HOW TO START A FREE LITTLE LIBRARY

Some Christmas wishes turn into more than gifts- they turn into traditions. This year, I asked for something simple: a Little Free Library for our front yard. SIMPLE. I say with a smile because I tried to “make” one with scrap wood for 6 months. I even tried to repurpose my son’s Melissa and Doug Kitchen- nope! So I decide to put it on my Christmas List. (Which you can revisit that blog here)

What I got was a Wooden Little Library Outdoor Book Box Storage with Bench - our very own neighborhood little library book exchange- and a new rhythm to our lifestyle that I didn’t even know we needed. The build itself was half the fun. We found an incredible Little Free Library build kit on Amazon, spent an afternoon assembling it together, and officially registered The Three Bears on the Little Free Library website. Once it was live, it felt real-real- like we had officially joined a global community of readers. Now? My son looks forward to checking it daily. Not just for what books might be inside, but for the idea that books come and go, just like people, stories, and seasons.

If you’ve ever thought about starting a Little Free Library at home, this is your sign. It doesn’t have to be perfect. It doesn’t need to be big. It just needs to exist.

The Three Bears name came from not only my love for the Chicago Bears, but the story of our family of 3. Watching books come and go, talking about which books we’ll leave, which ones we’ll take, and who might read them next… just right.

Happy Reading

XoXo

Britt

Little Free Library: Take a Book. Share a Book.

Little Free Library is a nonprofit organization with a mission to build community, inspire readers, and expand book access for all through a global network.

WHAT I’VE LEARNED BEING IN ROOMS WITH MILLIONAIRE WOMEN

Over the last few years, I’ve found myself in rooms with women running seven-figure companies, leading global teams, and quietly changing entire industries. Through my work with KNOW Women, time spent at WPO (Women President's Organization) and WEW (Women Elevating Women) events, and the interviews I’ve produced and participated in, I’ve had a front-row seat to conversations most people never hear.

What surprised me most wasn’t what these women had. It was how they thought.

Not louder. Not flashier. Just clearer.

CONFIDENCE ISN’T LOUD- IT’S GROUNDED

Confidence in these rooms doesn’t sound like over-explaining or constant self-promotion. No one is rushing to prove they belong. No one is padding resumes mid-conversation. Decisions are made calmly. Opinions are shared without qualifiers. That kind of confidence hits differently, especially as women who were taught to soften, explain, or justify.

TIME IS THE REAL CURRENCY

If there’s one thing millionaire women protect fiercely, it’s their time. Meetings are purposeful. Boundaries are clear. Calendars aren’t chaotic- they’re intentional. And “no” is said without apology or a five-sentence explanation. Seeing this up close forced me to look at my own life and work. Where was I overcommitting? Over-explaining? Filling my calendar just to feel productive?

Turns out, doing less is a power move.

SUCCESSFUL WOMEN DON’T DO IT ALONE

Behind every strong woman in these rooms is a trusted circle. Peer groups. Advisors. Friends who tell the truth behind closed doors. Partners who prepare the meals, drop off and pickups and bedtimes so we can be in these rooms. Community isn’t a bonus- it’s infrastructure. At KNOW I’ve seen how powerful it is when women stop pretending they have it all figured out and start having honest conversations instead. Those moments don’t always happen on stage. They happen over coffee, in hallways, or in quiet follow-ups long after the event ends- Catch up Call with Britt!

HOW THESE ROOMS CHANGED THE WAY I WORK

Being in these rooms didn’t make me want more. It made me want better. Better boundaries. Better stories. Better use of my time.

Being in these rooms didn’t make me want to be someone else- it made me more intentional about being me.

I show up clearer now. I stop doing things that don’t move the needle.

“Does it pay us or pay us forward?”

Producing podcasts, capturing stories, and building connections isn’t just content- it’s legacy work. And these women reminded me that how you work matters just as much as what you build. How you do one thing is how you do everything.

XoXo

The Woman behind the Women

A LEGO ROOM BUILT TO GROW

From Design Sketches to a Real-Life LEGO Dream Room, Atlas’ big boy LEGO room is officially complete! What started as a tip toe in the world of LEGO, turned into a full cannonball into a DIY LEGO bedroom makeover that blended creativity, function, and a whole lot of patience. This wasn’t just a room refresh. This was a Pinterest board come to life—from custom LEGO storage to statement decor pieces and a car bed that took its sweet time to arrive. Worth it? Absolutely.

After 4 years with my January birthday baby, I was ready to take a PARTY break for one year. I sat down Atlas and said: instead of 1 day to celebrate- what if we redid your room so you can have a party, everyday!

Like any good project, this one started on a screen. I mocked up the layout in Adobe (of course I did), mapping out shelving, lighting, and how we could create a space that would grow with him—not just something cute for right now.

Seeing those sketches translate into a real LEGO playroom felt surreal. Every build, shelf, and detail had a purpose.

What were we working with? Five years of outgrown nursery. We transitioned his crib the max three times, we over used the infamous IKEA KALLAX units vertically and horizontally. The peel and stick wallpaper- was barely holding on.

After operation clear out and before room install, we had to rewire electrical to accommodate a projector. One small idea turned into a full-blown project, but now the room doubles as a LEGO build zone and a cozy movie space. Totally worth the extra effort.

The biggest DIY win? Custom LEGO floating shelves. These shelves turned LEGO builds into actual displays- like art, but cooler. DIY projects like this gave the room character, not just minifigs.

Finds We Loved (Yes, Even With the Wait)

Let’s talk about the bed. He was NOT aggreeing to a basic bed. He also was NOT into bunk beds or beds with under stage desks. So what would ANY young boy want for a bed? A car bed! Maybe he can now get a CB radio and talk to other car beds!

This was a major Amazon score- even though delivery took a shocking 4–6 weeks (I know… AMAZON). Once it arrived, it anchored the entire room.

My other favorite Amazon find was his LEGO Comforter - It’s comfortable, playful, and even came with bonus school supplies like a pencil case and folders—which felt like an unexpected win. He opened it mid January after a Tuesday delivery drop of and screamed, “This is what I wanted for Christmas!”

Etsy- I know, its a WIN! We ordered LEGO Vinyl wall stickers and the quality was incredible. Also, after a fail from an amazon order I had to resort to Etsy for a wall light switch and after its as installed it was touch the room needed.

I won’t sugarcoat it—there were moments.

Packages showing up daily.

Me asking, “Wait… this is eight shelves?”
The bed delay.

That 2 am night where I cried and said “I wish I had done a party instead.”
That awkward almost-finished stage where nothing feels done.

But once everything came together, it clicked. The room feels creative, functional, and full of personality. A space where he can build, imagine, rest, and feel proud of what he creates. He wont leave!

Now, I’m in my lego era too!

XoXo

Britt

GOLDEN GLOBES JUST WENT FULL PODCAST!

You might’ve missed it but the Golden Globes have officially dipped a toe into the podcast world. The 2026 Globes (the 83rd edition) will include a brand-new “Best Podcast” award. THIS IS HUGE! It’s the first time this film/TV institution is recognizing audio (and video) creators. “Look Ma- We made it"!”

Well, not yet. As with all things Hollywood-style: there’s more behind the curtain…..

First you had to be “Eligible.”

Who Made the Cut? The 25 Golden Globes “Eligible” Podcasts for 2026 are:

• 20/20 (ABC News)

• 48 Hours (CBS News)

• Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard

• Call Her Daddy

• Candace

• Crime Junkie

• Dateline NBC

• Good Hang with Amy Poehler

• Morbid

• MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories

• Pardon My Take

• Pod Save America

• Rotten Mango

• Shawn Ryan Show

• SmartLess

• Stuff You Should Know

• The Ben Shapiro Show

• The Bill Simmons Podcast

• The Daily (The New York Times)

• The Joe Rogan Experience

• The Megyn Kelly Show

• The Mel Robbins Podcast

• The Tucker Carlson Show

• This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von

• Up First (NPR)

So what does “Eligible” actually mean? What are The Rules?

To qualify, a podcast must’ve released at least 6 episodes between January 1, 2025 and September 30, 2025, and each episode must be at least 30 minutes long.

Thats it?

Once “eligible”, the 25 creators must submit the podcast through the official submission site (the window was Oct 2–Oct 31, 2025). If you don’t submit, you’re out- even if you made the list.

Here’s where the “pay-to-play” comes in. The submissions aren’t free. According to the official rules, there’s a “$5,000 screening-platform access fee per title (plus added costs if you choose higher security, etc.)”

The six nominees for the inaugural best podcast award are

1. “Armchair Expert” with Dax Shepard

2. “Call Her Daddy” with Alex Cooper

3. “Good Hang” with Amy Poehler

4. “The Mel Robbins Podcast”

5. “Up First,” from NPR

6. “Smartless,” hosted by Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett

The following will be considered to determine the winner per the Globes.

• the quality

• creativity

• audience engagement

• “impact” of the podcast

What does this mean for us Podcasters -Indie / Boutique / Small Fish like us?

If you’re making podcasts because you care about voice, community, story- don’t let the $5k scare you off. Maybe this award system isn’t built for us … yet. But damn if it doesn’t remind us how powerful our medium is. Now more tha never! And if enough of us create smart and honest work- maybe we’ll reshape the system from the outside in.

Keep pushing record

XoXo

Your favorite Podcast Producer Britt

WHAT TO GET A(n) (almost) 5-YEAR-OLD, MOM & DAD- OUR REAL FAMILY GIFT WISH LIST

Filling out our lists together with Atlas giggling over glow sticks and Dad debating camera lenses made me cherish those little holiday moments. It’s not about how many gifts end up under the tree. It’s about knowing what each of us values, what brings us joy or comfort, and what reminds us who we are. Maybe we get some items. Maybe we don’t. But this list? It’s our wishlist- for gifts, for magic, for memories. Its for an almost 5 year old Capricorn, who knows exactly what he wants. Its for a busy mom and dad who are still trying to figure out their identity and sanity and deserve a few specials things for their hard work.

Here’s a peek into our lists, in case you’re shopping for someone(s) like us.

Atlas: Almost 5 year old boy, full of wonder

Something he wants: Paw Patrol Toy
Something he needs: Lightning McQueen Undies
Something to wear: Slippers
Something to read: A Kids’ Cookbook

More wishes:

• Glow sticks

• Legos + MagnaTiles

• Yoto cards

• Water-color palette

• Hot Wheels T-shirt

• For his room: LEGO pillows

• Tickets or passes: Train park!

Me, Mama (Virgo Barbie living in Ken's Mojo Dojo Casa House)

Something I want: Meta Ray-Ban Glasses
Something I need: “Little library” for outside our house
Something to read: So many books: Brené Brown, Mel Robbins “Let Them Lead,” Poems and Prayers by Matthew McConaughey…

More wishes:

• Shampoo & conditioner

• For my room: Area Rug for the living room

• Tickets or passes: any Cubs game!

Dad (Joe, my husband- the Libra who takes his wish lists seriously)

Something he wants: DJI Osmo Pocket 3 AND a Sony Camera Lens
Something he needs: New Jeans AND Undies
Something to wear: Hoodie
Something to read: “The Creative Act” by Rick Rubin

More wishes:

• Ryobi Speed Bench

• Yearly Planner

• Leatherman multitool

• Magnetic external SSD card (for all the practical tech daddies)

• For his room: A bedside table lamp

• Tickets or passes: Comedy show

I’m sharing our lists here, not to show off, but maybe to inspire you to make one with your crew too. Save a and print out the blank bellow!

Hope Santa Brings you everything you ask for.

XoXo

Mrs Clause

Britt

HOW I HACKED THANKSGIVING

Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be chaos. This year, I pulled off a holiday that felt relaxed, fun, and full of magic. All it took was three tricks: a great partner, smart shortcuts, and a little kid power. Here’s how we did it.

1. Great Partner Energy-

This Thanksgiving ran smooth because I divided & conquered with my husband like a dream duo. We divided tasks based on what we’re good at and conquered communication on sharing exactly what needed to get done, when, and who would handle what. We ALSO managed to mow the front and back yard, clean the pool, and cover it for the season- all before football even started.

2. Smart Shortcuts in the Kitchen

Full transparency: These small shortcuts may included “boxes” but if that meant less stress, more flavor and more time to actually enjoy the day…

• Simple dessert upgrade: A boxed yellow-cake mix became a mouthwatering apple-cider-donut bundt. I baked it the night before so it was ready to serve when guests arrived.

• Easy bread & sides: I made a quick batch of dinner rolls that proofed overnight in my fridge and used boxed stuffing mix and gracy packets but jazzed them up a bit (with added turkey drippings and extra seasoning) so it tasted homemade.

• Prep ahead: I prepped what I could in advance so everything came together easily when dinner time hit. And what HIT was the Turkey! The recipe and the blog from our First Thanksgiving Day Hosting shares it.

3. Kid Power + Fun Entertainment

Want to keep little hands busy and add extra joy? Let them help, child labor! My son, Atlas, turned into my little holiday helper: he helped set the tablescape, carry dishes, and even helped assemble decor. It made him feel like part of the celebration- and honestly, it made the day easier for me too. We also turned parade-watching into a family game (see my Macy’s Parade blog for that) while waiting for the Turkey to cook and so I could prep a few sides.

If you’re hosting Thanksgiving and you want to survive with your sanity and maybe even enjoy it use these tricks. Find your person, make a plan, split the work, and don’t be afraid to cut a few corners that don’t matter. You got this!

XoXo

Britt

HOW WE TURNED THANKSGIVING DAY INTO A MACY’S PARADE PARTY AT HOME

This Thanksgiving felt different in the best way. We kicked it off at 630 am AZ with the Macy’s Parade yes, the big balloon-filled tradition many of us grew up watching and I turned our living room into my own little parade-watch BINGO party.

Because why not make watching fun? Bingo sheet and coffee in hand, we had our own family game going. My son was ON POINT- he practically won bingo before the floats even reached Herald Square. Since the broadcast runs long, we went with blackout style bingo so we could all stay engaged right through until the end. I printed 2025 cards from Music City Moms and their squares were so specifically on point to this year!

I need to mention the deocration that will help to take center-piece later… Mini City and Parade Balloons! Inspired by The House That Lars Built but wanting to do my own version of it we set our first buidlign and Bluey up on the tv console. When the last balloon drifted across the screen, its was time to set the table for later.

No offense, but Im tired of the usual turkey-leaf plates and beige tablecloth- this year, I decided to mix things up for Thanksgiving with bold, fun, and a little bit nostalgic, turning our backyard into a long dining mini parade route of its own.

I saved you and I the money and my my own printable cityscape skyscrapers and taxi-cars and even made some coloring sheets for the kids and word search the adults loved! Colorful Mylar balloons on sticks (taped to Jesus candles to weight them down) were rising above like parade balloons dancing over the city. The whole table looked like NYC- minus the cold and crowds! Honestly? It was a vibe. Guests walked in wide-eyed: surprise! Not your average Thanksgiving. Plates, cups, and napkins themed black and white and gold.

PRO TIP: I hit up Michaels for the small foil balloons (turns out way cheaper than ordering online).

Now, I’m not gonna lie. I’m not sure what I’m going to do with the leftover balloons or extra food yet. But once the chaos calmed down and the plates cleared, I caught myself thinking: this might just become a “we do this every other year” tradition. Because here’s the thing: Thanksgiving isn’t just about the turkey or the football- It’s about having fun and making memories. And if that means turning my house into a Parade Route / Bingo Hall- I’m in.

XoXo

Britt

AMAZON’S WONDERY LAYOFFS HIT CLOSE TO HOME

So Amazon just dropped a bombshell- no not a bombshell entering a villa - but the podcasting world had changed. Wondery, the powerhouse behind the hit Catfish: The Podcast - actually just the one I subscribed to from this network, but you may also know Business Wars, Dr. Death, and American Scandal. Well they are being turned over to Audible. 

The result? About 110 jobs lost….

This isn’t just another headline—it feels personal for us here at Finding Arizona Podcast because for those of you who listen to the episodse or know our Founder, host, and my incredible husband, Jose, he worked as a Landscape Architect in Corporate. Recently, he was laid off. 

The workers of Wondery laid off were the creators fueling stories, pushing our medium forward. Now, with a video-first pivot sweeping the industry, we’re reminded even more that stories matter! 

And so what happens for Jose? We keep going. At Found House Production Studios, where Finding Arizona Podcast is produced, we’re rooted right in the community—no tech giant behind us, just stories worth telling. Found House is our creative haven, where we amplify voices from local entrepreneurs, creatives, and changemakers through heart-forward storytelling.

This moment underscores why small, tight-knit media efforts matter more than ever. We're not chasing viral video metrics—we’re telling real stories of grit, passion, and homegrown impact. Whether it’s a local artist, female founder, or community innovator, their stories breathe life into our podcast, our feed, and yes, our hearts.

When the big players break things apart, we’re here to build together, episode by episode. Which reminds me—our studio doors are always open if you’re ready to share your story- reach out.

WE FOUND MR. GOLD AT LEGOLAND CALIFORNIA — OUR BADGE HUNT & FAMILY ADVENTURE

FIRST TIME LEGOLANDERS! Our family spent three summer days at LEGOLAND California Resort and we are breaking it down piece by piece. AND also giving the GOLD on how to FIND MR GOLD!

Day 1 (Sunday): Hotel Arrival & Brick Building

We arrived Sunday and dove straight into the LEGOLAND creative spirit. As first timers why would you not. Atlas found build zones around every corner and especially loved the in room scavenger hunt prizes! He also began practicing asking EVERY Model Citizen (people who work their) is the have “Seen Mr Gold or Space Baby.” It has to be from a child and the limited edition pop badges are hard to come by. We tried our hand at bingo and ditched story time early, preferring to dance the night away at he night club and ride the disco-ball elevators. The pool was a literally and physically cool with a walk in entrance and floating legos to build your own rafts.

Day 2 (Monday): Water Park & SEA LIFE Aquarium

Monday was pro-level splash time. From chillin on the Build‑A‑Raft River to beating times on the Riptide Racers we made our way through LEGOLAND’S WATERPARK. DUPLO Splash Safari is where we cabana’d. Cragger’s Swamp and Eglor’s Build-A-Boat was a fave but the ultimate family moment was floating in the Lion Temple Wave Pool. After a full day at the park we were off to the SEA LIFE Aquarium- LEGO displays as sea-creature exhibits. There was a fun passport stamping program that allowed us to learn more about he creatures and keep the little entertained.

Day 3 (Tuesday): Theme Park & The Mr. Gold Badge

We closed our trip at the main park, experiencing a lineup of rides:

• Explorer River Quest

• DUPLO Little Dino Trail

• Emmet’s Flying Adventure

• Unikitty’s Disco Drop

• Legoland Express

• Driving School (Atlas’s driver’s license debut)

• Sky Patrol

• Skipper School

• LEGO City: Deep Sea Adventure (submarine ride!)

• The Royal Joust

• LEGO Show Place

• Ferrari Build & Race

• Miniland USA

Atlas had countless firsts—his face lit up riding the disco drop multiple times and driving his first car in a sleek lego red vehicle. His two-day practice of asking for Mr Gold and Space Baby paid off: he confidently asked, “Do you have Mr. Gold?” to a Model Citizen at the park entrance and walked away with LEGOLAND’s rarest collector’s keepsake—the elusive Mr. Gold Pop Badge. We drove home to San Diego with hearts full and a badge to prove it!

Okay, ready for some first time tips or what I wish I would have known going there?

• Arrive early and take advantage of the Early Park Access for Hotel Guests at LEGOLAND California

• Littles be ready to ask staff daily for Pop Badges—Mr. Gold appears only in limited numbers each day

• Bring your own snacks and plan restroom visits—Food places were PACKED and the restrooms were too far apart. Apple Fries are totally worth it!

• Leave time for creation stations and let your kids be kid but stay attentive for safety and inclusivity.

• AND REMEMBER … Patience is key—focus on your kids, not others. Be mindful in crowded LEGO areas and maintain your own boundary of fun!

Hope EVERYTHING about this IS AWESOME!

XoXo

Britt

ARIZONA REAL ESTATE FAQs: HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO CLOSE ON A HOME ?

Buying a home in Arizona? You probably have one big question swirling in your head: "How long will this take?" It's a good question, and like most things in real estate, the answer depends. From inspections and appraisals to title transfers and financing, there's a lot that can affect your timeline. Let’s break it all down so you know what to expect—without the fluff.

What’s the Average Home Closing Time in Arizona?

If you’re looking for a quick stat, here it is: average home closing time in Arizona typically runs 30 to 45 days after a contract is signed. But that’s only part of the picture.

According to Best Real Estate Market, most buyers and sellers in Arizona can expect closing to take up to a month and a half, assuming there are no hiccups along the way. That doesn’t include the time the home spends on the market before you even get to the signing table.

How Long Does a House Sit on the Market First?

This varies by location and time of year. According to Clever Real Estate, the average total time to sell a home in Arizona is about 92 days. That includes 57 days on market and another 35 days to close.

• Phoenix: 48 days to pending, 31 to close (GOBankingRates)

• Tucson: 44 days to pending, 33 to close

• Show Low: 78 days to pending, 30 to close

Timing also shifts with the seasons. March is your best bet for a quick sale—homes average just 51 days on the market in that month.

Factors That Affect Your Closing Timeline

So why can’t we just pin down a number and call it a day? Because several moving parts can speed things up—or slow them way down.

1. Home Inspection Delays

Inspections are typically scheduled within 5-10 days of the contract being signed. But if the inspector finds issues, repairs can push back your timeline. Even minor fixes might require back-and-forth negotiation.

Tip: If you’re selling, get a pre-listing inspection. It'll catch problems early and save time.

2. Appraisal Complications

Appraisals are usually ordered by the buyer’s lender and must match or exceed the sale price. If the appraisal comes in low? You’ll need to renegotiate—or walk away.

This part typically takes 7–10 business days but can delay closing if the numbers don’t line up.

3. Title and Escrow Services

Title companies research the property’s history to make sure it’s free of liens or legal issues. This part is pretty standard, but title issues (like old unpaid taxes or incorrect property records) can stall the deal.

Expect about 10–14 days to clear the title, assuming everything checks out.

4. Financing Hiccups

If you’re buying with a mortgage, your lender needs to process everything—income verification, credit checks, debt-to-income ratios. This is one of the biggest wildcards.

Pre-approved buyers may move faster. But if a document is missing or a financial red flag pops up, it could take weeks to resolve.

5. Contingencies in the Contract

Some contracts include contingencies, like selling your current home first or finalizing financing. These conditions can stretch your timeline depending on how quickly they’re resolved.

6. Buyer or Seller Schedule Conflicts

Believe it or not, one of the most common causes of last-minute delays? People’s calendars. If the seller’s out of town or the buyer’s job won’t allow time off, that signing date might have to wait.

Arizona-Specific Considerations

Arizona’s closing process has its own quirks. Here’s what stands out:

• Buyers typically pay 2–5% of the sale price in closing costs (Best Real Estate Market).

• Sellers can expect to pay more—6–10% of the sale price.

• Closing doesn’t usually happen around a big table. Most Arizona closings are handled by escrow agents, with parties signing separately.

How Do Arizona Cities Compare?

Want to know how your city stacks up? Here’s a quick look:

According to HomeLight, Bullhead City tends to have some of the slowest timelines in the state.

The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis also tracks median days on market for the Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale area. As of May 2025, it’s 58 days—a sign of relatively stable demand.

Can You Speed It Up?

Absolutely. Here’s how:

• Get pre-approved for a mortgage before house hunting.

• Respond fast to requests from your lender, agent, or title company.

• Avoid big financial changes, like taking out new credit cards or switching jobs mid-deal.

• Work with experienced professionals who know how to keep things moving.

You won’t control everything, but being organized gives you a serious advantage.

The Bottom Line

So, how long does it take to close on a home in Arizona? Here’s the short version:

• Plan for about 30–45 days once you're under contract.

• Expect another 40–60 days (depending on location and time of year) for the home to go under contract in the first place.

• Factor in variables like inspection issues, title searches, and financing delays.

Whether you're buying in Tucson or selling in Phoenix, the process takes time—but knowing what to expect can make it feel a lot smoother.

About the Author:

Brooke Lazor

Brooke is a seasoned PR professional with over 8 years of experience in the field. Brooke has a proven track record of securing top placements in major publications for the companies she has worked for, including Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, and Bloomberg News