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: 

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.

Before we had kids, we had a rescue dog named Mocha. I used to do agility with her, but she was more in it for the treats than anything else.

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! 

75 replies
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  1. Ullas
    Ullas says:

    Hi Brittany, I stumbled on your blog while I was looking for help on spray painting an old fixture..I feel like I already know you!

    take care.

    Reply
  2. Jenny@thelavendermagnolia
    Jenny@thelavendermagnolia says:

    Hi Brittany. This was the best get-to-know-you post ever. Love that you put in the prom photo AND your most embarrassing moment. Priceless.

    I am looking forward to the Southern Blogger’s conference. I wasn’t able to go to Haven (I literally cried), but since I live 30 miles from this one, I will be coming. I just found out about it today. Don’t know how it took me this long.

    I admire your skill set. I am a bit of a princess so I am lucky to have a Really Handy Hubby. He learned his role in this marriage a long time ago. If it’s broken, he needs to fix it. If it needs sanding, I will go buy him whatever sander he requires. I know my role, too! I do like to paint, though. Making things pretty is my thing. Once he does the sanding and the cleaning and pours the paint in the little container thingy for me, that is. 😉

    Jenny

    Reply
  3. Laura
    Laura says:

    Love this post! So my questions: What two other businesses do you run (graphic design and what else) and also, how in the world do you fit it all in with two young boys? (I only have !) Do you sleep? I’d love to do so much more than I am, but trying to figure out a better schedule….obviuosly I need one, but I need my 9 hours of sleep at night too…

    Reply
    • Brittany (aka Pretty Handy Girl)
      Brittany (aka Pretty Handy Girl) says:

      Laura, yup, I don’t sleep ;-). Well, I do, but not nearly enough. Typically I’m up until midnight and then awake by 6:30am to get the kids ready for school. I am not the type that can sit still. I ALWAYS have to be working on something. When I used to go to the inlaws for Thanksgiving I’d beg for something to do to help. Like fix a broken door knob or whatever. My other business is an online store selling baby items. I started it when my boys were babies. The third business is the blog. It is truly my passion and I started it as a hobby, but it has turned into a business now that I have advertisers and work with brands. I have vowed not to let the $ change my focus though. It truly is to empower you and others to be able to complete their own project. the $ just allows me to keep blogging instead of going to work while the kids are in school. One more thing, my boys are REALLY good at entertaining themselves. I worked on that skill with them from a young age.

      Reply
  4. Jana
    Jana says:

    Brittany,
    Hey, Just joined your blog today and loved reading about you. Right at the first, I knew that we would get along just great~I’m a total chocoholic but it has to be dark chocolate, don’t care for the milk chocolate at all. I have at least a little everyday.
    Most embarrassing moment, not sure that I have just one. I’ve read some of the other replies and I’ve done just about all…walked into glass walls thinking nothing was there, had to drop of chocolate on my pants after eating a candy bar in the vehicle and run looking like I have dooty on the booty, put my entire face on, then go out in public and have a friend as me “What’s wrong with you eyelashes”? only to find out I never even put the mascara on. If you know me, I don’t go anywhere~not even the mailbox without that. And it’s really hard not to forget the time my hubby and I were in the grocery store shopping and I just about yelled to him half-way down the aisle to come look at the BIG CHICKEN only to find out it was a Turkey.Yea, people were giving me the look. :0/ I have plenty so to narrow it down is just too hard.
    Love your blog so far and learning so much about you, can’t wait to check it out some more. Also congrats on the Woman’s Day feature!!! Come on over to my house~we can eat dark chocolate together. (big grin)

    Reply
    • Brittany (aka Pretty Handy Girl)
      Brittany (aka Pretty Handy Girl) says:

      Jana, what an invite! You know the way to my heart by inviting me over for dark chocolate! Have you ever drank coffee and then popped some chocolate in your mouth. Mmmmmm. I love your story about the Big Chicken. LOL! It is so good to be able to laugh at yourself. And shrug off our mistakes. Thanks for taking the time to comment.

      Reply
  5. annieofbluegables
    annieofbluegables says:

    I loved this Post, Brittany. I have been following you for a long time and I love your posts and I LOVE YOU. Your post made me love you even more. BFF.

    My most embarrassing moment happened in Church, right after the Sacrament hymn was sung and the young men were blessing the Sacrament. Here is how it happened:

    We had a new band teacher in town, and he had moved to our Ward (our congregation) boundaries, so he came to Church for the first time. Since his wife hadn’t moved in yet, I welcomed him to sit with our family on our bench. I sat at one end, my hubby on the other with our six children in between us, so we could keep them in line.

    It happened that day that the man who was asked to say the prayer was sitting in the front with the Bishopric. He had a very loud singing voice and had his own idea of what key to sing in and at what tempo. The poor song leader was trying in vain to direct the congregation, and the organist looked totally confused as we all tried to sing along, but the loud man in the front had the upper hand.

    When the song was over, and we were bowing our heads for the prayer, I glanced at the new Band Teacher to see how a musical person reacted to this non-musical moment, and got such a surprised, funny look from him, I couldn’t help but giggle. I put my hand over my mouth to stifle the giggle. But I made the mistake of looking up during the prayer to see his shoulders shaking as he was trying to control his laughter. This made it worse. I felt like I was back in Jr. High trying to control my laughter and not being able to.
    I had my hand over my mouth, but forgot to plug my nose as well, and I snorted.
    I SNORTED!!!
    Right in the middle of the prayer! The chapel was so silent in that chapel, you could have heard a pin drop. And I snorted! Not a small snort either, no, my hubby told me later he thought someone was ripping plywood on our end of the bench. This snort echoed off the rafters.

    It was the first time in my life I literally wanted the floor to open up and swallow me. I could have died. My hubby looked up to see what had happened, which made it all the worse. My snort made the Band Teacher laugh all the more, but it really sobered me up.

    That was 15 years ago, but I still blush thinking of that moment that felt like an hour. I guess I will never grow up.
    ~a

    Reply
  6. lisa @StudioJewel
    lisa @StudioJewel says:

    LOVE getting to know you better! you are such an inspiration!

    embarrassing moment….hmmm….lots of little ones, but nothing significant. i hate to even say that…because NOW it’s bound to happen! right?

    Reply
  7. sue
    sue says:

    That was fun, I laughed when you shared about your sleeping position, now, we must be best friends. I still haven’t tried using a circular saw, but when I do, I will let you know. You remind me that I can do those new things, everything just has a learning curve.
    Since so many people haven’t shared embarrassing things, I will share two: I worked at a very modern bank in downtown New Haven. All the sides were made of glass and the corners held the stairs and elevators. The bathrooms were on the third floor. So up I go and come back down, with my skirt tucked in my panty hose. I think the poor doorman was more embarrassed telling about it than I was, thankfully, I was young and in great shape, so if I looked silly, at least I looked good.
    The second embarrassing time was going to a boyfriend’s house for the first time. We were young enough that we had to get picked up at school. I had my books against my chest and was getting out of the back seat and my feet got tangled in my wide bell bottoms and I fell out of the car! At dinner, while cutting my steak, I shot peas across the tablecloth. Luckily, that guy liked my A LOT and I don’t think he ever cared.
    This was fun, you always have such a positive vibe here on your blog, you just made it more enjoyable. Love your bird poo tee, by the way.

    Reply
    • Brittany (aka Pretty Handy Girl)
      Brittany (aka Pretty Handy Girl) says:

      Sue, thanks for your sweet words. Oh my goodness, I love your embarrassing moments. The night after our wedding we went to a bar in Alexandria, VA and were upstairs. There was a hole with big glass windows looking down to the first floor. It wasn’t until later that I realized that as I stood near the edge anyone looking up from downstairs could see up my dress. Thanks for reminding me of that ;-D

      Reply
  8. JolieAnne
    JolieAnne says:

    I have been following your blog for a short time, I learn so much.
    My husband is not handy! He would rather pay to have the work done
    right, I am ok with that but I wish I had married a carpenter/a/k/a a handy man!
    I love to create things but I have to stop when it comes to using power tools! My husband
    wants me to learn how to use them first, smart-but he can’t teach me.
    I love your garage and I was surprised when I saw you in the WD magazine.
    Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  9. Gina
    Gina says:

    I’m here for the first time today, so this is a great post to start with! Makes me want to copy you and do the same for my readers 🙂

    Too many embarrassing moments to count, thankfully most are forgotten due to pregnancies and never having enough sleep with three children. Or maybe that’s what “causes” the embarrassing moments?

    Reply
    • Brittany (aka Pretty Handy Girl)
      Brittany (aka Pretty Handy Girl) says:

      Gina, ha, yes I think we have way more embarrassing moments as mothers and so we learn to just get over it and not be so embarrassed! Nice to meet you and I hope you do write a post about yourself. And when you do, let me know (because I’m very bad about reading other blogs lately ;-(.

      Reply
  10. Becki Foster
    Becki Foster says:

    Really enjoy your blog! I’m sure I’ve had embarrassing moments – but I think I’ve blanked them out of my mind! Keep up the great work!

    Reply
  11. Erin's Creative Energy
    Erin's Creative Energy says:

    Congrats on your feature in Woman’s Day! My most embarrassing moment…hmmm…not sure if I have one, well that I can post here. I have learned to laugh at myself. I’m a klutz, I often trip going up stairs and smash my head into things often. Love getting to know you better!

    Reply

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