GUEST ROOM REDESIGN ON A DIME

It only took us over a year to fix up the guest room, but we did it! First, it was storage, then WInter’s Dog Room, and now a proper guest room for our future stays! I cannot be more excited about the first guest staying in the room, but before that, I want to share all the details of this design on a dime guest room.

When we first moved in and painted every room in the house I immediately used this room to practice an ombre wall. Blending blues for hours and hours I was very impressed by my work of art and have even used it for several photo backdrops. We used the blank walls to hang my Monet prints collection. Other than that this room was easy to clean up to prep for a makeover. A little paint to touch up the base boards that our wonder full puppy chewed up and the room was ready for furniture.

We wanted to go with a futon for function and sticking with the midcentury trend keep the style of the furniture like the house. A futon allows us to maybe put a bed in later or adjust the use of the room altogether. We also wanted to put in a credenza. Not a dresser and not a tv console, but both, and our guests can put snacks in their too! These two pieces are bold in color and purpose but we are happy with the outcome and function.

Thriting and repurposing was where the rest of the details came from. My favorite orange rug from Ikea is a simple and inexpensive way to add color and change up a room. I love the shag to it! Great for bedrooms! Speaking of Ikea this clock shelf was in my office for the last 6 years, and I still love to this day, which is why Ikea still carries it! The statement chair was a set of two from Costco 6 years ago as well and Costco doesn’t even carry things from 6 months ago so good luck finding that! Finally I thrifted this Ikea blue table at a Goodwill 50% off day and scored it for $3.

I would like to think I am pretty good at “Staging a Bookcase.” All you really need are: Books (lol), candles, plants (real or fake), art, photos, crystals (something unique). Make sure to balance each shelf meaning if you did a book on the right, a few shelves down, add book on the left. Always share photos of great memories and change them out from time to time or different seasons or guests. And finally, put some crystals in there. Cleanse the energy and give your guests something to admire.

A few candles and throw pillows from target’s clearance section and we are ready to put some fresh linens in the cabinet and have our first guest enjoy her stay. We are book through July and Last week in August, but message me and we can see whats open for the other summer dates.

XoXo

Britt

JUNE FINAL FRIDAY FIVE FAVORITE FINDS

June makes is Summa Summa Summa Time in AZ and things are heating up. Temps hit 110 this week and here are the 5 things we each did to keep our cool and stay cool.

BRITT’S FIVE

1. ONE RAW MEAL A DAY- If you have not read my blog post about my results from my food sensitivities test, I suggest you do so here. But, LMTY (Let me tell you) I think I just made that acronym up. I am really more conscious of my food habits and choosing to nourish by supplementing 1 raw meal a day. Whether that be a protein shake or a Perfect Bar for breakfast or a pressed juice or a salad for lunch. I have substituted cashew milk and all!

2. BEING A STUDENT - I promise this is not a post to highlight my blogs, although, if you create BOMB content share the hell out of it because you worked so hard to put your heart out there. Recently, I changed careers and have spend the second half of June being the best student. First, it is in healthcare and more specifically: skilled nursing. Second, it also involves a Microsoft HP Elitebook and an Android Samsung Galaxy S9+. Send help! Between my online training and in person trial by fire I know this time next month I will be confident from competence. Catch up on the change here.

3. HAIR CLIPS FROM THE 90S - You have seen them all over insa! And would you would believe I still have a few a barrettes from when I was a kid? I did score and find some amazing deal on a amazon for too many I will ever use. I am a creature of habit and will usually style my hair the same way, but throwing in a barrette allows for variety. I really wish I could rock the headbands but I get the worst headaches.

4. WORKAHOLICS - I know this show stopped airing years ago, and if I was doing this blog feature then it would have been on it for sure. I was searching Hulu for a new binge and came across this comedy classic. Three stoner friends surviving corporate america, barely and living for shenanigans- what more can you ask for for a good laugh. I recently watched the Adam Devin Netflix special and it was a hilarious too! Definitely a recommend.

5. THE ALCHEMIST- Our July book of the month book is The Alchemist by by Paulo Coelho is the story of a shepherd’s journey, but is sooooo much more than that. It was such a great book for my career transition and also a book for anyone and everyone to learn from and most importantly what happens when you pursue your dreams.

JOSE’S FIVE:

1. DRAKE FT. RICK ROSS (MONEY IN THE GRAVE) - This is my new workout jam. It’s just a good hit you gotta listen to.

2. WELL FOR CULTURE PODCAST - Well For Culture is an Indigenous wellness initiative to help reclaim health and wellness. Episode 1 is the introductory episode: a breakdown of our general philosophy, a peek into who we are, and a preview of what’s to come. Take a listen here.

3. DAVID DOBREK VLOG - This youtuber has a comedy vlog series that has had me cracking up from its ability swing emotionally through the episodes. From laughs, to crazy stunts, and celebrity visits catch it all every week for FREE. Check it out here.

4. LUNCH TIME - Recently, Britt has been home for lunch with me. Its fun to send extra time with your significant other than you normally do. Our time together is precious and I enjoy every second we get.

5. POOLS!! - As the summer months starts to ramp up, I am thankful for the pool I can jump in and enjoy. I use it to swim and exercise in. Its overall therapy from the harsh temperatures.

July has some fun guests in store and even warmer weather! June FLEW by and I know the last 3 before the wedding will even more!

XoXo

Britt

NO MORE ALMONDS- YOU'RE NUTS

The test results for my food sensitivities test are in. What!? Food sensitivities!? Yes! I took an Everlywell at home test to be more aware of what I am feeding my body. As you can tell by my title, ALMONDS are at the top of the list! And it’s all I can think about eating. But, here are the #5W’s to share my journey from eating nuts to being a healthier nut.

This idea sparked a few years ago when I took an at home DNA test for my golden birthday. I was rehashed with a food test and didn’t bite. I saw a few people on the socials trying the sensitivities test and fascinated with their results. And, finally, over the last 3 years I have tried changing my habits and incorporating juice cleanses, but need the cold, hard facts to tell me what to do.

What is the difference between sensitivities and allergies? The Mayo Clinic best defines it:“Food allergies cause an immune system reaction, where food intolerance/sensitivities symptoms are often limited to digestive problems.” I realized that drinking an overload of kombucha did not produce any more benefits than just a delicious refreshing drink after a certain point. And after my initial I’m hungry and have a bad headache from the first day of juice cleanse feeling I felt great and wanted to carry on that.

I ordered my Everlywell test and it arrived in 3 days. The test kit had everything I needed. First, I created a profile online and registered my code. The registration allowed me to get text confirmations and immediate notifications when my results were ready. Then it was time to collect the sample. I had Jose prick my finger and pool just enough blood to fill three dots on the collection card. Lancets are provided and my brave, strong, future husband did all the work! A few bandaids later, I let the sample paper dry and properly enveloped it to drop off for mailing.

Everly Well’s testing labs are CLIA certified and the test results are independently validated by a doctor. My test results were ready in exactly 7 business days.

My food sensitivity results showed 1 food that was a high reactivity, 4 that were moderate reactivity, 16 that were mild reactivity, and 75 that were low reactivity. Low Reactivity are considered largely non-reactive, as this level of reactivity is considered normal, while High Reactivity (Class 3) foods are considered very reactive and guess what was there- ALMONDS! My favorite nut, my favorite candy bar, my favorite cookie….. now my new love will be Cashews.

Not surprising were my moderate reactivity foods: MILK- COWS, WHEAT, CHEESE- MOZZARELLA, CHEESE- COTTAGE. Well, surprising because I LOVE CHEESE, but not because we all should be more aware of the gluten and dairy we’re intaking. One of my intentions for June was to eat 1 raw meal per day and I have honored that by replacing a meal with a juice or a salad everyday since.

I’ll wrap up my results with my mild reactivity foods, the 16 are: GLUTEN, MALT, POTATO- WHITE, BARLEY, TURKEY, CORN, LETTUCE, CABBAGE, PINEAPPLE, LEMON. PEACH, SOLE. MUSHROOM. COCOA. CHICKEN. WATERMELON. My alcohol reactions now make sense as my body is not tolerating it any more, but if I have to suffer a tummy ache for cocoa, I just might. I can give up Vodka, but not Chocolate.

I will continue my bio hacking journey and taking any tips and tricks to avoid cheese. I will use this info to make healthier decisions for myself and encourage those I love to honor their health too. I loved my experience with Everlywell. They have easy-to-use tests that range from Food Sensitivity to Thyroid, and 30 others. Use my link and get 20% off your purchase!

XoXo

Britt

WHEN ONE DOOR CLOSES....

I debated about sharing this. I REALLY debated about sharing this in anyway and the last thing I thought about was writing a blog post about it. BUT, while taking a shower, where I get my best thoughts, it came to me…. why am I not sharing this!

For the past nine years, almost a decade, I’ve been an entrepreneur and more recently I am making the biggest change into corporate America. Why am I scared to share? Because of what others would think of me? Oh, how horrible that is to say, how horrible that is to type, but just thinking about it made me realize that I’m not alone and I definitely need to share and let others know that they can be confident in making and sharing life changes too!

Straight out of college I jumped in to a direct marketing and sales position. I had no idea what I was doing at first but, I knew that I loved it I had a passion for the people I was surrounded by every single day and I was learning something new every single day. Within 24 months, I was running my own marketing company! I was in a completely new state I was making decisions for people’s futures, writing and signing paychecks. I was creating opportunities and jobs for people every single day.

I am more than grateful for the skills that I’ve acquired through a career in direct marketing and sales. The first half of my nearly decade in this industry was building and developing Roadshows for Fortune 100 companies. Learning how to take “No’s to the Chin” and how to time manage like a MOFO was my specialty. The second half was building and developing people and then really honing in on my skill sets in marketing both direct and indirect. I created digital magazines, built websites and took on the challenges of learning photography and videography. I had business coaches and I had life coaches.

I went from running the business to having one of my best friends and business partners allow me to help run her organization on a daily basis. Most recently she’s been presented an opportunity to help hit some of her long-term goals and I am more than excited to watch her grow. This also has allowed me to really look at my goals and ask myself “Where do I see myself growing.” At first I said, “I can’t imagine my life without this business“ and then I realized, “I can’t imagine my life without her in this business.” So the universe provided me with connections and opportunities and without even me sending my resume to the job boards that I am more than familiar with getting candidates from I was put in the right inbox at the right time and made an unbelievable connection into the corporate world of healthcare. This will be a completely different industry, but at the end of the day it’s all about building relationships, putting a smile on somebody’s face and HELPING PEOPLE.

So as this one door closes I see 1 million more opening and I’m definitely not saying goodbye to anyone today it is see you later. Driving to my last day at the office today I listened to the Tim Ferriss Show interview with The Coach with the Spider Tattoo and among many things, one quote stood out to me: “Often times we speak with our actions and go through life without being heard.” And this is my attempt at speaking my actions.

Do I feel better after sharing this? Yes, but not as good as I felt after telling my parents and they were the ones that I was the most nervous, scared, in fact, hesitant, to tell because of what they would think. But why? They’ve shown nothing but love; they have and they always will. So if you’re reading this afraid to tell somebody you love something, I hope this gives you the courage to do just that because tomorrow will be a better day for us all.

Xoxo
Britt

MAY FINAL FRIDAY FIVE FAVORITE FINDS

Wow, May was a QUICK month! I honestly don’t know where it went! We kept our head down focusing on the wall going up and scheduling podcasts episodes to keep us consistent. BUT in between the organized chaos here are the 5 things we are each learning, listening, eating, drinking and loving!

BRITT’S FIVE

1. URBAN DAWN’S “COME TOGETHER” - Drum and bass is my favorite genre of music for many reasons! Top 2 are: fast beats and the absolute skill that comes with producing and actually Dj-ing this music. Urban Dawn has been producing tunes for a while, BUT this tune is absolute bananas. Everyone likes the Beatles, so you will recognize this classic hit, but once the drop hits.... WOW! You can listen on Spotify here.

2. FRUITS, VEGGIES & TEAS - Not exciting I know, but I have been becoming more conscious of what I can and should eat. Understanding Tapatio isn’t one of them anymore. Lately I have been craving nutritious foods like raw broccoli, unsweetened black tea, nuts and seeds. I dislike peanut butter but love The Peanut Butter Perfect Bar! On the go, QT has an amazing selection of fresh brewed teas. So when we need refreshing drinks we reach for tea instead of soda.

3. DALLMYD - aka Scuba Jake aka Scuba Steve 2019. Let me preface this by saving I am not savvy in the YouTubes, but I heard about Suba Jake, a young treasure hunter who returns and cleans up what he finds. I can watch him and his friends search underwater for hours. It may not always be crystal clear waters but guaranteed he finds the crazy stuff! From guns, to gemstones, even snakes. Watch one of his videos here. The sound of the water is so soothing and the first person Gopro cam is a great perspective.

4. THAIRAPY CLIPLESS CURLER - For the nearly a decade I have a had my hand in developing roadshows for major retailers and one of our latest clients is Thairapy. It’s designed to lock nutrients in your hair with their styling tools and my favorite, the clip-less curler is made with tourmaline. I have ALWAYS been a fan of the wand / clipless curler, but this one leaves my hair with more volume and lasts longer. It’s sold out on Amazon and Neiman Marcus but you can check here for you local Costco roadshow!

5. THE GREAT 48 - Yes, of course, Joe and I had to pick this month’s Phoenix Magazine! The honorary Great 48 Issue was released and who can you find among the media team? Jose and the Finding Arizona Podcast. I’m not saying that my manifestation of putting this on my vision board back in January (you can see the photo here on my pinterest page), but I am also saying what you put out there will come back to you! I am so proud of the recognition, but also the verification that what we are doing is “Great” and with our continued consistency and not losing sight of why we started we will hit even bigger goals! You can see the entire article and read about all 48 amazing individuals here!

JOSE’S FIVE:

1. HERTZ SPECIFIC PLAYLISTS - Before going to bed, i will turned on one of their playlists (usually from Youtube). I turn on 435 Hrtz because I have felt best after night sleep with it on. 

2. VALLEY 101 PODCAST - Recently, a past guest on the podcast transition from one podcast to another. She is now part of the Valley 101 podcast, and she is doing wonderful episodes. THe podcast is produced by the Arizona Republic and AZCentral.com. I have learned a lot of Phoenix specific history.  Take a listen here.

3. PHOENIX MAGAZINE “GREAT 48” - am suggesting this article for everyone to read. Not only cause I am in it,but also because there are 47 other really amazing people you need to read about. Check it out here.

4. HOT ONES - This Youtube series is back with a new line up of hot sauces for celebrities. It is so much fun to watch and experience. The latest is with the Jonas Brothers, and it will only get better from there.  

5. FOAM ROLLER - I am using this tool more and more because of my lower back. I use mostly really get out knots from long days. I look up how-to videos either on Pinterest or Instagram. 

We are looking forward to June and keeping up with some of the health and wellness practices into the Summer! We hope you enjoyed an insight into our May 2019.

XoXo

Britt

FINDING ARIZONA WEDDING PLANNING: MONTHS 8-5 TIMELINE

Wow! We are less than 6 months out from “I Do” ‘s, so it is time for a recap on the last few months and how we have been preparing for the preparations. These passed few months my menality went from planning a wedding to planning the best damn party and wait till you ready what we got cooking!

Month 8

INVITATIONS : After finalizing our guest list and organizing everything via spreadsheets, its time to invite! We are fortunate to be partnering up with Design Squeeze! We met Brittany through the Honey Book and after having coffee, hearing her story, and connecting on so many levels we began production. After a few proofs and such a streamline editing process we are headed to production. I will be sharing a full blog post on our invites and the amazing process of working with Design Squeeze on the blog very soon.

HOME PROJECTS : We began tackling some outdoor projects starting with a custom 14’ x 18’ deck! Jose’s dad and business partner took 3 days and installed a gorgeous deck right off our back patio. It is Jose and I’s turn to sand and stain next! Also, I started and completed my wall! Completely repurposed pallet wood and designed a herringbone feature wall. You can read about the entire process on the blog now!

PLANNER MEETING: We had a follow up meeting with Paige of Front Paige Events to talk timeline and the next steps! We were told we were ahead of schedule. I laid out my vision board and we game planned how to turn dream into realities. We also laid out EVERYTHING we have started stock piling up, glass ware, table covers, tree stumps. She opened up my eyes to questions I didnt even think about. Like what would be in the line of sight during the ceremony photos and how to reset the space amongst the chaos. She has been a pleasure to work with and up next is picking out a caterer and she graciously invited us over for take out and taste testings, more to come on that!

Month 7

WEDDING WEBSITE: After getting engaged I was bombarded with ads to create your own site, link your registry, and download this app. I was not onboard for any of this. Instead we began creating our own website through the FInding Arizona page! First, I googled top wedding websites and screenshotted some of my favorites. Then we recreated it. We not only wanted to give the basics: location, registrations and where to stay, but we also wanted to highlight the amazing vendors we have a pleasure of working with. It officially went live and you can check it out here. We share places we LOVE in Phoenix and will be adding details throughout the entire wedding planning process.

HAIR AND MAKEUP: I found another amazing partnership with Lorissa Kyle through the Honey Book! She goes by What Lois Likes and not only is she a phenomenal MUA she is also developing her only line of cosmetics! I have been pinning inspos on my board you can check out here. We will be meeting up soon and talking details of trials.

Month 6

MUSIC : They don’t call me DJBJ for nothing and yes, I will be DJing our wedding. No, not like that. BUT I am curating an amazing Spotify playlist to capture tunes for all audiences to groove to. You can follow the playlist here. We are taking requests now and will be adding as the time gets closer.

CUSTOM JEAN JACKET: One of the pins I was obsessed over recreating was the custom denim jacket with “Mrs.” and Roman Numerals of the wedding date. Ask and I shall receive. Thanks to my amazingly talented soon to be mother in law, she made my pinterest board come to life. I, of course found the black denim jacket at the goodwill bins paying no more than $1.15 for it. I sent her photos for inspo and days later it was in my hands. I cannot wait to take some stunning photos in it on the big day. Who wears a jean jacket over a couture gown? A girl who will be stylishly cold on her wedding day.

Month 5

BLOCK WALL: As I mentioned in the last timeline post, our budget primarily went to our venue/our house- and first priority was removing our chain link fence and replacing it with a block wall. Over the last year we have a handful of contractors come by give us quotes and after meeting with Dan from Toro Construction and of course loving his prices we decided to go with their team. Four days and minimum of four guys per day went to work and completed the goal! By the end of the clean up I never thought I could love my house even more than I did, but wow, what a difference. I feel like I finally live in the Castle I deserve to be in.

We did not expect this much rain this reason and it has pushed back some projects that we are looking to tackle ASAP! Also, we are thriving with the podcast making sure to stay consistent in episodes and even planning out very own LIVE Create Your Own Podcast Event, teaming up with The Forum, an amazing co working space in Chandler!

XoXo

Britt

FINDING ARIZONA KITCHENS: CHINESE CHICKEN SALAD

This is one of my favorite summer dishes. As a kid I loved helping my mom making it in the kitchen. Growing up, I realized I wasn’t the only one who ate it. Jose’s mom made a similar salad as a kid too! Living in Arizona you are always looking for quick meals to make, that don’t heat the house up. So not only is this salad a great, quick and easy dinner, it also meal preps perfectly for weekly lunches!

Ingredients:

• 1  Bag Cole Slaw Mix

• 1 Chicken Breast

• 1 Green Onion

• 1 C Slivered Almonds

• 1 Pack Chicken Ramen Noodles

• 1 Tbls Olive Oil

• 2 Tbls Vinegar

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 F. This is just for roasting your almonds, you can also just use them straight from the bag, but the roasted flavor ads something amazing to the dish.

2. Boil your chicken breast and cook thoroughly. You can always use this broth later just store it, once it cools down, in a mason jar and the next recipe calling for chicken stock you have 100% natural, organic, sodium free, gluten free (lol) broth on hand.

3. Roast the almonds, as your oven should be preheated by now. Begin chopping the green onion and mixing the cole slaw in a large mixing bowl.

4. Thoroughly cool chicken before dicing and adding to slaw and make sure to thoroughly cool almonds before adding to slaw. You do not want your cabbage getting warm it will lose its crunch immediately.

5. Time for the sauce! If you love ramen as much as I do you probably have packets on hand as staples. One you need is 1 Chicken Ramen packet. Using the spices packet whisk oil and vinegar until dissolved. You can use your choice of vinegar, balsamic is best, but we always have apple cider on hand for our daily morning cleanse drink.

6. Mix the dressing in with the slaw, chicken and almonds. Finally, crush the uncooked noodles for a crunchy topping and serve!

7. One salad bag serves 4-6 people, but store leftovers for lunches for the week. TIP! If you plan on meal prepping layer the containers starting with the dressing then slaw, then almonds, add chicken and onions, finally top with ramen so when you are ready to eat you just pour upside down and it is the perfect freshness!

Let me know what you think, and how it turned out!

XoXo Britt

BUILD A WALL

Britt the Builder here! I earned the right to call myself this! I finally finished my wall! What started from a pinterest inspo, like most, turned into an amazing, one of a kind, art wall installation. We are in the thick of Finding AZ Engagement and we are putting some serious work in our backyard for the big day. One of the biggest projects I was excited to take on was a feature wall. Repurposed. Herringbone. DIY. These are all big buzz words I was ready to take head on and now that it’s over I can share, my blood, sweat and tears.

THIS is the exact screen shot I took scrolling through the gram one night! If you’re not following Young House Love you need to. Great book, podcast, page & people!

I had 2 major focuses for this project: The Budget and a Custom Design. First, I wanted to use all 100% repurposed wood! I started breaking apart pallets back in February using ones from work with our weekly shipments, then I would cruise the backside of Lowes for minis I could fit in my car. Towards the end of the March I found a craigslist post for a junkyard giving away pallets, but by the final weekend in April, I was pulling old fence posts from our pool pump station. Crowbarring wood from pallets may look easy. I YouTubed how to do it and the Salvage Sister didn’t even break a sweat. Let me tell you this is where most of the blood, sweat and tears came from. I used over 150 pieces of raw pallet boards.

Next, came the custom cuts. Using a Ryobi Hand Saw for the first time was an experience. Mostly because I am left handed. I mean, if you are right handed try using ANY power tool backwards! It is like relearning muscle memory. I sliced each board 3 inches wide (not knowing about standard / mill sizes) and then 30 inches long. After my first 7 boards my arms were tired. I have never worked out like this before. This process took the longest. From setting up and clamping each board, to measuring twice and cutting once. Once I ran out of boards and thought to purchase some at a local home improvement store. I was taken back because each 1 x 3 measure 1 x 2.5! So back to custom cutting! What felt like years late, I was ready to start nailing.

I watched video after video of installing a herringbone wall and it looked so easy. Some were using peel and stick, others had pre-measured boards, but none using repurposed pallet wood and custom slices. But, they all had one thing in common. Start from the middle. I measured my exact center. T squared it off and then used my protractor to find that 45 degree angle. Once the first board was up, it was just plug, level, and play. I used a powerful nail gun with air compressor. The only type for the job because my electrical one didn’t have nearly enough power! A time lapse and a few jumps in the pool later, the easy part was done.

Thankfully, my father showed up unexpected and unannounced from San Diego that evening and little did he know I was putting him to work on the wall the very next day! Custom sizing and recutting the outer edges came next. We had to place the board in the right puzzle place then measure twice where to make the cut. Using our Ryobi MIter Saw get the perfect 45 degree angle and make the cut. Literally every board is custom cut, some even twice. This overall took 3 days to get all the pieces up!

After the wall was up, I took our Ryobi electric belt sander to the wall to smooth out any splinters and prep the wood for paint. I chose 3 colors based on our home shades, wedding pallet, and inspo from the photo. The cream was from the “Oops” section of Home Depot. If you don’t know about this section anytime a paint color is mixed and rejected or returned unopened it immediately goes on sale and is set in a clearance section right near the pain counter. This gallon was originally was $35 and I got it for $13.98. The perfect color match too! To simplify the paint project I primed the entire wall with this color to start. Two solid coats, then I could begin taping for the next color. “Rockspring Green,” from Glidden was the name of the next color. I taped off every 3rd board, following the design from the photo and began applying. After the green came “Almost Pink,” another Glidden color. I purchased quart amounts for these two colors and paid the same amount for each quart as I did for my gallon. I also trusted my hand and my paint brush to apply the pink free handedly. No tape, no more patience. The pink is not as pink as I would have liked, but too pink would have been too much!

Now we get to admire it, and when I step back and look at my work of art I cannot help but smile. I created it! From vision to conception. I feel like I can take on any project now. Would I create another custom herringbone wall? Yes! So if you’re in the market, hire me!

XoXo

Britt the Builder

A LIVELY WEDDING BOX

I’m back with another wedding box review. If you have not read my first monthly wedding box subscription please do so here. I am honest, raw and I tell it like it is. I am NOT trying to sell you something or give you a discount code. But, this time I am featuring a Lively Wedding Box and I am kind of obsessed! I discovered them, like most do, through instagram. I was hesitant at first, but not nearly as anxious to receive it like my first experience. The customer service was so friendly and the time frame from order to delivery was very speedy.

We are approaching month 6 leading up to the wedding, but the box didn’t care what time frame we were in, they just wanted to celebrate! The packaging was adorable from the floral box to the pink confetti, it screamed photo shoot with Britt!

Every item in the box is QUALITY! When is the last time you got a monthly box subscription where you used ALL the products! First, my fave, and I have used everyday, it the mini thermos. In Arizona we constantly need glasses to keep our drinks warm or cold and this thermos has the power of an expensive Yeti! Speaking of keeping your drink temperature control they included an insulated wine bag! Next, an adventure luggage tag, because maybe we will be honeymooning…. maybe ;) .

A fun photo backdrop in a gorgeous champagne pink color was a whimsical addition and I see myself using this for much more than a wedding! But, finally, I pulled out a bag. It looked like tool material to me, then, I realized! It was a veil!

I am still debating on hairstyles and accessories for the big day, but I did want a veil of some sort. After searching online, pinterest inspos and instagram photos I didn’t fall in love with any for me (and my budget). BUT The Lively Wedding Box and the magic of the universe sent me a gorgeous one I can’t wait to incorporate into this special day!

I just ordered the box for a 1 month as a trial. I would definitely recommend for brides to be to try out The Lively Wedding Box. It would even make a great gift if you need something to give a lucky lady who’s planning her next chapter. The value and quality is a great Arizona FInd!

APRIL FINAL FRIDAY FIVE FAVORITE FINDS

The second installment of Five Favorite Finds is officially here. April means Spring! It is a beautiful season is Arizona. The plants are blossoming and the temps are rising. We had a Spring Cleaning day and literally wiped the baseboards, washed the curtains and reorganized the entire house. Six hours later, we were smudging sage and enjoying our cleanse. We got outside more and even took our first jump in the pool for 2019. Along with that, here are the FIVE things we were obsessing over this month.

BRITT’S FIVE

1. BURGERS ON THE GRILL - High School was my first attempt at BBQing. I turned on the grill, laid on the carne and walked away. A few minutes later the grill was on fire and the meat was charred! Since then, I haven’t been a “grill master.” Also, I really don’t enjoy the smell it leaves in my hair and clothes, BUT when it’s hot and you don’t want to cook anything the grill is such a great way to eat a home cooked meal in a timely manner. I picked up frozen burgers from Walmart and nights we don’t have a meal planned or lunches were to sweaty to make means popping some burgers on. Guess what? I can grill (burgers)! I don’t walk away, I add my secret seasoning and in just a few minutes we have a fresh, hot meal.

2. CHARCOAL EVERYTHING - Speaking of grills, charcoal is amazing and definitely makes a flavor difference but the only charcoal I have been dabbling in is the health and wellness kind! From deodorant, toothpaste, face sponges and lemondes, activated charcoal is such a powerful cleansing tool. Schmidt’s deodorants have been our favorite switch and I love the charcoal one! I also recently purchased their toothpaste, and I won’t go back! I am struggling (still) with a skincare routine, but I picked up a charcoal face sponge and love the gentle exfoliation. Lastly, a local juicery, Kaleidoscope Juice offers charcoal water and charcoal lemonade and nothing is more thirst quenching!

3. YOGA - Okay, nothing new and exciting about this one, BUT my own practice has been non existent. I was talking with a friend who was AMAZED I practice on my own and said I should share that more! So I did and I don’t know why? Maybe ……. #PicOrItDidntHappen . I scheduled a yoga night for our office where I lead a meditation and flow and I am not sure who loved it more, me or them! I got to get creative in my playlist and choreography while leading and sharing one of my passion. We have already scheduled our May flow!

4. BLACKOUT -Podcast recommendation time! This is a long overdue blog post for sure! I KNOW you are already subscribed to the Finding Arizona Podcast, and listen weekly, but I have a new recommendation for you. Do you like Rami Malek? Do you like the Handmaid’s Tale? Then you will LOVE Blackout. It is a visual podcast that takes you on a post apocalyptic journey of a radio show host and his families struggles within a small town. I wont say anymore, because, spoiler alerts, but you can subscribe and binge here.

5. THE ACT- You may remember this news story from 2015 about a Facebook post going viral regarding a mother’s murder and the name Gypsy Rose. This disturbing, true story of Gypsy Rose Blanchard and her mother Dee Dee depicts a mother who suffered from Munchausen by proxy and, for years claimed her daughter suffered from various diseases. Gypsy learns the truth and after falling in love online with a bipolar teenager, they plot to kill Dee Dee and start their life together, but as you can imagine things don’t go to their plan. All 8 episodes are available on Hulu now, happy binging!

JOSE’S FIVE:

1. NIGHT TIME STRETCHING - I work 10 hours in an office. I challenged myself out of the blue to stretch more to help sleep better. I have been routinely stretching every night after work. I set an intention every night to make it happen and has been working wonders so far. Here's a cool infographic to help.

   THE RINGER PODCAST - Bill Simmons is a former ESPN analyst turn sport entertainment podcaster. His podcast is a cavalcade of guess who deep dive on some of the nerdiest subjects. Throw in friends and family it is a wonderful time for everyone to hear. Take a listen here.

   KOMBUCHA - As part of my health month challenge, I am routinely drink one kombucha a week. I really enjoy all styles and flavors because it makes me feel better. Secretly thought here is my favorite.  

   DESUS & MERO - Gang Gang! #bodegahive!!! Growing up for the early part of my life, I have a connection to these fellas. I have grown up here guys like this all the time! Their SHOW-TIME show is great but if you want the deep DEEEP fandom go check out their podcast. Bodega Boys

   PLANOLY - This IG planner app has helped us get back on track with our social media. It has encouraged us to be more active and strategic with every post. Definitely enjoy their setup and user-friendly interface. Check it here. If you need assistance prepping your social media try Planoly- its a great tool to set and forget and enjoy living your life live and in the moment. Learn more about scheduling your posts here.

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

XoXo

Britt