FINAL FRIDAY FIVE FAVORITE FINDS

Life is bombarded with “Buy my book” and “Try this new product,” we are becoming numb to it all. AND we don’t appreciate what we have in front of us and crave that thirst. But this post, Jose and I are taking time to look at FIVE things we have and are loving right now to appreciate what is in our backyard, but also focus on the simple things of life. This is our new feature we are calling Final Friday Five Favorite Finds. These are all things we have been obsessing over in the month of March.

BRITT’S FIVE

1. HOMEMADE CHICKEN NACHOS - We all know how much I love mexican food. It is the same 5 ingredients just prepared differently. This month I have been obsessed with Chicken Nachos. It takes less than 20 min from frozen chicken breast to ready to eat and you can throw on any veggies / meats and cheeses you want. When I dont “feel” like making dinner, I always “feel” like Chicken Nachos

2. WALKING OUTSIDE - WOW what a concept- you just put on shoes and leave your house, but you return soon I promise! Ever since we got out puppy I make it a point to walk her everyday, but it has turned into her walking me everyday. I get excited telling my apply watch “Begin outdoor walk” and purposefully leave my phone at home to listen to nature. Since the canal was paved behind our home it makes the trail a more visiting place and I now that the weather is heating up, we are turning in to early mornings.

3. SEX AND THE CITY - The entire season is out on Amazon Prime. This show first aired in 1998 and I remember my mom watching each week as Carrie and her friends took on the city. I liked it then, but now that I am Carrie (well actually more of a Charlotte/Samantha combo) this show is THE BEST! I am allowed to watch the full episode and I get the humor! The fashion, the writing, the sex it is so good 20 years later!

4. BLUE LIGHT BLOCKERS - Okay, I know I said I wasn’t going to say “Buy this product” but have you seen the Blue Light Blocking Hype? I’m here to tell you its real! I suffer from migraines and we all look at screens all day- its 2019! So why not protect ourselves! I can do a whole blog post on this and I might but these guys have CHANGED MY LIFE! I immediately wear them when I get to my office because between the phone and computer my eyes will strain. I have noticed a difference in my sleeping habits and zero migraines! I tried the expensive ones I saw on a sponsored post and the metal in the nose piece caused my face to break out, so I recommend the Amazon Choice and for less than $20 you are investing in yourself!

5. 2/4 RULE - This will be a future blog post because I am obsessed with this new life rule! Do you ever not feel like getting put together and then that’s the day you have a meeting or run into someone you weren’t expecting? I’m tired of society telling us we have to beat our faces everyday and buy the most expensive trends. So, to block it out I pick 2/4 things to focus on when I get ready. The four things are: Hair, Skin, Makeup, and Outfit. Pick 2 and let the other 2 slide. If my skin is looking great that day focus on it and pick a great hairstyle to compliment. Or, if you’re having a bad hair day, pick out a great shadow and lip to match your fit.

JOSE’S FIVE:

1. FITBOD - This is my workout app I use when going to the gym. I very much am a visual learner and this app shows me everything I need. I have been using this app for more than 6 months and find it user friendly and it helps me come up with some solid workouts. Download it here.

2. WWE - Ever since I was kid, I have always found pro-wrestling my go-to for some kind of entertainment. I have said that it is my “violent soap opera”. This time of year is always my favorite because it’s the time of year for their biggest event: “WRESTLEMANIA.” It is even more fun now because I got Britt into it as well. We will be rooting on our favorite wrestlers when the show comes on.

3. GUMMY BEARS- Another guilty pleasure of mine. I love anything gummy related, and know its comes from when I was child. These snacks were only thing I really still have a sweet tooth for anymore. The last couple of weeks, we have had a box of them in our pantry.

4. 21 SAVAGE ” A LOT “- Hearing this song makes me go into some kind of mood. I love this song and lyrics in every way. I try to listen to it when I need something to occupy my mind and give me mood changer. 21 has also been doing more songs with collabs, and the bars that J Cole drops on this one are so good! Take a listen here when you get a chance.

5. ALL MY RELATIONS PODCAST - This podcast is something I actually found through Instagram. Hosted by Matika Wilbur (Swinomish and Tulalip) and Adrienne Keene (Cherokee Nation) to explore our relationships— relationships to land, to our creatural relatives, and to one another.  Each episode invites guests to delve into a different topic facing Native American peoples today. Check it out here.

We hope you enjoyed a look into our March 2019. We look forward to sharing these monthly and rediscovering what we already love.

XoXo

Britt

TAROT TIME

I have always been drawn to the metaphysical world. From Ouija boards to crystals to manifesting and meditating I find the mind so fascinating and all the connections we have to the universe. If I lost you in my woo woo words already then maybe this isn’t the post for you, but recently, I was called to cross the line and share my experience into this world.

A few weekends ago I attended a girl’s night event put on by Simple Jane Co. with a tarot card reading and after my session I was called to another one. For some, these cards maybe just pictures and words meaningless. I actually watched a reading from someone who was so closed minded to listening not only to others, but herself. It was so hard to watch and the energy needed to be cleared and the deck knocked before we could move on. But to others, these 15th century italian card cards showcase answers to the “Acana” or mysteries of life.

Tarot is not a fortune teller. Nothing is set in stone. I use it as a way to guide me and listen to who truly matters the most, myself. Often times noise disturbs our thoughts and ability to make decisions or accomplish goals so tarot, for me, allows me to quiet the mind and listen. Each card helps me focus on what is right in front of me.

CHOOSING A DECK

I always read a deck had to be gifted to you, but I was told you can be called to pick your own. For my half birthday I was gifted the Universal Tarot Deck and have found the cards easy for me to see and hear and the deck includes a breakdown of every card meaning for me to continue learning.

READING THE CARDS

First ask a question of what you need to hear, see, understand to the universe. Then, shuffle the cards and see what you are called to pull. First see what that card means to you. WIthout over thinking, what is the first thought this card brings. Next look at the symbols and what meanings they hold. Now apply those meaning to your own life and questions. Be open to insights and that the answers are not always right in front of you. Lastly, look up the meaning and how you can apply it to what you just unintentionally saw .

SPREADS AND REVERSALS

I’m not practicing this to be called for hire at your next party, but being aware of events in my life and creating a tarot spread to guide me has been something to look forward to. Pinterest has several spreads for moon cycles, calendars and many more events. There are spreads for past, present and future. There are spreads for mind, body and spirit. And although, I haven’t dabbled too much into spreads I am always aware of how the card is laid out. If it faces me or if it is in reverse. This has an enormous effect on the message and should be noticed.

CLEANSING AND JOURNALING

I make it a point to write down my cards in my planner everyday to notice any trends or reoccuring cards. I take my cards in my purse with me and pull my cards in all different places. I make sure every few days to sage and smudge my deck to clear the energy and create new space.

This is a new journey for me and I am learning everyday, but one thing I constantly remember is to be grateful. I am thankful for any guidance I receive in any and every way. My relationship with my deck will get stronger and I look forward to sharing with you my journey into all things new and obscure. Check out the links throughout this article to learn more about Tarot and when you are ready, pick up your own deck by clicking on the one above!

XoXo

Britt

THE DINNER PARTY SERIES

The dinner party series was a project started by Jose and I back in late 2018 as conscious effort to connect with some of our favorite people. As adults approaching 30, okay will be 30 this year, we wanted to create a get together in our new space once a month with a few of our favorite couples to catch up and, of course, gather over a delicious home-cooked meal. We believe connections made face to face, like dinner parties, are often priceless. Whether we are inviting new friends to meet up or renewing friendships the dinners we host are about so much more than eating.

No formal invitations or dress code is required. Table settings provided by local thrift store finds featuring antique coral plates and Ball Mason jars, Walmart flatware and World Market cactus linens finish it off. I always make sure to have a glass carafe filled with a seasonal fruit to flavor the water. The menu is usually catered to our guests, gathering inspiration from Joanna Gaines Magnolia Table Cookbook and of course some of my own personal favorite family recipes, which I’ll be sharing more throughout this blog, but we’ve all also gotten creative when it comes to diet requirements and restrictions. But you better believe we’re all sharing something sweet and savory by the end of the night.

No games no agenda we talk about what we want to talk about not what we have to talk about. We are raw, we are real we are just being adults. No kids, no pets, no stress we want to just get away mentally for a few hours and we invite you to join us.

As 2019 continues, so does the dinner party series. We have even extended the dinner party to a our book club for a collaboration that will be so much fun! But,  of course,  as you know we’re planning the ultimate dinner party for October 12. So whether you’re on the invite list for any of those, or not, we would love to gather over a delicious meal and just be real.

XoXo

Britt

LOVE LANGUAGES

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY! Everyone has an opinion about today and this post is not to share mine or give you tips to celebrate or boycott. This is about showing love every day of the year. February 14th is my parents anniversary, so on this day I honor their love, but why do you have to wait till 1 day a year to show those who matter the most to you. how much you care.

When I first heard of the concept of Love Languages I was intrigued. I love love and I love learning new languages or attempting to. But, Love Languages are things we already speak, but have selective hearing. This concept, written by Gary Chapman, assesses 5 different profiles of connecting with others. Each one of us resonates with dominate language, but its important to know the language of others so you are best heard.

Don’t worry, you dont HAVE to read the book. You can take a simple quiz. You can also take it for your child to really connect on every level with everyone. There are five languages and I will break them down. We show dominance in one over the others, but making note of your second and third languages are helpful too!

WHAT ARE THE LANGUAGES?

1. Physical Touch - Just like it sounds. It doesn’t have to be intimate, it is as simple as a high five or a pat on the back. This gentle nudge connects to that person on level they will appreciate and remember.

2. Acts Of Service - This is the old saying, “Actions speak louder than words.” You can tell someone you love them till you are blue in the face but DOING something for them speaks volumes. In my opinion it is the most high maintenance language because it requires planning and executing!

3. Words of Affirmation - For some, those words really to mean everything. Thinking of what to say and selflessly expressing it when it is needed vs when its asked for makes all the difference.

4. Receiving Gifts- This is NOT a spoiled language, in fact its the opposite. It is not the value of the gift that matters, but how the gift is valued.

5. Quality Time - Quality over quantity. You don’t have to spend hours with someone for it to count, but what are you two doing with the time. This shows you enjoy being together, just you.

My love language is gifts and Jose’s is physical touch. BUT it is important to take note: just because my love language is gifts and I love to give them I know they are not fully received as a language of love to Jose. He will appreciate them, but we would rather have a massage. And Vice Versa. He wants to show appreciation and hold my hand watching a movie on the couch, but I will use my other hand to eat the heart shaped Papa John’s Pizza he gifted us for dinner.

Take the quiz and comment bellow letting me know your language. You can also use this in business and life because everyone knows my favorite quote:

“Nobody cares how much you know until they know how much you care.” President Theodore Roosevelt / John C. Maxwell / DJBJ

XoXo

Britt

30 REASONS FOR MY BEST FRIEND'S 30TH

My best friend is 30 years young! WOW! We met in preschool and grew up side by side in the 619. Now we live 350 miles away, but it always still feels like she helps me conquer each and every day. Even though I cannot be with her to celebrate, I will be honoring this beautiful lady with 30 reasons why she is ah may zing!

Evelina, Happy Birthday!

1. You’re practically my sister.

2. We pick up where we leave off.

3. You’re always down.

4. You know all my secrets, we can never not be best friends.

5. You show how proud you are of my accomplishments.

6. Inside jokes for decades.

7. Trust +

8. Loyalty +

9. Love =

   THE INGREDIENTS THAT MAKE YOU UP.

10. You give the bet hugs.

11. Nothing we say is awkward.

12. We have the best time going nowhere.

13. We have the best time going everywhere..

14. You are the best listener.

15. You will always have my back and I will always have yours.

16. You know how to cheer me up when I am down.

17. You love me at my worst and best.

18. You’re always a phone call away.

19. You care about my family.

20. You give the best advice.

21. All we need is eye contact to communicate.

22. You believe I deserve the best and I believe you deserve the best.

23. Getting ready to go somewhere with you is just as fun as going there.

24. You will break all the rules for me #illegalday.

25. Nobody compares to you.

26. You love lazy days as much as me.

27. We can ride in silence, but you have the best taste in music.

28. We get through every awkward stage together.

29. You make me feel home, no matter where I am.

30. SECRET FOR BEST FRIEND TO REVEAL ONLY ! (UPDATE: SEE PHOTO BELLOW)

Here are just a FEW ridiculous photos I have around the house that have a special memory attached. Enjoy this beautiful day and many more to come bestfriend!

XoXo

Britt

KNOW PHOENIX: WE'RE ON THE RISE

Imagine a book featuring 100 of the most influential women making moves in your city! Well Sarah Benken imagined it a little over 1 year ago and when she sat down to record with the Finding Arizona Podcast about her business, Metro’s Other Woman (listen here) we wanted to promote, support and see to it her dream became a reality. In February of 2018 Volume I was launched and after meeting, connecting and conversing with these powerful women, Sarah asked me to be apart of Volume II.

Being in the “Tribe” is an honor, but also a responsibility. I decided to take on an On the RIse Women to Watch Page because our podcast is “On The Rise!” Our 9-5s are not the podcast, yet, but I know my connections in this organization will lift me by boosting others. Thankfully, the skills I have learned as a business owner have allowed me to practice being a tenacious producer in the media industry, but also keeping a student mentality.

We are more than a publication. This tribe was created to spark women relationships and cultivate growth by networking and getting outside of our industries and comfort zones. My favorite thing about the tribe is there are “No Mean GIrls Allowed.” To much of what we do is criticized and compared and this community is all about support and love!

Vol I and II have had a few guests of the podcast, but I look forward to establishing many more relationships and seeing what the future holds for our business through this publication and tribe. The events are amazing! The cocktail hour mixers have been spectacular from the food and drinks to the locations, the Know Tribe utilizes the resources within: For Us By Us. Also, I cannot wait for the conference! The first ever Know Summit will take place this April in Phoenix and we have so many amazing things planned for it!

Our launch party this year was in the Southwest Airlines Airplane Hanger at Phoenix Sky Harbor and we got 150 powerful women on the plane to celebrate! These photos were taken by Desert Peak Productions and you can see the full album here. The final photo was taken by MiMI Paris Photography for the AZ Foothills Magazine. You can see the entire album here.

So as I sit here finishing up my first hustle to go home to my second hustle I am wearing my Know Tribe 2019 rose quartz bracelet and excited to see what new opportunities bloom from the beautiful relationships. Watch out 2019, you are going to KNOW The Finding Arizona Podcast, were On the Rise, I am a Woman to Watch!

XoXo

Britt

The Know Tribe

SECOND SUNDAY FREE ART LIBRARY

Anyone that knows me knows that I like to know the 411 on all things FREE. From food, to events, to random contests I like to get involved, save, and, of course, share! One of our favorite places to adventure is the Phoenix Art Museum and this year they are partnering up with Discount Tire Co. to bring you free admission every second Sunday of the month.

We have been to the museum a handful of times, but this Sunday we watched the Chargers get spanked in the first half and decided to not bear the pain any longer and get out of the house. We drove down to the Phoenix Art Museum and joined the long line of families to take advantage of the first free Sunday of the year.

If you have yet to visit the Phoenix Art Museum here are 3 reasons why you should mark February 10, 2019 in your calendar to go check it out! FO FREE!

1. Learn Something Everyday!

Life is all about learning lessons every minute. One of our favorite questions to ask each other at the end of the night is “What did you learn today?” Going to the museum together allows us to learn about artists and the art history of our beautiful world. We love spending time on the third floor where specific installations capture all senses.

2. See Faces

We always run into a familiar face. In this small big world we live in getting out in the community gets you connected with people you can build a face to face relationship with. Whether it is a work college, a friend from school or a small business owner we love running into friendly faces out and about.

3. Break the Norm

Opposites attract because oddly enough I can spend hours staring at the European paintings of the 15th century imagining the time the piece was painted: where the artist drew inspiration from and how many eyes have admired this beauty over the centuries. Jose loves the Asian and American collections especially for their stunning artifacts. The detail and the story telling capture his attention.

To learn more about the Phoenix Art Museum please visit their website.

To learn more about the Discount Tire Free Family Sundays visit this website.

If you don’t live in or around Phoenix, be sure to check our your local museum and check around for any special event days!

XoXo

Britt

WINTER IN ARIZONA

We did it! We became puppy parents to an adorable Dalmatian lab mix named, Winter. And everything about her story was #meanttobe. 

I have always been an cat person. Growing up in Cali and moving to AZ I loved in cat households. Jose, the opposite. He has had dogs and when we met he was “allergic to cats.” We always talked about adopting a dog, but could never agree on a breed. I signed up for a pet adoption newsletter at Adopt A Pet.com and one Wednesday morning I got the best email in my inbox. 

After visiting with her dog mom, competing against other applicants and meeting our biggest critics, the cats, she was adopted the day after Christmas as the best, and last present from Santa!   

Winter was born on July 13 on a reservation in Arizona. She was starved, tied up and everything any dog should not be. She was rescued by Sunshine Dog Rescue and spent time locally in a home with an amazing dog mom who trained her and more importantly showed her that love is available for her. She is an angel and everything we could have hoped for. She keeps us on our toes even more now and we actively involved in walking in our neighborhood daily. We even went to our first dog park! Who are we?  

As new parents we are still learning and seeking any advice on introducing her into the house with senior cats and any or all products you love and swear by for dogs! Let us know and let’s schedule a puppy play date ASAP!  

I’ll leave you with these adorable photos of her!  

XoXo

Britt       

THE TWELVE QUESTIONS OF CHRISTMAS

The twelve days of Christmas begins on the 25th and showers gifts until the 5th of January, but with 12 days leading up to the big day, I wanted to share a little BTS 12 Q&A about our holiday traditions new and old.

1.What was Christmas like when you were growing up?

J. Christmas time for our family was typical, we woke up super early in the morning to open presents because I woke everyone else up. We had a nice dinner and my parent's friends and families came by throughout the day. 

B. I remember opening up 1 gift, my christmas jammies and tracking santa on his sleigh the night before.  I would wake  up to a big beautiful toy filled tree the next morning. As I got older Black Fridays were our Christmas traditions- waking up early and standing in line for hours with my dad at Fry’s Electronics still brings a smile to my face.

2. Share one vivid Christmas memory, good or bad.

J. My favorite Christmas memory is one with my younger brother and me in the snow, we always enjoyed playing outside. We were very lucky to have an occasional white Christmas. 

B. One Christmas was spent in Northern California with my grandparents. I was single digits in age and took my first limo ride around the trees of mystery and through festive  holiday light neighborhoods.

3. What’s your favorite – or least favorite – Christmas song?

J. My favorite song is "Baby, its cold outside" and my least fav is "Little drummer boy" 

B. I love “Merry Christmas, Darling,” and least favorite are the ones in latin because I don’t have the voice of an angel like Dale from Stepbrothers.

4. What’s the best gift you’ve ever given someone?

J. Best gift I ever gave someone is an engagement ring. Best surprise too. 

B. My homemade gifts stand out to me the most. One year I photoshopped my dad and uncle so it looked like they were at the same baseball game in the same photo with their favorite team. Now my home is the gift that stand out to me the most because I gifted it to myself and I can now create all these wonderful gifts and memories inside.

5. What’s the best gift you've ever received?

J. Best gift I have ever received is the home I live in today. 

B. My engagement ring because it means I get the best gift of all- someone to love unconditionally for the rest of my life.

6. When you hate a present, are you honest or do you pretend to love it?

J. I try my best to always look and see the silver lining of a present because gifts sometimes surprise you on their usefulness.

B. Pretend to love it for sure, but find another use for it. I am pro Regifting.

7. Which family tradition do you want to pass down to our children?

J. It's funny because my family doesn't really have one but I have adopted one from Britt. I would like to give each year a pair of matching pjs to my family.

B. We started decorating for Christmas after Thanksgiving DInner and I love the thought of carrying this into our third year. Christmas pajamas for the family and of course photos for those cheesy Christmas Cards (check your mail for ours this year).

8. Real tree or artificial?

J. I have only ever owned a handful of "real" trees, they don't work well in Phoenix either so fake tree for me. 

B. I love the smell but hate the mess so artificial and all the candles!

9. What is your all-time favorite holiday food/sweet treat?

J. My favorite holiday food is probably mac & cheese. My favorite holiday treat is peanut butter cookies. 

B. I love all the home cooked meals from my mom, but recently we started making tamales and they last in my freezer the entire year! This time of year I try and stick to the 4 main food groups: candy, candy cane, candy corn, and syrup. 

10. Favorite holiday movie? 

J. An all-time holiday favorite is Home Alone 2: Lost in New York! 

B. All of the Christmas Claymation movies are amazing for their time, but Rudolf and the Island of Misfit Toys is my favorite to watch.

11. White Christmas memory? 

J. White Christmas memory is being at home, warm, with a blanket and hot chocolate.

B. One Christmas we were in North Dakota visiting family and it was 40 degrees below so we had to stay inside.

12. The true meaning of Christmas is _________

J. providing joyful memories to friends and families. 

B. showing and sharing all the love everyone deserves.

These amazing photo sneak peaks are of a night shoot we did with Jasmine Lea Photography, more to come!

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