bposhphoto@me.com – Page 2 – itsbrittanyporter

September 11, 2017July 21, 2020

Home | The Dining Room

I have been trying to figure out what to do with our dining room for a LONG time now. I can easily decorate a room from SCRATCH but when you need to add things to create a space, then I’m clueless. We bought this table right after we got married and then bought the chairs and bench a couple years later to host Thanksgiving. It was an impulse buy, and while I like them, they just aren’t my style. Farmhouse, pottery barn-ish, yes, but modern or boho or vintage or scandinavian, not so much. So, I’ve been contemplating selling and starting over OR trying to work with it.

I’m really inspired by modern boho.. I love blush, black, white, fur, lots of texture and layers, but I also love clean looking, well styled spaces. Below is the dining room with an added rug and fur throw. Then the second photo, I added black velvet curtains. The third one I added a black mirror (still can’t decide how I feel about it though). And the last photo is another idea of where I could take this.

I think the chalkboard would be fun to put photos on with washi tape or to write quotes for holidays or gatherings. It could be too much though? Also, still considering table scape… minimal? Planters? Black or white vases? I’ll let you know how it turns out! It could be completely different next week haha!

I linked the exact decor and here is some other similar items:

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July 14, 2017

Pistachio Salad | Recipes

I have 10,000 recipes for salads. I eat them as meals and not as sides. I love getting a mix of veggies, fruits, proteins, grains, etc all in one meal. Then, I make the toppings as a meal for my kiddos who don’t eat “salads.” They’ll eat chicken, fruit, rice, farro, etc and occasionally the “crunchy lettuce” (romaine stems).

I love making dressings and shopping at the Olive Oil store. There is a difference! I’ve tried expensive grocery store brands and they just aren’t the same. I love the full bodied tuscan and herbs de provence oils and mixing them with various balsamic vinegars. I’ll post more on my favorite combos later.

This salad is a crowd pleaser. And it is super simple!

Ingredients:

bag of arugula
1/2c chopped roasted pistachios
farro (they also sell microwavable kind at target)
vegetable broth (optional)
1-2 lemons
goat cheese
bit of honey
herbs de provence olive oil

Cook the the farro with 1/2 water and 1/2 vegetable broth according to package.

Layer arugula, chopped pistachios, and cooled farro. Zest the lemon on top of the salad. Add the goat cheese ( I just scrape the log of cheese with a fork). For the dressing, I add the juice of one lemon, about 4oz of olive oil, a tad bit of honey, and sea salt and fresh cracked pepper to a mason jar and whisk. All of this is to taste. Add more or less of what you like. Then pour over and toss.

June 8, 2017

Inspiration | How to Want Less

With a world heavily focused on social media, it can leave you wanting MORE. Like, all the time. Like, even when you get that something, it doesn’t satisfy. I’ve been challenged in two ways recently.

Tell your finances what to do instead of them telling YOU what to do. No matter what your income, you still won’t have enough. It is a bottomless pit and a way to suck margin right out of your life if you don’t create a budget. I’ve realized that I’ll find SOMETHING to buy at target, online shopping, or at the grocery store that I didn’t set out to get.. but because I had a little extra sitting in my account, I bought it. And at the end of the month, I was still finding myself strapped, because I didn’t budget. Even WITH more work, even WITH a raise, even WITH extra income.. you will never have enough until you learn to budget and live within your means. Also, tithe comes first. God can do more with my money than I can.
“If you feel like you never HAVE enough, it’s because you don’t believe you ARE enough.” Pastor Steven said this a few weeks ago and it resonated with me so much. But I couldn’t help wonder how I would even go about believing I am enough. This sermon by Perry Noble really was a great follow-up to that question. Hope you have time to watch it, but if not, here are the main points:
- In Christ, I am COMPLETELY FORGIVEN. Romans 8:1 There is NO condemnation for those who belong to Christ.
- In Christ, I am VALUABLE. I was fearfully and wonderfully made. I was created on purpose. I was custom designed by God. The value is determined by the price someone is willing to pay.. the son of God died for me.
- In Christ, I am UNCONDITIONALLY LOVED. God accepts us in our mess. He loves us because we are His children made in his image- not because of our PERFORMANCE but because of our POSITION. Every person that is in the Bible needed God’s forgiveness.

I am going to put these on sticky notes on my mirror as my affirmation for the day.

Here’s the full sermon: Getting Past Your Past.

June 6, 2017

Roasted Veggies | Recipes

I make veggies a million different ways. I tried this version linked below, and I loved the softness of the veggies.. not mushy, but not crunchy either. I substituted coconut oil for olive oil the second time around and liked the sweetness it added better. This method will be my go to and would make an amazing side dish for Thanksgiving. (maybe even add some dried cranberries?). The linked recipe adds a maple balsamic reduction.. I could take it or leave it. No matter what, they are SO SO good!

Ingredients:

Veggies (I used cubed butternut squash, cubed sweet potatoes, tri-color carrots, and red onion)
3 heaping spoonfuls of coconut oil
pecans
herbs de province
salt and pepper

Preheat oven to 350.

Melt coconut oil then add veggies, herbs, and salt and pepper and mix well.

Spread them evenly on a pan (i used tin foil sprayed with pam for easier clean up).

Cook 45 mins, stirring occasionally.

Add pecans and stir on the pan. Cook for 5-8 more minutes.

Alternative recipe: https://foodnessgracious.com/maple-balsamic-roasted-vegetables/

May 5, 2017

Fashion Crush | May Edition

It is getting warmer out and all I can think about is what do I want to sweat in today? These outfits and accessories are perfect for throwing on last minute and still feeling somewhat put together. I bought that denim overall dress and it is definitely going to be worn so often! Through on a crop top for a cute outfit or a tank to work in the yard. This bomber is perfect for chilly restaurants and stores when everyone kicks on the AC extra high…layers are key. What are your summer essentials!?

Cupshe Bathing Suit – $26.50
Easy Tank Dress- Madewell– $65
Festival Sunnies – Madewell– $55
Fringe Earrings- Vici Dolls Collection $22
Sidestreet Bomber Jacket- Roolee $54
Bralet- Free People $20
Denim Overall Dress – Forever 21 $22.90

April 18, 2017

5 Tips to Healthier Eating

Instagram– Follow people that inspire healthy eating… I follow a bunch but here are a few faves: @minimalistbaker , @thebigmansworld , @LindsayKingdon , @edgarraw and @inspiralized
Pinterest- I am constantly referring to my FOOD pinterest board for meal ideas, planning, and grocery lists.
Restaurants– I love scouting out new places and re-creating things i’ve ordered off their menu at home. Most places have their menus posted online. They don’t have ratios or recipes, but ingredients are so helpful to try new pairings and omit things I don’t really like. Some places I’m searching right now are: The Hive, Flower Child, and Sweet Greens that I visit in Santa Monica. And Lunas, here in charlotte.
The Right Cookbooks- I don’t always go by cookbooks– i mean, who has time? But when I do, I love 100 Days Real Food and Clean Eating with a Dirty Mind for sweets (and making that maple sugar I posted on Instagram). Barnes and Noble has a plethora to thumb through (right next to the legos- score!). I love simple ingredients and eating clean.
Weekly Grocery List – I recently started a weekly grocery list (still a work in progress) that allows me to make multiple meals, while also restocking my most used items. I know that every week, I need these things.. and then ~~i’ll make another trip~~ I’ll send my husband to get items to make a more defined meal or things that last longer and have just run out (like balsamic vinegar, olive oil, etc). I cannot shop for the whole week in 1 trip. My produce either goes bad or uneaten depending on what our tastebuds are craving. With this list, you can print it off or put it in your Reminders Section on your phone and share it with your husband 😉 to keep on hand and mark things as purchased.

April 8, 2017August 15, 2020

RECIPES | QUINOA SOUP

When Gray is out of town, and all the kids want to be in the kitchen, I try to give them things that they can help with. I just finished a juice cleanse and wanted something healthy and quick. I went to pinterest to find some detox soups and found some ideas.

The girls chopped the veggies with these kid-friendly knives from amazon and Lennox gnawed on some raw carrots. Even if I don’t end up using their creations, I like that they can stay busy and also learn about ingredients.

This recipe is super simple and quick.

Time: about 20-25mins | Serves 2-3… just double the portions to serve more

Boil 3 cups of water and add 1 cup tri-color quinoa (you can probably substitute rice or another grain if you want). I added some rosemary, thyme, and basil, plus cracked black pepper.

While that is boiling for 15 mins, chop carrots, yellow onion, and garlic. Sautee them over olive oil for about 6 mins. I like to be an olive oil snob and use Herbs de province that I got from Olive This by Trader Joes. It makes SUCH a difference in taste and i use it for everything from veggie roasting to salad dressings.

When the veggies are done, add them to the quinoa. When the 15 mins is up, add a parmesan rind and the zest and juice of 1 lemon. I also had some shredded chicken left over that I through in as well. Simmer for 5-10 mins or until ready to eat.

March 19, 2017

Lennox’s First Birthday | Bear Bash

Lennox is the sweetest little boy. My favorite things are how he always crosses his ankles when he sits, he puts out his bottom lip to offer me a kiss, and when he says “hello.” He seems to be a good mix of my other two so far. He loves to put things into other things to see if they will fit. He is completely content with a box and a couple of items to drop in and pick back out. He loves baths and kicks his legs back and forth with excitement.

I’m so thankful for my little bear cub and it was such a fun time celebrating his first year!

I’m learning that I don’t need to “MAKE” everything — ain’t nobody got time for that! My mom made the fruit skewers, we bought the food, and I diy-ed some printable and made the cake toppers. I think with each kid you learn to plan a little better and manage your time a little bit more. I don’t stay up the night before trying to do everything! I come up with a theme, make a do-able guest list, and create somewhat of a budget. Then, I come up with my “must- haves” which is typically a cake from our favorite bakery in town, gold balloons, themed or color coordinating plates/napkins, favors, and good food. Everything else is 2nd in terms of budget- depending on the theme of the party. Hope that helps you stress-less if you have a party to plan!

Here are some pics from his party, links of items are listed below 🙂

Cakes- Southern Gourmet in Matthews, NC | Biscuits Catered – The Flying Biscuit | Chicken Minis – Chick-fil-a | Toppers: DIY- black bears from Hobby Lobby, Brown Bear– Amazon | Gold Balloons, Stick Pencils, White Gummy Bears, Meri Meri Plates & Napkins, Wooden Cutlery, Plaid Runner– Amazon | Bow Tie- Little Mister

March 19, 2017

Lennox Gray : 6 months

Lennox’s half birthday fell around christmas time, so we signed up for mini sessions with sassyfras studios. It was freezing cold and windy and it was 1.5 hours away– which gave me plenty of time to do my makeup in the car haha. They always make something out of nothing and I was so happy to get some photos of our family of 5. Outfit details below.

Lennox: Hat- Swallows Return, Moccs- Bedtime Rebel on Etsy | Kinsley: Green Jumper- lovey lake, bows-cloudless Sky Design | Me: dress- Free People, Earrings- Reclaimed

March 17, 2017

Lennox’s Newborn Photos

I can’t believe I’m just now sharing my favorites, but in honor of his first birthday, I’m looking back at some firsts. We absolutely adore Lauren and Christen from Sassyfras studios and cherish these photos SO much! It is a reminder to me to love life in all its craziness because that is where the beauty lies. (and it doesn’t help to have Sabrina from Be Pretty come do your hair and makeup 😉 ha!