Monday Love

Take a look.



Did it make you laugh? Cry a little? Smile?
Create a desire to participate in one of these yourself? Me too. Let's do it.
Happy Monday!

#Marchphotoaday Weeks 3 & 4

I have been a terrible blogger lately! Holy smokes. The past three weeks have been so busy as I've been teaching/observing in a 3rd grade class. It was such a great experience, I learned so much and I really feel like I could have my own class now. Only one more semester of student teaching and then I will officially be Miss Aurich. :) 

Until then I will finish up this semester of school, shoot a couple weddings this spring, and continue to embark on my crazy adventures. This week's adventure = a roady trip to Disneyland! I'm sure there will be lots of instagram pictures to come!

I have finished up #marchphotoaday - not quite sure if I'm going to continue the challenge in April. I sometimes think I would rather take a picture of something that represents my day instead of following a prompt, but who knows what I'll end up doing. 

Well, cheers to a great March!

March {12}: The Daily Dozen

Tomorrow, (which is probably today for most of you readers :)) March 12th, I will be joining Elizabeth Kartchner for her 03 photo challenge called The Daily Dozen on March 12th. She challenges her readers to take twelve photos on March 12th of  simple everyday moments.  You can then visit her blog for a linky party to show off your dozen photos and a glimpse into the every day lives of other bloggers!

Come join us and happy March 12th everybody!

Bye Bye Facey!

I just deleted my personal Facebook account.
Why did I do this?
I was sick of getting on so much and having access to everything that was happening in the world of every second of my every day. That's all.

I've decided to do a "Facey Fast" and not use my person Facebook account for 1 week. (I am still online and will be posting from my Brielle Photography and Design Facey.) My hopes are that after a week I will see that when I have a second of down time I don't need to jump online to check the news feed or post a status that is completely irrelevant to my progression in life. I know that I will be back in the online social network world once the week is over and I'm not planning to delete Facebook from my life forever, but hopefully this week will teach me a lot and I will be able to go back to the days before Facey came long. The days when I read a book when I had 5 minutes of free time or I lied to down to relax instead of stare at a screen, or even when I made an actual phone call to see how someone was doing instead of reading online that they got a new job or are celebrating a birthday. (Crazy right? ;))

I'm not trying to say that Facebook is bad - I really do love it and am glad that we have this social network to stay in touch and keep up to date with people and events in our lives. All I'm needing is a break. A nice week long break to rejuvenate. Ahhh....I'm excited.

So here's to a week without Facey! CHEERS!

I'm not sure why I never shared this adorable picture of my puppy girl Roxi. ♥ Poor thing has to endure the occasional nail painting and dress ups she gets from her sisters and mama. haha At least she doesn't look like she's hating it too bad in this picture right? ;) What a cutie!

Airplanes

I love this little boy and this little boy loves airplanes! He's not even two and he got the ultimate airplane experience this past weekend out at the UVU Provo Airport. His happiness afterwards can only be summed up with the memories we've captured and the "cheesy" smiles he was giving everyone all afternoon. I love you Kayder Boy!

{Happy Little Moments Class}: Maggie Holmes Design

 I was browsing the site of one of my favorite scrapbookers {Maggie Holmes} and found this adorable class that she is holding over at Studio Calico starting March 1st! It is titled "Happy Little Moments" and I can only imagine that it is all about highlighting the little things in life that make us happy! What a better way to remember these memories than to decorate them in an old book?! Wow I'm in love. Check it out!
  

Isn't this the cutest idea ever!? Yeah I signed up. To do the same, go HERE. I will definitely keep you all posted on my book and can't wait for this class to start in a couple days! :)

Late night thoughts...

Tonight I got a late night bug where I felt like before I climbed into bed I needed to do as much as I could on my to-do list. Ever get like that? It happens to me a couple times a week and I feel like I am more productive from the hours of 11pm-1am than I am at any other time. Someone once told me it was the creative mind in me and that many artists find themselves doing the same thing. Whatever it may be, I am grateful for it because it gives me a time to think without the distractions of the world. My mind is clear and I can focus on the present matters or let my mind drift into the future and dream of my ultimate desires and aspirations. 

Tonight was a dreaming night.

I spent the last few hours talking with a friend about the meaning of different things in life and it really got me entranced in a deeper thought -one I haven't been to in awhile, but felt good to dig deep into my mind and bring those thoughts to the surface. I think these times of pondering help us take a step in and realize what we believe and live for. It is in these moments that the more sensitive side of me is revealed and the following creed is full of meaning, hope, and joy to my soul. I really soak it in.

Promise Yourself

To be strong that nothing can disturb

your peace of mind. To talk health,

happiness and prosperity to every

person you meet. To make all your

friends feel that there is something wonderful in

them. To look at the sunny side of everything

and make your optimism

come true.

To think only of the best, to work

only for the best, and expect only

the best. to be just as enthusiastic about the success of

others as you are about your own.

To forget the mistakes of the past and press

on to the greater achievements of the future.

To wear a cheerful countenance at all times

and give every living creature you meet a 

smile. To give so much time to the 

improvements of yourself that you have no

time to criticize others. To be too large for

worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear,

and too happy to permit the

presence of trouble.

-Author Unknown

Promise yourself to let your mind drift away every now and take time to ponder.

Evolution of Me

No this titles doesn't represent some in depth soul searching, life changing, evolution of how I came to be where I am today - it simply illustrates the following picture.

The actual evolution of me. :) Let's take a look back and illustrate some of these funnies shall we?

{Baby Britt} - I practically look the exact same now!
{Toddler} - Photos from this shoot were used for Kiddie Candids marketing. Gotta love the jean!
{Kindergarten} - If you look closely, you can see on my upper right cheek/eye there is a dark red scratch from my lovely sister from the day before. I was so sad that I had to get my pictures taken with a scratch on my face. :(
{1st Grade} - No words. Total cutie.
{2nd Grade} - Okay awkward smarty pants here! Also still diggin the jean shirt. And the buttoned collar. Nice work mom!
{3rd Grade} - Cheesin' it up! I had to get retakes this year because in my first picture I wasn't exactly smiling. You know how they always tell you to say a silly word like "BOYS!"? Well I said it. And they took the picture before I finished. Hence the super smile for the retakes. :)
{4th Grade} - Reppin' the Old Navy tech vest baby! I also wore my hair up because all my friends and boys I liked told me that I looked really pretty with my hair up in a cheerleader ponytail with curls. haha
{5th Grade} - I love my crimped hair, Harry Potter glasses, pooka shell necklace, and my favorite Union Bay shirt. :) Very content with myself at this age. haha
{6th Grade} - AWKWARD! haha Thank you puberty for making me feel and look so awkward.
{7th Grade} - Puberty continued. ha This picture is super funny though because after I got it taken everyone told me how beautiful it was and they loved my hair, shirt and necklace. Guess I was stylin' back then? One thing they forgot to tell me was how much they loved my eyebrows though.... ;)
{8th Grade} - Fixed the eyebrow situation. Thank you wax and tweezers. Grew out of puberty. Luckily. 8th grade was a solid pic.
{9th Grade} - One of my better school pictures minus the Satan horns (AKA poof balls on each side of my head).
{10th Grade} - Goodness gracious this picture makes me sad. I decided to get retakes because I thought I didn't like my first pic. Little did I know, I was going to get in a car accident during a rain storm the morning of retakes. Hence the awful hair and shiny sweat all over my face. I was a lil stressed. haha
{11th Grade} - I loved this picture! Too bad I ended up looking like two feet too far to the left. haha

And then I didn't have my senior picture on hand, but oh well. :) I pretty much look the same then as I do now.

Pretty fun huh? At least I think so! Go get your school pictures out! What are the funny memories you have of those days? I think it's amazing that I can remember so much about each and every year! Love the memories.

Until next time,
peace yo.

Resolutions Mini Album

In order for me to be successful with achieving my new year's resolutions I have to have some way of tracking my progress or else I always fail. Last year I made a small monthly checklist that hung on my bulletin board in my room. This small and simple piece of paper helped remind me each and every day to work on my resolutions and achieve those goals I set for myself.

This year I went a little more creative with my resolution checklist, but it seriously only took me 20 minutes tops. 

I had a plain mini album I purchased from Roberts (HOO-RAH for them going out of business and having a 75% off sale, but SAD that we won't have them anymore :( ) and then I mod podged some paper on the front & back covers.

Next, I added a title page with a oh-so-handy black pen.

Now comes the month-by-month checklist to hold me accountable for each resolution. It is funny how such a simple blank box can motivate me to accomplish big things! haha

Easy peasy right? I'd say so! And I encourage everyone who has made new year resolutions to find some way of tracking them to hold yourself accountable! It works!
Once again, happy "resoluting"!

New Year's Resolutions ♥

A fresh new year = a time to reflect, set goals, and become a better person. Last year I kicked butt with my resolutions and this year I hope to do the same. 

I've learned that in order to achieve new year's resolutions we must set attainable and realistic goals. Last year I set goals to go to the temple at least once a month (check!) and send 2 random cards a month (almost check! i only sent one in september...ugh.). These goals were not absolutely insane and unattainable - rather they were ones I could achieve, but still helped me become a better person than I was in 2010. 

This year I've added a few new resolutions as well as continued one. Before I announce my resolutions I want to talk about something that guided those resolutions. Two semesters ago I created a mission statement in my 7 Habits of Highly Effective People class at UVU (highly recommended!!!). My mission statement is there to serve as a guide through my life as to what I want to be.

Take a look.

While contemplating what I wanted my 2012 resolutions to be, I referred to this mission statement and evaluated what I really wanted to become better at in this new year. Here's what I decided:

{1.} Go to the temple once a month. 

-strive to find happiness in the world.

-inspire through example.

-serve like He did.

{2.} Write in my journal once a week.

-find joy in your family.

-strive to find happiness in the world.

-follow your bliss.

-stand up, don't sit down.

-love the life you live.

{3.} Pray daily. (To make this realistic I am giving myself an A+ for 350/365 days - we all have those days when we're sick, on vacation, or just simply forget to pray. I wanted this goal to be realistic and measurable which is why I am allotting some wiggle room. :))

-find joy in your family.

-be a supportive wife. (yes errrbody I pray for my future husband. :))

-strive to find happiness in the world.

-inspire through example.

-serve like He did.

-stand up, don't sit down.

-love the life you live.

And then of course, in 2012 I will:

DECORATE IT.

ACHIEVE IT.

BE IT.

&&

LIVE IT.

What are your resolutions? Have you made any? If not, it's not too late!! :)
Happy "resoluting"!

abc {2011} wrap-up

For a 2011 wrap-up I thought I'd do a little ABC in the life of Bee-Ritt. Here we go!

{A.} Age: twenty.one

 {B.} Best memory of this year: Oh there were lots! I'd have to say my vacations were the most fun! I went to Arizona for MLB Spring Training, Disneyland with my family, lots of St. George trips, and my most recent vacay to Denver for the Bronco's game!

 {C.} Chore you dislike: I really hate doing the dishes. I'm hoping that my future husband won't mind doing them if I'm cooking the meals. ;) But for reals.

{D.} Dogs: I ♥ dogs. :) Especially my puppy Roxanne!

 {E.} Essential start to your day: I am totally a morning person and love getting up a half hour early to do whatever I can on my to-do list! I also love starting out each morning with a water bottle at about 8:00am.Why 8:00am? Who knows?

{F.} Favorite colors: Anything pink usually wins me over. Just check out my room.

 {G.} Greatest accomplishment: Being awarded Miner of the Year 2009 at my high school and starting Brielle Photography and Design!

{H.} Habits: Reading before I fall asleep, eating 2 gummy vites every night in bed, snapping my fingers while running up stairs (I don't know why I do this, but it drives me crazy!!).

{I.} Influential People: My parents, Oprah Winfrey, Stephanie Nielsen, Elizabeth Kartchner, Gordon B. Hinckley, Marjorie Hinckley.

 {J.} Job Aspirations: Ahhhh....I have so many ideas! Maybe open my own boutique, continue my photography and design business, be a school teacher, start my own preschool, own some type of business/store/bakery, goodness who knows! So many ideas and not sure which one I want to go for!

{K.} Kids:I cannot even wait to have kids. SOOOO excited! I've recently decided on 4 of their names...ready to hear them?! 
1st boy: Dallas 
2nd boy: Austin
1st girl: Mersadi 
2nd girl: Brielle ♥ 

{L.} Little things that make me happy: Helping people in need, getting/giving thoughtful gifts, sunsets, flowers, when someone says "Good morning" as you pass by them.

 {M}. Middle Name: Nicole

{N.} Nicknames: Britt, Bee-Ritt, Brizzle, Bee, Brittster, Turbo, B4, Burpee, Shawty. (haha jk about the last one, but I'm pretty sure everyone's someone's Shawty at one point or another.)

{O.} Oh, the Places I've Been!: Washington, Oregon, California, Canada, Idaho, Nevada, Arizona, Wyoming, and Colorado. Pretty much have hit up the Western U.S.

{P.} Pet peeves: I've never had a pet named Peeve. ;)

{Q.} Quote: "Embrace yourself as you are. Celebrate yourself as you long to be!"

 {R.} Righty or lefty: Righty baby. Story time: When I was little I would always do things with my left hand and my dad forced me to be right handed because he doesn't like being a lefty. I'm pretty sure I was mean to be left handed though...

{S.} Six words to describe me: Determined, optimistic, strong-willed, happy, creative, adventurous. 

 {T.} Time you wake up: 6:30am for escuela or 8:30am on the weekends.

{U.} Underwear: Here's a little unknown secret about me --I love matching my underwear to my outfits! :) I also hate thongs. Ew gross nasty. Constant wedgie.

{V.} Vegetables you don’t like: Peas and cooked carrots

{W}. What makes you run late: Other people!! I am a psycho about being on time (aka 5-10 minutes early) to everything and I find myself only late if I'm going with other people.

{X.} X-rays you’ve had: On my foot after an intense church-ball injury. Boom baby.

{Y.} Yummy food you make:  Mama A's chex mix, s'mores cookies, rolo cookies, and banana bread.

 {Z.} Zealous Goals:  Visit every state in the U.S., create an inspirational book, be on the Oprah Winfrey Network, and visit Times Square!

And that's a 2011 wrap people! Now it's time to think of my 2012 resolutions, goals and dreams. 
I love this time of year where I am able to reflect, learn, and aspire!
Until next time.
XOXO.

Monday Inspiration

 One of my favorite things to do is read creative/inspirational books! This morning as I was laying in bed I reached over to my nightstand to pick up one of my favorites called "GO FOR IT! A Celebration of  Your Dreams". This book has some of the best quotes and motivational sayings that I wanted to share.

 

"The important thing is to never stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing. One cannot help but be in awe when he contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvelous structure of reality. Never lose a holy curiosity." 

 -Albert Einstein

"Let your success be measured  by the happiness in your heart."

"We smile because we are happy. But we also become happy because we smile."

Did you know?
A University of Maryland study showed that while stress decreases blood flow in the human body, experiencing humor increases blood flow by 22 percent.

ENJOY.

{express yourself && be you.}

And for my absolute favorite quote in this book:

"As you journey through life, choose  your destination wisely, but don't hurry there. You will arrive soon enough. Wander the back roads, the forgotten paths, the unknown ways, as you keep your dreams in your heart as the light that guides you.

Seek our new voices, strange sights, and bold ideas. 

Such things are riches for the soul.

And if, upon your arrival, you find that your destination is not exactly what you dreamed it would be, don't be disappointed. Think of all you would have missed if not for the journey there, and know that the true worth of your travels lies not just in where you've come, but in who you became along the way."

-Linda Staten

Oldie but a Goodie.

Hello there. Long time no talk. I've been up to my earballs in homework and final projects the past week and I am now starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel...YAHOO! To celebrate, here's a blog post that I started a week ago and never finished. It's never too late to publish right? ;) Enjoi.

My {top 10} from November 28, 2011:
 

{1.} Being a student is waaaay different from being the teacher. I'd rather be the teacher.

{2.} Tough decisions make us stronger. Be tough. Be strong.

{3.} If we do what we think we cannot do, we become better.

{4.} Go with your gut.

{5.} Do what makes you happiest, not richest or most successful.

{6.} Push up bras rock.

{7.} I will always and forever be a gospel doc teacher. Dang.

{8.} Not eating cereal in the morning is not a good idea. Sugar vs. Eggs.... Sugar > Eggs.

{9.} Sometimes it's okay to get that extra Dr.Pepper and hot chocolate at work...who's counting calories and sugar intake anyway?

{10.} Look to the prophets for words of wisdom. Thank you Dieter F. Uchtdorf for inspiring me when I needed it most. 

I hope you are having a great week whoever you are that is reading this right now. Peace. Yo.

November Pikchas!

 I haven't blogged much this month so I thought I'd do a quick pikcha (aka picture) update!

I started the month off with round 2 of field experience (aka student teaching for 3 weeks) in a 1st grade classroom! These little kiddos were so much fun and taught me a lot! :)

 Hanging out with old high school friends always brings back so many fun memories! 

 The boys are back! All  my brothers at Lincoln's blessing.

I went to an NBA charity game held at SLCC in Taylorsville and it was SOOO sweet!! It was a scrimmage game between Utah Jazz players and NBA players. Some of the hot shots there were Chauncy Billups, Wesley Matthews, Stephen Curry, and Jimmer Fredette.

 Me and my boy Wes Matthews!!!!! My favorite NBA player!

 Stephen Curry was SO nice! Super respectable.

 Okay I am obsessed with Slurpees lately!! Thanks to all my friends for coming on Slurpee runs with me. Yummmmmmy!

 Here are my little cute 1st graders!

 "Yeah I'm on the drum, yeah I'm on the snare drum." OBSESSED with his new Christmas CD!

My 1st hot chocolate of the season. Yummy!

 Lots and lots of baking lately!

 What a beautiful sunset!!!

 One of my best friends came home from his mission to Peru! 

CRAFT NIGHT! :)

I swear I go bowling at least twice a week lately. :)

Welp there's my November! Today is Thanksgiving and we had such a great day celebrating with our little family. :) I have so much to be grateful for and am glad we have a wonderful holiday to remind us of the blessings we have in life!!

11.11.11

As I've mentioned before, 11 is my absolute favorite number!! This month marked a very special day for me with it being 11/11/11!!! Years ago we would joke that I would get married on 11/11/11 because I would have been in college for 3 years and 21 years old. Seemed plausible right? haha Well since I'm not even dating anyone let alone engaged, I threw an 11/11/11 party for friends instead! Here's a little play-by-play of my ultimate day.

 {Up late the night before making all the food!}

 

{Lots of treats!}

{"11" cupcakes}

{A note from my roommate.}

{Started the day off "lucky" with my Lucky Charms!}

{Here I am at 11:11am. Just working away and texting my friends and family to with them a happy 11:11!}

 {I loved seeing my lucky number everywhere!}

 {Running errands after work to get stuff for the partay.}

{The party sign}

{Friends}

  {Jealous of his shirt!!!}

{Here I am at 11:11pm!!! :) We had a New Year's Eve type countdown until 11:11pm on 11/11/11!}

 {Friends celebrating at 11:11!}

 {Successful party!}