Are You Up For A Challenge? I AM!

I don't know about you but sometimes my heart screams,

"THERE HAS TO BE MORE THAN THIS!" 

"I KNOW YOU HAVE A PURPOSE and I AM HERE, USE ME!"

"WHY IS THERE SO MUCH PAIN AROUND ME?"

"I AM JUST ONE PERSON, I CAN'T DO ANYTHING THAT WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE"

I know I have been called to be making a difference in the world around me and sometimes I feel stuck not knowing which steps I am suppose to take next... Where I am at now sometimes I feel like I haven't taken any steps at all. So my real question is, 

Where am I suppose to BEGIN? 

This weekend the Lord has challenged me and made it exceedingly clear what my first step for this week needs to be. I don't think it is something I am suppose to keep to myself but to share and encourage other wives, moms... all the single ladies ("Put Your Hands Up!") ALL of us to take part in this week. 

MAYBE, it is just me but if I was transparent, which I normally am, I could tell you I had a defining moment in my life when I felt the Lord's call on my life. An exciting life I knew I was in for but a bump here and a wrong turn there put me in a place I never thought I would find myself. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE my life, and God doesn't have a Plan B but by Grace and Mercy more Plan A's. But I am NOT content living this inward life. Sitting right here at the ripe ol' age of 28, living a life full of busYness and finding myself longing to see the Lord use me in the injustice I see all around me but wondering what I can do about it. Laying awake in bed at night, my heart yearning to make an impact but the next morning falling into the same routine... I am tired of saying, 

"OK, God! I am here! If you would just write it in the sky I will do whatever you want me to do."

I have come to the conclusion this week that has me sitting on my hands doing NOTHING because He hasn't given me a phone call with a game plan. 

Did you know helping the poor and needy is touched on 358 times in the Bible? 358 times God has asked me AND you to simply help those around us. This reality struck me this weekend,

THAT IS MY GAME PLAN!

It has been there the whole time! Here we, errr, I sit begging God to show me how to get started and I have come to a conclusion that He has showed me. OR tried to show me... 358 times.

So, this brings me to my challenge.

Before the weekend has come I am going to take one prepared meal, along with enough groceries and recipes for 2 additional meals to a family in my community who I know would consider it a blessing in their home.

Is that huge? Is it going to impact 32,000 people? Am I performing some sort of miracle? NO! But I know it will be huge to that family, I know it will impact not just their lives but my family as well. AND it will be a MIRACLE to that single mama.

I want you to come on this journey with me. I want to share stories of how God uses both you and me to impact our small circle of friends, the town we live in, or however far God takes you. I think if we all joined hands and forces we will see Miracles happen. That is my desire. I desire for God to use me. We have been called to action but get so caught up in the mundane and schedules we have ourselves tied into, the years just pass us by and I am tired of wondering. 

Please if you feel lead to step out with me, look around your community is there a family that would be blessed by a nice hot meal and some groceries? In taking this first step I know God will show me His next and I am believe that for my family and yours. Please let me know if you are going to join me this week and take on this challenge. I CAN'T wait to hear the stories of how God uses all of us to bless others and what an impact it has on your life as well.

Why Body by Vi instead of Advocare??!

As much as I have loved answering this question individually I thought perHAPS I would just throw it out there to everyone! A lot of people were aware that a couple of years ago Adrian and I became distributers of Advocare. My brother had just started selling it and we went to a party of his and left with our product ordered! I continuously get asked, "Didn't you use to sell Advocare?? Why did you switch??" Here is the long and short of my answer...

We were hardcore Advocare! 1. It worked for us and 2. My brother was selling it and we wanted to support him.

We did our first 24day Challenge and I don't remember exact numbers for Adrian but I had lost 17lbs. Obviously, that is exciting for anyone!

My problem started on Day 25... 

Even with my distributer discount, which was 30%, even if we had gotten to 40% we literally could NOT afford to continue! So for 2 years we kinda sat on our hands, not wanting to do anything else, we wanted our ADVOCARE and we wanted it NOW! :)) So instead we quickly gained our weight back, because, well... it is fun to eat! If we are honest...

About a year ago we started hearing about this

Body by Vi 90 Day Challenge. 

I was very quick to state that we weren't interested!

Obviously that has changed. Here are a few reasons why... I was seeing MEGA results! MAJOR RESULTS! My little town was saturated with Body by Vi, by a little someone I may or may not call my Bestie. This was all before I knew her, but everywhere I went and saw people looking great, I would ask and was continuously told Body by Vi.

So, I started to do my research! I was told to Google Body By Vi vs. Advocare. If you are like me you may be all about results but these are fun facts too!

Something else that got me pretty hyped up was ALL the amazing stories I was hearing about health issues being helped by BBV. Lupus, diabetes, autism, etc. Not that this product can heal or anything like that but just the amazing nutrition that was drastically changing people's circumstances! 

There are a few other reasons, the FREE BMW, amazing trips or perhaps my AMAZING results! In my first 90 Day Challenge, I lost 

42lbs, tons of inches and 3 pant sizes.

But the NUMBER 1 REASON we are HARDCORE, solid ROCK believers in 

BODY BY VI...

EVERYONE, customer or promoter, can get their kit for FREE! 

You can't see me typing but I typed FREE, slowly and pressed each key with a vengeance. HAHA!

Like I told you, Adrian and I couldn't afford Advocare. FREE spoke to my little heart something fierce! :)) AND it is incredibly easy to obtain. Free product is making an amazing difference in both our personal lives and as a business. I get a crazy rush each time I see a new customer getting their product for free. We, personally, are getting $500 worth of product for free each and every month. And if you know anything about BBV, that is A LOT of product! There is an excitement when I get to share that with others. FREE, FREE, FREE! Can you say that enough? I can't,

FREE!!

On the business side... I get paid 5 times a month! It is my favorite to go to my mailbox AT LEAST once a week expecting a check! The comp plan between the 2 companies is INCOMPARABLE and UNMATCHED. We are a trendy company who is keeping up with Social Media and offer amazing software for their promoters. The creators of "The Biggest Loser" have joined forces with our company. It is the FASTEST growing business in the industry! I LOVE ALL THINGS BODY BY VI! And my favorite part? ------>

That is why we would Choose Body By Vi ANYDAY over Advocare. Nothing against Advocare but ALL of this for Body by Vi. Was it even really a choice??!

www.ifshecandothis.com <---- If I can do this, you can too!

I AM DOING A GREAT WORK AND CAN'T COME DOWN!!

First of all I am doing this from my iPad so there isn't going to be any fancy stuff going on, because well, I don't know how on here and I don't have time :). I am also a bit embarrassed for some of the things I am about to tell about myself but find comfort in knowing it is all about to change! Today, I was going about my usual morning routine which includes me immediately grabbing my phone and finding out what happened with my Facebook friends while I slept and then it continues with me throughout the am. My phone goes where I go! If I am doing laundry it is on the washer, if I am on the trampoline it is sitting on the rim, if I notice it isn't near me, I freakout! In fact, while I was in the bubble bath last night after my run, I was on my phone, Facebook, pinterest, playing a game... I was so tired and wanted to go to bed but I really wanted to keep playing. I even get to the point where I refresh my Facebook repeatedly waiting for someone, anyone to update their status... A new pin to show up. Anything! 

TV and computer are just as bad! I was just doing what I usually do today and my friend Mandy had posted this blog and of course I had to read it.

Here is the link to the blog, you should definitely read it... After mine of course ;) while I read it I started to cry. It. Is. Me! It was calling me out! I am MISSING EVERYTHING! We live in such an amazing time of technology and I am so thankful for all the conveniences that our generation has, however, the cost to our families is great. While I was reading certain instances came to mind, for example:

*I know I have said this many times, "Excuse me. Don't you see this (pointing at my phone on my ear). Mommy is on an important call. Please wait til Mommy is done."- Making my babies feel like the person on the other end is more important than they are.

*Answering my phone when my child is mid-sentence.

*I hate this one, but happens more than I like, "MOMMY! Watch... watch... are you watching?" Because it has happened too many times that I have missed moments or things that are important to them.

*Instead of focusing when I have delicate time with the girls I am checking my website or Paypal or whatever else.

*Instead of playing dress-up or having a picnic I am too busy watching TV, a TV I can pause or record.

She list a lot more in her blog and I know most if NOT ALL have occurred in our home.

Now you must be thinking, what a horrid mother! Of course I am picking out moments of our lives. My girls are fully aware that I love them and we do have lots of special moments but when I was reading this blog today I realized how much better I could be doing!

On Sunday morning Pastor Tony was preaching on Nehemiah. While he was working on finishing building the wall there were times he was asked to come down for different reasons and his response was, "I am doing a great work and can't come down." This I have decided to implement into my life. My work right now is my family, my babies. Yes, I do have other works but repeatedly they come before my girls and that is where I draw the line. Boundaries are about to be set because, 

"I AM DOING A GREAT WORK AND CAN'T COME DOWN!!"

As you all are fully aware I have an online business, which makes what I am about to do even more interesting! But I refuse to use that as an excuse for my commitment to my family and I honestly, wholeheartedly believe that God will honor my commitment and make it work!

Now for the fun stuff! Here are the life changing commitments that are about to take place in our house and in my heart.

*Adrian decided he was going to join the party and we are cancelling our cable, we waste so much time watching mindless movements when we could be creating memories with our girls. Not to mention, they don't need to be watching TV ;)

*The end of this month my phone will no longer have data or texting! This is HUGE for me but as much as I think I NEED these things... I DON'T.

*I will be implementing "HOURS," that I am available on my phone. I will not be available every time I get a call.

*Same is going to happen for Facebook and emails.

We talked about getting rid of my phone completely but with the girls not always being with me or us being without Adrian, in the car and such Adrian decided against that. Plus my number is the number that the girl's know... So I have decided that it will just be silent and put away when I have my family with me.

I am so excited about this! I am scared too... they changes are going to be so drastic for us but, I am doing a great work and can't come down! It is going to be worth every missed call and I am absolutely not going to die if I don't see your status update right when you post it. Am I giving up phone and computer completely? NOPE! But while my girls are home and awake I will be focused on the most important people in my life. I am going to have to start using a real camera cause I won't be able to upload a quick shot. Things are going to be so different! 

I hope this challenges other moms. Maybe not to take such drastic steps but to be aware of what we are doing and where our focus is. I don't want to miss another moment. And I thank GOD for opening my eyes to how things have been. I have been feeling this way for awhile but today when Mandy posted this post, I was brought to a breaking point and it is over. The girls will know that they are more important than my phone, computer or a stupid TV show.

The Rainy Rose Tea Room

Ladies! It is up and ready to roll! The calendar is already filling up so please don't wait to call or email me to reserve your date! 620.481.7851 or therainyrose@gmail.com.

Since the weekends are the most popular time to host a party we do recommend that you consider contacting us about a month in advance, however that is not saying that we would not be able to figure out a closer date if needed! I will also be allowing weeknight parties, on selected nights and weekdays in the summer.

Each party will be styled based on the age of the birthday girl!

There will be an initial deposit required at the time of booking. Once the date has been selected, the party can only be postponed. As a mother, I understand things don't always go as planned. I will work with you to find a new date that will work for everyone's schedule! The remaining of the balance will be due on the day of the party!

Mini Lady Tea: (recommended for 3-4yrs)
Min # of guest: 6 Max # of guest: 12
Price: $110 (+$12 for each additional guest past 6)
Party Includes: Decorated Tea Time Table, 1.5 hours of entertainment, Served Tea (or Lemonade) and snack, Dressup Time, Fashion Show, Group Photo for the Birthday Girl, Storytime and MUSIC!

First Class Tea: (recommened for 5-8yrs)
Min # of guest: 8 Max # of guest: 18
Price $130 (+$12 for each additional guest past 8)
Party Includes: All from Mini Tea, in addition: 2 hours of entertainment, Beauty Session, and a Craft

Sophisticated Tea: (recommened for 5-8yrs)
Min # of guest: 8 Max # of guest: 18
Price $150 ( +$12 for each additional guest past 8)
Party Includes: All from First Class Tea, in addition: Party Invitations and Group Photo for all guests

Spa Party!: (recommened for 6-12yrs)
Min # of guest: 8 Max # of guest: 18
Price $150 ( +$12 for each additional guest past 8)
Party Includes: Decorated Themed Table, 2 hours of entertainment, Party Invitations, Drinks and Snack, Face Mask (including cucumbers:), Nail Polish, Choice of Craft, Group Photo for each guest, and MUSIC!

Easy Breezy Tea: (recommended for all ages)
Min # of guest: 5 Max: 15
Price: $15 per guest
Party Includes: 1 hour of entertainment, decorated table, served Tea (or Lemonade) and snack, Dress Up Time and MUSIC!

Holiday Party!: ( recommened for all ages)
Only available certain times of the year
Min # of guest: 6 Max # of guest: 18
Price: $100 ( +$10 for each additional guest past 6)
Party Includes: 1 hour of entertainment, decorated table, served drink, food craft, holiday realated activity and MUSIC!

Space Rental: We are opening our space for baby/bridal showers, girls night out, meetings, holiday parties or any other activites that you may come up with! Starting at $45

I so look forward to making your little lady's birthday one she will never forget! Thanks for taking a look and I can't wait to hear from you!

I am also making big plans to offer over the summer! Keep checking back for updates!

Christmas Craft Countdown!

I think that I am going to do a blog, actually 15 to be exact on Christmas Projects that I do until Christmas!! This First one rocks my socks off, and I didn't make it. HA! My mom came down for the day to help me decorate the store. I will show pictures of that on another blog... However, I had to have a KIM MOORE exclusive Wreath for my door at the store! When I was a little girl, I remember watching my mom make wreaths for friends and others during the holiday season. This was my big year, I will now have the coolest wreath on my storefront! OH YA! If you haven't seen pictures or been to my store, I have white and black striped walls and HOT pink floors so for Christmas I knew I wanted FUN COLOR, FEATHERS and GLITTER and I got just that!

First things first... little helpers...

The woman took a $2 wreath from Walmart to start... I had a photo but I can't find my cord for the computer... Just picture a $2, thin, crappy 20inch wreath.

Then we had this decorative wired netting...

Then I had found tons of odd little things that I thought maybe, just maybe, the master would approve and she DID!

MY mom! Basically, the coolest mom anyone could have worked for, ummm, under 15minutes...

AND POOF! I am the VERY PROUD owner of a Kim Moore original! You know how cool she is?? She has even donated one for me to auction off at our spa night! DON'T miss out!

This is going to ROCK on my Hot Pink Door at the shop!

You know MY name!

Today I was simply listening to Pandora while I was working on bows and a song I have heard, 1,000,000 times played...

If you want to continue to think that I am perfect and never have a weak moment in my life then DO NOT continue cause you might eat just a little bit of truth... There is your warning :):)

I am TIRED! You have have those moments, days, weeks, months where you are just tired? (I am not talking about physically, however I find that to be a common side effect.) I have been tired, emotionally and spiritually drained, these last few days or weeks. I just feel like life and the busYness I involve myself in have me wrapped and I can't breathe... that kind of tired.

Now I am not one who normally expresses when I am feeling defeated, however, I feel like this is something I am suppose to share cause I believe I am not the only momma out there who has been there. We... errr... I have gotten so good at putting on my mask every morning that I don't even realize that I am doing it anymore. Until God takes a simple phrase, one that seems over used at times and brings me to a humble and broken place.

I have been SCREAMING, "Where are you?!? Don't you see me down here? Have you forgotten about me? Or do you even care?? I am trying my best... just so you're aware!!"

A song came on... the words go, "He knows my name, He knows my every thought, He sees each tear that falls and He hears me when I call..."

I felt like He was screaming, "Britanie! I, ME, Creator of all the Universe, the Heavens and the Earth, I care about your every move. I am watching, I see you in the morning when you open your eyes. I know how many breaths you took today. You have been on My mind since the moment I made you. Your worries and your joys, you matter to me. Oh and Britanie... I know YOUR name."

I feel special when someone remembers my name after the first time we have met. Don't you? Maybe it is just me. Now if you don't remember my name after we meet, it doesn't bother me, AT ALL, so don't be scared to ask me again. :):) but when someone thought I was important enough to remember who I was after I have met them, is a pretty cool feeling, right? And here was God saying, "I haven't forgotten. In fact, I have known your name before your parents choose it. Actually, I knew your name since the beginning of time... just sayin'" That very thought is so mind blowing. And God would totally say, "just sayin'..." ;)

So my prayer, for myself but also for you is this:

Jesus, I love you so much. And I thank You for who You are. I thank You for never leaving or forgetting about me. I ask that as I head into today, that I would take it on with the most incredible knowledge that I don't have to walk by myself. Help me keep in mind that You care, You care about the big life altering events but also about the smallest worries we have, and you want to carry them for us. Thank You for the reminders that you know ME and that I matter to you. In Jesus Name I pray. Amen.

I hope you are reminded that He knows who you are and He cares what is going on in your life. I hope that you find time to hear a little something from Him today and perhaps get your own personal reminder that He Knows YOUR name.

Brit

Carnival Birthday Success!

So this mama is pooped! But my girls had so much fun at their Carnival Birthday party, and I cannot tell a lie, I had fun too :) I thought I would blog some details for anyone who likes a good party!

Every good party starts with a great invitation! I found a great one on Etsy!

Next the food! Papa Ramirez borrowed a popcorn machine from work, we wrapped hotdogs and chips for dinner. Then the good stuff. We had carnival candy in bowls at every table. Plus we had cotton candy for the kids to take home, giant pixie sticks, cracker jacks, animal crackers, chocolate dipped marshmellows, cotton candy cupcakes, bubble gum cupcakes AND the cutest popcorn cupcakes! MMMMMMM.... LOVE~



The popcorn cupcakes were a big hit! They were just chocolate cake with white icing. Then you cut about 30 mini marshmellows in half and squeeze them back together and POOF you have popcorn!




As far as activities go we had a clown who did balloon animals for the kids and a HUGE bounce house. Not what I was expecting but it was great! We even kicked the kids out for a minute and tried it out... I couldn't stay on my feet. HA!


We had a blast with facepaint...

Thank you Morgan for doing that! Even Papa was a good sport!

We also had a very fun "photo booth" this was probably my favorite! We set up an old painted frame, which I love so much. :) And I had made about 18 props for the booth. The kids and adults alike had a blast with this one! Of course the photos were better once the sun dropped behind the building! I am no photographer... we just picked the place the fame would even work. HA!

ANDDDDDDD, you can't have a carnival party without a good ol' fashion pie eatting contest! I just bought some gramcracker mini pie pans and loaded them with jello!

AND the prize for winning?? What is better than smashing a pie in Papa Ramirez's face?? What a good sport he was!

All in All I call Leila and Landyn's Circus Birthday a huge success. Happy Birthday to my sweet girls. I can't believe how fast the time is passing. SLOW DOWN GIRLS!!

(Landyn turns 5 in a few weeks and Leila turned 6 a few weeks ago.)