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

BEST OF THE VALLEY 2023

Arizona Foothills Magazine has just announced the winners of their 2023 Best of the Valley Awards and we are thrilled to see that the Best Podcast of the Valley award has gone to none other than the Finding Arizona Podcast. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication we put into the podcast consistently delivering engaging and informative content to our listeners.

Jose started the podcast in 2016. The podcast gained, me, Brittany and quickly a loyal following. Over the years, with listeners tuning in from all over the world with thoughtful interviews, informative discussions, and a finger on the pulse of what's happening in the Valley, it's no surprise we’re recognized as the best of the best.

Winning this award is a major achievement for Finding Arizona Podcast, and a well-deserved one at that. It also comes at a perfect time to announce our production services. Whether someone is looking to start their own podcast, record a course or series we are ready to find the next best at Found House.

Congratulations to Jose Acevedo and everyone involved in the production of this fantastic show, especially our incredible fans. You are the best find! Thanks for letting me produce such an amazing show.

Read the Digital Issue of the Arizona Foothills Best Of 2023 Issue

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.

BUILT IN LIBRARY WALL

This has been one of the most involved projects we've worked on. Over 5 years in the concept, 1 year in the design and sourcing for 1 day install…Totally worth it! The built in library wall of my dreams!

The library consists or 2 large cabinet bases, two 3 tier bookshelf tops, and a bench nook overtop storage drawers to bring it together. The room originally had the Home Depot track shelving. Six of them. After dreaming of a built in and several trips to Ikea later, we sketched up the design. Then life happened.

A year went by and no time was found between 2 full time jobs + podcast + toddler + life ?!? Okay lets be smart about opportunity costs. Using our amazing podcast guest referrals of someone who knew someone who knew someone, Debbie, from Closets by Design was at our house.

Although the install was to be 4 months in the future, it too passed quickly. After a quick couple hours and an amazing team of installers, we have the bookshelves of our dreams. Lets just say organizing it was enough work. Over 400 books with a toddler was an activity in itself.

It is my new favorite space, I am sure you can see why. Come on over and enjoy it with us!

XoXo
Britt

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

REVIEWING THE APPLE AIRPODS MAX

They say it takes 21 days to form a habit so we should be well into our New Year’s resolutions by now. I am well into reviewing the Apple AirPods Max. They are worth all the hype and I’ll break down the pros and cons of the Pros.

I’m at the age where i am either asking you to turn it up or turn it down so when I immediately put on these headphones I imagine it’s what the kids feel stepping into the metaverse. I can hear better, even my self. But, as soon as the sounds comes out of these apple crisp speakers, you are transported to the studio.

Pro’s + tips:

Search spacial audio.
-Search it in Apple Music and you will get lost for hours. My personal favorites are jazz classics and string symphonies. Harry Styles, I didn’t know could sound any better, but here he is, in Spacial Audio.
-Search it on Netflix. It’s not anything from my watchlist or recommendations but i had to give a few pics 5 minutes of pure cinematic enjoyment. Love, Death + Robots was my personal fave.

I love the way they fit and my husband and I have a large head, lol.

They are very comfortable for long wear (3+ hours one time). Apple says the battery will last 30 hours but I havent had them die on me unlike my Airpods.

I haven’t allowed us to workout in them; they are way too nice for that and we have very few nice things with a toddler so they are not going anywhere near A.J. Regular home chores, the not sweaty kind like laundry + dishes, they are working for me. 

My tv is not a smart bluetooth tv. Because Apple loves to talk to each other, my AppleTv turns my 7 year old Vizio TV into bluetooth magic and my sound is now in my ears. Now mama gets to watch her shows WITH this sound after bedtime, not just reading subtitles.

Bewares:

You MUST limit your head gear.

No hats, especially beanies. No barrettes or clips that obstruct off the crown of your head. And absolutely no headbands. The AirPods Max will not fit properly over your head and ears with the interference of a head accessory.

You can’t turn up to 11. Have you received the apple health notification regarding decibels… Apple will periodically measure the sound levels throughout the day. I never got the baby cry notification, but I do get warnings that my average blah blah blah… heres is how to check yours: In Health, tap Browse at the bottom right, then tap Hearing. Anyways, I think we could go louder, but Apple doesn’t. I guess the days of meeting at the right speaker at the raves is haunting me.

The cute but not purpose “Smart Case” This case turns them “off.” WOW! Its super cute don’t get me wrong, but you need to invest in a hardshell case to really protect your Airpods Max.

Plenty of blogs out there to give you the tech facts but these are the not a paid actor in the industry facts. Its a hell yes from me and curious to know if you felt the same.

Thanks for coming to my Apple Keynote.

XoXo Britt

AVAILABLE LIGHT PHOENIX THE WESTERN EXPANSION CONTINUES

For Immediate Release

Media Contact: Paulina Villarroel Cruz (she/her/hers)

617-944-6800x130 | paulina@availablelight.com

High Resolution Images are Available

June 13, 2022, Boston MA—Available Light (AvLt) today announced that its new Phoenix studio continues its western expansion beyond Los Angeles, first announced in April 2022. Available Light is an internationally recognized lighting design firm specializing in museum, architectural, trade show/special event lighting design. The new ventures join existing AvLt studios in Boston, New York, and Raleigh.

Founded in Boston in 1992, Available Light is celebrating 30 years of creative achievement and design innovation by focusing on regional growth. “When we reached our 25th anniversary, we commissioned a monograph to celebrate our achievements,” said Steven Rosen, Founder and President, “At 30, we’ve reinvigorated our practice with a strategic growth plan that lets us meet and support our clients at their doorstep.”

Phoenix is a city with a burgeoning health care industry that calls for architectural expansion where scientific research, patient care, and academic study can be conducted. AvLt’s Phoenix studio will be led by Associate Principal Rachel Gibney, Assoc. IALD, MIES, LC. Gibney, who trained as a theatrical lighting designer, is an Arizona native who has been part of the AvLt team since joining the firm as an intern nearly a decade ago. Says Gibney, “From aesthetics, to well-being, to sustainability, we look forward to collaborating with owners, architects, designers, consultants, and contractors to create the best possible architectural and experiential outcomes for everyone who encounters the spaces we light.”

“Rachel rapidly climbed the responsibility ladder at AvLt,” said Rosen. “Over time, she’s deeply absorbed our aesthetic, culture, and design process. At the same time, her desire to enhance our technical skills—generating computer daylighting studies, developing virtual real-time 3D presentations, studying the affect of light on humans, and more—has made Rachel a real boon to the firm. From higher ed STEM complexes to museums, Rachel uses light to tell meaningful and compelling stories with lasting impact. Rachel’s design skills and collaborative spirit will greatly benefit our clients.”

“I’m excited to expand Available Light and offer our lighting expertise in life sciences, commercial and other industries in the Phoenix area,” said Gibney. “In addition to more directly serving clients in the Southwest, we now have an opportunity to contribute to the professional networks that underpin other related regional design industries.”

Committed to professional development, Gibney is active in two IES standards committees: Education, Library, Office Lighting and Theater, Film, and Television Lighting. She has also been deeply involved in Women in Lighting + Design (WILD). A lifelong advocate of teaching and learning, Gibney teaches the Revit/BIM application to theatrical design students at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts and the Studio School of Design. She holds a BFA from the University of Arizona and an MBA from Southern New Hampshire University. Gibney has won several industry and design awards.

Recent AvLt projects include the National Museum of African American Music, Amherst College New Science Center, the James Mandell Building at Boston Children's Hospital, and an exhibition at the RSA international conference.

Founded in Boston in 1992, Available Light’s designs create lasting and memorable encounters. AvLt has crafted compelling, innovative, and economical lighting solutions for a widely diverse range of project types around the globe: from science research labs to museum exhibition; hospitality to trade show exhibits/events; and corporate interiors to college lecture halls. AvLt combines modern technology and insight with aspects of beauty, mystery, and design to achieve the vision of its museum, architecture, trade show and special event clients. AvLt’s designers recognize environmental sustainability is the greatest collective challenge of our time.

AvLt supports the cultivation of diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout its studios, the lighting design profession, and the world. Modern design lives or dies on transparency and partnership. The language of collaboration is our mother tongue.

Available Light

LISTEN. CREATE. DELIVER.

Boston | New York | Raleigh | Phoenix | Los Angeles

www.availablelight.com

SOMETHING TO WEAR, SOMETHING TO READ, SOMETHING YOU WANT, SOMETHING YOU NEED

Merry Christmas from the Acevedo Family. We hope your holiday is filled with amazing memories with the one’s you love. Our almost two year old sure keeps us busy, so while we’re able to squeeze in a Christmas nap I wanted to share our Christmas gifting rhyme I followed this year, I mean Santa, and it was all smiles on Christmas morning.

It's called '“Want, Need, Wear, Read” according to Google. “The idea is that you only give four gifts to each child: Something they want, something they need, something to wear, and something to read.” I found it searching for gifts one day and my list was set. I also like my rhyme better.

Wear: Instead of matching jammies, I opted for these Project We shirts I scored at Old Navy. Photo shoot to come.

Read: This little guy loves to read so picking out a This Little book was hard because we want them all. Presidents was our choice; learn our history and quiz dada for Jeopardy.

Want: Arts and crafts were on the list to Santa, so to keep it clean we got a waterless coloring page. Elmo and his friends come to color with the stroke of a magic marker.

Need: Atlas also enjoys puzzles so a Target dollar spot Christmas puzzle ended up being the most played with toy, so far, and most rewarding. I love seeing his brain work, practice patience and get excited for a win! Sorry nothing to tag, its now going for 4 times the price on a third party reseller. Maybe we should be careful with this gift, A.J, lol.

Also loving our Melissa and Doug Realistic wooden cleaning toys: broom, mop, etc while I am Dyson -ing my whole home, top to bottom. Its a want and need for a Virgo and Capricorn Christmas.

Enjoy the rest of your holiday with your family- off to decorate some cookies and go Suns, tonight!

XoXo

Santa Britt

ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS AVOCADOS

Santa! It’s been a great year- how have you been? It is me, Atlas. Almost two now and ready for my second Christmas. I helped decorate this year and the cookies… *chefs kiss*. Hey! I saw a lot of you at the Churchill handing out candy canes; I didn’t take any because I couldn’t trust them. You’re the real deal.

Since you’re THE Santa and I have been extra good this year I know you can get me what I want….a lifetime supply of avocados. How about A year? A grove? A tree? A sprouted seed? My mom try’s with all the composted ones I provide for her but her thumb is not so green.

Also, while we’re at the big stuff can we get some extra kindness in this world. My friend H sings about TPWK and I agree. Our fam sprinkling kindness, but while you’re out delivering all those presents put some extra kindness in those stockings, would ya.

I won’t keep you much longer. I know you’re a busy man and I appreciate your time. I saw special show with Mickey and the Blues Clues one too ; great work. Tell the Mrs I said, “Hello.”

Atlas

PS My mom made my santa letter printable for you to get it into the real man just in time! She’s the best.

BABY PRODUCTS WE SWEAR BY (& ONES WE SWEAR AT TOO)

This blog is LONG over due! But the best part for you is maybe you're not due yet and you just discovered the post you have been searching for your whole pregnancy! With all the baby options out there how do you really know if it is right for you and your family? You dont, unless you try. Good thing we tried a bunch and have our faves and lames list to share!

I linked all the Amazon finds so you can be the Christmas Hero!

Should I get it? Why does every new parent have this? Why is it on everyone list? The answers to your deepest questions answered bellow. Also these products are in no favorable order.

YAYS

• Pack and Play. Why we love it? You need a place to play in a designated area while we are out somewhere or mom needs to do something and you cant get into anything so take some toys and chill in here for a bit. Also it doubles as a bed when we travel!

• Door Jumper- Why we love it? Have you seen Atlas’ quads? Those leg muscles! He didn’t get that way overnight. Practicing jumping and walking at the same time.

• Rocker- at first I was like why are all these expensive gliders and rockers in nurseries? Now I get it! We have a vintage rattan rocker that was in my nursery but it has become one of my favorite chairs and its so sweet to part of the bed time routine.

• Nuuk pacifiers & Doc Brown bottles - know you pacifies and know you bottles - aka know your nipples. Lol. Dont steer from them and when you are ready to size up or switch to sippy or straw, keep the same brand!

• Large Play Mat- Why we love it? It is a clean, soft, foldable play mat that we can unfold everyday for playtime. We can travel with us and it make mom feel safer about floortime play when you cant vacuum, mop and sweep 24/7.

• Touch and Feel Hard Books - Why we love them? They encourage interaction through the touch and feel panels and the hard pages are durable for our avid reader. He will read the same book 10 times a day flipping the pages, feeling the nooks and crannies.

• Kick & Play Piano Gym - You have seen every baby with it. The fisherprice animal piano is the bees knees. Starting week 1 with tummy time all the way through month 15 with the piano colors and numbers. It is used daily and we only had to change the batteries 1 time. What a winner!

• Sleep Sack- Atlas was a swaddle king. He loved it! Once he could get his arms out he kept himself up all night. We quickly got a sleep sack with velcro swaddle sides and could easily transition the arms out. Now we are in the Halo and haven’t looked back. We have a nap time one and a thicker night time one.

NAYS

• Tummy Time Mats- you just need 1- or none, lol. A blanket or mat will work just fine. We got caught up with fun ones to stare at but why?

• Mobile- its distracting and gets in the way of putting your little one in the crib. Why would you want to encourage play time where bed time is?

• Footed Pajamas - Atlas hated his feet confined. Any footed pajamas had to be cut for freedom. He is like his mom, he can’t sleep with socks on I guess.

• Push walker- these are so flimsy. Our muscle man was knocking his down using it to stand up. We had to go straight to a sit in walker for our guy.

If you have any you swear by, comment bellow. Hope this helps any new parents or event second timers wondering what to invest in. Happy Holidays and remember as long as there is love at attention your baby just needs you.