FREEZING FAMILY MOMENTS WITH BAYLEY JORDAN PHOTOGRAPHY

I need to share this awesome Arizona Find. We had Bayley Jordan Photography for a family photoshoot at our library. First off, she made us feel super comfortable right from the start. It felt more like a hangout session than a photoshoot! And let me tell you, she's got a knack for bringing out the best in each of us. Our goofy moments turned into pure gold!

The library setting added a unique touch to the whole shoot. With outfits picked from our own closets, roughly ironed, we met before our first cup of coffee for that golden hour; and also before it got too hot for an Arizona July morning.

If you're looking for a photographer who knows how to freeze the moments that define your family, Bayley Jordan is the way to go! She's got that magic touch, and our photo album is now filled with cherished memories.

Go check out the podcast episode we did right after and then book your shoot with Bayley!

XoXo Britt

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

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