a little intro, as it's busy busy busy around here this week. 

via Shejumps.com

Shejumps is a nonprofit whose mission is to "increase female participation in outdoor activities by building upon a supportive community that inspires its members to reach their highest potential" You can check out their website here. It features some amazing women! The best part? You can be a part of it, easy peasy. There is an online community, and you can find a chapter in your area.

You asked, and here it is.

A little "get to know me" session. 

I'm not sure why, maybe curiosity, to increase credibility, or to figure out where it all went wrong, I've been asked to tell a little about myself.

It may not be very interesting, and it may not be pretty, but here are five things you didn't know before:

1. My boyfriend and I have a Doberdore (Doberman/lab hybrid) puppy named Dozer.

I have a couple hundred cell phone pictures of him.

2. Every year, for the past four years, I've spent 10 days backpacking with a group of high school seniors, sleeping under a tarp named "Big Blue".

3. I am a firm believer that Roasted Pineapple & Habanero Sauce from Costco may just be the best thing to happen to the world. Screw modern medicine. 

4. This is a Dolphin fish. 

I have been lovingly smacked with one of these.

5. I take awkward pictures of feet. Like all the time. A way to remember where I've been, I suppose.

Have a "get to know me" post? Leave the link below!

If not, tell me something about you

:)