It Also Helped Save My Serious Case of Writer’s Block

If you were a 90s child like I was growing up you grew up in a golden age of pop and hip hop music. Bands like the Backstreet Boys, *NSYNC, the Spice Girls, TLC and even Destiny’s Child all fought to be top dog in an age of budding promiscuity in both lyrics and videos but still quite tame compared to today’s cringeworthy displays. Enter Aaron Carter, 90’s tween heartthrob and younger brother to Backstreet Boys youngest member Nick Carter. For those of you who don’t remember, Aaron Carter was THE Justin Bieber before THE Justin Bieber was even out of diapers.

Starting at the tender age of six Aaron’s entire childhood was about performing and he did manage to step out of Nick’s shadow with hits such as ‘I Want Candy’, ‘How I Beat Shaq’ and ‘Aaron’s Party (Come Get It)’. The road to success however was paved with a lot of tough lessons, addictions, and at one point biggest name in Pop music found himself bankrupt.

Aaron and his family premiered in a reality TV show called House of Carters, which aired in 2004 it followed the Carter siblings as they tried to navigate life and reconcile their rather dysfunctional upbringing with becoming functioning successful adults. Seeing the Carter siblings, all which were dealing with different forms of self-destructive behavior and addictions, talk about their experiences and how it shaped them really made me feel something akin to profound sadness. In one episode, when a therapist comes and sits with the family we learned that Aaron never had a childhood to play on the playground at recess or go to a prom. Heck, his Father even referred to him as the former “cash cow”.

Now Nick has been no stranger to opening up about how difficult the road to recovery was in battling his demons and Aaron was able to take a page out of Nick’s playbook and be open and honest about his own struggles. When Aaron came out with LøVE the entire album was written and produced by Aaron himself-which is incredible seeing how far the childhood star had fallen. It makes his comeback even more exciting. While 30-year-old Brittany is happily married with a little family of her own (and a far cry from the 8 year old who thought she’d grow up to be a famous actress and marry him.) I still always kept Aaron in my prayers and hoped that one day he would have the love he so desperately searched for. The same love I was blessed with when my husband came into my life 11 years ago. It seems he’s on the right track now. At least professionally, spiritually and emotionally.

I highly recommend jumping on YouTube and giving a listen to his new hit single called Pyro which dropped today. It is a far cry from 90s Aaron Carter but it’s very relevant to today’s clubby/ electronic vibe. Just by listening to the song you can tell just how much blood, sweat, and tears Aaron put into this single and I am so happy and excited for the album itself to drop. As someone who grew up with and followed Aaron throughout his entire career, I’m a sucker for a good come back stories and I hope that Aaron Carter has nothing but success going forward.

Some of you may notice I am posting this on a Monday instead of a Friday and the reason for that being so is because I was extremely busy this weekend! On Saturday, one of my best friends got married. This wedding was extremely special to me because it was the first wedding that I wasn’t just a spectator to-in fact I was a bridesmaid.

A lot of people don’t realize the work that goes in to put together a wedding: the blood, sweat and tears so to speak that go into each and every detail. Having been married myself for 3 1/2 years to my high school sweetheart, I know the process and the planning that goes in to creating the perfect wedding. My friend Ashley and I were very lucky to be in each others’ weddings, she was in mine and I have now been in hers.

Being a bridesmaid has taught me quite a bit, I have grown as a person from the experience. A lot of people asked me ‘aren’t you worried that you’re going to get a bridezilla or something?’ And my answer is simple and heartfelt when I reply, ‘not at all.’ For being a bridezilla it’s not in my friend’s nature in the slightest.

Without further ado I’m going to tell you five things I’ve learned from being a bridesmaid.

1) Be Prepared To Shed A Tear or Two

I wholeheartedly embrace the fact that I am a very emotional person, and I cry when I’m happy as well as when I’m sad, but weddings are so different. You literally get a front row seat to watch two people, who are madly in love, be able to profess their love and make it completely official in the eyes of God and the state.

It’s an even more emotional experience when you stress over the details of the wedding, and you’re nervous the entire night before, and then you finally get to see it all together. The bride in her dress. The groom waiting at the altar for her. I’ve learned that it’s impossible to be standing up at the altar with the bride and groom and not shed a tear (or two!)

2) Not Everything Goes According To Plan & That’s Okay!

No matter how much you prepare for the wedding day, it’s impossible for everything to go perfectly. For my friend’s wedding her sister the Maid of Honor (who was also in charge of our hair and makeup) missed the rehearsal because she left the supplies she needed at home. She did make it to the dinner itself after having to drive halfway back home to get the makeup and hair tools that would make the wedding go off without a hitch. Minutes before the ceremony was set to begin, the bride also left behind her veil. So after much scrambling, and a five minute delay to start the ceremony the veil was brought to her and the journey to the alter began. As a bridesmaid, your job is to make sure that to the bride everything seems okay, and that’s exactly what we did! We kept her smiling, laughing and joking the entire time but mostly we kept her relaxed. As long as the bride is healthy, happy, and the groom will be there when she’s ready to walk down the aisle, then everything is perfect. I’ve learned not to sweat the small stuff!

3) The day will FLY by.

You put so much time and energy (and money) into this wedding and before you know it, it’s 10:30 pm and you’re preparing to head back to the hotel. Between getting ready, the ceremony, wedding photos, and the actual reception, there is no time for a break or to even look at the clock. But don’t worry, time flies because you’re having fun too, especially when you dance your heart out at the reception, which leads to…

4) You Get To Dance To Your Heart’s Content

Of course, everyone at the wedding, not just the wedding party, gets to dance, but as a bridesmaid this is your chance to just let loose and have fun! You got your best friend married now you can party it up. My husband and I were literally on the dance floor most of the night, every time we heard a song that we wanted to jam out to we stopped what we were doing (whether we were eating or taking pictures) to dance. I learned that the bridesmaid dress, whether you love it or not (which luckily I did, so much so that I’ll wear it again!) gives you a certain authority to dance to your heart’s content without judgment. You earned that moment, so make the most of it!

5) Female Friendships Are Truly Extraordinary

Choosing my friend to be in my bridal party, was super special, but being chosen to be by her side too on her wedding day was nothing short of extraordinary. I can’t put into words what an honor it truly is, and every bit of anxiety spend leading up to that day is totally worth it. To know that someone thinks you’re so important that they want you to be part of their special day is truly the most gratifying and humbling experience. Most people only have one wedding day, and helping to make it extra special is a really cool thing to experience. If you’re a bridesmaid, don’t forget to take a deep breath and enjoy the magic of love. It’s a really amazing thing.

I’d like to wish my friend Ashley and her new husband Ryan all the love, happiness, and health in the world. Being a bridesmaid was super special but being their friend and being able to watch through the years how their life together will unfold-now that is the greatest gift of all!

In honor of the 4th of July this coming week I’d like to dedicate and wish a very happy Independence Day to all of my readers both here and abroad. I thank God every day to live in a country where I can chase my dreams and have my entrepreneurism encouraged and supported. Also, I would love to give a shoutout to those who’ve served and those who continue to serve in the military. We’re truly the land of the free because of the brave men and women like you who selflessly protect our freedom.

While we all have different backgrounds, religions, racial ethnicities and YES even different political beliefs we must always remember how lucky we are to voice our differences because we live here in America.

Happy 4th of July, God bless you all!

Hello!

With June approaching to a near close as well as my friend’s wedding weeks away. I wanted to share with you all my favorite “go to” lip products since I’m obsessed with bold, sexy, red lips. It’s very flattering for all types of skin tones and is a timeless classic look that paired with a smokey eye is perfect for a night out or a paired with a neutral eye is perfect for a mid morning brunch. The great thing about red lip is that you can dress it up OR dress it down depending on the rest of your makeup.

Red lips look AMAZING on real dark hair and light eyes; as well as dark eyes and light hair it creates the popping effect that photographs really well and makes your teeth and skin look brighter. 

So without further ado I give you my top 3 red lip choices:

1. Rimmel Exaggerate full color lip liner (022 Rapture) I use this in all my pictures as my lip liner because it’s really a bold but not overpowering lip liner that sets the tone for dramatic lips.

2. Revlon color stay ultimate liquid lipstick (040 Brilliant Bordeaux) 

3. Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipsticks (Outlaw)

In the picture I posted earlier I used the Rimmel liner and Revlon color stay lipstick first. Then I waited till the latter dried before adding the Revlon lipstick on top. It gives my lips the rustic rose lip look that’s in my photos. Don’t be afraid to mix lipsticks to get a color that screams you and your style. I really love Revlon and Kat Von D liquid lipsticks because they literally last forever. I usually have to scrub them off with my nutragena makeup remover towelettes so if you’re going to a wedding or even to work you can count on these lipsticks to go the distance with you.

How do I grade the quality of these 3 products?: A+ their color is spectacular and they last at least 12 hours which makes them worth every dime!

How do I grade the price of these 3 products?:  B- $34.14 (for all three) sure there are plenty of more productive things you can buy with $34.00 and change, however, you’ll be hard pressed to find the quality and any quantity at the level of these three products. Each product has lasted me 6-8 months per product so if you switch them up and out you’ll be hard pressed to need to go shopping anytime soon.

STILL while the Rimmel and Revlon products are very cost efficient, the Kat Von D product is a little pricey ($20.00) but they are worth spending the money so that’s why I gave it an overall B-. 

Happy Product Playing! If you do try these please take a pic and use the hashtag 

#insidebrittanysmakeupbag so I can check it out on your gorgeous self😁

This picture is brought to by 2001…I’d like to wish all the Fathers, Grandfathers, Stepfathers, and even you Mothers who wear both hats, a very Happy Father’s Day!

There a few things in life more precious then the bond between parents and children. I was very blessed to have grown up with such an amazing set of parents but since it’s Father’s Day I’m only going to discuss one. My Dad, and I’d like to tell you all a little about him (if ya’ll don’t mind).

My Dad is a man of many hobbies: he’s an avid hunter, proud member of a gun club, he’s golfed, scuba dived, built and flew model airplanes and still fishes to this day but if you asked my Dad what his favorite hobby is-it’s spending time with his family and that’s been the most consistent hobby he’s had.

My Dad passed on his work ethic, his morals and values to my brother and I. He taught us the value of working hard and believing in our dreams. He often went without and worked overtime to provide my brother and I with the nicest/newest things and he helped us achieve the very best opportunities in life. My Dad has a wonderful sense of humor, he’s a loyal friend, and would give anyone the shirt off his own back.

As a child, you groan sometimes when people tell you that you look or act just like your parents. I have the same shape eyes as my Dad, his smile, his ears, his forehead and eyebrows not to mention a ton of his mannerisms. I am often told I resemble my Mom the most but my at my deepest nature, I am my Father’s daughter. From his love of football (not the Jets for me, sorry not sorry Dad), hockey (you were successful in making me a die hard Devils fan), to his sense of humor and love for travel and adventure. Mostly my Dad gave us something irreplaceable and invaluable: his time, work ethic, values & unconditional love.

Happy Fathers Day to all of the Fathers, Grandfathers, Stepfathers, Uncles who are Father/Grandfather Figures, Godfathers, and even you wonder women who wear both hats of Mom and Dad. Your role in your kids’ lives is truly irreplaceable, your love is unending, your sacrifices are appreciated, and you make more of a difference then you’ll ever know!

Hello and Happy Friday Loves!

I’m feeling refreshed and I’m also feeling really excited to give you a review of the website I came across called Webtoons. If you are a comic nerd like myself you are really going to enjoy the review that I have for you today! I’ve been noticing a lot on Facebook and Instagram this comic Lore Olympus being advertised. Anyone who truly knows me knows that I’m totally obsessed with Greek culture, if past lives actually exist I’m pretty sure I was Greek in at least one of them. I particularly enjoyed the story of Persephone and Hades so of course when I saw this advertised it peaked my interest. Naturally, I had to check it out and boy am I glad I did!

Lore Olympus is a modern take on the story of Hades (Lord of the Underworld) and Persephone (Goddess of Spring) by Rachel Smythe. What I really love about this comic is it tells the story in a way that totally adapts it to today’s society and culture.

Having read Superman, Wonder Woman and yes, even the Labyrinth Coronation (the back story of Jareth from the Labyrinth) I will admit that when it comes to comics, I’m super judgmental and picky about the art. It is probably the only time you can get. However, the artist (and writer!) Rachel Smythe really captures her reader’s attention by using colors very deliberately in every panel. Color schemes actually become their own characters and reflect the tone of the story in a way that’s so simple somehow it conveys complexity. 

Keeping with the pattern of contradiction, the art is simultaneously unfinished while being refined. Loose lines bleed into line-less colors which is very unique & creative. What I love about the art is the way it fits the way the story ebbs and flows. It, too, bleeds from loose lines into line-less, whimsical memories of the past. 

The story is very creatively told and hits on many topics such as first love, jealous, sexual assault, and even insecurities about one’s appearance in relation to one’s peers. The author and illustrator, Rachel, is not afraid to shy away from tough topics without being too graphic. She tackles them in a very respectful manner that makes it both easy to relate to and not uncomfortable to read.

This webtoon comic updates every Sunday, with paid members getting fast access to it on Saturday’s. Honestly, the only downfall about this particular comic is you have to wait a whole week until you can find out what happens next. The story is both funny, tragic and engaging it leaves readers wanting more!

You can check it out here: https://m.webtoons.com/en/romance/lore-olympus/episode-56/viewer?title_no=1320&episode_no=60&webtoon-platform-redirect=true

Dear Nick,

This weekend can’t go by with honorable mention to, you, old friend. I can’t believe it’s been nearly 8 years since you’ve lost your life in Afghanistan….8 Years is a long enough time to settle into a different kind of normal since you left but I live in fear of one day forgetting the sound of your voice or laughter. I try to keep my memory sharp.

While I believe there are heroes among us everyday, I was blessed to have known a real one. Looking back on it, we wouldn’t have gotten to know each other if not for the church volunteer work we did through the years at St. John’s because we were in different grades and had different friends but I’m glad we did truly get to know one another. You had such a huge heart, you cared what everyone had to say, nobody’s worries or cares were too big or too small for you to offer your thoughts and opinions on the matter. Also, you had the most contagious smile and laugh, I find myself chuckling to myself even now as I write this cause I can picture you shaking your head with a grin at “sentimental Brittany”.

I can’t help it though, I miss so many things about you, from the sound of your voice, the mirth in your bright blue eyes when you told a joke, to the way your head would tilt back and laugh heartily if I managed to tell a joke worthwhile to you. You were giving, kind, funny, compassionate and handsome on the inside and out.

You were one of the few people in my life who made me feel like it didn’t matter what caste society lumped you into: nerd or jock, drama/choir gleek (that was me) or cheerleader, honor student or delinquent you were a friend to all. Nobody was better than anybody in your eyes, you saw beauty in everyone not a label. I never got to tell you how much I loved and valued your presence (though it was brief) in my life, I don’t have a picture of us together partying it up (because we came from different social circles), but I always thought that I’d see you again, that there would be time for that, a drink and catch up at a local bar for that, after all I had memories along with those who volunteered with us.

As I watched the sunset through the cracks in my vertical blinds on August 10th 2011, I sobbed-not just because I realized I would never get to have that catch up drink with you- but because I lost a friend, all of our small Jersey Shore town did the day we lost you. We lost a friend, your family lost a son and brother, and our town lost a shining star.

Thank you Nick Ott, for your service and your ultimate sacrifice. Keep watching over us in heaven, big guy, we all miss and love you so much.

I am no photographer, but I enjoy the anesthetics of a good view and the modern conveniences of having a smart phone which allows me to capture the moment at large.

I’m not someone who goes out drinking, usually when I go to bars I find myself people watching. Interactions between friends, lovers, and small families are often more fun then a hangover the next morning.

You get to see the best and the worst of people. The selfish and selfless. Often I contemplate what a casual observer thinks when they look at me: do they thing I’m alone when I’m, in fact, happily married? Do they think I’m a secret millionaire who longs for things like a large group of loud friends (which I have but cannot always make it out with)? People never cease to amuse me.

Take for instance the guy who’s telling an over the top story for the young woman watching with rapt interest at what he has to say. He’s nervous, I can read him like a book, every two seconds his hands reach up and ruffle his own hair. Or the old man sitting alone in the corner watching the two with a wary secret smile of his own. Everyone has a story to tell, everyone has habits and patterns which say more about the person then anything they could tell you about themselves. The woman who hurried past and looking down, is often self consciousness and feeling out of place. It’s amazing what we see when we stop and watch.

What is your favorite out and about activity? Leave a comment below and tell me what you think!

Anyone who remembers the infamous 72 day marriage between Kris Humphries and Kim Kardashian remembers also probably the jokes which came after it. #ThingsThatLastLongerThanAKardashianWedding anyone?

But if you really dissect celebrity marriages and look past the reason given to all of us namely “irreconcilable differences” you find that many of these unions which are overly hyped, overly televised, and overly quick (before they are in divorce court of course) they all have very common denominators.

For starters both parties within the marriage are famous. Most celebrities are used to having things their way or no way. They are used to having personal assistance, plenty of fans and even social media at their beck and call. When you have two people with egos the size of Mount Rushmore you’re bound to run into issues.

Add this with the fact that most celebrities have obligations whether it be film, television, media, or charity events which require their attention. By month six, (if the marriage lasts so long) you’re looking at two people who’ve become virtual strangers and only get maybe a couple days free every 3-4 months to spend time together. Spending time with your spouse is a big factor in long-term success of a marriage when a celebrity’s time is divided that leaves room for growing away instead of together.

This brings me to my next and final point, celebrities are also surrounded by a lot of equally good-looking and equally famous co-stars. Who remembers what caused Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston to split up? I seem to recall a very popular costar called Angelina Jolie being the culprit. when celebrities are in situations where for months at a time they are acting or working closely with another celebrity which they are expected to either perform with or have a romantic relationship in the film with it’s very easy for these actors and actresses to get swept up in their roles and also mistakingly believe they are actually in love with their coworker. The distance which was already mentioned in the above paragraph before this is amplified when someone else is there to fill in the gap.

Irreconcilable differences in my opinion is just a very nice way to say ‘well we didn’t think things through and we don’t have the time or the energy with our schedules to commit the way we should to each other’.

Who was your favorite celebrity power a couple that broke up and broke your heart? Leave a comment below and don’t forget to tune in next week.

But I still have no clue when it will be…

I know, I know I didn’t post on Friday but I turned 30 so may I be excused? For my 30th birthday I decided to take a different approach instead of planning something for myself I decided to leave it in the hands of my husband to plan a little birthday celebration for me, the problem with that is that I forgot just how much relinquishing control over something as simple as a plan for someone with anxiety is very tough.

My actual birthday (this past Wednesday) was a pretty good, pretty ordinary day. I went to work, had dinner with my parents and enjoyed the lovely sounds of my brand new record player which my husband surprised me with it that morning.

Now, the Friday leading up to my birthday weekend I spent at the allergist (yet again) the good news is I’m pretty sure I figured out what’s giving me these hives, I am now 99% sure the environment and a particularly bad allergy season is to blame. Apparently as we get older our bodies are subject to change in how they react to the environment and other allergy factors and apparently mine decided it’s a good idea just to break out every time it isn’t feeling too awesome. For my teens and early 20s I got chronic sinus headaches and infections it seems for my 30s it seems I will be breaking out in hives every time my body is uncomfortable with an allergen.

Now after being probed and prodded all day Friday afternoon I looked forward to the weekend because well I didn’t know what was supposed to go on I was totally thrilled with the idea my husband was probably planning something really freaking awesome for me on my birthday. On Saturday, we went out to eat at my favorite Mexican restaurant after church and we even got ice cream for dessert I’m not talking regular ice cream like I usually get on Saturdays, I’m talking a Carvel ice cream cake. I was a little disappointed that I didn’t get to see my friends but I know what my husband has planned for me will be totally awesome.

I would describe turning 30 as being on the very tippy top of a roller coaster because while you hope as you age you could still keep your youth and peace of mind you know it’s probably all downhill from there. All joking aside, though I’m very happy to see 30 and I hope that I have many, many, more years of blessings and lessons in store.