PRESCHOOL ADVENTURES WITH ATLAS

Our little adventurer, Atlas, took a giant leap into the world of learning, laughter, and new friendships by staring school this past week. A whole new chapter began and I'll admit it—I'm the one shedding a tear while he's too excited to notice.

From practicing using the potty to engaging in health and wellness activities, Atlas's day was filled with new experiences and discoveries. The daily reports share his adventures, from letter recognition to big movements imitating animals. It warms my heart to see him thriving in this new environment. I love the naptime reports, “Atlas seemed restless during naptime, opting to play with puppets instead.” Hey, who needs naps when there are puppets to play with, right?

Atlas didn't touch their gourmet offerings (typical!), but he happily demolished the snacks I packed. The teriyaki chicken? Yeah, that didn't even make it onto Atlas' radar. Snack game strong!

My fave is the crash course in preschool politeness. "Please pass the crayons, and thank you for the cookies.” Atlas is excited about his grand entrance into the world of preschool. Get this—he asked to go back the very next morning! That's our Atlas, always ready for the next adventure. By the end of the week, Atlas wasn't just attending preschool; he was building a tribe of tiny companions.

Happy he loves school! Enjoy some photo memories below!

XoXo

Britt

ATLAS' FIRST HAIRCUT

Getting a first haircut can be a little intimidating for both the child and parents. Number one question I get asked is who cired? The answer is… no one! True testament to the amazing experience Sit Still Scottsdale. Parents in the valley, get your kid over here asap; this place make anyone want to be a kid again.

We were impressed right away walking in: the decor was colorful and inviting, making it easy for children to feel at ease. The staff was friendly and introduced themselves to Atlas, making him feel comfortable. Sit Still Scottsdale has an experienced staff that specializes in children's haircuts. Our stylist, Lauren, was patient and listened carefully to what we wanted for Atlas's haircut. She explained each step of the process and made sure we were comfortable with the length and style. Atlas was entertained throughout the haircut with toys and a tablet, Blues Clues of course, making the experience a breeze.

Sit Still Scottsdale also offers fun extras to make the experience more memorable for children. Especially this being Atlas’ first hair cut, mama wanted all the bells and whistles. Atlas received a certificate for his first haircut and a lock of his hair to take home as a keepsake. Yes, a lock of his hair!

We recorded the interview with co-owners Bri and Katie during the cut and this audio and video episode is once for the time capsule. You can watch and feel like you were right there with us. Wait till the part where Atlas runs up to dada after the cut.

Thank you so much to the entire team at Sit Still Scottsdale. You made this experience one I will remember forever, my baby boy’s first haircut.

XoXo

Britt

BUILT IN LIBRARY WALL

This has been one of the most involved projects we've worked on. Over 5 years in the concept, 1 year in the design and sourcing for 1 day install…Totally worth it! The built in library wall of my dreams!

The library consists or 2 large cabinet bases, two 3 tier bookshelf tops, and a bench nook overtop storage drawers to bring it together. The room originally had the Home Depot track shelving. Six of them. After dreaming of a built in and several trips to Ikea later, we sketched up the design. Then life happened.

A year went by and no time was found between 2 full time jobs + podcast + toddler + life ?!? Okay lets be smart about opportunity costs. Using our amazing podcast guest referrals of someone who knew someone who knew someone, Debbie, from Closets by Design was at our house.

Although the install was to be 4 months in the future, it too passed quickly. After a quick couple hours and an amazing team of installers, we have the bookshelves of our dreams. Lets just say organizing it was enough work. Over 400 books with a toddler was an activity in itself.

It is my new favorite space, I am sure you can see why. Come on over and enjoy it with us!

XoXo
Britt

WIFI OVERLOAD: SUPERBOWL LVII

The Internet has been going in and out the last couple of weeks and I’m not sure if it’s because we went cheap-o on a router or if it’s because our city is over populated right now with Super Bowl LVII and The Phoenix Open Waste(d) Management craziness. 

I was thinking about unplugging and what that really means. With our internet being out we really can’t do anything and I say that jokingly but the lights, the baby camera the security system, the entire house is a smart house. Its 2023- were working from home!

It takes me back to thinking about what we used to as a kid when we didn’t have any of these things. I could still listen to music, I could jam out of my stereo, listen to the radio with my 8D batteries or a cassette tape. I’ve always loved vinyl and used to play records even as a kid. All things that require zero internet connections: board games and books. Or go outside, its beautiful! Wow what a concept!

We have with our phones and can’t go more than 10 minutes without it. Thinking back to even 10 years ago when I moved to Arizona and had limited data or 20 years ago when our cell phones had limited minutes or before that we didn’t even have the cellular devices attached to us! That to me is unplugging. I’m trying to be more conscious of this whether it’s at work, spending time with Atlas; it’s about being more than doing. Yes this looks like I never respond or am very late to text messages or I don’t share as much on social media as others would.

I enjoy the internet going out sometimes. It’s trusting that everything is gonna be okay because as a newborn mom, if the baby monitor went out, I would freak, but now it’s okay. Just be. So Wi-Fi I see you, I see you being and not doing and that’s okay if you need to rest, if you need to unplug right now. I understand it’s a gentle reminder to me. Thanks Cox Cable for being an oligarchy monopolistic capitalistic all the isms istic cable company that you are. 

I am curious to know what you are doing to unplug? What does that mean to you and if you’re in Phoenix let me know if your Wi-Fi is going out too; hopefully not for the Rihanna concert in the middle of some sports game. Jk Go Bears!

XoXo

Britt

TAKE ME OUT TO MY FIRST BALL GAME

Batting left, playing center, weighing in at just under 28 pounds and towering over two feet…… its Atlas!

Little man turned ONE and it was time to see some Arizona sports, live! Phoenix Suns Basketball and Arizona Diamondbacks Baseball- we break down our experiences with a one year old at Chase Field and Footprint Center: what to eat, how to get cool stuff and make sure you bring the proper bag.

First up was the Utah Jazz vs. Phoenix Suns. We picked this game for the early game time, 1:30 pm. The bag restriction was not crazy and I was able to bring in a small back back with snacks, un open water-bottles, diapers and most importantly his noise canceling headphones. We got these on Amazon! We also were all decked out in Suns gear all from Poshmark! The seats were Section 110- not the best for the view but better to not be too close to the court and loud. It was also easy access from the concourse. We didn’t eat much more than nachos - nothing for Atlas other than snacks we brought him. The lines were long everywhere and we wanted to enjoy the game. He enjoyed it. He loved the lights, the sounds, the fast paced atmosphere and the people watching. Not much walking around, we stayed in our seats and left just before end of fourth to beat a little traffic out.

Spring is here and we had to hurry to a baseball game before it got too hot! Even though the roof is retractable - that bad boy was wide open on April 10 for their opening weekend San Diego Padres at Arizona Diamondbacks. Atlas wore what any true fan would… a cubs shirt! (He wasn’t the only one either). Mom did look up the bag policy before hand, but I didnt measure my clutch and it ended up being an inch too big… 4.5” x 6.5”!!!! WTF!!!! So I put everything in my hands, diapers, wipes, cheese stick, waterbottle, cell phone and the first place we went when we walking in was the team store. That’s how they get ya! Cuz of course we had to get Atlas his first Baxter. If it is your little one’s first time at a game (or any age) head to 128 Guest Services and you will get a personalized certificate of attendance.

You can’t go to Chase Field without eating your way through the park. It is my favorite ball park for food. (Except Chick-Fil-A, its closed for Sunday games). Atlas ate chicken tenders and fries, mostly the white meat after mama ate the breading. He loved it. He had his first french fry, but preferred the veggie straws we brought. It was hot, so after searching high hand low for frozen lemonades we found frozen yogurt pints- in Atlas’ favorite flavor- raspberry. He was content for the eighth inning in his seat with his fro-yo.

We also heard about the Sandlot and trekked our way up to level 3. (We actually hopped on the elevator- don’t ask don’t tell). The Sandlot is a place for kids to play and interact. It is also a great view of the stadium and right next to the live organ player. Atlas did not know how to handle himself with all the kids, but we will definitely be checking out this place at our next game.

Our little sports fan has two pro sports crossed off his list and many more to go. We love experiencing firsts with him and making amazing family memories. If you have any tips or tricks for little ones at big sporting events lmk.

XoXo

Mama Britt

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

QUARANTINE COOK BOOK CLUB: HALF BAKED HARVEST

It wasn’t supposed to be like this; we aren’t supposed to still be locked up; but here we are. I remember our first cook book club where we got together IRL over an Aperol Spritz and carbs, but now our second book turned into our third. BUT, at least it is a fantastic one at that! Half Baked Harvest Cookbook by Tieghan Gerard has your new favorite recipe; I guarantee it. I’ll share a few we’ve been working on bellow.

Spinach & Artichoke Mac & Cheese Bake

Difficulty: Easy

Taste: Delicious

We made this for a family night (before the quarantine) and the in-laws. I loved that it was essentially one pot and we had all the ingredients. Sneaking in veggies maybe tricky for your picky eaters out there, but this was fool proof! I would also recommending adding chicken and or broccoli.

Chewy Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Difficulty: Medium

Taste: Game Changer

I am always testing out chocolate chip cookie recipes. It is not like there are bad ones, I am just in search for the best. Although this isn’t HOLY enough, its pretty darn close to heaven. Two words: Brown Butter. I just discovered it, but it is a simple act of almost heating your butter tp brown perfect before you use it in a recipe. This simple change amplifies the taste of the creamy sugar and egg combo that is not too sweet. Plus add a little fresh sea seal on top, yum! Mine didn’t look the same, but sure did taste good.

Broccoli Cheddar Soup & Seasoned Pretzels

Difficulty: Hard

Taste: Okay

I am a soup fanatic. I make my own copy cat Panera Bread Broccoli Cheddar soup. But after seeing Ms. Gerard has one in the book, I had to try. I prefer my soup a little more chunky vs pureed. Also it was missing that extra something. Even with the pretzels, which were delicious, just a lot of work for little flavor. I want to play around with the seasoned pretzel recipe a bit more, but still sticking with my soup.

Black Pepper Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

Difficulty: Hard

Taste: Okay

I was most excited for this one andI think that is why. graded it so hard. I try all the time to find “healthy” “vegetarian” options for my favorite snacks. This one looked good on paper, but the execution was sub par. The spicy bread crumb mix did not stick to the cauliflower and ended up just falling off in the baking process. The cauliflower steamed in stead of roasted and sogged its way into the dip. The dip was great and inspired me to make various creations including a taziki that I hope to share on the blog one day. Overall, would not recommend or remake these.

Potato & Burrata Pizza

Difficulty: Easy

Taste: Perfecto

Pizza dough from scratch- don’t be afraid- it is made with beer! That is right a can of beer and a packet of yeast gets you the perfect pizza dough. We followed her recipe for the Potato & Burrata Pizza, minus the Burrata because where can you find it at a time like this? We also made out own sausage pizza with the remaining dough and it was delicious. We will be using this pizza dough recipe for future Make Your Own Pizza Night at home #PostCorona.

Gingered Thai Steak & Peppered Salad

Difficulty: Medium

Taste: Beefy

This dish was a perfect dinner steak. Hearty with the beef and balanced with the light greens and dressing. There is so much delicious spicy ginger flavor in this dish without even trying you feel like an iron chef. One thing you do have to love is rare steak. I had a harder time searing the meat because personally I like a medium to well done steak and there is no way you can do this (and it tastes good) with this meal. Overall wouldn’t make again, but would recommend.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Blondie Brownie Bars

Difficulty: Hard

Taste: Phenomenal

I have always wanted to make blondies! I was a bit surprised to find the recipe called for a box of brownie mix, but I went along with it. First, let me re-state baking is difficult.It is a science and you always have to account for other elements. Second, with that being said I think this is why I had some difficulty with this dish: Consistency. My batter wasn’t drizzling in the pan, my peanut butter after much attention didn’t melt and the pan size called for was not in my kitchen. But did they taste great? Yes. Would I make them again? Absolutely! Chocolate and peanut butter- you can’t go wrong.

As quarantine continues, and while we still have flour, we will be continues to cook up delicious treats and crafting our own. Let me know what you have been cooking up and if you have any recommendations for our next cookbook when we get out of this!

XoXo
Britt.