BEARS CARDINALS AT SOLIDER FIELD WEST + FOOTBALL KICKOFF PARTY

DA BEARS came to town, so you all know what that means! I went all out celebrating my love for DA BEARS with a double-header: a Saturday kickoff party at my house, followed by Sunday’s tailgating and game day showdown between the Cardinals and Bears at "Soldier Field West" in Glendale, AZ. From themed treats and games to tailgating VIP-style, here’s a recap of our unforgettable football-filled weekend with my favorites!

It all started with a Saturday football kickoff party at my place. The decor was on point—think football-themed sugar cookies shaped like mini stadiums, a meat and cheese platter arranged to look like a football, and a custom photo backdrop with a balloon huddle. Atlas and I even made a DIY football garland to add some family flair!

We had activities for everyone: custom coloring pages and a football-themed “Guess Who” game featuring players from both teams. Nothing says game day fun like seeing friends and family get hyped to “guess” their favorite Cardinals and Bears players! My favorite part? A few intense rounds of bags with the fam and eating way too many nachos, QUE BUENO! Atlas stole the show, though—he was such a little host, making sure everyone was having a good time.

On Sunday, we headed to State Farm Stadium, also known (to us Bears fans) as “Soldier Field West.” We scored a prime tailgating spot near the bathrooms and had some TVs close to catch the morning games. We ventured over to Westgate to join some Bears pregame parties, snapping photos and taking in the atmosphere. The best part? Getting a VIP golf cart ride back to our tailgate spot from Westgate, waving and hyping up fans along the way. That’s what I was born to do!

Walking into the stadium, I proudly held my “Soldier Field West” sign high, and the sea of Bears fans cheered in solidarity. It was about 85% Bears fans, so the energy was there—even if the team’s performance wasn’t! While I loved seeing, MY QUARTERBACK, Caleb Williams on the field, I didnt think the coaching staff showed up; Matt Eberflus lacked that head coach presence. By the start of the fourth quarter, Bears fans started to leave, sensing there was no comeback in sight. BUT We stayed until the end, true die-hards, capturing every moment on camera, including a fight in the parking lot (don’t worry, we were just spectators!). The whole weekend is packed with great memories and some wild moments—make sure to check out the vlog for all the highlights and a few misses.

Bear Down Chicago Bears, we got half a season to go and Atlas just learned the fight song!

XoXo Beard Down Britt

SPRING TRAINING WITH A TODDLER

Spring Training is not just for die-hard baseball fans; it's also a fantastic opportunity for families to enjoy a day out together. Atlas attended his FIRST Spring Training Game along with my bestfriend who flew into town! Saturday, March 9 Chicago Cubs v Colorado Rockies, 1:05 game. We captured the memories, photos and tips and tricks for ya! If you're planning to attend a Saturday Cubs Spring Training game at Sloan Park with your toddler, we've got you covered to make the experience enjoyable for everyone, not just the three year olds!

1. Arrive Early and Claim Your Spot

With lawn seats at Sloan Park, arriving early is key to snagging a good spot for you and your fam. Toddlers love to move around, so pick a spot where they have some space to play and explore while still being able to see the game. Arriving early also gives you time to check out the ballpark amenities before the crowds arrive.

2. Pack Plenty of Snacks and Water

Toddlers are notorious for their bottomless appetites and constant need for hydration, especially in the Arizona sun. Be sure to pack a variety of snacks and plenty of water to keep them fueled and hydrated throughout the game. Portable, mess-free snacks like sliced fruit, crackers, and cheese sticks are ideal for little hands. We, of course, splurged on the commemorative Cubs helmet ice cream and a hotdog for the vibes!

3. Let Them Burn Off Some Energy

Take your toddler to the little baseball field behind the outfield for some during the game playtime. They'll love running around and pretending to be their favorite Cubs players. It's a great way to burn off some energy in between innings or getting through all 9!

4. Get Your Toddler's First Timer's Certificate

Make your toddler's first Cubs Spring Training game extra special by stopping by the Fan Services Booth near the First Base Gate to pick up a personalized First Timer's Certificate. It's a fun keepsake to commemorate their first baseball experience and makes for a great photo op! No age limit, so even if your first game is at 35 you can still get one!

5. Embrace the Cubs Spirit

One of the most exciting things about attending a Cubs game at Sloan Park is the electric atmosphere. Sloan is a mini Wrigley! From the moment you arrive, you'll be surrounded by fellow Cubs fans who share your love for the game. Atlas was in Awe immediately recognizing there are tons of Cubs (+Bears fans out there too). Plus the Cubs WON! When the famous “Go Cubs, Go” song blasted through the speakers it became Atlas’ new jam, on repeat to this day!

There you have it: a fun and friendly guide to enjoying Spring Training games with your toddler. These tips dont just apply to Cubs fans but all sports fans big and little. Cheers to a great season and Go Cubs!

XoXo

Britt

PS. If I missed any others, please feel free to comment bellow!

BOOK CLUB

I am a book worm. Before I could read, my dad read to me every night at bed. Then once I was able to start my own library collection my favorite school events were the overnight reading and sleepover parties. In middles school I read all the books to take all the tests to score all the points. In high school, one of the few classes I managed to attend had a mandatory 30 minute reading time. Once I got to college I became obsessed with non-fiction and actually applying what I was reading in my every day life. But, as an adult it became last on the list of things to do, but I still manage to keep a running reading list.

Jose and I like to read before bed, separate books, but share what we are learning from them. From Malcom Gladwell to Gretchen Rubin. But one day, after recording a podcast with Proof Bread, our new friends said they were headed to a book club and both our eyes got wide. We want to join!

I started a few book clubs through my business, but I was the one picking the titles, formulating the discussions and never getting out of my reading comfort zone. But this book club was different.

The books are fiction and we started with Devil in the White City. The members are adults, some professors, some new parents, some entrepreneurs. We were finally part of a secret book society of intellectuals in our community. We arrived!

Reading the book turned into listening to the book. When all the copies are check out from the library you hit up the 12 disc collection and grab a 750 piece puzzle and spend a few hours over the course of a few weekends listening.

This blog is not meant to be a book review, there are plenty out there for this book, but I will say its a great read! We first learned about HH Holmes through the Lore Podcast, but actually getting into a historic fiction with him involved was a treat!

Speaking of treats, the book club meeting arrived on a perfect night! We had plans to attend a 1920’s themed birthday party after so our attire was appropriate. With our top hats and suspenders on we we ready for the World’s Fair too! At the book club the food was themed: beef sandwiches, crackers jack, and PBR to drink!

The discussion was prescribed as “the best english class discussion you’ve ever been apart of,” and that couldnt be more accurate. Sixty minutes flew by starting with trivia from the book to open ended questions leading heated discussions. In the end Devi'l’s Food in a White City Buttercream cake was served; perfect icing on the cake.

We are committed- on to the next read and then off to the next discussion. Let me know what other books you recommend and Ill be sure to do a future blog on books on our list.