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31 January 2013

InstaBritt

 
 
snuggle time with my girl//boat ride to the Lightning game//opening night for the lightning//present waiting for me at my show form bestie//Dippin' Dots at my show=bad news//happy 6th birthday to my sweet girl//dark & white chocolate drizzled popcorn, again bad news//my ride to the airport// dinner in Austin with the in-laws//iChatting with my two favorites//morning picture from hubbs//Hamlet the little pig pet at Rivival in Austin//another sweet gift from best//bath time for Campbell// getting dried off//grilling in January, only in Florida.
 
Friday is almost here!
thank GOD!
 
-b

25 January 2013

Friday's Letters


 
Texas - - well, i thought you were supposed to be cold this week, but you haven't been. You've been beautiful but not puffer vest and coat cold as i had originally planned for.
 
adam - - I miss you. The first show of the year is always the hardest. I think I am excited to get back into my routine, work and see my friends but I immediately get homesick. Can't wait to see you on Sunday... beach next weekend? p.s. please don't read the next letter:)
 
online shopping - - you have resumed, and I couldn't be happier! I have some super fun things for the house arriving next week. Can't wait to hear the mailman and UPS man pull up out front!
 
kristen - - you did such a great job on this show. training you was so much fun, and a learning experience for me. I started to see the full evolution of a scheduler while training you and my "I get it" moment is on the horizon, i think:) Remember it took me this long, it will take some time to fully understand this role, but you will, and you will be an amazing scheduler!

Charlie - -I thought about you a few times this week at the show. I heard two separate conversations on how our shows are the best thing around, and no one does it like us. One conversation on the bus to off site and one of the bus ride home. All manufacturers talking to each other. I just sat there and smiled as I eves dropped on their conversation. I also thought about how proud you probably are of Swiz right now. She's doing an amazing job!

anxiety/panic disorder - - I am trying to keep you at bay. I've given you 20+ years, can you move on?

happy friday everyone!
have a great weekend!
-b

Linking up with Ashley from The Sweet Season for Friday's Letters!
 



24 January 2013

It's OK ...

 
It’s OK


... that I packed for freezing cold and got 70 degree weather.

... that I got overwhelmed this week, but quickly came out of it.

... that I said I wasn't going to online shop this show, and already have.

... that also said I wouldn't snack at this show, but I did, with all the new candy and snack products, its hard to say no.

... that I'm not a coffee person but have had Starbucks every morning.

... that I am turning in my $5 Starwood hotel credit in for Starbucks and not points.

... that I watched the girls "wobble" last night while I worked and wanted to jump in just for that song, but didn't.

... that when I made it up to my room last night and blasted "Wagon Wheel" and danced to that instead, by myself.

Making my way to Austin today!

Happy Thursday y'all!

-b


linking up with Neely from, A Complete Waste of Makeup for "It's OK Thursday"

Its Ok Thursdays

23 January 2013

Traveling with Toiletries

 
 
If you have traveled in the last decade, you are no stranger to this sign. This sign and "rule" is the reason I NEVER carry on. I can not for the life of me, fit my entire bathroom/grooming/primping needs into a Ziploc bag. I am a total, and confessed, product snob. I have to have my brands of products not always the ones that come in a travel size bottle. Not to mention, I think about three things fit into a Ziploc bag and I need all of my stuff.
 
I blame part of this "problem" on being a little homesick and wanting my "home" for that week to look like my real home. I want to walk into my shower at night and bathroom counter in the morning and see my stuff, my everyday stuff.
 
So, here is what I bring with me on almost every trip:
 

 
now, this isn't all I typically bring, some things very from trip to trip. But this all fit in my trusty toiletry bag and it all works for me! Below I have a breakdown of what I actually bring.
 
First, we have the most important, dental:
 
 
your typical stuff: floss, gum floss, toothpaste and a travel tooth brush.
 
Next: my miniature first aid kit, specialized for me:
 
this one varies a lot, depending on where I am going.
1. I have a sinus problem and changing climates really irritates it, so Claritin and Afrin go everywhere with me.
2.Sinus issue can sometimes (and does mostly) turn into a full on sinus infection, which leads to a sore throat, hence cough drops (Burts Bee's honey are my fave)
2. Band-Aid stick for my feet. I love new shoes, I know, no shocker there. But any new shoe always gives me problems, this stuff is pretty good at defending against blisters.
4. Neosporin and Curex band-aids (only) I have an allergy to band-aid adhesive. So use gauze and tape where I can but nothing screams nerd! like tape and gauze. So I use Curex band aids on the road since they are made for sensitive skin.
5. Tylenol=given. But I now only take Tylenol since I leaned my beloved Aleve isn't the best pain reliever for as much as I was taking it, whoops!
6. Dramamine - i take this on the airplane in the case of turbulence. I don't really get motion sick but sometimes the multiple attempts of landing can take my sensitive stomach for a ride.
 
Then we have shower/hair:
 
These guys stay constant.
1. My Kevin Murphy leave-in conditioner. With blond hair this is a given!
2. Kevin Murphy Resort Spray - this shit is the bomb!!! (Mammaw sorry for my swear) This stuff smells amazing, and it usually used to make your hair beachy wavy as a leave in. But it also refreshes you hair. So those nights I just don't feel like washing my hair, I spray a little of this gem in and it smells like I just walked out of the shower.
3. #2 leads me here, Oscar Blandi dry shampoo, this stuff is also awesome! It makes me LOOK like I washed my hair.
4. a little bottle of hairspray. Not a huge hairspray fan, but sometimes those other climates can make my hair staticy so this tames it.
5.razors=duh!
6. Kevin Murphy shampoo and conditioner, its just my fave!
7. Kevin Murphy Maxi wash- this shampoo I use every other wash to detoxify my hair, its amazing!
 
(WOW! that was a huge Kevin Murphy plug)
 
Next: Face
 
pretty self explanatory:
i always bring my Clarisonic with me, nothing makes my face feel cleaner. And I am a huge fan of Olay products. I have super sensitive skin and their formula is gentle enough and still gets the job done.
 
Then: Removal
I call this the removal section because it aids in removing the following:
eye make up, water in my ear, nail polish, dry skin and stink:)
Deborah Lippman - Stripper Go-Go are little mini polish remover
Kiehls Creme de Corps body cream=amazing
Arm and Hammer deodorant: my brother got me using deodorant only, not anti-perspiring. I stopped sweating as much and now I don't have aluminum sitting on my skin all day.
And I love Neutrogena's eye makeup remover, I haven't found anything better.
 
Lastly: Miscellany 
this section changes the most, on how I feel and my mood.
1. lint roller - always comes
2. Neutrogena self tanner - people don't always believe I'm from Florida, especially when I don't have time to be out in the sun, so this helps hide my marshmallow skin.
2. Michael Kors Leg Shine - If I am wearing short, skirts or a dress, this just gives the stumps an extra sheen.
4. Philosophy Present - I wear this under my makeup everyday
4. Perfume - this changes depending on my mood or what I am wearing these days
5. Badger Balm - for sore muscles, whether its from walking around or standing a lot or if I decide to get up with the crazies at 5am and work out.
6. Head bands, clips and hair ties, for working out or washing face.
 
here is the bag I use my Two Loops: its the best travel item I've ever owned!
 
  
 
What are your favorite products to travel with? Are you like me and just cant stand to leave half of your stuff home and settle for mini's that aren't your typical product?
 
happy traveling!
-b

22 January 2013

Happy Birthday Campbell!

 
 
 
Today is our sweet Campbell's 6th birthday. For those of you who have dogs, you  know what a very special place in your heart these animals hold. And how every year with your fur-baby is precious.
Our sweet girl has brought so much joy and fun to our world. I don't think we would be the couple we are today without her.
another post on pets later, just a special birthday for post for my girl!

on the web

Greetings from Texas!
 
 
 
Since I am in Texas with work and out of my mind busy, I wanted to post something quick but fun!
 
here are some great videos on the web right now. If you travel and like pop music and you love this country, you'll appreciate these videos!
 
enjoy!
-b
 
DJ Earmworm Mashup - United State of Pop 2012
 
Rapping Southwest Flight Attendant
 
For all of us who wish we had her voice . . .

21 January 2013

MLK

Martin Luther King, Jr.
 
 Today we remember an amazing man. The first word that comes to mind when I hear Dr. Martin Luther King's name, is courage. His thoughts and visions were never "easy", but he continued to push his ideas forward and moved mountains.
Its not an easy task to not only become a leader, but to be so great, that you have the trust and belief of an enormous group of people and later, a nation.
This great man died too early to see our country honor him and live out his ideals, but I believe he knew all along the impact he would have on this world. I would kill to have a percent of the courage Dr. King had. If we all had a bit of that in us, imagine where this country, even world would go.
 
I'll leave you with one of my favorite quotes spoken by Dr. King:
 
" Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step."
 
-b


20 January 2013

Headed West


'"the stars at night are big and bright....deep in the heart of Texas"

Today I am headed to the great state of Texas! This week will start out as a work trip in San Antonio and then mid week I head to my in-laws, in Austin, for some quality time!
This is my first show of the year. There's something about the first show, its like the first day of school in a new grade! I am, however, very excited to get through this one and put it on my "I did it" list!
My little office assistant might miss me though. She spends everyday at my feet or between me and the back of my chair. And she even sometimes takes over my whole chair when I get up for something. She's the greatest assistant, though we do need to talk about her sleeping on the job!


I will post pictures of my travels and TX happenings via instagram! If you aren't following please feel free to @brittanylaws.
Hope you all have a great week!
I will post an updates throughout the week.

hugs, and thanks for following!
-b


18 January 2013

Friday's Letters



hubby - - thank you so much for putting up with my grouchy self recently. another huge thank you for helping me with work when I needed it. You are simply the best! I will miss you very much next week and wish you were flying out to TX too. But I am very excited for your season to start! I also am looking very much forward to opening night tomorrow! GO BOLTS!

campbell - - what are you going to do without me next week? sit in my office by yourself? that's sad. We haven't been a part for this long since the summer. I think I'll probably come home to a few shoes scattered across my closet when I get home. That's usually what I get when I say gone for more than 5 days. But I love you anyway sweet girl. you make the house feel not so lonely during the day.

Tampa Bay Lightning - - Welcome back boys! I am very excited to be attending opening night tomorrow night. With a sold out crowd I hope you realize how much you were missed. Please start off this shortened season with a "W".

Texas - - I am very excited to be visiting you again. You are always a great time, and full of great weather. (when I'm there) This week is planning out to be just that. High 60's? I'll take it! See you Sunday!

Convenience and Checklane - - 2 words: be kind.

Mammaw -- so glad your surgery went well this week and you can now suntan in short sleeves:) Why didn't I get your skin? you get a tan quick and hold it. As a matter of fact, why didn't I get a lot of your traits? You calm demeanor, your sweet soul and your overly loving heart. You are a gem and i love you.

To a special friend - - I'm also glad your surgery went well this week. I've thought about you all week and kept you close to my heart. I know that if anyone can get through this its you. Go girl!

Happy Friday chickens!
thanks for following!
(let me know you are but clicking "join this site" over there --->)

-b

Linking up with Ashley from The Sweet Season

17 January 2013

Book Review: Gone Girl




hey hey!
I wanted to start reviewing books I've read, as I feel like I am always looking for a good, new read. Hopefully some of my reviews will help you all discover books you would like to read.

You first should know, I haven't always loved to read. I desperately tried liking it in high school and college while all my other friends were swapping books and stories, but I have a wandering mind. I can not concentrate for the life of me. Its a blessing and a curse. I am now teaching myself to "Live in the moment" and not thinking about everything in the future, weather it be for work or in my personal life. I've learned, especially recently, there isn't always tomorrow, so plan for today and live in today. (I'm at least telling myself that and trying to live that way).

On my honeymoon in 2009, we sat by the pool in Mexico for an entire week, and I decided to give reading a try. And wouldn't you know I finished three books. I've realized there are a few styles of books I am drawn to. And once I learned what those were and how to pick out those books, I started to love reading.

Which brings me to Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn. I've seen Gillian on a number of newscasts and talk shows, and apparently this was one of "the" books of last year. It had one of the styles I liked, a little bit of mystery/suspense. Now, it started out slow and I almost stopped reading it. But I am glad I stayed with it. I finished it in no time!

I love a book that I just can't wait to get back in my hands at night and start reading. That's this kind of book. For anyone looking for a new book, I would highly recommend this one! Remember, hang in there through the first part of the book, I promise it gets there.

The next book on my list is The Great Gatsby. If you remember I am participating in the Blogger Book Club and this is the choice of the month. I know a lot of people read this in high school, but I never did. So I am very excited to do so. The movie comes out this summer, so I am happy this one was picked. (going to make hubby take me to the movie, since I sat through Zero Dark Thirty for him....grrrr)


happy reading!
-b

16 January 2013

In My Kitchen: Breakfast Burritos

 
breakfast burritos

Hey Hey! Here is my recipe for my thrown together breakfast burritos...enjoy!
 
Here is what you will need:
8-10 slice of bacon (however your pack comes)
1 onion (yellow or sweet)
1 red bell pepper
4 cups of baby spinach
10 eggs
1 can black beans (drained and rinsed)
salt
pepper
mexican or Monterrey jack cheese (shredded)
burrito tortillas ( i use whole wheat, but whatever will do)
salsa for topping
 
first - i slice my bacon up into little pieces and cook them like that. That way they get nice and crunchy and blend into every thing better. 
 
After my bacon is nice and crispy, I use a slotted spoon to drain the bacon out and set the pieces on a paper towel on a place to let the excess grease soak put. ( i also dump the remaining grease in the pan)
 
Next - - i chop up my onion and bell pepper into small dice
 
 
Then toss those into the pan until onion cooks translucent or clear.
 
 
Once those are cooked, toss in all the baby spinach and cook until wilted down
  
 
I missed a picture of the eggs, but with 10 eggs I use 4 whole eggs and 6 egg whites only. I add a touch of milk and salt and pepper, then scramble. Add to the veggies.
 
Once the eggs have cooked through, add in 1 can of black beans (that have been drained and rinsed)
and the bacon bits and mix in.
 
 
Then start your assembly line.. tortillas, cheese and egg/veggie mix.
 
 
 add about 3 big kitchen spoon fulls of egg/veggie mixture and sprinkle with desired amount of cheese.
 
Then fold your burrito and viola!!!!
 
I wrap each burrito in plastic wrap and pop 3 in a big freezer bag.
 
I also make little salsa containers for hubby to take to work with him.
 
You should only need to pop these into the micro for a minute or so if frozen.
Again, this is the first time I've written this down so I am sort of typing off memory and trying my best to remember it all.
 
enjoy!
-b

15 January 2013

In My Kitchen: Quinoa-Crusted Chicken

Good Tuesday morning!
 
As promised, here is one of the recipes we tried in the Laws Nest this week. This little gem came from the Rachel Ray Magazine and it was awesome! I will never use breadcrumbs again to bake chicken with. I typically eat chicken only if its off a grill, but this has changed my mind. And it was SUPER easy!
 I didn't get my own photo so I am going to use Rachel Rays!
 
 
 
Quinoa-Crusted Chicken
 
Here is what you'll need:
3/4 cups cooked quinoa
4 (or 2 if there is just two of you) skinless, boneless chicken breasts
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
1 tbsp. chopped fresh thyme and more for serving
pepper
olive oil cooking spray
 
1. Position a rack in the center of your oven, and preheat to 300*.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the quinoa evenly on the paper. Bake until lightly toasted (about 25-30 minutes). Let cool, then transfer to a bowl and break up any clumps. Toss parchment paper
2.Increase over to 425*. In a large bowl, combine chicken, Dijon mustard and thyme, season with pepper. Mix all together so chicken is evenly coated.
3.Place a cooling rack on top of your baking sheet. (this is so the sheet will catch the quinoa that falls and you wont have a messy oven)
4. Dip the chicken in the quinoa, making sure both sides are coated well. Then place breasts on the rack.
5. Spritz chicken with cooking spray ( i skipped this step) . Then bake until just cooked through, 15-20 minutes. Sprinkle with thyme.
 
I served this with some cooked spinach and pressed garlic and a splash of balsamic vinaigrette. It was delish!
 
here is the link in for Rachel's recipe
 
enjoy!
-b
 


14 January 2013

20/30 : Starting To See Straight (Intro)





20/30


 
I wanted to start this series for a few reasons. First I felt it was good to put this down somewhere. My twenties have taught me so much and I will take so many lessons on to my thirties with me. In this series I plan on documenting a handful of these things here, some easy to talk about, some not so easy.

Second, I wish when I was in my twenties, I would have found a blog that would have shown/told me exactly what these experiences would mean to me one day. I've mentioned before I am, for the most part an open book, and I attribute that to always wanting to help people. There have been so many times when things were going on in my life, that I wanted to hear someone say " I went through that" or "you're not alone". So for any of my twenty something followers, I hope my thoughts and experiences help you in your journey through this decade of your life.

Some of the topics I am going to headline are : friends, parents, siblings, work/career, health/fitness, anxiety/mental health, marriage, being present in your life, accepting yourself, loving the world around you.
I am going to start this series next Monday and try and post every other Monday after that, until my 30th birthday. (May 5)

If there is anything I've mentioned on this blog that you are interested in and you think it would be a good fit for this series, please leave a comment or e-mail me at: TheLawsNest@gmail.com

I'm really excited to get this series started. Hope you'll follow along!
-b


13 January 2013

In My Kitchen

 
Hi again!
 
As all of you know by now (or if you don't) I have a slight obsession with my meal planning service The Fresh 20 . It is the best thing I have ever signed up for and it has literally changed my life and the way I think of food and eating. From time to time, and not very often (I actually think, this might be the second or third time in a year) more than two of recipes I either don't like or the ingredients turn me off. If it's just one meal, I usually swap it for something else we like around here. But, this week happens to be one of those weeks. So I turn to recipes I've pinned, found in magazines or have archived in The Fresh 20.
So here is what is on our chalkboard menu this week . . .
  
 

 
The day after I make each of these I will post the recipe and how it turned out, in case you're looking for something a little new!
I am also making breakfast burritos for both of us for the week, and a non-mayo chicken salad for me for lunch! (I will post both of these as well)
 
Hope your week is full of yummy, delicious meals!
Feel free to e-mail me with any questions TheLawsNest@gmail.com
 
have a great week!
 
-b

Weekend Round Up

Happy Sunday y'all!
We had a busy day yesterday! We decided to do a 24 hour date, since Adam had to work today and I decided to work also since my show is next weekend.
Friday night we went out to dinner to a local spot. Saturday morning was a beautiful 79 degrees, so we drove to Pass-A-Grille Beach, its out favorite spot. We started with breakfast by the beach, then took our chairs, beach blanket and umbrella down to the beach for some time in the sun and good dose of Vitamin D. One of my friends also happen to be there and plopped down next to us (neither of us knowing the other one was there). We caught up a bit, met each others husbands, and I got to watch her cuties play in the water. As we left we stopped by the ice cream shop and got some mango shaved ice to go:)
Then last night we went to see Zero Dark Thirty, it was a really good movie. I'm not one for torture ( i don't care who it is or what they've done) so the first half an hour i had to turn my head, but all in all the movie was good. GIRL POWER! Takes a woman's brain and intuition to get stuff done around here:)
Our movie theater serves full of dinner and is 21 and up so they can serve alcohol. Needed a little champagne before the movie.
here are some pics from the weekend . . .
 
 
 
 

  
 
 
This morning I made my weekend trip to Whole Foods while hubby went into work.. Grabbed my muffin, and coffee and go to shopping! I am doing another post today titled, In My Kitchen describing what will be happening there today and all week. . . .
see you in a bit
-b

11 January 2013

Friday's Letters

 
Adam - - Congratulations on the NHL lockout being over!!!! I am so excited for you and your team and I know you are to. Your constant positive attitude and optimism kept my anxiety about this lockout at bay. I am so excited for our weekend full of mini-dates to include a beach day, dinner and movie night! I promise I will be out of my funk soon, sometimes I have a hard time balancing my personal self and work self. thank you for all your understanding and support, i love you to the moon.
 
Mr. Jeff Vinik - - thank you, thank you, thank you for being a wonderful person and businessman. From a spouse(who's a worrier) of one of your employees, knowing you weren't letting anyone go, or cutting any one's pay during this lockout made for a worry-free holiday and home life. Not only did you not do the above, you also gave your employees two and half weeks off during the holidays to enjoy their families. I can't describe how great it feels to have an owner that is a family man and knows the value of family. One more thing for your letter, when your team wasn't playing or making you money at the end of last year you STILL continued to donate millions of dollars to the Tampa Bay community. You, sir, are an amazing human being.
 
Lesley (&Jeff) - - Congratulations on the arrival of Rowan Thomas. He is beautiful and looks like he came out smiling. You two are going to be amazing parents and Rowan is one lucky little boy.
 
Texas - - I am very excited to visit you next weekend, word on the street is you are going to be quite cold. I'm packing all my cute winter clothes I haven't worn yet. EEEEK!!!
 
Weather  - - thank you for being so beautiful lately, can't wait to experience you for more than just 5 minutes when I walk the dog.
 
Convenience/Checklane show - - per my letter last week, you are not playing nice. You have been owning me all week, BUT the tables have turned my friend. I'm all caught up on you and plan to own you next week and the week after.
 
iPad mini - - you are for certain my new favorite toy. you are perfectly sized and i can't wait to take you on your first travel next weekend!
 
30th birthday - - you are 114 days away. I will be kicking and screaming my way to you, but being in my favorite city for this milestone, will make you one to remember!
 
happy friday chickens
-b
 
Linking up with Ashley from The Sweet Season, for Friday's Letters
 
 


10 January 2013

It's OK . . .

It’s OK
... that I just put all my Christmas gifts away and finally unpacked because my cleaning lady was coming.
... that the show I am scheduling right now is consuming me.
... that my to-do list is getting longer and longer, I'll get there.
... that I turn 30 in 115 days.
... that I haven't left the house in 4 days.
... that I feel a little sore from my first workout in 6 months, back on the horse.
... that I am really excited to go to my first show this year, I've sort of missed travel.
... that Campbell can't stop scratching herself, allergy testing is 3 weeks away.
... that I have done laundry every week for the past 3 weeks.
...
 
It's OK!
-b
 
Linking up with Neely, at A Complete Waste of Makeup, today for "Its OK Thursday"
Its Ok Thursdays
 


09 January 2013

Oh, How Pinteresting!

Red velvet cupcakes by Bakerella.
 
black pullover & chiffon pleated skirt {lovely cold-weather outfit}
 
Pinned Image
 
Pinned Image
 
Pinned Image
 
Pinned Image
 
Pinned Image
 
Linking up with Michelle from The Vintage Apple!
 
 
happy hump day!
-b
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


07 January 2013

January 2013 Desktop Calendar


I love a good calendar. As a matter of fact I have 2 calendars, 1 planner, my outlook calendar and my iPhone calendar, I can't get enough of them! Here are some free desktop calendars for your computer around the blogosphere . . .
 
 
 
 
 
Leelou Blogs January 2013 Desktop
 
 
 
January 2013 Desktop Calendar
 
Can you guess which one I picked?
Happy Monday!
 
-b