My Heart, Christ's Home

Hello everyone! This morning I went to PWOC which is a group for women that is focused on Christ and becoming a more Christian woman. I have been taking this study called, "Becoming a Woman of Prayer" and have been loving it! It talks about having more intentional prayer with our Heavenly Father and Savior, and I have really enjoyed it. I wanted to talk about the program that the group put on today though. It was really inspiring for me. I feel that as I get older, I want more and more to become more like Christ, and really let Him into my life. I have always been religious and have always recognized the significance of living a Christ Led life, but I haven't really done anything about it. Like, maybe the small things I'm doing are enough... but in reality, it's not. There are so many missed opportunities throughout my day that I could really dedicate to my Savior and doing the things HE would have me do. This program today talked about letting Christ into our "home" and how would we feel as He entered each room and as He lived with us daily. Would I feel embarrassed by the books that I read, the movies that I had in my collection, the music playing, the time I spent on the computer...pinterest... the little things that I have "hidden", or the work (or lack thereof) that I am doing for Him? It really made me think about the time I spend during a day and what time I am actually spending doing the Lord's will. How much am I doing that is led by self-satisfaction or by bad habits or whatever the case may be? What things do I "keep hidden" from the Lord, that I do not give it ALL to Him?

I have really been trying to be more open to the promptings of my Savior and as I do so, I feel that I am happier and more fulfilled. I see the opportunities He gives me and now I need to work. I love that we can go to Him for anything because, even when we think He doesn't know what is going on, He really does, and He truly cares. On Sunday, I was reminded of the pain and suffering Jesus Christ went through in the Garden of Gethsemane. How he bled from EVERY pore, and was in such pain and agony, all so I could make my own choices. All so I could choose to follow Him or choose to do my own thing. (And when I choose to do my own thing, how quickly I am reminded that I need Him, and He is there) He suffered all that because He cares. I was also reminded of our Heavenly Father, and what it must have been like to watch His Beloved Son suffer that pain and not just remove it from Him! That again shows the love of our Heavenly Father and that as much as He wants to take away those times of trial, we need them, and like every good parent, He allows us to have those trials so that we can come out of them stronger. I feel that now I really need to go to work. I really need to give it ALL to Him and intentionally use my day to glorify my Heavenly Father and my Savior.

I believe there are so many ways we can do this, and some ways that I am going to try is one of the hardest things for me, and that is setting aside time to read my scriptures! How can my spiritual self be fed if I am not "feasting" on His words?? Another thing that I have already started working on is having more intentional prayer and conversation with God and Christ. How can I really be doing the things the Lord would have me do, if I don't even recognize His voice?? I have started to listen to more uplifting music when I am doing things like cleaning the house or driving because when I do, I notice a change of pace in my home. It goes from chaos to more calm and more peaceful. It has been a good time for me to really listen to the words, reflect on them and when I sing them, I feel like I am closer to my Savior. When I am closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, I am more able to control my attitude, how I react when something annoying or bad happens, and how I treat my husband and my babies. Maybe as I get older I start to see the potential I have and want to live up to that potential. Like one of the primary songs from church says, "I want to be the BEST I can, to live with God again.." I truly want to be the best I can. I want Christ to come into my heart AND home and feel comfortable dwelling there, knowing that my life is based on His teachings and His example.

Thank you for reading! I know this post was more spiritually glittered than my others have been, but I am just having those thoughts like, "What am I really doing with my day-to-day life? What am I really allowing into my life? How am I trying to be a better person, a better wife and a better mother?" SO all the things I have been focused on, that have really become my passions, have really started to help me become more self-aware and more intentional every day. I hope you have a fabulous day!! Thanks again!! :)

DIY Unicorn Poop (Essential Oil Glittered Play Dough)

Good Morning!! I have been on Pinterest like a mad woman, trying to find everyday uses for my essential oils, when I stumbled upon THIS recipe I was super excited to make it! It is a simple salt dough recipe or whatever, but because I am Brittany, I can't just do what the recipe says... I have to make it my own.... SO here is my version of this play dough recipe, that I feel is rightfully named "Unicorn Poop".

I found these super cute little glass jars at Hobby Lobby (that happened to be 1/2 off when I got them...woot!) I think they are just like the little Ball mason jars used for jam and things like that, but they are cute little storage containers for my new concoctions of things (like play dough!)

For my recipe, I cut the original into fourths (?) so it would fit into the little jars:
1/4 C All Purpose Flour
2 Tbsp Salt
1/2 tsp Cream of Tartar
1/4 C Water
A little bit of Coconut Oil (like the original recipe, any oil would do, I just wanted to use coconut)
Food Coloring
ANNNND Essential Oils

Now, I just followed the recipe, mixing the flour, salt and cream of tartar in a medium sauce pan until combined, then add water, oil, and food coloring and mix until smooth.

Turn on stove to MEDIUM LOW (it will come together quick) and mix until it looks something like this:

Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes... I am bad about this, so I cleaned up while I impatiently waited haha.. Then you can add the GLITTER!!! I just dumped a bunch into the pan.. you might think, isn't that a bit excessive?? buuuttt I don't really know what that word means... so, no, it's not.

I kneaded in the glitter, then added the essential oils to the dough (about 5-6 drops) and kneaded them in... and there you have it- UNICORN POOP!!! (It actually made me think of bait for fish hah)

I hope you enjoy making your very own Unicorn Poop! The blog I tagged in this post, listed her favorite essential oils and what they are good for (like lavender is good for relaxing...etc) I enjoy playing with our lavender scented Unicorn Poop, because as it warms up, I can smell the lavender and it IS relaxing, like a stress ball that is super glittery! Also, I added a little bitty bit of coconut oil before I added the glitter, just because it was a little dryer than I liked :) GOOD LUCK and have fun playing with your Unicorn Poop!! If you have any questions, let me know! Thank you for reading! HAVE A FANTASTIC DAY!!! :)

Oily Unicorn

Oh my goodness, I have been sucked in! No, no, I'm kidding, I have just found an awesome product that I am excited to have incorporated into my daily life! I haven't been using essential oils long, only about a week, but I am so pumped to put them to work in my home. I have been doing A LOT of research on different ways to use them and how to make them practical for everyday use in my home. SO, I figured I would kinda answer a few questions about Why I have decided to sell doTerra oils, and what I hope to gain from this experience...

Why doTerra? Well, really the reason for choosing this brand is because it was the one introduced to me. I know Young Living is another big brand, and there are several others that are kinda this same thing..(multi-level marketing)... From my understanding, doTerra is a great brand with 100% natural oils and they have a positive focus on natural living.

Why sell oils? Honestly, I just want to have fun classes and I thought, welllll, if I'm going to have a class, and someone wants to buy some oils, then why not earn a little commission? And if it helps out my friend, then, why not?! I couldn't really think of a reason why not, so that's pretty much why I decided to do this. Also, this gives me a reason to clean my house (and keep it clean) in case I want to have a class or have someone over to learn more about oils, it would be nice to welcome people into a clean home haha! It gives me a reason to have all my friends over!! I LOVE PEOPLE!! Especially when we can learn cool things to do to live more naturally and use more natural products in our home! This opportunity will keep me busy. I am finding that when I have a few things on my plate at a time, I am so much more efficient in daily life! Things actually get done when I have more things to do...as crazy at that seems! haha! I have my first class Monday night, so I will see how that goes, and see how long this little experience actually lasts ;)

What am I hoping to gain from this? I am NOT trying to supplement income or anything like that. I do not hope to make thousands of dollars a month. I hope to gain a better knowledge of essential oils and how they can support a healthy lifestyle. I want to know how to better care for my family and my body with the help of oils. I want to have more knowledge of how to use them, practically, in my daily life--cleaning supplies, beauty supplies, AND preventing things like the common cold... I am also just looking to gain more self-confidence, being in these sorts of situations keeps me on my toes and makes me feel like a better "me".

I am super excited for this little venture! I am excited to meet new people, form new friendships and help others to learn along with me, the benefits of using these hippie oils. My husband is already making fun of me, calling my mixing of oils, witch-craft and potions haha! I love that man, and I am happy that he is supportive, even if he does give me a hard time. Thank you so much for reading!! :) HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY!!

Call Me Crazy

Hello Everyone! It has been quite a while since I blogged, and that is because, I did not like the name of my blog... I know, I'm weird, but I didn't like it, so I wouldn't write. That wasn't working for me because, I was like, "Brittany, you should write in your blog.." like EVERY DAY. That got annoying after a while, so I have finally come up with a new name, and I think it is totally perfect! :) Hopefully this will motivate me to write more often. I know you all are just aching to hear all my thoughts and feelings, so I will try and be consistent. ;)

I really don't know what it is, I just feel like I need to tell everyone what is on my mind, ALL the time... I just have so many thoughts and feelings!!! I should probably just keep a diary, but where's the fun in that, right?! Anyways, I thought I'd start out my blog posting with a little confession... So, normally I don't give into all the "self-help" type programs, and I definitely don't like the pyramid-schemey things, but wouldn't you know, I have started on both of those things this year! AND it's only the end of February!! That's right, I started this program called Dressing Your Truth, and I started using doTerra oils. Last year I was really confused about who I was, what did I really want in life, and what was I really doing?? My friend introduced me to Dressing Your Truth, and when I say it changed my life, I really mean it. It gave me that sense of direction I was looking for, it helped me to embrace who I really am. I'm not saying it happened over night, because it didn't, and I still have days that I fight with what I used to think and this new way of thinking. This program has given me the confidence I feel like I have been missing for such a long time. At the end of the day, I like who I am, and most importantly I UNDERSTAND who I am, it doesn't hurt that I look super cute, and know what colors look best on me...

Okay, so this whole doTerra thing.... Now, this one got me into trouble with my husband... He was not too excited about my "investment" in these oils. However, he has decided that it's not worth the fight, because I'm Brittany and I kinda tend to get what I want... haha! No, he heard me out and now that I am putting them to use to help our daughter and he sees that I only got them because I was thinking about the welfare of our family, he has let me off the hook. I have always wanted to be a hippie, and have always kinda been a self-proclaimed hippie, one that likes all the natural things, but also buys food that is not organic... I have always believed in the balance. A little of this, a little of that... I try when I can, and this is one way I can try to help my family in a way that is more natural. I don't believe these are miracle, cure-all oils, but I do believe that they can help us recover from some common colds, aches and pains, and things like that in a more simplified way. Cade and I have never been into taking medicine anyways, so this made sense to me. Also, I love the idea of using these oils for things like "spa night" and household cleaners. So far, I am happy with my purchase, no regrets, I'll be sure to let you know all the positives and negatives--If I find any.. ;)

I am grateful for both of these things. They have both given me a feeling of control over my life, what I'm doing with it and where I plan to take it. They have both given me a sense of overall happiness, which isn't a bad thing, in my opinion. I am not afraid to say that I am crazy, and that I don't have it all together, because, well, I don't. I am grateful for some of these things out in the world that are pro-happy and pro-self-confidence. What sorts of things have you found that have made you happy or given you that sense of self-confidence/control? OR Were you just born with it?? (I have always been so jealous of those people who just KNOW who they are and what they want...I just flutter around trying to find what it is I want haha)

Thank you so much for reading! XO Brittany

She Folded Her Arms, and It Changed My Day

Six o'clock comes super early, every morning. She doesn't hesitate to start whining the moment she wakes up. I watch her in the monitor as she raises her leg and tries to figure out how to get out of that crib. Then she is quiet for just a minute... In that quiet time, she poops. By six thirty, she has pooped and wants out of the bed, understandably. However, it's not easy dragging myself out of the bed every morning, knowing I'm walking into a poop smelling bedroom with a whining baby in her crib. Once in the living room, the diaper is changed (luckily the scream fit she used to throw is over..) and she starts whining again. I get her sippy cup filled with milk, we sit and watch cartoons as she slurps it down. Then she gets down to make the same mess she makes every day. The toys are spilled all over the floor, taken to the kitchen and dining room and down the hall. I watch her as I lay lazily on the couch. At about seven thirty she is ready to eat. I walk to the kitchen and open the pantry and fridge and stare at the food inside. "How can there be so much stuff in here and I not know what to make??" I wonder to myself. She starts crying as I shut the fridge door because she wants food NOW. My frustration escalates as I prepare her and my breakfast because her crying and tantrums continue. I give her some fruit, hoping that will settle her down, for a minute while she eats then it's back to tantrums. Hitting her head on the floor, throwing things, just making me crazy. Once breakfast is ready I take it to the table. I put Georgia in her high chair and we eat. Today, was just a little bit different. I was so incredibly frustrated with Georgia this morning as I prepared her breakfast. I give her everything, and she's standing there screaming at me! Why?? What have I done to make her think this is okay????? I just want to pull out my hair!! I walk to the dining room and place our bowls of oatmeal on the table and put Georgia in her high chair. I look at her, so mad, like "are you happy now??" And she looks at me and folds her arms. Reminding me to pray.  I can't even explain the amount of love I felt from my Heavenly Father as I too folded my arms and began to pray. Tears streaming down my face as I thanked my Heavenly Father for all that we have and for such a wonderful example that Georgia is to me.  Today isn't going to miraculously be amazing and everything will go as planned, but that little act changed my whole attitude this morning. I am just so thankful to be a mom. Georgia teaches me so much every day. I am so grateful I was trusted with this sweet child of God. I can only hope that I can be everything she needs me to be.  That I can be the mother God wants me to be. Georgia is such a sour patch kid! But I wouldn't have her any other way. Sour and sweet. 

What am I wearing?!

Do you ever have one of those days/weeks/months where every time you look in your closet, you just think, "what am I wearing?" Well, this has been happening to me, A LOT! I just cannot figure out what my style is! There is this large part of me that wants to be super casual, wearing nothing but chaco sandals, Kavu, and Mountain Hardware, basically I look like I'm ready for hiking a mountain at any given moment... Then there is this part of me that wants ten white T-shirts, seven pair of ripped jeans, and a pair of boots with accessories like statement necklaces, plaid shirts, and blazers (like casual- chic). So, these are literally two ends of the spectrum! WHAT DO I DO?? I want to look like "I woke up like this" haha! Minimal effort, but still looking put together, and somewhat chic. I know what style I am NOT- sexy, glam, and preppy, I know those styles don't fit my personality.

With the, I'll call it "adventurous"-casual style, I have a few pieces in my current wardrobe that fit that look, mostly because I went a little overboard thinking that WAS my style, only to bring everything home and realize....ummmm that's not really what I wanted... typical. HOWEVER, it does fit my personality to a point, I am spontaneous, and I always love an adventure.

With the "casual-chic" style, I have many pieces I feel fit that look. I could use some more "staples" but for the most part, I kind of tend to dress in this style already... This fits my personality because the basic "white tee and ripped skinnies" gives me a base to add some fun elements, like a pop of color or fun jewelry.

When I look through Pinterest, I am usually drawn to the "casual-chic" style, with a touch of hippie-ish thrown in, (if that is even possible?? haha) and then I have my chacos. UGH! I guess I have some more "figuring out what I want", to do... here are some of the things I have been wanting to add to my closet: (my very lost, poor, bless-it's-heart, closet...)

A new, basic, white tee, leopard flats (like this or in ballet flat form), and some super pretty mustard skinny jeans!

You know what? I think I actually answered my own question..... I think my style is mostly "casual-chic" with just a touch of "adventurous"! I think I can make what I have in my closet work for my style! Maybe, just maybe, I will know what I am wearing and LIKE IT! haha! Cross your fingers for me while I clean out my closet! [tee- H&m, shoes and pants- pinterest search]

XOXO! -britt

Why you gotta be so rude?!

Don't you know I'm human, too? These are lyrics to a song about a guy getting shut down by his girlfriend's dad when he asks for his permission to marry the daughter..... This doesn't have anything to do with this post, but the lyrics do. I have been seeing a lot of things pop up on my Facebook  feed about being skinny, like "thigh gaps are for flamingos" and "eat a cupcake" and just recently I watched a really cute music video that made skinny girls look dumb, like it's not okay to be a size two.  I could be over-sensitive, but I'm kind of hurt by all of this. I have never been confident with my body, like ever. I was always too skinny, my boobs too big for my scrawny body, and I've even been asked if I'm doing okay, like people are scared of my health because I'm skinny.... I was NOT born with curves. I have always been a skinny girl. I've always been very active in sports and outdoor activities. I've always loved eating, and there was a time in my life that I didn't look healthy, and was "over-weight" for my frame. I had really bad acne, was not eating healthy and felt bad, body and mind. In college, I joined a team that was part of the ROTC, and it challenged me to eat healthy and work out so I could be in shape to win competitions. I felt great! I could hike, I could run, I looked good, but I wasn't super confident in the way I looked. While I was deployed in 2012, I experinced bullying and harassment from my peers that made me feel like I was worthless, I felt like I was less than a human being, like I should do everyone a favor and just end it all. I was in a dark, scary and horrible place. I think back now and can't believe I had these thoughts, but I just had so much negativity around me. NOW, I am a momma, my body has been through a pregnancy, and you know what? You probably wouldn't be able to tell when you looked at me in the nude. And I'm happy about that! I eat what I want, and sometimes it's healthy food and sometimes it's not. I work out, not because I want to look like a Barbie, like songs and stupid meme's might say, but because I feel amazing when I am active! I know that I will get things done if I start my day with some sort of physical activity, even if it's vacuuming the living room because that's the only clean space at the time. I did it, and it motivates me to do more. I like to walk around Target. (I think I can safely call that cardio, since every time I walk to the clearance racks, my heart beats sooo fast and I normally make two to three laps around the ENTIRE store.) Some days, I'm still in my stretchy pants and big t-shirt, napping when Georgia naps, and writing a blog post when I should be folding laundry. All, I'm trying to say is, I feel good about me now. I can say that I love my body, I love the way I look, and I eat cupcakes.  I was born THIS way, just like some of us were born with curves. So listen, I'm human, too. I shouldn't feel bad about being "skinny". I love me, my husband loves me, my baby loves me, my family loves me, and my Heavenly Father and Savior love me. And really, in the end, that is all that matters. Whatever shape or size you are, you are beautiful! If you want more balance in your life, strive for that, not something society thinks you should have! Society doesn't know you, or your heart, only the people who matter do. XOXO