The Girl Behind the Blog – About Brittany aka Pretty Handy Girl
This post has been running around in my head for quite a while now. I feel like you don’t really get to see the real me when you read my posts. You don’t get to see the me in my pajamas and messy desk (and dirty dishes) as I proof read the post I finished at 1am in the morning.
You don’t get to see the real me who rushes out the door to pick up my kids in my paint and sawdust spattered clothes.
And you don’t get to see the family that has been behind me from the beginning. You can thank my friend Roeshel from The DIY Showoff for giving me the old kick in the pants to finally share those pertinent details with you ;-).
Have you ever wondered who the real Pretty Handy Girl is? Is she tall is she short? I’m 5′ 6″. What’s her favorite food? Definitely dark chocolate! Is she a coffee or tea drinker? Coffee. Mac or PC? Been a Mac girl since 1990! And what really scares her? Read more to find out:
My family:
I absolutely love dark chocolate! My father grew up in Hershey, PA. I like to joke that because my father’s family grew up in chocolate town USA, I need to have a certain amount of chocolate coursing through my system to survive.
My Hershey Grandparents
I am the oldest of three girls…
Me, Caitlin, & Alana
…(and two half brothers) which makes me kind of the bossy sibling (ask my sisters!)
Jordan, Alana, Shea, Mom, Caitlin, and Me
Speaking of sisters, my middle sister Alana, is an architect. Well, she isn’t currently practicing because she is constantly dealing with the pain and disability of fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue and some other unknown ailments. Because of her, I am truly thankful for my health and for being able to have children. I honestly don’t know how my sister does it, but she is still a warm and caring person who manages to put a smile on her face every day.
My other sister, Caitlin, is the interior designer (do you see a creative pattern here?) She is the youngest girl and she lives way too far away.Where I have two crazy boys, she has two beautiful girls. And did I mention that she lives too far away? 2,800 miles away, but who’s counting.
My other siblings are Shea and Jordan. I was present for Shea’s birth when I was 22 years old. Talk about a life changing experience. (There is nothing like witnessing birth and all the diaper changes and crying fits that come with a newborn to make you want to wait to have children!)
My brother Shea just graduated from high school. He’s the an automotive handy guy (I’m hoping he’ll teach me a few things) and I couldn’t be more proud of him since he’s already landed a full-time job.
My other brother, Jordan, is the sweet and sensitive guy (a gal’s dream).
He is a really good skateboarder and a great uncle to my boys. We call my brothers the Uncle Monkeys, mostly because they were young crazy kids when my boys were born. 😉
The past:Â
My mother delivered all of us via natural childbirth. When I had my babies, my mom was my role model. Thanks to the help of two separate doulas, I delivered both my boys without any medication. And I did deliver them in a hospital. I breastfed both of them for over a year and am grateful that I was able to do that. I have many friends who struggled to breastfeed and I truly understand how devastating it was for them to have to switch to formula.
Still in shock after becoming a mother for the first time.
This was a little playmobile figurine I used to keep on my computer. It truly was what I looked like every day as a new mother. My oldest pretty much lived in a sling until he was 6 months old. He never let me put him down. And he wouldn’t sleep very well unless he was snuggled in the sling.
And I laugh now because that saying: “Always Have a Project Going.”…well it still holds true.
In true Pretty Handy Girl fashion, I went into labor with my second son while I was trying to fix the bathtub. You could say that the tub faucet wasn’t the only one who sprung a leak. LOL!
You may have noticed my hair used to be short. In fact I had short hair for about ten years and decided to start growing it long again a few years ago. I also just learned how to truly apply makeup and style my hair. I was such a tomboy that I really never tried to be pretty.
I have a scar next to my eye that I got when I was about six or seven years old. I fell on a homemade balance beam that my dad made for my birthday. I had to get four stitches.
I have a very hard time saying no, so when I do it really makes me feel bad. There are many friends and family members in my life that I wish I could help with their DIY and repair projects. Sadly I’m only one person and my first duty is to my husband and my boys. I truly wish I could clone myself. Because I can’t, I started this blog to try to bring others up to speed on how to fix, repair and create things.
The blog name “Pretty Handy Girl” was Handsome Guy’s idea, and I still insist the emphasis is on Pretty Handy (not pretty girl.) Speaking of Pretty Handsome Guy, this is my favorite picture of him!
Yup, vacuuming and carrying the fussy baby so I could get a break. Back off girls, he’s mine!
Did I take woodworking or shop in high school? Sadly I didn’t, but I wish I had. I did graduate from an art college in Philadelphia and studied illustration, graphic design and art therapy. I used to work at a cancer center as a medical illustrator for a while. I also worked for a greeting card company fresh out of college. I finally started my own graphic design, illustration and web design business over 15 years ago. I don’t take on new clients, but I still help my existing clients with their graphic projects.
How did I become handy? Well, it didn’t happen overnight, that’s for sure! But, slowly by fixing things around the house and having the confidence to try new things I’ve learned how to fix, repair and build anything I put my mind to. When I was four my parents added on to our ranch house.
Growing up in a home that was constantly under construction gave me a lot of confidence and understanding about how a home was built. But, my parents were also very active in letting my sisters and I be involved in any project they were working on. My mom taught me to sew, paint and craft. And my Mom is a rockstar at using joint compound! My dad showed me how to wire an outlet when I was eight. When Handsome Guy and I bought our first home I had long ago forgotten how to do these things, but I knew that I could do it.
I wasn’t popular in high school. I was kind of a nerd, but hung out with the freaks and the long haired rockers. Which is where I met Handsome Guy.
He looked like Axl Rose to me and that’s all that mattered (at first). I still like to listen to heavy metal once in a while.
When I was younger I went skydiving. I’d love to do it again someday, but not until my kids are grown. Although, the whole family just tried indoor skydiving and we loved it! I like roller coasters, thrill rides, riding in a fast car and anything that involves speed.
AND, I love that my boys aren’t afraid to enjoy similar sports!
Handsome guy and I are snowboarders. We used to go out west every year but haven’t been since the kids were born. We do manage a yearly trip to the NC mountains to get our little guys on skis.
Our friends Dan,Tara, Handsome Guy and me at Whistler, BC.
I earned my orange stripe in karate many many years ago. Someday I’d love to get back into martial arts. It was a great stress reliever.
The present:
Do I like coffee? Do I ever! I actually wasn’t a coffee drinker until I started blogging. I’m not sure how it happened, but I found that the later I stayed up, the more caffeine I needed to wake up in the morning. (Go figure.)
What other drinks do I like? Well, I’m not a big soda drinker, I don’t drink beer. If I’m having alcohol (and this is a rarity) I prefer a white russian, Mike’s Hard Lemonade or a half a glass of wine. This year I’m trying to drink red wine more often (heart disease runs in my family.)
I love the color blue. Always have, always will.
I’m addicted to Instagram (can you tell by the photos?)
I’m a night owl, which is why I’m writing this post at 1am!
I am a belly sleeper and I love our DIY Latex Mattress. We still sit on the sofa in our living room that was handed down to us when a family friend’s parents died. This sofa must seriously be almost as old as I am.
(Update: We finally grew up and replaced that old sofa with a comfy La-Z-Boy sofa!)
The Ugly Sofa slipcover hides the years of use and abuse this couch has received.
We have the deceased couple’s old dining room set too. One day I’d like to replace them, but I hate spending a lot of money on furniture. Now, show me a good power tool and I can plunk down some cash! (Update: I finally built my own dining table that I love! The tutorial is here.)
What scares me? I’m not really afraid of spiders. I’m not afraid of snakes. I don’t mess with copperheads, but I think little garter snakes are cute. I try to pass on a natural wonder and respect for nature to my boys. Freaking out about a spider doesn’t help that goal. I think what scares me most is the thought of losing my boys. I have a fear of them drowning. They are not the best swimmers, but we’re still working on it.
What bothers me? Rude people. I try to be a courteous and kind person to everyone I meet. Maybe this comes from being in girl scouts until my freshman year of high school.
One of my favorite pictures of me and my son drawn by him.
 I love being outside. I don’t like working out in a gym, I’d much prefer jogging, biking, or hikes with the family.
I completed three sprint triathlons. I knew better than to COMPETE, because I am a slow triathlete!
Me and my training buddy, Rebecca
My idea of a fun shopping trip happens here:
This is my constant companion, Buddy (family proclaimed mama’s boy). He’s a velcro dog and cries when I try to use the bathroom by myself. Sheesh. We adopted Buddy over a year ago.
I’m a little embarrassed by this, but Woman’s Day featured me in their current issue. So, if you happen to see it on the news stand you can pick it up and tell the cashier that you know me. I’ve also been featured in This Old House Magazine, Family Handyman, Cottage Style, Do It Yourself Magazine and Better Homes and Gardens Kitchen + Bath Makeovers.
Most embarrassing moment? I was working at my first post college job and stepped off the curb wrong. I fell to my knees and my skirt flew up over my head. I had two very bloody knees and a bruised ego as I went on my first press check for the greeting card company. Thankfully my boss, and art director later became a great friend.
Okay, so I truly want to know what was your most embarrassing moment in life? Leave me a comment…please!Â
Nice to get to know you. I’ll definitely pick up that WD if I see it. I sympathize with your sister with fibro and other chronic pain issues; that’s why I don’t get out and do as much as I’d like too. Embarrassing moments, too many to count and that is one area of life I’m grateful for the forgetfulness that comes with fibromyalgia, at least for me it does.
Janet
Janet, Thank you for your comment. I am also glad to meet someone else who understands what my sister deals with. I actually didn’t know about the forgetfulness that comes with fibromyalgia. I need to read up on that more.
Great post! You are friends with three of my favorite bloggers, Donna, Marian and Roeschel, and of course you know Mr. Goodwill Hunting, right. Love all the detail. I just can’t imagine finding your love in high school. I went to an all girl high school and barely dated. I met mine at Merrill Lynch. Don’t ever throw that sofa away. Sofas aren’t made now like they were. The wood was kiln dried, the springs and things were tied better, the pieces were fitted together better. Save it and recover it. It will give you another thirty or forty years. I’m making my junk bracelet tonight!! My husband bought two different sized washers, so I had to start again. Ann
Ann, thanks for leaving a comment. I met Rashon briefly at Haven, but only in passing. I doubt he remembers me. I can’t wait to see your junk bracelet. What color ribbon are you using?
Thank you for sharing! I have too many embarrassing moments to list but I did want to note that I am going to buy a set of the headphones like yours… I saw them at Home Depot the other day (saw them on your site first) and decided I need a set so I can rock out while building, too!!
You are awesome!
Cher
Designs by Studio C
Cher, I love those rockin’ head phones! You’ll love them. Honestly, I like wearing them when the kids are being annoying. Ha!
What a fun post!! There were only a few things I didn’t know about my amazing talented cousin.
I once choked on a spicy red chili at a vegetarian Chinese restaurant, right in front of someone I admired. Then he pointed out that I had just drooled on myself. Ugh!
I’m sure is lots I don’t about you too! Do share cuz.
I am cracking up at Link looking like a rocker! No wonder he and James got along so well 🙂
Next time we get together I will bring a pic of James when he was a long haired rocker, all our boys will have a good laugh!
Loved this post, thanks for sharing 🙂
PS I can’t think of my most embarrassing moment but when I do I will let you know!
Leen, well my goodness, we need to get the boys together to listen to Heavy Metal next time ;-D.
Brittany,
We met at Haven and had lunch together with one of my other favorite bloggers, Roeschel. I got to find out first hand how courteous and kind you are because of how you treated me and my friend Ellen even though we aren’t bloggers. I absolutely loved this post and for heaven’s sake, don’t be embarrassed about the Woman’s Day article!! That is something to be proud of! Keep up the great posts. I’ll be “stalking” you at every chance I get! 🙂
Vicki
OH YES! Hi Vicki! I remember you. Thanks for the kind words.
Thank you for sharing this post!! As I blog, I find it hard to put my real self out there – it is much easier to be on the other side of the camera! And speaking of cameras… I have your SAME neck strap! LOVE IT!!!
Mandi, oh cool! So, you have an August Blossoms strap? Love it!!!
Loved this post, Brittany! Its great getting to know you better even if its through the computer. 😉
I’m not sure I could narrow down my most embarrassing moment. I’ve had quite a few. I’m very accident prone. So much so that my dad nicknamed me Grace when I lived under his roof! 😉
Michele, Oh that is funny, Grace. I’d love to get to know you better too. Let me know when you write your post ;-).
Loved this post!
I had a crazy dream the other night. My husband and I are in the process of redoing our bedroom. In my dream someone was doing something wrong (at least by my standards!) Then you showed up to save the day because our roommate, Heather, (why my husband and I had a roommate I’ll never know!) was your sister. I said “Hey, our house will be in great shape since Brittany, the pretty handy gal, will help us out!”
Kind of weird dream…
Destiny,
Oh my goodness, that is too funny! And crazy, I’m in your dreams ;-D. But, hmmm, maybe when you are doing your next project you can channel your inner handy girl and stand up when you think something is wrong.
Brittany, I love this write up about you! What an awesome idea–you have inspired me that we should tell a little more about ourselves too! I loved learned about how you met your husband! Jon and I met in middle school & have some pretty crazy photos of us young and in love!
Hmmm… most embarrassing moment?!?!? gah I’m a klutz so this could happen on any given day. I did run into a sliding glass door during our senior skip weekend that was pretty embarrassing!
Katie, Too funny about the sliding glass door ;-D. Sounds like something I’d do. I didn’t know you and Mr. Woodsy met in middle school. How cool!
Hello PHG, nice to finally meet you. I’ve been following you for just a short time but am glad I did. You are a great inspiration to womenkind. Keep up the good work.
LuAnn
LuAnn, thanks and nice to meet you too! I hope you’ll stick around for more inspiration.
Love your post! Congratulations on being featured in Woman’s day. How proud your family must be! Keep up the great blog Pretty Handy Girl! Cheers.
Thanks Karen. My parents are super proud, they drove to several stores to find the magazine. I had to laugh because I would have sent them a copy ;-).
Oh and ps. LOVE the 80’s hair! lol! 🙂
LOL! I look like a pigeon grabbed the sides of my hair.
First I get to actually meet you in person this year and now this great post! I love getting to know you a little better. My most embarrassing moment is too embarrassing to even mention. lol! And be proud of that WD feature! You have an awesome talent and are in inspiration. You work hard and it’s well deserved! Love this post, Brittany! 🙂
Thank you so much for the push to finally do this! Now my curiosity is peaked. You gotta tell me that most embarrassing moment next time I see you.
Great post! One of many embrassing moments I have had…5th grade ceremony for my kids…me in white jeans….ate a granola bar on the way to the ceremony. Apparently a chocolate chip fell in my lap…in my car and made it’s way onto my butt. Didn’t know it until I came BACK home after the ceremony…..so yeah…that was fun. I have many 😉 but they all make great stories! Congrats on the feature in WD! I hope to be featured someday in a mag 🙂
OH man, that has definitely happened to me, but luckily I didn’t go to any ceremonies. I hope you can laugh about it today.