A Day in the Life

New Beauty Channel!

2012-05-01T02:06:00.001-04:00

Since my brittster456 YouTube channel was created 4 years ago and used originally for Marine wife vlogs, I have created a separate channel for my beauty related stuff! The new channel is brittster512! I will no longer make videos on brittster456, but will leave is running as it has things on it that are near and dear to me. If I ever vlog, sing, record my family, or anything not beauty related, you can find that all on brittstervlog. I hope you guys enjoy the new videos to come on the new channel and vlog channel. If you have any input on anything you would like to see on either, don't hesitate to let me know! I love you all and thank you so much for all your support! If you would like to follow the new/er channels and see when a new one uploads and all that good stuff, all you have to do is subscribe! Can't wait to share my journey and steps along the way of a military wife, mother, trying to start a career, making my way into the beauty industry one step at a time, and accomplishing the goals I want to reach! xoxo, Brittany

I now have instagram: brittanybarlow
Twitter: brittster512

Newest Vlogs and Singing Videos!

2012-03-09T02:58:00.000-05:00

December 2011

Kyleigh's First Beauty Video

Singing:

Adele- Someone Like You (Cover)

Ingrid Michaelson- The Way I Am (Cover)

xoxo, Brittany

YouTube

Twitter

Newest Beauty Videos!!

2012-03-09T02:50:00.002-05:00

February Favorites 2012

Birthday Haul: Skincare, Clothes, Makeup, Oh My!

Haul, New Loves, and New Things!

Haul Part 2+More New Stuff+Bloopers

What's in My Purse?

Drugstore Eye Makeup Tutorial

xoxo, Brittany

YouTube

Twitter

My Skincare Routine

2012-01-29T14:50:00.006-05:00

In searching to find a good skin care regimen/routine for almost a year now, I came across the company Juice Beauty. I was roaming through a blog I enjoy looking at called GalMeetsGlam when I came across the company that at the time had never heard of. I was intrigued because they were an organic company and it just seemed fitting for my sensitive skin! I requested samples and was very generously sent a Organics To Go Kit (Thank you Lauren :D)! I had hopes of it working but absolutely fell in love after using it! Not only did my skin do good with it, I actually saw improvement in it! I fully recommend getting samples and testing this company out to see if you love it as well! They have skincare for every need as well as many other products.

2 oz. Cleansing Milk

.17 oz. Antioxidant Serum

1 oz. Hydrating Mist

.25 oz Green Apple Peel, Sensitive

.5 oz. Nutrient Moisturizer

Organics To Go Kit $29.00

Product Description

$45.00 VALUE

All you need to achieve a radiant glow on-the go with this organic five piece kit.
Kit includes a creamy milk cleanser, refreshing hydrating mist, exfoliating green apple peel, vitamin rich-antioxidant serum and luxurious nutrient moisturizer. Also includes a bonus gift, a luxurious, soft, organic bamboo face cloth. Perfect for you or as an organic gift!
(Description via Juice Beauty website)

Thanks for stopping by!

xoxo, Brittany

The Twist Braid Updo

2012-01-23T05:29:00.002-05:00

So this hair look was requested from a picture going all around pinterest that looks like this:

Source: kaybeetee.tumblr.com via Brittany on Pinterest

It is beautiful and a looker! My recreation is a little toned down, but with more teasing and pulling to loosen the hair the more it will look just like the picture :)! Hope you enjoy my recreation of the hairdo for my friend Elizabeth!

Another gal by the name of Lauren Conrad pulled a very similar hairdo at the Golden Globes 2012, check her out:

Braids are just so romantic and timeless! I love them and wear them quite often myself! Do you rock braids?!?

Thanks for reading
xoxo, Brittany

Beauty Channel
Vlog Channel
Twitter

Our Family Cruise

2012-01-23T03:27:00.001-05:00

Before the end of this past year, our family was able to on our first ever cruise! This is the second family fun trip we have ever taken, so we were very excited! Overall it was fun, but I definitely recommend going with a group of maybe family, friends, or people you know. It was just me, the hubby, and daughter Kyleigh. Kinley stayed back with my Grandparents (since no matter the age, prices are still the same on a cruise..it is done per person). My Grandparents said she was so wonderful and a great baby the whole time, so it made me feel so at ease. You bet your bottom dollar though, I was so ready to see my little munchkin again afterwards! Kyleigh really enjoyed herself and made a cute little redheaded best friend who literally looked like she could be her sister! They were joined at the hip as much as they could the whole cruise! The best day was the day we went to Nassau. We got to go snorkeling for a couple hours, walk around Paradise Island, and even stroll through the Atlantis! That hotel is amazing, to say the least! It had restaurants, lots of stores, a private beach, casino, Starbucks, movie theater, pretty much anything and everything..we got lost inside the hotel it was so incredibly huge! That would be the most incredible place to stay sometime! We had a good time and have some sweet memories that we brought back from it. Here are two videos of all the footage I took on the cruise, enjoy!

Hope you have a lovely day

xoxo, Brittany

Beauty Channel

Vlog Channel

Twitter

Getting Ready From Head to Toe Video

2012-01-15T00:43:00.001-05:00

Products Used:

Hair: As always, The One and Only Argan Oil

Primer: Monistat Soothing Care Chafing Relief Powder-Gel..sounds crazy, but it works amazing I promise!

Concealers: Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles (Light) and Coastal Scents Camo Quad (Medium) I used the concealer to also highlight tops of cheeks, nose, and above lip with the white one in the camo quad

Dr. Jart Premium Beauty Balm SPF 45 PA+++ for an all in one treatment of the skin...when I use this it is usually before everything else

Mineral powder foundation: Bare Minerals Original (Fairly Medium)

Bronzer: The Balm's Bahama Mama used to contour

Blush: Sonia Kashuk Creme Blush (Blossom) and The Balm's Cabana Boy

Setting Powder: The Balm's Sexy Mama Anti-Shine Translucent Powder

Lips: Maybelline Baby Lips (Quenched) and Revlon Lip Butter (Sugar Frosting)

Brows: Milani Brow Fix Brow Kit and Anastasia Clear Brow Gel

Eyes: NYX Eyeshadow Base (Skin Tone), UD Naked Palette (Virgin, Sin, Buck), Maybelline Color Tattoo 24hr Cream Gel Eyeshadow (Tough as Taupe), L'Oreal Carbon Black Lineur Intense Liquid Liner, Sephora Advanced Lash Booster, and L'Oreal Voluminous Million Lashes

In case you missed my last video, here it is! The Sock Bun Tutorial :)

My Marine is Home!

2011-11-30T22:58:00.005-05:00

It has been a month exactly now since Jason got home from his third deployment! During the deployment I did a Deployment Diary with Military Spouse Magazine and the last video made was the homecoming video! This homecoming was the most emotional and best one we have had so far! From him being away from all three of us for the first time, it was definitely tough. We are soo thrilled to have him home and are enjoying every minute of it! I feel like now we are the best we have ever been and I absolutely love it! I am just so in love with him! He is a wonderful husband and father and I'm one lucky girl!

Here are some photos that were taken:

THE'RE HERE!

Look who we found!

Kyleigh and Daddy!

SOO HAPPY!

Don't ever want to let go!

I am pretty sure I am going to start a vlogging channel on YouTube now along with the beauty channel I started 4 months ago..That channel was actually created in 2008 and used for my "A Day in the Life of a Marine Wife" series I made, as well as singing. I did some vlogging on our drive to Indiana, so that will be the first video! For the beauty channel I wanted to do a mini series on outfit of the days, but only actually recording two videos (Thanksgiving Outfit and Edgy Outfit)

Whoa, I just went on a huge ramble and am not sure if any it made sense, but oh well.. So basically just lots going on. Since he has gotten home we have been to SC, Indiana, we leave for Florida next week, and then to SC for Christmas! We are going to be so worn out after this next month ha ha! We head to Florida next week because not only do I have lots of family there, we leave out of a port there to head on our first ever cruise!! AH, I am sooo excited! Jason, Kyleigh, and myself are going on a 4 day cruise to the Bahamas! I have never ever left either of my children overnight yet..not because I don't believe in that or anything crazy like that..just haven't had that luxury of being able to. My Grandma offered to watch the baby, so this will be a first being away not only one night, but three nights. I feel so bad having anyone watch my kids because I know they're are lot of work. I will be the first one to tell you that, hello I'm not delusional..They can be the biggest stinkers ever and it is so hard and insane to deal with! That's kids for you though. It really will be nice to have a break from at least one though! Another great thing is they have day camp for Kyleigh on the boat, so it is pretty much a break from both kids really! She will loooove it so much and will be a Christmas/birthday present for her/honeymoon that Jason and I never had! I just can't wait!

EXCITING NEWS: Kinley just took her first two steps on 11-29-11!! She was very steady then reached and held onto me! She has now done it a couple other times since and I can't believe my baby is growing so fast! She is nine months old now!!

Thanks for reading! Have a wonderful night! -Brittany

Time Passes in a Blink of the Eye

2011-10-06T23:15:00.005-04:00

It seems like yesterday Kyleigh ran into the mailbox and a ditch with her little Hot Wheels car, I was in the hospital waiting on my second sweet baby girl to arrive, and that we just said "see you later" to Jason as he went off to war for a third time.

Now we are half a year into the deployment with not much longer left, our "babies" aren't really babies anymore, and I have done 38 video blogs for Military Spouse Magazine.

Jason is ready to come home more than ever and we all just cannot wait! Just a few weeks left now! I am looking forward to working on the house together, re-doing things, and making it more and more into our home. It will always be changing here and there, but making it more elegant and sophisticated is the goal. We have so much stuff in such a small space and I want to make it more simple less cluttered. Also a few new paint colors and lots of changes to come :).

Kinley started walking around the couch and things last month (6months old). She is on the go and so interested in everything, mostly food. This child will eat anything and everything! I am amazed at what she gums down in her toothless mouth. From animal crackers, goldfish, roast, corn, to even a round hard pretzel (she accidentally got a hold off). She wants to eat everything constantly! It is like a never ending garbage disposal, haha! Her favorite word now is Dada. She says it nonstop! Words she has said now are: Mama (her first :D ), baba, num num, and Dada. She is always blowing raspberries, even with food in her mouth (which is a disaster, food shoots everywhere lol!). She is a very happy and fun baby!

I wasn't lying huh, hahaha!

Kyleigh, ohhh goodness where do I start! Miss thang is such a stinker! She says the funniest things and has an intense imagination. The other day she came up to me and said, "Mommy, I want stabilizers on my bike." I looked at her with a smile/giggle and said, "you mean training wheels." Kyleigh, "No Mom stabilizers." Apparently it came from a show she absolutely loves called Peppa Pig. The pigs have blow dryer heads. I can't look at the TV without laughing at the hilarious illustrations. She tells everyone she had a dream about a tornado taking me away while I was working on a video outside. She explains that it was just a little one and that the police saved me and brought me back. Oh my sweet Kyleigh, I just love you!

Things are getting so crazy and stressful with just everything right now. I am so ready for it all to come to and end and just have my hubby back! I have to start packing all our stuff here at my parents soon and have it all ready to go. I don't know if I am ready to be back in Jacksonville, NC again, but I will have my whole family together again and that really is the only thing that matters. Maybe I will grow to actually like it the next year and half we have left there, who knows! Have a wonderful night :)

xoxo, Brittany

Growing more as time goes on...

2011-08-16T23:38:00.004-04:00

So far this month:

Kinley starting saying Mama (her first word! Aug. 10th), she is pretty much sitting up on her own, is rocking back and forth (about to take off crawling!), and is more fussy than the usual (somebody must be getting teeth!).

She eats brown rice cereal everyday now and yesterday we started doing a veggie baby food daily! She has been so happy about more food, she is really ready (such a chunkers!!)

While I was pregnant with Kinley, I made a promise with Kyleigh to take her horseback riding after the baby arrived. Well the baby has been here for a little while now (about to be SIX months old this coming Tuesday!) and we are finally fulfilling that promise! My Uncle's girlfriend, aka Auntie Char, has fam (not too far from where we are) that has horses and all sorts of neat things! Kyleigh and I are so excited for tomorrow!! Kinley will enjoy the swimming when we get there, she definitely won't be riding though lol.

Recent news:

I went red (well it's like a purple/pinkish red, if that even makes sense). I always wanted to try this color and finally did. I like it alright, it's definitely different.

In other news our car had to be in the shop overnight for many things. Car stuff stinks. It's really times like this when Jason being deployed stinks bad. He's a mechanic and is all I need if there is ever anything wrong. What happened was the car wouldn't start the other day and had to pull in the road in neutral (note: I have an all wheel drive, not the best for steering in neutral..but managed to work it out) and and got it to start! A few different engines lights came on after that. My nitrogen tires were low (for at least the sixth time)..with all the traveling we do, temperature changes, they go low often..here there are only two places that even have nitrogen..my music doesn't turn off when my car is off and door open, most of the time..it's so weird..it's the sensor in the door (which was like $380 if I wanted it fixed or some insane amount..no thank you I'll wait for my mechanic to get home in a couple months :)) and had the oil changed, that was almost out (which is the reasoning, most likely, behind the engine lights coming on..glitches, thank goodness). $36 later and we made out alright for being at the dealership. This is not supposed to all happen with a 2010 that only has 37k miles..what can ya do though..It was an interesting weekend and beginning of the week to say the least..

On an pretty amaze balls note, a Charming Charlies opens here next week!! (oh, I could just pee my pants, so exited!!)

Now ready for these next couple months to fly by and I can run into my Marine's arms again! I'm starting to get anxious! These past few months have gone by so quick, I almost can't believe it's so soon! Very surreal!! I miss you Jase and I love you so much! The girls and I are looking forward to Halloween this year ;)

Thanks for reading xoxo, Brittany

Don't forget to check out the Deployment Diaries weekly or you can even subscribe on youtube to Milspousemag to see them! Page on facebook.
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Kyleigh's first dentist appointment!

2011-07-22T12:27:00.020-04:00

Yesterday Kyleigh had her very first dentist appointment! She was thrilled to be there for her and not for me for once! She sat there so good while they cleaned her teeth and did wonderful with it. While she was sitting in the chair, I asked her why it was important to brush. She replied, "so I won't get cavities." Also that her teeth wouldn't turn yellow and fall out! Haha, taught her well lol. She was able to pick a couple prizes from the prize drawer right before the dentist came in to do a final check. She picked out a little fireman (I'm positive it's because Liam loves them and he's her best friend!) and a little pink ring, since the green one was too big on her. After we got home she carried get toothbrush and toothpaste all around, she just wanted to brush lol!

I have been able too really see God's protection over Jason this deployment and it just amazes me how good He is! Please keep Jason and his company in your prayers as the do their job over there, as well as our military as a whole. We love him and miss him dearly, but he really is doing a wonderful thing! I definitely couldn't do what he does and be away from my whole family like that. Yes, you have to be very strong as a military wife, but I think it would be even harder being the one in the service. I can't even imagine. I respect all of our service members for being so selfless and my husband for doing the same!

Today the girls and I just got cleaned up and are having a day of relaxation! Just have to do a few loads of laundry to catch up since I keep putting it off. I also cleaned Kinley's whole car seat. I just throw the liner in the wash and clean the actual car seat in my parents' huge sink here! I love that thing!! I feel we have been going going going, that this is much needed! I'm so thankful we can have times like this! Ohh the little things that I get so excited about! I love the feeling of accomplishment when things are clean! OCD nerd here hah!

I forgot to mention a couple days I relaunched my youtube page: click here I will be doing makeup, hair, and DIY project tutorials! So if you want to learn some new tricks and looks tune in!! I have two tutorial posted so far, but there will be mannny more to come!

Vintage Style Side Braid
Natural Look Makeup Tutorial

Thanks for reading! Have a wonderful day :)!

Have you ever had...

2011-07-20T16:38:00.007-04:00

One of those weeks where you are a day ahead? You think that it's Thursday when it's Wednesday and so on. I am definitely having one of those, haha! I did my video for work yesterday and got it finished and today took Kyleigh to the dentist. Her appointment is tomorrow! Needless to say I woke us all up from an afternoon nap, rushed to get ready, drive like a mad woman and all to just laugh when I realized I was running on the wrong schedule! At least I got a couple papers filled out that I won't have to worry about tomorrow. Heck since I'm on this side of town we are going to hang out with my brother and my sister in law and even go get Yogurt Mountain! It will be a good time!! All I can so is laugh at all my lovely blonde moments I have. I definitely do some not so smart things sometimes not even realizing it! Haha!

Mmm Yogurt Mountain!

We stopped and pet the horses we saw on or way home! Kyleigh would not take a picture with them, she was scared. She actually, right before we left, pet the horse's nose!! It was cute!

Kinley's first time having baby food!

2011-07-14T12:35:00.005-04:00

Kinley will now be five months old on the 23rd! I can't believe how much she has grown and how fast it all has happened! She started watching me eat and acting fussy, so it was time to start some cereal and baby food! She had her first baby food a couple days ago! A few days before that she started on organic brown rice cereal. So, I just added peas and formula to it. She wasn't too fond of the mix, until after it was mixed in her bottle with more formula/water. However, she ate the peas from the baby food jar well, just made faces the whole time lol. Well at least she ate it. I am really trying to have her like veggies, once they get older it is much harder. Kyleigh is a very picky eater, so I really would like Kinley to not be so picky and love all foods. This time around I am doing things completely different and hopefully it works! We all do things in different ways and I don't think any way is necessarily the right way. It is whatever works best for each one of us. Every child is oh so different. We learn as we go. I hope maybe doing things different this time will change the outcome of future interests in good foods. I guess we will see what happens.

Anyhow, today I have to go meet with my bank. They were bought out and are missing some of my info to make the transition smooth. So the girls and I are heading there soon. After that it is time to work and get my video done and turned in! Until then, I'm sitting on the bed with the girls watching Shark Tales :)! This movie is cute, even though I have seen it probably fifty times haha!

The girls talking with Daddy yesterday!

2011-07-12T15:42:00.004-04:00

I haven't been able to upload pictures to picasa the last couple days and thought something was wrong with the app on my phone. Turns out my album is full, so that's why I didn't post this yesterday with the blog. I did find a couple new apps that will post pics straight to here, so I am pretty stoked about that! Now I have got to figure something out with this picasa and fix it lol!

We were actually able to speak with Jason again today on video chat! I feel like we are just getting spoiled and I love it :)!! He is doing alright, a little frustrated with things over there, but doing well other than that. Bless his heart! We miss him and time seems to go by very fast again this time around for both of us, so that's a plus!

I am so excited for Kyleigh's very first dentist visit coming up next week! I cannot wait to see how she does with it! I will keep you all posted with pictures and all!

Fourth of July Weekend and Today...

2011-07-11T22:08:00.005-04:00

Jason's Platoon, Mission brief in Afghan

I know it has been forever since I posted my last blog! I have been so busy the past few weeks, but must get back in the hang of updated this :)! Keeping everything documented and being able to look back at it is so awesome and I need to do more of it!

My Mom and I on the Nile croc

The Children's Museum

Downtown Indy, State house

The Children's Museum

I am so happy to say we are about half way through this deployment!! Jason left when Kinley was about six weeks old. His parents and sister came to visit right before he left, so they were able to meet Miss Kinley and see Jason prior to leaving. Other than that, the whole rest of his family hadn't got the chance of meeting the little one. So over Fourth of July weekend my Mom, the girls, and I drove up to Indiana to go visit!! Not only was it (most of their) first time meeting Kinley, but also first time (other than his grandparents) meeting my Mom! We stayed with Oma (Jason's great grandma..yes, the girls have a great great grandma, how incredible is that!?!) and a couple nights with one of my best friends Christiann and her family!! We had such a wonderful time and were going nonstop doing things the whole trip! It was a blast!! We were in a Fourth of July parade with Christiann and her boys, went to The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, the Indianapolis Zoo, Downtown Indy, cookouts', and a bonfire! On the way home we even stopped in Cincinnati and got to visit my Uncle (Mom's brother) for a few hours! We ate lunch with him at this lovely restaurant, Montgomery Inn Boathouse overlooking the Ohio River! Delish rib place!!

Working the runway in the Barbie part of the museum!

Happy Fourth of July!

Mother and Father in law,Kyleigh, and I loving the zoo together!

Dolphin Show, Indianapolis Zoo

The elephants at the Indianapolis Zoo

Oma (her great great grandma)

With my Mom and in-laws!

Christiann, Mom, the kids, and on the float in the parade!

Kinley holding her Daddy dog tag at the parade in Indy

Today we all talked to Jason on video chat! From it not working at all in the past to actually being able to hear and see him, it's amazing! Of course it still has issues sometimes, but what can you expect being a world away! I am thankful for what I can get from it, no matter how frustrating things not working can be at times. At least there is communication. I love you Jason and so do the girls! We miss you always! Stay safe!

Downtown Cinci

Roasting marshmallows with her Papaw!

Also today, our Marble Slab was giving free red velvet ice cream for redheads as they launch their new flavor (yummy) and Redhead Appreciation Day! It was soooo delicious, go check it out!!

When opportunity comes a-knocking, open the door...

2011-06-24T14:11:00.009-04:00

Yesterday was one of the craziest, most surreal days I've ever had! I still can't believe it all happened! I got the privilege of being on CNN discussing my reaction to the troop plan!

How it all happened still baffles me. If you told me three days ago I was going to be on TV, I would have laughed! It all went down the day before yesterday, after I got off the phone with my husband (So he still has yet to even hear about all of this!). I get a call from Military Spouse Magazine (the magazine I video blog for that I talked about in an earlier post) and they asked me if I would like to give my thoughts and reactions to the new troop plan on CNN. Being a once in a lifetime experience, I could not say no.

Live on CNN newsroom

{Right after that phone call I got hit by another brick (a good one again lol). Another amazing opportunity that I cannot wait till I'm able to share it!}

Originally the CNN thing was going to be done live via skype. I got a call asking to head to the local news station to do it from their instead thirty minutes before I had to leave the house, SO crazy. It all happened so fast I was just in awe of what was actually going on! Anyhow, after it all went down (did I mention it was live, woahhh) I did a taping for the local news station here in Greenville, SC. One aired at 5:30PM and another at 6PM. The girls were able to join in at the end of the pre-recording of that one, which was SO great! Kyleigh was a little ham as always and Kinley was just chilling! You will see them at the beginning on the clip shown :)!

WYFF 4 Interview

It has all been such an experience and I had to share! I learned a lot about myself in the past couple days: I can do things I would have never envisioned, always take amazing opportunities when given if possible (they change your live), Have confidence in yourself and most of all believe in yourself, you can do ANYTHING you put your mind to!

I love my husband and I am just so proud of everything he is doing and has done, and will always be the support behind him! I did it all for you babe :) I cannot wait to tell you about everything!!

Lol, we only took two family pics this day..his eyes are closed and Ky's, but this is the better of the two photos haha

A Few More Fav Quotes...

2011-06-23T15:21:00.008-04:00

"Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success." --Henry Ford

1 Corinthians 13
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love never fails.

“Love has nothing to do with what you are expecting to get - only with what you are expecting to give - which is everything.” --Katharine Hepburn

There comes a point in life when you get tired of chasing everyone and trying to fix everything, but it's not giving up. It's realizing you don't need certain people and the drama they bring. --Unknown

Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Lamentations 3:25-26
The Lord is good to those who depend on him, to those who search for him. So it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the Lord.

A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.

He that never changes his opinions, never corrects his mistakes, will never be wiser on the morrow than he is today. --Tryon Edwards

Things turn out best for people who make the best of the way things turn out.
-- John Wooden

Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. --Proverbs 16:3

Distance between two hearts is not an obstacle, rather a beautiful reminder of just how strong true love can be. --Author Unknown

The South--where roots, place, family, and tradition are the essence of identity.

"Fear less, hope more; Eat less, chew more; Whine less, breathe more: Talk less, say more; Love more, and all good things will be yours." --Swedish Proverb

Hope you like these, Love y'all!

Quotes I Heart

2011-06-23T15:14:00.006-04:00

Those who really really know me know I am all about some quotes, poems, sayings, verses etc.! I love them so much. Today I am going to share some of my favorites with you all!

Here it goes:

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time;
...Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next.
Amen.

You can gain more friends by being yourself than you can by putting up a front. You can gain more friends by building people up than you can by tearing them down. And you can gain more friends by taking a few minutes from each day to do something kind for someone, whether it be a friend or a complete stranger. What a difference one person can make! --Sasha Azevedo

Few things in the world are more powerful than a positive push. A smile. A world of optimism and hope. A you can do it when things are tough. --Richard M. DeVos

You have a lifetime to work, but children are only young once. --Polish Proverb

You've got to take the good with the bad, smile with the sad, love what you've got, and remember what you had. Always forgive, but never forget. Learn from mistakes, but never regret. --Unknown

From small beginnings come great things. --Proverbs

To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children...to leave the world a better place...to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded. --Ralph Waldo Emerson

We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give. --Winston Churchill

Sometimes being a friend means mastering the art of timing. There is a time for silence. A time to let go and allow people to hurl themselves into their own destiny. And a time to prepare to pick up the pieces when it's all over. -- Gloria Naylor

Live life fully while you're here. Experience everything. Take care of yourself and your friends. Have fun, be crazy, be weird. Go out and screw up! You're going to anyway, so you might as well enjoy the process. Take the opportunity to learn from your mistakes: find the cause of your problem and eliminate it. Don't try to be perfect; just be an excellent example of being human. --Anthony Robbins

One who looks for a friend without faults will have none. -- Hasidic Saying

Life is too short to wake up in the morning with regrets. So love the people who treat you right, forget the ones who don't, and believe that everything happens for a reason. If you get a chance, take it. If it changes your life, let it. Nobody said it would be easy , they just promised it would be worth it. --Grey's Anatomy

“We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have.”--Frederick Keonig

5 Things I'm Obsessed With This Week...

2011-06-17T18:59:00.013-04:00

It is about time to write my favorite blog of the week! I am so excited!

Collection so far :)

1) First thing I am "in love" with this week is patterned tape! I use them for all my care packaging shenanigans for my hubs...I know, how could I do that to him?!? So he can actually see which box is his before he even gets close to it, because it is so bright and girly :)! Everyone also gets a good laugh from it too!

Leopard

Damask

2) New thing I started using today called Tumblr. It's like twitter, facebook, and blogger all in one! It is pretty stinkin' awesome if I do say so myself!

Here's mine: http://brittanybarlow.tumblr.com/

3) I think for three I will go with Hibachi restaurants! Oh man do I love me some hibachi! MMMmm steak, squash, zucchini, eggs, rice, white sauce = deliciousness in your mouth!

Yummy to my tummy!

4) Sally's Beauty Supply. I love this place! I have to go there once a month at least to get all my hair supplies to do all my coloring madness. Sometimes I go there even more often just cause I love it oh sooo much!

5) China Glaze nail lacquer. The by far, best nail polish I have used to date! I discovered it a while back when trying to find a certain color and let me tell you, I absolutely love this stuff! I have a bunch of different ones now and nothing compares..(you can find them at any local Sally's Beauty Supply or for more color options the China Glaze link above)

This one was short and sweet, but hope you enjoyed it!

Ohhh the Joys of Parenthood...

2011-06-13T23:58:00.009-04:00

Before you were conceived I wanted you
Before you were born I loved you
Before you were here for an hour I would die for you
This is the miracle of life

Maureen Hawkins

So I have learned my lesson on a couple different things in the past couple days. They both revolve around one main thing, what could it be? Think parenthood, crazy things that seem to constantly happen, the stuff you will never forget (or at least till someone says remember when...and it just all comes back to you like it was yesterday). Yes "poop" people, that's what I'm talking about! You will never cease to hear some gross bizarre stories about kids and their poop. Like the time when Kyleigh spread it all over her crib and everywhere! It was absolutely disgusting to say the least ha ha! Well yesterday I was holding Kinley after I took her PJ's off. I was trying to write some on the blog and just had her in her diaper sitting on one of my legs. Bad bad idea! She was just sitting there chilling and I knew she was going because her face kept turning tomato like. I kept telling her, "push it out girl!" Well, I guess the poop has nowhere to go when they're just chilling on your knee as if they are riding a horse. So yes, you guessed it, it shot right out the sides of the diaper. Indeed pushing it out is just what she did. Yup all over my pants, her, her legs, feet, just everywhere...ewww! Then the next day my Mom, the girls, friends from church, and I were eating at Copper River (delish by the way. It was my first time there!) and it happened again!! This time out the front! Not knowing that it had happened, I just grabbed her out of the car seat, a pack of wipes and a diaper and headed to the bathroom to change her. As I went to change her I noticed it was everywhere! I was in the bathroom with no diaper bag (with an extra outfit inside), no cell phone, and a poo covered child! The stench was horrendous and the wipes were not doing justice, so I had to rinse her in the sink (the craziest thing I've had to do with her thus far). As I am about to put her new diaper on I hear a loud child's voice that is just music to my ears, it was my daughter Kyleigh and my Mom walking in the bathroom! I quickly called them into the large stall we were in and had my Mom run back into the dining area for the diaper bag. I really thought I was going to have to walk back in the restaurant with a half naked baby (so embarrassing ha ha), so thank goodness! My point through writing this whole (gross, sick, nasty, but oh so normal to parents) blog entry was just to say kids make life so interesting (to say the least), yet so rewarding! I will never forget the amazing memories I have gotten to share with my little runts and the crazy ones that will always just make me laugh! Lesson learned: always bring the diaper bag in the bathroom, no matter what..you never know what's inside (if you know what I mean lol). Second the weight ranges it shows on the pack of diapers are so wrong (well for both my two girls they were at least). If you switch sizes because you feel the diaper is getting to small then start having "the blowouts" happen, just switch back down a size.

I started writing this entry yesterday and just never finished and today had yet another blowout..so it is definitely the case of: I am not quite big enough for my diaper syndrome..poor Kinley, my bad and I love you!!

Parenthood is a partnership with God...you are working with the creator of the universe in shaping human character and determining destiny.

Ruth Vaughn

UPDATE:

Only got two family pics that day and this was the better one.

Jason was able to actually video chat this morning with me! It was wonderful to see him, even though it was really just frames because it was really slow, but the voice part worked!! We had problems at the beginning of the deployment with him being able to hear my voice through the video chat, so we could never use it..but so glad it works now, even if he is a big blur and he doesn't move but every 30sec-minute ha ha! I loved it and him! I miss him so much! Keep praying for him over there as well as all the other troops fighting for us!

And my favorite, so I have to share:

The Silent Ranks

Kisses! It is never goodbye, it's see you later

I wear no uniforms, no blues or greens. But, I am in the military, in the ranks rarely seen. I have no rank upon my shoulders. Salutes I do not give. But in the military world is where I live. I am not in the chain of command, orders I do not give or get. But my husband is the one who does, this I can not forget. I am not the one who fires a weapon, Who puts his life on the line. But my job is just as tough, I’m the one who is always left behind. My husband is a patriot, a brave and pride filled man. And the call to serve his country not all can understand. Behind the lines, I see things needed to keep this country free. My husband makes the sacrifice, but so do my kids and me. I love the man I married. The military is his life. So I pledge to support my hero and stand among the silent ranks known as THE MILITARY WIFE. -Unknown

One of my favs of Kyleigh and Jason! Daddy-daughter, so presh!

5 Things I'm Obsessed With This Week...

2011-06-11T21:05:00.001-04:00

Could I please find a store that has a wall like this!?!?

Big feather earrings I made

So a couple months ago I became so obsessed with feathers! They hit the scene hard when Steven Tyler became a judge on American Idol. They are so popular now that the major fly fishing stores are even sold out and don't know when they're getting more. On fly fishing websites they are using the term fashion feathers, instead of the original which was saddle feathers (the long feathers on the back of a domestic fowl ), so women can find them pretty much (that's just my guess ha ha)! I feel bad for these poor men who love fly fishing and can't get there long skinny skinny saddle feathers because women have taken over. Those ones are the most popular because they look awesome as hair extensions. The hackle feathers you can still find a bunch. They're great for making jewelry (earrings and such). I still wonder how much they were before they became so big. The best place I have discovered to buy them in on Etsy. Through Etsy I buy from Moonlight Feathers, or you can buy straight from their website! They have all my feather wanting needs!

Feather Extensions

Here are some photos of the earrings I have made and feathers in my hair..(I put them in and change the ones in my hair around, since it is so simple and easy to DIY)

My Creations

If you didn't know we are staying with my Parents while Jason is deployed (we do have a house and everything where we live, but it is just better this way)..I have family here, I strongly dislike our town where we're stationed, and I just feel comfortable back in my hometown. The biggest thing of them all is it makes time just fly by being here! Yes I could do it all on my own, I have done it plenty of times before (through trainings, duty, parts of deployments) so it's not that..There are many times where you have to play the part of Mom and Dad, that is just all part of the role of being a military wife and family. It just makes things easier for all of us getting away from the town and living in a "normal" world, that's just what I feel like. The military town and lifestyle is just a whole other world. Not saying a bad one by any means, just different. I have a love/hate relationship with it. There are many things I absolutely love about it and then things that aren't so great (isn't everything that way though). All in all I wouldn't take any of it back for anything. We are blessed to have the things we have and the life we're given, and no matter what we have God and each other and that is the greatest gift of all!

And after all of my ranting and raving I have come to what I was talking about to begin with. Down the street from my parents house the have a frozen yogurt place. Over the last few months I have been in love with frozen yogurt after trying it for the first time! So how convenient is it that it is just a mile away. It is called Tutti Frutti :)! Not only is it wayyy better for you than ice cream, it actually has some good health benefits too! So frozen yogurt is my second "obsession," love, or whatever for this week (and probably forever, ha).

Favorite Concealer/Highlighter

My Favorite Primer

Favorite Eye Shadows

On to the third thing and that is Sephora. They recently added one into the mall here and I am in LOVE! I have always loved anything and everything to do with hair and makeup, but being in there brought me to a realization. I spent hours in there and never once got bored and could be there all day and feel the same.,,,.could I say the same about a hair salon or hair place, not really. Could I be on my feet all day worrying about messing up someones hair, probably, but do I want to go to cosmetology school and then do hair everyday forever..not so much (I love doing it for fun, either my own hair or a friends)...now with makeup, absolutely. You can fix it easy if someone doesn't like it. You're just enhancing people's natural beauty and I never get bored with it! I always thought my calling would be to do hair and that was what I would end up doing in the future. Now I realized I really want to be a makeup artist, learn about new products that come out all the time, learn new techniques, go to makeup classes and conventions, and just everything that comes along with it! I want to have a career, I want to make money for my family, I want to be an example to children, and most of all I want to just do something I love and teach my girls to do the same! I want them to know they can do anything in life, whether that be a doctor (which is what Kyleigh says she wants to be, a pediatrician to be exact lol) singer, or an actress. It's whatever makes them happy and where they feel they are doing something they love. Honestly, is money going to matter if you absolutely dread what you do!?! I don't think so, at least that's what I think. I would rather be broke and happy than rich and unfulfilled. I believe you can do anything you set your mind to. Opportunities could always come along and completely change what our desire to do in life is. For me, I know there are many things I love to do: singing, dancing, crafts, hair, makeup, design, decorating, creating, fashion, jewelry, photography, editing..I could go on forever there are so many things I love to do it is hard to decide on paths to take. I have always loved helping others and I want to feel as if I do in what I do in long run. I just want to feed my creative side and actually do something with it! Lately I have just wanted to burst out if I don't do something more. Another reason for this blog..I think I need to start taking dance classes or zumba, I need an outlet.

Fujifilm Instax Mini 50s

The Fourth is this new camera I discovered that I really really want and it also is really inexpensive! It is called the Fujifilm Instax. There are a few different kinds of them, but for various reason I love the Instax Mini 50s and Instax Mini 25. They would work perfect for making small scrapbooks (which is what I want to start doing)! They would just be great for me since I never seem to ever get pictures printed off. I could just photocopy them if I wanted more than one of a picture. (I should get a USB memory stick so I can put pics I want to print on there, that would make things a whole lot ta easier ha ha) I am sure you guys have probably heard of a Shadow Box, I want to start making those as well and putting them all over our house!

A shadow box, how could you not love these things!

This is a mini scrapbook, so neat right?!? I love them!

Last of all but not least (I will make this one short and sweet, I promise)..I love me some Vitamin Water Zero. Water that taste amazing minus the calories, that's what I'm talking about!!

The Bomb Diggity, Oh Yea!

That's all for today folks, thanks for reading! I will try to do a blog like this every week :)

My Fun and Exciting Job!

2011-06-10T15:55:00.000-04:00

Article on Deployment Diaries!

Every Monday you can watch as I update, share ideas, thoughts, feelings, and answer questions (to watch click here)

Also wanted to share with you guys and amazing photographer who did all the pictures for this, here she is:

"Stephanie Benbow of La Lumiere Photography is an experienced professional photographer specializing in custom portraiture for newborns, maternity, children, and families. Stephanie is also available for commercial work on a limited basis.

Stephanie serves eastern North Carolina in the areas of Wilmington, Surf City, Hampstead, North Topsail Beach, Camp Lejeune, Jacksonville, and the surrounding areas." from facebook: like her page :)

Article from La Lumiere Photography website: Pics included in article!

Needless to say I love my job! Helping other spouses, being there for people, and sharing knowledge..It's such a wonderful opportunity I have been given!!

Start of Something New...

2011-06-10T09:15:00.002-04:00

My mom, Kyleigh and I spent most of the evening baking "cake in a jar" for my video blog on milspouse.com and my husband! It was a lot of fun, even though I did burn the last batch..It was quite funny and sometimes you just got to sit back and laugh at yourself! I was so excited to see my sweet friend Blair for the first time in a while and catching up with her, I just was not even paying attention! Should have set the timer for the second batch, OH I know ha ha. I couldn't sleep tonight for some reason, so I came up with a grand plan to start a blog. So here we go, first entry....Have you ever just sat back and realized how amazing life is? Children just really add so much to your life, I cannot even tell you. They cause stress (sometimes a lot), yet so much joy and happiness and that is what you remember most! All the little things they say or do, things you got mad at them for (but you sit back and laugh now at what stinkers they can be), and most of all how loved they make you feel. This is my husband Jason's third deployment, as well as our third as a married couple, and I can honestly say I don't know what I would do without my little girls. They're so much a part of me!

Needless to say they have really gotten me through this. They have kept me busy and on my toes. Kyleigh is 3.5 yrs now and has the biggest personality and can keep you laughing for hours (or even yelling, lol, this has been the toughest age thus far). Kinley is about 3.5 months old. She is such a sweet and happy baby! Tonight she was doing her sweet little laugh while Ky was making baby noises at her. Let me tell you it was by far the cutest thing! Seeing them starting to interact with one another is quite an amazing thing. Good news, I heard from Jason this morning after waiting about a week for a phone call! It was amazing! This deployment is so incredibly different from the others. The communication is way, by far, less and still haven't been able to video chat (other than the couple of times we tried when he first got there and it didn't work out). But you know what I am lucky I get to have any communication, so I am grateful for what I get! I think deployments can make or break a relationship. For us, I feel, it makes us that much stronger. We learn to appreciate each other and realize how silly the little things we had tiffs about, when he was home, seem so small and irrelevant. Throughout a deployment and just life in general I always tell myself someone always has it worse, so why not think about all the positive things instead of the negative. All the negative is going to do is tear you down. We are given situations and obstacles in our lives to make just that much stronger. We must be thankful for what we do have and grow from what we go through.