BABY, IT'S COLD OUTSIDE

Baby, It’s Cold Outside is Jose’s favorite christmas song and in the spirit of the holidays I wanted to share how we manage to stay warm and cozy when the weather starts to chill down in Arizona. I am not complaining, after all, I bought a home here knowing I wouldn’t have to shovel snow, or dig my car out to get to work in the morning, but my thin, San Diego blood knows when it’s time to pull out the winter coats!

We have a few tips and tricks to warming our hearts the 3 months out of the year it is less than 90 degrees here. Hopefully you can discover a new gift for a chilly friend or a warm treat for some self love!

Obviously there are a few products we made smart purchases for to keep energy costs down and also our body temperatures up. The first is a portable space heater and second an electric blanket! Instead of turning on the heater to waste electricity in rooms you are not in, why not grab a heating blanket for cuddles or just heat up the space you are currently occupying.

Second thing we suggest is warming your tummy! Heat up a kettle of water for some fresh brewed tea. Chamomile has been a favorite of ours for bed time and a London Fog for the early morning. (Check out my pinterest for great recipes). I love making ahead and meal prepping casseroles and enchiladas to reheat on chilly nights. Its a chance to turn the oven on, heat up the house and our bellies.

Create your own at home spa to really heat things up! Start with a warm bath filled with epsom salt and your favorite essential oils. Add a humidifier and some meditation music and you will feel totally zenned out. (Check out Kim Kardashian’s Crystal Mediation Playlist on Spotify, yes you read that right.) Save water and make it extra steamy by showering together! Try a shower mist or a shower bomb for added relaxation.

Get active and get your blood flowing. I get cold way too easy. My circulation doesn’t reach my hands and feet like I want it to so instead of sticking my cold feet on Jose (actually on top of doing that) we like to get active. Bike rides are great this time of year because you don’t have to worry about heat exhaustion. Also acclimating to the chillier air makes adjusting to the temperature change easier. Layer up and go outside to catch up on yard work or even walk to your favorite local restaurant or shop instead of driving to it.

We just created a Personal Amazon Page for you guys to shop all of our favorite products including the products mentioned in this blog post above. Be sure to check it out here and let us know if you have tried any of these warm remedies and also if you have any others to add. Check back as we will constantly adding to it!

Warm Wishes,

XoXo

Britt

2018 GRATITUDES

Thanksgiving is tomorrow! Wow, 2018 you are really flying by. This week we planned out our holiday travels and I started to plan out this blog post and find myself going in a million different directions. I am grateful for so many people, places and things so instead of sharing my list gratitudes I wanted to let you know how I recognize and appreciate the “thank you’s” everyday, not just the third thursday of November.

APPRECIATION VS “THANK YOU”

My first gratitude is for my better half. You know that saying “teach a man to fish…” Surrounding myself with him everyday, I know I will never go hungry. He has taught me so many amazing things over the passed few years but in 2018 I appreciate the technical skill set of learning Adobe design work and the mental skill set of dropping things out of my control. But through conversations, we feel the words: “Thank you” get lost. Instead we replace with “I appreciate you.” Its an extra word but it makes so much more of an impact. Try it!

COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS

Recently, listening to the Tim Ferriss podcast I picked up a new gratitude practice I have been obsessing over. The episode featured A.J. Jacobs and you can listen here . If you have a hard time falling asleep at night you might find counting sheep helps, but instead try alphabetically counting your gratitudes. For example, last night, as I was laying in bed, in my head, I started with A- “I am grateful for asking my neighbor about her block wall. B- I am grateful for book clubs and finishing the most recent read for ours. C- I am grateful for my cats and their cuteness.” You get the idea. Yeah it’s cheesy, but honestly I have not been able to make it passed the letter G. I dare you!

SOCIAL MEDIA FRIENDSHIPS

Lastly, I have really felt a sense of gratitude for my tribe, community, friends and family. When we bought our first home in April of this year we had no idea where to start or what to do next. With the continued support of friends and family we are learning how to be adults in a world where millenials don’t want to grow up. I am especially grateful for this strong bond we built in our community even if it is from a social media interaction, we have formed great friendships from a simple “like” and our best friends were once podcast guest. So next time you scroll through Insta, dont just “like” it, appreciate it!

Thanks 2018, I appreciate you, and I appreciate you for reading.

XoXo

Britt

MAKING MEMORIES AT THE ARIZONA STATE FAIR

SInce 1946 the Arizona State Fair has been held annually, but 2018 was the first time Brose visited! We wanted to give you an insider’s guide to the Arizona State Fair and how to experience it the FInding Arizona Way.

Discalimer: this is not a visitor’s guide of where to park, how to purchase tickets, or what to pack. You can visit the State Fair Webiste for all that info.

It rained all day Friday so by the time we both got off work, the skies were clear and it was a perfect time to experience the Arizona State Fair. We decided to go in the evening to maximize on the sunset views and grab some delicious fair food. Just a few hours is all you need.

We had 3 things on the list and first up was the Ferris Wheel. Well technically its not a Ferris wheel because this architect created one of the largest moveable sky viewers in history. The La Grande Wheel XL is fully enclosed but tested all my fears of heights. In between a mild panic attack we were able to catch some great views. Boy did we get high up there.

Next on the list was fair food! At the beginning of summer we visited the San Diego County Fair (see post) and ate all kinds of fried foods. This Arizona fair we wanted to savor and share a few flavors. We grubbed on philly cheese steaks with strawberry lemonade and shared a warm cinnamon roll dripping in cream cheese frosting as a dessert.

Last on the list of fair adventures is entertainment. We will start from least interesting to most. This year the fair was showcasing velvet paintings featuring famous historical figures like John Mccain and Elvis Presley, But more than half of the collection were various clowns. Very strange.

Next entertainment was a Bee Gees Cover band called The Bee Gees Gold. Their music was spot on to the original sound and had us laughing and grooving over dinner.

The most interesting form of entertainment was called The Turkey Stampede. Again, we are used to obscure fair attractions being fans of the Swift Swine Pig Races, but this was something unlike we have ever seen before. A remote controlled candy apple red truck filled with turkey feed in the bed raced around a track while 5 turkeys chased it for food and ultimately deciding a winner for the crowd. No animals were harmed in the making of this event. You have to see it to believe it! Honestly!

We were the oldest kids on the carousel and the youngest in the art in crafts tent, but we definitely made the fair the experience we wanted. This is something the Arizona State Fair has really captured: no matter what your age or your interest the fair has something for you.

Let me know if you have had a chance to visit the Arizona State Fair and also what your favorite attraction is! Thanks for joining us on another journey.

XoXo Britt

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.

BRITT'S BIRTHDAY

Okay, August is officially over so that means my Birthday Month is officially over. But, before we start celebrating Jose's Birthday Month lets recap what an amazing 29th Birthday I had and my 3 biggest takeaways before I am THIRTY!

1. Plan for No Plans!

With a no milestone birthday to celebrate I didn't go out of my way to make plans for the day. And after realizing I spend my life planning my life that not planning something is actually more refreshing! I am the first to admit I am a Debbie Downer when plans don't go as followed, but I am not taking this mindset into my thirties! If something isn't planned I should look at it as my opportunity to make it what I want. I still ate, hung out with those I loved and enjoyed this day to its fullest.

2. Have Your Cake and Eat it too!

Surround yourself with good people and good food! Life is too short to not eat what you want to eat. And as I season up I realize I can't drown everything in Tapatio like I am used to, but I never want to say I can't order something or eat something because I don't want to! I will pay the price in my workout later for it, but I wanted my birthday filled with carbs. Going into my thirties I know my metabolism will slow, and my diet is important to consider everyday. I will make a more conscious effort to eat real foods and nourish my body with want it needs and wants! 

Birthday Meal #1 was Fame- a delicious home cooked meal feel restaurant in central phoenix. Known for their breakfast and brunch each ingredient is local and fresh. I can't get passed their quiche!

Birthday Meal #2 was The Sicilian Butcher, a first time try but my 14% South European was loving the salted meats, savory cheeses, and pickled veggies! Cheese and Meat boards for the win! 

3. Appreciation.

There was not a single birthday gift at the top of my list - (well there was, it is a block wall). But I told those around me I have everything I ever need and when I thirst for things I just need to look right in front of me for them. The presents I did receive were more than just 'things" they were actually appreciative gestures from one heart to another. Presents I can't just use once and done, but gifts to wear and use for years to come.

I love birthdays and I can understand how some don't appreciate them as much, I mean who likes getting older? But the wiser part is what I am excited to grow up and celebrate more birthdays for. Thirty-year-old Britt, wow I cant wait till you see what you've learned with these lessons you're carrying on.

Jose-you're next old man! 

WARM RAYS AND LAZY DAYS

I once heard a saying "weekends are for waffles" and I could not agree more! I have never been the type to live for the weekend; in fact every weekend I am catching up on something work related because when you love what you do it never feels like work. But for us the weekend means being together and recharging!

Friday Jose is out of work by noon so we try and schedule a podcast when the light is perfect and the energy is high. Friday nights are for keeping it local. We have either a night out at a local restaurant like Farm & Craft or Halal Guys or check out a local event or completely veg out with a Postmates order and catching up on a binge worthy show  like Handmaid's Tale or Suits.

Saturday mornings we divide and conquer. I spend a few hours in Tempe for work and Jose gets in front of the Mac to post this week's podcast episode. By noon we are catching a yoga class and hitting up a thrift shop for a good find. Every other Saturday Goodwill's 50% sale (see previous post: THRIFTING) has us hunting for treasures for our forever home. But when the sun is high and temps are tripled we are in our pool cooling off: Jose diving for leaves and me reading and tanning. We find the quiet time of being together so relaxing. 

We also like to get in the kitchen together on Saturday. Jose will get on the grill and we will meet up in the kitchen for a taco bar for dinner or we will work together dissecting a recipe and jamming out to the latest Hospital Records Podcast. Alexa is part of our weekend fun too! We catch up on Jeopardy questions from the week and can just spend hours in the kitchen cooking and quizing. 

Lazy Sunday mornings are for us to sleep in. With a Diva like @Cat_linjenner that means 7:30 am if we are lucky. Once we are up we ease into a morning workout. (Um... you thought I said 'Lazy Sunday' LOL) Jose likes to run the cannal while I do a yoga flow in the den. But brunch is a must! Sunday Brunch means multiple courses, fresh drinks, warm waffles, and flavorful meats! Jose can make a mean breakfast but with our powers combined on Sunday's I am sure we are making the neighbors jealous. 

If you follow along our BTS InstaStories @FindingArizonaPodcast you'll know we sometimes hold meetings on Sundays for the podcast. Laptops, planners, notebooks, cell phones, everything scattered everywhere- organized chaos. That is when we map out what we are working on and any wild and crazy ideas we want to get out in the universe and see how they can be incorporated into what we do. 

Sunday evenings I usually have to meet on the other side of town for work so sometimes I bribe Jose with a Bosa Donut to join me for the ride. What I love about our relationship is sometimes just being next to him is all my heart and soul need. 

I remember to cherish these moments- weekend or not, waffles on the menu or not. Its days like this that keep our love growing and give life meaning. Make sure you give youself a recharge day soon. You deserve it! 

Check out these beautiful photos from Emily of Sahuaro Media  taken on a Sunday morning!

INDEPENDENCE DAY

America's Birthday was celebrated at our new house this year! We think it might be a new tradition. It started off with swimming in the pool and finished with a perfect view of the fireworks from the rooftop.  By the end of the night we were full to our eye balls and feeling more confident about our next home projects. 

This post we want to share a few receipts: one for food / drinks and the other for love. 

1) American Burger with Watermelon Margarita!

- Costco pre made 1/3lb burgers are the best go to BBQ food! Will some extra sharp cheddar melted on top and all the fixins Jose's BBQ skills were on point grilling up some perfect burgers for the holiday!

-Costco (this is not a paid advertisement we just live there) pre made margarita mix is heaven sent as well. Add an extra shot of 1800 with some fresh squeezed lime and finally blend with ice and fresh watermelon and you will have the most refreshing summer beverage! Cheers! 

2) Love 

If you haven't heard already we bought a house and are planning a wedding. HAHA I know we are crazy! To add to it only some of our close friends and family know we are also breaking a lease on our apartment with some fiery hoops the property management wants us to jump through! Every day the stress wears on us. From trying to put on a brave face for the 9-5 or the podcast sometimes we just want to look at eachother and say "AHHHHH!"  

But yesterday on America's Day we received some great advice: "Put money into what's yours and what you love."

Couldn't be more simply said yet so hard to want to swallow! On America's Independence Day I realized how independent we are! We are about to turn 30 years old we have careers we have studied for we have a beautiful home we bought we have an amazing podcast community and all the love and support from friends and family. We have each-other and thats love! That is the recipe that matters the most!

Love is the best receipe! If you love what you are doing it doesnt feel like work. You dont regret to blood sweat or tears  once you see what your love created. And you appreciate the value of your dollar when it is something you love!  

So we are using our love to build a wall! A block wall! So tweet @realDonaldTrump and tell him #lovetrumpshate #letsbuildawall!

WEEKEND GET AWAY - SAN DIEGO

Happy first day of Summer. Living in AZ it has felt like summer for a least 6 weeks now. With the temperatures only rising travel plans are also on the rise. We have a few trips to San Diego planned this summer, because why not! 

Mid June in San Diego is perfect. You get the coastal cloudy morning that quickly burns off to a beautiful clear sky and by the evening time a light breeze is perfect for a jacket, bonfire, or snuggling. Having lived in AZ for 7 years now, any time I go back home I have to bring longs pants and sweaters. 

Our last trip was for my cousin's wedding (see previous post), but we also spent some time taking in a few San Diego sights to share! 

The San Diego County Fair, or the Del Mar Fair as I remember it was in full affect. It was not hard to convince Jose to get some fried food and watch some pig races. After calling up my best-friend of 25 years we loaded up the Santa Fe and drove up the I5. After stuffing our faces with Australian Beer Battered Potatoes, Fried Zucchini, Chicken and Waffles, Giant Pickles, Fudge, and Donuts we hit the promotional tents and got suckered into a garlic shredder. Finally the pig races! Swifty Swine International Race Way is the setting for the fastest pigs in the west. They race the track for an Oreo cookie! So would I! The state fair never gets old and always a favorite when visiting Cali in the Summer. 

Imperial Beach is the most Southwesterly city in the continental United States. It was my home for 21 years and still feels like home every-time I visit. A lot has changed, ask anyone, hotels and breweries, murals and landscaping, but its still my small little hometown tucked in America's Finest City. 

When the ocean is only 1 mile away from the parent's house the beach is constantly calling your name. Usually Jose and I wake up early and hit the sand for a beach run, but this trip we were ultimate vacationers and walked the beach in search for treasures. The water was freezing, as usual, but the the swells were hitting up to 10 feet so I can see why there were a few brave souls out there.

July in Diego is for Over the Line and if you dont know you need to Google this! We have been partying on the island for 10+ years upgrading from a Radio Flyer wagon to an RV. From 1 hungover day to 3 thought out prep planned days. From a party of 4 to party of 14. Mark your calendars for July 14 -1 5, and look forward to that blog post! 

QUICK Q & A

Maybe you have known us for 18+ years, maybe heard 18 episodes of the podcast, maybe you're on blog post #18, or maybe you've discovered us for all of 18 seconds. Whatever the case we are appreciative to have you a part of our journey. We want to share a quick Q & A for our #findingazengagement journey with all of you!

1. Where and when did we first meet?

J: We met at the office where we both worked at. Summer of 2015.

B: A co-working space on the West Side of Phoenix. I gave Jose a gift with the exact coordinates as anniversary gift one year. 

2. Where was our first date? 

J: My birthday that year was our date.

B: We celebrated his birthday at The Yard (in Tempe, so I must have really liked him), then we went back to my apartment to watch Anchorman.

3. What was your first impression of me?

J: I always thought you were bubbly and cute. But I also thought you were so much more of established professional than I was.

B: Tall, dark, and handsome. I also thought I was wrong in thinking your name was Jose and second guessed myself everytime we talked. 

4. Weird habit of each other?

J: Even though I think it's a little weird I understand it. You are not a fan of sea food. But I definitely sing about everything I do which is a little weird.

B: I am a perfectionist so I weirdly organize and clean things. Jose sings and I ask myself is that an actual song? 

5. What I often do in my free times?

J: In my free time I YouTube search, but Brittany definitely reads a book along with tan.

B: He is always on his phone and loves the Youtubes. I just wants to be in the sunshine, getting tan!

6. What I’m not good at?

J: Britt is not good with technology. All technology. 

B: I am not good with being patient- technology included. Jose is not good at baking. He can make great scrambled eggs, but otherwise keep it to heat-n-eat for him. 

7. What I’m good at?

J: She is definitely good at a lot of things. But my favorite thing she is good at is design and layout. She has a beautiful design "eye".

B: He is good at everything and if he is not great he strives everyday to get better. He is great at bettering himself and those around him everyday. He can have a conversation with a snail, he is so easy to talk to.

8. Favorite feature about each other?

J: One favorite feature about her is her butt ️. But I do love her smile along her laugh most of all. 

B: His calves, more specifically his tattoo. Also he is so smart, funny and encouraging and that is so sexy!

9 Nicknames for each other?

J: BrittBritt aka B-love aka DJ BJ aka Lil shygirl aka beautiful.

B: Joe, Hosay, love, boo

10 What is my favorite restaurant?

J: For Britt: Breakfast- Norteno; Brunch- Famé ; Lunch- In&Out ; Dinner- Chilis.

B: For Jose: Breakfast- Bosa Donuts ; Brunch- Chicken & Waffles ; Lunch- Lenny's ; Dinner-Cheesecake Factory.

These are amazing photos shot by Brooklyn Photo!