Friday Fav - The Good Life

Happy Friday! I think Mother Nature caught the memo that this is supposed to be Spring and finally giving us east coasters some hope of sunshine for the weekend. These past few months have been tough to get through, partially because of everything that's gone on in my life, but also because the winter blues really start settling in and homegirl is missing her Vitamin D. In celebration of Good Friday and the brighter months ahead, today's Friday Fav is all about the good in life.

Friday Fav - The Good Life

I've always wanted to write a letter to my 18-year-old self. If I could have told my ears the things I know now, I would have had a little more time to prep for the years ahead. The beauty of growing and going forward without a clue of what's ahead is simply a lesson we all learn whether we're ready or not. I love looking back at my 18-year-old self's bucket list and shaking my head at what I wrote, thought about and had my heart set on. I also love looking back at this same list in awe of everything I have accomplished that I never thought was possible (or at least I'd accomplish by 27). Things like fall in love, live on the east coast, travel abroad, and save up for a dog (still a work in progress). 

Over my life, and more specifically these last few months, there have been more than enough moments and days where the good life seemed out-of-reach. Going through the process of losing your parent and 16-year-old dog really take a beating on one's spirit. But at the end of each day, I still have my Mum ready to give me the biggest hug, I have my brother to keep my laughing, I have Mike to keep my heart smiling, I have my friends to lean on, I have my Pops telling me hi every night through a shining star, and I have a savings account specifically for my future dog, Nugget. I've got so much to be thankful for and so much more down the road. I've got .... a pretty a good life! 

Being 18 is almost hard to remember with everything that's happened, and I'm sure being 27 will one day feel the same, but in this moment when I'm able to reflect on where I was at in my life 10 years from now, I'd like to remember these 5 reminders:

#1 - You're hopefully going to have more money in your bank in 10 years and life will feel a little more comfortable. But remember, money might be able to buy you another nail polish or 10, but it doesn't feed your heart. You've had $50 to your name and still managed to get by. Don't rely on your savings account to make you feel like you've made it, rely on what's around you and the experiences you've gained. 

#2 - You're most likely going to have kids, at least 3 and pregnant with a 4th, in 10 years. Remember you wanted a big family no matter the headache you might be feeling. Just know when they are older, and if you raised them as well as your parents raised you, you're going to be beyond blessed.

#3 - There most likely will be some crazy form of technology where you won't even have to move your fingers to type, perhaps this device will just read your mind. Whatever contraption this is, turn it off. Find a piece of paper, or more specifically a journal, and write. Remember where you first went when you had something to say or an opinion to voice. Take yourself there and soak in what has always been one of your favorite things to do. 

#4 - Plan a trip. You've got a lot of things moving throughout your body keeping you alive, it's time you give back to yourself and move your outlook. No matter where you go, or how long you're away, enjoy this adventure. It will soon be another story you'll want to relive. 

#5 - Reflect on who was by your side when you were 27. Are they still in your life? If they are, thank them and let them know how much their support meant to you. If they aren't, reach out to them. The circle who surrounded you and got you through what might have been, or will ever be, the hardest part of your life stepped up when you needed them the most. These are the people who are best friends and who you'll want by your side forever. 

It doesn't take a lot to make our days, but when something goes wrong or unexpected it can change things forever. It's worthwhile to look around, think about what you would have told yourself 10 years ago and what you would prep for 10 years from now. Remember, it's up to us to make our lives and dreams come true, it's up to us to live a good life! 

Have a wonderful Easter!

Snow Sprinkles On My Spring?

First off, I've received a few messages this week about my blog from some fabulous readers :) My heart is full of so much love and it's like I just won an Oscar. Please know you'd be the first ones I'd thank! Second, I made the switch to BlogLovin' (check out my new icons on the right and click the B to continue following).

So here we are, March 25th, and only a few days shy of Easter. I was hoping I'd wake up to the sun and some chirping birds, but sadly it was a snowy mess outside. Sitting here bundled up and singing my heart out, I've been browsing a few sites that have found Spring. Soon enough the snow will be a thing of the past, and I'll be looking forward to the days where I can:

Smile back at the sun and sport some fabulous yellow pants!

Slip on shoes that will be my best friend.
I need shoes that shimmer, that have height, that say, "I'm here."

Pull up my locks into a high pony, catch up on my busy life (ha), and take on the day.

I'd love a good cleanse before I go filling my belly up with summertime ice cream.
Orchard Street's "Signature Cleanse" while $$$ seems legit and tasty.

 

Host a few girls nights/dinner parties. Our apartment is an ice chest in the winter.
Once we can open our windows, expect an invite in the mail.

Spring, help me dust off this snow. I'm ready for you!

Yellow Pants  Pumps   
Ponytail  Cleanse  Dinner Party

Friday Fav - Memories

Happy Friday! I was hoping to pop in a couple of days this week and say hi, share my latest spring obsessions, and provide photos of dinners I made, but something got in the way. One thing that's been on my mind all week - My Pops.

While people are either gearing up or dreading the green storm of St. Patrick's Day on Sunday, I'll still have one thing on my mind - My Pops. I try to keep this blog as uplifting as I can, but sometimes you just have to be real with yourself, and real with what you write. Sunday will mark 6 months without him. 

Getting through each week that becomes another month without my dad has been hard. But this month, 6-months, has felt exactly like the night I got the call. I've cried non-stop, I've thought about what I don't have vs. what I do, I have anxiety about the months ahead, and I simply can't get over the fact that he won't be calling me anymore to say, "Sweets, I love you."

I resort to things that people have encouraged me to do or think about, "Brittanie, just talk to him," or "Brittanie, you know he's watching over you and with you at all times," or "Brittanie, it's going to be hard for awhile."

For those of you that have lost someone, you know this pain. You talk to him one night and wake up the next morning no longer having that. It's not like a breakup where you could potentially talk if you wanted to (and also not something you've thought about). It's not like a friend who moves away that you can still see every other year. It's not like anything you've ever known or want to know. It's something you can't explain and something you wish was still a lie.

As this month marks another month without him, I have thought about one other piece of advice that people have encouraged me to do - "Brittanie, think about the memories."

Friday Fav - Memories

This past week, through the boxes of Kleenex, the lonely drives home, and the Monday where I had to leave work early for my own mental health, I've thought about some of my favorite memories with my Pops.

I've thought about the times he sat outside my room, passing notes under the door, apologizing for our arguments. I've thought about the number of nights he drove across town at 2am to pick me up because I was homesick during a sleepover (attempt after attempt). I've thought about the summers he took me to Lagoon (amusement park in Utah) so I could "drive" their cars thinking I was never on a track. I've thought about my move to Colorado and how we pulled over on the side of the road, looked up, and called out clouds that looked like animals for over an hour. I've thought about our love for ice cream cones and making sure each date was finished with our favorite treat. I've thought about his hand waving through the wind every time he drove with the window down. I've thought about him teaching me how to ski, ride a bike, drive a car, till a garden, check the tire pressure, spit a sunflower seed, and brew a cup of coffee. I've thought a lot about our last lunch date, what he ordered, and what we talked about. I've thought about the smile I saw every time he was at the airport waiting to pick me up. I've thought about his hug and how he never wanted to let go.

I've thought about how 6 months ago, I didn't think we would have to let go.

As I continue to go another week and eventually 6 more months without him, I'll continue to address the emotions as they come. I'll think about the 26 years we had together, the lessons he taught me, the stories I'll never forget, the songs we listened to, the drives we took, and the laughter we shared. I'll never stop thinking about him and the memories we have.

Now my advice to you, this weekend and moving forward, take a minute to think about those in your life, what they bring, what you'll remember, and what you still need to create!

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Friday Fav - International Women's Day

Happy Friday! Today's Friday Fav is short and sweet. It's about the women in our lives, near and far. It's about the women who came before us, and the women who came before them. It's about the road that has been paved, the footsteps we leave behind, and the impact we all have on one another.

Friday Fav - Happy International Women's Day! 

 

This year's focus is A Promise is a Promise: Time for action to end violence against women.

 

I've written a post about today for the past 2 years (well I cheated a did a re-post last year), but this year I'm taking my personal focus for women internationally on The Big C.

 

Working in the world of breast cancer awareness, I am inspired by women (and men) daily who have battled this disease, fought hard, and walked away as a survivor. I'm also inspired by those who sadly lost their lives too soon. These women, these fighters, are the ones who make what I do so important. From our next door neighbors to women across the seas, cancer doesn't care. We need to make sure all of our lives aren't cut short. We need to support and celebreate one another.

 

Girls, today is for us!
Let's lift our glasses, toast to the past, smile about our future, and live our best lives. 

 

Enjoy these videos.

 

 

 



I hope you all have a wonderful day and weekend ahead!

Want to learn more about International Women's Day? Click here.