Top Five Moments of July

Happy Friday, and happy last day of July!  This was such a great and fun month, so I decided to share my top five moments!  I'm excited for August and to start racing again, as well as (hopefully) some cooler fall weather starting soon.

Without any further adieu, I hope you'll enjoy taking a look back at my favorite moments of the month (along with corresponding blog posts if you want to read more).  Please share your top moments of the month!

 

Fourth Of July Weekend

This was such a fun weekend!  Selma had a blast and the lake and got to swim, and Dan and I also had a ton of fun on the boat, jet ski and kayaks.  I would love to live in an area like that some day!


Girls Night Out

It was so much fun to spend time with friends and paint a cute picture of Selma!  We also got to enjoy a great bottle of wine, so all around it was a really fun evening.  I still recommend trying a class out if you're looking for a fun date night or girls-night-out!


Getting a Bike

One of the biggest changes this month has been the new addition of my bike!  I'm still not 100% confident in my abilities, but I've gotten out multiple times each week and have really enjoyed it.  I can't wait to start going on longer rides and eventually signing up for my first tri!


Pentatonix Concert

Dan and I have been such big fans of Pentatonix every since they were on the Sing Off, so this was an amazing opportunity to see them perform live!  They sounded even better in person, and we had a great time at the concert.  A little bit of ran couldn't ruin our experience!


Family Cookout

I didn't mention this in my post on Monday, but this weekend my family got together for a cookout at my grandparents' house!  It was so much fun and we had some amazing food and drinks.  I wish that I got some pictures, but we were having too much fun to worry about that!  (The only one I managed to take was of the huge moth above that Dan saved and called Gary.)  Definitely a highlight of the month for me.


Songs

Wicked Game : Sons of Serendip

This group was on America's Got Talent last year, and I fell in love with their music.  The group consists of a harpist, cellist, pianist, and vocalist.  Each member is so talented, and they make the most gorgeous music!  I recently found their album on Amazon Music (which completely made my day) and this is my favorite song of theirs!

Peace : O.A.R.

One of our songs for Group Centergy this release is an old favorite of mine!  I love the lyrics and like the slightly country/pop feel to the song.  I had no idea that O.A.R. sang the song, but now it's on my running mix! 

Flashlight : Jessie J

This song is from the Pitch Perfect 2 soundtrack (which I still haven't seen!) and I love it!  It's a pretty song, and Jessie J has such a great, dynamic voice.  This is a really catchy song that reminds me of Fight Song by Rachel Platten.

The Chairman's Waltz

When I first heard this song years ago, it quickly became a favorite.  I completely forgot about it until the So You Think You Can Dance 10th anniversary show, where Hok and Jaimie performed one of the BEST routines of all time- Hummingbird and Flower.  Best way to experience the song..beautiful dance with beautiful music.

Carmen : Stromae

For some reason, I have a strange fascination with finding cool remixes to the original Carmen song.  Another one of my favorite versions is called Carmen Fantasie by David Garrett.  Both are great songs to listen to, and a good addition to your running mix!


What were your top moments of the month?
Do you have anything exciting planned for August? 


Linking up with Mar, Cynthia and Court 
as well as Heather and Clare!

Comments

  1. UnknownJuly 31, 2015 at 2:25 AM

    And I can't even believe are at the end of July already! Where did the summer go?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gretchen BraunJuly 31, 2015 at 7:55 AM

      I know..seriously! Can't believe it's almost over.

      Delete
  2. Heather @ Life In LeggingsJuly 31, 2015 at 4:47 AM

    Pentatonix is one of my favorite groups to listen to! Gotta love jet skis, and those paintings are too cute. I can't believe August starts tomorrow.... TOMORROW! Thanks for linking up your faves. Happy Friday!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gretchen BraunJuly 31, 2015 at 7:56 AM

      PTX is the BEST!! They're so amazing. Thanks for hosting the linkup!!

      Delete
  3. PeggyJuly 31, 2015 at 4:49 AM

    I always love reading your blog because it is so interesting but I appreciate it when you open my world by introducing me to your song recommendations. Curious about
    Sons of Serendip I immediately went to .youtube and listened to their songs. How amazing! You don't often...actually never...find a harp in a popular group but it gave me chill bumps.
    I'm so glad that you and Dan enjoyed the family weekend at the lake. It where memories are made.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gretchen BraunJuly 31, 2015 at 7:56 AM

      Yay! I'm glad that you liked the group. I really wish that they won that season..definitely deserved it.

      Delete
  4. LesleyJuly 31, 2015 at 5:48 AM

    I have vacation next week for 4 days. I'm getting out of the heat and up to the mountains.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gretchen BraunJuly 31, 2015 at 7:57 AM

      That sounds like a ton of fun! Can't wait to hear what all you do :)

      Delete
  5. Gina DailyJuly 31, 2015 at 6:03 AM

    Ah, you look so cute on your bike!! Like you are having the time of your life! And jet-skiing is always so fun! I haven't done that it a few years. Your Selma painting turned out GREAT and that moth!! It's gigantic!! That would freak me out!!!! Always love your song selections. I love Jessie J and will have to listen to that one- haven't heard it yet!!
    Gina || On the Daily Express

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gretchen BraunJuly 31, 2015 at 7:58 AM

      Haha thanks Gina! I felt like a little kid when I got on..such a loser. All of us were scared for Dan when he picked it up..but he's not afraid of any kind of bug. Glad you liked the song suggestions :) have a great weekend!

      Delete
  6. JamieJuly 31, 2015 at 6:18 AM

    Best moment of the month was taking an extra long weekend for the Fourth :) Best part of August is lots of vacation time... starting a week from today! YAY for summer!! Although I am also looking forward to the cooler weather, I'm sure I'll miss these summer days in no time!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gretchen BraunJuly 31, 2015 at 7:59 AM

      That's always a good idea to take more time off. I hope you enjoy your vacation..definitely well-deserved :) I know what you mean about the cool weather..it'll be nice at first but then I'll miss these warm days! Have a great weekend Jamie :)

      Delete
  7. Morgan @ Morgan Manages MommyhoodJuly 31, 2015 at 6:47 AM

    Definitely a fun month for you!! I still think that wine thing wsa the coolest!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gretchen BraunJuly 31, 2015 at 8:00 AM

      It was so much fun!! Definitely have to do it again some time.

      Delete
  8. UnknownJuly 31, 2015 at 6:52 AM

    I always look forward to your Friday Favourites. They're MY favourite. Ha ha! I'm downloading those songs right now as I'm typing this. Thanks Gretchen!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gretchen BraunJuly 31, 2015 at 8:01 AM

      Aw thank you so much Suzy!! I really appreciate that. Glad that you enjoy my songs :)

      Delete
  9. Kristen @ See You In A PorridgeJuly 31, 2015 at 9:03 AM

    oh my gosh that moth! how freaky!
    you look so adorable on your bike, which is also super cute by the way! i still haven't seen pitch perfect 2 either and i'm trying to wait to listen to the soundtrack until after i've seen the movie lol

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gretchen BraunJuly 31, 2015 at 9:22 AM

      Thanks so much Kristen! You probably have the right idea to wait, but I just had to listen to all the new tracks! Now I just have to wait for it to come to red box :)

      Delete
  10. UnknownJuly 31, 2015 at 9:46 AM

    The picture of you on your bike is the best! That moth is so gorgeous! Glad Dan saved it, :) Hope your August is filled with many more wonderful things!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Jess @hellotofitJuly 31, 2015 at 3:59 PM

    Fun month! I'd love to see the Pentatonix :) I can barely remember this month, it's been such a blur. July 4th is always a fun time :) happy weekend, friend!!

    ReplyDelete
  12. HoHo RunsJuly 31, 2015 at 5:05 PM

    I LOVE the color of your bike! OMG that is a huge moth. I would have to say the water skiing this month was awesome! It such a small window that I get to do it anyway and the conditions were excellent in July. I hope August will be a repeat.

    ReplyDelete
  13. JulieAugust 1, 2015 at 12:47 AM

    Your portraits of your pups are awesome!

    ReplyDelete
  14. UnknownAugust 1, 2015 at 10:22 AM

    I want to paint portraits of my dogs! How fun is that! I'm happy I stumbled upon your page - that's such a good idea.

    www.sexandgrand.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  15. Jenny @ apples& kaleAugust 3, 2015 at 7:06 AM

    Look at you on your bike! I love it! :) Also, love your dog portrait! How fun!

    ReplyDelete

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