CANDID CRITIQUES: BARBIE MOVIE

Barbie movie is out long enough for me to give you spoiler alerts and my opinion. Whether you care about either just know: Barbie for me is my sister. I played with Barbie every day and night. The whole gang, not Allen, but that wasn’t my gen. No matter what age group or how many dolls you had

Barbie was never about becoming anything it was being something; a fantasy land we could escape to and then chose to come back to reality. 

When the movie was announced I was the opposite of excited. The cast, even less enthralled, but once it hit theaters little Britt needed it like 1994 Barbie Dream Boat with Blender, I can still taste those strawberry milkshakes. My theater didn’t have any activation, memorabilia, photos ops. In fact there was a Spanish version showing that most of the line was crowded for. 

I wore my sillk pink stripped pajamas, a kind I own with no Barbenheimer intention, stashed a Hibiscus LaCroix and Red Vines in the blush Kate Spade and took myself out on a Sunday night. Ready to offer my plusses and minuses.

PROS:

• Great storyline, overall message& funny one-liners. Favorite part was the line from one of the Mattel assistants poking fun at starting a podcast & when Ken reminisced about being respected and shows of his watches.

• Ordinary Barbie - embrace your natural self without societal pressures.

• Midge - why did they ever discontinue her?

• When narrator, Helen Mirren, breaks the fourth wall and comments: "Note to filmmakers: Casting Margot Robbie is the wrong person you want to make this point” [about not being pretty].

• The message by America Ferrera in her supporting nomination speech duh eveyone loved it! But did you catch the “Sí, se puede” stinger at the end from the husband. That brought back mems.

• Will Farrell - not his best role, but fave actor. However, This may have ben Jake Gyllenhaal best role, I mean Ryan Reynolds, Gosling, ugh, the guy from the Notebook. 

It was exactly like the Barbie world, and it was exactly like the real world. But lets not have them combine- I enjoy a bit of fantasy. 

CONS:

• The Fashion, other than the iconic neon rollerblading outfit and throwing the clothes out the window extra outfits and accesories, I never remember my Barbie having any Chanel handbag with matching tweed suit. 

• It’s a musical! If there is one choreographed number with lip singing to the camera its a musical. Also, why does Ken have singing solos? 

• I would have stayed in Barbieland.

• Did the daughter yell “Hell Yeah, White savior barbie,” after the America Farrera monolgue? Watch this and tell me .

Let me know what you thought of the movie.

XoXo

Barbie

I KNOW WOMEN - WHAT DO I DO ?

As someone who is passionate about empowering women and helping them achieve their goals, I was thrilled to join The Know Women in 2022. (You can read about my switch out of Healthcare here.) We are not just a good time, but a group of women who are dedicated to helping each other grow both personally and professionally while having a good time.

When Sarah came on the Podcast in 2017 she announced starting a community of women to Know and do business with. Welcome to Know Women, the ultimate events, publications, and experiences curated exclusively for ambitious high-achieving women. Five years and over 50 publications later the goal is One Million Women to Know!

As a Membership Success Manager, my role is to ensure that our members are engaged and leveling up to their highest self. I work closely with each member to understand their goals and help them connect with other members who can help them achieve those goals. Whether it's through our online community or our in-person events, we provide a variety of opportunities for our members to connect and collaborate with each other; my favorite being our annual Summit.

Our summit brings together some of the most successful and inspiring women from various industries and backgrounds. Through our interactive workshops, keynote speeches, and panel discussions, you will learn from their experiences, gain valuable insights, and connect with like-minded women. We do this monthly too in our FOCU$ED series with carefully selected our speakers and topics to provide you with practical strategies, tools, and resources that you can apply to your business, career and life! Its more than taking elevator selfies with Candace Nelson, its lasting relationships from real friends.

One of the most rewarding parts of my job is seeing the positive impact that our organization has on our members. I have seen firsthand how our members have grown their businesses, expanded their networks, and gained confidence through their involvement with The Know Women. Selfishly, I have had the opportunity to develop new skills, such as event planning and community management, and have been given the freedom to take on new challenges and initiatives in design. Importantly, Know Women is supporting the Finding Arizona Podcast and Found House Production services for The High Achieving Female Podcast with more opportunities to come.

You know you want to get in the room! Join us at our next event, shoot me an email.

XoXo

Britt

Check out some amazing photos from our Know Summit 2023 by the incredibly talented Sarah Hoag . I love the ones with Erin, (love working with you so much). Also here is my POV from the gram

FIRST DAY OF SUMMER POOL MUST HAVES

Summer has officially arrived! In Arizona, we have been feeling the triple digit temps for a while and what better way to cool off than by taking a dip in the pool? Thanks to Leslie’s, our pool is ready for all the swim days. However, before you jump in, dive into this blog’s essential pool products to make sure you are ready for the season. Here are some of the must-have pool products at the Acevedo’s House.

1. SHOCK

Proper chemical levels are crucial to maintaining a clean and healthy pool. When monsoon season hits your pool needs a shock! Weekly maintenance too! I prefer Power Powder from Leslie’s . Shock it, scrub it and * pro tip * keep your scrub brush in the pool at all times the more you take it out of the water and give it oxygen it will encourage algae growth.

2. CHLORINE TABS

Fill up your floater, skimmer basket and my * pro trick * (wearing gloves) scrub algae directly with your tab and watch it disappear like magic! Chlorine tabs from Leslie’s uses pro-grade quality to control all types of pool algae, bacteria, germs, and parasites for cleaner, healthier water. Sunlight burns chlorine so if you’re servicing your pool, best to do it the evenings and night time.

3. HOSES

Between a vacuum hose and a backwash hose, good quality, professional grade pool hoses are hard to find. Leslie’s carries everything- even the other “pool guys” shop there. I am obsessed with their 50 foot backwash hose. I use it weekly.

4. PERFECT WEEKLY

Once a week adding Perfect Weekly to my skimmer to keep my phosphate levels low, reduces oils, and keeps the water level. All of these are major for Arizona. Monsoons, sunscreen + excessive heat = Perfect Weekly!

5. SUNSCREEN

Make it part of your daily routine. Protecting your skin from the sun's harmful rays is essential. Even on days when you dont “think you will go outside” or early morning or late afternoons. Make sure you are protecting your greatest asset, your skin so you can have all the pool days!

I may have got a C in Chem in highschool, but I am earning an A in Pools Maintenance thanks to Leslie’s!

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

DJBJ RELEASES NEW MIX FOR 2023 #MOMSWHOMIX

Music has always been a universal language that has the power to bring people together. And when it comes to music, DJs play a crucial role in setting the mood and getting people moving. In today's digital age, the art of DJing has evolved, and technology has made it possible for anyone to become a DJ. One such person who has taken full advantage of technology is DJBJ. In this blog post, we'll take a look at who DJBJ and get to know the Mom behind the music.

DJBJ's style is a fusion of different genres, including drum and bass, hip-hop, and rap. She has a unique ability to blend these genres together in a way that creates a cohesive and exciting sound. She is known for her high-energy beats and catchy hooks on and off the decks.

It has been a few years since DJBJ has mixed, but she is sharing two tracks on her brand new EP #Momswhomix quoting, “The B side is better.” You can check it out on her Soundcloud. She is booking only at home and virtual sessions at the moment, but more to come as she moves from VirtualDJ to vinyls and crates.

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

HAPPY GRADUATION - SWIMMING INTO LEVEL 3

Our little fish has graduated level 2 before turning 2! After our final swim class of the year we celebrated leveling up.

We started Aqua Tots Swim School beginning of 2022 as a first birthday present. Coming up on a year, we have successfully graduated 2 levels! On to level 3- one on one with the coach. Although I am looking forward to not getting in a highly chlorinated kids pool every week, I am more excited for his independence and trust he will gain with the coach!

You can read our AQUA TOT ATLAS blog sharing why we chose this swim school and some tips and tricks from us here. Mr Atlas Phelps will be practicing all winter and accepting recruits for his summer 23 swim school. Congrats, again, Atlas. Mom and Dad are always so proud of you!

XoXo

Britt

DIY FOLD IN HALF WALL

Event backdrops you can make! Yes, that’s right! I have the recipe for the pop up walls you’ve been saving on instagram. It folds in half with a hinge, fits in most cars and is lightweight for 1 to carry! Let's get to building.

This makes 1 wall.

If you want to make a shape, slant, or curve thats on you.

How you decorate your walls is endless.

Add pegs, shelves, vinyl, paint, material, etc. 

Materials:

11/32 in. or 3/8 in. x 4 ft. x 8 ft. BC Sanded Pine Plywood

11/32 in. or 3/8 in. x 2 ft. x 4 ft.

1 in. x 3 in. x 8 ft. 

1 in. x 5 in. x 8 ft.

1 in. x 1 in. x 36 in. Pine Square Dowel

3-1/2 in. Satin Nickel 5/8 in. Radius Smooth Action Door Hinges (Five)

Wood Glue 

¾- 1 ¾ wood screws 

Sandbag

Sand

Directions:

• Cut 4x8 into two 4x3

These are your walls- top + bottom

• Cut 11/32 in. or 3/8 in. x 2 ft. x 4 ft. into 

Two 1’6” x 2’6” triangles for legs

2-3 inches from the base of the triangle notch out a slit for the leg connector

One 3’ 2.5” x 3” for sandbag leg connector

Two 6” x 6” squares for slat holder

• Cut 1 in. x 3 in. x 8 ft. into 4” strips Need 6 

One on top half of cut boards, one on bottom half of cut (left, right and center)

Mark and Pre drill your door hinges make sure your screws go through your wood but not the wall, if it does you will have to grind down. Repeat three times.

• Cut 1x1 into four 6” and two 4” for the slat holders

Glue them in a u shape on top of the the 6”x6” cuts Need 2

Pre drill and screw center of your hinges on the bottom half right at the fold

• Cut 1 in. x 5 in. x 4 ft. into 1.5 foot flats (sand these down for tight fit)

• Align your legs at the bottom of the wall half

Mark and Pre drill your door hinges to make sure your screws go through your wood but not the wall, if it does you will have to grind down. Repeat other leg.

• Fill sand bag will sand and place on center of 3’ 2.5” x 3” for weighted balance.

Thank you to The Know Women for Giving me the creative space to make thesee beauties.

Thank you to my dad for home depot pop talks.

Thank you to my hubby for the CAD work + love.

If you want to catch the vlog to the wall (BONUS: it’s loaded with Atlas cuteness) it’s here:

KNOW SUMMIT 2022

Imagine one hundred and fifty women to Know and do business with, sharing, teaching, learning, connecting, gaining visibility and being seen. Throw in a pool party, shopping, Jamie Kern Lima and Alli Webb! It was unbelievable, but Believe it! 

Where was it? The Saguaro Hotel in Scottsdale AZ. But who made it? The KNOW Women! We built walls (blog post to come on this) for backdrops, hung velvet drapes, stapled greenery, pegged walls (maybe got charged for a few damages), and more. All with our power tools and women power- we did it! 

We celebrated with a dip in the pool and a cool drink, but most importantly- being recognized in a room of women I recognize… incredible.

Also let me just humbly say I was not familiar with Jamie Kern Lima prior to Summit. I had that NBA finals Referee Jack Harlow moment when we hopped on a Zoom call with her and her team prior to the event. After meeting her, hearing her story and seeing who she shows up as every day is honorable. I cannot wait to read her book, Believe It! 

Can you sit with us? Of course- what I love about KNOW (of the many things) is you can always sit with us! Summit 2023 is on the calendar and I want you there! 

Learn more about the Know Women here.

Learn about the Top Women across America to KNOW for 2022.

XoXo

Britt

OUR NEW NORMAL

We’ve been parents for a whole year! Let’s celebrate! Okay, now I’m tired. 

It is hard to remember what life was like before Atlas. Not just an extra person in our house, but the joy that he brings every day is another level. Sleeping eating, showers, shitting everything revolves around Atlas; he is our world. This is our new norm and we wouldn’t trade it for the world- we already did.

We are full-time working parents balancing taking care of a tiny human and it’s not easy. Kudos to all those working parents out there! Leaving for work is not a relief by any means. I may go from singing “Purple monkey in a bubble gum tree,” to having real adult conversations, but that also means my husband is putting in work around the house with the baby and sacrificing his career in the moment too. Then we switch. 

Can I vent a for second on how the world doesn’t show you what parenthood is like. The movies, reality shows. social media they’re showing you the sunshine the rainbows the butterflies. The nanny takes the child while it has a diaper blowout. Their meal planner is prepping all of their food to make sure they keep up with their nutrition to properly pump 6 ounces on schedule. Day care is taking the kid with dozens of others. It’s been 365 days and I haven’t had a manicure or a pedicure, but I did have a haircut (just one)! And as much as I tell myself every single day I need to take care of myself to take care of him I still don’t do it this. It is my new norm.

i’m hungry .

I’m tired .

I’m on the verge of tears .

But I would not trade any of it for my perfect family of three

I feel a frustration towards myself . The harder part is admitting something is wrong and admitting you’re feeling signs of depression. It is an overwhelming feeling to admit. It’s not all the time, but it manifests itself in different ways. And my kid is pretty good, so like what?  I know the fruits of my labor reflect his life, but I have less patience for bullshit. I am here to prepare my son for this world and what ever the new normal becomes in the future.

Do you know someone going through this? What can you do to support or help? Instead of asking them what can I do for you- just do it! Send them dinner or something sweet because we all know the last thing we do is make sure we eat and buy ourselves the flowers.