Home. Home on the range...

One of the things I love about Facebook are the groups.  They're pretty much awesome but some... eh, not so much.  I am a member of a group that discusses growing in my hometown of Dodge City, Kansas.  It's really fascinating hearing from all the generations of people who grew up there.  We have members fresh out of high school to some in their 80s.  Many share photos of places and sites long gone.  A gentleman got a chance to get inside the grade school I went to and shared the photos.  It's long closed but Dodge City has a rich history and although it is not the same as it once was, it holds a very special place in my heart. 

#TRESemmeTransformation: From Nanny McPhee to Me!

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Global Influence but all thoughts and opinions are my own.




I know that I have blogged before about how I need to start fixing myself up a bit more.  It's been a slow and steady race.  Now, when I say fix myself up more- I don't mean glammed up but looking a bit more polished and attempting to do my hair and make up more.

Well.

I have been wearing my hair in a bun.  At the nape of my neck.  Yes, the nape of my neck.  Not a messy and cute bun.  Not even a chic ballet bun.  

I *thought* I looked polished.

Did I?

Um.  Well.  

Let's just say... I looked a cross between Trunchbull from Matilda 

I Speak in Movie Quotes

I have been in my new position at my company for about a month now.  It's been awesome! I really like everybody I work with and it's a great team.  It's not perfect- like any office environment but it's not pure misery.  I am really glad I took a less stressful position.  My boss pretty much rocks.

So, the other day I was dealing with an issue with a patient's insurance and she said "Watch them still deny it" and started laughing.  I said, "well if they do- I'm gonna come at 'em like a spidermonkey jacked up on Mountain Dew!".  She started laughing and said that would be awesome but what's a spider monkey.  I said I have absolutely no clue but shake n bake.  And I said wait.  Have you seen Talladega Nights? I said Oh I should have warned you... I speak in movie quotes.

Part One: Personal Happiness Project

Last week was a very hard week for me.  I was extremely depressed and felt like a dark cloud was hanging over my head (You can read all about my angst riiiigggghhhhttt here).  I had a ton of good news and exciting opportunities coming my way and I was still in a terrible funk.  Then I looked at the calendar and the date hit me.  It was September 19th. September 18th was my firstborn's date of birth and passing.  Every year, I become overwhelmed with a deep sadness and it takes me a bit to realize exactly WHY I am feeling that way.  It happens three times a year- September 18, April 3 (my second daughter's date of birth and death) and July 8th (Emma's injurversary).  I have been extremely fortunate to overcome all the adversities that have been stacked against me and the opportunities I have been given.  Many of the adversities I have faced, I will not put on my blog but just know that it's been an extremely difficult road to travel and many haven't achieved as much as I have.  That's not to be self aggrandizing but just being factual.  I haven't achieved a lot but I have achieved quite a bit (to me!).  I have started a Personal Happiness Project.

Special Needs Software: Timocco

As a mom of a child with special needs, the need to find games and toys that are not only fun but can help encourage my daughter are absolutely critical.  Due to her having a traumatic brain injury that was severe enough to necessitate the need to remove her right frontal lobe and parts of her parietal lobe.  Between the brain injury itself and the removal of the brain tissue, she is left with focus issues, a left arm that doesn't function, cognitive delays and a left leg that is weak.  Trying to encourage her to use her left arm has been... trying, to say the least.  

Thankfully, there are many innovative companies who have really bringing forth many new and exciting games that marry technology, learning, therapies and fun into one and one of those companies is Timocco, who asked me to share their amazing product with you.

Tolmachoff Farms - Glendale Arizona

If you are in the Phoenix metropolitan area, I am really excited to share with you an amazing coupon for Tolmachoff Farms in Glendale, Arizona! 

Arizona's Best Family Farm Bring the whole family out to Tolmachoff Farms where there is something for all ages. We are a four generation family owned and operated farm that is now in the middle of the city. Check our website for further details and what events are happening through the seasons. 10% OFF PRODUCE Coupon Here!

I looked at myself in the mirror. I am not sure if I am shocked or saddened... or even relieved.

For the last six or more years, I have avoided mirrors.

It's not really a vanity thing, at least not when I dig deeper into the reasons I avoid mirrors but more psychological.  Don't get me wrong, there are SOME reasons that are related to vanity but not 100%.

For some reason on Tuesday, I looked long and hard at myself in the mirror.  I mean, I REALLY looked.  I looked beyond the obvious.  I looked past my cratered skin that is in desperate need of moisturizing.  Beyond the eyebrows that are begging for a wax.  Beyond the fine lines that have started appearing despite my hiding from the sun.  I looked deep into my own eyes.

Have you ever truly studied your own eyes? They say that the eyes are the windows to the soul and I agree.  But I do believe that the eyes share the truth, they share stories, they share the hopes, the dreams, the disappointments, the sadness, the happiness... you can't hide the truth from your eyes.

Wellness & Hiking in Phoenix

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #BalanceRewards #CollectiveBias

I am so glad that it's finally starting to cool down here in Phoenix.  As Phoenicians, we hibernate for most of the summer and wait patiently for the weather to cool down so we can finally get to enjoy the outside.  Since Emma's head injury, I have packed on some serious weight but it's not really the weight that bothers me as much as the weakness and lack of energy I have from being so sedentary.  I have been taking baby steps towards some health goals I have set.  I am so tired of being tired.

Spice up your morning coffee with Latin flavors (+Giveaway) #LatinTouchCGC

There is nothing like the aroma of coffee.  As a little girl, I loved the smell of it.  My mom was a coffee drinker.  She would meet with her friends on the weekends.  They would drink coffee, play cards and just chat.

I've always thought of coffee as a social drink.  "Let's meet for coffee!".  "Come over for dessert and coffee".  I drink tea when I want to relax and coffee when I am with friends, getting going in the morning or just want the extra boost from a good cup of java.

#FlawlessFinish: SheerCover Makeup Review (And 411 About A Contest!)

Disclaimer: I received SheerCover and the associated products for free for my consideration however my opinions are my own.

Who remembers the SheerCover infomercials? I do! I ALWAYS wanted to try their product.  I wanted to have the beautiful transformation that the women on the program had.  I have pockmarks on my cheeks from cystic acne when I was younger.  I hate it.  It's hard to diffuse it and I have to use a LOT of silicone primer to fill it in.  I have used the other mineral makeup that is extremely popular and I liked it but I never got the coverage I wanted.  I figured that trying out SheerCover can't hurt.

Do Numbers REALLY Matter For Bloggers?

I have been blogging since 2007 but I have only decided to take it professionally in the last year.  When I first began blogging, I didn't focus on followers and I never looked at Google Analytics.  As a matter of fact, I only installed it a little over a year ago.  Do numbers really matter when it comes to monetizing? Yes and No.

Strengthen Hair and Rescue it from Split Ends with Suave

Disclaimer: This post has been sponsored by Global Influence but all opinions are my own.

 

Hair.  Oh hair.  It's a love hate relationship.  Emma's hair was extremely long until I took her in for a hair cut a few weeks ago.  Her length was to her rear and now it's shoulder length.  As a child, she is lucky she doesn't have to deal with split ends since she doesn't curl, straighten or blow dry her hair. 

Review: Bulletproof Picasso by Train

 I participated in the Train Bulletproof Picasso album review program as a member of One2One Network. I was provided a free album to review but all opinions are my own.

Oh happy, happy day! Train's new album is dropping on September 16th here in the United States (the 12th for you lucky ducks living in countries with Friday release days!) and I have to say, I feel insanely excited to have been given a chance to listen to the album in its entirety before it is officially released.  

I have loved Train since Drops of Jupiter and they have consistently provided great music and solid albums but in my opinion- Bulletproof Picasso might be their best yet. 

The Sims™ 4 Launch: Confessions of a Nerd Mom

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #TheSims4 #CollectiveBias

My Dear Readers,

You know I adore you.  I hope that you truly adore me.  I have a confession to share with you today.  I am a nerdy, gaming mom.  However, I need to introduce you to somebody and her name is Jane and she is my avatar.  She's awesome and what I am loving about the news Sims game- the WEIRDER stories! (Guys... I am so excited about The Sims™ 4 Launch.  Wicked excited!)  

A Tea Escape (Or how a mom found the elusive quiet time)

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #AmericasTea #CollectiveBias

Oh tea, how I love thee!

Oh! I rhymed! I almost feel a bit like a poet.  Maybe I have found my calling.  I'm kidding (or maybe not... *starts writing poems*).

So, there is something so elusive and so mythical that many would sell their left knee cap to get their hands on it.  What is it?  Peace and quiet.  Moms and dads... you know what I am talking about, right? Those blissful, uninterrupted moments where you can sip on your favorite cup of Bigelow Tea, work on your blog, read a book, watch Murder, She Wrote or Buffy on Netflix (shhhhh.  Don't judge.  Dads... I see you.  I know you're watching it, too) or just sit and stare at the wall.  We all seek it.