Britney Annice

"New year, New me." -All of ya'll, every year Well, since we're still in December and on the subject of gifts, let's talk about the gift of a FRESH START . Nah, I'm not talking about you calling your ex back and acting like you weren't trash for the bulk of the year. You need to get left in 2018. I'm talking about truly stepping back, reflecting and taking action in new ways. Now, I know a lot of people roll their eyes when folks start talking about the things that they want to do differently in the new year, how they about to be skinny and how they not bringing all that negative energy into this new chapter. And yea, they might be a little extra with it, but that's the beauty of a reset. Photo: Britney Annice I used to think that New Year's resolutions meant that I had done something wrong and needed to change it. Like this was my time to reflect on my mistakes, my weight, my eating habits, my career and change everything about

"You ain't got it right now, fam." -My bank account Around this time of year, a lot of people tend to stress themselves out. You're sad because you don't have the money to buy gifts for loved ones. You're upset because it's cold outside and it takes 20 minutes for your car to warm up. You're salty because nobody is cuddling you by the Christmas tree. And what's supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, turns out to be you with an attitude, pushing your shopping cart on the back of people heels in Walmart all season. That ain't it, fam. Photo: Yajaira Suriel Look, I'm going to be transparent with ya'll: I am not where I want to be or where I thought I'd be in life. Especially, on the financial tip. In previous years, I'd get really upset when I wasn't able to get the gifts I wanted my friends and family to have. And sometimes, I'd find myself spending more than I needed, with nearly nothing left ov

"Tis' the season of giving!" Welcome to my favorite time of year. Christmas! The hot drinks, the lights, the music, the delicious treats all just make me feel so warm and fuzzy inside. Not to mention the gifts... which none of ya'll are getting this year. Look man, I'm in the middle of building a brand, paying bills and turning 30 in 2019. Ya'll better take these blogs and this smile and get somewhere and sit down. Besides, have you even used the gifts that you got years ago? Nah, I'm not talking about that waffle maker your mama 'nem got you in 2011. I'm talking about the GIFTS that you were already born with. Your PURPOSE for being here in the first place. Photo: Sierra Campbell The year was 2006. I was finishing up my junior year of high school and was still uncertain and very insecure about attending college. However, my parents made it very clear that I did not have a choice on whether or not I went to college. I was going and

"Family over everything." For the month of November, I’ve been discussing some of the things that I’m thankful for. I couldn’t end this month without talking about my family! They are not only my support system but also my friends. Watch as I turn the camera on them to find out what they’re thankful for! P.S. I'm still learning how to vlog and I couldn't quite figure out how to get music on here. But, I did figure out how to do voice overs... so I made my own theme music. It's about to get weird, guys. Enjoy! And subscribe to my YouTube channel to get updates on my monthly vlogs! -BRIT

"Oh Imma do that anyway, Imma do that anyway cause that's how I am." -The Internet Auntie First of all, shout out to all of the people that only need one alarm to wake them up in the morning and never hit the snooze button. That's some different kind of drive & determination. We will not be discussing that kind here, today. Do you ever feel like you just have about one more fail left in you before you give up? Or like you must be doing something wrong because you're not where you thought you should be? Or that you're just not getting anywhere so what's the point anyway, right? Yeah. Same here. But, I got news for you, if you were supposed to give up, then you wouldn't have been given one more day to get up and try again. Photo: Sierra Campbell When I was a Sophmore in college, I had an end of the year evaluation with one of my acting professors. In this meeting, she told me "Acting might not be for you. Maybe you should consid

"Happiness is an inside job." -unknown Aight, so let me run it back for ya'll... *record scratch* I started off the year 2018 claiming that it would be a "YES" year. For me, this meant taking the time to invest in me and say "yes" to myself even when the world told me "no". Since last January, I have been going hard for my brand and finding new ways to approach my career. I didn't even realize that this was the start of putting myself first and creating my own HAPPINESS . Photo: Sierra Campbell For years, I've waited on things or people to come around and do that for me. "Once I get this gig, I'll be happy" or "Maybe if I had someone to hang out with, I'd be happy." Well, what happens when you get those things that you thought would make you happy and they either don't do the trick or they make you worse? I took the time to intentionally disconnect from things that I knew I was only

"So, what we gone eat when I get there?" Happy November! It's "We got food at the house" season which means we are one step closer to my favorite time of year... Christmas! But, let me not get ahead of myself. For the month of November, I'll be sharing some of the things that I'm thankful for. And what better way to kick off this month than FOOD . I be hungry. Now ya'll know, anytime I go to a new city, I got to eat. That's one of my favorite things about a vacation. You do all of the prepping for it, you shop for new outfits, you try to lose a couple of pounds to get into the new outfits, you pack and travel. But when you finally make it to your destination, you get to just relax and try as many foods as you can. You know you don't be eating like that all the time, so it's all good. I had an absolute blast exploring New York City with my friends Yaya, Greg and baby G! When I touched down at their home in Brooklyn, I was met at t

"It sounds like you got trust issues." Ya'll remember when we talked about vulnerability a few weeks ago? Well, I feel like that and this week's topic of TRUST go hand in hand. When I put my trust into someone, I expect them to do right by me. And when you don't do right by Britney, you gotta catch these hands. I trusted you, even though you got a booty chin. Just kidding, I've never trusted anyone with a booty chin. Photo: Yajaira Suriel So look, I'm a bit of a loner. Always have been (See "LONELINESS" post). I never felt like I needed a whole lot of people around me because I don't fool with ya'll like that anyway. I can always tell when something is off about a person. I often try to see things through and tell myself "Maybe it's not what you think" but every time I've tried to give someone the benefit of the doubt, they end up showing me why I can't trust people. Let me see if I can give you a short lis

"You gotta get some 'don't give a damn' in you!" Remember when I told ya'll that I was going to start facing my fears in the month of October? Well, vlogging is one of them. I always thought I needed a professional camera, a makeup artist and maybe a studio audience to laugh on que before I did a vlog. Turns out, I only needed my iPhone and my well lit bathroom. I heard ya'll got a short attention span these days and don't like to read. That's too bad. Because imma still write. But for now, enjoy this very low budget movie about Self Promotion ! See ya'll next week. -BRIT

"It's cool, I can just go by myself." Okay so, I hope you didn't come on this post looking for something sad. I'm not the one that's gone cry with you today. Alexa, play "Not Gone Cry" by Mary J. Blige. Photo: Sierra Campbell You know, I used to think that it was weird for me to feel lonely. I never even wanted to hear myself say that word. I thought that meant that it was something wrong with me and saying it out loud would make it too real. You would think that I'd be used to it by now. I spent 6 years, miles away from my family, starting at the age of 18, while I was in school. After that, I moved half way across the country, alone. Then, I picked up and moved miles away again and here we are. Alone . On a cold October night. My whole life, I've been surrounded by love. I was blessed to be born into a family where the time and attention was plentiful. I never had to worry about having someone to talk to because they were a

"I don't want all them people looking at me!" It's October! So I want to get real spooky with ya'll on this here blog. For the rest of this month, I'll be talking about some of the things that scare me. I know what you're thinking right now, "Damn Brit, I thought you was a real gangsta. Gangstas don't get scared." Hold on homie, let me explain... I'm a pretty outgoing person. I always have been...around my family. Most people didn't even know I could talk until I was 15. That's a little bit of an exaggeration but you know what I mean. I had to pick and choose who I showed my personality around. Because if anyone knew how silly I was or that I liked to dress up as different characters and perform for my family, they would make fun of me and I'd be the weird girl with the glasses. Photo: Sierra Campbell I've always felt so awkward being the center of attention. Something about it gave me the creeps. And sometime

"I love to walk & eat" When people visit me in Chicago, I always like to have at least one fun activity planned out for us to enjoy. Usually, that activity revolves around food or wine. Or both. To me, it ain't nothing like walking, while eating new foods, sipping adult beverages and talking some good trash. A couple of weeks ago, my mom came to visit and I took her the Fulton Market Harvest Fest. The weather was perfect, the people were pleasant and the food was pretty tasty! I purchased our tickets ahead of time so it was smooth sailing when we arrived at the event. We were scanned in, given wristbands, tickets (used like money) for the booths and a couple of cool little tote bags to carry around. I love a useful souvenir! Ya'll know they charging us for bags at the grocery store these days. I'm gone keep that in my car for these Target runs. Now, I'm not going to lie to ya'll. I was so thirsty to try to eat everything at that festiva

"It will happen, just be patient." So, within the past 4 weeks of September, I've been making a conscious effort to look within myself and try to become a better me. Because sometimes, I'm not living my best life and I am going back and forth with ya'll. *Alexa? Play "Smile (Living My Best Life)" by Lil Duval.* Photo: Sierra Campbell I started off the first week by being DISCIPLINED enough to gain control over my thoughts, emotions and actions. The second week, I made it a point to FOCUS on making conscious efforts to have a positive attitude and remember why I set goals for myself in the first place. Last week, I wanted to make sure that I stayed CONSISTENT in those goals and to hold myself accountable at all times. But, with all of that being said, I have to remember to be PATIENT with myself in the process. I feel like for the past 2 years, I've been spazzing out about turning 30. I can't even begin to tell you all of the

"I'll do it later." Aight, so boom. You know when somebody tells you they're going to do something and they don't follow through? Or when you think you've got something really good going with a person and they just disappear? Or when you're working with someone on a project and they don't do their part? It's really annoying and very hard to take anyone serious who can't be consistent. Now, I want you to sit back, take minute or two and think about all of the times you've told yourself you were going to do something and didn't do it. I'll wait.... *Holding music: "When you left, I lost a part of me, this feels so hard to believe, come back baby please cause we belong togetherrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr"* Oh okay, you're back. Now, when you broke those promises to yourself, did you feel the same anger or annoyance that you did when it came from someone else? Do you send little reminders to yourself so that you won't

"What's the point?" After you discipline yourself to get on the path to achieve certain goals, you must remain focused on the prize. Whatever that may be. That's why I chose FOCUS as this week's word. I have always had a problem in this area of my life. I mean, from the time I was a little girl. It would really wear my parents out. Them: "Britney, go downstairs, look on the table, grab the envelope inside of the book that's on the table and bring it to me." Me: *Goes downstairs* "Where ya'll say the book was?" My mind drifted off somewhere between them saying go downstairs and bring it to me . As I've gotten older, I've gotten a little better. But now, my lack of focus shows in different ways. Sometimes, I can't concentrate on my craft because I'm to busy thinking about the negative aspects of it. " I don't know why I'm doing this, it's not getting me anywhere " or " This is pointle

Discipline: 1.) Control gained by enforcing obedience or order 2.) Punishment 3.) Self Control 4.) Training that corrects, molds or perfects moral character - Merriam-Webster Dictionary I started this week off by making a list of 4 things that I want to improve about myself. Just 4 areas of my life that could use some attention. I'm giving myself 1 word to focus on each week. Why? Well, I often find myself writing lists of goals that I want to achieve, things that I want to accomplish and places that I see myself going. But, I seldom write lists of the ways that I am going to reach those goals. For me, seeing is believing. That's why I write so much. If I constantly have those visuals of the words in my mind, it's easy for me to follow that step by step process. For example: I always knew that I wanted to move to California. I knew I couldn't do that without a car. I knew I had to get a job in order to get the car. So I made a list on a poster board stating t

"My passion will be my profession!" This year, I have been making an intentional effort to have more confidence to venture out on my own. Ya'll know I'm hella awkward and never know what to do with my hands. Plus, I'm always afraid that someone is going to say something really funny. I snort while laughing, when something is really funny. Then everybody at the party will be like, "Unn, that tall girl with the afro over there snorting like a pig" and then they will point at me and laugh. Then they'll record me snorting and put in on Twitter and I'll run out of the party crying and will never have any friends. Welp! Luckily, none of that has happened. Last Friday, I had the pleasure of attending recording R&B looping artist, Taylor Mallory's "Take Control" album release party. Even though I went alone, I felt welcomed and was even able to meet and network with new folks. A lot of the people in attendance were my old friends

"I got this." "I hate asking for help." "I can do this by myself." For a very long time, I thought that asking for help made me look weak. It was crazy. It's like, I felt as though I had something to prove to the world by showing folks that I didn't need them. I mean, I didn't even like men buying me drinks at the club. Shoot, they were eventually going to want something in exchange for that drink and I ain't got it. So, that was my outlook in every situation. People only do things for you in expectation of receiving something. Which is not always true. Photo: Seirra Campbell Hell, if any of ya'll brothas are reading this, I could use that drink right about now. A couple of weeks ago, I attended an event called "Keep it Colorful". One of the panelist was Erika Alexander. She shared the story of her journey as an actor/ creator and gave lots of wonderful advice. Something she said that really stuck with me was, yo

"You're still young, you've got time." "You don't need to be worried about that right now." Look man, I know that a lot of people mean well when they say these things. Usually, they want you to take comfort in the fact that you're younger than them and they also just don't know what else to say to you. It's like the equivalent of expressing your feelings to a black person and them hitting you with a " Itta be aight " or a " Damn, that's crazy ." Can I just be blunt with ya'll? Ain't nobody trying to hear that. Plus, who told ya'll that tomorrow was promised? Anything could happen. Good or bad. Something that I have learned is that everyone's path is not the same. Neither is everyone's thought process. For example, what I am ready for at the age of 29, may not be what you were thinking about at my age. So, in your mind, it seems like I'm too young but in reality, it's just the way tha

"I need a break." I have to say, I have been finding the internet to be exceptionally entertaining and funny lately. I'm always cracking up at someone's Instagram post, a meme on Facebook, or some random footage from Twitter. But then, there's the negativity, which is extremely draining. Y'all, I don't care how bad things get in my life, please, please, please, don't let me get on the internet arguing with people that don't have a profile picture and misspelling stuff trying to send a subliminal message to my man. Just... take my phone... okay? Photo: Stephen Nitz When I broke up with my last boyfriend, which was in the year 1802, I purposely took a short break from social media. I was upset and when I'm upset, like most folk, I have a tendency to make that apparent. I'd found myself clapping back at someone on social media once before and I was like "Britney girl, what you doin'? Ain't that why you got a blog?&quo

"Dang Brit. You be hiring & firing em'!" "You are very good at goodbyes." The other day, I did something I thought I would never do. I picked up my phone, opened my list of blocked callers and wondered if there was anybody I needed to let out on bail. Like, what if I was wrong about somebody? What if I made a mistake? What if God hid my husband in my blocked list? Sike. I don't take trash out of the basket. And I don't believe that God would do a sista like that. Here's my truth: As a child, I was very mild mannered and shy. I didn't say much. Didn't bother nobody. And didn't want to be bothered. At home, I was a completely different person. I was silly, outgoing, sassy, sweet and I was bothering everybody in my house. At school, I was bullied. At home, I tried to fight my brothers just for not letting me play Sega with them. I would always come home and complain about what someone said or did to me at school, until my famil

"I wanna go out, but I don't want to be around a whole lot of people, but I wanna mingle and see new faces and I wanna hear good music but I don't wanna dance." If you're anything like me, an extroverted introvert, you appreciate a good night out minus all of the extra stuff like heels and crowds you can't move in. I wanted to bring in this past birthday as cool and chill as possible. You know, flats, cupcakes, a drink and a nap. Well, I started my weekend just the way I wanted to with the Specialty Cocktails + Urban Art Workshop! Yes, we was in there drinking and spray painting. What more can I ask for? Now, my first run in with spray paint was not a good one. Let me give ya'll a very quick story: Aight so boom... the year was 2009. I was out with some friends from school roaming the streets of Chicago at night. Keep in mind, I went to an art school so all of my friends were some sort of artists. The guys we were hanging with were sic

"LEARN SOMETHING FROM THIS!" -Tyra Banks (Remember when she said that on America's Next Top Model?) Well guys, we've reached the end. I've finally made it to the last year of my twenties. That means, this is my last year to be foolish with ya'll but after that, imma grow up. For real. Lately, I've been doing a lot of reminding myself to slow down and try to live more in the moment. It seems as if one day, I just looked up and my 20's were damn near gone. In my early twenties, my favorite phrase was, "No rush, I got time." But now, I've reached the end and I don't feel ready. Okay so, you know how you wake up early, press the snooze button for 5 more minutes, and then you press it again, and maybe even one more time? But when you finally get up and look at the time, you gotta hurry up, get breakfast, get dressed, drink some coffee and now you're running out of the house with one earring on.  That, my friends, is how I

"I don't care if you don't like me... I like myself!" -Nubia R. Harrell (My 3 year old niece) We all know how the saying goes, "Kids are cruel". But wouldn't it be nice if we could all just brush off the things people say and not let it affect us negatively? Like most of us, I experienced bullying as child, well into my teenage years. I wasn't the most outspoken person back then, plus, I had a temper and didn't know how to fight with my words but was too scared to throw them hands and get suspended (which ended up happening later anyway but that's another story for another post). I spent years of my life tip toeing around folks trying not to say or do anything that might upset them in effort to be liked or accepted. But when they ended up not liking me anyway, I figured, hell, I might as well just gone and be myself. I mean, they didn't care about upsetting me. Hold on, let me take a sip of this drink real quick... For exam

"I'm so overwhelmed, I don't know where to start or what to do... so I just won't do anything." Have you ever been driving with your destination in mind, the excitement and anticipation of getting there slowly building up, only to realize that somewhere along the way, you've lost your sense of direction? So you pull over to the side of the road to re-focus, get your bearings straight and continue your journey. I don't know about ya'll, but I often have times like this in real life. I done had to talk to God like, "Aye Lord, pull this car (life) over, it feel like I'm bout to throw up." That being said, if you're wondering where I've been, I had to pull the car over and get my bearings straight for a minute. But, I'm back and pettier than ever! Here's what's been poppin' in the land of Aintbritfunny: On April 26, 2018, I hosted a really dope show for AFROTRAK at Subterranean in Chicago, IL. Headlining, was t

"I'm about to go get a coffee from downstairs. You want something?" Now, I’ve gone ghost and been ghosted before. The guy I really liked will link back up with his ex. Another guy will figure out that I’m never going to sleep with him and he’ll disappear. One might leave because I live too far and he got warrants in my neighborhood. The possibilities are endless. But y’all, you reach a whole new level when you get ghosted by your cafe. I ain’t THAT ugly. I wanna tell y'all a quick little story about how I got my feelings hurt. It was late September, 2016. I had just moved back to Chicago. I was so excited about my cute little neighborhood where everything from trains, to buses to local eateries were accessible by foot. One of the first things I noticed upon moving in was the quaint little cafe just steps away from my building. Every morning when I'd walk to the train, there would be people sitting outside having coffee on the patio. Parents taking th