The Rambles of Brit :)

FREE Stuff :)

2010-03-12T13:19:00.001-05:00

I like to visit http://www.shop4freebies.com/ once in a while to find free samples/coupons. Here are my favorites I found today and signed up for:

(I would recommend using a junk email account like yahoo or gmail to sign up for these)

Free sample of Tide plus Febreeze
http://instoresnow.walmart.com/enhancedrendercontent_ektid84220.aspx

Free Ben and Jerry's icecream cone on March 23
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=272404657314&index=1

Free South Beach Smores bar:
http://www.startsampling.com/sm/101118/quickQuestions.iphtml?item=101118&source=&ss_id=&key=4c2ae903ad6307a933416d1622fe7b27

Free Kashi cereal or granola bar:
http://www.kashi.com/healthier_year/sample/select

Coupon for free YoPlus yogurt sample:
http://freeyoplus.yoplait.com/YoPlus2010/Default.aspx

Free Long Johns crispy breaded fish coupon: (this one is Instant, you print off coupon)
http://newljsspin.com/register.php

Chilis - free chips and queso:
http://assets.fbmta.com/clt/chlscrp/lp/join/join.asp

Free sample of Playtext Sport:
http://www.playtexsport.com/Demand-It.aspx

Free Dairy Queen Blizzard:
http://blizzardfanclub.com/join/?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=6freeblizzards_DQ

Free Sample Mystical Monkey's All-Purpose Cleaner:
http://themysticalmonkey.com/allpurpose_freesample.html

Purex 3 in 1 Laundry Sheets
http://www.trypurex.com/Purex_3-in-1_Free_Sample/

ENJOY =D

Mexican Hat Dance video - funny!

2010-03-07T16:16:00.002-05:00

Chocolate Hazelnut Pie Recipe (from family circle)

2010-03-06T20:01:00.004-05:00

Makes 8 servings, Prep time 10 mins, Bake at 325* for 30 mins

1 - 8 oz package cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup hazelnut spread (such as Nutella)
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
1/2 cup toasted hazelnuts, chopped
1 prepared chocolate cookie pie crust (such as Oreo)
1 cup heavy cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 Tbsp mini chocolate chips

1) Heat oven to 325*
2) In large bowl, combine cream cheese spread and 1/4 cup sugar. Beat on medium for 3 minutes or until well blended. Add egg and 1/4 cup hazelnuts and beat until blended. Pour into prepared pie crust.
3) Bake at 325* for 30 minutes or until center is just set. Remove pie from oven at cool completely on wire rack.
4) Once pie has cooled, beat heavy cream, remaining 1/4 cup sugar and vanilla on high speed until medium peaks form. Spread over pie and sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup hazelnuts and mini chocolate chips.

The world today

2009-11-11T13:31:00.003-05:00

This is a quote inside a quote, from an email from a Pastor where I attended church last year.

"I wish to live no other age other than the present" "because we have a most awesome God who has authored the most incredible story." Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Rod VanSolkema respectively.

The reason this touched me so much is because I hear so many people who are in fear of the future, saying our world is getting so bad and so much sin that they don't even want to bring a child into it.

I say, no matter what, God has a plan for our lives and our world. No matter how bad it gets before the end, there is nothing out of His control and most importantly, no matter what happens, He will stand by us every step of the way.

He never promised we wouldn't have struggles and hardships. Pain and suffering exists because we allowed sin into our world in the very beginning. But, Jesus died so that we can be saved and God can stand by us and give us strength every step of the way!

"Jesus is the answer for the world today, above Him there's no other Jesus is the way."

Thank you Jesus for giving us strength to face each day!

2009-11-09T22:03:00.002-05:00

Early fall?

2009-08-31T13:39:00.003-04:00

The past few days have definitely felt like fall weather in Michigan! I actually had a scarf and mittens on this weekend! I'm wondering if the chilly weather will continue, or if we will get a last taste of Summer yet, I'm hoping so!

This weekend I went to my cousins, Josh and Aaron, football game on Friday night. It was a great game! 4 overtimes and finally they won! :) Saturday (bundled up) we watched the Metro cruise.

I only have one class this semester and it starts this Thursday. Going to be strange going back to school! I haven't a class since before last Christmas, but I'm exciting about learning Flash.

I guess that's it for now!

Sum-Sum-Summer time

2009-08-10T16:16:00.002-04:00

Well it's almost been a month, so I better update! I always tend to update my Facebook and forget about my blog and Twitter!

It has been such a busy summer so far! Joel doesn't get any vacation time til the fall since he was laid off this winter, so we have been gone basically every weekend doing something to enjoy summer whether it be camping, the beach or just walking downtown in the warm night air. It is definitely going WAY too fast though. I cannot believe we are this far into August already.

I'm not dreading fall or winter too much this year though. I always love Fall and we have some plans for winter, especially the week of Christmas, we will be in Sarasota FL, for my brother-in-law's wedding! Hopefully we can go somewhere for our anniversary in February as well :)

This weeks' forecast looks amazing! Sunny and 80's everyday this week! I hope to be at the pool getting some final Summer color every afternoon this week!

My views on Christians and Alcohol Consumption

2009-07-14T13:42:00.003-04:00

It seems like the topic of Christians and drinking Alcohol has been coming up a lot in conversations, online and off, in the last few days. So I thought I would share my opinion.

A lot of Christians think an occasional "social" drink is perfectly fine occasionally. I'm not going to say that it is sin, because in the Bible people drank wine. However, the Bible DOES say that drunkenness not looked on with favor. Here are a few verses I found regarding alcohol in the Bible:

Proverbs 20:1 (NIV)
Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.

Isaiah 5:22 (NIV)
Woe to those who are heroes at drinking wine and champions at mixing drinks.

Ephesians 5:18 (NIV)
Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.

So is getting drunk wrong? I definitely think so. Is having an occasion drink wrong? It's kind of gray area. But in our day and time, I think alcohol is linked with many evil and ungodly things.

I have had several friends who tried a drink under pressure or out of curiosity thinking that it wouldn't hurt to have one sip or one drink. But when many of them have a problem or struggle in their life, instead of turning to God, they turn to alcohol and the numbness it gives them from their pain.

So in conclusion, my personal opinion is that my life is perfectly fine without alcohol, and I would rather play it safe by staying away then falling into sin.

I welcome any comments/opinions!

Bing Commercial

2009-07-01T15:02:00.003-04:00

My husband doesn't understand these commercials (I think because he doesn't really listen), but I think they are hilarious! This one is my favorite, the last part about finding singles in your area just cracks me up!

Summertime :)

2009-07-01T14:30:00.004-04:00

Yikes! It's almost been 2 months since I last blogged! But I've been busy enjoy summer so far :) Unfortunately today is chilly and rainy, so I'm not at our apartment's pool like I normally would be at this time if the sun was out. I can't believe its already July 1st! June always goes SO fast! The highlights of June were, my mom's Surprise 40th birthday I threw for her, a few trips to the beach, Michigan's adventure, and lots of playing ladderball in my grandparents backyard (that game is so fun!). This weekend Joel and I are going up to his parent's cottage for the 4th of July. We both have Friday off, so only 1 more day of work! Although I am excited for all water sports and camp fires, I'm a little bummed that we probably won't get to see any good fireworks :( I am VERY excited about getting to show Joel my favorite place to camp up at Higgins Lake on July 17-19! We have gone camping there ever since I was really little, and I'm excited to go back again with my hubby! Well I guess that's about it! I'll try not to let 2 months slip by before I write again!

National Day of Prayer

2009-05-07T12:33:00.001-04:00

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." ~ Philippians 4:6

Let this day be a reminder to bring EVERYTHING to God in prayer, He cares about every detail in our lives and every struggle we face!

Good Friday

2009-04-10T12:06:00.001-04:00

♫ We are the reason that He gave His life, We are the reason that He suffered and died. To a world that was lost He gave all He could give, to show us the reason to live. ♫

Patience

2009-03-23T14:54:00.002-04:00

Psalm 40:1
I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry.

My heart is yearning for something right now, but I just can't have it yet. Lord, give the patience to wait for your timing.

Trying to change more than my hair color

2009-03-16T14:03:00.003-04:00

Last Friday I changed my hair color to Chocolate brown! Most people like it and so do I, so I think I'll stick with it for a little while :)

More than just my hair color, I've been trying to change a few things lately. We get so caught up in our daily selfish lives that we forget who we are supposed to be for Christ. The last few months I've been thinking alot about who I need to be and what I need to do and searching for the answer of the meaning of a life full of purpose.

I took a walk in the beautiful spring weather yesterday and just talked to God. I know if I want true happiness I need to be in His will. Whatever He needs from me, I need to obey. He may not be able to show me the whole picture right now, but I'm just praying that He will daily guide me in His will.

Today I was thinking alot about humbleness and being slow to anger. I may look like a cute little blonde (not any more!) but surprising to some, sometimes I let my anger get the best of me, and I've been praying for God to help me.

Saturday night I watched "Gone with the wind" with my mother in law and sister in laws. I don't remember names, but the main character was such a selfish person, and the lady who married the man she loved, was such a kind considerate person, exactly what I want to be. I know I want to be that kind of person who loves all, but sometimes the thing that holds me back is the fear of being walked all over and taken for granted. But I guess it really doesn't matter if they do, because I should be doing it for God, not them. I can't remember where right now, but somewhere in the Bible it tells us to do good, but not let our left hand see what the right is doing. If we do good things just get a reward or thanked for it, that is our only reward. But if we do it in secret without recognition, how much greater will our reward be in Heaven!

God, help me to become the person you want me to be.

Professional wedding pictures teaser!

2009-03-05T12:58:00.003-05:00

Although we won't we be getting all our pics for a few more weeks, our photographer Tim added a few great shots on his facebook which I added to mine!

Click the link below to check them out :)
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2005526&id=1266570031&l=cf9f1

Need a laugh?

2009-03-03T16:39:00.001-05:00

This commercial cracks me up every time I see it! Me and Joel mimic it all the time :P

Hello my name is Mrs. Brittany Hubbel :)

2009-02-25T15:19:00.007-05:00

What a whirlwind the past month has been! The wedding went perfectly (thank goodness!) and I couldn't have asked for a more fun reception! I was afraid since we were having an afternoon reception that people might not dance, but the first song played the dance floor was full!

I know everyone was wondering where we were going on our honeymoon (including me!) and we ending up going to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico! We stayed at the Riu Hotel Resort; it was just gorgeous with the ocean, palm trees and Sierra mountains surrounding us! We even went whale watching which was a blast! (Joel might disagree, he got a little seasick) But overall it was a great relaxing week in a beautiful place :)

But I am so relieved now that the wedding is over and life is back to normal, the new normal. We love our small apartment in Byron Center. I am keeping busy working and babysitting, and Joel should be able to go back to work in the next few weeks.

PICS!

We are still waiting for pictures from our photographer but here are links to my pics on facebook:

Wedding Pictures Taken By Family and Friends
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2003905&id=1266570031&l=16a8a

Honeymoon - Puerto Vallarta Mexico!
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2004075&id=1266570031&l=0f379

Honeymoon - Puerto Vallarta Mexico! part 2
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2004079&id=1266570031&l=ca0b5

Honeymoon - Puerto Vallarta Mexico! Part 3
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2004320&id=1266570031&l=8fa1c

Goodbye

2008-11-24T15:48:00.005-05:00

* EDIT - We ended up being able to fix my car YAY :)

I didn't wake up this morning knowing I would have to say goodbye to Howard, my first car and my car of 3 years.

I was surprised by how much snow we got last night and before exiting onto the main road, I told myself to be extra careful, since I haven't driven in snow in many months. I made it almost to work, then when I tried to turn into the drive, I kept going straight and ran into the curb.

By hitting the curb I pushed in my axle, so my tire is now touching the car, the rim is smashed, and the break line is bent. My Grandpa thinks it will cost over $1000 to fix, which is more than the car is worth, so it's totaled.

I'm not sure why is was so emotional, but I broke down and bawled my eyes out, knowing that I would have to say goodbye and junk him out for $150.

I don't know what I'm going to do, buying a car this close to a wedding and getting an apartment isn't going to be easy at all, but I know my God will provide, and it's going to be ok.

I will add more pics later.

I voted! :)

2008-11-04T15:15:00.002-05:00

I voted for the first time today :) I went at about 10:30 which I think was really smart, there was no line at all! I voted for John McCain, actually a straight republican ticket, and No on proposal 1 and 2. I had no idea who the judges were so didn't do that :P The chances don't look good for McCain :( But I'm trusting in God that He has a plan and a purpose for everything. I did my part and I prayed, and that's about all I can do. I'm honestly a little afraid of having Obama run our country, with his lack of background in politics and the charisma he has that woes people in an almost Anti-Christ way. I'm not saying he is, but he's definitely a suspect in my book. Anyways, I'm hoping the best for our nation, GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Grand Rapids Press - Engagement Announcement!

2008-10-27T12:41:00.003-04:00

Our picture and announcement was in the paper yesterday! Only 5 days til my first bridal shower, and a little over 3 months til the wedding!! Things are really starting to fall into place!!!! I tried my dress on last night too :)

Share your light!

2008-10-22T16:10:00.003-04:00

I have a crazy busy day, and week for that matter! So posts may be rare or short.

I found this quote and I just love it so much!

"A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle."

This brings back memories of Christmas Eve services, where thousands of people would fill our church. The Pastor would light his candle, his candle would light his wife's, then would light the pastors and elders who would go to the end of each row and light the candle, and we would go down the row, and soon thousands of candles would be lit. It was beautiful and a very touching time.

But isn't it amazing? Amazing how thousands of candles were all lit by the original one?

What if we lived that way? What if we poured in our light and hope into someone else and the effect passed on like the light of the candle?

Just something really encouraging I thought I would share!

Have a blessed day!!

It's pumpkin carving time!

2008-10-20T10:42:00.004-04:00

On Saturday night we went to our friends Dan and Diana's house with some other people and had a pumpkin carving party! It was loads of fun!

My Pumpkin

Joel's Pumpkin

Dan's neat dear pumpkin and Jacque's Cat!

I got a forward e-mail and thought this was sooo neat!

'HAPPY FALL TO YOU'

From one pumpkin to another!!!!!!!

A woman was asked by a coworker, 'What is it like to be a Christian?'

The coworker replied, 'It is like being a pumpkin.' God picks you from the patch, brings you in, and washes all the dirt off of you. Then He cuts off the top and scoops out all the yucky stuff.

He removes the seeds of doubt, hate, and greed. Then He carves you a new smiling face and puts His light inside of you to shine for all the world to see.'

Carefree

2008-10-17T11:08:00.005-04:00

Today, I am learning to be carefree. Not to not care about anything, but to not stress about everything so much. I've made it 19, almost 20 years without anything extremely traumatic. I know that God is by my side and nothing is going to happen that He can't handle. We have such little faith, but serve such a Big God! We need to start treating Him that way. He is in control of the universe!

Matthew 6:25 to 34: 25 (NLT)
That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn't life more than food and your body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds. They don't plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren't you far more valuable to him than they are? 27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? 28 And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, 29 yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 30 And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? 31 So don't worry about these things, saying, 'What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?' 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. 34 So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today.

Loving People

2008-10-16T12:43:00.001-04:00

Well this is my first *real* post :) I kind of miss blogging, I used to do it alot, before we had myspace and facebook there was xanga, which was a blog and that's all us kids had, spilling our lives :P

I often have some random thoughts, with no one to share them with, so I figured this would be an outlet to ramble about the crazy things that go through my head, so here it goes :)

I've been reading the book of Psalms the last few weeks, but to be honest, I was getting a little tired of David's rollercoaster of whining, then thanking God, whining, then thanking God....

So I decided to start reading Matthew and thought I would try reading the whole New Testament in order. First thing I found interesting is that in my Bible, they have an introductory to each book of the Bible telling you the history of it, who wrote it, when it happened etc. Something I never knew before was that there is a 400 year gap between the Old and New Testaments!

But the one thing I read that really burned deep was found in Matthew 5: 46-47

"If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?"

It seems in our culture, it's so good to love your family and there is so much focus on that, but what about loving people who don't love you? We are no different than the world if we simply love our families and friends, and only greet and communicate with the people we are familiar with and like.

What a challenge to me! To go out of my comfort zone and love people the way Jesus loves them, even with nothing in return!

First Post

2008-10-08T13:36:00.001-04:00

Just testing this out :-)