ATLAS' FIVE FAVORITE FINDS MAY 2021

ANOTHER Atlas Five Favorites?!? He is our world and we love sharing what he’s digging. Were learning so many things everyday along with him. I just learned right now I need to get better about sharing more in between the favorites. BUT in the words of Roman Reigns “Let’s not waste anymore time.”

ATLAS’ FIVE

1. THE LIBRARY- In the post COVID new normal world we are looking for places to go with baby A. Once the libraries opened up it was a chance to get back to a favorite place, introduce the world of wonders to Atlas and BONUS read some new stories not on our bookshelf. We have had a blow out, a feeding and a cry fest in the library already- they love us. Some of our Phoenix Library Branches are open and with a reservation you can visit with up to 5 people for 45 minutes. Call or look online before hand here, or not in Phoenix? Check your local library for policies.

2. TEETHER TOYS- We haven’t broke skin yet, but his hands are always in his mouth and when they aren’t, drool is falling out. We have invested in a munch mitt from Malarkey as well as freezable pacifiers. He likes variety and we like that the products are so innovative.

3. DOORWAY JUMPER- Little man has been kicking his feet since he was inside me. Now that his perfectly round head is stable on his shoulders we are ready to stabilize the legs. Target.com has this great Doorway Jumper featuring a plush seat and textured toys. Atlas loves it! It only fits on 1 doorway in our house though considering its a historic Phoenix home.

4. DIAPER RASH CREAM– It doesn’t come up often but with summer time and swim time here we want to make sure our Atlas is comfortable and clean. The diaper rash cream from Natureplex has been a miracle cream. Overnight it goes from red to normal. I love that is has aloe and soothes as it heals.

5. SHARK BAIT- Pool time is here and Admiral Atlas is hitting the high seas. Amazon to the rescue again with a safe floatie for his age and weight. He sits forward and is strapped in four ways. Other than the water being a little chilly he kicks his feet and enjoys the swim swam. This is just the beginning of our little fish.

ATLAS' FIVE FAVORITE FINDS APRIL 2021

WOW… the last time we did a FIVE FAVORITE FINDS POST I was pregnant and didn’t know it. Check out the post from last year. COVID had just swept the country, we were struggling to find the new normals and Jose and I were about to receive news that would ultimately change our lives. Now that our little bundle of joy is here we want to start sharing his 5 favorite things. As he grows so quickly so will his interests, talents and activities. Welcome to Atlas’ world.

ATLAS’ FIVE

1. MICKEY MOUSE CLUBHOUSE - We already have begun watching children’s programs and filling our YouTube watchlist with all the hits. Of course, the top of the popular list is Mickey! Atlas loves Mickey. From his Hot Dog Dance to his Mousekatools Atlas is mesmerized. Of course we celebrated May the Fourth at the Acevedo household. We look forward to the day we can go to the Happiest Place on Earth and make even more Mikey memories.

2. HUMIDIFIER- Atlas has his mom and dad’s respiratory system. Thank goodness for his humidifier. His room is turned into the Pirates of the Caribbean ride to keep him less congested while he sleeps and we frequently crank up a hot shower and create a steamy room for him to spend a few minutes in when you can hear him struggling to breathe out his nose. We are open to suggestions because living in Arizona we just can’t not turn on the air conditioner and it’s always a “dry heat.”

3. OTTEROO - This is one of those products you see advertised everywhere once you have a baby. Because we have a pool we wanted Atlas to continue to enjoy the swim. While the pool is heating up we practice indoor in the meantime. After bath time we will fill up the tub and pop on the Otteroo. ATLAS LOVES IT! he swims, kicks off, and even tries to flip around. I can’t wait to get this kid in the pool!

4. BABY BREZZA– Once I came to terms that i wasn’t going to be Atlas’ primary milt supplier I invested in a Baby Brezza Formula Pro. It is the Keurig for Baby Formula. It has paid for it self over and over during the middle of the night quick, quiet and get back to sleep feeds and the middle of the day fussy, hurry up, I need milk now feeds. Highly recommend for newborn parents.

5. KICK N PLAY- While in my belly Atlas kicked all the time! Outside the womb he still loves to move his legs. I saw on other mom’s insta stories the Fisher Price Kick N Play Piano Gym and said, “Atlas needs that.” We now know every lyric to the soundtrack and we are now even transitioning it to a finger piano with tummy time.

MAY FINAL FRIDAY FIVE FAVORITE FINDS

Arizona Summer is here so it must be May. We are hitting triple digits this week and spending more time in the pool. Social distancing is still being practiced and the podcast is still trucking on. I am so proud of the adjustments we have made and the safety precautions we initiated to always make our guests feel safe. But, what are Jose and I enjoying when we’re not “working?” Here are our five fave from the month of May.

BRITT’S FIVE

1. HOW ITS MADE - Rediscovered this gem on Hulu and it has become our bedtime show. But honestly I am fascinated with watching the most obscure things come together: commercial dishwashers, pencil sharpeners, toy dinosaurs. It as been a great distraction from reality, but still educational.

2. POOL TOYS- As I mentioned we are spending more time in pool and obeying our one pool rule: All flotation devices must be like things you eat: Pizza, Pineapples, Popsicle! We are building our collection and enjoying the variety.

3. DRUM AND BASS THE MOVEMENT -Okay, my favorite music of all time is Drum and Bass. Since Quarantine, two major labels: Hospital Records and Ram Records along with many of their artists have been streaming weekly mixes on YouTube and it is the greatest soundtrack to a sunny Arizona day. Recently, a documentary long overdue and years in the making was released sharing some of the history, its a great YouTube watch here.

4. ICED COFFEE– Between Dalgona, Iced and Cold Brew I have been appreciating great chilled coffee lately, and especially grateful for Starbucks for honoring healthcare workers with free tall iced or hot coffees till the end of the month. I truly understand the meaning of first sip feeling.

5. PEOPLE MAGAZINE- I love me some celebrity gossip and while I get my daily fix on TMZ.COM I get my weekly fix from People Magazine. I love seeing what they are doing during quarantine and realizing, “Stars, they are just like us.” Although, my favorite part is after I am done reading I take to a resident at my facility who loves magazines, but by the time she makes it down they are always gone. Handing her this special gift every week puts a smile on her face and one in my heart.

JOSE’S FIVE:

1. LIGHTROOM MOBILE APP - I know. I know. Everyone has known about this little gem for a while now. With sites also putting out free presets, it is hard not to see the appeal.

2. JUICE CLEANSE - Britt and I took on the challenge of doing a 3-day juice cleanse. Now we have done these before, so this is not my first rodeo. So overall, I can say this time around I felt pretty ordinary. The first time, I definitely felt more hunger and eager for food. We ordered our Juices through Squeezed.com .

3. OUTDOOR PROJECTOR-By far the best couple gift we have purchased together! We hope to have for our first friends/family party soon, once it’s safe. Until then, we enjoy summer night’s movies, just the two of us.

4. THE WRONG MISSY - The Sandler production team turned back time for this movie. Back to their r-rated raunchier days with jokes to match it. Combined with a stellar performance from Lauren Lapkus, you will definitely laugh more than once. Streaming on Netflix today, you have to check it out!

5. HAWKTHORNE HEIGHTS - During one of my recent runs, I found a certain song from my high school days found in a playlist with this band. Now with the magic of Spotify, I can go back into their discography to start from the beginning.

We are continuing to take things one day at a time and appreciating all the wonderful things we have including each other. You do the same and we will chat next month!

XoXo

Britt

APRIL FINAL FRIDAY FIVE FAVORITE FINDS

April- Some of us are still quarantined and some of us are still essential workers. Either way were still stuck in this Groundhog’s Day. After rounding up ways to support small businesses in last month’s favorites were back to selfishly sharing our faves of the month. I was (not) surprised its mostly things were watching, but maybe you’re sick of The Office reruns and looking for new binges.

BRITT’S FIVE

1. BITES WITH BRITT - It’s a working title for my cookbook/cooking show. LOL. Not sure if it’s the quarantine stock pile that we have going in my pantry or my obsession with cooking shows right now, but when I am not working you can catch me whipping up something yummy. We have the Tastemade Channel and I have been binging Mary’s Kitchen Crush and Struggle Meals. I also knocked out more than half of our monthly cookbook. You can read some of the recipes we tried in this blog post here.

2. SPACE - To distract myself from the current unknowns I revert back to our original unknown- our universe. Ancient aliens and Nova have been on the TV for bedtime. I am back to following the moon cycles and appreciating our Earth a little bit more. Not sure if it is because its Earth Day or because less people are out, but plants are greener and the animals are active..

3. ALL OUT SHOW -Shade 45 is the best station on Sirius XM Radio and the best show on the station is the All Out Show with Jude. It’s a hilarious afternoon radio show covering news, slang, and a segment called Hate it or Love it that always has me cracking up. Jude Anthony Angelini originally was from the Jenny Jones show and I totally recognized him after Googling it. Now, I catch up every day on the episodes if I can’t catch them live. XM is free right now becuase of the Corona Virus, check it out here.

4. KIANA LEDE “MAD AT ME”– Listening to a mix I heard the OutKast’s “So Fresh, So Clean” sample and I was boppin, but then this angelic voice popped in talking about a girl being on her shit and people can’t be mad at her. I was like “YAAASSS” and since then I listen to it every day to and from work. Listen here and LMK your thoughts.

5. MOCKTAILS- I am transitioning away fromdrinking alcohol for so many reasons, but still craving a cute, fun, spritz to boost my day. I have created a mocktail that you can easily make at home. I call it the 3LW: 3 Layer Lemonade Strawberry Watermelon. Start with a glass half iced, then add some lemonade we use Crystal Light or Country Time. Next, slowly pour a Kirkland Sparkling ICE Strawberry Watermelon drink as slow as possible. It’s carbonation stays light on top of the lemonade and creates a beautiful ombre mocktail. Add a fresh lemon wedge or a fancy straw ans serve. Enjoy.

JOSE’S FIVE:

1. EATING-Britt has been going HAM with the baking and the cooking! I’m helping eat it all and I’m not complaining. My new top pick for dessert is her new butter pecan bars from HALF BAKED HARVEST: SUPER SIMPLE cookbook. It’s literally my favorite things in it - coconut, chocolate, shortbread. Need we say more? 

2. DAVE ON FX - It is a new pick for tv comedy. The concept is simple, Dave Byrd aka Lil Dicky is a white Jewish rapper trying to find his way through the complex world of hip-hop/rap music. Filled with laughs, complex conversations, and the occasional rap star pop in. You will laugh for sure. 

3. THE SCOTTS- Travis Scott’s new music Friday find. I really enjoyed how he premiered the song. He did it by working with the company that created Forte Night and held a live concert in the game. The last song was the first airing of the song.  

4. CANINE CARE-Canine care is a new badge earned by Britt and myself. We have had to care for our dog for the past couple of days. She has been suffering from a small infection but is recovering well. 

5. HOME TO DOS - Our home suffers from a surge of pigeons squatting on our roof. What we have learned from a previous podcast with a pest control company is that this species tends to return to their place of birth. I am trying to add prevention to our home to stop them from returning. 

And before the month is over we have triple digit weather. Time to get ready to quarantine ourselves in the pool. Continue to sty safe, stay home and stay healthy.

XoXo

Britt

MARCH FINAL FRIDAY FIVE FAVORITE FINDS -LOCAL BUIZ EDITION

March- the month of social distancing and quarantine. COVID-19 or the Corona Virus hit the US hard, and still continues to do so. Everyday more cases are being reported, the CDC is implementing new regulations, and thousands of Americans are stressing. Finances, health, work, you name it- we’re stressed. Instead of highlighting FIVE of our favorite things this month, we want to each share FIVE local business you can support, like us, in this time. Please let us know any more that may need some extra love! Just because we’re practicing our distancing IRL doesn’t mean we have to virtually.

BRITT’S FIVE

1. PAIGE POPPE - Paige is an Arizona artist who’s work is now seen throughout the valley from greeting cards to murals. It has been amazing to watch Paige blossom and support all her creative projects like Children’s books, pins and more! Now, she is launching a coloring book! We Stick Together is a printable coloring book featuring amazing sketches you can fill with color manually or digitally. Another added bonus: 50% of the proceeds support a local charity. I purchased a few for our Nursing home and self. You can too, here.

2. THE MADISON - The Madison Improvement Club is a health and wellness fitness studio, most well known for their Party On A Bike Spin Classes, is doing some innovative stuff during this pandemic. First, everyday they are offering LIVE classes on Instagram. I usually take the weekend yoga flow; check out their page here and turn on notifications. Second, they are renting out stationary bikes to continue your spin classes at home. So smart!

3. PRICKLY PEAR PAPER - Our friends Mark and Lauren are offering some great deals everyday of the week to support their business. Free pens and stickers, BOGO deals and more- you have to check out their website and stock up now for #PostCorona. We use Prickly Pear Paper for our custom business cards; they are cute, practical and stand out! Everything you want in a card. Visit their site and support today!

4. CAFE EMPOROS - We have mentioned this coffee before and are still obsessed with it! Pour over and enjoy- its too simple. We met Ruben at Phoenix Flea and after coming on the podcast and sharing his invention we continue to enjoy the Uganda blend at home. I am looking forward to the summer and trying the cold brew. You can purchase and try it out at home here.

5. LOCAL FIRST- This is a business who is all about supporting business. Their message has been and always will be sustainability, but right now I love that they are offering support for small, local, and independent businesses during these uncertain times. Check out their site. You can also discover thousands of other connections and resources an deals here.

JOSE’S FIVE:

1. LOCAL FIRST RELIEF FUND- Local First Arizona is our favorite organizations in the community. We are consistently learning new connections and networks from them. LFA is sponsoring mini-grants to help support Arizona’s smallest locally owned enterprises. Click here to learn more. 

2. STATE FORTY-EIGHT - They always find themselves in the front lines supporting as much as they can. During this crisis, they have created a new shirt to support local business and are creating accessible food options. Fifty percent of the shirts’ proceeds will be going to Local First Arizona and Matthew Crossing Food Bank. The shirt is also always cool looking too! Support here.

3. PUBBLICO ITALIAN EATERY-  This announcement is for those you who have love for Sunday Dinners. The incredible staff behind leader Danny will supply you a classic Italian supper. Go check out their latest post to find out how to pre-order today

4. WASTE NOT AZ- As a previous guest on our podcast, we love promoting their fight against hunger. Waste Not “...is the only nonprofit agency in Arizona collecting prepared foods that would otherwise go to waste and deliver it directly to nonprofit agencies that serve those in need.” They are continuing their fight and always educating others on how to help even virtually through times like today. Check out their website.

5. OPEN LETTER TO DOUG DUCEY -Behind the scenes, business are working together to make their voices and comments heard. Available on the breadfruit website is a open letter to Arizona Governor Ducey. On the letter is a response and petition to help save small business in the local community. :learn more and even sign the letter here.

Not sure how April will go as I take it hour by hour, day by day. Thankful for so many things and finding the optimism in everything and more for those who can’t. Stay safe, and thank you for supporting us by reading.

XoXo

Britt