Secondhand Sundays

I've Moved! www.bekuhbrowning.com

2014-01-14T11:12:00.000-05:00

It's been an exciting few weeks for this old blog, with over 50 new followers, but unfortunately I don't blog here anymore! I've moved shop to www.bekuhbrowning.com and I hope you'll follow me over there & join the conversation. I won't be updating this site with any new content.

A lot of the same topics, but with a more focus >> FOLLOW ON BLOGLOVIN. big kiss, bekuh

a new direction

2013-12-31T11:00:00.000-05:00

This has been a long time coming. Maybe you felt it, maybe you didn't, but the truth of the matter is I've felt increasingly disconnected from this space for some time now, and I've decided to make a clean break from Secondhand Sundays and start afresh with something new. I'm excited to announce today that I've started a new blog called bekuh b. A fresh face to the bekuh you've already come to know through this space.

You may be asking yourself, why start all over? That's an especially difficult question to answer, but I feel like you deserve to know as you've put at least some trust in me by following Secondhand Sundays. The truth is I've out grown this space. It's like the first time you come home after going away to college, and suddenly everything in your room doesn't seem familiar somehow. Maybe it's become a little juvenile, outdated, or just dirty and used. You're almost embarrassed by it and can't wait to get back to your new digs and new life. That's how I feel every time this page loads in this space.

Secondhand Sundays is no longer a reflection of who I am or where I'm at in life. I'm ready to trade in my past blogging life for a new one. One that feels more like the me I am now.

I don't want you to think that I've in any way misrepresented myself to you here, because I have always tried to be painfully honest. I suppose that's why I feel confident I can write these things out and some part of you will understand. I wouldn't be writing this if I didn't want each and every one of you to join me in this new journey!

I've learned a lot in the last year; about graphic design, what I want my blog to be, what my real passions are, and most importantly about myself. Bekuh b. is about all these discoveries and more. It's going to focus on the best parts of Secondhand Sundays and expand upon the subjects closest to my heart. There will be more soul searching, more art, more inspiration, more life, more travel, and more of me without the fluff. A cleaner, clearer, more honest attempt to share who I really am with you. Will you join me?

follow bekuh b. on bloglovin
visit bekuh b. the blog

big kiss, bekuh

PS- I won't be deleting this blog, its contents will live on untouched, but I won't be posting here anymore.

merry merry jolly jolly

2013-12-25T10:30:00.000-05:00

It's Christmas! It's Christmas! The tree is trimmed, the presents wrapped, the travel over, and the celebrations well under way. I wish you all the merriest of holidays and hope you're spending it with those you love most. I'm off to grab another cup of egg nog coffee and unwrap something pretty from under the tree. big kiss, bekuh

christmas trails

2013-12-24T10:00:00.000-05:00

I'm so excited for Christmas! I get to see my dad's family, eat my Grandma's cheese ball, give/receive presents, and escape from the confines of my desk for six whole days! As Ryan and I hit the road for Ohio I thought I'd share a few outtakes from my holiday photo shoot with Maddie, more coming tomorrow. Ryan's taken to calling this plaid jacket my Christmas jacket and seeing it in front of a giant (half decorated) christmas tree definitely brings the point home. Am I turning into my mother circa 1992? Never! You won't catch me wearing a wreath covered turtleneck anytime soon.

For those traveling- Be safe as you hit the Christmas trails. big kiss, bekuh

snow walking

2013-12-12T10:00:00.000-05:00

Winter has come to Philadelphia, I know because it's snowed (twice!). The most glorious, thick, ground covering snow I ever did see. I'm now ready for all the holiday delights that come with snow. The candy canes, the hot chocolate, the present wrapping, the tingling fingers from frost. Snow walking is pretty much my favorite winter activity ever so of course Ryan, Nellie, and I had to immediately bundle up and enjoy the crisp whiteness.

Last February, when we moved, Philly had pretty much seen all the snow there was for the winter so we missed out on the magic of city snowfalls. Everything looks suddenly new under a blanket of snow and the city lights shine brighter somehow. We walked until the sun grew too low to see clearly.

Nellie is her absolute best in the snow. She's so sweet and playful, and once inside the cuddliest dog there ever was. After wrapping her up in a towel, she joined us on the couch to watch a Christmas movie and fall fast asleep in our arms. A wonderful end to a magical wintery day. big kiss, bekuh

a browning christmas tree

2013-12-11T10:00:00.000-05:00

This past Friday Ryan and I decided it was time to really start getting into the holiday spirit. We started blasting Christmas music, pulled out our giant box of ornaments, and began the arduous task of decorating our Christmas Tree. Okay so it wasn't really arduous as our tree is only 3 feet tall, but it is a tricky thing deciding what ornaments to hang and which ones to keep tucked away for another year. We were totally on the same wave length and our tree is the perfect mix of ornaments from childhood and the ones we've bought together. I love this little crooked evergreen with all my heart. It's our own version of Charlie Brown's Christmas tree. big kiss, bekuh

complimentary fall garb

2013-12-05T10:00:00.000-05:00

I know that after Thanksgiving you're supposed to immediately jump on the winter love train, but this year I just want the leaves to last forever. Yes, we have our tree and our apartment is starting to look decidedly holiday, but my wardrobe and mind just can't seem to want to keep up. Can't I have them both?

These are the photos I promised to share last week showing off my fall garb in a mess of yellow leaves and hat to match. My purplish-pink coat is the perfect compliment to the shock of yellow and pulls and otherwise simple outfit together into something just slightly more chic. Wishful thinking? Perhaps. big kiss, bekuh

Outfit details: coat- Thrifted / Hat: Handmade by Katherine / Scarf- Market find / Jeans- Anthro / Shoes- Born. Shop similar items below.

the cut revealed

2013-11-27T10:00:00.001-05:00

So I just realized that I never shared my haircut with you guys! I did decided to go ahead with the long bob and I love it. My hair feels so much healthier, it's easier to style, and the best part is my bangs are almost invisible thanks to some crafty layering by the hairdresser. I couldn't be happier. I especially like my hair this length with hats. I'll be sharing more pics from this same shoot with Maddie soon and you can judge for yourself. big kiss, bekuh

operation living christmas tree

2013-11-26T10:00:00.000-05:00

It may be jumping the gun (just a little) to start talking about Christmas, but I'm going to anyway. Over the weekend Ryan and I bundled up, and braved the very cold, to buy our Christmas Tree! Of course I had to share our tree on the blog, its tradition (2012 / 2011). I've decided to just embrace the season and really get into it starting now, because really who's going to stop me?

Over the weekend it came to both Ryan and my attention that between travel, work, and holiday parties our weekends are pretty much booked solid through the new year, which meant if wanted a tree we had to get it stat. So on Sunday morning we bundled up in some of our warmest gear and headed out to Terrain. We had already decided that we wanted to pick a sustainable Christmas tree option this year, not only because we thought it was the responsible thing to do, but because our miniature apartment can could only handle a baby sized fir. So with that in mind we found the cutest, must needly tree on in the whole place. I think she's perfect.

Though we don't have a place to plant her after the holidays we know someone who does, and they'll be giving this little beauty a place to live for the next hundred years. Give or take a few. Have any of you taken the plunge and put up your tree? big kiss, bekuh

color play

2013-11-19T10:00:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite things about working for BHLDN is the fact that I get to step outside of my typical job role from time-to-time and tackle something completely different. Case in point these tulle samples. Last week I assembled 12 little cards, with 12 different colors of tulle for a Facebook poll we're conducting this week. It might sound silly but getting the opportunity to do a little crafting and a little photo shooting at work made my month! It was so refreshing and made me feel useful to the brand in a totally different way. All things I relish.

Before I stashed all the samples away in a drawer I decided to take a few more pictures for me to remember an insignificant day that meant a lot. Just wanted to share a small peek into my everyday life with you.

Oh, and if you're interested in winning a $200 gift card to BHLDN go vote for your favorite color above! big kiss, bekuh

ghosts of halloween past

2013-10-30T10:00:00.001-04:00

Growing up Halloween was always the highlight of fall for me. Not so much because I got a pillowcase full of sweet treats, but because it was the only chance I had to really embrace my theatrical side and pretend to be someone else for a whole day. Each year I'd immerse myself in whatever character I was to play and learn as much as I could about the way they talked, moved, and even what they ate. I must have watched the live action Popeye a dozen times the year I was Olive Oyl for Halloween (bottom image above). I went around saying "Oh, Popeye," for weeks, much to the chagrin of my younger brother who had to be my Popeye that year.

Through the years I've been characters like Rainbow Bright, Maid Marian, the Little Mermaid, Morticia Addams, and so many others. This year I was Nancy Drew, and next year who knows? It's still fun putting on someone else's hat for a few hours, like an escape from your own reality. Some things never change. big kiss, bekuh

m&m wedding (part 2)

2013-10-24T10:00:00.000-04:00

Today I wanted to share more photos from Martin & Mollie's wedding but I wanted to let the photos speak for themselves, instead of spouting off at the mouth about how amazing their big day was. You can just see for yourself. More good gollie miss Mollie, she sure was cute.

big kiss, bekuh

m&m wedding (part 1)

2013-10-22T10:09:00.000-04:00

Let's travel a little backwards in time to early October when two of Ryan and my favorite people ever got married. They planned the coolest wedding at a summer camp in northern Indiana, on the shores of the most serene little lake. It was awesome. The weekend was warm, the trees were changing shape and love was everywhere. Several friends and family stayed at the lake, us included, and so what would have normally been a day of wedding fun turned into a full weekend of nonstop coolness.

The day of the wedding was overcast and a slight haze made everything soft and beautiful. Storms had been brewing all night, but the rain had stopped in the morning just in time for the ceremony. It was perfect. In the sweetest little nook of the camp we all gathered around the altar and sat in great anticipation of Mollie's arrival. Martin and his groomsmen casually greeted guests and when the time finally came for the ceremony to start he looked like a little kid about to receive the biggest Christmas present ever.

As we all turned to look at Mollie my breath caught in my throat. She was so beautiful! I'd seen a picture of her gorgeous lace dress but could never have anticipated just how perfectly suited it would be for her, and how she would glow from the inside out. As the ceremony came to a close the skies opened up and it began to rain, normally this would have been a bummer but just then it seemed like the most wonderful way to end a wedding ceremony. We all headed back up the hill towards shelter and a day of yard games and bonfires. It really was the best. big kiss, bekuh

rewarding work

2013-10-21T10:00:00.000-04:00

If you follow me on instagram you know that last week I was in New York for work. It was one of those really magical career moments when all the hard work and late hours you've put in turn out to be worth it. I wasn't alone in this feeling, as our whole team played some important role in the project. In the end the BHLDN pop up shop was a huge success and we had the chance to meet innumerable brides, all with a story to share. It's one of the most rewarding parts of doing social media for me, actually getting to meet the people I share with. So that was my week last week. What have you been up to? big kiss, bekuh

chicago town: part three

2013-10-10T16:30:00.000-04:00

Our last full day in Chicago took us back to early 20th century Chicago. We rode out to Oak Park to explore the grounds of Frank Lloyd Wright's home and studio, explore the architecture of the neighborhood, and stalk the old stomping grounds of Ernest Hemingway. Being that the era these men lived in is a personal favorite of mine, I was over the moon to be so close to homes they once lived in. A connection I won't soon forget.

Stepping forward in time a couple of decades we went out to lunch at a Chicago hotdog stand. Ryan's one request before hitting the road was consuming tube shaped food like a true Chicagoan and I couldn't resist his adorableness. We landed on Superdawg as our hotdog pit stop and as Ryan will tell you it was "the best." I stuck with a chocolate malt milkshake and onion rings, but you know.

After heading back into Chicago proper, we rested a bit before getting all dressed up for our Anniversary dinner. Ryan likes to surprise me with fancy food every year, and I'm all too happy to let him. This year we ate at a Michelin Starred Restaurant called Takashi, a first for both of us. The food was incredible! I didn't snap any pictures this year because I really wanted to have that special time with Ryan without the hubbub of the camera. It was worth the sacrifice.

The next morning we hurriedly packed our things to skip town for M&M's wedding. Before making our way south to Indiana though we had one last stop to make. Calumet Fisheries is a local institution, legendary food spot, and the location of some of the most delicious smoked seafood you'll ever eat in your life. Their specialty is smoked shrimp and rightfully so. Just go there, that is all. big kiss, bekuh

chicago town: part two (aka the bean)

2013-10-09T10:00:00.002-04:00

Out of the handful of times I've been to Chicago, I've never taken the time to visit Millennium Park and the bean. Not sure if that's what it's technically called but it sure does look like a giant metallic bean. With this latest visit it was on the top of my list of sights to see, and happily Ryan was into too. What I could have never anticipated was just how much fun this thing is!

There's something magnetic about watching your body morph into clown shaped blobs, and humorous about sharing your reflection with a sea of strangers. We played outside the bean, inside the bean, beside the bean, ~~and on top of the bean~~. Okay not on top of the bean but I wish we could have. We instantly became 10 year olds again and I'd go back tomorrow if I could.

The inside of the bean is an artistic masterpiece and I loved watching people blur in and out of form and transforming into a whirling tornado of humanity. We all blended together and left individuals. This may have been the highlight of Chicago for me, but it was only the end of day one. Tomorrow there's more. big kiss, bekuh

chicago town: part one

2013-10-08T14:00:00.000-04:00

Well we're back! We had the most amazing vacation away and I'm pretty sure I'm mentally still on it. We spent three amazing days in Chicago and every time I visit I fall more in love with that windy city. We of course partook in all sorts of touristy things, but thanks to our AirBnB hook up we stayed in a trendy Wicker Park apartment and felt more like true Chicagoans and less like the lost visitors we actually were. We arrived Sunday afternoon and immediately hit the streets, orienting ourselves and checking out the neighborhood we'd be calling home until Wednesday. We ate delicious tacos, looked at maps, and plotted the next day of sightseeing.

We started the morning extra early with a delicious breakfast at Milk & Honey Cafe just soaking in the warm sun and drinking too much coffee. We then made our way north to the Gold Coast to visit the BHLDN Chicago store and meet some of the fabulous women I work with on the daily in person. It was amazing getting to see one of the big stores up close and personal. If you're ever in the area the Chicago store is worth just looking around in even if you're not looking to buy. It is stunning.

After visiting the store we made our way down to Navy Pier. I promised one of the girl's in the office we'd try the Chicago style Garrett's Popcorn (carmel & cheddar mixd) so we picked up a bag and watched the seagulls over Lake Michigan while we munched away. The pier was nearly empty because of the lateness in the season but it didn't stop us from having a good time. I'm a sucker for carnival ride pics.

We continued down along the shoreline finally making our way into downtown and Millennium Park. I'm saving the "bean" pictures until tomorrow because we took a lot, but needless to say it was fun. We talked, rested our poor feet by a man made creek through the park, and through pennies in to make a wish. All before dinner time. We finished the day with a scrumptious meal at the Girl and the Goat and a cozy evening walk "home."

I have at least two more Chicago posts and then on to the wedding in Northern Indiana! A bus week of posting is ahead of me. big kiss, bekuh

windy city bound

2013-09-27T10:00:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow morning Ryan and I head out towards Chicago for a much needed vacation, and then it's on to Indiana to attend the wedding of two of our all-time favorite people: Martin & Mollie. We haven't taken a whole week off since our honeymoon 2 years ago! Wowza. I'm so looking forward to this time together, and to finish it off with a wedding so full of love and hopefulness only makes it better. I originally planned on scheduling out posts for the week, but to be honest I just never got around to. So this little old blog is going to be on vacation too, from now until October 7th.

I'll be back to share our adventures of course, don't you worry, but in the meantime I just want to be totally present with my love. We celebrate two years on 10/1 so you can always look through our wedding madness if you miss us. big kiss, bekuh

photo above by MKM Photography

rooftop picnic

2013-09-18T11:07:00.000-04:00

Last Friday Ryan & I decided to skip our normal weekend routine in favor of a quiet rooftop picnic, just the two of us. We looked out over Philadelphia and just enjoyed each other's company for a little while. We've been a bit scatterbrained lately, with both of us working hard on our creative endeavors, and our alone time together has seemed to dwindle to almost nothing. It is possible to live in a studio apartment and still not really "see" one another (trust me). I so enjoy being with Ryan and it's vitally important for our relationship that we carve out that time to be a couple and not just two people living together. Do you know what I mean?

We kept our picnic rustic with bread, fruits and cheeses. My favorite foods really. We watched the sun set and didn't go inside until it was so cold I was shivering. It was a wonderful escape without leaving home. big kiss, bekuh

gingham sunset

2013-09-16T11:20:00.000-04:00

Those evening walks, we just can't get enough. Sometimes we let Nellie just pick a direction and walk until our feet feel sore and we need a break. Other times we have a destination in mind and it's there and back, with no thought required. This particular walk was one of those we let Nellie choose. We ended up on some dirty side streets near our apartment, but the sun setting was just too pretty to ignore. So out came the camera and Ryan snapped a few pictures of us, trash strewn street and all.

This was the same weekend I thrifted a gorgeous pair of red, hand painted clogs. I'm addicted to the comfort of a clunky wooden heel, what can I say? I've been hunting for the perfect pair of red shoes to complete my autumn wardrobe and at last I've found them. I love how they instantly take a black and white ensemble and turn it into something more fun and funky. The perfect outfit for a walk. big kiss, bekuh

Outfit details- tee: old // skirt: Dalena Vintage // earrings: Shore Handmade Jewelry // shoes: thrifted

filtered through leaves

2013-09-10T10:00:00.001-04:00

This weekend was about getting crafty, and holing ourselves up in our apartment with art supplies and music equipment. Ryan and I needed a little time practicing our craft and steering clear of the temptations of city life. But after several hours of this kind of intense work we were itching to get out for just a little. We decided to take a little inspiration walk with Nellie and snap pictures of things that caught our eye along the way.

For me, it seems, the afternoon sun filtered through leaves and onto them was the only thing worth capturing on our walk southward to Old City Philadelphia. Did you discover anything inspiring this weekend you'd like to share? big kiss, bekuh

a tiny peek at home

2013-09-08T10:00:00.000-04:00

It's been a good long while since I've shared any peeks into our home life, mostly because I've fallen a bit out of love with our space, but in an effort to embrace the remaining 6 months we have here I thought I'd take pictures of my favorite bits to share. Here are two spaces (or vignettes) I'm happy to show off; above the beloved objects on my dresser and below Ryan's side of the bed. You can see my side here.

I love so many of the objects found in our home from the silly broken globe, to my great grandmother's dress hanging on the wall, to my one legged wooden model holding necklaces. It's not the objects we're tired of but the lack of walls and space to put them. I don't want to forget our first apartment in Philadelphia so I'm going to make an effort to snap more pictures in the future. What do you say, can you hold me to it? big kiss, bekuh

slow going

2013-09-05T10:13:00.000-04:00

I've been taking it really slow since getting back from our Labor Day adventures in Ohio. Ryan and I made the executive decision not to bring our computers with us over the long weekend and I had no idea just how much I needed that break. With a job in social media, and a blog for a hobby, to say I'm connected all of the time would be an understatement. I did instagram over the break if you're curious about what we got into, this pic from Ryan's instagram is my favorite though. Visiting my family and giving them my undivided attention was amazing. I should do that more often. big kiss, bekuh

my "studio"

2013-08-28T10:00:00.000-04:00

After sharing the studios that so inspire me with you yesterday, I thought I'd share a picture of what my current "studio" set-up looks like. It's just a rag tag collection of supplies I pull out as needed. I set them up on our wide coffee table and happily work alongside all the other trappings of home until its time to tuck them all away again. It's wonderful at times, and wretched at others. I love the little messes that form out of necessity, but I can't help but long for a space to call my own. We have five-six more months left on our lease- it hasn't stopped me from dreaming up what our new apartment could look like. Until then this is my studio and I refuse to be anything but happy with it. big kiss, bekuh

seeing clearly

2013-08-22T10:00:00.000-04:00

I read this quote somewhere online recently and had to share. I think these two simple sentences speak volumes. Dedicated to the invisible things in all our lives. big kiss, bekuh