I hated spring growing up. In Ohio, it felt like a terrible tease. One day it would be lovely and the next, it would snow. I distinctly remember crying on my way to school one May (yes, May) morning because it was icy and snowy. I was a bit of an emotional child. Now that I live in DC, I absolutely love spring despite having terrible allergies for a solid…
This past winter in DC felt very nostalgic (not in a good way) for the midwestern winters I grew up with. It was grey, dingy and all-around miserable for a solid few months. When I asked my friend who’s from Michigan (I’m from Ohio) to accompany me on the search for the best burger in DC, she pounced on the opportunity. Let’s just say that the seasonal depression was real…
It feels like it’s been a while since I’ve shared some of our local brewery finds! A few weeks ago, Jim and I ventured over to Prince George’s county, which is an area we rarely explore. Since I’d been in Hyattsville, I swear it’s gotten even cuter. It seriously is a hipster paradise, full of fun breweries, shops and restaurants… But, dare I say, the beer is the best. If…
The Gig Economy has gotten a pretty bad reputation in some circles and I just don’t understand it. While I may not agree with everything Dave Ramsey says, the notion of picking up as much extra work as you can when you’re in debt is one I can totally get behind. But, what if you’re not in debt? A pre-Covid article in the Atlantic featured interview of several millennials who…
I should start this post by offering a disclaimer. When I say that I “read” a book, sometimes it means that I listened to the audiobook. I love consuming books but can rarely find the time to sit down and read a book (or watch TV, for that matter). That’s how I’m able to get through so many Of the books below, all were audiobooks except for Abigail Shrier’s. I…
As I’m writing this, there’s an impending snow and ice storm here in the DC area. One thing I’ve really enjoyed about this area is that the winters tend to be significantly more mild than Ohio’s, but we still get a “snack” of winter, if you will. Since I am a bit of a pro in the snow day world, I thought I would share five fun things do to…
Let the Good TIME ROLLLL. This is a republish of one of my favorite compilations of recipes that I often come back to. Who knew Cajun (or is it Creole?) food was soooo good? This coming Tuesday is Mardi Gras and I hope you’re able to at least somewhat celebrate it. Last year Jim and I were in New Orleans for the festivities and it was just as fun as you’d…
I have to admit, when given the choice between Valentine’s Day and Mardi Gras, I always choose the latter. Perhaps it’s because I was chronically single for so long and Valentine’s Day brings back not-so-great memories. Maybe it’s because Mardi Gras is actually the best holiday ever and I’ve learned to love it.. Either way, my place is decked out in purple, green and yellow at the moment and I…
I’ll be the first to admit it–I’m a major MAJOR germaphobe. I also grew up in a rather high-maintenance town full of people who would never, ever be caught dead rifling through others’ hand-me-downs. To say that 16 year-old-me would be horrified to learn that 35 year-old-me would be a thrifter would be perhaps the biggest understatement ever made. Fast forward to my first few years in the DC area.…
You may or may not have seen a little update on my Instagram feed (@basicbrittblog) but I have a little new endeavor.. The short version is that you’ll be seeing a lot more lifestyle content here and I’ll be shifting my financial stuff to another page. It’ll be launched this month so stay tuned! I always love reading Instagram Roundups on others’ blogs so I thought I’d do one today…