THE GREATEST SHOW ON ATLAS

Step right up, folks, and welcome to The Greatest Show on Atlas! This year, we transformed our backyard into a magical four-ring circus to celebrate Atlas turning the big FOUR. The day was packed with fun, laughter, and circus-inspired magic that left every guest grinning from ear to ear, even if it was painted on!

We went all out with the décor, embracing bold reds, yellows, and blues to capture the carnival spirit. A custom Big Top streamer display welcomed guests to the party, while a “4 Ring Circus” backdrop added a playful photo opp. No circus is complete without concessions, and we kept it simple but delicious. The concession stand was filled with animal crackers, cookies, and juice boxes, and the smell of fresh popped popcorn wafted through the air! A giant pizza from Manhattan Giant Pizza fed the whole crowd with room to spare! For dessert, we had a circus animal cracker cupcakes that Atlas helped decorate himself, perfectly rounding out the birthday feast.

Of course, the games took center stage! The ping pong goldfish game, a ducky pond, knockdown cans, hula hoop challenges, and a tattoo booth were just a few of the attractions where kids got a chance to win bags of goldfish (the snack, not the live kind!). The bouncy jumper was also a hit, providing endless fun for kids to burn off their sugar rush. Don’t forget to FOLLOW Atlas’ Big Top Bash Playlist on Spotify AND relive the day with us!

The real showstopper was Bubbles the Clown—a.k.a. Jose’s aunt—who brought a whole lineup of entertainment, including magic tricks, face painting, and balloon animals. The kids couldn’t get enough of her bubbly personality (pun intended) and colorful creations. Hearing Atlas laugh as he proudly said, “All my friends are here” was the highlight of the day!

As the day came to a close, guests went home with happy hearts and plenty of prizes from the games. Atlas had the time of his life running from one ring of fun to the next, and we loved seeing all the kids (and adults) fully embrace the circus spirit. To everyone who came out to celebrate our little ringmaster, thank you for making Atlas’ fourth birthday so special. It truly was The Greatest Show on Atlas!

Until next year—who knows what theme we’ll dream up next!

XoXo

Britt

P.S. Atlas LOVES his digital camera gift and as you can see he is already taking photos and will be making a blog post here soon sharing his snapshots!

THIRD ROCK FROM THE SUN- ATLAS TURNS THREE

Our little explorer, Atlas, just celebrated the big 3, and his '3rd Rock from the Sun' birthday party was an intergalactic adventure to remember! Let's dive into the festivities that made this day out of this world.

Giant pizza, rock painting, and a dance party kept the older astronauts and the younger ones accepting the mission. Pizza was from the famous Geno’s Pizza (same giant from our rehearsal dinner). The best! My signature sugar cookie recipe with an an Atlas spin were a hit as well!

The moons rock painting station stayed busy all day. From fun activity sheets to DIY moon rocks these kids were mini Michelangelos. Who doesnt want a fun little moon rock to remember the adventure?

Close by you could bounce, search for treasure and samples in the sand, complete the ball pit rocket ship tunnel and ride off exploring the surface on one of three rovers (aka tricycles). There was alway a dance party with hits for everyone taking you back in a musical dimension.

My favorite moment, although it was hard to pick, was when we gathered around to sing 'Happy Birthday.' Atlas, our little star, looked at everyone and said, "Thank you, everybody." Cue the collective 'awws'!

It wasn't just a birthday—it was a cosmic celebration of love, joy, and the incredible journey of our little explorer, Atlas. Here's to many more orbits around the sun and countless adventures on with our own '3rd Rock from the Sun'!

XoXo Britt

30 THINGS I LEARNED BEFORE TURNING 30

I am officially in the the #30 club. And honestly it has been 24 hours of work! If this is what getting old is then I don’t want to grow up. I wanted to put this post up before the big day but it came so quick!

It started with laying 960 square feet of sod in our backyard. Then an amazing Sunday BBQ with family opening 30 presents consecutively had to have been my favorite part. Then the day of I worked as a typical adult would and today the day after put in a 12+ hour day. But in the spirit of many of the rules of this post I learned so much and wanted to share 30 that stand out to me and I look to practice everyday into my next 30 (and many more) years.

Also what is a birthday post without a fun photo shoot. Thank you Jose for making my mermaid dreams come true for a moment

30 THINGS I LEARNED BEFORE TURNING 30

1. How to use power tool and build something. They may be build primarily for righties but I love learning how to use a machine and creating something from it!

2. Dogs are not that scary. It it the owner that is and I feel in love with one we adopted last year named Winter.

3. I am an introvert. I chose staying in over going out and binging a show verses bar hoping any day of the week. I will go out but need a proper bedtime.

4. Nine PM is the new Midnight. Like the lesson above I learned I am a morning person and find the AM for accomplishing tasks. Early to rise is early to bed that is what they say?

5. Thirty is the new 20. I still have so much to learn about myself and others. I have plenty of amazing things to cross off the bucket list and look forward to doing alot this next decade.

6. There is no timeline for life. Just like the previous lesson: dont rush; ebjoy the present.

7. My body will change and I will always love it. A woman’s body is miraculous thing and each year I learn to love mine and all the changes its making.

8. Listen to your body. Inside and out my digestion, gut health and skin can tell me just as much about my health as some professionals can.

9. Wear what you love. I am sure you see my thrift shopping adventures which is why I can budget in pink tutu skirts and yellow raincoats: they make my happy and I pay by the pound. Style is what you make it.

10. Take care of yourself before you have to. Dont wait until it is too late to take the vitamins, eat the raw foods, or go for the run. These are all GREAT habits that only start 1 day at a time.

11. Pick your battles. If it won’t matter in 5 years don’t spend more than 5 minutes thinking about it. This is still a practicing trait daily.

12. Manifestation is real. What do you want? Put it out into the universe AND be willing to work or answer or listen or reply or show up for it! The key is the second part.

13. It’s okay to just cry. No reason; just let it out.

14. Don’t follow anyone who makes you feel bad about yourself. In real life and in social media if you find yourself comparing in an unhealthy way and it overall its not adding value to your life then unfollow or remove that person from being around you as much as possible.

15. Stand up for yourself and those you love. Use your voice for who and what you love most!

16. “Work” isn’t everything. This is my current practicum. Tips appreciated.

17. Sorry is overused. Especially by me. I need to stop apologizing as Rachel Hollins would say!

18. You don’t have to always do your hair or wear makeup. In fact love your natural beauty FIRST!

19. Wear Sunscreen. And apply a few times a day.

20. Travel alone. Not just to the movies or the grocery store but take a flight and discover a new city by yourself.

21. Join a club. For me it was a book club. Having people gather over a common interest to discuss and interact and hold each other accountable is important in many reasons. We did it as kids and loved it and its even better as adults!

22. Vinyl is the best sound for music. Digital music is everywhere and tapes are non existent. But the one thing that will not change will be the everlasting classic sound of a record hitting the needle.

23. Being sweet all the time can get you in trouble. But so can being salty. Just be you but know how to be it.

24. I can bake, cook, grill, fry, broil, sear, you name it and Ill make it! I crossed most of these out before 10 but I love getting in the kitchen and practicing all these skills.

25. Alcohol is not for me. I can make you a mean drink and maybe enjoy a small one with you, but my body does not like it and I don’t want to fight it.

26. Always wash your face before bed. Another reference to Rachel Hollins’ book.

27. Do it right or do it again. Simply and perfectly put.

28. Put your phone away because life happens not on a timeline.

29. Mexican is my favorite food but the best is STILL Jalisco Cafe in Imperial Beach.

30. My face cannot hide any of my reactions and I am okay with being me because everyone else is taken.