Y because i love U

I'm so humbled that anything I could write or say would be able to inspire people. I appreciate more than anything the opportunity I have on my shoulders right now to reach out and influence a variety of people in a variety of ways. The main goal of this blog was simply to do just that. I am overwhelmed by the amount of positive responses I have received from others. I never would  have imagined that I would be capable of making this type of impact.

So... the blog gives me stats on sources that are directing people to my blog, and one source that has been showing up frequently sparked some curiosity, it was- www.greekchat.com, so I checked it out. It's a forum for Greeks to communicate and chat on. I had never heard of it until today, and then I saw this:

http://www.greekchat.com/gcforums/showthread.php?t=117603

WOAH! [!!!] I have no idea who this person is or what drove her to say such wonderful things about me. She had no reason or intention other than simply to pride me (she is not even a Zeta!). I'm touched and inspired by the support and kindness of others, even complete strangers, and not to mention flattered by her incredibly kind words.

FloridaPearl, whoever you are, thank you for empowering me and reminding me why I love doing what I do and why I am constantly striving to seek and understand the value of the world around me. And thank you for the random act of kindness.... I'll be sure to pay it forward.

Thank you to everyone who has inspired me to share my adventures in teaching, experiences as Miss New Mexico USA, and journey towards self-reflection & love. I love you all more than I'll ever be able to articulate.

Love Notes & Lollipops,

Book & Song & Body

3 treats for a sweet life....

Book:
"of Thee I Sing" -Barack Obama
I read this to my students on Friday in celebration of President's Day this past Monday and it's amazing. Beautifully written and so many key role models. Perfect for my classroom, every student found a hero to relate to. Not to mention, extremely aligned with our class culture and mindsets that I have worked so hard to instill on their little bubblegum brains. I keep referring back to it for inspiration as I continue to prepare my journey for Miss USA.

Song:
"Tonight Tonight" Hot Chelle Rae ....talk about feel good. Just discovered this song when I was out in LA and made a serious mental effort to etch the name into my brain for downloading, which of course was top priority upon my arrival back to New Mex. Don't ask me if I've unpacked yet though, because I still haven't unpacked from San Antonio either (which was the last weekend in January).

Body:
Eye Lift Synergy Because I prevent now [24] what I don't want to deal with then [44]. But before you go splurging on this magical potion best be sure you are first & foremost starting with the ole cheap and convenient SPF.


I love you all more than coconut chips (and those are divine)...
Toodles & Poodles,

Ocean Side

I....

Let my feet kiss every step at the Santa Monica steps 14 times total.
Made a pact with my sister/best friend.
Became a runway goddess.
Discovered a variety of new talents.
Indulged in blood orange Pinkberry topped with chocolate chips, blueberries and coconut shreds.
Wrote "NM" in the sand.
Slept in past 8am, didn't hear this baby once (bee tee double-U it's on SALE now. jealous)!
Transformed my mindset.
Let go of baggage.
Believed in my power.
Collected endless notes.
Shared my inspirational book lists.
Purchased and read: Time, Real Simple, People Style Watch, Newsweek, InStyle and Sports Illustrated all in one sitting.
Toughed up during major rain turbulence (oyy).
Spent too much money on bath products... OMG... OOO baby... Addiction & A MUST HAVE (treat yourself and thank me later)
Received an "I love you" from a man on a bike (as did everyone else walking the coast).
Allowed sea foam and sand to occupy the remaining space in my Reebok's. 
Devoured delicious protein shakes by Jill.
Inspired a bagel bar complete with Nutella, strawberry cream cheese, peanut butter, reg. cream cheese and cinnamon & raisin bagels.
Soaked up sunshine.
Played princess with a princess.
Treasured the selflessness and generosity of others.
Kept a watchful eye out for Justin Bieber.
Spent valuable quality time with New Mexican beauties.
Found an old childhood favorite.
Made a friend on the plane.
Broke one glass.
Arranged moving plans.
Enjoyed my new goodies courtesy of Shanna Moakler (magic in a tube?!).
Talked, laughed, loved, and sparkled.

Thank you Obama and the 43 glorious men before you for this fabulous President's day treat in Southern California.

Love, Learning, and Tutus -B

The Grateful Enjoyment List

Valentine cards in the mail on the 17th may be even better than the 14th. Petroleum jelly with glitter on my dry cuticles (and the glitter serving no purpose but to fancy me). Laffy Taffy, the bitter kind. Julia washing all of my dishes 2 days in a row. Sharing the music tastes of my 4-year-old students. Phone calls with my new personal trainer who is "inspired" by ME! A new book of stamps featuring the King & Queen of hearts, adorable. The joy of giving my students "ROCK STAR" stickers. Job ideas in South Dakota (whhaaatt??). Toasty toes. Spelling out my mother's birthplace on my passport application... Wurzburg, Germany. Oooh and filling out a passport application, oh the possibilities. Breakthroughs with one of my students. Cucumbers with lemon and salt (yumzzz). Handwritten letters in the mail. Wearing my hood, with all of my hair dangling out the front as the wind blows it across my face in every which way and the warm sun accompanied by the harsh sting. Snacking on Julia's shredded coconut which is much better than my shredded coconut & researching the benefits of coconut (do it!). 13 hour block schedule (yep, today). Working the concession stand for 4 hours at the Rocky View Basketball Tournament and selling a rainbow of Ring Pops to bright eyed elementary students. Brushing my teeth at the end of a long day. The frog sticker stuck on my laptop that reads "YOU ARE RIBBITING" from Ms. Zander. My imagination. The fearless brown rabbit that resides by my portable. Personal invitations to speak at "Miss Navajo Teen" (yes, he came to my classroom specifically). Writing love notes to everyone I can.

LoVe & MaGiC & MaDnEss & FlUff ---B

Radical Self Love

My vision of a person who is the epitome of a radical self lover....

"Someone who is an RSL warrior walks into a room and commands attention. She is confident and content. She can articulate how much she loves others because what she loves about others she can see inside of herself. She takes care of her body and works to improve her health and strength. She is incredibly grateful for all that she has and she makes it known any way that she can. She has a contagious personality that attracts a variety of people to her, which allows her to surround herself with amazing friends and supporters. She is not afraid to laugh, or even cry, when she feels like it. She never complains and she has nothing but the most positive thoughts swimming through her mind. She radiates love that others can feel. She sets her mind on what she wants and she takes strides to get there. She knows how to laugh at herself and learn from her mistakes. She positively impacts and influences others, even when she doesn't even know it. Her words are kind and sincere and always a beautiful gift. She does not allow things that don't matter to affect her life or the lives of others. She handles all situations with grace, class, and a touch of humor. She takes every opportunity she can to learn from her experiences and other individuals. She recognizes that nothing is perfect and in fact perfect is boring."

What does radical self love look like to you?

my daily reminder

vision boards are for RSL warriors

heart

Peace, Love, and Doodles.... B

Hello World.

Back to New Mexico....

January was full of wild magical adventures. I spent a weekend in Vegas working on the PERFECT gown for Miss USA (and yep, stuck with the color choice that my students wanted me to wear). I then went off to Virginia for a camping/retreat for Miss USA state titleholders, wicked awesome time (props to Miss Oregon USA's boyfriend for being such a great sport when I prank called him... with the permission of Oregon of course) and amazing (AH-MAZING) girls who I can't wait to see again at Miss USA (or maybe sooner Miss Montana USA??). Then I was in Fredericksburg, Texas (ya'll) for Jenna Hardin's (Miss New Mexico 2004) wedding, which was amazing (and I'm definitely planning on wearing my bridesmaid dress again!!).

Now it's time for February, or as I have chosen to re-name it "Cleansuary." My favorite blogger Gala (check her out!!!) said something that made so much sense.... Gala says that with the chaos of December and the holidays it's really difficult to take some time and focus in on your goals for the new year. She recommends using January to hash all of it out in a thoughtful and reflective way so that you can really tune into what you want to do and create in the magical year before you. Well I can say, January certainly provoked a lot of self-reflection. I learned a ton (A TON) of very unique lessons, and I reflected on myself in a way that I have been able to before. I am so ready for the newest, most spectacular chapter of my life.  

Cleansuary?? I'm doing a 21-day detox (staring today... EEK!). And no, not 'cause I'm a crazy pageant girl trying to lose weight (don't you dare call me a "pageant girl"), but simply, I'm a 24-year-old ready to clear her mind and body of the toxins that have been confined inside. Not just by candy bars, smog, and plastics (yuck!) but even by the nonsense that I have allowed myself to believe either about me or the path I have chosen to embark on. I'm following a program called the "Clean Program." I read the book (Amazon baby, Kindle edition available too!) and ordered the kit and I'm ready to go full force. It's not just about the food I eat though, it's about the clarity I am seeking on my mind and the greater understanding of myself that I am dusting off. That's why I decided to do it. Check it out.

Here is what I am loving right now:
Jason Derulo CD, iTunes sale, HOLLA! (What? It's a good CD ok!?! I cleaned my house to it.)
Frosted Cupcake candle from Bath & Body Works
Good Earth Sweet & Spicy Tea
"You Don't Know Jacques!" nail polish from OPI
"Rosi Flo's" coloring book
Rather Sweet (put that place on your bucket list this instant!)
Modgepodge + Glitter = one beauuutiful hot pink binder
Radical Self Love by Gala & having a hot pink heart on my left hand all month long!
Pinterest (addicted!!!!)
3 snow days in a row & endless movie vegging with the roommate & sleeeppoooovers!!!!
Sweet dreams..... 
Ever-evolving new year's resolutions
Handwritten notes full of positive thoughts and energy (or even simple texts) ..."Go Brittany!"
Adopting my newest theme song
Mac Lip color "Shy Girl" (did they name it after me??)
Oh, and I am dying to go tree camping....

 I'm random..... thanks for tuning in....

Ta Ta For Now. B

Remember....

Remember when I said January was crazy? And just when I thought it couldn't get any crazier it did.... this blog is about to have a massive make-over in the not so distant future.

Stay tuned. (Dun dun dun)

It's been a while.

Just a small blurb to catch up on my wild life.

January has been out of control:

Last weekend I was in Las Vegas, but not to watch Miss America (although that would have been awesome). I decided to go very last minute to meet with the person who will be designing my dress for Miss USA. I am really excited about this because.... drumroll please.... MY STUDENTS CHOSE THE COLOR! Yep. That's right. I let my 4 and 5 year-old pre-kindergarten students vote on what color I would be wearing at the 2011 Miss USA pageant. So guess what? You will have to watch to find out how brilliant these little nose pickers are. That ought to get you to tune in right? But really, I am very confident with the team I have creating my dress; my students, my preferences (thanks to my mommy), and the skills of the designer and very eager to wear the final product at Miss USA.

Tomorrow I take off right from work to head to Virginia for a retreat, which I am so incredibly stoked about. Since I have yet to unpack my luggage from Vegas I have a brilliant plan.... dump everything out on my bed, re-pack, and worry about it Monday. Impressive huh?

Next Thursday I take off again, this time for San Antonio! The beautiful Jenna Hardin is gettin' hitched and I get to be part of the magic! I am so excited to be celebrating this incredible moment by her side as a bridesmaid. Oh, and of course Jenna has the BEST taste EVER so the dress will be worn about a gazillion more times. Oh, and did I mention she was Miss New Mexico USA 2004?? And top 15 at Miss USA? Yeah, check out this beautiful woman:

Aaaand Jenna was the last New Mexican to place at Miss USA. She's amazing and I am so so so excited to be there to help her kick off the incredible journey she has ahead. Cheers for Jenna and Travis!

I hope that 2011 brings you everything you could have wanted and more. I also hope that you are still not writing 2010.

Peace, Love, Cupcakes, Glitter & Magic,
B

What A Sweet Article

Gallup Journey Article

Beautiful Inside and Out

December 2010 | 02. Dec, 2010 by gallupjourney | 0 Comments

by H. Haveman
Brittany Toll is a beautiful person.  Yes, she is the reigning Miss New Mexico USA 2011 and won the similar honor in 2005 as Miss New Mexico Teen USA.  However, her beauty is not purely a result of her broad smile, white teeth, and pretty face.  Brittany works as a pre-kindergarten teacher in Gallup’s Rocky View Elementary School.  She volunteers, is a positive role model, and travels throughout the state to promote early childhood education.  Brittany’s beauty, though obvious at first glance, is exuded from deep within through her generosity, values and passions.
Brittany was born in southern California and moved to Las Cruces, New Mexico in 5th grade.  She participated in choir during middle and high school and as a high school junior was encouraged to get involved in the Miss Teen USA program.  When she won the title for New Mexico she was surprised and humbled, but quickly realized that with her new role, she could help create opportunities to reach out and help those in need.  While in college at New Mexico State University, Brittany was part of the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority, which further propelled her interests in community service and philanthropy.
As a senior at NMSU in spring of 2009, about to graduate with honors and a marketing degree, Brittany knew that Teach For America (TFA) was something she wanted to be a part of.  In fact, it was the only job she applied for. TFA is an AmeriCorps program that trains highly qualified college graduates as teachers who are then placed in at-risk communities.  There are 39 urban and rural regions throughout the country where TFA corps members commit to work for two years in order to improve educational achievement for the students they teach. Brittany was accepted into the program and placed in Gallup, her first choice.  Despite the fact that her family moved to Colorado when she started college, Brittany wanted to stay in New Mexico and looked forward to living in a new part of the state.  Of The Land of Enchantment Brittany says, “New Mexico has given me so much in education; I just want to give back.”
Teaching came naturally to Brittany in many ways.  Education was something she considered studying at NMSU, but it turns out that her background in marketing and advertising have been very useful in the classroom.  With two sections of eighteen four-year-olds each day, Brittany had to find a way to get them all on the same page, with a desire to listen and learn.  During “Circle Time” at the beginning of each class, the students discuss the calendar and weather, but also review the rules and reasons for school.  In response to the question, “Why do you need to learn a lot and have big brains?” Brittany’s students shout in unison, “So we can do anything we want to do!”  Beyond the academic standards, her students are learning confidence, becoming invested in their own education, and gaining a hopeful outlook.
The rewards of teaching are countless.  Brittany has seen her students blossom over the last months, opening up to each other, building relationships and developing life skills.  It’s been a learning experience for the teacher, as well.  Brittany has gained a sense of the vast range of children as far as interests, learning styles, and growth.  Every student has his or her own strengths and abilities to which Brittany strives holding each individual accountable.
Now in her second year teaching at Rocky View Elementary, Brittany’s is a model classroom for the school district and she is a learning team leader for Teach For America.  However, her positive influence is also felt beyond the walls of her portable classroom.  Brittany has been volunteering as a mentor with the Big Brothers Big Sisters program for almost a year.  She travels across the state to promote early childhood education and leadership as a strong female role model.  She is raising awareness for the Susan G. Komen Organization and DKMS America’s Swab Drive – a bone marrow drive in which participants receive a kit in the mail, swab their cheek, and send the sample back.  The results are kept in a national registry of potential donors who have committed to donating bone marrow if theirs is a match for a cancer patient in need.  Brittany is also in the early stages of writing and illustrating a children’s book.
Her role as Miss New Mexico USA has, undoubtedly, provided a microphone and an audience for Brittany’s passions.  Promotion for early childhood education will echo loudly in the months leading up to the Miss USA pageant in May when Brittany will compete in Las Vegas for the national title.  She is confident, having gone through this process before as Miss New Mexico Teen USA.  She’s looking forward to meeting new people and enjoying new experiences during the two-week competition.  When it’s over, she’ll return to Gallup to finish up the school year with her pre-kindergarten students or, if she wins Miss USA, she’ll immediately fly to New York and begin her duties as the national titleholder.
Either way, the future is bright for this beauty queen.  After teaching for three more years, Brittany plans to pursue a master’s degree in early childhood education or psychology.  It’s sure that her passion for education and service will lead her to a plethora of opportunities.  She’d like to travel and experience life in a different place for a while, but a return to New Mexico will always be on the horizon.

Setting the bar....

I love all the exposure TFA and early Childhood education is getting. Not to mention shout out to Zeta Tau Alpha.

Thank you Las Cruces Hispano Chamber of Commerce!