Fourth of July Manicure #1: red l white l BLUE

Being that I can probably safely say that I am the queen of the Fourth of July, I naturally had to bring you a manicure or two (or maybe four ideas coming out this week).  I love color and I love nail polish more than one can ever believe.  Fourth of July is my favorite holiday so putting all of this together is nothing short of amazing.  I have taken a photo of my ideal manicure below and the tools that I used.  If there is one thing I have to say about the pictured manicure it would be that I wouldn't have used the glitter on top of the flag.  As you can see, it overtakes the design a little more than I would like it to.  I would also like to mention that you don't have to use all of these colors.  I wanted to have different shades of blue here because I wanted it to be very blue-centered, as I'll be doing a red and white-centered manicure in the following days.

I hope you enjoy!  Let me know what manicure you're planning for the holiday weekend ahead.  Send me a tweet and let me know or leave a comment below!  -Brit.  

Gender Stereotypes?

This is a video that I have seen circulating as a YouTube pre-roll ad lately.  I also had a friend post it on Facebook with a few of her brief comments about it.  The fact that she posted it on FB makes me want to say something about it.  It's not that I thought I was the only person that had seen the ad, but because I watch a ton of YouTube videos, I figured that I had seen it more than most.  Just one person posting it though, is enough for me to post my reflections.

The commercial depicts a girl being demeaned in pursuit of what seems like her dreams because they are normally tasks, dreams and careers that a male would pursue.  

This was my comment:

I've seen this commercial all over so many YouTube videos lately and it really annoys me. I feel like obviously there are so many younger kids that are in this position but instead of putting out an ad like this, they should put young women in the roles they desire and not speak of it as a negative thing/gender role stereotype. I feel like they're calling more attention to the negative of it rather than starting a revolution. Does that make sense? I feel like we already know this happens, so to exploit it more is stupid. They should just put the younger girls in the jobs depicted here and not speak about it being a gender thing!

What do you think?  Let me know in the comments or by sending me a tweet.  You may have noticed that there were a few more days without posts this week and I am sorry for that.  I was preoccupied with a family emergency.  Get ready though, because I am back this week!  Thank you so much!  -Brit.

The Lucky 7 Tips On Life As A ~*20 sOmeTHinG*~

I just this morning was reading things online and it got me to thinking about life as a 20 something.  I literally hate when people use the term '20 something' so it pains me to write this but I must admit there are some things that need to be said about growing up as a 20 something.  *For lack of better descriptive words.*

Now to be honest, these are probably things that not everyone is going to agree with and that's fine, but growing up the way I did was completely different than anyone else I know and that will reflect.  I've never quite given an explanation of my childhood but I don't really plan to.  Let's just say it was nothing to write home about, very difficult and unfortunately something that I probably wish I could forget.  The only good memories I have I am so thankful for and have my father to appreciate for that.

Moving on, I think today's reflections have a lot to do with the way I was brought up and the way I continue to live my life as a 20 something in the modern day.  With that being said, let's get started.

#1: Putting Family First
I was always someone who put family first, I picked up these values from my father.  I have a small family and not everyone is constantly in communication.  As a now 20 something, this kills me to no end.  As a small child, things have happened in my family that I have had no control over.  I know what you're thinking, 'Brittany, go out and live your life, party, have a good time, family will always be there' and yes that is great.  While I hear what you're saying, it goes a lot deeper.  While you're family will always be there for you, cherish every second you have with them.  Don't spend every waking moment of your life ditching your family to spend time with friends that might not be there for you tomorrow.  Cherish every moment you have with the people that mean the most to you whether they are your family by blood or your family by choice.  As you get older, especially while you're in your 20's, you'll never realize how much time with the family makes you feel.  A lot of times people my age totally overlook familial events, important milestones, birthday's and other awesome stuff for some party or bar a friend is going to and that's a mistake that I can assure you you wont be happy about making.

#2: Toxic-Free Zone
Please.  I am begging you.  Cut out ALL toxic relationships in your life.  When I tell you there is NO ROOM for it, there really is not.  I don't care if you have a toxic relationship with a goldfish, flush it.  I know that might sound harsh, but it's true.  In order to be your best self, you must be happy.  In order to be happy, you must be at least somewhat zen.  Notice I didn't say stress-free.  Please always note that people's lives are not perfect.  There is never going to be a day that goes by sans flaw and I mean it.  That being said, you can still cut out all the toxic relationships that may bring you those results.  Doing so will yield you more 'me time,' more calm and less stress.  The more you tend to accept yourself, the better quality of life you'll be living and the less amount of toxic relationships you have, the more time you have to discover yourself.  Also, the longer you carry around negative baggage, the longer you'll feel like a shittier version of you.  Yes, I just used the word shittier.

#3: Embrace What Makes You Happy
For me, it's spending time with my family, bonding with my close couple of friends, and shopping.  These are the three things in life that make me the most happy.  I can't lie, if you throw a great glass of wine and a Margherita pizza in there it cannot hurt.  For some reason, nothing's as a good on a Friday night.  For my fellow girls that like to shop and can't find the extra time/money, I hear you.  Even if it means going out and buying yourself a new toothbrush, a couple bobby pins or a new drainboard for next to the sink, it makes all the difference in the world just knowing you made a silly little purchase.  If you're just about ready to tell me to shut the hell up because the only thing that makes you happy is traveling or a Louis Vuitton and you just can't afford it?  I hear you.  Scale back and do smaller scale versions of those things.  Plan a staycation or go to the beach for the day.  No beach?  Head outdoors and take a walk, it's much more freeing than you think.  Not in the mood to drop a pretty couple of bills on an LV this time around?  You would be surprised at all of the ADORABLE Target sells.  Trust me.

#4: Cherish The Most Important Relationships Around You
It's so easy to get wrapped up in all of the people we have in our lives, especially as 20 somethings.  Let's face it, we're starting new careers, traveling, potentially starting a relationship that could result in marriage, dating, etc.  Regardless, it's all about the people we meet and the company that we keep.  Aside from family, our friends and company do help shape us.  I never used to believe people when they said 'You are the company you keep," but now I find it so true in my 'older years.'  I can count on less than one full hand who my close friends are and I would not have it any other way.  I love spending time with the people that I chose to, it feels so good knowing that I have grown, mature, fun relationships with my friends.  I would rather spend all of my time making memories that last forever with five people, than spread my time thin making obligations to a million people.  This is not to say that having a lot of people in your life is a bad thing.  I know a ton of awesome people!  Say people again.  PEOPLE.

#5: Commuting To Work/School IS A-Okay
I can't tell this to people enough: it is 100% okay to be a commuter.  This might sound so weird to be saying but I think it's something that a lot of people overlook.  I can't tell you how much money I saved commuting to college.  Also, when you move on in your life and start the career of your dreams, commute a little first before you move out for good!  Not only will you save money living with a parent or family member for a little bit longer, but the adventure is 3293209320% worth it!  You will learn so much about what it's like to be on time, gain valuable responsibility in carrying out your obligations, and much more than you could ever bargain for.

#6: Don't Be Afraid To Stand Up For What You Believe In
This defines itself.  Take on challenges, do what you never thought was possible, stand up for what you believe in.  This world would be so boring if you just sat at home and believed in nothing.  Start that blog, attend that rally, write that letter to a local senator, make that phone call.  You really can do ANYTHING that you set your mind to and in your 20s is a perfect place to start.

#7: Don't Be Afraid To Ask Your Parents For Help
Seriously!  Now if anyone knows what it's like to live with a single parent, it's me.  I've told you guys about this before.  With that though, it's also no secret to you that my father is my best friend and I am so thankful for this relationship.  I am very lucky that throughout my whole life I was told that if there was anything bothering me, I could go to him in an instant.  Let me tell you something, I will bring that theory with me for the rest of my life.  As a 20 something, there are a lot of things that we will face now that could change our lives forever.  Having a parent right there by your side means all of the difference.  Like I said, I know (if anyone does) that not everyone has a perfect relationship (or one at all) with their parents and that's okay.  Whether you have an amazing aunt or uncle in your life (shout out to you Aunt K and Uncle S), or you lean on an amazing mentor's shoulder, it's all good.  Mostly likely, your parent probably couldn't be happier if you ask them for help in your 20s, the exact time when they feel like you've already forgotten them.

So there you have it.  The lucky seven tips I have for you on life as a 20 something.  I'm sure as I continue throughout the years, I will have more to add.  Will I have anything to take out?  Only time will tell but for now I couldn't imagine having this guide change.  Let me know your thoughts!  Send me a tweet or leave a comment below.  Thanks so much for reading.  -Brit.    

Still Cooking...

It wasn't too long ago that I posted about how I have found so much serenity in cooking lately.  Well, I am here to say it again.  There is just something about it.  I really never thought I would turn into this type of person, but it just generally makes me so happy.  I think it's a combination of how calming the process is an how accomplished I feel when I have created something new for the first time.  Also, I think one of the biggest things is that I have never been great at cooking so to be making awesome dishes like this and succeeding is great.  

The first dish for today's post is this Chicken Schnitzel that Guy from Bondi Harvest made over on his YouTube channel not too long ago.  I was inspired by the recipe and I wanted to challenge myself. 

To try you'll need: Parmesan cheese, zest of a lemon, thyme, mint, parsley, bread crumbs, chicken, olive oil.  

I decided to buy a block of fresh parmesan and shave it myself at home for some added freshness.  What you basically have to do is combine all of the ingredients into a large mixing bowl.  After you've done so, try and flatten the chicken breasts as best as you can if you are unable to get the thinner ones (which was my situation).  Most grocery stores do sell a thinner chicken breast, but I had these on hand.  Also at this point, if you want to go ahead and put the chicken in flour and egg before the crumb mixture you can do that too, I decided to skip this step because I ended baking, not frying this schnitzel.  Overall I was thrilled with the result.  My dad and I were happy with the taste.  In Guy's video, he also made a tomato and basil salad to eat with the chicken.  Instead of making the salad, I decided to rest a beautiful slice of Jersey tomato on top of the chicken because I didn't have cherry tomatoes.  As you may have guessed, it was just as delicious.   Next time I make this I think I actually will go ahead and fry it.  I think it might make for a better, more interesting taste.  The way its intended to be eaten.    

      

The next dish I decided to try because I was so inspired by Laura in the Kitchen.  I have been obsessing over her videos lately.  I saw that she had made stuffed peppers with her mother in Italy and I wanted to try and follow that recipe the best that I could.  

To try you'll need: zucchini, squash, onion, tomato, garlic, olive oil, oregano, peppers, ground turkey/beef, rice, parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, one egg, bread crumbs.  

For something added, I decided to line the bottom of the pan with some beautifully colored zucchini, squash, tomatoes and onions.  That was the first step.  I then decided to go for the red peppers that I de-seeded and left to the side.  For the mixture, I used ground turkey, parmesan cheese, one egg to bind everything together, bread crumbs, slightly cooked rice, oregano, salt and pepper.  I also had a little more of the tomato and onion mixture that I put in the bottom of the pan that I decided to add into the stuffed pepper mixture.  Once that was completely combined, I stuffed each pepper very generously.  I cooked everything for about 40 minutes and we were so happy with the way they came out!  

 I hope you guys enjoy these spring/summery recipes that were inspired by some of my favorite YouTube chefs!  I know there is is still so much work to be done but I am just loving the progress.  I also have realized that ironically there are no photos of the done food!  (LOL).  I guess everyone is just loving everything too much.  I can't be mad at that I guess!  Next time I will try a little harder.  I have a few tricks down my sleeve to make sure that I get the photos I need for my post, let's just hope it works.  I hope you guys are starting to get inspired to cook too.  Let me know what you've been making in a comment below or send me a tweet!  Thank you so much for reading, talk to you soon!  -Brit.  

Pinterest Professional

There's no denying that we all like to express ourselves.  As you all know, my way of doing so is writing.  As I sit here in my favorite Starbucks (to date) I am listening to an Ear Biscuit by Rhett and Link and I am just the happiest person ever.  The second way that I like to express myself is through pictures.  This can be done many different ways, one particular one that comes to mind, like Instagram.  Aside from Instagram though, is Pinterest.  When I tell you that I am obsessed with Pinterest, it's because I can't find another word that tops that.  Ironic that I love writing so much, right?  Ha!  Anyway.  I just wanted to let you know that I am very active on the site and I enjoy it so much.  Please go ahead and follow me on my journey to create the best alternate reality that I possibly can via Pinterest!  Hahahaha.  Click the photo to head on over to my pin board!

Send me a tweet and let me know if you're on Pinterest.  I would love to know!  Happy Pinning!  

PPB to NYC, Part 2!

Sometimes the best part of a mundane work day can be the commuting.  Now after that sentence you might never want to read Waiting For The Internet ever again so let me explain myself.  Whether you drive on the parkway, hop on a bus, get on the train, explore the subways or any other method on travel, it's just something that you must do.  Getting to work is half the battle.  This is the exact reason I made this video.  I was so thankful to have such an amazing view when I was traveling into the city (New York) last year for my internship.  Being that I was having such a great time with that commute, I made a video highlighting a bunch of awesome sites on the way.  

I loved the video so much that I decided to make an updated version.  Taking this ride into the city doesn't seem like it will ever get old for me.  Of course there are times when there are delays, I can tell you a few horror stories about that, but the good almost always outnumbers the bad and I couldn't be happier about that.  Needless to say, whether the headphones are in listening to a podcast/playlist or I'm reading a book, I always take the time to look out the window.  This is the result: 

How Do You Stay Zen?

So no matter what stage of life you're in, there are always days where you feel like you need a vacation ASAP.  I know for me, those days can be very often.  I'm not kidding.  Although it's a given that you can't just 'up and vacation' every single day and at any given moment, there are definitely ways to get you feeling as zen as possible.  I happen to know of a few things that get me feeling calm almost instantly.  No, none of them are illegal and they all cost barely anything.  Haha?

My first suggestion to you is to get yourself near some type of water.  Now I know that not everyone has a pool, lives near a pool or lives near a beach.  This can be tough but seriously, the power of water is unreal.  If there's a pond nearby, take a walk around it and see how instantly calm you feel.  If you are able to jump in and out of the pool, do it.  Sometimes, just the change in body temperature is all you need to get feeling so much more relaxed than you did before.  Maybe run through the sprinklers like you're a five year old.  This is yet another thing that I WILL NOT judge you for!  Last but not least on the waterfront (haha see what I did there), get to the beach!  I think it's widely known that the waves crashing in and out are the most calming and relaxing noise in the entire world.  You know what I think doesn't get enough credit though?  The view.  I mean obviously people think of the beauty of a beach when they look at the view, but the healing power is ACTUALLY incredible.

Now ever since I was a little girl, my dad always introduced the idea of having a zen garden and I was always into it.  I thought it was just about the weirdest thing in the entire world, but I also thought it was cool.  As you can tell, the cool points weighed out the weird points.  Now that I am 24, I have a lot more of those stressful moments than I did when I was about 10 (rightfully so).  This is certainly my version of a zen garden, a zen beach!  I got this from Brookstone and the sand is absolutely amazing in it.  The best way I would describe this is 'wet sand that never dries out.'  Do you remember Squand from when you were about 12-13?  That question was for the people about my age.  I certainly do!  I used to love it and I feel like this is the Squand for adults.  The sand box, knife and circular shape toy come separately from the actual sand, but they were not pricey when all was said and done.  I think I paid $35 for everything.  When I say this releases stress, I am not kidding at all.  If you need a second to step back and away from your work for a second, this is certainly the avenue to go down.  The second you pic up the sand and let it fall through your fingers, it's literally the best thing ever.  So therapeutic.  

Thirdly, I would suggest tea!  Now, I am sure that I'm not the only one to tell you that tea is amazing for when you are stressed.  I'm sure there are also people that can tell you that it makes you fall asleep.  I think the healing power is all in the warmth and the taste.  When I want to feel more relaxed and when I want to come down from my high stress level, I always turned to tea.  For some reason, I like the fruity flavors and herbal aspects.  I can't lie, when I'm not feeling stressed out (and even sometimes when I am) I turn to a K-Cup, but tea is always a sure bet in making me feel so much better.  It doesn't have to be hot!  I made a video a couple of days ago on my YouTube channel about how to make Sunbrewed tea and nothing makes me more relaxed than a nice TALL glass of that with maybe a few mint leaves.  Ahhhhh, perfection.  

A nice shower once in a while is the answer to every SINGLE one of your problems.  Nothing feels better than getting in the warm (or sometimes cold) shower and rinsing off, it's just the best feeling.  I really haven't always been such a fan of face masks, but for some reason now they bring me so much joy.  Recently I have been using a First Aid Beauty oatmeal mask which I do fancy, if I do say so myself.  If I had to pick the one body wash that I favored of all body washes, it would definitely have to be this one by Caress.  Tahitian renewal is like, the best scent in the entire world.  IMO, it smells so exotic and Caribbean and it makes me the happiest girl in the world.  Showers never felt so good, no lie.  I even like this better than Eucalyptus Mint scented body wash from Bath and Body Works.  Oops, did I say that?  Sometimes, like I said, a shower is just that worth it.  If you're into face masks, there's that too.  

Lotion is your bff when you're feeling stressed.  Give yourself a massage, or get someone to give one to you ;), with the right lotion and you'll be happy as a clam.  These are two of my absolute favorites right now.  Hawaiian Tropics makes the best scented suncreens and lotions, I know I have told you guys about this time and time again.  I guess its just the pressure that you are releasing from your muscles when you apply lotion, but it can sometimes be the best feeling in the world.  A great scent doesn't hurt.  

I know sometimes it's not easy for everyone to just go out to the store and get a bunch of fresh flowers to keep in your home.  I always see popular fashion bloggers and some of my favorite other bloggers doing this and I always wish I could.  The reason why I can't is because I live with my brother and father, they do NOT appreciate it enough for me to spend my money on flowers.  Lol, I am NOT even kidding.  This photo was taken in my backyard though and that's where this tip comes from.  Go outside and look at the flowers that are naturally so close to you.  It is that easy.  Sometimes just seeing the colors will stimulate you to just think that much more positively.  If you feel daring enough, pick one and take it home with you (as long as it's not on someone else's property).  There you go.

Get on that computer!  Okay, so normally this isn't the answer to all of your stressed out problems but sometimes it just helps to hop on to your computer, read some mindless articles and watch random stuff.  You know you've all done it.  Sometimes it just takes you to a better place and we all love that when we're feeling so unbelievably stressed out.  Who knows, you could use the internet to find yourself a pen pal and form a new relationship that could change your life forever.  That sounds crazy, but it's really not.  There's a lifetime of opportunity out there.  

This one is completely new to me and I could not be more shocked.  Cook yourself (and your family) a meal.  I know, I know, stop the presses.  Cooking is so stress relieving its unbelievable.  For the longest time, everyone that knows me knows that I just cannot cook.  My ex-boyfriend, who is now my best friend (I know, ah), couldn't cook either and it was one of the 'cute things' in our relationship.  I don't know why, but it was just cute that we both couldn't cook.  It was always a longstanding joke about who was the worst cook, him or me.  It was him.  Seriously, who doesn't know how to make Mac and Cheese from the Kraft box?  There's directions on the box!  Moving on....

When I say cook for yourself (and your family), I put 'and your family' in parenthesis for a reason.  The first reason being that I want you to make sure you know I mean for your parents or sibling or something.  Don't plan this huge dinner party and invite your entire extended family over for dinner that you said you make 'because it helps you relax' and 'you're good at it now.'  No.  That is going to be a disaster.  That actually defeats the entire purpose.  Cook slowly, follow a recipe if you want to.  I tend to get inspired by recipes and then  cook my own thing.  This keeps me so calm because I don't feel pressured to get anything right.  After all, isn't this supposed to be relaxing?  And then at the end, I have something to be proud of.  Really guys, the unexpected healing power of cooking is on point.  

This probably does not come to a surprise to you but candles are everything when it comes to relaxation and getting you zen.  I always post about candles and these are actually some of the newer ones that I have picked up recently.  As I write this post, I have already burned through Endless Weekend and it was so summery and delightful.  The aroma and just the look of the right candle can mellow you right out.  No joke.  It must be a combination of the light, scent and look, it's just relaxation magic!

These are some of my favorite things that help me to feel zen on the daily.  If you think about it, most of them if not all are so easy to do/purchase.  Sometimes all you need is time, or a nap.  I am just not one of those people that can fall asleep in the middle of the day though.  Let me know if you think I am missing anything and share your favorites for getting zen in the comments or on Twitter!  -Brit.  

Cult Beauty Advice That Is Always Given, But Never Taken

Growing up with my father and brother never left me fairing well in the beauty department.  I must admit, I was always the tomboy and I still am, I just have developed more of a love for the cosmetics world as I've grown older.  I love fishing, camping, playing in dirt, taking on challenges.  You name it, I'll complete it.  I could never explain how thankful I am for the lessons my dad has taught me in life.  Come to think of it, the only world my father doesn't 100% know (because trust me, he even knows some of that.  I mean what dad knows L'Occitane?), is the world of cosmetics.  Rightfully so.  Even as I still am growing, I am learning more and more about what skincare secrets actually work, what I should be paying more attention to, makeup blunders and much, much more.  That being said, here are a few cult beauty tips and tricks that we are always given, but we never take.

#1
File your nails in one direction.  
Cause baby, when your nails are looking good, they light up your world like nobody else.  Ya know, that's what makes you beautiful.  See what I did there?  No?  Okay.  In all seriousness though, you have to file them in one direction!  I am the #1 breaker of this rule.  I always tend to file my nails in a hurry and I make the mistake of just haphazardly running the emery board back and forth without a care in the world.  By moving the file with a rough edge back and forth in both directions, you are filing the nail more coarsely that you should be.  You don't want your nails to look uneven and irregular once you're done.  The better filing job you do, the better/longer your polish will look/stay.  Obviously, that's what you want.  Think about that!  I know you're all abusers of this rule.

#2
Have yourself some makeup-free days. 
Listen, we are all makeup lovers here.  I understand what it's like to want to try a new product constantly.  I also understand what it's like to make sure you're using that expensive new foundation that you just bought the other day so it doesn't just sit on your dresser.  Remember how not too long ago I was the one giving you ideas on how to store your mass quantities of makeup?  Yeah, I know.  Once in a while though, you MUST let your face rest.  A lot of times, clogged pores and acne are a result of makeup causing a bacteria build up.  Not only this, but sometimes your skin just needs to breathe.  You know how sometimes your body needs a detox?  Well, once in a while your face needs a detox too and I am not just talking about a face mask.  Go naked, no products!  You can do it!  

#3
Skip shampooing every once in a while.   
I know, you're probably cringing right?  I do too whenever I hear someone says that they've gone like, three-four days without shampooing their hair.  Quite honestly, I'm jealous.  Not grossed out.  Completely jealous.  I can't understand how they don't have oil attacks, because I sure do.  After one day I feel like I have to wash my hair again.  I was in the routine of washing it every single day for a while and I still do but once in a while I can skip.  If you're like me and tend to catch the oily hair train, save skipping a shampoo or two for the weekend when you're not in the office.  Also, invest in a good dry shampoo.  Normally, I don't have a great relationship with the weird powdery stuff.  The only good one that I have found, and that I use from time to time, is Lush 'No Drought.'  This one really works.

#4
Get regular pedicures and take care of your feet.
Although I have said it for almost every tip so far, this one probably resonates with me the most.  Dry skin runs in the family for me, so I always tend to have a problem no matter what the season.  Obviously the winter months are the worst, but they still aren't too much better in the summer.  Treat yourself every once in a while to a nice pedicure.  This doesn't have to mean running out and spending $20.  I'm not going to judge you if you take out a huge bowl or pot from your kitchen, fill it with water/coconut oil and soak your feet in it.  It sounds kind of disgusting but like I said, I'm not judging.  Oh and trust me, when you come out with smooth piggies, you are going to feel amazing.  I cannot emphasize how important taking care if your feet is.  The pain is REALLY REAL when you have dry skin. Think about it: you walk on your feet, they support your body weight.  You have to treat them well!  It doesn't hurt to have an adorable polish on them when all is said and done.  :)

So I hope you've learned a thing or two.  Maybe you already knew everything.  That's cool too.  I think from time to time we all need a reminder on some of the basics, I know I do.  Have I forgotten anything?  Let me know your beauty rituals in the comments below or tweet them to me!  -Brit.