Showing posts with label lifestyle. Show all posts
Showing posts with label lifestyle. Show all posts

Sunday, March 22, 2015

I Started A Tumblr!




So I started a Tumblr! Yes...the 16 year-old-girl in me is super excited. Bahahaha, no really. I find it relaxing and motivating to scroll through pictures and words of wisdom that inspire me about life, family, travel, art, cozy homes and yummy food. I guess it's sort of a vision board, right? I hope this will be a place that you can come to unwind and think about happy things. My fuzzy blanket is now yours. I hope you like it.

*Links to the original sources and recipes can be found when you click on the pictures. 

Friday, December 13, 2013

Great Christmas Gifts! BIRCHBOX {For Him or Her}

Click Here To sign up for BIRCHBOX -- The best way to discover new beauty, grooming and lifestyle products. Buy a monthly box for you friend {or yourself} for  3, 6 or 12 months! Each month you'll get a delivery of top product samples from high-end brands. It's such a great way to try out new products without breaking the bank!

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Monday, December 2, 2013

50 Ways to Celebrate Life


 
 
1. Surround yourself with positive people.
 
2. Get involved in a charity or volunteer work. Do something good for your community.
 
3. Breathe deeply. Deep, slow belly breaths are good for reducing stress levels. 
 
4. Eat healthy foods. Your body will thank you immensely!
5. Laugh, laugh, laugh every day!

6. Dance! Turn up the tunes and shake it!
 
7. Have a yard sale. Declutter your home while making some money or you can also donate it!

8. Redecorate a room. Change can be a good thing, even if it’s just rearranging the furniture.

9. Go to your local farmers market for fresh produce. Support your local farmers.

10. Go out to dinner with friends and try new exotic cuisines.

11. Indulge in a piece of dark chocolate cake and cup of coffee while watching your favorite show, reading a book or sitting on the porch etc.

12. Travel as often a possible. See new places and learn about different cultures. Be humble and open to different ways of life when visiting other countries.

13. Take a slow walk with someone you love. Hold their hand.

14. Grow your own garden. Plant flowers, fruits, veggies and herbs that you like to smell and eat!

15. Clean the house while listening to your favorite music. It’s nice to feel organized.

16. Treat yourself to an item that you’ve been wanting for a long time. You’re worth it…you work hard. It’s ok to get something nice for yourself once in a while.

17. Spend time with your family.

18. Play a classic board game ex: Monopoly, Pictionary or Scrabble. Have a game night with your family and friends.

19. Drink red wine…one glass a day is great for your heart

20. Go on a date with your spouse, bf/gf or a lovely friend.

21. Write your letters by hand -- it's becoming a lost art and handwritten letters are beautiful and personal. Someone will definitely cherish your effort.

22. Learn something new {outside of your box}…Latin Dance, Trapeze or Karate. It may just be the greatest thing ever!

23. Keep a journal. Write down your thoughts, ideas or feelings.

24. Go for a bike ride. Bring picnic supplies.

25. If you’re tired, take a nap. You need it.

26. Exercise and establish healthy habits.

27. Take a mental health day.

28. Sleep in on the weekends. If you have little ones, take turns with your spouse. “You take Saturday, I’ll take Sunday.”

29. Get a massage, take care of your body…it's got to last you a lifetime J

30. Wear sunscreen, protect your beautiful skin!

31. Literally "smell the roses" when you take a walk. Enjoy them.

32. Have a technology-free day, weekend, or week {this is a hard one}. Go and spend a day outside at the beach, hiking, riding bikes etc.

33. Spend quality alone-time with yourself.

34. Call someone just to tell them how much you love them.

35. Snuggle and kiss babies as often as possible.

36. Have a spontaneous day. No schedules allowed. Follow your heart.

37. Reminisce with friends over old pictures.

38. Stay in your PJ’s all day.

39. Smile more.

40. Read a book. A real book. With pages.

41. Close your eyes, get in a quiet space and meditate, pray or reflect on your day and the people you love.

42. Once in a while be sure to take a leap - a big giant leap- do something that’s scary and watch how life supports you! You’ll never what will happen if you’re too afraid to make a move.

43. Write love notes.

44. Tune into the fact that there is only one you and you are here for a special reason. Leave every place better than you found it.

45. Do something nice for someone else. Share your gifts.

46. Forgive. Grudges weigh on your heart…life is too precious to spend it unhappy

47. Host a party and cook an outrageous meal to share with the people you love.

48. Give long hugs.

49. Follow the path that matters most. What makes you happy? If you're happy, the people around you will be happy too. 

50. Be grateful for EVERYTHING that has been brought into your life. Even challenging times can shape us into stronger, wiser people.

Picture:art

Friday, May 31, 2013

5 Joie De Vivre {Simple Joys In Life}

 Five joie de vivre from my past week. 
These are some things that make me smile...
 
{Dark chocolate covered coffee beans. Mmmm}

{Flowers in the house}

{Ok...this may seem like a weird thing to be excited over, but it smells SO good! I love cleaning the house just so it can smell like fresh grapefruit! And a plus -- it's all natural, non-toxic and plant based}

{My new peppermint plant from mom <3}
 

{I found these cute ceramic fortune cookies that hold notes/name cards. I wrote a message to my love while we dined on spicy Shin Bowls}
 

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

5 Joie De Vivre {Simple Joys In Life}

In an earlier post I talked about joie de vivre and the importance of finding the little things throughout your day that make you happy. I'm hoping I can get in the habit of sharing these with you on a weekly basis. Life seems that much sweeter when you're thankful for the small things that are happening all around you.
When you come across things that make you smile -- those "Ahhh life is good moments", write them down. Make a list of the things that you like to savor. It's a fun little project that will remind you about the simple pleasures in life.
 
 
 
{A tree with dark red leaves and pretty pink blossoms that is blooming down the street}
 
{Taking this guy for a stroll. Sometimes we'll walk to the park that overlooks the beach}
 
{A pretty note pad and pen}
 
{Taking my nanny baby out for doughnuts and chatting the afternoon away}
 
{My little pink pig soap that smells like roses. I keep it in this 14k gold plated dish that I found at a thrift store. Good find}
 

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Secrets To Finding Your Joie De Vivre

What makes you happy in life? I believe that each person finds happiness in a unique way. Here are some tips to finding your joie de vivre that I noted while reading Bonjour Happiness.

A beautiful exercise that we all should do...
When you come across things that make you smile -- those "Ahhh life is good moments", write them down. Make a list of the things that you like to savor. It's a fun little project that will remind you about the simple pleasures in life.
  • Love yourself, and others. Do everything in love
  • Take a bubble bath with rose oil
  • Treat simple things like treasures ex: serve your mineral water on a tray
  • Take the time to enjoy each bite of food -- notice the taste, texture and smell


  • Organize and simplify
  • Have breakfast on the porch
  • Wear lipstick
  • Take a walk and focus on fine details; the color of leaves, tiny blades of grass, and the smell of those jasmine flowers that are blooming nearby
  • Volunteer in your community; for your church, your neighborhood, your friends etc. Doing something nice for others will make you feel great too
  • Ride a bike


  • Sip a cup of coffee with cream while reading a good book or magazine
  • Enjoy fires in the fireplace
  • Snuggle up with your love and a cozy blanket
  • Shop at mom and pop stores or farmers markets
  • Practice good posture + being confident in yourself and your decisions = sexy
  • Grow your own fruits and vegetables in the summer time
  • Hand write your letters and save all the ones you receive


  • Cook with fresh ingredients
  • Display original art in your home
  • Teach, laugh and learn from children
  • Learn a foreign language...and use it
  • Take a class on a subject that interest you
  • Buy or pick fresh flowers for your home



  • Don't fight aging, welcome it. Aging is a beautiful process
  • Accept compliments instead of denying them, but remain humble while doing so
  • Wear French lingerie even if no one sees it
  • Take time-off for yourself
  • Get pampered once in awhile. "An empty well gives no water"


  • Travel
  • Practice your handwriting. Make it something to be proud of
  • Dress the part -- if your sweeping, wear a kerchief. If your cooking, wear an apron. If your gardening, wear a floppy hat and cute gloves. Become involved and excited about each event.
  • Tell others how much you appreciate them and love them
  • Find joy in everyday things. Focus on fine details within your daily routines. Find everything special and something to be thankful for.

Things to think about...
  
Joie de vivre is "Loving life, loving people loving to be alive, feeling alive. It's about smiling in your heart and being grateful for the things [and people] in your life: being in good health, being able to hear, to see, to walk etc." (P. 13)

Every day is a new beginning


I hope you are having a wonderful day my friends.

-Brittany






Friday, March 23, 2012

A Nice Morning For A Run

My sweet nanny baby (a.k.a. bug-ah-boo) and I went for a run through the back bay today. What a glorious morning. Here are a few pictures of the bay and things we saw along the way.






Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Bonjour Happiness


I just started reading Bonjour Happiness by Jamie Cat Callan. As a young girl, Callan was fascinated by her French Grandmother. Callen captures the secrets of her grand-mères classic style and how she took joy in simple, everyday pleasures. Callen shares lessons on how to age gracefully, enjoy life and how to celebrate being an elegant woman. She reminds us that we too can acquire this joie de vivre.
Hmmmm I'm excited to see where this goes.

Here are a few sneak-peek-lessons from Bonjour Happiness.
Edited version of Shannon Ables Review at Simply Luxurious Life

*Break the connection between spending money and happiness by finding experiences that bring you joy, but do not cost a thing

*Fill your home with fresh flowers and original art

*Learn to survive on your own

*Learn a new language

*Reject the fast and efficient and instead choose something that takes a little more time and delays gratification, ultimately creating more satisfaction.

*Don’t share everything about your personal life– maintain your mystery

*Try to ride your bike or walk everywhere

*Do not seek approval from othes in life. Do what you think is best and be proud of your actions

*Keep the dining room table clutter free even when not using it

*Pay attention to your posture

*Buy local

*Plant herbs

*Consider staying away from the kitchen between meals

*Practice the art of conversation by complimenting both men and women

*Wear good lingerie all the time.

*Buy one bra for every three panties

*Pair quality basics with unusual finds

Saturday, October 15, 2011

One of My Favorite Speeches

"Everybody's Free to Wear Sunscreen" By: Baz Luhrmann



Thursday, September 29, 2011

Codes For Longevity

I am so proud to announce that my Great Uncle Phillip Schaeffer along with my Great Aunt Gita Labrentz, Ph.D finished the revised edition of:

Living well beyond 80, 90, and 100 years.



I am simply fascinated with Phillip’s healthy lifestyle and warm personality. He is one of the kindest people I know – always smiling and happy; he gives the best hugs and always has something genuine to say! I've re-read this book many times and I love all the advice he gives about taking care of your body, mind and soul; it’s my go-to-book for tips on living a healthy, natural life. Phillip Schaeffer is a truly remarkable man with wonderful recommendations on how to promote longevity.

And as they say… “Behind every great man, there is a great woman” (love you too Aunt Gita)! You both did a fabulous job on Codes for Longevity.


Here are a few of Phillip's sworn-by health tips that he has implemented into his daily life. Pick up a copy of your own HERE and read about many more lifestyle routines that will help improve the quality and length of your life.


-Take time to practice deep breathing exercises daily.

-Eating foods rich in anti-oxidant will counteract free radical damage.

-Embrace life with joy and enthusiasm. Positivity will help lengthen your life. Let go of stress (meditation, prayer, yoga)
[On a side note… I learned in a few bio-psych classes that your body will produce stress related hormones such as Cortisol and Catecholamine’s when you are worried, angry or frightened. A build up of stress hormones can lead to heart and cell damage in the body. You can literally make yourself sick from constant stress.]

-Get 8 hours of sleep

-Always stay connected to younger generations. Do not surround yourself with negativity or lazy spirits

-Keep up-to-date in everything you do…reading, technology, events, entertainment.

-Get involved in community activities; take up hobbies or college classes. Learning new things and helping others will ward-off depression.

-Laugh more and forgive freely, don’t hold grudges. You can alter your life by altering your attitude

-Use it or lose it! Increase your flexibility and mental activities (exercise, stretch, puzzles, math and music…)

-Multivitamins A 10,000IU, B complex 400mg, B6, C and E, pantothenic, zinc 50mg and selenium 400mg, D (1,000 IU) and multivitamins daily.

-Avoid refined foods and artificial sweeteners

-Eat Garlic = antibiotic cleansing agents

-Smile as much as possible

-Massage lymph nods often (neck, armpit etc.) they filter toxins and are sometimes concentrated and need to be massaged

-Avoid using household cleaners. Use natural products such as vodka or alcohol to clean.

- Drink 2 spoonfuls of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water 3 times daily (to alkalize the body). A body that is too acidic will lead to illness and disease.

-detoxify your liver and practice eye exercises to eliminate glasses.


********************************

"You are responsible for the kind of energy that you put out into the world. Whatever you give, you will get back"-B

Congrats Uncle Phillip and Aunt Gita!