tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43045587406426872912024-03-18T04:45:07.843-04:00A Shot of BrandiShot of Brandi*http://www.blogger.com/profile/04540319083566702024noreply@blogger.comBlogger882125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4304558740642687291.post-77867316431847504122022-08-06T08:32:00.001-04:002022-08-06T08:32:00.193-04:00A Fairy Good Birthday - Sleeping Beauty -Themed PartyI’ve had a lot of clients in my 19-year public relations career, but one of my toughest clients to date is my own kid.<br /><br />We just wrapped another birthday party season for Miss Lennon and let’s just say the party for her classmates really challenged me. <br /><br />Let’s recap our previous party themes (and I may have some blogging catch up to play): <br /><br />1 - Flamingle<br /><br />2 - Tea for Two<br /><br />3 - Camp Lennon<br /><br />4 - Strawberry Fields FOURever<br /><br />5 - Frozen Fifth on Christmas in July<br /><br />6 - Harry Potter <br /><br />That brings us to the lucky seven. We invited a small group of family and friends over for a summer barbecue with a “Here Comes The Sun” theme - with some fun rainbow and sun decor. Of course, it rained right when the party was starting, but…then came the sun!<div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxTMNPMRs_y7Jmlu3Wt-eb7hS85aI3mi6ZC8fdrJEG0D7HjFdG8xcTqajOqaFnBobUDdgt4u6jWBQLNs2Kqt42HxTgsFfdG6c5g7qIOCOBSUm0vD6Xsf23PhEl2a8jc2NhC1RogQYh2ZTWZarzX2RCv2Nrav3A6UOn27Fm1PaFkq8iVUJaP5ueSzw7yg/s3423/IMG_2074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3423" data-original-width="1880" height="473" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxTMNPMRs_y7Jmlu3Wt-eb7hS85aI3mi6ZC8fdrJEG0D7HjFdG8xcTqajOqaFnBobUDdgt4u6jWBQLNs2Kqt42HxTgsFfdG6c5g7qIOCOBSUm0vD6Xsf23PhEl2a8jc2NhC1RogQYh2ZTWZarzX2RCv2Nrav3A6UOn27Fm1PaFkq8iVUJaP5ueSzw7yg/w260-h473/IMG_2074.jpg" width="260" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXglalz8i3RJd1C0yxl44rtJNjdbyNeR4S1HFpknU8VqCfvV16fDaNqJPFnGHQTZY8QWCd4UwEbfLgPC2ChhjEXS6gcHInT_JvwvPg3mOHAvWzmshXvGRJxiy_c4IwDS3weeq518sNp2o2NDqHHGhiehRUIIOoE-7Jq3HeSCnLTaGYC4unM3jj7k1lCg/s2367/IMG_2078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2367" data-original-width="2186" height="401" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXglalz8i3RJd1C0yxl44rtJNjdbyNeR4S1HFpknU8VqCfvV16fDaNqJPFnGHQTZY8QWCd4UwEbfLgPC2ChhjEXS6gcHInT_JvwvPg3mOHAvWzmshXvGRJxiy_c4IwDS3weeq518sNp2o2NDqHHGhiehRUIIOoE-7Jq3HeSCnLTaGYC4unM3jj7k1lCg/w371-h401/IMG_2078.jpg" width="371" /></a><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>For her classmate party, Lennon decided more than a year ago that it would be “Aurora” theme. Also known as Sleeping Beauty. While a slumber party would have been the natural choice, due to the pandemic and maybe age, these girls weren’t ready for an actual slumber party.</div><div><br />Like I said, Lennon is my toughest client. So after some brainstorming, I decided to hone in on the three fairies that watch over Aurora - Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather. <br /><br /><br /><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/CTLTLhX3TVZZd4edtJIrp6OI43NmpbalSgeMawPTXojPcWFVpQ4wbsbi1z3vmaonW27jnjwIphEaZB1NOoKfWWTUhaV7vD0xhYPk708AQoErMN9PVosj-LhuMuG6bbhHpJ6IkLCBh6CsOnRQjZ_rGPo" /><br /><br />I found the perfect location very close to our house - a floral cottage - which reminded me so much of the “cottage” where Aurora, or Briar Rose as she was known, grew up!</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwFquLewaKzApSt1HOCP1PZHgn5TL26CGQ70Zi9fg6YHeZhccp6BzttxfbqE1chP7ykCKrBU7cZ1ITNZNPUg_zn7la78zw8BYVXQt2eHWGrWbBAvfYLIa-9Q0VTaNyW4hLt-podF_LMigTbUTkOHWA41iw5BUPyqb2DRTGQ6sAgwVma10-NyYQ3XsqIw/s5184/IMG_1542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwFquLewaKzApSt1HOCP1PZHgn5TL26CGQ70Zi9fg6YHeZhccp6BzttxfbqE1chP7ykCKrBU7cZ1ITNZNPUg_zn7la78zw8BYVXQt2eHWGrWbBAvfYLIa-9Q0VTaNyW4hLt-podF_LMigTbUTkOHWA41iw5BUPyqb2DRTGQ6sAgwVma10-NyYQ3XsqIw/s320/IMG_1542.JPG" width="213" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQV3miRSPqTh9S0DW-kk-G-8OFiucQUe5T7CCh5IlaWW87-ALnZp9mnitHPNih5Yw407OexHPiR_c2875_JJz5mdden0od-ph19DnpHfzhj-NOTsDmGYUoqOjUR_KDVw5oLJ99tH1sry1tFg6elSozLyF0rOqmvbnFEOzf6GWPoCQeueYNLKLRR19rCw/s2048/IMG_2100.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQV3miRSPqTh9S0DW-kk-G-8OFiucQUe5T7CCh5IlaWW87-ALnZp9mnitHPNih5Yw407OexHPiR_c2875_JJz5mdden0od-ph19DnpHfzhj-NOTsDmGYUoqOjUR_KDVw5oLJ99tH1sry1tFg6elSozLyF0rOqmvbnFEOzf6GWPoCQeueYNLKLRR19rCw/w378-h283/IMG_2100.jpeg" width="378" /></a></div> <br /><br />I went with some minimal decor - some pastel green, pink, and blue balloon garland and hydrangea centerpieces featuring each fairy. I also added just a garland of flowers matching the fairies that I stocked up on during the after-Easter sales! The benefit of prepping almost a year in advance is scoping up deals when we spot them! <br /><br /><br /><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9DunMqpVfBEEDntJrcRFzdxH2PlmKLzMbT9ka1fy35Bteen2qiaSjiIlT_DouM1Ebm2XR8Btc_Pt7n8a8eBbl5JFXQDAqgnH3gHPLwkNoY9HXi6bhBjTKkI4ms7xDf4GAO32na7aMxJAUGv4-HRp5SXF21GNBFfb4zHTZ3k6QM7ak4ERLfh8j-2TO7g/s5184/IMG_1516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9DunMqpVfBEEDntJrcRFzdxH2PlmKLzMbT9ka1fy35Bteen2qiaSjiIlT_DouM1Ebm2XR8Btc_Pt7n8a8eBbl5JFXQDAqgnH3gHPLwkNoY9HXi6bhBjTKkI4ms7xDf4GAO32na7aMxJAUGv4-HRp5SXF21GNBFfb4zHTZ3k6QM7ak4ERLfh8j-2TO7g/w640-h426/IMG_1516.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>“Make It Pink! Oh no. Not Pink. Make it Blue!” - Wing Station </b><br /><br />When guests arrived, they picked a<a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/bJ8ln" target="_blank"> crown egg</a>. Inside was one of the three fairies and that determined what color wings the little “fairy” would receive (<a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/bJ8lP" target="_blank">blue</a>, <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/bJ8mg" target="_blank">pink</a>, or green). We honestly had no arguments about the colors! I found both the crown eggs and wings on Amazon.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixq_2TqduGMay_p8oRBut7dyzU1fqhwctbQjqqZDnhKoKLxMrfxS4KY2YdKg9wiZS_VrSU4IJffBJ_AXFA7N9EU2oirQ-ko4OL_2l3N4BSVihVDxgAJO5aOOTedCzlsW5ywR3tVVOvpbL--m16grTinuvfYgwn0EYu6cs7vzMr99K8JO4Nt6eEGFcEFQ/s5184/IMG_1510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixq_2TqduGMay_p8oRBut7dyzU1fqhwctbQjqqZDnhKoKLxMrfxS4KY2YdKg9wiZS_VrSU4IJffBJ_AXFA7N9EU2oirQ-ko4OL_2l3N4BSVihVDxgAJO5aOOTedCzlsW5ywR3tVVOvpbL--m16grTinuvfYgwn0EYu6cs7vzMr99K8JO4Nt6eEGFcEFQ/w431-h287/IMG_1510.JPG" width="431" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><b>“A crown to wear in grace and beauty, as is thy right and royal duty” - Flower Crowns</b><br /><br />Next, the girls selected a flower crown. <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/bJ8md" target="_blank">Amazon for the win again</a>, and I purchased this pack of crowns.</div><div><br /></div><div> <br /><b>“I’ll get the wands!” - DIY Fairy Wands </b><br /><br />For the first interactive craft, girls made wants. My helpers and I added glue to <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/bJ8oc" target="_blank">wooden star wands</a> and the girls decorated them with sequins and gems. For a final touch, we added glitter! <br /><br /><br /><b>“I know you, I walked with you once upon a dream. I know you, the gleam in your eyes is so familiar a gleam!” - Face Glitter </b><br /><br />I probably could have gone a little bigger here with maybe a face painter, but we always wash that off a few minutes later. I found some <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/bJ8mk" target="_blank">face gems</a> and <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/bJ8nU" target="_blank">glitter </a>that are apparently very “festival-friendly,” so these girls were totally ready for Coachella by now. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgBGP4nIbNrJk44zHF6vozLWGMzIwpa3UaVhMexVn1bS8TbUjxqqlSjxz_AYCIjib01yR8W4luf9hDgPPC5PLxB2asBojBa9aWE7W2V4xVWZGoBteLw5EkDefKwNe63EMjSvpAoS_zAnG4ZxdJTRzYG4bVN2Tb9nUmMmFsxyipTjRrmPrny926dlxZDrg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgBGP4nIbNrJk44zHF6vozLWGMzIwpa3UaVhMexVn1bS8TbUjxqqlSjxz_AYCIjib01yR8W4luf9hDgPPC5PLxB2asBojBa9aWE7W2V4xVWZGoBteLw5EkDefKwNe63EMjSvpAoS_zAnG4ZxdJTRzYG4bVN2Tb9nUmMmFsxyipTjRrmPrny926dlxZDrg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />After some chicken nuggets, fruit wands, and butterfly and flower-shaped sandwiches, the girls were ready for the main event - Fairy Gardens. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsShf9emiKxBanIqZ7m4ZK0TdLgV8Ej1RQzKetNGJBbRUcmGDqycGxLnnRnS41hbnBMvU2bqFu3hpm7Vj2rVuDZxwWuLI-UB50I0KweiDDhMO08A2DDWr_VTbXmZHRxWzgzhGmjW0aJ8vYoqXSCqNYoCeGtS1xEcOOu3VJe384RKZCYSwfroaV3KNAvw/s5184/IMG_1537.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="351" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsShf9emiKxBanIqZ7m4ZK0TdLgV8Ej1RQzKetNGJBbRUcmGDqycGxLnnRnS41hbnBMvU2bqFu3hpm7Vj2rVuDZxwWuLI-UB50I0KweiDDhMO08A2DDWr_VTbXmZHRxWzgzhGmjW0aJ8vYoqXSCqNYoCeGtS1xEcOOu3VJe384RKZCYSwfroaV3KNAvw/w527-h351/IMG_1537.JPG" width="527" /></a><br /><br />The floral cottage set up a DIY garden space. Each girl filled a glass bowl with magical gems, dirt, succulents, more dirt, and then some flair - and of course, fairies!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjynBm0U1b-YbGdYPkVz4UlsIasrTWK-m_cprFL5hjcBlFmwkpcfVIupdY1Fmb5FNbgc0hEbI88pvO5Bv_KD9aKirvybAmSCR9wG-oznOv8wAJX7M3OE6ACMEQt-Lxvil_g2PSVjjCdPvzQvLYDA-WFzwmVZ8kdFPfwpGV6t6lNlgZLJp2WVfx3Yz5Uqw/s3024/IMG_2181%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3017" data-original-width="3024" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjynBm0U1b-YbGdYPkVz4UlsIasrTWK-m_cprFL5hjcBlFmwkpcfVIupdY1Fmb5FNbgc0hEbI88pvO5Bv_KD9aKirvybAmSCR9wG-oznOv8wAJX7M3OE6ACMEQt-Lxvil_g2PSVjjCdPvzQvLYDA-WFzwmVZ8kdFPfwpGV6t6lNlgZLJp2WVfx3Yz5Uqw/s320/IMG_2181%20copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <br /><br />We had just enough time left for a DIY butterfly craft, cupcakes, and presents! <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhClNljDiQHiqQaSFdurK6yuxEy8B0IzCsxjcIUc2Eiqh9zHw922NhIkTiwHxUGCDhljzXBQ-Cph--iVhOBfU8ILE002cTELa-0tnRVsRJkIQyJB1wDdtxWqykHOON7IkWQko3TLO3zEPsqmnK-EYw_MUSwi-AeEgGTHXi_wQVQ6PyGh73D0qm5ujHcyQ/s1923/IMG_2178.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1923" data-original-width="1644" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhClNljDiQHiqQaSFdurK6yuxEy8B0IzCsxjcIUc2Eiqh9zHw922NhIkTiwHxUGCDhljzXBQ-Cph--iVhOBfU8ILE002cTELa-0tnRVsRJkIQyJB1wDdtxWqykHOON7IkWQko3TLO3zEPsqmnK-EYw_MUSwi-AeEgGTHXi_wQVQ6PyGh73D0qm5ujHcyQ/w285-h332/IMG_2178.jpg" width="285" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhVLp_UMY6I8RB2H1RHWP5D1U-nqLL4RbnD5z4m7Hh0rd5t5fUCxdAPZq7snSZaF8YqLD43ectxRAFmlJrUsjLoy_xfQRuYApwlwUZ_Xz6eXBgUVY5ATbw5yzcKZjtwomMm3aXoGske6rYT3qEOHA5J3izP2UCqHwKC9HlejwZpwF54ieO8ws9-H7UDFA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhVLp_UMY6I8RB2H1RHWP5D1U-nqLL4RbnD5z4m7Hh0rd5t5fUCxdAPZq7snSZaF8YqLD43ectxRAFmlJrUsjLoy_xfQRuYApwlwUZ_Xz6eXBgUVY5ATbw5yzcKZjtwomMm3aXoGske6rYT3qEOHA5J3izP2UCqHwKC9HlejwZpwF54ieO8ws9-H7UDFA=w247-h330" width="247" /></a><br /><br /><br /><b>“Oh, you darlings. This is the happiest day of my life. Everything's so wonderful!”</b><br /><br />It was truly a magical day for Lennon! After a nap and some rest, I’m ready to take on next year’s challenge! <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div><br />Shot of Brandi*http://www.blogger.com/profile/04540319083566702024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4304558740642687291.post-29820114330892273292022-08-05T17:08:00.002-04:002022-08-05T17:17:05.913-04:00Cooking * Watching * Reading<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIpdpuIAxVi5vXjCzWAfPUqhFHzaJ2FelPOaDCHNsh31eaoURkNVDaL5BlQ4425E94C5KJyWOpLWUJjAPkiR07Sv8EWKaQOxCo0ng0N6N0PpDf12790mBTZgQMdXMEMXwWpHqrysCU3vwslEXwOGOoHDqquBEtQiQfLFhZfu9lwsBzlHKKt4-QPGTwIQ/s1880/Shot%20of%20Brandi.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1576" data-original-width="1880" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIpdpuIAxVi5vXjCzWAfPUqhFHzaJ2FelPOaDCHNsh31eaoURkNVDaL5BlQ4425E94C5KJyWOpLWUJjAPkiR07Sv8EWKaQOxCo0ng0N6N0PpDf12790mBTZgQMdXMEMXwWpHqrysCU3vwslEXwOGOoHDqquBEtQiQfLFhZfu9lwsBzlHKKt4-QPGTwIQ/s320/Shot%20of%20Brandi.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Do you know my Google Doc of unfinished blog posts is 61 pages long!? I mean, you probably don’t. No, you really don’t know that. I mean, I only just found out when typing this post in that doc. Oh and that doesn’t count the notebooks! I love notebooks. <br /><br />In case you missed me over the last eight months, here’s a quick list of things that I can’t wait to share with you all - focused on what I’ve been cooking, watching, and reading! <br /><br /><br /><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6qujc2QBVTNCwwsYLI5CM538sVeRUJ-VKDEIGsdRUMgSUyQGvpA21-n3Z_9RXHuoV-SgZZrgjarcykr0kKL28oWUof05apgh1vWtykfPPo-MIuIBPQhl11nZphblM0mIjulnA2dejBFd4W8ZU-cOqtdVniSiIv7hz2ZPOU0g_Ttw0sLhRLFHkqWQwmg/s1769/Shot%20of%20Brandi.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="490" data-original-width="1769" height="89" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6qujc2QBVTNCwwsYLI5CM538sVeRUJ-VKDEIGsdRUMgSUyQGvpA21-n3Z_9RXHuoV-SgZZrgjarcykr0kKL28oWUof05apgh1vWtykfPPo-MIuIBPQhl11nZphblM0mIjulnA2dejBFd4W8ZU-cOqtdVniSiIv7hz2ZPOU0g_Ttw0sLhRLFHkqWQwmg/s320/Shot%20of%20Brandi.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b><br /><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I’ve been trying to create a list of go-to recipes for some traditional meals, so I’ve been testing out some new recipes. <br /><br />Let’s start with my three favorite places to go for recipes: <a href="https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/">Half Baked Harvest</a>, <a href="https://cooking.nytimes.com/">New York Times Cooking</a>, and <a href="https://iwashyoudry.com/">I Wash You Dry</a>. <a href="https://rstyle.me/+6Ed53E0pFj6aqN__DF5eaA">Half Baked Harvest released a new cookbook this year</a> and it’s just awesome.<br /><br />Some of my “keeper” recipes: <br /><br /><a href="https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1022240-ritzy-cheddar-chicken-breasts?action=click&module=RecipeBox&pgType=recipebox-page&region=all&rank=50">Ritzy Cheddar Chicken Breasts</a> - a seriously easy weeknight meal! <br /><br /><a href="https://www.howsweeteats.com/2012/09/bbq-chicken-dip/">BBQ Chicken Dip</a> - I got a little bored with buffalo chicken dip, so I tried this! <br /><br /><a href="https://www.post-gazette.com/life/recipes/2006/07/27/Strawberry-Pretzel-Salad/stories/200607270362">Strawberry Pretzel Jello</a> - A Pittsburgh Classic! <br /><br /><a href="https://www.pillsbury.com/recipes/easy-crescent-veggie-pizza/4b2c60ae-69e5-4a1a-bed1-219a69cd4514">Veggie Pizza</a> - I’ve brought this back recently and I’m obsessed. <br /><br /><a href="https://www.skinnytaste.com/zucchini-lasagna/">Zucchini Lasagna</a> - Just made this last weekend and used my mandolin. Make sure you order <a href="https://rstyle.me/+dvcXfLeC6p88qIeDh8oAHA">cutting gloves</a> or you might earn yourself a trip to Urgent Care - I almost did! <br /><br />We also have <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CZuouanl7ic/?utm_medium=copy_link">this recipe</a> on repeat. The rumor was that Jennifer Aniston ate it every day when she filmed Friends, but she’s denied that. We just call it the Jennifer Aniston salad in this house. I also use quinoa because I originally couldn’t find bulgur wheat and now we like it! There’s some chopping involved, but it’s delish! <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbk5aeDhBcyaivGhIXNykQuqVY6FMOLUJmDUCiLrb7UBk-z44cnqt61K-RBBkuliyFJVtxM_dm6u-jM0BZvzH0posCiwBiNBvWCoRkqfw9OiMntjerBZR6b65l6LFjUJXz_NNQYzsRq00bABXJQ2A2N7pGyoQrHdPCNPs7hCqQCBGip2IP2P2045_MTg/s1763/Shot%20of%20Brandi%20copy%202.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="448" data-original-width="1763" height="81" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbk5aeDhBcyaivGhIXNykQuqVY6FMOLUJmDUCiLrb7UBk-z44cnqt61K-RBBkuliyFJVtxM_dm6u-jM0BZvzH0posCiwBiNBvWCoRkqfw9OiMntjerBZR6b65l6LFjUJXz_NNQYzsRq00bABXJQ2A2N7pGyoQrHdPCNPs7hCqQCBGip2IP2P2045_MTg/s320/Shot%20of%20Brandi%20copy%202.png" width="320" /></a><br /><br />While I don’t feel like I have a lot of free time, I’ve binged watched a lot of shows this year. Here are some of my favorites! <br /><br />Only Murders in the Building - Hulu <br /><br />Inventing Anna - Netflix<br /><br />Righteous Gemstones - HBO <br /><br />Ozark - Netflix <br /><br />The Summer I Turned Pretty - Amazon <br /><br />Succession - HBO <br /><br />WeCrashed - AppleTV<br /><br />Brigerton Season 2 - Netflix<br /><br />Starstruck - HBO <br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOMSroUtK5Kk3SDzTKTaQ3CSxwPhwIQlzuUIIrzWeAntmYhMwQqpmUSr6v84iQG34UQUEqMu5Z-TWqgx4xfk_Ey-moU0khRkzaua755iu62pM9uatK9ZF4nPzOq_ejargO7SILy9WaQWKjDdSwZqwbzi9r94vefwOih1Qy7LgcyBfpjQTD5R762oXOsw/s1730/Shot%20of%20Brandi%20copy.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="482" data-original-width="1730" height="89" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOMSroUtK5Kk3SDzTKTaQ3CSxwPhwIQlzuUIIrzWeAntmYhMwQqpmUSr6v84iQG34UQUEqMu5Z-TWqgx4xfk_Ey-moU0khRkzaua755iu62pM9uatK9ZF4nPzOq_ejargO7SILy9WaQWKjDdSwZqwbzi9r94vefwOih1Qy7LgcyBfpjQTD5R762oXOsw/s320/Shot%20of%20Brandi%20copy.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b></span><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>If there is one thing I was able to do this summer, it’s READ! I took down three books during a beach vacation and another one in the last week. Here’s my quick list and review: <br /><br /><a href="https://rstyle.me/+yynP-HkZ8lFsSGEAcVCqHw">The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo</a> - Read it. It’s awesome. I believe someone has the rights to potentially bring this to TV. <br /><br /><a href="https://rstyle.me/+jFFtmW4XCbs_2f6ypAcrvA">Meant to Be</a> - Read it. The main couple gives off major celebrity vibes and you’ll quickly see who. <br /><br /><a href="https://rstyle.me/+WWDXYcJFUy_lRpFT9Ol6jA">The Jetsetters</a> - Pass. I didn’t love it. It was too predictable and kinda boring. Honestly might be better as a movie or show. <br /><br /><a href="https://rstyle.me/+4ZKdfDOOJo-_wv5r8Mr4Iw">Lucky</a> - It was okay. Quick read and not totally predictable. <br /><br /><a href="https://rstyle.me/+hqNCU9Hztg9Kyrt8HJM1Hw">The Newcomer</a> - Read it. I enjoyed it. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div>Shot of Brandi*http://www.blogger.com/profile/04540319083566702024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4304558740642687291.post-67374083134647774452021-12-21T22:41:00.011-05:002021-12-21T22:41:53.402-05:00Shot of Brandi Gift Guide: 40 Things for 40 Years - Part 4<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh12L-Hz9c_O0NqrLZK0S0YqDJTmF2gIDyAphS1SNUlnmfJ9Nr7A9EgWwHb6EdkOU5TKGEHMz_0M13-J2cNQZsl6pw_iCs3Rlcpv9_4G5iuR_nHSFVVnz1DBNRiANDjnto8T8l3PYN5wzOI_EI6YuYQmFDNZF7Tj0q3Rp3_fNcdRW_f0Fz8sc48J7eyOA=s2004" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="2004" height="353" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh12L-Hz9c_O0NqrLZK0S0YqDJTmF2gIDyAphS1SNUlnmfJ9Nr7A9EgWwHb6EdkOU5TKGEHMz_0M13-J2cNQZsl6pw_iCs3Rlcpv9_4G5iuR_nHSFVVnz1DBNRiANDjnto8T8l3PYN5wzOI_EI6YuYQmFDNZF7Tj0q3Rp3_fNcdRW_f0Fz8sc48J7eyOA=w617-h353" width="617" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Here we are. Only a few days left to buy gifts. Or, maybe you are celebrating after the holiday and still have some time to shop. Whatever your situation is, here are 10 more gift ideas from yours truly! <br /><br />31. Reminiscing on the older gift guides has been inspiring. <a href="http://www.shotofbrandi.com/2012/12/gift-day-1-how-charming.html">Back in 2011</a>, I created gift guides based on different monetary values. On the first day, I recommended the Tiffany & Co. charm bracelet and I must say, the charm options have gone downhill. I’ve been recently receiving Instagram ads for a site called <a href="https://charmit.com/">Charm It</a>. They have cute, affordable charms and bracelets for girls. You can buy one now, and add on charms all year!<br /><br />32. I have two methods to help me answer “What do you want for Christmas?” (or Birthday). I save a list of items on an Amazon gift list and I have a Bookmark folder of things. I also have a digital wishlist for Lennon that I keep updating throughout the year. Family members tend to love this. Let’s dip into my Bookmark list and see what we have…This stuff is pretty pricey, so that’s why it’s sitting here! Some <a href="https://www.tiffany.com/jewelry/earrings/ziegfeld-collection-pearl-earrings-GRP03011/?fromGrid=1&search_params=s+5-p+2-c+287464-r+101424819-x+-n+6-ri+-ni+0-t+">Tiffany & Co. pearl earrings</a>, <a href="https://estellecoloredglass.com/collections/stemware-wine/products/estelle-colored-wine-stemware-mixed-set">Estelle wine glasses</a>, and the <a href="https://rstyle.me/+seBovdBf6c66ArF_XKj1gg">New York Times Cookbook </a>(I’ve fallen in love with its online database and I love a good cookbook!). <br /><br />33. How fun was the 2014 gift guide - <a href="http://www.shotofbrandi.com/2014/12/a-colorful-christmas.html">A Colorful Christmas</a>! Bold colors are making their way back to the runway, which means we’ll likely see it in stores next year and I am here for it! A few years ago I purchased a <a href="https://rstyle.me/+V8AGaHr6Uf3wFqAf6GuQKw">rainbow handbag </a>from <a href="https://rstyle.me/+y_oGMR20GajvalTliudM8w">Kurt Geiger</a> and I love it. It goes with so many outfits (because it’s rainbow!). <br /><br />34. Um. I’m barely making in through 40 gift ideas and looking back to 2015…I published 50! FIFTY! For that gift guide, I did 3-5 gifts inspired by every state! Man, to be young, well-rested, childless, and not dealing with a global pandemic lol. Inspired by this guide is one thing I’m HOPING to do more of in 2015…travel. I cannot tell you how excited I am for a trip next summer back to my favorite beach town(s) - the Outer Banks. Two stores that we shop from online year-round are <a href="https://www.morningviewcoffee.com/">Morning View Coffee</a> and Zen & Zip. If you decide to order some beans, we are big fans of the <a href="https://www.morningviewcoffee.com/our-coffee-1/outer-banks-booty-blend">Booty Blend</a>! Follow <a href="https://shopzenandzip.com/">Zen & Zip</a> on Instagram for cute athletic and athleisure gear and accessories!<br /><br />35. One of the best items that I ever purchased was a good camera. Yeah, iPhones take nice photos and they are almost always in an arms reach, but I love, love, love me a good camera. This is a bit of an investment gift, but you won’t regret it! Trust me! I use this <a href="https://rstyle.me/+fUEx5kWjdr-ecyRYQRdp1g">Canon set</a> and added on an additional lens. Using it around the holidays, birthdays, and other kid-related milestones has produced some amazing photos! <br /><br />36. In 2017 I took my first real cycling/spin class. I had done some classes at a gym, but let’s say 2017 was my real studio experience. I’m a big fan of CycleBar locally; however, I do have a bike at home in case I’m looking for exercise in the comfort of my basement. You can get classes online through Peleton without the bike! For my faux Peleton situation, I use a<a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/page/F8EEAEA7-BDB7-4AE7-99B9-512F6EF4556A"> BarWing</a> bike from Amazon (under $300!). I liked the <a href="https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/p/schwinn-ic3-indoor-cycling-bike-with-tablet-holder-18scwuschwnnc3ndrbks/18scwuschwnnc3ndrbks">Schwinn’s</a> too, but a lot were sold out! I do find I like going to a spin studio for a better workout and I’m more motivated when I’m paying! I’d really like some <a href="https://rstyle.me/+27kfwsPqBrAL8tfOzpaOsw">Tiem shoes</a> in the future! <br /><br />37. Around this year, we became a Google Home family. We have the <a href="https://store.google.com/us/product/google_nest_mini?hl=en-US">Nest Mini </a>devices in several rooms and the <a href="https://rstyle.me/+-Qzo2vtwDfu3pQMJS1Mtdw">Nest Hub</a> in our kitchen. I can’t tell you how much I love saying “Hey, Google” and requesting music. I also plug in the pods outside for music while working! It’s also great to answer quick questions, handsfree! Our family uses Duo to call my grandparents and check in! They don’t have to worry about figuring out face time and frankly don’t have the right device! Recently, Lennon discovered some new tricks and requested a Wifi lightbulb for her room. Now, she can ask Google for an array of colors at night. We are just scratching the surface of fun! <br /><br />38. Christmas at 38 was the first one in our new house, so likely house items were on my list! A <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Hallmark-Keepsake-Christmas-Ornament-Year-Dated/dp/B08K3MZD8H/ref=asc_df_B08K3MZD8H/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=486825798407&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=7012356133927745505&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9005884&hvtargid=pla-1146256155243&psc=1">new home ornament</a> is great for someone you know that purchased a house or a <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/818493954/personalized-watercolor-house-portrait?gpla=1&gao=1&&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping_us_-art_and_collectibles&utm_custom1=_k_Cj0KCQiAk4aOBhCTARIsAFWFP9FvO4jln2KFjLRghfIKWVYiK6zUej6Anng9c8HYqUDEBCdAr5VXmTUaAhnyEALw_wcB_k_&utm_content=go_12665398257_121762925993_511610210343_aud-1118323511678:pla-314954651933_c__818493954_120341604&utm_custom2=12665398257&gclid=Cj0KCQiAk4aOBhCTARIsAFWFP9FvO4jln2KFjLRghfIKWVYiK6zUej6Anng9c8HYqUDEBCdAr5VXmTUaAhnyEALw_wcB">painting of the person’s new house</a> with the year it was “established!” <br /><br />39. My 39th birthday was one of the last times I went out pre-covid. We went curling with some friends and to a bar. You know, a <a href="https://slidersbarandgames.com/">gift card to go curling would make an amazing gift if you are in the Pittsburgh area</a>! Or, find a curling or ax throwing spot near you!<br /><br />40. Oh now we’ve come…to the end of the road...number 40! Let’s go with the gift that I actually received for my 40th birthday - a <a href="https://rstyle.me/+Vx-HCgXr-S3VyTeGYb9FvQ">wine fridge</a>! It’s been a nice addition to our dining room and I love having a bottle ready to drink when friends come over! It feels like a very adult gift, am I right!? This <a href="https://rstyle.me/+lxsY6L4Ft5mKVdnOyVVk1A">eight-bottle option </a>is a bit smaller and can go on a tabletop. <br /><br />This was fun! It took a little bit more time than I had hoped to put together, but I find it nice to be back blogging! Here’s to more of that in 2022! <span id="docs-internal-guid-4bc6b62f-7fff-0430-6cf8-76ca17321dfe"><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div></span>Shot of Brandi*http://www.blogger.com/profile/04540319083566702024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4304558740642687291.post-80142468841807335812021-12-14T21:56:00.003-05:002021-12-14T22:08:58.729-05:00Shot of Brandi Gift Guide: 40 Things for 40 Years - Part 3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi4tkWCuRG7QEQER21Jl_GcZEZz7rcp46oOKUqAbylDVQrRwT68rO6HiJf06fXa6xYkx4jtn5m0DytEk8OH-nUAvHzBY9lL7M4b35eJFcEuAW7Kiz9nmBvFEbL--h56kbSZQF81_3c1xg736Mqqx1W6HYncb7i9x9Oss4haO7j3ziOqyGIFHyivoEqfMQ=s1954" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1133" data-original-width="1954" height="373" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi4tkWCuRG7QEQER21Jl_GcZEZz7rcp46oOKUqAbylDVQrRwT68rO6HiJf06fXa6xYkx4jtn5m0DytEk8OH-nUAvHzBY9lL7M4b35eJFcEuAW7Kiz9nmBvFEbL--h56kbSZQF81_3c1xg736Mqqx1W6HYncb7i9x9Oss4haO7j3ziOqyGIFHyivoEqfMQ=w640-h373" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /> 21. The teen years were rather hard - both for this gift guide and in life lol. I’m actually looking forward to today - the 20’s! <br /><br />And we are kicking things off with something fun - 21! Booze is the obvious one here, but let’s not go with the obvious. How about some hangover helpers! Too Faced makes a hangover <a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">lip balm</a> and <a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">face primer</a>. A <a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">weighted eye mask</a> will help block out the light and remove some stress from the eye area. I mean, alcohol is typically a welcome gift, but the hangover helpers are nice! <br /><br /><br />22. If everything that was cool 20 years ago is cool again, let’s talk about jewelry. Thanks to some celebrities and Elle Woods, the Return to Tiffany line was a must-have. You could either invest in a good silver cleaner and cloth from the company or upgrade with a new <a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">ring</a>, <a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">bracelet</a>, or <a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">earrings</a>! <br /><br /><br />23. During the Christmas of 2004, I was gearing up for a big, big thing on New Year’s Day....Moving to Chicago! I literally moved to the Windy City on January 1, 2005. My mom and dad moved me in and then drove back to Pittsburgh on January 2. When visiting Chicago, taking guests to get some deep-dish pizza was always a must. I love that I can <a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">order Giordano’s online</a> and have it shipped frozen to Pittsburgh. We did this last year and I can say it’s delicious! <br /><br /><br />24. For my 24th birthday, I made my first Kate Spade purchase. A small shoulder bag that appears to be making a comeback (it was very similar to <a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">this</a>! And, I still have it!). Kate Spade remains one of my favorite brands to this day and I love gifting anything from the accessories line, like these <a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">statement earrings</a>, <a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">iWatch band</a>, or <a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">necklace.</a><br /><br /><br />25. Living in Chicago, one thing was a lifesaver on those chilly below zero nights - my electric blanket. Yes, I feel like I’m a senior citizen talking about my love of electric blankets, but they are just so amazing! And, how cute is this <a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">plaid one</a> - only $26!! Living in Chicago I actually had a <a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">heated mattress pad warmer</a>. I’d fire up my bed about an hour before I was about to get in and it would be toasty! <br /><br /><br />26. Walking home from work on Tuesdays in Chicago, it became a weekly ritual to stop by Anthropologie to check out the new markdowns (the sales associate told me that Tuesdays were the new sale day!) and to get Chipotle after - they were basically neighbors and one block from my apartment. Anthropologie has a lot of cute gifts. From <a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">necklaces</a>, to <a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">blankets</a>, to <a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">mugs</a>, and <a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">ornaments</a> - there are a lot of options for teachers, friends, hostesses, co-workers, etc. <br /><br /><br />27. Guess what 2008 was? The <a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">FIRST Shot of Brandi* Gift Guide</a>!! I reserved the URL for Shot of Brandi* in 2006 and officially launched the blog in 2008. I remember preparing and preparing posts in anticipation. I was so excited to share info - and I still am! Looking back, it’s pretty crazy how this gift guide stood the test of time! The list was Tickets, Dates, Food & Alcohol, Monthly (fill in the blank club), and a Charity Donation! <br /><br /><br />28. We are now approaching the years where I can look back on some of my older gift guides for inspiration. The 2009 gift guide was inspired by class personalities because it was right after my 10-Year Class Reunion. Using “<a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">Best Dressed</a>” for ideas, I do love a good beauty gift and browsing Ulta recently there are so many good holiday sets. My store was sold out of a lot, but this <a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">Tarte Full Face set for $32 caught my eye</a> (it was sold out too). Sephora has a <a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">Too Faced Christmas in the City</a> kit with a ton of shades for $42, and<a href="https://www.blogger.com/#"> Kohl’s has a Sephora beauty favorites set</a> for $36! <br /><br /><br />29. 2010 was the Smithkowski’s first married Christmas. Newlyweds are hard to buy for because we received SO MANY things that we needed as wedding/shower gifts. One thing that we didn’t receive that would have come in handy this time of year - Christmas decorations! Gifting an engaged couple a <a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">tree</a> (if they don’t have one) could be memorable. Or something I’ve mentioned here before that would make an AMAZING gift - this set of <a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">wedding ornaments</a> that all have a special meaning.<div> <br />30. Dun dun dun dun dun dun dun dun dun DUN dun - cue the Tchaikovsky! The <a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">2011 Shot of Brandi Gift Guide featured gifts inspired by the Nutcracker!</a> I’m rather excited to head back into the theater to see a performance this week! So, tickets are an obvious gift! I’m a big fan of Rifle Paper Co. and they have some amazing <a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">Nutcracker themed merchandise</a>. I love this <a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">mug</a>, <a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">wrapping paper</a>, and <a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">puzzle</a>. Also check out the amazing party plates, cups, and napkins! </div>Shot of Brandi*http://www.blogger.com/profile/04540319083566702024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4304558740642687291.post-13466163896854117202021-12-05T08:55:00.001-05:002021-12-05T08:55:00.209-05:00Shot of Brandi* Gift Guide: 40 Things for 40 Years - Part 2Let’s roll into the next decade with gifts for 11-20-year-olds. This is a bit of a weird age group where it feels like a drastic change between a tween and an “adult.” You really “grow up” during these years into truly becoming an adult!<div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb9TmSuROCK2HgfMhINdf7VOAE5lNXsRr5InwMpK7-7YnEF2-zfKoEBZ5TbPq0B1WaPs9cp1B6jdA-cEs3YfRE6Jb3RXQMM64QhHlO6oDzR6L0ZHXCQLwg3XH4Qjia0qnzf4EaZ3gFcyQ/s1985/11-20.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1985" height="339" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb9TmSuROCK2HgfMhINdf7VOAE5lNXsRr5InwMpK7-7YnEF2-zfKoEBZ5TbPq0B1WaPs9cp1B6jdA-cEs3YfRE6Jb3RXQMM64QhHlO6oDzR6L0ZHXCQLwg3XH4Qjia0qnzf4EaZ3gFcyQ/w589-h339/11-20.png" width="589" /></a></div><br /><br />Speaking of rolling, I hear roller skates made a bit of a comeback during the pandemic. Probably with a boost from TikTok. I love this pair from <a href="https://rstyle.me/+Kug2ZOZYIQfx1326euGFeQ">Chicago Skates</a>. Not only are they an amazing shade of pink, but they LIGHT UP! The <a href="https://rstyle.me/+S_O3mgcFIGxET4ur7nV02w">inline skates</a> are pretty rad too!<div> <br />Probably before you hit 12, updating your bedroom from kid to tween starts to happen. If you are buying for a 12-year-old that isn’t yours, maybe ask if there is something you can buy for their room. I’m thinking <a href="https://rstyle.me/+3lDFaA_nbhHl6dLiMaJvBQ">cool lights</a>, a <a href="https://rstyle.me/+WljfZMM8hzHAwK7TRvbvMA">neon sign</a>, or lamp.</div><div> <br />Guys. If you have a teenager, bless you! It’s really hard to think about what I liked at 15 and what a teen today might want! A quick Google search tells me that Beanie Babies, Cabbage Patch Dolls (I guess still!?), PlayStation, and Power Rangers were big back when I was 15. The Beanie Babies reminded me of a hot early request in this house - <a href="https://squishmallows.com/">Squishmallows</a>. I’m not sure I understand the point of these beyond a stuffed animal, but that statement in itself makes me sound like a huge adult, right!? Of course I’m linking a <a href="https://rstyle.me/+X5vkO7piYE-eH7TgvxhLGQ">unicorn one here</a>, but there are so many different animals. I’ve also discovered there are a lot of imitators so beware.</div><div> <br />If I thought 13 was hard, here comes 14! Ahhhh the freshman year of high school. It makes me think of the popularity of fuzzy sweaters. Maybe because I wore one in my school picture. I’d say there was a 100% chance my fuzzy sweater was from <a href="https://rstyle.me/+FKnEc1mJ5K4124r__A4FAA">Express</a>, so let’s go with that. There is also a cool <a href="https://rstyle.me/+db6UFDo_WfZCf6somv6lfQ">Free People option that is on sale right now at Macy’s</a>.</div><div> <br />The Christmas of ‘96. I was 15 and just 2 months shy of my 16th birthday. Clothes would have likely been at the top of my list, some disposable cameras (which, yet again are making a comeback). While I’m assuming most 16-year-olds are well into having a phone, perhaps another Apple device would be a good gift. From an iWatch to AirPods, you’ll create some excitement once they spot an Apple box! OR, if someone has both, a new <a href="https://rstyle.me/+xR33dYpjBpSzDVfrRMOFIQ">iWatch</a> band or <a href="https://rstyle.me/+7AeYE-_GouFW2Mt0d2uSxg">AirPods</a> case is nice!</div><div> <br />I spent some time in a high school this week and one thing these girls like - leggings. You really can’t go wrong here with some <a href="https://rstyle.me/+kNpG62BpGU-HwcOsbptyUg">Lululemon</a> (try the <a href="https://rstyle.me/+FKnEc1mJ5K4124r__A4FAA">Align leggings</a>), <a href="https://rstyle.me/+OUJWaJ5bb_YKB4-NblGKeQ">Aerie</a>, or <a href="https://rstyle.me/+OUJWaJ5bb_YKB4-NblGKeQ">Athleta</a>.</div><div> <br />Some of my fondest memories from high school are from “camping.” Some nights it was drinking in the woods. During the summer we would camp out at a friend's house. Sometimes in tents. Sometimes sleeping in pool chairs. One thing that could totally have enhanced the “camping” experience (other than the alcohol) was a <a href="https://rstyle.me/+xFUrZ4yhRQuS_CcIIlaxXg">projector</a> to watch movies! Well, not for the parties in the woods where we were trying to be discreet. The compact size and built-in carrier on this projector one would have made it easy to lug into the woods. I probably could have used a <a href="https://rstyle.me/+oh4WKIsCLjGq6TevXHqp4w">sleeping bag</a> and a <a href="https://rstyle.me/+1FjLXf-GXXaqlLD9Mz-Drg">backpack cooler</a> too lol.</div><div> <br />Gonna party like it’s 1999! Mid-way through my senior year and I was probably thinking about one thing...heading to WVU the following fall. So let’s roll out the red carpet and bring on some Mountaineer gifts! I actually hung on to my first WVU hooded sweatshirt. I’ll give it to Lennon when she heads on campus in 12 years. The styles of WVU-branded clothing options have been upgraded. You can’t go wrong with a <a href="https://www.shopwvu.com/womens-pressbox-heathered-gray-west-virginia-mountaineers-big-team-logo-knobi-fleece-tri-blend-crew-neck-sweatshirt/p-14166122397329+z-9634-33867106?_ref=p-GALP:m-GRID:i-r3c0:po-9">sweatshirt</a> and this <a href="https://www.shopwvu.com/west-virginia-mountaineers-fanatics-pack-tailgate-game-day-essentials-gift-box-$80-value/p-15817716625535+z-886-1023357743?_ref=p-DLP:m-GRID:i-r17c2:po-53">tailgate starter pack</a> is amazing. Gosh when I end up on the ShopWVU website I just want it all! I’m totally against inflatables, but I keep thinking about how good this <a href="https://www.shopwvu.com/west-virginia-mountaineers-inflatable-mascot/p-14573765916990+z-9440-3282227461?_ref=p-DLP:m-GRID:i-r6c0:po-18">Mountaineer </a>would look on our lawn.</div><div> <br />You know what they say about fashion - it repeats itself every 20 years. That means everything from the year 2000 is cool again. While it might not have been totally 2000, there are two things that can help you achieve ultimate coziness from this era that are back with a vengeance - Uggs and velour. Let’s start with the Uggs. <a href="https://rstyle.me/+Fwqiz56cdKngSMzobT35wA">Short Uggs </a>are on all of the hot gift lists (like the national ones, not the Shot of Brandi one which might get 62 views). Other Ugg options are the <a href="https://rstyle.me/+isudqy-LkepQe2fdiiV6tQ">Fluff Yeah slippers</a> or <a href="https://rstyle.me/+CKSisbsnLbzeDxLP4HO5rA">cozy socks</a>. And the velour. It’s back. I’ve heard that Juicy suits are returning, but I even saw them at <a href="https://rstyle.me/+Rmfyvq-Oy-sgTGols0tfQA">Old Navy</a> today in the form of this short set.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thinking about a 200-year-old me living in 2021, what would I want? I’m usually not a gift card fan, but I gotta be honest - it’s probably best for a 20-year-old! I’m thinking Amazon, <a href="https://rstyle.me/+rfoloFFHrvfunSSJjN6k6w">DoorDash</a>, or Uber. <br /></div></div>Shot of Brandi*http://www.blogger.com/profile/04540319083566702024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4304558740642687291.post-37270020568286266972021-11-29T22:02:00.001-05:002021-11-29T22:49:58.361-05:00Shot of Brandi Gift Guide - 40 Things for 40 Years Earlier this year, I celebrated a milestone birthday. The big 4-0. So when thinking about themes for this year’s gift guide, I decided to break down 10 gifts for the last 4 decades of my life. I figure by offering things by year, it could match up to anyone at any age on your list (i.e. gift number 1 would be for a 1-year-old or something I liked at that age - like 21 = booze!). <br /><br /><br />Let’s get things going with the first 10 years!<div><br /></div><div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzm0Z-2RDMGIIQi9J4tZ-BL3ZUNA04CFU4d7HOD2AsrlZQCk09dEIVPuXwB0rz44mXOIqLBsisysSKgTmurdCpL-5uryhykMdlxKVoqvWX13lFfo1KtUYCCt6pRikenLIut9vzjWzPJO0/s2020/SOB+2021+-+1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1216" data-original-width="2020" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzm0Z-2RDMGIIQi9J4tZ-BL3ZUNA04CFU4d7HOD2AsrlZQCk09dEIVPuXwB0rz44mXOIqLBsisysSKgTmurdCpL-5uryhykMdlxKVoqvWX13lFfo1KtUYCCt6pRikenLIut9vzjWzPJO0/w604-h364/SOB+2021+-+1.png" width="604" /></a></div><br />0. One of my favorite newborn gifts is a <a href="https://rstyle.me/+SHWjbOhcqNjjvi277HO5mQ">personalized blanket from Pottery Barn Kids</a>. In fact, their personalized towels are a great gift for older kiddos too!<br /><br />1. Another go-to gift for a baby girl: her first American Girl doll! The <a href="https://rstyle.me/+3LLTJ95iM3GLWE3A0gEShQ">Bitty Baby</a> is an awesome option and has some adorable accessories! Lennon received her first Bitty Baby when she was 1 and a half and named her “Baby Suri” and the name stuck to this day! Also, Lennon was still using the <a href="https://rstyle.me/+3LLTJ95iM3GLWE3A0gEShQ">jogging stroller</a> today (five years later)!<br /><br />2. Parents today say the same thing - our kid has too many toys. At two, they won’t remember what you bought them. I suggest you go to Five Below and get some cool crap and then put the rest of the money you’d spent in a card and hand it to the parents. Or, ask if they have an account set up for their child. I recently started an <a href="https://www.acorns.com/early/">Acorns Early</a> account for Lennon and I’m excited to see her savings grow! <br /><br />3. My cousin and I would spend HOURS on our battery-powered cars. The options today are unbelievable. From a <a href="https://rstyle.me/+ARP3S8bt6Jc5T5MGL8euaw">ride-on carriage</a> to a <a href="https://rstyle.me/+_fHT_-bOjb7Rqbk0Sfqqdw">food truck</a> to a <a href="https://rstyle.me/+D0cpRmlv5SenMDOL4SLMzw">Mercedes-Benz</a>, there is a car for every kid! <br /><br />4. Four is a good age for a big giant present to surprise your little one. I’m thinking of a <a href="https://rstyle.me/+RmaRqkxlzSqc4eyDcaxJzw">dollhouse</a> or <a href="https://rstyle.me/+gPPW8Ox_pHIoYITfzJ2s0w">car tower</a>. <br /><br />5. Something that’s been on the Santa list in our house each year is Barbies, which it’s pretty cool to see this toy passed down from generation to generation. This year, I love the<a href="https://rstyle.me/+7ummnw3pGeVOqIJcYRdG0g"> astronaut spaceship</a>! Add on the <a href="https://rstyle.me/+6r3uTCp3Dq3ZSczttN8POA">Chelsea rocketship</a> for extra fun! <br /><br />6. Ahhh the age that I’m doing a lot of shopping for now. The “big” wishlist items are anything but big! Lennon told Santa that she wanted the <a href="https://rstyle.me/+S4aJ0yVWj4xmyOlaJyjXXg">Got2Glow Fairy Finder </a>(although this product name is a little difficult for all of us to remember). <br /><br />7. It might be a little late for this or time for an upgrade, but every kid needs a bike. I’m obsessed with the <a href="https://rstyle.me/+tkLioR_NF_Kbspi0T6BNWQ">pint-sized beach cruisers</a>. <a href="https://rstyle.me/+GXJ1epfMt3AO4VwYp_2-OQ">Scooters</a> have become popular too and tend to travel well! <br /><br />8. Little me would have been so into any craft kit. I mean, old me is also into this and thankfully so is my kid! We are big fans of <a href="https://rstyle.me/+6buVJyAm-_gtJJ_bS0rklg">Kid Made Modern</a> in this house. I can’t tell you how many times the <a href="https://rstyle.me/+OvnytNar4gCJLLM1617aPA">Arts and Crafts Library </a>saved us during the long early days of the pandemic. These <a href="https://rstyle.me/+lakZWryHyTJqmzaBitRGXg">small kits</a> make great stocking stuffers, items to bring on long car rides, or to pack into a bag for trips to relatives (that don’t have toys!). OR, you can pick some up for young guests! <br /><br />9. Growing up, if you would have asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I went through a “talk show host” phase. Could you imagine young me growing up with today’s technology? I probably would have convinced my parents to let me have a YouTube channel. For the younger budding talk show host in your life, this <a href="https://rstyle.me/+_-0Uv5HXAldzla85_3Uc9A">wooden reporter set</a> is just way too cute. I also like the <a href="https://rstyle.me/+fTJI2et_4ZgXPRp8pWpsNA">Vtech Kidizoom Creator Cam</a> for actual video recording! I’m also hearing the <a href="https://rstyle.me/+K34OcEAI9yLOtH34Szskjg">Fujifilm cameras</a> are popular among the early tween set! <br /><br />10. I asked my resident expert of 10-year-olds, Amy, for a pro tip on what this age wants. I was anticipating the answer was going to be “gift cards,” but to my surprise, the list is LONG. Clothes (<a href="https://rstyle.me/+h1FJ0DbpmPvSdTWyn46XYA">American Eagle</a>, <a href="https://rstyle.me/+01Mem3u-6I-F1zCk8dhsOQ">Abercrombie Kids</a>, <a href="https://rstyle.me/+frwAmZzDBZNzNygTFFhDkg">Forever 21</a>, and <a href="https://rstyle.me/+rN6RwZCOt7NEDGF5SqXL9Q">Nike</a> - LOTS of Nike). The real thing I discovered here was that this 10-year-old wants some expensive shoes from a website called <a href="https://www.goat.com/">GOAT</a>. Once I started exploring these super expensive shoes, I started digging these almost <a href="https://www.goat.com/sneakers/wmns-air-jordan-1-mid-pink-cw5379-600">$500 Nikes</a>. I guess I need to start saving now for 10-year-old Christmas in 4 years! </div><div><br /></div>Shot of Brandi*http://www.blogger.com/profile/04540319083566702024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4304558740642687291.post-69305446923801775132021-11-26T15:21:00.009-05:002021-11-26T15:31:33.758-05:00The Positives of the Pandemic: More...Wow. It’s been awhile. I haven’t forgotten about this thing. Just busy doing life during a global pandemic! Reflecting on the time since I’ve been gone from this blog (sing that in a Kelly Clarkson voice), there have been highs and lows. Real lows. But I’ve decided I need to focus on the positives of this period of life. So let’s dig in on the positives of the pandemic. The things it’s brought more of. <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ZBIYXyTurWE6xVTyGD2vxtLShRSwNfLw7Bwn9_fZRtmYWh0CUKLPXnY1R_oXGSKgKuMbQrIKc8gmyvFxiZFbRYPqzIRCg2FjT3NneXs4YKd1iT6iX5Il04QDGpj-IupV4kv1GOSG9cw/s1920/IMG_6670.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1280" height="383" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ZBIYXyTurWE6xVTyGD2vxtLShRSwNfLw7Bwn9_fZRtmYWh0CUKLPXnY1R_oXGSKgKuMbQrIKc8gmyvFxiZFbRYPqzIRCg2FjT3NneXs4YKd1iT6iX5Il04QDGpj-IupV4kv1GOSG9cw/w255-h383/IMG_6670.JPG" width="255" /></a></div><b>More Time With Lennon </b>- It’s easy to look at the last two years of my six-year-olds life and think about all of the things she might have missed out on, but I’ll likely look back on this time and cherish the amount of time we spent with her. The crafts, the games, the days watching new movies or shows from my childhood. We weren’t running from practices to games to dance to birthday parties. Yeah, there were some, but things just started to pick back up at the start of this school year and I think she will be just fine in the future socialization area. I tried to find small opportunities to teach her how to do things herself - to make her own peanut butter and jelly or clean (which some days she oddly loves). Yes, the days were long, but the last (almost) two years went fast! <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBhsTaVx6SuxduF3t_BHHk1OFX24QbzEPSDcSpZmODbM3tpsuyuN5JHu3bzmz7k9jEPmjV9Tp9w2ixUd73Qsqx7UTdDo2Y9wjqstkugkdtUYo9z0484ddTn5MGiZdTi9p6zedMSiwqeR8/s1920/IMG_8690.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1920" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBhsTaVx6SuxduF3t_BHHk1OFX24QbzEPSDcSpZmODbM3tpsuyuN5JHu3bzmz7k9jEPmjV9Tp9w2ixUd73Qsqx7UTdDo2Y9wjqstkugkdtUYo9z0484ddTn5MGiZdTi9p6zedMSiwqeR8/w411-h274/IMG_8690.JPG" width="411" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><p></p><b>More Time At Home</b> - When I think back on the last 21 months, one thing that sticks out is small gatherings at home - either our house or friends. Yes, I miss restaurants. But no, I can’t even fathom the thought of going to a club. I think I was a bit over that before this pandemic, but I’ll take a night at home with good food (made at home or take out) and a fridge full of wine and beer over going out. I’ve found a new love for the <a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">New York Times Cooking</a> (worth the subscription fee), <a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">Half Baked Harvest</a>, and days watching and attempting cakes thanks to <a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">Nailed It</a>. Oh and I was a fan of online grocery shopping before the pandemic and that’s one thing I’ll keep up!<p><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY7LNy9rpLGv40gR-VvLRbT9NFN0Duxvnl7jl7jYkT3r9FMbuP5k3809qkkYuA3oKb7FozQkDE70oe2z6OnWq9jGbKqpWpAYWkwlvqrbcO-pUxiDfCx37OOU7HymyVfYcUScqxWDX2OcU/s2048/IMG_0664.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY7LNy9rpLGv40gR-VvLRbT9NFN0Duxvnl7jl7jYkT3r9FMbuP5k3809qkkYuA3oKb7FozQkDE70oe2z6OnWq9jGbKqpWpAYWkwlvqrbcO-pUxiDfCx37OOU7HymyVfYcUScqxWDX2OcU/s320/IMG_0664.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><br /><b>More Screen Time</b> - What!? More screen time!? Is she crazy? I mean, yes, I’m crazy, but bare with me on this one. We’ve had holiday video chats with my family from across the U.S., which has stuck with us! We’ve had happy hours with friends in other states. We’ve watched dance recitals at home vs. sitting through a whole show. The biggest one of them all is that we were able to Google video (through Duo) my grandfather into my cousin’s wedding when he was too weak to travel. I hope the availability to “video into” things stays with us so that we can watch special moments across states. <br /><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXJePaVLO4gKQCwygRQWrh4YS6nPIaUODv-MLHct12NZzRypzqKfqr783ycN4IYeYvjPiwqYb-AecVdlB4gcex2fBQF6Z5k5zvvae5q1XUq7uujGNABYutCs5EE_6E4CRVVMnDPlTGBfk/s1920/IMG_9091+%25281%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXJePaVLO4gKQCwygRQWrh4YS6nPIaUODv-MLHct12NZzRypzqKfqr783ycN4IYeYvjPiwqYb-AecVdlB4gcex2fBQF6Z5k5zvvae5q1XUq7uujGNABYutCs5EE_6E4CRVVMnDPlTGBfk/s320/IMG_9091+%25281%2529.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><br /><br /><div><b>More Work</b> - A few days after my last post I accepted my dream job - doing public relations for a school district. Yes, this is so random. From a young age, I knew I wanted a career in communications - thanks to that “talks excessively” marks for citizenship on my report cards. In my elementary years, I wanted to be a talk show host, but quickly realized I’m not great on camera during morning announcements. In high school, I thought our public relations specialist had the coolest job, so I decided to pursue PR. Upon graduation from WVU, I actually emailed every PR contact at every school District around Pittsburgh that I could find and asked them for some advice to break into the field. I actually saved a few responses! The next 17 years took me to a global PR firm, boutique PR firm, advertising agency, a media buying company, and some freelance consulting. Then, during a global pandemic my dream job popped up and the rest is history! There have been CHALLENGES, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world right now. So if you’ve been wondering where I’ve been, see this answer. <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD7f9MIpZv-1VyATLEhzVG-Qgqo1Ndzfu_XSHuJfxtr8cL1VnDeHYSsHbNZKuLE89ZWiDCRF13EUiWa47VhMVw_9LHc4hHqfOh_ftmFjYOIY6mz8mzbaRMBLTQmXa2LqX_NQMnBmSCQFE/s2048/7527025584_IMG_4610.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD7f9MIpZv-1VyATLEhzVG-Qgqo1Ndzfu_XSHuJfxtr8cL1VnDeHYSsHbNZKuLE89ZWiDCRF13EUiWa47VhMVw_9LHc4hHqfOh_ftmFjYOIY6mz8mzbaRMBLTQmXa2LqX_NQMnBmSCQFE/s320/7527025584_IMG_4610.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><b>More Positive Perspective</b> - This isn't a positive of the pandemic, but perhaps keeping a positive perspective on life and the time we spend with loved ones is. One of the biggest changes for my family this past year actually had nothing to do with the pandemic. My dad passed away this past summer (I feel like I need to mention that this was totally not COVID related). But speaking of COVID, thankfully the case counts were low in our county (a positive!) and we were able to celebrate his life with an amazing number of family and friends (another positive!). He passed away suddenly the day after Father's Day, so I was able to spend, what none of us knew would the be, the last day of his life with him. I gave him a hug and said goodbye. Some people aren't that fortunate. I had a close relationship with my dad and made sure he spent a lot of time with Lennon - which I took A LOT of photos of! Looking back, the volume of support that we received after his passing was truly remarkable. Big Joe was a Big Man with a Big Squad! Death is such a weird thing to deal with, but something that we all will face in our lives (in more than one way!). When we lose someone, it’s always confusing on how to offer your support. I might write more on what I appreciated later as it could help one of you! <br /><br />There are some things I’m looking forward of doing LESS of, but one thing I’d like to do MORE of is share things here again! So next up, I’ll give you some good ole Shot of Brandi gift suggestions!<br /><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxMyHreNA19iMnZGYIbqzgPEn3njfLkfA2XkCJAyF-Mr5DgQy-ZzxrpB0rfH9R0K1vTSMaf0yhpIyzik-GzXTtmNDV9-SFVQKy56Vt_ST9IXEkL608VPBpfymxJiVphmWniktnRlhutL8/s2048/IMG_0616.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxMyHreNA19iMnZGYIbqzgPEn3njfLkfA2XkCJAyF-Mr5DgQy-ZzxrpB0rfH9R0K1vTSMaf0yhpIyzik-GzXTtmNDV9-SFVQKy56Vt_ST9IXEkL608VPBpfymxJiVphmWniktnRlhutL8/s320/IMG_0616.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><p></p><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div></span></div>Shot of Brandi*http://www.blogger.com/profile/04540319083566702024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4304558740642687291.post-6380484497812987222020-04-27T18:55:00.002-04:002020-04-27T18:55:40.158-04:00How I Homeschooled - Flowers & Bugs Early in this quarantine / distancing / whatever this is officially called, my husband mentioned that it’s like living the song in the Rapunzel movie (Tangled). Last week, I realized we were going from painting, to reading to dance - we were literally living the song “<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tz6yTajsYwY">When Will My Life Begin</a>.” <div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6rNbTWO1fWB-ubqZ3Xaz92umkrBnAtDPVmOke1B_AFc3r_tz3KuGxcYcPBGXuSnabNssFjs-1aucjFtX962-TMqj-bhjV8AGIQBECW77aVgEwo1FWn9pdEtiNSqK2-0sQx0gzxmJAZI4/s1600/IMG_3451.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1327" data-original-width="1125" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6rNbTWO1fWB-ubqZ3Xaz92umkrBnAtDPVmOke1B_AFc3r_tz3KuGxcYcPBGXuSnabNssFjs-1aucjFtX962-TMqj-bhjV8AGIQBECW77aVgEwo1FWn9pdEtiNSqK2-0sQx0gzxmJAZI4/s400/IMG_3451.jpeg" width="338" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /><br />I heard from some readers that last week’s post helped, so here we go with a recap of our recent activities! <br /><br />The sun was shining on Monday and we kicked the week of learning all about Flowers! <br /><ul>
<li>We started with some <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9spKql1dUhk">YouTube videos</a> on how flowers are made. Man, I learned some things that I totally forgot!</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Next up - flower painting. For our paintings, we’ve been using <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0027ACP0O/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1">watercolor paper.</a> It’s a bit thicker than normal printer paper. I had some 11x14 paper in my craft closet, and I’m totally going to Amazon some more.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvpeDvGJwJM0tv47d2q42PE8Owfk_EkoJYiTiHoRqkP0uPjjsvhCBZp8lJNTRk_2Guv3k0oBMCEJ-iqPotdugPZzPWixbpJXhhmagITey8DMrErEYrN1w6G4Y95vIuYB2278YdyMdnVFs/s1600/IMG_3383.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1412" data-original-width="1600" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvpeDvGJwJM0tv47d2q42PE8Owfk_EkoJYiTiHoRqkP0uPjjsvhCBZp8lJNTRk_2Guv3k0oBMCEJ-iqPotdugPZzPWixbpJXhhmagITey8DMrErEYrN1w6G4Y95vIuYB2278YdyMdnVFs/s400/IMG_3383.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li>It was nice day, so I thought a fun activity would be to plant something. THANK YOU TARGET for offering curbside pickup! We ordered a <a href="https://www.target.com/p/my-fairy-garden-willow-s-tree-hollow/-/A-53052496">Fairy Garden</a>. There are also some options from Amazon, but those delivery dates aren’t trustworthy right now, but hey! Who knows how longer we will all become homeschool teachers!?</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Funny story about the Fairy Garden. I was so worried about not touching anything that once the girl put my Target bags in my truck, I drove home - only to find out that we didn’t have a Fairy Garden, but some Drain-o, Slim Fast, and something else in a large jug. I immediately drove back to Target and received my Fairy Garden and dish brush.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiel0xPNruAeygZIgojdunPBQzLZEuHsCTpknErUnfmLVEIOwsjVaoi4MHkb9TdnKJkhHWBvP8dk0uu-iK3YhgWrqR2sJ6yuKBXylnpFwvy-1wW5My05ObcsxVlcboPVRwwXCSbMKVi2yw/s1600/IMG_3369.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1146" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiel0xPNruAeygZIgojdunPBQzLZEuHsCTpknErUnfmLVEIOwsjVaoi4MHkb9TdnKJkhHWBvP8dk0uu-iK3YhgWrqR2sJ6yuKBXylnpFwvy-1wW5My05ObcsxVlcboPVRwwXCSbMKVi2yw/s320/IMG_3369.jpg" width="229" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipDZ0iD4vrZ4oe70x0DyFKJqHk2RNwSEk1auljbd-LN6VxWqzk44nAaR5_dPM_P0h7WPMBG2QGpqG_AUw-r0o-wa7ZP4i5Dlgjkr_zL_tjQXc8SdoK_iJDL5Pk1WLVPJjF5zC3JtPfQJ0/s1600/IMG_3377.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipDZ0iD4vrZ4oe70x0DyFKJqHk2RNwSEk1auljbd-LN6VxWqzk44nAaR5_dPM_P0h7WPMBG2QGpqG_AUw-r0o-wa7ZP4i5Dlgjkr_zL_tjQXc8SdoK_iJDL5Pk1WLVPJjF5zC3JtPfQJ0/s320/IMG_3377.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li>While we were waiting on the Fairy Garden, I had to keep the kid busy, so I broke out this <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Green-Toys-Bouquet-Stacking-Assorted/dp/B0762XKND6/ref=sr_1_15?dchild=1&keywords=flower+puzzle+for+kids&qid=1587410916&sr=8-15">flower puzzle thing</a> that I bought when she was like 1.5 and way too young to care. SO, if you are in the market for a gift for a 3-4 year old - I’d recommend this!</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>My kid is giving me a big NOPE on my worksheets now, but I did my best to integrate in this<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/374924737711955142/"> flower-themed one focusing on sight words</a>.</li>
</ul>
<br />The flower activities got us through two days, so thanks to an Amazon delivery we moved on to BUGS! <br /><br />Let’s take a quick trip back to two weeks ago. I had a great butterfly day going. Lennon painted this awesome butterfly, we watched some Eric Carle on YouTube - you know, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkYmvxP0AJI">The Hungry Caterpillar</a> - and other videos about how butterflies are formed. That night, she woke up because she had a bad dream - about bugs. <br /><br />So heading into these activities, I had to go a little softer on the bug content. <br /><br /><ul>
<li>Amazon delivered this little <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00Y8YOVOA/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1">Melissa & Doug butterfly magnet painting activity</a> (for just under $5!), so I used it to set the tone for today.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Easing up on the hardcore bug videos, we revisited a favorite Netflix show - <a href="https://www.netflix.com/title/80057611">BEAT BUGS</a>! A perfect way to introduce the kid you named Lennon about the Beatles! The <a href="http://www.beatbugs.com/">Beat Bugs website</a> also has some great coloring pages and printables for kids (just click on each character).</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>We brought out our Beat Bugs toys that include a <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Beat-Bugs-Musical-Submarine-Vehicle/dp/B073T669Y1/ref=sr_1_51?dchild=1&keywords=beat+bugs&qid=1587560814&sr=8-51">Yellow Submarine</a> and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Beat-Bugs-Magical-Musical-Keeper/dp/B074DKGT1N/ref=sr_1_11?dchild=1&keywords=beat+bugs&qid=1587560814&sr=8-11">Magical Music Beat Bug Keeper</a>.</li>
</ul>
Guys - my lessons, or days, for that matter aren’t perfect. I had a project to get out the door, so bug day took a turn and Lennon watched some Ladybug and Cat Noir on Netflix. That’s still bug themed, right? </div>
Shot of Brandi*http://www.blogger.com/profile/04540319083566702024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4304558740642687291.post-51976373809357842912020-04-19T14:41:00.002-04:002020-04-19T14:41:57.583-04:00Add Substitute Teacher To My Resume <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There’s a part of me that always wanted to be a teacher. Like most kids, I would play “school” by setting up my stuffed animals and teaching them assignments. </div>
<br />Fast forward to Great Social Distance of 2020 and I find myself playing the role of preschool teacher. Things started out okay, then my student began to rebel. My worksheets were no longer fun and she learned the term “I’m bored.” <br /><br /><div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR1S9yrmfuWEU_M0ZcvfhQLPfSeeN8Yh0Ztu0tDJwPSIBhmMYD74cSUbaISO0JmuGTNWZ4xxRQ3iwFNFHWr4M-hU3Zh4aH5IY9O9uCI3xVsPIgHdmwTIas5jn52prUuRJDBa0b3FTtwHw/s1600/IMG_2817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR1S9yrmfuWEU_M0ZcvfhQLPfSeeN8Yh0Ztu0tDJwPSIBhmMYD74cSUbaISO0JmuGTNWZ4xxRQ3iwFNFHWr4M-hU3Zh4aH5IY9O9uCI3xVsPIgHdmwTIas5jn52prUuRJDBa0b3FTtwHw/s320/IMG_2817.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>This <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/bgaqP">marble run</a> game counts as STEM or STEAM or whatever, right? </i></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
</div>
<br />So what did I do? I channeled my inner kid and decided to take things up a notch with theme days. Sharing here in case you too are in a homeschool rut. <br /><br />Last week, we had two big theme days - Space and Boutique.<br /><br />Our kid’s preschool is sending home some activity suggestions and asking us to keep a journal. These two ideas are tweaks to their suggestions. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2NQeuK_9P4LbUv5LOhGZ5Wwtfyh8d6YfVSt9IR8hRqQMy9OoxniXzgPtPeKBJmSTNOFg89C9O9MoZhgjY09Rb6Ct38y9ozCNJSRl1DQq4HIMQuYkvTdv9K2dvBEEo_t2Irxrk-wwegm8/s1600/IMG_3195.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2NQeuK_9P4LbUv5LOhGZ5Wwtfyh8d6YfVSt9IR8hRqQMy9OoxniXzgPtPeKBJmSTNOFg89C9O9MoZhgjY09Rb6Ct38y9ozCNJSRl1DQq4HIMQuYkvTdv9K2dvBEEo_t2Irxrk-wwegm8/s320/IMG_3195.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1d6tSwY5Ngm-WdDA7E-JuGEUjFdH4uJqKnuTUKhzXJvS8WO8i-qmTBljFQhIRtB165lJ4JbZBg5BgGHXwODMzRwR60nv73Tf_gddS97cS5wg0nzURonP0Llm87jE-s7br_37I5lsahjM/s1600/IMG_3202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1d6tSwY5Ngm-WdDA7E-JuGEUjFdH4uJqKnuTUKhzXJvS8WO8i-qmTBljFQhIRtB165lJ4JbZBg5BgGHXwODMzRwR60nv73Tf_gddS97cS5wg0nzURonP0Llm87jE-s7br_37I5lsahjM/s320/IMG_3202.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /><br />Space Day <br /><ul>
<li>Ironically, Lennon woke up wearing unicorn space pajamas, so it really helped set the tone for the day. </li>
<li>I’ve been hoarding this <a href="https://www.amazon.com/FoxPlay-Rocket-Ship-Tent-Spaceship/dp/B079YBYP61/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=spaceship+pop+up+tent&qid=1587318175&sr=8-2">spaceship pop up tent</a> for almost two years now, so what better time to bust it out. This T<a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/bgajK">oy Story tent</a> is super cute too.</li>
<li>While finding <a href="https://fromabcstoacts.com/printable-outer-space-flashcards/">planet printable</a>s to laminate, I discovered some fun planet songs via <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vb2ZXRh74WU">Netflix Junior on YouTube</a>. Search around there and you’ll find several cute songs that explain the planets. </li>
<li>After the excitement of the new tent started to wear off, the kid said “I want to paint,” so we gathered up anything circular shaped around the house and made our own little solar system. We used the flash cards to determine what color each planet would be and Lennon painted them. You know we touched this painting off with some glitter. </li>
<li>When you ask Lennon what she wants to be when she grows up, sometimes she’ll say “An astronaut,” and I know that <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLA_DiR1FfKNvjuUpBHmylQ">NASA has a YouTube channe</a>l - sadly the videos were a little too advanced for our preschooler. </li>
<li>Warning - space lessons can get a little confusing in regards to whether Pluto is a planet or not. In this house, Pluto is a planet! </li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj56x9Jmz_UKXUBmCSQW6qInKAzd_fDX4XAM0SdrbTzxhHwPfiTw7b6yECJvmdYTYuMS6_TxqQ6P50RhJoSFsdaVsAXXLsuMnhFRccu5jwbVuGieqz-SPZ8QcbXfh4U316zQsVwrlQ0U0o/s1600/IMG_6707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj56x9Jmz_UKXUBmCSQW6qInKAzd_fDX4XAM0SdrbTzxhHwPfiTw7b6yECJvmdYTYuMS6_TxqQ6P50RhJoSFsdaVsAXXLsuMnhFRccu5jwbVuGieqz-SPZ8QcbXfh4U316zQsVwrlQ0U0o/s320/IMG_6707.JPG" width="213" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV_B2g0MBm3Q4Khdij68tEWCJOF7r_dwAMKvJU4z7gNlNeSfWDAUOD6C0hkY1MQgnkfx-x5peinHuQ9rXeD472VZcXAtBy-t5xS7UGmGpgn8bZWbwZYigvhHxVDswrM9RVZERsxw5Z9Gg/s1600/IMG_6712.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV_B2g0MBm3Q4Khdij68tEWCJOF7r_dwAMKvJU4z7gNlNeSfWDAUOD6C0hkY1MQgnkfx-x5peinHuQ9rXeD472VZcXAtBy-t5xS7UGmGpgn8bZWbwZYigvhHxVDswrM9RVZERsxw5Z9Gg/s320/IMG_6712.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />Lennon’s Boutique<br /><ul>
<li>One of the school activities was to “make a grocery store.” Knowing that we have plenty of princess dresses, I took things up a little notch by working with Lennon to create her own store.</li>
<li>First order of business was to create a logo. Using PowerPoint, Lennon typed her name and the word “boutique” herself! I used a font that she could color in. </li>
<li>While Lennon colored, I made clothing tags and faux money. We also made shopping bags!</li>
<li>I’m trying to teach Lennon what I do for work, so I printed a <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/235876099206012301/">Facebook post template</a> and had her help create an advertisement for the store. </li>
<li>Next, it was time to get our store ready. We rearranged some clothing racks, shoes, set out accessories, and finally, priced the clothing with the tags! </li>
<li>Finally, it was time to open! </li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8PG7zK-GiOwUixVBBgUMZ71LWrDWZ25xCcJwlkhPssmjlvYj0JA9q3r_81CBCpOYrTNjCtfNE-_xBvzm5_Mn0XIe-O6d0ElWQ3rOtJyasFyQOx1f_4pl76Nj_MjOFdbsZNiHAl7rGoKw/s1600/IMG_3314.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8PG7zK-GiOwUixVBBgUMZ71LWrDWZ25xCcJwlkhPssmjlvYj0JA9q3r_81CBCpOYrTNjCtfNE-_xBvzm5_Mn0XIe-O6d0ElWQ3rOtJyasFyQOx1f_4pl76Nj_MjOFdbsZNiHAl7rGoKw/s400/IMG_3314.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggi7eiH379xHk5jq8hkW9y8H_rYW37lRj1Kw5sxyyyDe4RrIECzFz4CCcNRIh1lXVd0Forkt-M73C74I-VQKeUj0yB2oC6d5VQJiRC9w-VPNm55QSDC7nwT_q_BlF_10jXGjfxXFZiwRU/s1600/Screen+Shot+2020-04-19+at+2.40.55+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="695" data-original-width="925" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggi7eiH379xHk5jq8hkW9y8H_rYW37lRj1Kw5sxyyyDe4RrIECzFz4CCcNRIh1lXVd0Forkt-M73C74I-VQKeUj0yB2oC6d5VQJiRC9w-VPNm55QSDC7nwT_q_BlF_10jXGjfxXFZiwRU/s320/Screen+Shot+2020-04-19+at+2.40.55+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
To get Lennon excited, I asked for her help to brainstorm some themes for the upcoming days/weeks. I'm going to work on my "lesson plans" later today. Here’s our preliminary list - and, if you have any fun ideas for these themes or in general, PLEASE send them our way! <br /><ul>
<li>Rainbows</li>
<li>Cooking - Goal - To have her cook a dish start to finish by herself. Think PB+J or maybe a quesadilla </li>
<li>Life Skills - Laundry, maybe some banking, writing an email, etc. </li>
<li>When I Grow Up </li>
<li>All About Me - making sure she learns phone numbers, addresses, etc. </li>
<li>Health Day </li>
<li>Take Your Kid To Work - yes, this has become the everyday, but like really learning about our jobs</li>
<li>Magic </li>
<li>Gardening </li>
<li>Friendship Day - the kid picked this one! </li>
<li>College - WVU, duh. Thankfully, they made some <a href="https://universityrelations.wvu.edu/services-capabilities/brand-and-trademark-licensing/fans/mountaineer-mind-madness">resources for parents!</a></li>
<li>Music - When mom’s in charge, we about to learn about some hip hop. Stay tuned for a Tootsie Slide. </li>
<li>United States - exploring the states</li>
</ul>
</div>
Shot of Brandi*http://www.blogger.com/profile/04540319083566702024noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4304558740642687291.post-62045974270440061052020-04-18T16:09:00.002-04:002020-04-19T13:09:26.657-04:00The Smiths' Social Distancing Survival Kit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS6qUfgiBDgjUssHNacJ7l73RHqw7w7bxBcZwLLaA9oqqQPNAIWnBT222EqZhjCXQDawsTNCR_6xbZJgFO05ifjIzQqAKcKqSSh9sa27nGuq2BrUZy-nKGPpM935kzKzIJlStwoGjyzoI/s1600/Screen+Shot+2020-04-18+at+3.57.25+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="477" data-original-width="534" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS6qUfgiBDgjUssHNacJ7l73RHqw7w7bxBcZwLLaA9oqqQPNAIWnBT222EqZhjCXQDawsTNCR_6xbZJgFO05ifjIzQqAKcKqSSh9sa27nGuq2BrUZy-nKGPpM935kzKzIJlStwoGjyzoI/s400/Screen+Shot+2020-04-18+at+3.57.25+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
Today I’m bringing you yet another post about things that are helping us survive social distancing! Yes, I know there is an abundance of information being shared, but I have to be honest - some of the posts are helpful, so I thought one of these suggestions could spark something for you! <br />
<br />
Without further ado, here’s how we are thriving during the great social distance of 2020.<br />
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Hasbro-Guess-Who-Classic-Game/dp/B01N6PRX20/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=guess+who&qid=1586554899&sr=8-1">Guess Who</a>: Yep, I ordered this classic board game and it’s provided hours of entertainment. Not only in our house, but by allowing our kid to play via Facetime with her cousins! Best $8 spent so far on Amazon! <br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Kid-Made-Modern-Crafts-Library/dp/B07WSJVTR9/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=kid+made+modern&qid=1586554927&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzTzlPR0wwRk1MUldJJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUExMDQyNjg0MlkyMVhGV1MzMjVKQSZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwODE4MTAzM1REMTZDWTJWWVFPViZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=">Kid Made Modern Craft Box:</a> I suggested this as a gift for my daughter and my uncle purchased it for her two years ago. It’s been great to have on hand for random crafting. Additionally, my years of hoarding craft items has finally paid off - and then some. We have construction paper, paints, canvas paper, beads, and markers in full rotation up in here. <br />
<br />
Printables: Thank you lord baby Jesus for the people that made printables in just about every theme available online (just use Google and then go to the images tab). When my preschooler watches a movie, I try to incorporate a learning activity. She’s watching Aladian?<a href="https://tinkerlab.com/make-aladdin-magic-flying-carpet/"> Let’s color our own magic carpet</a>. Toy Story? <a href="http://www.getcoloringpages.com/coloring/18341">Let’s do a maze to help Bo Peep find her Sheep</a>. I’m also using the <a href="https://misskindergarten.com/">Miss Kindergarten</a> pages to help Lennon learn how to read. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Swingline-Laminator-Lamination-Laminating-1701863ECR/dp/B010PK3G96/ref=sr_1_15?dchild=1&keywords=laminator&qid=1586555020&sr=8-15">My Laminator</a>: This goes hand in hand with the printables. When I discovered that we were going through a lot of pages - especially for writing activities - I busted out the laminator and started covering our entire household. Yes, my to do list is now laminated. Best. Investment. Ever. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.liquor.com/recipes/paloma-2/">Palomas</a>: Several years ago, I worked with a tequila client. I learned how to make just about the best tequila cocktail - The Paloma. Fast forward to our honeymoon in Cabo and Paloma’s were on heavy rotation. I bought this drink back around Christmas and recently got my hands on one of the key ingredients - Squirt - so I’ve put the Palomas back in rotation. You seriously just need some tequila and Squirt (bonus points for lime). Goes great with tacos and quesadillas - or any day that ends in y! <br />
<br />
Online Workouts: I recommend free trials from <a href="https://amazingyoga.net/">Amazing Yoga </a>and <a href="https://www.obefitness.com/home">Obe Fitness</a>. I also hear Peloton workouts are free. For my birthday in February, I asked for gift cards to purchase a spin bike for my house - since I love a good CycleBar workout. Boy, I didn’t realize how much those cards would come in handy! My under $300 bike arrived this week and I’m loving the classes from my studio. If you are looking for a bike, my checklist was something that was small, cost-effective, could record speed and hadipad holder. Amazon has a lot of options, but sadly they keep selling out given everyone being at home!<br />
<br />
Just Dance: My daughter's dance studio has been earning their tuition with daily dance combos. When my kid didn’t want to dance alone, I took one for the team and purchased my own <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00394ER4E/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1">tap shoes from Amazon</a>. I mean, I’ve always wanted to take up some adult tap. Let’s just say I’ll be ready to go on stage in June if they need an extra dancer - especially for the “peanut butter jelly.” <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRzW6yFn-VQ5uy45yLlHpFz-quRK0ageX4uWwirciN_-ArI0y2Io9LhuwGYxlXPnBilFzgMpdCyeLt5tbwy98eUAdwkuj3Ofn41Mh8hu0t-v9CovdOf7NWCLHAbI6e_hfYbYTToTGjkMk/s1600/IMG_3089.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRzW6yFn-VQ5uy45yLlHpFz-quRK0ageX4uWwirciN_-ArI0y2Io9LhuwGYxlXPnBilFzgMpdCyeLt5tbwy98eUAdwkuj3Ofn41Mh8hu0t-v9CovdOf7NWCLHAbI6e_hfYbYTToTGjkMk/s320/IMG_3089.HEIC" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnztpjkXKDA0lSMqZVPkDb25Rm646LEFL-8iuyJ_l0Ywf6ZoWphJHnT1MHjuEiyjoeI7qZ2IM19oWELSoNGJ8BaXXzwB4MGA5BQmBZuWG4GA_znZ6O5wkdA81JIueAHfkyYHv22jsDO28/s1600/IMG_6670.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnztpjkXKDA0lSMqZVPkDb25Rm646LEFL-8iuyJ_l0Ywf6ZoWphJHnT1MHjuEiyjoeI7qZ2IM19oWELSoNGJ8BaXXzwB4MGA5BQmBZuWG4GA_znZ6O5wkdA81JIueAHfkyYHv22jsDO28/s320/IMG_6670.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://www.netflix.com/title/80179138">Nailed It!</a>: We’ve been watching this show nightly Netflix and decided to recreate our own Nailed It Challenge for Easter by making a bunny cake. The premise of the show is that mediocre bakers are challenged to create extravagant cakes. The winner receives $10K! While not all of our bunny cake supplies arrived on time from Amazon, the key ingredient was here - <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07CMP28YC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1">fondant</a>! For the cake, I used <a href="https://www.cookingchanneltv.com/recipes/duff-goldman/duffs-vanilla-cake-2774523">Duff’s white cake recipe</a> and *tried* to make <a href="https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/11467-magnolia-bakerys-buttercream-vanilla-icing">Magnolia Bakery buttercream icing</a>. However, I only had granulated sugar and let’s just say it’s totally not the same as confectioner’s sugar. I’d give us a C+ on appearance here and the taste...well, I may not even go there lol.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI2wHyiWhtWnTUTHXnHp-v3Q90HjnnMVtQKXG_z8N9Qjg6HQtmZZGcjqB_dpKgMoGwDW7JZ8cpyx8KTWVVi-Y79oI10zUWYkuLmZNRqc5eFn77zcfW2FGqmgI6K4VQ9lQQKo2wG6vqKR0/s1600/7C6DBB03-8249-4696-B49F-A421F85F7D33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI2wHyiWhtWnTUTHXnHp-v3Q90HjnnMVtQKXG_z8N9Qjg6HQtmZZGcjqB_dpKgMoGwDW7JZ8cpyx8KTWVVi-Y79oI10zUWYkuLmZNRqc5eFn77zcfW2FGqmgI6K4VQ9lQQKo2wG6vqKR0/s320/7C6DBB03-8249-4696-B49F-A421F85F7D33.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
I’m hoping to try a few more survival tactics this week and I’ll let you know how they go! That list includes: <br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://madmex.com/">MadMex</a> Big Azz Margarita Pick Up <br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.firstleaf.club/">Firstleaf</a> Wine Delivery (just waiting for my order to ship!) </div>
</div>
Shot of Brandi*http://www.blogger.com/profile/04540319083566702024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4304558740642687291.post-8670675052524205732020-02-19T09:56:00.002-05:002020-02-19T09:56:25.065-05:00A Magical Non-Candy Valentine Treat Further proof that my child is really my child, she loves holidays. For Valentine’s Day, she selected an adorable unicorn card from Minted. <br /><br />She now attends a school that doesn’t allow food-related treats for holidays, so while brainstorming treat ideas, I stumbled upon the idea of making our own crayons. I’ve always wanted to try this and we have an abundance of less-than-perfect crayons laying around the house (and in my purses). <br /><br />When the molds arrived from Amazon, I was so excited to get started. However, my 4-year-old had a breakdown. It took a few minutes to understand what happened, but she thought we were making unicorn CROWNS vs. CRAYONS. Perhaps a little Pittsburgh-ese misunderstanding. <br /><br />To compromise, she handed out two treats - CRAYONS & CROWNS. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn-7Ol638ScWZpCu_uneQAS5KXBPBhQemADJwBneUCAY5xTZsGk1VDR00l0HTxr1ze1Pd70hIIoLiEOWcWShxasT2o27lF0yxD3f0vGzYjlhIcdUHJtM8n4uvwoLrBmHPw-tD4H8WiM3E/s1600/Unicorn+Valentine.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1043" data-original-width="795" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn-7Ol638ScWZpCu_uneQAS5KXBPBhQemADJwBneUCAY5xTZsGk1VDR00l0HTxr1ze1Pd70hIIoLiEOWcWShxasT2o27lF0yxD3f0vGzYjlhIcdUHJtM8n4uvwoLrBmHPw-tD4H8WiM3E/s640/Unicorn+Valentine.png" width="484" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Back to the crayon making. <br /><br />This was so easy and I can’t wait to try it again. First, you need some old crayons. Peel off the wrapper. Or, like i found out too late, use a knife or scissors to help get the wrapper off. I don’t suggest allowing the kids to use the sharp object to do that! <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHILu5NoLxPdRp3ULHzbDVGL5vYINu-jbhmgK_jyFhJOWBOUNXimayoJUeX_jPZ3fI3qlFHsNtvy76dx8CRj8Zzhecmz9HYWW6UzCWqaXH3BWV_qZjV0gZMJC_rUrWLENDdTAkQJCgs8g/s1600/IMG_2197.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHILu5NoLxPdRp3ULHzbDVGL5vYINu-jbhmgK_jyFhJOWBOUNXimayoJUeX_jPZ3fI3qlFHsNtvy76dx8CRj8Zzhecmz9HYWW6UzCWqaXH3BWV_qZjV0gZMJC_rUrWLENDdTAkQJCgs8g/s400/IMG_2197.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
Then, break the crayons down into the mold. I tried to match some colors together and towards the end I got fancy with our molds and put some yellow or gold near the horn of the unicorn! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlTvk0iMs-Ro1Qfw7PYNNrQYSoJ2rpQSwrsRF7Usw_j9Vat_WP_28XuGMdvG9NW-t6CYvaS7JlkEvcAKWTO46nFKjOVVlAb01r7M7Z5M8ByupVDwpFP7ZjOQ7u8D5lWeaVpKlDi7pd_a8/s1600/unicorn+crayons.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="843" data-original-width="1125" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlTvk0iMs-Ro1Qfw7PYNNrQYSoJ2rpQSwrsRF7Usw_j9Vat_WP_28XuGMdvG9NW-t6CYvaS7JlkEvcAKWTO46nFKjOVVlAb01r7M7Z5M8ByupVDwpFP7ZjOQ7u8D5lWeaVpKlDi7pd_a8/s400/unicorn+crayons.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Once you have the molds full - but not overly full - bake at 200 degrees for about 20 minutes - or until the wax has melted. <br /><br />We had one batch that had some non-Crayola crayons that just wouldn’t melt as easy. Just a warning if you are using some of those unwanted restaurant crayons! <br /><br />After the crayons were done “cooking,” I let them cool off a little and then put them into the freezer for another 10-ish minutes. <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdHhWbmCY9ce3nVVBs7WuHsu1GNAZlsVQAyiA8lR2r4YRbNJ60gF_hB5F8VGg_qYgyxzZrMlb-5-I81XgVZLMidHGs316rV7ChSBfwDV_ybWeQI0xvnlRs9d2alEW0HWhq74rhF5_DwZQ/s1600/DIY+unicorn+crayons.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="843" data-original-width="1125" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdHhWbmCY9ce3nVVBs7WuHsu1GNAZlsVQAyiA8lR2r4YRbNJ60gF_hB5F8VGg_qYgyxzZrMlb-5-I81XgVZLMidHGs316rV7ChSBfwDV_ybWeQI0xvnlRs9d2alEW0HWhq74rhF5_DwZQ/s640/DIY+unicorn+crayons.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
Once they cooled off, we popped the crayons out of the mold. We did have some break, put jsut popped them back into the next batch. <br /><br />Overall, it was a super easy craft that we could do together! Lennon was very proud that she helped make a gift for her friends! Shot of Brandi*http://www.blogger.com/profile/04540319083566702024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4304558740642687291.post-40970225362235130572019-12-11T09:00:00.000-05:002019-12-11T09:00:06.722-05:00Gift Ideas: BEST. GIFTS. EVER.Tangled was on repeat in our house a year ago and I’m glad it was - it’s a super cute movie. And, if you ask my daughter what her favorite part of our last Disney trip was, she will tell you the “Rapunzel Bathrooms.” I guess she wasn’t impressed by the teacups. <br /><br />Anyways, it’s a cute movie and Disney World needs to up its game and include some more Rapunzel items. Until then, here’s some gift ideas inspired by the one with the long, golden hair! <div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYYQTl4BzZjcszaxKecDq_DiCY2gunEXM8Jvog4olMtUXcpUlD0n6gAyiYIe5a-B5ijXSjvveS-KoGDOoNKIJkz2-EbXiZhvNjNUzxlq9k1ZEro3mt046FuIioIw_Ps-ZMTLtRPRGNEs0/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-12-10+at+9.52.58+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="575" data-original-width="573" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYYQTl4BzZjcszaxKecDq_DiCY2gunEXM8Jvog4olMtUXcpUlD0n6gAyiYIe5a-B5ijXSjvveS-KoGDOoNKIJkz2-EbXiZhvNjNUzxlq9k1ZEro3mt046FuIioIw_Ps-ZMTLtRPRGNEs0/s640/Screen+Shot+2019-12-10+at+9.52.58+PM.png" width="636" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /><ol>
<li>I Do My Hair Toss - With Rapunzel, it’s all about the hair. For your mane-obsessed friend or family member, how about a <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/bbBru">Dry Bar gift set</a> (or <a href="https://www.thedrybar.com/gift-cards">gift card</a>!), <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/bbBqo">Slip scrunchies</a> or <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/bbCQ3">headband </a>(I’m totally having a headband moment).</li>
<li>When Rapunzel firsts meets Eugene, she hits him over the head with a frying pan. I’ve found that after 10 years some of my pans needed a little refresh! I’m going to suggest <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/bbCQD">this set from All Clad</a> since they are a Pittsburgh-area brand! </li>
<li>Rapunzel loves the special “floating lights” that fly every summer on her birthday. Ever since we honeymooned in Cabo, I’ve been obsessed with <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/bbCSb">star lanterns similar to this one from Pottery Barn</a>. Since that’s kinda random, let me suggest this <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/bbCQP">lantern purse</a> based on the ones in the movie! </li>
<li>Everyone is all about those experience gifts. What about some bow and arrow lessons? I saw some people take lessons over the summer at North Park via the ‘gram. I did a little research and there are some places in Pittsburgh where you can shoot indoors - like <a href="https://www.bucksandbows.com/">Bucks & Bows</a> or <a href="http://thearchersedge.com/range/">The Archer’s Edge</a>. There is also a <a href="https://www.shopdisney.com/rapunzel-bow-and-arrow-set-tangled-the-series-460054272011.html">Rapunzel bow and arrow set</a> that is part of our toy collection.</li>
<li>Mandy Moore is the voice of Rapunzel in Tangled and if you are a fan of her music, you just might be in luck. She’s touring this spring and it actually kicks off in Pittsburgh! Check out all dates<a href="https://www.ticketmaster.com/mandy-moore-tickets/artist/713563"> here</a>. </li>
</ol>
</div>
Shot of Brandi*http://www.blogger.com/profile/04540319083566702024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4304558740642687291.post-42896326688778900402019-12-04T09:00:00.000-05:002019-12-04T09:00:06.487-05:00Gift Ideas: The Fairest Of Them AllWhen we took my daughter to Disney for the first time (she was around 16 months), the first Princess she spotted was Snow White. Several months later, she asked if she could watch the movie, so I obliged. Man, I forgot that this is a heavy cartoon! For this exercise, Snow White and her dwarf friends provide oh-so-much inspiration for gifts! <div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCf_UpiptTU1Yu41KmwR8IEYLSKjMZUR-fV6qPqizP8yUGw0fong-fcwK_AzQw1S08R68Nx3J6DfA8Lzrw8gXZ8DwvQTYb3bXZ_lMIecGherntkLo9fkTqUBgwCVyJHAgd7jwhV43rfFo/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-12-03+at+2.15.46+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="478" data-original-width="573" height="532" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCf_UpiptTU1Yu41KmwR8IEYLSKjMZUR-fV6qPqizP8yUGw0fong-fcwK_AzQw1S08R68Nx3J6DfA8Lzrw8gXZ8DwvQTYb3bXZ_lMIecGherntkLo9fkTqUBgwCVyJHAgd7jwhV43rfFo/s640/Screen+Shot+2019-12-03+at+2.15.46+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /><ol>
<li>Mirror, Mirror - The first Anthropologie Home Outlet in the U.S. recently opened near me. My expectations for the store might have been a tad too high, but one thing they have is amazing mirrors. If you aren’t close by, check out the <a href="https://www.anthropologie.com/search?q=mirror">Anthro website for options</a> (that go on sale all the time!). This Hello Beautiful mirror makes a cute gift option under $50.</li>
<li><a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/bbeVI">7 Dwarfs Mini Lipstick Set </a>- I’m not one of those women that have a signature lipstick shade, so this set could potentially help me find the perfect color for my pout! The small size is also great for festive clutches! </li>
<li>Sweet Dreams - Like Sleepy, settle down for a warm winter’s nap with this <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/bbkde">Ugg Weighted Blanket</a>. </li>
<li>No Sneezy - For the family that is always dealing with sickness (ME!), how about a diffuser. I’ve read good things about the <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/bbkfm">CAMPO Ceramic Diffuser</a> and just might be adding one to my list. </li>
<li>An Apple A Day - The poisoned apple sends Snow White into a deep sleep. Give a friend or family member the gift of their very own apple orchard with this <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/bbkgL">Apple-Tree-To-Be kit</a>!</li>
</ol>
</div>
Shot of Brandi*http://www.blogger.com/profile/04540319083566702024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4304558740642687291.post-43265314207307207592019-12-03T09:00:00.000-05:002019-12-02T11:02:03.005-05:00Gift Ideas: Belle of the Ball Continuing the theme of Disney Princess-inspired gifts, let’s move on to one of my favorite princesses - Belle.<br />
<div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIcSYop0ZUjaKcCs-FHeipFG4dDy5KZFToQKvIUyZaBLLydhe0EeNul3GCZwI3edltMNPPqv4JNQL2yIjmifOehh6x4jM_3xZ7uEe5dHRSeqhDI_x9BN1j7TjQXewwVRkG2VaDzEzahoA/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-12-02+at+9.55.18+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="569" data-original-width="570" height="638" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIcSYop0ZUjaKcCs-FHeipFG4dDy5KZFToQKvIUyZaBLLydhe0EeNul3GCZwI3edltMNPPqv4JNQL2yIjmifOehh6x4jM_3xZ7uEe5dHRSeqhDI_x9BN1j7TjQXewwVRkG2VaDzEzahoA/s640/Screen+Shot+2019-12-02+at+9.55.18+AM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<ol>
<li>Books - Belle is obsessed with books - and girllll I can relate. While I’ve been trying to use the library more to keep our collection down, I love a good cookbook gift. Some newly released cookbooks include: <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/joy-of-cooking-irma-s-rombauer/1131658031?ean=9781501169717#/">The Joy of Cooking 2019</a>, <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/entertaining-with-disney-amy-croushorn/1129709720?ean=9781683838715#/">Entertaining with Disney</a> and <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/beautiful-boards-maegan-brown/1132194509?ean=9781631066474#/">Beautiful Boards</a>. I’m also obsessed with <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/you-are-a-f-cking-awesome-mom-leslie-anne-bruce/1130780182?ean=9781580058902#/">You Are A F*cking Awesome Mom</a>, by Leslie Anne Bruce - It’s the perfect gift for a new mom or someone expecting! Finally, I was surprised how much I loved <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/becoming-michelle-obama/1128038172?ean=9781524763138#/">Michelle Obama’s Becoming</a> and there is now a <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/becoming-michelle-obama/1133954717?ean=9780593139127#/">journal</a> to add to the gift</li>
<li><a href="https://www.hannaandersson.com/toddler-girl-disney-princess/52108-NH5.html?dwvar_52108-NH5_color=NH5&cgid=">Hannah Anderson Tulle Skirt</a> - I’m a fan of what I’ve decided to call “Discrete Disney.” Like a piece of apparel that doesn’t scream the character. I love this line of Hannah Anderson princess gear and it’s on way sale!</li>
<li><a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/bbeU9">Kate Spade Belle Boulevard</a> - Almost 10 years later and I finally used my wedding china two weeks ago! Inspired by my recent dinner party, the name of this collection (Belle Boulevard) and the one and only Mrs. Potts, a teapot is a cute gift for a tea-lover on your list. </li>
<li>Magical Rose - The real MVP of Beauty and the Beast is the magical rose. Nowadays, when I think of rose, my mind goes to a good rose. There are several cute bottles out there that would make a great present for a girlfriend or hostess gift. Some options: <a href="https://www.drinkbabe.net/collections/all-products/products/white-girl-rose">White Girl Rose</a>, <a href="https://www.winc.com/wines/2017-summer-water-ros-12181">Summer Water</a> and <a href="https://radwineproject.com/">Rose All Day</a>. Also, how cute is the <a href="https://www.drinkbabe.net/collections/all-products/products/2019-holiday-box">Babe holiday box</a>!? </li>
<li>Art of Shaving Beard Kit - For the “beast” on your list, how about the <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/bbe0r">Art of Shaving Beard Kit</a>!</li>
</ol>
</div>
Shot of Brandi*http://www.blogger.com/profile/04540319083566702024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4304558740642687291.post-38339167787014477302019-12-02T10:57:00.000-05:002019-12-02T10:58:35.134-05:00Shot Of Brandi Holiday Gift Guide <span id="docs-internal-guid-19ceecf2-7fff-68b0-9163-5db4c6a7ccfb"></span><br />
When thinking about a holiday gift guide, I got a little stuck (blame it on the 5,000 tabs open in my head right now). So I looked around my house for inspiration and, well, I was inspired. <br /><br />Even before Disney+ came into our lives, Disney movies have been taking over our television screen for a few years now. I don’t mind - it allows me to revisit the classics and also take in some flicks that I’ve never watched. <br />
<br />
So let’s kick things off with gifts inspired by the ultimate princess, Cinderella. I mean, she does have the biggest house in Disney World, right? <br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrwgV0uskUlLs16M-pi01SIrvIC8Z80QWFkiQ8yNIuFzK95whsm4q83NvtH9qVopBrey_sQfqKID14prnA9P0TSSjVLwtVxc3PBFBAVqej7hD4cDl5JCa2Sd-7iIbOkPYKGHmz74FvGro/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-12-02+at+10.53.51+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="571" data-original-width="572" height="636" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrwgV0uskUlLs16M-pi01SIrvIC8Z80QWFkiQ8yNIuFzK95whsm4q83NvtH9qVopBrey_sQfqKID14prnA9P0TSSjVLwtVxc3PBFBAVqej7hD4cDl5JCa2Sd-7iIbOkPYKGHmz74FvGro/s640/Screen+Shot+2019-12-02+at+10.53.51+AM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<ol>
<li>With this girl, it’s allllll about the shoes. If your budget is endless, how about these beauties from <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/bbe5r">Jimmy Choo</a> or <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/bbe4Y">J. Crew Glitter Boots</a>. For those of us with a shoestring budget (get it), <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/bbe3J">Cinderella Toms</a> or <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/bbe4K">Kate Spade Keds</a>.</li>
<li>They See Me Rollin’ - When I spotted this <a href="https://www.walmart.com/ip/24-Volt-Disney-Princess-Carriage-Ride-On-for-Girls-by-Dynacraft/53341528?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&adid=22222222227045564269&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=88838136409&wl4=aud-430887228898:pla-195643041169&wl5=9005884&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=118664516&wl11=online&wl12=53341528&veh=sem&gclid=Cj0KCQiAiZPvBRDZARIsAORkq7fqjjxrnmqaSsCmHPtxYNpuobAYjq0gBw4oZCx7EEb3B3LoypSeDVIaAmk6EALw_wcB">motorized princess carriage</a> for the first time, I gasped. It’s so amazing. If the price tag is a little too royalty for you, there is also a <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/bbfaL">Little Tikes</a> carriage coup! </li>
<li>Cinderella’s life isn’t always lavish. When her evil stepmother makes her clean the house, Cinderella may appreciate some new supplies! One of my goals in 2020 is to switch to “cleaner” cleaning supplies, so I would totally love a gift card to <a href="https://www.grove.co/home">Grove Collaborative</a>. There are also several natural product starter kits like <a href="https://thrivemarket.com/p/natural-home-cleaning-product-kit">Thrive Market</a>, <a href="https://branchbasics.com/shop/starter-kit/">Branch Basics</a> or <a href="https://www.thelaundress.com/kits-and-gifts/">The Laundress</a>. </li>
<li>When shopping for Disney-related products, items can get a little loud. You’ll soon learn that I’m a fan of “Discrete Disney” - Items that are Disney-themed, but don’t scream DISNEY. For a Cinderella-themed room, I love these framed photos from <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/bbfkU">Pottery Barn Kids</a>. There are several items in this collection, like this <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/bbfm7">Cinderella Jewelry Box</a>.</li>
<li>Stay in a Castle - Thinking about Cinderella’s Castle in Disney, a giant gift would be the opportunity to sleep like Cindy. When I think of castles, I think of Ireland. <a href="https://www.aerlingusvacationstore.com/vacation-packages/interests/castles-manors-villas?gclid=Cj0KCQiAiZPvBRDZARIsAORkq7cXXVrMpmsCdz30Yvdc_pzBcWz0k6o4AslZFdfaRQ5wVPFsRcWmOMEaAtIKEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds">Aer Lingus Vacations</a> offer several Ireland packages that give you the opportunity to spend a night in a castle!</li>
</ol>
Shot of Brandi*http://www.blogger.com/profile/04540319083566702024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4304558740642687291.post-84557443830199335682019-07-24T10:58:00.002-04:002019-07-24T10:58:37.324-04:00Strawberry Fields FOUR-EverBefore my daughter turned three last year, an idea for her 4th birthday party hit me. Her name - Lennon - was of course very closely inspired by a certain musician / band. She’s a fan of the Netflix show Beat Bugs, so knows most of their songs. I knew we’d have to do ONE Beatles-themed party at some point in her life. And, this was the perfect time. <br /><br />I give you - Strawberry Fields FOUR-ever! <div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6tJmh3UuqTbvya6sDWQK2IjmSa6UM6GuJPolk2uLe7BOBICArIlEaKliPAotLRUvez2ay0MqRhDYpzdrs72ndnWQtXfQTa-K8NUuJD1y79wfRazOFcjSFW7e6MLVrsDSKBa7XXSDUEx4/s1600/IMG_5806.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6tJmh3UuqTbvya6sDWQK2IjmSa6UM6GuJPolk2uLe7BOBICArIlEaKliPAotLRUvez2ay0MqRhDYpzdrs72ndnWQtXfQTa-K8NUuJD1y79wfRazOFcjSFW7e6MLVrsDSKBa7XXSDUEx4/s400/IMG_5806.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /><br />I scoured the internet and it doesn’t appear that anyone ever used this exact theme (or posted about it), so I thought I’d show some of the party elements here for others! <br /><br /><br />I’m typically not a fan of double themes, but I was able to make these two work with each other vs. against. <br /><br /><br />I kept the decor strawberry themed. For the “field,” I made about 30 strawberries out of construction paper that I actually had on hand! I printed a pattern from an internet search and spent a rainy afternoon cutting. I then hot glued the strawberries to sticks. Super easy. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxpgkznFN5i1IJOUx8ZOINKMKzNYJwEhb7wy9HLFKgffftr9J71l546PYLMF7LobIn1GTfQF0_RoMO4J-ZIosgSW5pkwASUjyqpG66rbz0qhGN9wVVl5oasv05owibg-OkeXNEYOsprkI/s1600/IMG_5797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxpgkznFN5i1IJOUx8ZOINKMKzNYJwEhb7wy9HLFKgffftr9J71l546PYLMF7LobIn1GTfQF0_RoMO4J-ZIosgSW5pkwASUjyqpG66rbz0qhGN9wVVl5oasv05owibg-OkeXNEYOsprkI/s400/IMG_5797.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgItmv4wHeDkDAQaY3IwHw_azJxAzL6PLBp0GV3j8ec7XeG5VHLyDjY7i-37oyRCdD3wOAYyf9JkSBbG1qHVS5slJ7eoFsi0nFBGmLnEl_r87zZm2VDGNsOeo9Uffpyl1oo3euDEyhk5jI/s1600/IMG_5800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgItmv4wHeDkDAQaY3IwHw_azJxAzL6PLBp0GV3j8ec7XeG5VHLyDjY7i-37oyRCdD3wOAYyf9JkSBbG1qHVS5slJ7eoFsi0nFBGmLnEl_r87zZm2VDGNsOeo9Uffpyl1oo3euDEyhk5jI/s400/IMG_5800.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMiUgJFrhTb-gz9hPh7mun9qi5jhEqzDt2Gb18xBfyQvmMDRXilDX5GWeb3UyMzt4Dd1V5TlqH5TibuLxjgdf1RbksjBa90_KrsZXbAEAVlslykNMgKaK_vNvBX7G06XdaNtZyV6BeRnM/s1600/IMG_5803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMiUgJFrhTb-gz9hPh7mun9qi5jhEqzDt2Gb18xBfyQvmMDRXilDX5GWeb3UyMzt4Dd1V5TlqH5TibuLxjgdf1RbksjBa90_KrsZXbAEAVlslykNMgKaK_vNvBX7G06XdaNtZyV6BeRnM/s400/IMG_5803.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /><br />I decided against helium balloons this year and thank goodness I did. Apparently that helium shortage is real. Most of my usual places are out (i.e. multiple Party City locations, Dollar Stores, etc). The day before the party, I used a little hand air pump to blow up balloons. Then, I added little black dots and green construction paper stems. I created small bushels of balloons for the pillars of the picnic shelter. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRInsNHmISKpgU0kXIguiBlxOoTnKJyT9qfL2SDjEX4zo7u5NhGk30N4mqYH1jPQB3wCdFB35THPuCGcHI5OYG8ozethqnfzLFBPfPnmeKVFyBUNlasXPXBkGN7W7ygSH9pK77mKM-wrw/s1600/IMG_3697.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1086" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRInsNHmISKpgU0kXIguiBlxOoTnKJyT9qfL2SDjEX4zo7u5NhGk30N4mqYH1jPQB3wCdFB35THPuCGcHI5OYG8ozethqnfzLFBPfPnmeKVFyBUNlasXPXBkGN7W7ygSH9pK77mKM-wrw/s400/IMG_3697.jpeg" width="271" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /><br />In case of rain - WHICH we totally had - I made a little “Join the band” craft. Kids could color their own guitar, get a faux tattoo, pick a pair of John Lennon glasses and walk Abbey Road. I cut the guitars out of poster board and added string so they could "wear" them. I had a vision of taking each kids’ picture to make a “backstage pass,” but my husband brought me down a level! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg84DTgS-O9ETW8yw4j19fUuIxmX272NwiAAfN4TWP5cqxVjsu5ZckI6pY5W3-5GmjHHpHAUzrTyHc0kTH8vEAlSqhw33v3ay9yGJwGHGszZDt5DV73iQDe11KvuabXHEWSuRdSz7VRzgQ/s1600/join+the+band.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1125" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg84DTgS-O9ETW8yw4j19fUuIxmX272NwiAAfN4TWP5cqxVjsu5ZckI6pY5W3-5GmjHHpHAUzrTyHc0kTH8vEAlSqhw33v3ay9yGJwGHGszZDt5DV73iQDe11KvuabXHEWSuRdSz7VRzgQ/s400/join+the+band.png" width="300" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /><br />Knowing that we’d likely face elements - like wind and rain - I kept the table decor simple by printing out quotes from Beatles songs. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVz6fViikF9gzWO8UVUePN5TxaZY1OG1Jx4JQ-MUX7Yu-ecwLJm8BpkEIW09zXO5U2tSsDwAgX2fOiTaWtmlkKKJjUaPivzZaeMhyUPAGinRA2agbWYCG9lhFIAmV5-l-Jytr8BAeJkNY/s1600/IMG_3699.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVz6fViikF9gzWO8UVUePN5TxaZY1OG1Jx4JQ-MUX7Yu-ecwLJm8BpkEIW09zXO5U2tSsDwAgX2fOiTaWtmlkKKJjUaPivzZaeMhyUPAGinRA2agbWYCG9lhFIAmV5-l-Jytr8BAeJkNY/s320/IMG_3699.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /><br />Truth be told, no one really took advantage of my “Penny Lane” game, but again, rain. Lol. I purchased a bundle of strawberry graphics from Etsy and had a large sheet printed at Sam’s Club. The idea was kids could throw pennies and try to get them on a strawberry. Apparently I didn't even take a picture of this, but I wanted to share the idea!<br /><br />Now, for the best part. I love a good pun and this menu was FULL of puns. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9dtuRyII9Nku7ExeMYdBMv5-wVy4wljvTWW7dMUVI4H_qr-Sogoj1V5aVsgNu1V8OOLawGt5XhojYpbVhwCQYVwcpGgKiXi1kdUIq0j41H5ZaNlVq7w_DJORKnxMVKa-8i43Sw0hqLpA/s1600/beatles+themed+menu.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1539" data-original-width="1125" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9dtuRyII9Nku7ExeMYdBMv5-wVy4wljvTWW7dMUVI4H_qr-Sogoj1V5aVsgNu1V8OOLawGt5XhojYpbVhwCQYVwcpGgKiXi1kdUIq0j41H5ZaNlVq7w_DJORKnxMVKa-8i43Sw0hqLpA/s640/beatles+themed+menu.png" width="465" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />For drinks, we had: <br /><ul>
<li>Help, I need some water</li>
<li>I feel wine </li>
<li>Lovely margaritas </li>
<li>Helter Seltzers </li>
<li>Here, beer and everywhere - and even a beer called 8 Days a Week! </li>
<li>Hey, Juice (we needed something without alcohol for the kids!) </li>
</ul>
<br />The shelter is next to a small playground where the kids spent most of their time. We also had a strawberry piñata per the request of the birthday girl! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFFDRo-xAzH3Muts23TnEFl9RDxdIPDeiM0LwvyLIO2OrRkbMjrA2VG3urWUGM0TOBelSwnNxJNsmPAEQiJ6Ia25xkjW_8rL3wttZG471V0DUajYXtx3ztEqDtMHaWUjBL5YAlD93XQFw/s1600/IMG_5837.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFFDRo-xAzH3Muts23TnEFl9RDxdIPDeiM0LwvyLIO2OrRkbMjrA2VG3urWUGM0TOBelSwnNxJNsmPAEQiJ6Ia25xkjW_8rL3wttZG471V0DUajYXtx3ztEqDtMHaWUjBL5YAlD93XQFw/s400/IMG_5837.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /><br />Last, but not least, my mom made favors for both the kids and moms! Kids received a strawberry-themed basket of goodies, while moms got a strawberry candle! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5NO3dWT2DnasF_8zYkTsxc4ByIVjNGPQV7EFlODwpYQBRUfeKi4sCuWSJ_oFT6n-E6fafx_RUwzk9pyiG-3-ukXQNxtahwIqkJDKv1JcJxDSQtuR5axnP8me9s5FwP5Hq1jw-M0geHkE/s1600/IMG_3696.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5NO3dWT2DnasF_8zYkTsxc4ByIVjNGPQV7EFlODwpYQBRUfeKi4sCuWSJ_oFT6n-E6fafx_RUwzk9pyiG-3-ukXQNxtahwIqkJDKv1JcJxDSQtuR5axnP8me9s5FwP5Hq1jw-M0geHkE/s400/IMG_3696.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ5Sl5JIU7wnundBpwXBfg6y0khW5O_NhIPyyfFBk6E5Q7IhR6tw7kdwRRZWAtTH0ZbIqi9PS8NMkdrbGhp2Jh8jk36r7l7w9Xqb4EK_CA1tD-AVzzZobicjusOBHIOhuubDfFhHXYOG4/s1600/IMG_3765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ5Sl5JIU7wnundBpwXBfg6y0khW5O_NhIPyyfFBk6E5Q7IhR6tw7kdwRRZWAtTH0ZbIqi9PS8NMkdrbGhp2Jh8jk36r7l7w9Xqb4EK_CA1tD-AVzzZobicjusOBHIOhuubDfFhHXYOG4/s400/IMG_3765.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Shot of Brandi*http://www.blogger.com/profile/04540319083566702024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4304558740642687291.post-40077032012222134762019-06-11T08:00:00.000-04:002019-06-11T13:22:33.695-04:00Dancing Queen: Dance Class Treat We are closing out another year of dance class and that calls for a celebration! I’m always trying to brainstorm ideas for a class treat that isn’t just a piece of candy. I know that some schools request a non-food treat and that can be tricky for parents too!<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmq1S4H5rEZhkNiKUocXZTuYQvQP7n1xwvUh4Fxt1J4vNR1AmW7feABEHR65uHrF0wBOmolKzVjfKa7Ia2K4Yz3hq1TVfsgWGEEyT4eWp5kt_4ZH4RNrihROR5DN2_rO82itclWtEKFqM/s1600/ACS_0156.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmq1S4H5rEZhkNiKUocXZTuYQvQP7n1xwvUh4Fxt1J4vNR1AmW7feABEHR65uHrF0wBOmolKzVjfKa7Ia2K4Yz3hq1TVfsgWGEEyT4eWp5kt_4ZH4RNrihROR5DN2_rO82itclWtEKFqM/s640/ACS_0156.JPG" /></a><br /><br />With the help of my almost 4-year-old, we picked out these <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M0TQ96D/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1">princess crowns from Amazon that come with a small wand and ring</a>. I put the want and ring into a bag and tied them to the crown with a bow and card. <br /><br />BTW - is TGFA a thing? Can it be? TGFA = Thank god for Amazon! <br /><br />For the card, I wanted something clever that tied the item into dance class - so low and behold, I give you - DANCING QUEEN! Lol. I purchased the crown clip art from Etsy. <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/PaperSphinx">Paper Sphinx</a> is my go-to for clip art! <br /><br />Anyways, this was an easy, cute, item for those end of year dance class favors! Shot of Brandi*http://www.blogger.com/profile/04540319083566702024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4304558740642687291.post-64395527283035644542019-06-07T10:22:00.000-04:002019-06-07T10:22:04.750-04:00What I’m Doing While Not Blogging Part 3: Reading Reading more wasn’t a “resolution’ that I made, but in January I started taking advantage of our awesome local library more. They have a great selection and I just can't purchase anymore books. I read them once and then they collect dust. Exception = Harry Potter. I will forever own those.<br /><br />Thinking about how I use my screen time, most of it is devoted to reading. Reading news or magazine articles. Reading blogs. So as a way to put down the screen a bit, I started reading more books. <br /><br />So what have I been reading…<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqg4sYQilvrCwB65PnWRyJWqsWeif9_ux-Fedvc8LxoCFIy5rmKO_rJ4Y1v93g4JCPvC8PZGeeSrPuUEfgtPc4Ri05qewV2QvZVZXdi1pnLBE7w0yEXDNx9yk4v_r-Qlo9m6z_rHIC31w/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-06-07+at+10.19.13+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="517" data-original-width="513" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqg4sYQilvrCwB65PnWRyJWqsWeif9_ux-Fedvc8LxoCFIy5rmKO_rJ4Y1v93g4JCPvC8PZGeeSrPuUEfgtPc4Ri05qewV2QvZVZXdi1pnLBE7w0yEXDNx9yk4v_r-Qlo9m6z_rHIC31w/s640/Screen+Shot+2019-06-07+at+10.19.13+AM.png" width="634" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /><br /><a href="https://www.amazon.com/All-We-Ever-Wanted-Novel/dp/0399178929">All We Ever Wanted</a> - Surprisingly I haven’t read more Emily Griffin books. This might have been my first one. Loved it. The book focuses on the mom of a high school boy and deals with topics parents face today thanks to cell phones. Also, the relationship between the husband and wife. Quick, good read. Recommend it. <br /><br /><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Library-Book-Susan-Orlean/dp/1476740186">The Library Book</a> - Very interesting, true story, about how the Los Angeles Public Library burnt down. Sadly, this book was a new release and due back to my local library pretty quick, so I didn’t get to finish it. It was a bit of a slower read for me. I can’t totally recommend it. <br /><br /><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Little-Fires-Everywhere-Celeste-Ng/dp/0735224315/ref=sr_1_2?crid=65PC4L5GI6TX&keywords=celeste+ng&qid=1559834108&s=books&sprefix=celeste+n%2Cstripbooks%2C125&sr=1-2">Little Fires Everywhere</a> - Reese Witherspoon and Kerry Washington started filming this adaptation, so I had to read it before Hulu show comes out! Loved it. The book is set in the Shaker Heights suburbs of Cleveland. The author, Celeste Ng, actually spent some years living in Pittsburgh, so there are some local references! It’s the story of an artist mom and her high school daughter that move around a lot and end up in Shaker Heights. The story focuses on the relationship between the future Reese and Kerry characters and their children. It’s good. Read it. Now. <br /><br /><a href="https://www.amazon.com/My-Oxford-Year-Julia-Whelan/dp/0062740644/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=my+oxford+year&qid=1559834320&s=books&sr=1-1">My Oxford Yea</a>r - A somewhat self-explanatory title lol. This book is about a woman that spends a year studying at Oxford while still contributing to a political campaign in the states. It’s more love story vs, politics. Actually, politics plays a very minor role in the story. Anyways, while studying, she meets a guy. Will she stay in Oxford or go back to the US? You’ll need to read. Loved it. I want more. I want this to be a movie. I was actually surprised how much I liked this! <br /><br /><a href="https://www.amazon.com/What-Alice-Forgot-Liane-Moriarty-ebook/dp/B004XFYN9M">What Alice Forgot</a> - This story is by Liane Moriarty, who wrote Big Little Lies - which I read when Lennon was born and pretty much forget the story. I blame sleep deprivation! I think the HBO show is confusing me too because it’s strayed so far from the book. Back to What Alice Forgot. I loved this story. Some parts were a little slow and it started to remind me of All We Ever Wanted in weird ways, BUT this is a story of Alice - who was working out, fell off a cycle bike and hit her head. She wakes up and can’t remember the last 10 years of her life. She and her husband are separated, her sister doesn’t like her much and she has three kids she can’t remember. The story then goes back in time to help Alice remember what she “forgot.” <br /><br /><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01IN9HWRI/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i0">Victoria</a> - I remember discovering this author, Daisy Goodwin, from some article headline that said “If you miss Downton Abbey, read/watch this” and Victoria was on that list. It’s likely because it was made into a PBS series - which I watched after reading this book! That’s a long way of saying - if you are into Downtown Abbey, old school royalty with some fact/fiction/love, this book is for you! The first season of the PBS series followed the book pretty close and I loved it! I wish there were more books for the other seasons because I started to get lost. This was one of the first books I read this year and went on a <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Daisy-Goodwin/e/B0034OQ2PG/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1">Daisy Goodwin kick </a>- following it up with The Fortune Hunter. Loved that too. I want more! </div>
<div>
<br />I think that about covers it! I’m looking forward to knocking down some more books this summer! If you read something good that I should add, let me know! </div>
Shot of Brandi*http://www.blogger.com/profile/04540319083566702024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4304558740642687291.post-72436242916230116872019-06-05T09:00:00.000-04:002019-06-05T09:00:05.819-04:00What I’m Doing While Not Blogging Part 2: Crafting <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKwYgTV90vUOcb7ioIHhwoN4RRLiTdCZN_Mxdb99_kRxyAE5GuYQnD9AlES-N0h_Hl6QWnDcez78EG25jY-jWrzIc90_Ep3O2VBNX847hygvlZzySmsjCidQv64tOFhfFPRUWKEMq-1Yg/s1600/mother%2527s+day+DIY.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="847" data-original-width="847" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKwYgTV90vUOcb7ioIHhwoN4RRLiTdCZN_Mxdb99_kRxyAE5GuYQnD9AlES-N0h_Hl6QWnDcez78EG25jY-jWrzIc90_Ep3O2VBNX847hygvlZzySmsjCidQv64tOFhfFPRUWKEMq-1Yg/s400/mother%2527s+day+DIY.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
When my daughter was a baby, we started doing a Mother’s Day craft together for her grandma’s and great-grandma’s. Keeping the tradition alive, this year we made succulent vases! <br /><br />I picked up a 4-pack of these ceramic vases, gave the kid some acrylic paints (i’m crazy) and let her have at it without much instruction (i.e. don’t get paint on my table). <div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBz9NtBBnhgZC0fawthKm5z3o99O2sSbrZ62D0RoqUIQwNrACjwFW9mj1qitfuV3sF84PxIIYJJKi1Shmtw_Q4rssNbbfTIrO1NkLYlTiF0-Mylnvzs9pTzl4TubbfTY5CjO55MK9n9EE/s1600/ACS_0153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBz9NtBBnhgZC0fawthKm5z3o99O2sSbrZ62D0RoqUIQwNrACjwFW9mj1qitfuV3sF84PxIIYJJKi1Shmtw_Q4rssNbbfTIrO1NkLYlTiF0-Mylnvzs9pTzl4TubbfTY5CjO55MK9n9EE/s400/ACS_0153.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /><br />She chose to paint each vase 1 color. Once they dried from the multiple coats of paint the kid used, we added some flair. I used a hot glue gun to add the gems, but the kid picked them and told me where to glue! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNoRZia18rSPGPduAmILQdrpqQbaEDuH7lPpNILZA8p1qv9Oc67CyITg2slNoESFlqUtisnFGu-PQGLBKUnXM-kMHTHs88SZWsYyAAPLNoMw0Ytmjqx76a57JdzbarQ4BZz590FkcUlpo/s1600/IMG_2446.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNoRZia18rSPGPduAmILQdrpqQbaEDuH7lPpNILZA8p1qv9Oc67CyITg2slNoESFlqUtisnFGu-PQGLBKUnXM-kMHTHs88SZWsYyAAPLNoMw0Ytmjqx76a57JdzbarQ4BZz590FkcUlpo/s400/IMG_2446.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />I found the mini succulents at Home Depot! <br /><br />I added a little homemade Q&A card with each gift and voila! A homemade Mother’s Day gift! <br /><br />We started crafting for the "pun-niest" party that I've ever hosted - my daughter's 4th birthday! I can't wait to share with you the details! </div>
Shot of Brandi*http://www.blogger.com/profile/04540319083566702024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4304558740642687291.post-18324822897731614822019-06-04T21:19:00.001-04:002019-06-04T21:20:31.988-04:00What I'm Doing While Not Blogging: Part 1 - Exercise. Hello? Is this thing on? <br />
<br />
HA! <br />
<br />
I’ve mentioned before that I have pages and pages and binders and binders of unpublished blog ideas. If only there was more time and resources! <br />
<br />
I have a few blog posts up my sleeve for this week in a series I’m going to call - “What I’m Doing When I’m Not Blogging…” I wish I had something more creative. I’m open to suggestions. <br />
<br />
Let’s start with the first thing I’m probably doing when not blogging. Well, that’s not true. I’m probably “Mom-ing.” That is a verb, right? <br />
<br />
The other thing I’m probably doing my shock you. I’m working out.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMkko1e2xCaThRysX8PEDn3NtG3aOjV0Jd4FhrtQVKrO0rQvgfNlcN-FqkbO5e_Wa_l-PrdPJR3JeWpgGP9HEEodVZGMlhUU51SHhjA5NwRGAz6Fq4-mpw4M8LgzbmScGaHDFmZbh9V2c/s1600/IMG_2730.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1494" data-original-width="1512" height="395" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMkko1e2xCaThRysX8PEDn3NtG3aOjV0Jd4FhrtQVKrO0rQvgfNlcN-FqkbO5e_Wa_l-PrdPJR3JeWpgGP9HEEodVZGMlhUU51SHhjA5NwRGAz6Fq4-mpw4M8LgzbmScGaHDFmZbh9V2c/s400/IMG_2730.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
I used to totally roll my eyes when I saw people sharing their workout on social media. Like everyone really needed to see that you ran 5 miles this morning while I was still in my pjs. Cool, bro. <br />
<br />
Now, I’m a somewhat changed woman. I finally found a workout class that I’m super happy to share a screenshot of my “performance” with my husband and sister once I’m done - with a funny gif of someone falling off a bike. <br />
<br />
A bike because, I’m officially obsessed with cycle class. <br />
<br />
Before I begin, let me say that I’m not someone that doesn’t like working out. My first job when I was 14-years-old was working the front desk at a gym. I also had a membership, a workout plan from a trainer and occasionally took aerobics classes (yep, I said aerobics). <br />
<br />
I’ve always tried to remain active - to balance my love of wine and chocolate - but as you get older and work long hours at a desk, and try to keep tiny humans alive, it gets harder. Throw in an unexpected heart condition that I learned about in 2015, it certainly made my workout plan a little different (everything is okay - I just have some limits!). <br />
<br />
Back to Cycle. <br />
<br />
In the summer of 2017, a cycle studio became one of my public relations clients. This “forced” me into taking two classes. Then, they opened a studio by my house and I’ve been going on the regular. <br />
<br />
If you’ve never participated in a spin class, read on. If you have, you can continue to read, but this may be boring. <br />
<br />
I had taken a spin class at a gym before, but nothing like this! The difference is CycleBar is a boutique studio - spin classes is all they offer! <br />
<br />
At this studio, you submit your shoe size when you register and they supply spin shoes. It’s kinda like bowling. Yes, it freaked me out a little at first, but you need to wear them because you can clip into the bike pedals. Trust me, you need to do this! <br />
<br />
When you book your class, you book your bike. It’s important that you check in and sit at your assigned bike. That’s how you get your results. More on that later. <br />
<br />
Most classes are 45 minutes, but they do offer 60 minute classes. Each class typically has a 10-ish minute warm up and a little cool down at the end. For most of the 45 minutes, you are pedaling along to different songs and exercises on a bike. No, you aren’t sitting in the saddle the whole time (that’s what we in the biz call the seat). <br />
<br />
The “bar” in CycleBar comes from the two weighted bars at the front of each bike (you can kinda see them on this awful pic below the handlebar). I wish I told you that I found an exercise class where you sip rose and burn calories, but not here folks. This “bar” is all about those arm muscles. During one song, the instructor leads you through an arm workout - typically it’s like 5 straight minutes too. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhspuTkyiTl1zuqtt9exwL46YCtCdK4XOc2LxBQbAc7-sMmL5mtBe99uwLC7xpopOwy5vLV652s33n55lJ3HzV9GctQ7Gnj7VbsMoNOCT0BR7gMRXIGiS8QZdmGIddWbNL6qxrT56NSI0I/s1600/IMG_2301.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhspuTkyiTl1zuqtt9exwL46YCtCdK4XOc2LxBQbAc7-sMmL5mtBe99uwLC7xpopOwy5vLV652s33n55lJ3HzV9GctQ7Gnj7VbsMoNOCT0BR7gMRXIGiS8QZdmGIddWbNL6qxrT56NSI0I/s640/IMG_2301.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: start;">I’m not a CycleStar by any means, but after each 45 min. class, I typically burn around 600 calories. During one fluke class, I managed to burn 1,025 and I have the screenshot to prove it. </span></div>
<br style="text-align: start;" />
<span style="text-align: start;">Oh yeah, about those stats. They are delivered to your inbox after each class and some mysterious math that has to do with your height, weight, RMPs on the bike and resistance. They also email you your CLASS RANKING. So you know where you finish among your fellow riders. </span><br />
<br style="text-align: start;" />
<span style="text-align: start;">When I first started classes, I’d ALWAYS finish last. But in the words of my favorite music artist of the moment, Drake - “Started from the bottom now I’m here!” Here = third to last lol. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcABeZaLpKaoyNfU6kHqOGm8x4cQoImjs6W3g_JAUPamUlU19OIYHGyk_ACy75kT9NiH-2OvadW5uI91iQcLJR-L58nUuvwc_OiH4zKHaFtaWhbypOxrn06sKkdr-7Be_8ZBZL04BmYuw/s1600/IMG_2302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcABeZaLpKaoyNfU6kHqOGm8x4cQoImjs6W3g_JAUPamUlU19OIYHGyk_ACy75kT9NiH-2OvadW5uI91iQcLJR-L58nUuvwc_OiH4zKHaFtaWhbypOxrn06sKkdr-7Be_8ZBZL04BmYuw/s400/IMG_2302.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br />
If you made it this far and never tried cycle, I’d totally recommend it! I’m personally pretty shocked how much I enjoy it. I’m not bored, 45 minutes is totally doable, my studio offers a lot of different class times, the instructors are great and make awesome playlists and you feel great after your ride. The fact that they send you scores also makes you want to go back and do better - it’s highly motivating! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I could go on and on, but I'm going to end this and think about my next workout. Kidding. Kind of.<br />
<br />
If you go: </div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Don’t forget socks. Also, the room is always super cold in the beginning, so it's totally normal to wear layers! </li>
<li>Bring a water bottle. No need to fill it - they have fancy water machines. They supply a towel. </li>
<li>Make your ride, YOUR ride. If you want to sit down and pedal the whole time, you do that.</li>
<li>Wait for a sale to buy rides - it can be a little pricey. Do the math to figure out the most cost effective price per class for your schedule. </li>
<li>Scope out the room for fans. Book a bike near the fan! </li>
<li>I wear slide sandals with socks. Yep. But it makes putting my shoes on quick and easy!</li>
<li>Don’t expect to lose a lot of weight. I’ve been cycling 2-3 time a week and I know my clothes fit a little better, but I’m not seeing the numbers move on the scale. I hear this is common, but there is muscle forming somewhere! While dropping some LBS would be nice, I’m in this for the “healthy lifestyle’ thing ; )</li>
</ul>
<div>
One day, my instructor said something that stuck with me. For some people, the hardest part of the workout is making it through the door. I've completed 54 classes without a "buddy" and I know it can be intimidating to try things on your own. You can also have a million excuses for hitting that cancel button. Consider trying it one time to see if you like it! </div>
</div>
Shot of Brandi*http://www.blogger.com/profile/04540319083566702024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4304558740642687291.post-15081603159650614602019-03-13T18:51:00.002-04:002019-03-13T18:53:09.975-04:00Off The Hook Tuna Recipe <span style="font-family: inherit;">Many of you know that my day job is not blogger - SHOCKER, right!? <br /><br />Thank god it isn’t because I blog like once a month if I’m lucky now. <br /><br />My day job is focusing on public relations - and actually content - but for paying clients. <br /><br />Let’s just say that one of my clients is a “local boutique grocery store that specializes in seafood.” <br /><br />Earlier this year, I spent some time with one of the team members on a television segment that focused on an easy seared sesame crusted ahi tuna recipe. You guys. I’m hooked. <br /><br />This recipe is so easy. And, cooking semi-raw tuna is so easy. In fact, I don’t even follow a recipe now. <br /><br />I took some snaps before I cooked this dish last week, which by the way smoked up my house. I’ll probably wait a few weeks to make it again when I can air out the place. </span><br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCUfgyP45nOX6xDYJ5_4J1zVfFJ6ulzASyNk5AVAOshbkAk6svNIAm3AUGpF6X7cJnpHZ3fjL8xM2Qs4hSG0zf4JKuimSpbDDlt5fsG9HhVYsS-_3PrDrQswSQSIGQrMXMiHvZW-zwQyw/s1600/ACS_0132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCUfgyP45nOX6xDYJ5_4J1zVfFJ6ulzASyNk5AVAOshbkAk6svNIAm3AUGpF6X7cJnpHZ3fjL8xM2Qs4hSG0zf4JKuimSpbDDlt5fsG9HhVYsS-_3PrDrQswSQSIGQrMXMiHvZW-zwQyw/s400/ACS_0132.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
Here’s what I did: <br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Bought the tuna fresh - not frozen. If the tuna looks sketch, ask the fish monger if it’s “sushi grade” or just tell them you plan to eat it semi-raw.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>When I was about to cook the tuna, I coated it in a little soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, pepper and lemon. </li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li>Then, I rolled the outside of the tuna in sesame seeds (I need to get some of the black seeds still).</li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li>I put oil in a pan and got it really hot. Like smoking hot. (Hence, why I almost caused sprinklers to go off). </li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li>You then cook the tuna for about 45 seconds on each side and you are DONE. Dinner in under 5 minutes! </li>
</ul>
<br />
I know my “recipe” is a little wonky because I tend to improvise, but here are some recipes from the experts: <br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.williams-sonoma.com/recipe/seared-sesame-crusted-tuna.html">Williams-Sonoma </a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/seared_ahi_tuna/">Simply Recipes </a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/tyler-florence/pan-seared-tuna-with-avocado-soy-ginger-and-lime-recipe-1914316">Food Network </a>Shot of Brandi*http://www.blogger.com/profile/04540319083566702024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4304558740642687291.post-53620765142931291192019-02-05T16:44:00.001-05:002019-02-05T16:47:45.322-05:00Ra! Ra! It's a Pom Wreath<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRVc1qjkCa2e113Rr3XrEfUryMFvd4BzD14yuVWq85GCIFuK6y6UFpU4awyov4j9Y8SInGs34NhTSN-yjnediRPKR-SszzJTRxHwupx-vqr11P4u0FBkaGzxZdbOZG18CJpORqYAhqdT0/s1600/IMG_5342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1119" data-original-width="1600" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRVc1qjkCa2e113Rr3XrEfUryMFvd4BzD14yuVWq85GCIFuK6y6UFpU4awyov4j9Y8SInGs34NhTSN-yjnediRPKR-SszzJTRxHwupx-vqr11P4u0FBkaGzxZdbOZG18CJpORqYAhqdT0/s640/IMG_5342.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />Today we are going to talk poms. <br /><br />I have a little history with poms. I guess the cheer ones came first in the early ‘90’s. Then, I moved on to the yarn ones in high school. You see, as a majorette in the band, a rite of passage was making your first pair of poms for your boots. This required a lot of yarn. We wrapped it around our legs, tied the bunch with a string and then cut them. To finish the look, we added a sequin wrapper! <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuPiNImCZkCFaJtmhIdJBY5cMGc5NraWOKqMJrJsAkP-teQf3hC2R5wXsm6qaDFzUwcbEz-JH9R2epla1pzH6RqruR-1njGA0ivRzx0ZlYnLUjpdcuwjqunFy0S9nZCDm-WuQXQ7Qki2c/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-02-05+at+2.34.37+PM.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuPiNImCZkCFaJtmhIdJBY5cMGc5NraWOKqMJrJsAkP-teQf3hC2R5wXsm6qaDFzUwcbEz-JH9R2epla1pzH6RqruR-1njGA0ivRzx0ZlYnLUjpdcuwjqunFy0S9nZCDm-WuQXQ7Qki2c/s320/Screen+Shot+2019-02-05+at+2.34.37+PM.png" /></a> . <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlQ4bxjB-GnUHZHmraEvSE7B0GIiFE0FX3sIzNIba9wQC93aL3dZVMo7piwu45TYaTey_VYYMiTk6zcWZqXMvljhrUtaAItS4f3QaktetEbQAIWv1wi6ivK90uvPUgtYQ-GkQ5G961dTU/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-02-05+at+2.35.06+PM.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlQ4bxjB-GnUHZHmraEvSE7B0GIiFE0FX3sIzNIba9wQC93aL3dZVMo7piwu45TYaTey_VYYMiTk6zcWZqXMvljhrUtaAItS4f3QaktetEbQAIWv1wi6ivK90uvPUgtYQ-GkQ5G961dTU/s320/Screen+Shot+2019-02-05+at+2.35.06+PM.png" /></a><br /><br /><br />Fast forward to today. <br /><br />I’ve been seeing pom wreaths, poms on shirts, poms on hats...poms are having a moment. I thought - I could make that. Then, I discovered the plastic pom makers. No legs required! <br /><br />During a snowy, cold weekend, I bought some yarn and pomed away. Before I used my fancy pom makers, I did watch this <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqBMaGSOF4M">super helpful tutorial</a>. <br /><br />I paired pink, red and magenta yarn together for a heart wreath (I already had the wire wreath at home). I’d say that this first attempt is missing something. Perhaps white poms? Or, maybe a multi-color yarn? <br /><br />This is probably a no brainer, but when you tie the pom, you leave some extra yarn to then tie on to the wreath. You can see that I used a wire wreath. Some poms went a little rouge, so I had to work hard to place them on the wreath. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKGjScFGUY-DaAkt4_2KygKJ-lX030fF-f20fqSxWTcjOcrIQwC76syQgrridFBwZMqldVjp205Ll8lgGhS0WPd2r93be_awQwW7Ae7dLVtEN6DqFavOGLfc5oY4AfEmKClkeLPjdGOic/s1600/IMG_5355.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKGjScFGUY-DaAkt4_2KygKJ-lX030fF-f20fqSxWTcjOcrIQwC76syQgrridFBwZMqldVjp205Ll8lgGhS0WPd2r93be_awQwW7Ae7dLVtEN6DqFavOGLfc5oY4AfEmKClkeLPjdGOic/s640/IMG_5355.JPG" /></a><br /><br />By the way, I barely scratched the surface on these big rolls of yarn. I have so much left! If you are making a small wreath, no need to invest in the big rolls. <br /><br />I’d say, with the plastic pom makers, 3 rolls of yarn and the wire wreath, I made this for under $25. Next time, I won’t need the pom makers! <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik42Kd-WtU4vl270QZ19uvxL-Nfpdn7wzMveToGFp0lvH107udHenwF0IXwUfzgVgJoVzPSGVLQx6fEUbRsxnMbmIDIAF7urCQgb6R1tMOG6rEM161BPd41_kkr9e2C0O3BpqbkubAU8E/s1600/ACS_0125.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik42Kd-WtU4vl270QZ19uvxL-Nfpdn7wzMveToGFp0lvH107udHenwF0IXwUfzgVgJoVzPSGVLQx6fEUbRsxnMbmIDIAF7urCQgb6R1tMOG6rEM161BPd41_kkr9e2C0O3BpqbkubAU8E/s640/ACS_0125.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Shot of Brandi*http://www.blogger.com/profile/04540319083566702024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4304558740642687291.post-27067283575220930962019-01-31T18:10:00.000-05:002019-02-05T16:45:49.306-05:00My Sunny Valentine <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC6Ftqtnkg4k4JUqVjjs5ASs6PdvWjpkZ3hQum-zwwHJU3kDNjUSSd4lO02PFmLbKehL33YOVXA_k5740QgrRESsvYdUW1DExJ1is54juKwtIbjgp4eCLvyLiJXtjKWzuR5bp601_ygrg/s1600/ACS_0124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC6Ftqtnkg4k4JUqVjjs5ASs6PdvWjpkZ3hQum-zwwHJU3kDNjUSSd4lO02PFmLbKehL33YOVXA_k5740QgrRESsvYdUW1DExJ1is54juKwtIbjgp4eCLvyLiJXtjKWzuR5bp601_ygrg/s400/ACS_0124.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
You guys know that I live for a good themed class treat. I feel like Valentine’s Day is a holiday where I can really get my creative juices flowing. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.shotofbrandi.com/2018/02/youre-gem.html">Last year, I already rolled with the gem-themed cards and ring pops</a>, but saved another idea - heart sunglasses! <br /><br />As soon as I possibly could, I ordered these <a href="https://www.minted.com/product/classroom-valentine-cards/MIN-ZOO-CVD/hello-sunshine">sun-themed Valentine cards from Minted</a>. I mean, I totally love a standard Valentine Card from Target, but I can’t help myself with personalized paper goods. Yes. I’m that extra mom. <br /><br />I ordered heart-shaped sunnies from <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07KXFVDGP/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1">Amazon</a>. All pink for dance class and multi-color for school. I do fear some kids may get testy with the color variety (there are some blues and greens), but oh well. <br /><br />I’m planning to punch a hole in the envelopes, while avoiding the card (already testing it) and attaching the card with a ribbon. <br /><br />In the end, for 30ish "treats" I came in a little under $50. So, about $1.66 per kid. A little pricey, but worth for my future homeroom mom portfolio. Shot of Brandi*http://www.blogger.com/profile/04540319083566702024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4304558740642687291.post-33663578621500162302019-01-13T19:48:00.000-05:002019-01-13T19:48:17.506-05:00Knotty or Nice - Christmas Party Favor <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">When it comes to the holidays, I try to know my limits. I can only commit to so many gatherings, cooking baking, shopping trips...the list goes on. Adding to the stress, the end of the year is always a bit hectic at work too. This year, I also vowed to stay healthy - which meant some extra trips to the cycle studio. </span></div>
<b id="docs-internal-guid-0027432f-7fff-e430-a035-32aced914c28" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Knowing that the kid has holiday parties at school and dance, I tried to brainstorm early something different other than candy. I was rather proud of my dance class idea, so i had to share. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY9dCCTUHfVzQCyqQ47niiDxfPE-q_NUBEIVz8ISyK6QdQmApADVk6EqM-QZFh190nMiypsSPGctk4Iwl9DvqihRsD-CniMeOFAmvW54UZi2GSxFQybvljFNNePsB6OCOKPPs2m6hFwjA/s1600/ACS_0121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="873" data-original-width="873" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY9dCCTUHfVzQCyqQ47niiDxfPE-q_NUBEIVz8ISyK6QdQmApADVk6EqM-QZFh190nMiypsSPGctk4Iwl9DvqihRsD-CniMeOFAmvW54UZi2GSxFQybvljFNNePsB6OCOKPPs2m6hFwjA/s640/ACS_0121.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">I found these $1.50 hair bows (on sale) at Target and I knew they’d be perfect for Lennon’s dance class. I scoured the internets for a cute saying to put with the bows, but couldn’t find one. So I made this up and it worked for a Christmas party favor! </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">With only five girls in Lennon’s class, I walked away with this party favor under $10! </span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">I know, I know, the holidays are over. But in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, I forgot to blog this. Save it for next year ; ) </span></div>
Shot of Brandi*http://www.blogger.com/profile/04540319083566702024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4304558740642687291.post-21328366577963789562018-12-06T14:46:00.001-05:002018-12-06T14:46:53.599-05:00Gift Ideas Inspired By Books: Mary Poppins I cannot tell you how pumped up I am to see Mary Poppins Returns. After reading some magazine features on the movie, I can’t stop talking about this movie! Of course both movies are based on the books by P. L. Travers. <br /><br />An obvious gift here would be some movie tickets or say an iTunes gift card to buy the movie when it comes out. I know that people are all about those experience gifts right now and I feel like the experience of going to a movie may be one that is forgotten! It’s expensive for tickets and snacks that a gift card could help! And, those tickets could be accompanied by anything on the list below! <div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0WZjgEZUiU0jnqUdGPmv7660XouEUNvv2sLxIzgPpwIpVdTIJ0a7q4tUc5rr0tphvxGOod6R-4Ld4O_oUnMkot9fs5ckrRKerzXYwcLF8O9B4Q1JXfVg4-F8C0JTh1T9426U1nzRgcIw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2018-12-06+at+2.44.11+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="476" data-original-width="351" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0WZjgEZUiU0jnqUdGPmv7660XouEUNvv2sLxIzgPpwIpVdTIJ0a7q4tUc5rr0tphvxGOod6R-4Ld4O_oUnMkot9fs5ckrRKerzXYwcLF8O9B4Q1JXfVg4-F8C0JTh1T9426U1nzRgcIw/s640/Screen+Shot+2018-12-06+at+2.44.11+PM.png" width="470" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />1. <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/WokR">Mary Poppins Boxed Set </a>- I'm thinking about buying <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Mary-Poppins-picture-book-Travers/dp/1328916774/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1544125571&sr=8-1&keywords=mary+poppins+picture+book">this book</a> for my pre-schooler.<br /><br />2. <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/Wok0">Hunter Boots </a> <br /><br />3. <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/WsdD">Burberry Umbrella </a>- While Mary Poppins’ umbrella famously has a parrot head handle, any lady on your list will love this luxury umbrella! <br /><br />4. <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/Wojg">Kite Crossbody </a><br /><br />5. <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/WuQD">Sugar Bowl</a> - Like the umbrella, I wanted to up the game on another memorable moment from the original movie. You know the words...Just...a...spoonful...</div>
Shot of Brandi*http://www.blogger.com/profile/04540319083566702024noreply@blogger.com0