Monday, March 26, 2012

giveaway & insomnia


Hey ladies, first of all go check out sweet ellie of the ellie life's blog where she is hosting a giveaway in honor of her sixteenth birthday with lovely prizes, including one from yours truly! :) 

 enter here:

*winner announced sunday/ april fool's day-and that ain't no joke! (for reals)

Also, in case you didn't know, ellie is the creator behind speak now , an organization to encourage empowerment primarily to young women, but honestly, the ideas/goals apply to me as well and im in my late 20's! The organization is supported by a team of wonderful adult & teen representatives and YOU, because you can join in on the mission by pledging, supporting & following speak now on facebook, twitter or gfc for those of you with blogger blogs :)

Secondly, i just woke up from a nap not too long ago. I needed it & i feel refreshed to finish this post! I literally started writing it 3 hours ago and between being sidetracked with reading/emailing/tweeting/commenting on blogs with 16 tabs open, I became overwhelmingly sleepy that i fell asleep sitting in my wheelchair at my computer! 

One thing I don't think I've mentioned is that I am an insomniac. I haven't slept consistently well in over 6 years (and i credit it this to my breathing problems). I take a sleeping pill {rozerem} every night but not 100% sure if it REALLY helps. I am going to look into a natural sleeping aid. Along with my insomnia I have mild anxiety too. My anxiety used to be WAYYYY worse, but I am thankful it has calmed down. I could go more in depth about that issue and how it relates to my sleeping problems, but i'll save it for a rainy day! lol. So last night, I woke up at 3:30 am. That was the third night in the row that I woke up around that time. I wonder if the universe is trying to tell me something? What or who do i need to be made aware of? I dont know about you, but i often realize important matters and get creative thoughts in the wee hours of the morning. After trying to fall back asleep for an hour, I texted paco about my inability to sleep-complaining [though i didn't get a quick response, i pretty much think he was sleeping and that's good, but he did text me later in the morning]. After sending that text, I decided to talk with God and pray for all my cherished people who need prayers. As i was praying, i fell asleep around 5:30 I assume and managed to sleep straight through til 7:30. It used to bother me that I fell asleep praying without finishing my prayers. My mom said that that was a good thing and I was comforted, imagining an angel's wing soothing me back to slumber. My attitude changed because of her comment and i am so glad. 

{a view outside my window. I have a thing for birds} 

Because of this constant battle I deal with, I am So not a morning person. i often wake up groggy & not talkative AT ALL! I woke up with negative nellie thoughts and told myself, "you know what Brittany, be thankful God woke you up this sunny day. He still needs you for an important reason" and with that I started telling myself things I was thankful for...thankful I had a comfy bed to lay down to at night, caregivers who always show up for work to get me out of bed!, thankful for my morning cup of coffee, thanking God for keeping my family & friends safe. It's the little things and I have [SO] much to be thankful for.

So my friends, do any of you have trouble sleeping? What sleeping aids do you take (prescription or natural, if any at all?) I've read many articles and tips on how to get a better night's rest (preferably 9-10 hours for women, whereas I estimate I get between 5-7 hrs of broken sleep), but they just aren't cutting it, though I am totally guilty of not turning off the tele one hour before bedtime! Busted!

Sunday, March 25, 2012

2 vlogs in one post!

I am linkin up at hello. also,i love you today in celebration of Sue's birthday!! :) 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SUE!

She asked, "what is your favorite birthday treat?" Watch the vid to find out my faves! as well as a little introduction.

Her vlog link up inspired me to do a vlog for my readers as my post for the day. So you got a 2nd video with little ramblings of mine.


Thursday, March 22, 2012

basic makeup routine & WIW st. patty's

Hello loveys! I am back today with a video of how I do my makeup on a typical day.(i meant to upload and post this yesterday, but was having issues). I tend to go with brown & taupe eyeshadow shades for if I'm kickin back at home or just heading to walmart. I also am a few days late posting what I wore on St. Patrick's day. Wearing green was pretty much the extent of my Irish celebration. I don't like corned beef & cabbage & I don't drink beer so no green beer for me.

The video:



3.17.12
 {grandma bev & I}
[If you didn't or don't know me personally, I think you could say I look like a wee wittle leprechaun hahahahah]....cue the 'welcome to munchkinland' song from the wizard of oz..they're all wearin green too!

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

spring makeup tutorial #1

happy spring everyone! [i think today's the first official day of spring?]
This look today is inspired by my new bloggy friend Amanda. She's a cali girl but is all texan! Check out her blog here 
She cracks me up & likes GCB too! 
GCB is my new favorite must see show on sunday nights!
 
spring time makeup look #1--i only say this because i plan on doing at least one other video for a spring time look... neutral eyelid with green/emerald eyeliner as the focal point with a beige/pink lip maybe?


                                        
(also, please excuse my constant throat clearing. I was obviously pretty phlegmy earlier lol. Part of my daily happenings.)

I am open to suggestions or special requests on a look you'd like me to do. Just leave a comment on this post or email me at: beelittlequeen@yahoo.com 
I'm gonna be keeping my eyes opened for inspiration from magazine photos of celebrities and see how close I can replicate or add a little twist of my own.

Time for me to do some research! :)
& thank you for watching!

Monday, March 19, 2012

hello cotton

HellOOoOo Cotton. Well, HelloOoOo Cotton! It's so nice to be back home where I belong! 

That's in my-singing-hello-dolly voice! Takes me back to junior high choir. Anyways.

Seriously, today so far, I've gained 4 new followers on hellocotton and that makes me smile. Thank you so much for reading my blog & leaving me little love notes & positivity. So sweet! Some days, I don't have much to say. Then other days...well, I can write alot. talk alot. post alotta pictures.

If you haven't noticed yet, I've added a hellocotton link up/blog hop button from rad Lena of Mom2Memphis&Ruby.

It's on my right sidebar so check it out and follow me, her & other amazing ladies there! You'll be happy you did. It's simple, a great way to connect with other people and discover new things.

That is all for now. 
makeup tutorial tomorrow!

Sunday, March 18, 2012

guest post

happy sunday! It's dark skies, windy and raining off & on all day over here. It's the total opposite from yesterday where we had clear & sunny skies while I was at my neighbor's for a yard sale! I am literally in my flannel pant and long sleeve pajamas. Temps in the 60's today! Cold to me! 

well, i wanted to share some exciting news! I am guest posting today over at my lovely friend Meghan's blog the struggling cyster.

and while you are there, say hello to her. She's so sweet & honest. She lives near Amish country on the Eastern part of the U.S. and think that is so neat! lol. The only source of info I have on Amish culture is from what i've seen in Lifetime movies---how sad huh? Also, Meghan is one of my very first friends I made through blogging. She embraced me. 

Have a good rest of the day!
:)

Friday, March 16, 2012

real beauty

Happy friday once again ladies!

Guess what!? yesterday I entered in People Magazine's Real Beauty at Every Age contest. Could ya take a sec and please vote for me here
I certainly would appreciate it! :) If my pic doesn't load up, enter Brittany in the 'find a beauty' search box.

I selected this prompt when filling out the entry form, " I'm beautiful when..."
and answered, "..I have confidence in who I am and letting my inner light shine to others through my smile."


In the picture I entered, I am wearing  MAC lipstick in lady danger (thanks aunt june!). dress:oldnavy. undershirt:f21. heart shaped earrings: oldnavy. shabby headband: buggy's basement

I am 29, nearing 30! yay! lol (really i am glad) and last week while doing my makeup noticed I had a new wrinkle near my right eye. Oh well, I am embracing my age, aging and not buying products for wrinkles, no no. But i don't smoke, [never have] and I use moisturizer w/spf 15 & wash my makeup off at night, so i got that goin for me.

  ********************************
I had a heart-to-heart with my mama recently. I was feeling kinda bummed and her words of encouragement brightened my day. I love her so much and am [So] thankful that God picked her as my mom. She is a pillar of strength and has a heart of gold. To me, my mom is a true example of real beauty. She's been with me through the good, the bad & the ugly and together, we have conquered mountains. I love you mom!

so friends, what does true beauty mean to you? When do you feel most beautiful?

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

braids & hunger games

I am not sure if i've mentioned it, but I am a fan of the Hunger Games. My friend Katie got me reading the Hunger games last august and then i was hooked and HAD to read Catching Fire & actually bought Mockingjay in Hardcover last September, yeah, i am committed. I am not a total fanatic where I have lines memorized from the series, but i do like the story--as bizarre, sometimes disturbing, but romantic & intriguing. IF you ask, I am team Peeta. At first, I was for Gale, but as the journey went on, I was rooting for peeta all the way.

My mom bought me this magazine over the weekend with a feature article on Jennifer Lawrence,who plays Katniss Everdeen. She's so pretty & seems like a good fit to play Katniss. I am looking forward to seeing Lenny Kravitz as Cinna, though I think Judy Greer would have been a much better pick for Effie Trinket, who is playing by Elizabeth Banks. anyhoo, The Hunger Games premiers March 23rd and I'll most likely [hope] to see it a couple weeks after perhaps.


Also, a few days ago, one of my caregivers, Sofia braided my hair like a bohemian style braid, nothin too fancy especially working with my hair that is thick and note that I am bald on both sides of my head, more on the right side though. I was just thankful for a different hairstyle for the day.





<---That's me. After this pic was taken, I pouffed up the crown more. I LOVE pouffy hair!! :)

Friday, March 9, 2012

takin it back to the 90's

 i am SO not gangster by any means. I am not THAT into hiphop, but I wanted to take you back to the 1990's when i was a kid and as a few of these faves were crossing the airwaves as we experienced heatwaves! Swimming pools at our apartment complex's, water guns, popsicles, bbq grilled chicken & corn on the cob, early morning cartoons & coloring remind of summer days.

that girl is poisonnnnnnn..mhmmm..

I was like 8 years old when this song was popular! For some reason, this song played in my head as I was waking up a couple days ago. I'd like to dedicate this song to my cousin Steph. I think when she was in elementary or jr high, she did a dance routine in the talent show to this song! (remember steph?!lol)



and then im sure you know this song, yo wiggity wiggity whack! hahahaha



This song totally reminds me of when my family & cousins went to stay in a cabin in pinetop. I gotta go pee pee? what!? lol.



and everybody's gotta a lil love for ice ice baby!
"ok stop, everybody collaborate & listen"----prophetic words for our times? the issues we could solve if we followed Robert Van Winkle's advice. mmm yeh!




For those of you born in the 80's or grew up in the 80's, you'll probably appreciate this post! What were some of your favorite 90's songs?

Have a happy weekend!

Thursday, March 8, 2012

follow up to KONY2012 post

 ways to get involved in bringing justice to worn torn central Africa & the invisible children:

"like"
on facebook


Watch the video and share via email, facebook, twitter or blog


buy a bracelet, shirt, action kit or donate here

In case you haven't read yesterday's post , check it out and then you'll understand this. 

THANK YOU!
 

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

KONY 2012

you may call me idealistic and that's ok, because probably i am. I dream of a world where there is harmony and peace between nations. I dream of a world where injustice is a thing of the past. I dream of a world of connection and love. I dream that those who have had their lives stolen at one point can still have their dream. 

The past few days, I've been deep in thought about how i can serve. I wanted to become a part of something bigger than myself and my simple, humble life. Something that my heart would be on fire for. I have vitiligo (an autoimmune skin disorder that makes my skin lose its pigment, ya know, the same one Michael Jackson had)...anyways, yesterday i noticed a spot that resembled Africa. I traced it so you can visualize better. To me, it's a sign from the heavens! God was hinting at my answer.
 {do you see it? just backwards. But i see Africa.}

the video below is 30 minutes long, but i promise you, it'll be the best 30 minutes you may spend today. I watched and became aware of it & who Joseph Kony is via my friend Sue who blogs over at hello. also, i love you



we all CAN do something! We, who may feel small or not powerful, can unite for the common goal of giving a LOUD VOICE for the invisible children. No one should have to live their life worrying about being abducted to become a child solider or a sex slave. No one should be forced to kill their own parents or see their own dear brother killed before their eyes. A child deserves to be cared for and looked after, but this isn't happening for thousands of children. We now know that it's going on in Africa, which seems so far away, but it's happening on a much wider scale & deserves national and worldwide attention. Just because it's happening 'over there' doesn't mean we should close our eyes & stay silent. This is an opportunity to speak up and take a stand. This is our moment to make a difference to these invisible children, who are also God's children. We can be brave for them, because God is with us. (romans 8:31)

I rank Kony right up there with Hitler! In the video you will see that Kony is the world's worst war criminal! ( I didn't know until today). We can make him famous to the point that the world's cameras are scrutinizing his every move, letting him know that we as a worldwide community of hearts are after him and that his reign of terror WILL come to an end! By helping to stop Kony, we will be changing the world for the better.



Too much sanity may be madness. And maddest of all, to see life as it is and not as it should be!-miguel de cervantes

Monday, March 5, 2012

weekend re-cap

this weekend was Ah-mazing! I had such a fun time on saturday with steve and on sunday w/my twin C!

Saturday-we visited over coffee bean [thank you for my complex tea steve haha], had dinner, took a walk and just got kept talking the whole time. Steve cracks me up! He's gotta be one of the funniest people I know. {yeh the basket pole is in the way}

Not only f
unny, he's really compassionate, spiritual and I enjoy our intellectual conversations. I got him reading, "two among the righteous few" too.

Sunday-our friend pam couldn't make it nor could we find a person to give the extra ticket too, so C & I ventured to the baseball games ourselves. We had a jolly time. I told C, this event is going to become a tradition-this is our 2nd yr in a row! ya! {Me & C and this character lol}
It's been a year since I've been at a public event and when they sang the national anthem, everyone's right hand over their heart, the guy's had their hats off..loo
king up to our flag, I got the chills & teary eyed! {evenly tanning my toes}

While watching we the game we had our special drinks (a sophisticated iced mocha and lemonade) and had girl talk. the stadium was packed!
After leaving the game at the 7th inning (to avoid traffic) we stopped & ate at jack in the box. We are both def baked! {my beautiful friend}

After getting back yesterday afternoon, i called my mom to check in. We always talk one of the weekend days if it's a weekend we don't see each other. I missed Once upon a time! I remembered and saw the last 2 mins! oh man! I ended watching old (but new to me) episodes of The big bang theory----I am going through downton abbey withdrawals!

how was YOUR weekend?

Friday, March 2, 2012

happy weekend

why friends, it's the first friday of March which means we made it to first weekend in March and Oh I am SO excited for this weekend.

I am going to be hanging out with a good/old friend, who I haven't seen in nearly 5 years! We'll have so much to catch up on! Plus, on sunday, I am heading to a spring training baseball game with two of my dearest girl friends! sunshine. stadium snacks. good company, laughs & pictures! I can't wait!

What ya got planned for the weekend? Our Az weather will be warming up which shall provide for a gorgeous weekend-yay!

I also want to say hello to all the wonderful ladies who are now following & reading my blog. I appreciate it and am so thankful to be making new bloggerville friends! You girls are great and love reading your stories too!

until next time, (hugs)