The Saturday Sit-Down #52: Dreams + Coffee

Ah, January 27th already. This month flew by in lightning speed around here! I went in for my routine dental cleaning this week, and my sweet hygienist asked me how our holidays were. I paused for a second before answering because I had to think about it; Is she talking about Christmas? Isn’t it, like, July and the holidays were six months ago? No? Just a few short weeks ago? Sheesh. It feels like ages. It’s been a good month though (albeit quite busy!) but we’re excited that we have much more direction about what the spring holds than we did just a few weeks ago.

Anyway, let’s chat about this weekend’s featured blogger, Brittany! Isn’t she gorgeous? I bet she gets compliments on her hair every single day! I wasn’t super familiar with her blog until a few months ago, but she’s another example of a blogger whose content I got SO sucked into when I was preparing her questions. She has so much good stuff! You’ll see for yourself when you click over (and I hope you do!). Meet Brittany! <3

Q: In three sentences or less, tell us a little bit about who you are. 

A: I’m a wife, mama to two little girls and a dreamer who’s always thinking about the next big thing I want to do. I have a hard time sitting still and end up juggling lots of things at once – I thrive on it! My day isn’t complete without a good workout, a home-cooked dinner and cuddling with my girls before bedtime.

Q: When and why did you start blogging, and what are your favorite topics to write about?

A: I actually started blogging in 2009 (a different blog), back when some of today’s biggest bloggers were just starting out. It’s been so neat to watch their journey! I took a few years off from blogging after having my first daughter – and then my second – but I missed it so much that I decided to jump back in recently. While I spend most of my days raising two little girls, I don’t actually consider myself a ‘mom blogger’ per se – I prefer to write about style, healthy living, food and home décor. It’s definitely a creative outlet for me – something that allows me to take off my mom hat from time to time!

Q: What do you enjoy most about being a blogger? What has been the biggest struggle or challenge?

A: Writing is my passion – I love it so much that I actually made a career out of it (as a freelance writer). Blogging is my favorite type of ‘writing’ because it provides me an outlet from which I can share my personal interests and relate to other like-minded women. The biggest struggle is trying not to play the comparison game. I naively assumed that the popularity contest ended after high school, but the reality is, it sticks around if we allow a spot for it. I try to put my blinders on – and remind myself WHY I blog (for me, as a creative outlet) – and not allow myself to compare my blog to others’ blogs. I think it’s okay to be inspired by others, but it’s important to not let comparison cloud your mind!

Q: Tell us about your babes! They’re precious! How old are they, and what are your favorite things about the stages they’re in right now? What about the challenges?

A: Aww, thank you! Blair is 3 and Blakely is 1 (well, 18 months to be exact). To be honest, 3 has been a very challenging age – Blair is very much a “threenager” – but I am absolutely amazed at her creativity and how quickly she picks up on new things. Very independent, but also very sweet when she wants to be. 🙂 Blakely is just a doll and this is the age that makes me want #allthebabies! She’s very much a mama’s girl, which I secretly LOVE, but sometimes it’s hard to get anything done with her clinging to my leg! I love watching my girls play together – it’s been so fun to watch their relationship blossom and discover how influential big sister is on little sis.

Q: I love that you have a weekly meal planning series on your blog! Where do you find the majority of your recipes? Have you always enjoyed cooking?

A: I’ve always loved cooking, but meal planning is actually pretty new for us. We used to just wing it most nights, but a combination of wanting to eat healthier and having more free time since leaving my corporate job led me to weekly meal planning. I’ve found that so many mamas struggle with this like I did, so I decided to share my weekly plans to inspire others and hopefully pass along a few ideas! I find most of my recipes on Pinterest, but I recently started borrowing some Paleo and Whole30 cookbooks from the library to change it up a bit. Sometimes I like to combine several recipes or tweak ingredients and end up with something a little more unique, too!

Q: I often hear from others that they want to eat at home more but struggle to find the time to meal plan and cook. What advice would you give them?

A: It can be so overwhelming, I know! We definitely didn’t cook anything elaborate when I was working in an office (and still don’t most nights), but one thing that helped a ton was meal prepping on Sunday afternoons for the week ahead. I would make my breakfast and lunches for the week – something easy like protein pancakes or egg muffins for breakfast and chicken and boiled eggs to throw on a salad for lunch. For dinner, slow cooker recipes are where it’s at – set it on low before you leave for work and it’ll be ready when you arrive home! We also do easy things like ground turkey tacos or spaghetti – both of which are kid-approved around here. 🙂

Q: I saw that you use Rodan + Fields skincare! I’ve tried it before and loved it. What regimen do you use? Are you a consultant?

A: I can’t rave enough about Rodan + Fields – it’s the best! I started using it back in 2015 after my skin had seen better days post-pregnancy, and I never looked back. So glad you loved it, too! I used Reverse when I first started using R+F, and it helped even out my skin tone so much. I’ve always had issues with hormonal acne, though, so I switched over to Unblemish and use it religiously every day to keep my skin clear. Love it. And yes, I actually am a consultant! I had a friend introduce the business side of Rodan + Fields to me, and it’s really allowed my entrepreneurial side to come out while helping other women (and men!) find their best skin.

Q: Where should new readers start on your blog?

1. Here, I shared about my journey with Whole30 and why I altered my eating habits a bit: http://www.dreamsandcoffee.com/a-test-run-on-whole30/
2. This is one of my favorite recipes – a dairy-free, paleo-friendly Zucchini Lasagna that’s perfect for chilly nights: http://www.dreamsandcoffee.com/healthified-zucchini-lasagna/
3. We redid our kitchen cabinets on a budget – this post shares how we did it and what we used to complete the project (one of my favorite home projects!): http://www.dreamsandcoffee.com/how-we-refreshed-our-kitchen-for-under-300/

Q: Where can we connect with you on social media? 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brittanywboyce/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BritDanielle7

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/worrellb/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dreamsandcoffee/

And just for fun…

1. Cardio exercising or weight lifting? Cardio has a special place, because I’ve always been a runner! But I’m really into Pure Barre these days, so more focus on toning muscles. 🙂
2. Roses or tulips? Definitely tulips! My husband planted a bunch of bulbs in the Fall so we’ll have plenty for floral arrangements this Spring – I can’t wait!
3. Prefer a KitchenAid stand mixer or handheld mixer? KitchenAid mixers are life-changing! I grew up using a handheld mixer, but my KitchenAid is easily my favorite appliance in the kitchen now. 🙂
4. Spring or Fall? Tough decision – but I’d have to go with Fall! I love all the leaves changing, pumpkin spice everything, football and of course, fall fashion!

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Thank you so much, Brittany!

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Is this your first time to Whimsical September? Welcome!

Hello! I’m Erica, the blogger behind Whimsical September. I created the “The Saturday Sit-Down” series in January 2017 as a way to give back to the blogging community and link readers with new bloggers whom they may share similar interests with. Click here to discover more bloggers that have been featured on “The Saturday Sit-Down”. I promise you – there’s some GREAT ones!

Want to be featured in this series?

I have openings starting in the summer of 2018 and would love to feature you! Please fill out the form below and I’ll be in touch with you. It’s totally free and a fun way to bring new sets of eyes to your blog. <3 PS: Bloggers with any size following are welcome to be featured, whether you’re brand new or “seasoned”. 🙂

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