My Pleasant Nightmare

Let's Hear it for the Boy #DV2018

2018-10-14T22:29:00.001-05:00

I've sat here for hours debating this post and all of the feelings it may hurt. However, it needs to be written by someone...So, here we go...

Violence is violence. Regardless of the perpetrator. Every year I write about the emotional toll domestic violence takes on women and children. This year, lets switch our focus.

In light of the #metoo movement, I have a few thoughts of my own. Albeit, controversial thoughts, still my thoughts though. So, just get off of your political, ranting high horse for two seconds.

Women are beginning to bask in the glory of victimhood. It's a sad time for us. We want equality yet, play the weaker versions of ourselves and disregard the feelings of men in a less than ideal situation. We are all people with real feelings and real pain. Everyone of us, men and women, should be treated as such. Fuck #metoo !! How about #ustoo?

While the rate of domestic violence is substantially lower for men, it still exists. Why should it be in any way dismissed over numbers? 15% of men are abused by their significant others. That's not any sort of a laughing matter. It's not a joke. It's real life and real pain and should not be laughed away over gender. These are just the numbers reported by men. Fewer men report abuse because of embarrassment. We make them feel weak and ashamed. It needs to stop. I have had 3 boys lives entrusted in me. There is no way I will allow them to be victims of this #metoo culture. They will know that they have a mother/step-mother that will be there and listen. Women are not the only victims in this world. Plenty of lies have turned our boys into victims. Plenty of entitled women have turned our boys into victims.

Don't get me wrong, if my boys commit a violent act, I will be the first to ruin their lives. However, no one will be able to take my boys lives and hurt them in anyway. We need to start supporting our men and boys. Let them know we have their backs. Violence is a two way street against humanity. Not something we should be divided on. It's something we should look out for....for one another. It's time to unite as humans and end this disgusting display of so called "humanity". Fuck men's and women's rights!!

Start supporting HUMAN RIGHTS!

Domestic Violence is a human's rights issue and if you can't see that, YOU are the problem.

Say what you will about this post, but until you've witnessed what I have, you don't get an opinion. Remind me again, how many male shelters are there? Where is their safe space? #StopTheViolence

Smells Like Hell

2017-01-09T11:23:00.001-06:00

Some things never leave you when a life-changing event occurs. Psychologists say that the sense of smell and memory are intertwined. Smelling certain odors can unlock memories long forgotten from past events in one's life. Remembering events can also bring back odors as a vivid reminder.

Six years ago today, a very tragic event occurred that rocked my family to its very core. Most of you know of it and many have read these blogs in the past. The day my aunt and her boyfriend were murdered by her ex-husband. The day lives were changed forever for 3 different sets of families.

I can smell that day. I lived in a very old house that we were trying to rehabilitate. The air in the house on January 8, 2011, was crisp because it was winter and a snow/ice storm was set to move in, in a couple of days. I fell asleep shivering under a pile of blankets after having a few laughs at some silly memes on Facebook. The next morning I heard my phone ringing very early. It was a Sunday. I wasn't getting up that early on a Sunday. I didn't look at the caller ID, I just silenced it. A minute later it was ringing again. It was 7:22 am Sunday, January 9, 2011. I was freezing. I didn't want to get up and have a phone conversation. This time I looked at the caller ID and I saw it was my mom. So, I begrudgingly answered. When I had woken up to answer, I breathed in the crisp cold air and smelled the permanent musty smell that an old house sometimes has. I hated that smell. Nothing but sobs and screaming on the other end. "He did it! That SOB finally did it!! He killed her."

*phone drops

*life changes forever

I needed plane tickets. I needed to get out of Texas and home to Illinois. I needed coffee. I can still smell the burning of my espresso machine when I forgot it was on because I had gone into shock and started rocking in my little white rocking chair. I can smell the remnants of the fire I had burning the night before. The smells snapped me back to reality and I made frantic calls to get plane tickets home. I found myself in the shower later, sobbing. I'm not even sure how I got there. I can still smell the Garnier Shampoo. It was in a purple bottle. the soap was pouring over my face as the water pounded against my head, each drop of water helping me become more and more numb. The smell of the oil of Olay soap I had used to scrub my skin raw still lingers in my nostrils.

Those smells. I hate them. They bring back every little detail and every pang of anxiety. The worst of all of those smells came from the following day. There were people getting bumped off of the 5:50 am flight because of the previously mentioned storm that had made its way in that morning. They let me on because of my situation. A man on the flight didn't appreciate the fact that a woman and her two small children received two of his friend's seats. He was yelling that they should bump me because they were going on a business trip and I was going on vacation in his mind. During his tirade, a group of passengers that heard my story threatened to toss him off the plane themselves if he didn't sit down and shut up. They told him why I was able to get those seats. Warm tears streamed down my cold face as the argument between the other passengers broke out. It scared my oldest. He started crying and spilled orange juice all over my black Wool coat and cream and beige scarf. The smell wouldn't leave the whole day. I could smell it for the full 12 hours I was stuck on layovers and connecting flights. The smell still reminds me of that morning. When he spilled it, I just went into hysterical laughter, as if I was mad.

That's what my hell smells like.

Domestic violence was something that wasn't really spoken of much. Plenty of movies were made about it but still, people wouldn't speak of their secret hell. Her murder, her boyfriend's murder, her killer's suicide, all of that inspired the creation of "My Pleasant Nightmare." I want people to know. I want people to understand. I want people to not feel alone. Most importantly, I want to remind people to stop blaming the victim.

Why is it that we blame victims? Why do we ask "why did they stay so long?" "Why didn't they leave?" Please, please, please stop asking those questions. Can we start asking "why did their abuser commit such a horrid crime against another human being?" "Why didn't the abuser seek help?" "Why do they feel the need to control and cause pain?"

My Aunt left her abuser. It did take her a long time. It's tricky work to get away from a crazy person. It takes time and planning and courage. Staying and putting up with abuse, living it, breathing it, feeling the physical and mental pain takes strength. Stop demeaning the abused. They are brave. The real coward is the abuser. They are so scared of losing control over a "loved one" that they keep them around using fear tactics. The abused tend not to leave for so long because they know that the abuser may just be crazy enough to follow through on their threats. That was the case with my aunt. She left and he kept his promise to kill her and ended up taking more lives in the process, her boyfriend's and his own. Now there are 3 sets of parents with one less child, and there are 2 sets of children with no father and one set of children with no mother. There are brothers who lost a sister, sisters who lost a sister, brothers with no brother, and sisters with no brother. Aunts and uncles who lost a niece and nephews, nieces and nephews with no aunt or uncle. Grandchildren who lost grandparents. Cousins missing a cousin. The trickle effect is life changing. The man who did this to the three of them set events into motion that changed so many lives forever. The ramifications are endless.

However, this leaves the door open for Hope. It has helped bring awareness. It brings enlightenment to communities. The town I'm from now openly speaks of domestic violence. They do walks for awareness that end at our amphitheater where many brave people who survived domestic violence get a chance to share their stories and give hope to victims currently struggling with this life. Her story gave hope. I repeat it so often because I have received messages from some that have told me they left their relationship and made lives for themselves after reading the things I've written. I don't care if it helps just one person each time. As long as someone can turn that chapter of their book into a happy ending and can start the next chapter with a new and hopeful beginning.

ItWorks Wrap Giveaway!!

2015-06-08T13:59:00.000-05:00

Have you ever heard of It Works!? I am going to assume you have if you have access to the internet or a television. It's the newest hottest thing in weight loss. I know, I know. There are "new, hot weight loss products" coming out each week, so why try this one?

I've used these products on multiple occasions. I've used these products on multiple occasions. My most recent sponsor, Andrea hooked me up with a wrap prior to my trip to watch history in the making at Church Hill Downs for the 2015 Kentucky Derby! (anyone catch that triple crown win this last week??? squeeeee) She helped me wrap my way into the perfect dress! That's right, I went from a size 6 to a size 4 within a weeks time! She is my new It Works! Distributor.

When I finally received my wrap from her, I ripped it open like a kid at Christmas!!

I read all of the instructions and followed them exactly. I did not want any tainted results!

So, I chose the area I wanted to apply the wrap. Washed and dried my skin and then

I cut along the line.

Smelled it. Okay, that wasn't part of the directions but I have a weird habit of smelling new things.

Removed the product

It looked different than I expected.

Unfolded it.

Okay, I wasn't smart enough to figure out how to unfold it immediately

I did figure it out though!! haha

Then I smoothed out the applicator over the skin ensuring it had good skin contact...it was very cold on my bare belly. haha

After it was in place, I read that I could either use plastic wrap, elastic bandages, or form fitting clothes.

I was unprepared and had no plastic wrap, I also do not wear form fitting clothes. (well I may start now) So, I went with an ace bandage because I am a frequent injury specialist (that should totally be my job title).

The I set my timer for 45 minutes!!

The package said that it worked continually for 72 hours. I really didn't think that it would. I had doubts about this product. I couldn't imagine it working so well. It had a cool burning feel when I put it on though and I could feel it working while wearing it.

The instructions also say to drink plenty of water. They recommend drinking half your body weight in ounces. So, if you are 130 lbs, you would drink 65 oz of water. I would personally recommend drinking a little more than that if you can.

So, back to the main question.

"Does this product tighten, tone and firm?"

I'm giving it a big thumbs up!!!

I love my results and would like to try it again.

HELLLLLOOOOOOO BATHING SUIT SEASON!!!

Ready for my result pics?

I am very pleased!! The package says that the results last as long as you eat a healthy diet and drink plenty of water. It's been about a month and the new pants I purchased to fit over my smaller waste still seem to fit. I even signed up as a loyal customer so that I always have wraps on hand! (plus it's way cheaper than buying one at a time)

This company offers a wide variety of products. I hope you will check them all out on Andrea's website. Just click HERE to learn more or go shopping. If you have any questions about the product you can contact Cori via her Facebook page Stay Home With Andrea. She is wonderful to work with and ready to answer any questions you have. Whether it be about the product OR even joining her team and selling the product (which offers great incentives and bonus programs)

You want one now, dontcha???

Well, you're in luck! Andrea and I have teamed up to give one lucky person a free wrap. With bonus SAMPLES of other products!!

Ultimate ThermoFit

Fire up your metabolism with this naturally based, thermogenic weight loss formula! Powered by the antioxidant superfood acai berry and the metabolism-boosting properties of Capsimax® (red hot pepper blend), Ultimate ThermoFit helps to:

Thermogenic weight loss formula
Antioxidant benefits of acai berry
Promotes increased calorie burning
Helps boost metabolic rate
Reduces appetite
Provides energy

Advanced Formula Fat Fighter

Have a sweet tooth? A carb craving? It's okay to indulge every once in a while when you have Advanced Formula Fat Fighter with Carb Inhibitors!

Simply take Fat Fighter up to an hour after eating, and it will absorb some of the fat and carbohydrates from your food so that your body doesn't. Powered by NeOpuntia™ (a naturally based ingredient made from the "prickly pear" cactus) and the It Works! proprietary blend, Advanced Formula Fat Fighter delivers dynamic, clinically tested results for both men and women.

Blocks some of the fat & carbs from meals
Helps balance healthy blood glucose level and reduce cravings
Designed to be taken up to an hour after meals
Cactus-based formula
Does not contain shellfish

Directions: Adults take 2 tablets during or up to 60 minutes after each large meal.

Greens on the Go (orange or berry)

Alkalize, energize, and detoxify wherever you go with Greens on the Go™. This convenient, single serving packet of Greens is now powered by an even better pH-balancing blend, supercharged with an acidity-fighting combination of magnesium and potassium for even more alkalizing properties. The addition of a cutting-edge probiotic helps you maintain that healthy balance by keeping your digestive system regular and toxins flowing out.

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Multiple servings of fruits and vegetables in every packet
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Tangy orange flavor

Made with natural ingredients

Please keep in mind, the last three things are samples only. No full size. The wrap is the big prize (and my favorite)

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To Whom it May Concern:

2014-10-13T01:00:00.001-05:00

My sweet Adeline. This is dedicated to you...My fierce, strong-willed, beautiful, LARGER-THAN-LIFE, overly dramatic, adventurous, amusing, determined, yet oh so delicate Angel. I hope you read this someday and understand the importance it has, not just to in your life, but in the lives of many other young girls like you. You are deserving of the world placed in your hands on a silver platter......You and every other young lady. You are important, you should be heard. You have a say in your life. You ARE NOT a possession. You are loved. You are wonderful, fantastically, amazingly, YOU! Embrace it, my sweet girl. Embrace every ounce of life you can take in. Live it to the fullest, and without regret. Live it on your terms. Love with no limits. Be you. Be Love. Be happy. Just BE! You will do great things. There is no doubt in my mind.

To whom it may concern:

You don't deserve what has happened to you. That light you forgot to turn off was an accident. The towels that weren't hung evenly on the rack can be fixed later. The crumbs on the floor aren't going anywhere. They can wait. Being home 5 minutes later than usual from work happens. You can't control that. The wrinkled sheets that you left in the dryer when your baby started fussing, or the phone rang, can be ironed later. Leaving to visit your parents before picking up the house is not a sin. Heating up leftovers instead of making a 5-course meal, after working a 10 hour day, happens. Initiating conversations with others, in hopes of making a new friend, is completely normal. Accidentally hanging a gray t-shirt in with a white one is OKAY. You don't deserve what has happened to you. Everyone makes mistakes.

Getting beat up over little mishaps is not okay! You are a human being, you have feelings, emotions, your body understands pain, mentally and physically. You should not be getting kicked around, slapped around, or belittled. This is not okay.

It is also not setting a good example for the future women of America. Including my daughter. My sweet Adeline, I don't believe that any other parents think it's okay that their sweet little girl is being hurt either. Or do they even know? How long have you been hiding the abuse, and explaining away the bruises, black eyes, cuts, scrapes, and fountain of tears? How long have you been living in this situation and suffering in silence? How many times has a weapon been pulled, a knife held to your throat, a gun held to your head? Can you even admit it to yourself? This is a serious question. Can you admit it?

To whom it may concern,

If you don't want to have sex, you don't have too. Married or not. Making you feel guilty over it, or claiming you must be cheating on them if you don't have sex with them right this very second is emotional blackmail. They know you will give in to this blackmail just for the sake of peace in the home. Sex for the sake of not being beaten, or to avoid emotional abuse is NOT love, it is a crime! It is nothing less than rape. Married or not. Don't forget, you are a person, a human, deserving of the right to a choice. You are not a possession. Yes, you heard me right.

To whom it may concern,

I have lived this life. I am here admitting it. I did get away. I did not suffer the unbearable amount of violence that so many have before me and that so many continue to suffer through. Mine started with a fractured arm. He was a drunk. I came home from work at 2 am from my job waiting tables at Buffalo Wild Wings. He was drunk, grabbed my arm, and flung me across the room. He asked me how many men hit on me that night while working the bar side of the restaurant. When I told him to relax, no one was hitting on me, he went on to grab me by my throat, push me down the hall, bust the screen out of our 2nd story apt building, and try to push me through. I was able to free myself, get to the ER, and have my arm looked at. Their first question was "How did you hurt your arm?" My answer is what sent my life into a downward spiral. I lied. I answered by saying "I fell down the stairs" From then on, it was excuse after excuse. I was so scared, and embarrassed, to tell the truth, that when I was given a black eye (while holding my 2-year-old) and was knocked unconscious, people would ask what happened, and I would laugh and say "You'd be amazed at the strength of a 2-year-old's right hook" Yes, I blamed the black eye on my 2-year-old, and shoved it off as an accident during a rough housing episode. I've been chased with knives and held down on the floor with a knee in the chest, and two hands around my neck while my 2-year-old son slept peacefully down the hall, never knowing that his mother was being strangled. Guess what though? I got brave. I was bigger than him at the time. I had put on a lot of weight because of the depression. I felt I could take him. I wiggled an arm free, and do you know what I did???? I fought back!!! I punched him right in the face. Blood spewed everywhere. I took control. I saved myself! Guess what happened next though? You're going to love this. He called the cops on me. ON ME!!!! Reported that I was going crazy and beating him. This is what an abuser does. I don't have to tell you that though. You too are living this life too.

To you, the person this concerns,

You can leave. You can find a support system elsewhere if you don't have anyone to help you. There are multiple shelters with safeguards in place. Places like this fabulous organization called DomesticShelters.org They will help you locate a shelter with just a few clicks of your mouse. They even have a "leave site button to provide a quick escape if your abuser walks in. It takes you to a weather website as soon as you click it and it's all free. There are people who desperately want to help. There are resources available. YOU CAN DO THIS.

To whom it may concern,

Leaving is scary. My Aunt left. She got her divorce and thought she was going to move on and be happy, and she was until she took her last breath. Her ex-husband stalked her, got into her house, and shot her in the back of the head with a sawed-off shotgun while she was asleep, peacefully, next to a new man. One who loved her, and cared for her. One that made her smile every day, She knew she was going to die when she left. She said it over and over. She took every precaution, but it just wasn't enough. She's gone. She's left, 3 children. Her ex killed the new man in her life as well, then the abuser turned the gun on himself.

This event tore us up. This tragedy ripped our family to shreds. The shine in the eyes of my family faded a little that day. The happy go lucky days of family gatherings and laughter have lessened. The laughter from the days before her passing is just an echo in my memories. There isn't a day that any of us don't think about her. These events stick with a family. The pain fades but doesn't leave. The happiness returns, but it's tarnished. The only glimmering eyes I see, are those of my babies. My youngest most innocent baby helps keep the light flickering. The innocence in her heart helps make life simple again. Sometimes life feels normal and unchanged. I have the innocents, the children, my children, my cousin's children, all the children to thank for that. The small pure souls of happy children bring my family back to life when they're around. Their unconditional love, their giggles, their smiles, their kind hearts. They make things OKAY. Even if it's just for a short time, it's better than no time.

To whom it may concern:
This was not meant to scare you away from leaving a bad situation. This story, this very real story, was meant to prevent our future young ladies from getting into this kind of relationship. The cycle needs to be broken, and it starts with us. With moms raising good young men, and aware young women.

To whom it may concern,

I can't tell you what to do. I can't tell you that you're stupid for staying. I get it. I can tell you that there are far more survivors than deaths. I can tell you that it's really hard to break free of a cycle that is ingrained in you. I can tell you that I do understand, and I don't judge you. I can tell you that you aren't stupid, but you should find help. I can tell you that I don't want you to end up dead. I can tell you that abusers do not change. Don't believe them. Their pleas for a second chance are nothing more than an emotional attack on your already fragile soul. It's just more manipulation to keep you under their thumb....to keep them in control. I can tell you that they do mean business when it comes to NEEDING that control over you. I can tell you that YOU, the person this concerns, DESERVES HAPPINESS. Yes, you!

Sincerely,
Tia
www.mypleasantnightmare.com
Domestic Violence Awareness Advocate
Mother of a beautiful daughter, and two sweet boys.

My family and I doing a walk for Domestic Violence Awareness.

You can watch the walk video here. They interviewed my grandma, and a woman who survived be shot in the back of the head. A woman's strength is truly amazing!!

How can you tell if your daughter may be in a potentially abusive situation? Assess her situation using these guidelines that I borrowed from West Island Women's Shelter

How can I tell if a man I’m seeing will become abusive? Early Warning Signs:

He speaks disrespectfully about his former partners

A certain amount of anger and resentment toward an ex-partner is normal but beware of the man who is very focused on his bitterness or who tells you about it inappropriately early on in your dating. Be especially cautious of the man who talks about women from his past in degrading or condescending ways or who characterizes himself as a victim of abuse by women. Be alert if he says that his previous wife or girlfriend falsely accused him of being abusive-try to get her side of the story. Be cautious of a man who says that you are nothing like the other women he has been involved with, that you are the first partner to treat him well, or that earlier women in his life have not understood him.

He is disrespectful towards you

Disrespect is the soil in which abuse grows. If a man puts you down or sneers at your opinions, if he is rude to you in front of others, if he is cutting or sarcastic, he is communicating a lack of respect.

He does favors that you don’t want or puts on such a show of generosity that it makes you uncomfortable

These can be signs of a man who is attempting to create a sense of indebtedness.

He is possessive and jealous

Jealous behavior is one of the surest signs that abuse is down the road. Possessiveness masquerades as love. Jealous feelings are not the same as behaviors. A man with insecurities may naturally feel anxious about your associations with other men, especially ex-partners, and might want some reassurance. But if he indicates that he expects you to give up your freedom to accommodate his jealousy, control is creeping up. Possessiveness shows that he doesn’t love you as an independent human being but rather as a guarded treasure. After a while, you will feel suffocated by his constant vigilance.

He is self-centered

Watch out for a man that does most of the talking, listens poorly when you speak, chronically switches the topic of conversation back to himself. Self-Centeredness is a personality characteristic that is highly resistant to change, as it has deep roots in profound entitlement or to severe emotional injuries (in non-abusers) or both (in narcissistic abusers)

Nothing is ever his fault

He blames something or someone for anything that goes wrong. As time goes by, his target of blame increasingly becomes you. He may make promises he can’t keep, coming up with a stream of excuses for disappointing you or behaving irresponsibly, and perhaps taking serious economic advantage of you in the process.

He gets too serious too quickly about the relationship

Watch out if he jumps too soon into planning your future together without taking enough time to get to know you and grow close because it can mean he’s trying to wrap you up tightly into a package that he can own. If he won’t respect your wishes to slow things down, there is probably trouble ahead.

He abuses drugs or alcohol

Although substances do not cause partner abuse, they often go hand in hand.

He pressures you for sex

Not respecting your wishes or feelings regarding sex speaks of exploitativeness, which in turn goes with abuse. It also is a sign of seeing women as sex objects rather than human beings. If he says you need to have sex with him to prove that you truly love and care for him, this is a sure sign of abusiveness.

He intimidates you when he is angry

Intimidation, even if it appears unintentional, is a sure sign that emotional abuse is on the way or has already begun-and is a warning flag that physical violence may eventually follow.

Intimidation includes:

Getting too close to you when he is angry, putting a finger in your face, poking you, pushing you, blocking your way or restraining you.
He tells you that he is “just trying to make you listen.”
He raises a fist, towers over you, shouts at you, or behaves in any way that makes you flinch or feel afraid.
He makes vaguely threatening comments, such as, “you don’t want to see me mad” or “you don’t know who you’re messing with.”
He drives recklessly or speeds up when he is angry.
He punches walls or kicks doors.
He throws things around, even if they don’t hit you.

He has double standards

Beware of a man who has a different set of rules for his behavior than for yours.

He has negative attitudes toward women

Stereotyped beliefs about women’s sex roles also contribute to the risk of abuse. His conviction that women should take care of the home, or that a man’s career is more important than woman’s, can become a serious problem, because he may punish you when you start refusing to live in his box. Women sometimes find it challenging to meet men who don’t have restrictive beliefs about women’s roles, particularly within certain cultural or national groups, but the effort to meet such men is an important one.

He treats you differently around other people

Adult abusers tend to put on a show of treating their partners like gold when everyone is watching, reserving most of their abuse for times when no one else will see. In teenage abusers, the opposite is often true. He may be rude and cold with her in front of other people to impress his friends with how “in control” and “cool” he is but be somewhat nicer when they are alone together.

He appears to be attracted to vulnerability

Some abusive men are attracted to women much younger and/or at different developmental and maturity levels than them, or they may be attracted to women that have had a recent traumatic experience. He is attracted to the power imbalance in this type of relationship.

Dan, Dan, The Scammer Man Part 1

2014-06-14T00:57:00.000-05:00

Your phone rings early one morning. It's a friend. You are just informed that your friend's daughter went to bed the not before, but never woke up. Cause of death? Dead in Bed Syndrome. It's a horrible, and extremely scary term for an unexplained complication, due to Type 1 Diabetes. Sadly, most of these cases have been found in patients UNDER the age of 40.

Now, imagine when you received that phone call, that you also happened to have a child with the same auto immune disorder. AND that child also happened to be asleep in her bed at the time of the phone call. First reaction? Run as fast as you can to that child's bed and shake the child, all while fumbling for test strips and a meter, and yelling for her to wake up! That's the answer I would not only assume, but have heard from a T1D (Type 1 Diabetic) parent. A parent who happens to be a friend. A parent who, after receiving that exact phone call, called me devastated. A parent whose ramblings were incoherent. She was terrified! This happens to other people. People you don't know. People you can't touch, and aren't real. This is stuff on the news. The news that is far, far, FARRRRRRR away! That's who it happens to. Not to your friends, and definitely not to you. Except. it did happen. It happened in our own backyard. It happened to a real, live person. A person you care about. A person you can touch, and hug, and cry for, and if it happened to that person....then surely it could happen to you....

Then you break down, and you wonder...

"What if this happens to me?"

Now, more than ever, you set your sites on a cure. You grasp on to what little hope you can that someday, if you do enough JDRF walks, and raise enough funds for these companies, that a cure will happen. Preferably before your kid falls victim to Type 1 Diabetes. During all of your research for cures you stumble upon a miracle. A furry, four legged, squishy, puppy faced, MIRACLE.

Guardian Angel service Dogs

Their motto?

Building Relationships. Changing Perceptions. Enriching Lives.

What do they do? (from their site)

"Guardian Angel Service Dogs, Inc. is a fully incorporated 501 (c) (3) organization whose mission is to provide education and training about the role of service dogs and the different types of assistance they may provide to persons with health issues such as Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes, Hypoglycemic
Unawareness, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury. It is important for the general public to know that people whose lives might be improved or even saved by having a service dog, may not have a visible disability. Health issues that are classified as disabilities by the American Disabilities Act (ADA) offer diagnosed individuals the legal entitlement to enjoy full public access with their service dogs."

A dog that can alert to changes in blood sugar!! This is an answer to the prayers of so many T1D parents, and T1D adults! No more worrying! You might finally get a good nights sleep thanks to your loved one's new Guardian Angel. Obviously, calling and learning more would be your next option, right?

RIGHT!

So, you get in touch with the company, and a few days later you receive an email from none other that Dan Warren himself! He wants to chat with you personally about everything! Wow! This must be a great company if the owner of the non-profit chats with his clients personally!

And that motto at the bottom!! "Until there is a cure... There is a dog. Hope is good!
Wow! Heart=Melt
Hope=Revived

Dan Warren is every mom's new hero!!

Sign me up!

Then you receive your welcome letter. That really makes it official.

Only $1,000 to get a family on the list! Can't put a price on peace of mind, right?

Wow! This is a lot of information to take in, but can you imagine the excitement these families must have been feeling?? The fundraising ideas that were already filling their heads. Their minds full of vivid images, and dreams of their child or loved one's savior, were becoming a reality with every passing minute. Donation solicitation letters are already being drafted in your name, and a dream is now a reality.

Can you imagine getting hundreds, or even thousands of these sent out on your behalf? Then news stations pick up your amazing story. Fundraisers such as; 5K's, raffles, benefits, 50/50 drawings, home based business parties, etc... all getting set up. An outpouring of love from the community begins to flow in, and all of the warm, fuzzy, feel goods, fill up your insides. You are one step closer to having your mind put at ease. All you need to do to be on the puppy list is simply raise your $1,000 deposit!

A few days after your fundraising attempts start emails like the following start coming in.

$1,000!!!!!!! It's official! Your family is on the list. Now it's just a matter of waiting for your puppy! In the meantime, you will be encouraged to fund raise, fund raise, fund raise.

Then something magical happens. You're just scrolling through facebook minding your own (and everyone else's) business, and BAM! You see this!!

Could this be your litter?? You're back to that overwhelming feel of joy, and excitement. This could be your litter! It's just a matter of matching puppy temperaments with each family's specific needs. Things don't get anymore nerve wracking, or exciting than this!!! Just a few short weeks, and you will know if one of these sweet, perfect, life saving puppies, will find it's way into your home, and your heart. You stalk The Warren Retrievers Facebook page every day until it happens! Then when it does, you get to post this::

Heart=Melt

This family received their life saving news, and couldn't wait to share it with the world. I can only imagine the excitement that the entire community felt for them. They did, after all, help this family achieve their goal.

Now the fun starts!!! YAY!!!!!

First, the families get a delivery date. Like this family did:

Then the families start receiving more information. One thing at a time.

The first email a family usually gets is the one about the "care package"

It goes a little something like this::

How adorable!! Puppy care packages, and it's all included in the fundraising totals! Finally feels real now, doesn't it? Better get those homes puppy-proofed, there's a playful, pint sized pup coming your way!

After this letter is received, things start to pick up. Family's must start prepping their homes, friends, family, community, and lives for this new addition. It's just like having a new baby. Except, this new baby is going to be under strict rules, special training, wearing training gear, and beginning it's journey to save the life of it's new human. That's a lot of responsibility for a small pup, but thanks to Warren, it is possible. The families are all anxious to see their new bundles. They are always sending emails with questions about the training and arrival dates. Who wouldn't want to get this party started??? Am I right?

Warren sends out emails to let all new owners, to inform them of what to expect, flight numbers, and other training related information. This is an example of an email that one would receive prior to their new pup's arrival.

Holy smokes! Things are really starting to move fast. Before you know it, this is what is happening::

Yes, you guessed it! This is a Type 1 Diabetic child meeting her new, life saving, life changing puppy for the very first time. This photo was taken in the airport the moment the puppy got off the plane. Wipe the tear, it gets better.

See, I told you.

Now, imagine you have all of these emotions rushing through you you! Imagine your state of mind. Imagine the emotions that are taking over your thoughts. Imagine how you would feel if you saw your child's savior staring you in the face.

Can you imagine the load that has been lifted. The idea that after a lot of hard work and aggressive training can lead to a peaceful night's sleep is more than any T1D parent could ever dream of...could ever hope for...could ever imagine!

Now, imagine speaking with the media about your miracle, introducing your pup to all of the local emergency management teams in the area. Think about taking him to restaurants, book stores, Target, Walmart, and any other place your little heart can think of. Spending 2 days of your time doing this training, visiting the vet, falling in love, and

FINALLY.FEELING.HOPE.

Feels good doesn't it?

Now imagine the trainer looking at you, (right before leaving) throwing a stack of papers on the table and telling you,

"This is your non-negotiable contract with Warren Retrievers. Sign it before I leave, or you will forfeit the puppy, and I will be forced to take it back with me."

Wait, what?

Yes, you just read that right. A contract.... a contract that you will be strong armed into signing, or risk losing the life saving, NON-REFUNDABLE, puppy that you, AND your community worked so hard to get.

What would you do?

Call a lawyer? The lawyer can't help...the contract is non-negotiable.

So, not being a lawyer, and realizing that if you don't sign them, that your life saver will slip between your fingers, you'd probably sign them. What else do you do? Tell your child, husband, wife, sister, aunt, brother, mom, dad, whoever may have the disease, that they lost their last bit of hope? No one is going to do that. What's the worse that could happen anyway? This is a legit 501(c) corporation. They are producing beautiful, life saving animals, and making my family life saving promises. Surely, a company wouldn't be cruel enough to lie....right?

Find out HERE.

Dan, Dan, The Scammer Man Part 2

2014-06-14T00:56:00.001-05:00

Like I said in my last post. Surely no one would be that cruel. No one would pray on the emotions of innocent families trying to overcome their fears of a disease that could take a life, without notice, at any time.
If you think that, then you haven't met or heard of Dan Warren. The owner, and President of Service Dogs, By Warren Retrievers.

You see, there were so many unsuspecting families for Mr. Warren to target. He knew it, and he knew how to hit where it hurt. Preying on the lives of children. Hitting parents right in the gut. Right where he knew it would hurt the most. It is almost genius. Like a mad evil scientist. I bet he even does the crazy laugh before he goes to bed, and I would not even be slightly surprised if a clap of thunder and a lightning strike came down as he did it.

Only someone so arrogant, and narcissistic as a man like Dan Warren, could pull that off. Let me tell you all the rest of the story. The story his Facebook Pages, and Websites, AREN'T telling you. I am going to tell you the REAL story.

In this story you will hear some things that will make your stomach churn. It will break your heart, and make you want to commit a crime. When all of the rage begins to boil, step back, take a deep breath, and think about the amount the people involved in this disaster feel, then quadruple that, and add a trillion.

Okay, so you signed the stupid contract. The one mentioned in the previous story. The one you didn't want to sign but did because of the threats. Now, here you are with your puppy. You have been through round one of puppy training school, and are excited to start working on "at home" training. What kind of training tool were you left with for your very young pup? Want to see? I want you to have a visual.

This image is of a Service Dogs By Warren Retrievers trainer teaching a new Warren Family how to handle a pup by using an ill fitting prong collar. A TRAINER. Misinforming a client on proper dog training techniques.
This image should be on a poster for "HOW NOT TO USE A PRONG COLLAR"

The collar is too far up and was yanked so hard, the pups 2 front paws left the ground.

A quick search of Ms. Campbell's training history revealed a torrid doggy affair in her past. Yes, you read that right. She got a little down and dirty in the K-9 Training Program. Turns out, masturbating a dog was NOT part of the actual training, and will get you brought up on animal cruelty charges in the state of Virginia.

Okay, so here we are with a forced signature on a surprise contract, and a doggy raping trainer, using the ill fitting prong collar, and you are unsure of what to expect once the trainer leaves. You are responsible for the training now....well, until the next training visit.

For many families things went terribly wrong before that next visit occurred.

Upon learning of the above mentioned trainer's past dirty doggy drama, a request was sent for a new trainer from one family. The request was denied, and training was withheld from the family. This forced the family to be in breach of contract.

Another person, a veteran, hero, father, grandfather, found out he wasn't even going to receive a puppy, instead he would be receiving an older dog that was sold... and then returned. The company hadn't even disclosed that the dog had already had $10,000 paid on it by the family that returned it, but they still wanted to charge this man $20,000 (full price)
When he questioned the price Warren got upset, and stopped contact with him. A few days before the doggy delivery was supposed to happen, he received a phone call from another family, they (not warren) informed him that he would not be getting his dog, because he can't be trusted. Apparently, he was friends with someone that Dan Warren disliked. Private chats, full of derogatory comments towards this very nice man were taking place. It went on and on, until someone finally stood up and stopped it. Hope was lost for this man though.

The family of 2 Type 1 children received their dog, and it was sick. Their puppy came during a time that a nasty parasitic outbreak of was moving around the Warren Cult Compound. They did their best to treat the poor pup. Then, they received a phone call to let them know that the trainer would be there soon to do more training. The trainer showed up, put the leash on the pup (in front of the 4 year old) put the pup in the car, and left, as the 4 year old cried. The dog was never seen by the family again. Warren claimed the dog had become aggressive, extremely ill and not properly cared for. They dog was seen not much later by another family, the dog was playful and perfectly fine. Another greedy Warren lie. Warren had already taken $3,000 from the family, and refused to return it.

Another family was delivered a puppy with Patella Luxation. They didn't know this until they took him to the vet. The trainer was there, and called Warren. They claimed to have never heard of Patella Luxation. (Even though it was listed as something not covered in their contract) The family was devastated, and begged Dan to help. He agreed to the surgery, but said it had to be done at the Warren Cult Compound. The dog was there for 3 months. When they finally got their pup back, he was limping on the right side. They found out the dog was crated too long post op. At 6 months post op, the family took their dog in for a follow up. Warren agreed to let the family's local vet do the post op with the promise that the vet would send them the results. They learned from their vet that the legs were not healing, and now the dog had severe hip dysplasia and would need a hip replacement. They were also informed that their dog could never be a service dog with all of these issues. Warren decided that her vet could no longer be trusted, and that they should send the dog to him to look at. The family knew then that something was wrong. They hesitated but sent their dog back and agreed to take a replacement. Dan took their money, their extremely disabled dog, and they never heard from him again. No replacement, and no returned calls. They later found out that their dog wasn't the only one with this problem. There were many others.

There are many stories like these. Many dogs that never alerted like they were supposed too. Many disappointed families, and millions of dollars made by this "non profit" organization. There have been 28 complaints filed against this company. You can read multiple stories on the Stop the Scammers Facebook page.

Meanwhile, Dan Warren, AKA The Almighty Leader of the Deadbeat Dog Dealing Cult, thinks that he has the right to sue all of these families, and try to take their dogs back. You can see a few of the lawsuits by clicking HERE

You can also help support the family of the latest Warren attack. #BringChewyHome is finding it's way to the Twitter, and Facebook news feeds after Dan sent the sheriff to a family's home claiming "He feared for the safety of the dog." This is after the family found out that their 20,000 dollar dog had a birth defect. When they notified the Warren Cult Compound, they were immediately contacted by Dan. He said that he would forgive the rest of their debt (after paying $7,000 towards the pup) and they could keep Chewy as long as they signed a gag order. The family refused to sign a gag order because Dan had already hurt multiple families. They didn't want to keep this a secret from other potential D.A.D. families. Then Dan. filed a lawsuit against them, and many other families. The day before the hearing, he dismissed the cases. They hired a a different company to do the Diabetic alert training, and they did a phenomenal job with the training. Their dog was alerting like a pro! Everything was going well, and they didn't hear from Dan for 8 months. Until he sent the motion to have the dog taken from the home because of safety concerns, and their life saving dog, and only comfort for the last 2 years was ripped from their home. They are now on a mission to get their sweet doggy back! You can follow their story by clicking HERE .

I really hope this helps some families that are looking for Service Dogs. Please stay away from Warren Retrievers! They are some of the biggest scam artists around. You can Google "Warren Retriever complaint" and find multiple news stories, blogs, forums, etc... from families that are going through this hell. This man needs to be stopped. He is an insane narcissist, and needs to be put out of business. His dogs are over bred to the point of abuse. The over breeding is causing many medical problems in the pups, and it's costing families thousands of dollars, multiple tears, and too much heart break.

Make the Devil STOP SCAMMING!

We are all on to you Dan Warren. We know your scam, and we will spread the word. Your followers never stick around once they learn the truth. You will run out of people to scam eventually. That pitcher of Kool-Aid will eventually run dry, and people will move on to something better. Hopefully you will be in jail soon.

Did you miss part one? Click HERE to get the back story!

Moodstruck 3D Fiber Lashes Review!

2014-05-26T22:14:00.003-05:00

I'm super excited today, because I got the chance to review Younique's Moodstruck 3D Fiber Lashes, courtesy of one of their wonderful Independent Presenters, Ceani Singler

Younique is a company that makes great skincare products and their mission is to uplift, empower, validate and ultimately help build the self-esteem of women around the world. Who wouldn't want to shop with a company like that??

It was a little intimidating at first. I had this long list of instructions, and I'm overwhelmed easily. However, once I took a breath, and actually looked, I realized that they weren't as long as they appeared. There are only 4 steps. haha The paper just made it look like there were more. There are plenty of tips included on this paper that help you achieve the ultimate lash. For that, I am thankful.

Do you want to see a picture of me BEFORE any makeup?? Okay, don't get excited. Put the jokes back in their box. I cheater and cropped most of my face out. I can hear each of you sighing "awwwwww man." Stop it! hehe

Okay, NO MAKEUP TIA:::

Boring, blah, non existent eyes, right?!

Now I want to show you how I look in my Mega Protein lashes made by Wet n Wild. Stop judging me. I was broke when I bought it.

Not horrible, right?? I didn't think so either, UNTIL this happened::

Me with the Younique 3D Fiber Lashes

Yeah, pretty freaking AMAZING HUH???

Helloooooo Smokey Eye! Where have you been all my life?

Want to see some more? Yes? Thought so!

Moral of the story? No matter how awesome you *THINK* your lashes are, they can be way more awesomer. Yeah, I said "awesomer". That's how much awesomeness I am feeling right now.

If you have any questions, or want to purchase this product, or any others because they have TONS of amazing products (like the eye shadow that comes in the EYE-tastic Collection, I'm wearing in these pics)

Please don't hesitate to contact Ceani (it's pronounce like Jenny but with a shhhhh) at:: (808)228-4997

or via email at photogchic08@gmail.com

You can also purchase directly at

www.youniqueproducts.com/CSingler

If you you purchase before the month of May(2014) is over, you can get in on the May Kudos Special for only $50!!

This Exclusive Mini Collection contains a 3D Fiber Lashes, Luxe Lip Gloss, Angelic and Confident Mineral Pigment Powders, included in a limited-edition Younique makeup pouch. You get all of this for only $50 USD/$60 CAD /$65 AUS. The products inside the Mini Collection would normally retail for $64 USD/$77 CAD / $84 AUS. That is a saving of $14/$17/$19 and the exclusive pouch is include for FREE!

Don't miss out on this great deal!!

Now that you've finished reading, and made your purchase, check out a giveaway I'm hosting.

http://www.mypleasantnightmare.com/2014/05/perfectly-posh-giveaway.html

Making Time for Play Time

2014-04-21T15:49:00.002-05:00

Making Time for Play Time

For busy, always on-the-go moms, finding the time to take a shower can be difficult. So it comes as no surprise when making time for your partner gets put on the back burner, too. Between playing taxi for the kids, running errands, and getting dinner on the table by a reasonable hour (aka before it’s time to start the hour-long bedtime routine for your youngest), it’s a wonder your love life even makes the long to-do list. It’s easy to forget in the daily chaos of life that though our top priority might be our children, we’re also one-half of a couple. In a recent survey by Parenting and HLN’s Raising America, “30 percent [of parents] only get it on once or twice a month.” Looking to give your love life a boost? Here are some easy tips to spice things up.

Make an Appointment for Making Love

As unsexy as it may sound, scheduling one-on-one time with your other half, sans kids, is a surefire way to make sure sex at least gets a spot on the agenda. Make a note in your planner of the day and time, or program it into your phone and set an alarm. After all, your kids have scheduled playdates, so why shouldn’t you? To keep scheduled sex feeling spontaneous, think outside of the box... and the bedroom. Explore different rooms that you normally wouldn’t get frisky in—the kitchen, laundry room, foyer, upstairs hallway, anywhere that puts you in the mood. It’s hard for sex to feel like an appointment when it takes place in an exciting, never-been-here-before spot. Kids always around? Find a sitter and head out, even if it’s just for a couple of hours. The back row of a movie theater was made for quickies.

Send a Sext or Two

It’s often difficult to keep things sexy when you and your partner only see each other in the early mornings before kids and work take over and then later on at night over dinner, homework, and preparations for the next day. Take a moment during the day to send your lover a text or email of the more sexual nature. As Redbook notes, expressing yourselves with titillating messages keeps the spark alive even when the two of you are apart. By the time you’re reunited later that day, you’ll both be feeling hot and bothered.

Play with Toys

If you and your partner are feeling adventurous, toys are a great way to liven things up in the boudoir. Start with some fuzzy handcuffs and warming lube for a teasing appetizer before delving into battery-operated territory. No longer just for solo play, some sex toys are designed specifically for the pleasure of both partners, making them a wonderful option for added excitement. According to Adam & Eve, vibrating penis rings, or cock rings, are incredibly popular, as they are one of the few sex toys that pleasures both men and women at the same time. For an even hotter night in, go shopping for your new toys together pre-romp, allowing your imaginations (and hands) to wander as you make your way down aisle after naughty aisle.

By making sex a priority in an otherwise hectic week, your love life can go from boring to roaring. Even though you adore your kids, after trying out some of these stimulating options, you might find yourself calling that sitter more often.

A Christmas Story Lamp Giveaway!! You know You Want It!

2013-11-25T08:16:00.000-06:00

Have you ever seen A Christmas Story? If you haven't then you might not understand this giveaway. Although, I'd put money on the fact that the greater population has seen it. It's become a holiday tradition to watch it at least once a year with the family. It's total innocent comedy.

A group of bloggers and myself ran across this lamp and thought it would make the perfect fun giveaway for the holidays! We made it happen and we're giving it away to one lucky winner.

You can choose to enter this giveaway for yourself or give it away as a gift! I know, you're probably betting on getting the Red Rider, carbine action, two-hundred shot range model air rifle but trust me. You'll shoot your eye out kid. You could hope for a bunny suit but come on, that's just ridiculous.

Plus this lamp is FRA-GEE-LAY. It must be Italian.

Enter the rafflecopter below for your chance to get your paws on this amazing lamp!

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Giveaway Terms:

You must be 18 or older to enter

Shipping to the US only

All entries will be verified, no one likes a cheater

Unconventional Mommy Tails is responsible for shipment of the prize

Winner must respond to the email with 48 hours of it being sent out or a new winner will be chosen

Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, and Bloglovin are in no way associated with this giveaway

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Bloggers Paying it Forward by Caring for Connie

2013-11-17T23:30:00.000-06:00

I recently heard of a story from a fellow blogger in this wonderful blogging community I am lucky to be a part of, about a sweet woman who is on the verge of being homeless. This story really broke my heart. I could imagine ever facing a situation so severe and terrifying. The thought of anyone going through this just makes me weep. So, when Heather from My Husband Ate All My Ice Cream shared this story, I just knew I wanted to help in some way.

I feel so blessed to live the life I have been given, and I am always looking for a way to give back. With the holidays approaching I feel like we are all looking for something special to help with. I have experienced hard times, and they hurt. If I can help lift some weight off of a good persons shoulders and help them carry it, I will. I hope some of you are able to as well.

This is Connie's story

Connie is a disabled senior suffering from Lupus, related severe arthritis, circulatory issues, and is also diagnosed 70% deaf. Additionally, she suffers from permanent damage as a result of injuries that occurred during her former abusive marriage.

She lives independently with her two 'therapy dogs', Dakota and Cochise, whom she loves dearly and considers her family. Her dogs provide her with emotional companionship, security, and are her 'ears', hearing such things as the doorbell, since she is unable to hear it herself.

Prior to becoming disabled a few years ago, Connie was known to be a dedicated hard worker her entire life. She is a very compassionate, kind, caring and giving person. Throughout life she has often sacrificed her own needs for sake of helping family, many friends, and even strangers in need. She was the sole caregiver for her father when he was terminally ill, and cared for her younger brother when he was ill with kidney disease. Prior to his death in 2008, Connie offered to donate one of her kidney's to help her brother, but doctors determined he was not medically eligible for a transplant.She is also an animal lover, and has adopted countless neglected homeless dogs over the years, including 10 year old Dakota and 2 year old Cochise.

In early 2009, a traumatic life transition began for Connie. Pshychologically broken, battered, and sick, Connie divorced her spouse after suffering a lengthy history of physical, pychological and financial abuse. The abuses by her former spouse continued after her divorce. She was advised by trauma doctors and legal professionals, to relocate to protect her physical and emotional well being. In late 2010, Connie courageously left behind the place she had known as home for almost 40 years. Along with her two beloved dogs, Connie relocated to Kansas City and began rebuilding a new life free of abuse, torment, and fear. Her former husband destroyed all financial security, so Connie sold a majority of her personal belongings and property to raise enough money so that she could afford to buy an inexpensive, modest, 2 bedroom home in Kansas City that is handicap and wheelchair accessible in a safe senior community.

Despite disabling and painful physical challenges, for the past 3 years Connie has been slowly cleaning up the once run down house. She has proudly accomplished transforming a house in to a safe, peaceful, and comfortable 'home sweet home' for herself, Dakota, and Cochise. Connie's only personal source of income is her retirement/disability, which is a fixed income of less than $800.00 monthly. She is unable to supplement her income due to multiple disabilities and healthcare restrictions.

Her former husband was court ordered to pay $600.00 monthly into a trust fund for Connie but he has not done so in violation of court orders. Her property taxes and insurance were to be paid from this special needs trust fund. Despite her financial limitations, Connie has frugally managed to pay her home's insurance premiums and for necessary basic home maintenance repairs, but she has not been able to pay her property taxes the past 3 years. She and her two beloved dogs, Dakota and Cochise, face the uncertainty of being homeless as of January 1st, 2014 if the past due property taxes on her home are not paid in full.

The state of Missouri appears to have no resources or feasible programs available to help. Jackson County, Missouri has added almost $2,000.00 in penalties and interest on her past due taxes. The county has stated they will continue to charge interest on the unpaid taxes. Due to her fixed income and disabilities, she is unable to obtain a loan to pay her property taxes.

She has no family financially able to help her, and all other efforts made to pay the past due taxes have been unsuccessful. Hoping for a Christmas miracle, we're now turning to her friends and fellow human beings asking for your help to prevent Connie, Dakota, and Cochise from losing their home. If we can raise $10,000.00, we can pay the past due property taxes, penalty, interest, and pay an additional 2 years home taxes in advance. This plan will allow Connie to live securely in her handicap accessible home another 5 years, at which time her monthly fixed income should increase. At 62 she'll be eligible for additional income through her Social Security, and should then be able to pay her home's property taxes herself.

The money raised will be securely deposited in to Connie's trust fund, and the trust will directly pay her property taxes to Jackson County, Missouri. Any additional money raised over our goal of $10,000.00, will also be deposited in to Connie's trust fund to help pay future property taxes, insurances, necessary home repairs, such as if her hot water heater would need replaced, or to provide necessary veterinary care for her beloved dogs.

Connie is a very proud humble person, and not the type of person who would ask others for help. Rather, she is the one always helping others, but this time she desperately needs our help, to save her safe and secure handicap accessible home from property tax foreclosure.

This is Connie. A woman full of love,life, and laughter. A woman who deserves to maintain, enjoy, and live the rest of her life secure in her own home.

If there is any chance this story touched you and you have even a dollar to spare, it could make a world of difference for Connie. If you don't have a dollar to spare, then just sharing her story with those who may is just as helpful and amazing. Thank you soooooo much for taking the time to read this. If means the world to everyone involved!

There are a few ways you can help:

1. Share this post EVERYWHERE. Facebook, Twitter, wherever you can think of. If you are a blogger I give you full permission to copy parts of this post to put on your own blog. Getting the word out will help more than anything.

2. You can donate via Paypal:

3. Join the event on facebook to learn about the specials people are offering! Click HERE (Note: If this button isn't working, you can send funds via Paypal to mrsheatherreese@gmail.com) You don't have to have a Paypal account to do this. You can do this with a debit or credit card, just like any other online purchase. 3. If you'd prefer to send cash, checks, or money orders via snail mail rather than online, you can send them to: Help for Connie 2816 NW Kingsridge Dr. Blue Springs, MO 64015 Wal-Mart gift cards are also helpful, as her income is limited and this will help her to be able to buy the essentials so that she can save more money to put aside to save her house.

A Jingle Bell Jackpot $150 Cash GIVEAWAY!

2013-11-12T21:33:00.003-06:00

Hosted By: Funny Postpartum Lady

Dates: 11/10 - 11/25

Tis the Season for shopping! And with shopping comes a hefty toll on our wallets.That is why I have teamed up with some amazing bloggers to bring you this great Giveaway. And this Giveaway ends just in time for Black Friday Shopping.

All you need to do is enter the Rafflecopter below. There are some entries that can be done daily.

Good luck!

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Giveaway Disclaimer:

Open to Residents WORLDWIDE who are registered with PayPal. You will be asked.
Winner will be selected by Random.org and be notified by email. Winners have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is selected.Funny Postpartum Lady is responsible for shipment or distribution of PayPal Prize. I will make every effort to assist you obtaining your prize. If there is an issue with your prize, please notify the blog you won a prize from within 30 days for assistance, after that we may be unable to assist you.
My opinions are my own and were not influenced by any form of compensation. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and Google+ are in no way associated with this giveaway. By providing your information in this form, you are providing your information to me and me alone.
I do not share or sell information and will use any information only for the purpose of contacting the winner.
Must be 18 or older to enter this Giveaway

What Could Go Wrong? Solar System Edition

2013-10-22T21:46:00.000-05:00

My son is supposed to be learning the planets for his science class. His teacher told him to remember the names of the planets by using mnemonics, putting the first letter of each word in some sentence she made up. Unfortunately, on top of not remembering the planet names, he also couldn't remember her sentence. Some mnemonic, huh?
SOOOOOOO, being the awesome mom that I am, I tried to come up with something off the top of my head. I'm one of those people though...you know, the ones that, once they start saying something the words continue to flow out of their mouth like diarrhea after you just ate pork that expired a week ago? Yeah...one of *those* people. It's true, my mouth is the equivalent of food poising tummy troubles, or maybe that, all too popular, foot in mouth disease... So, when the opportunity to come up with my own mnemonic presented itself, I just started putting words to the letters. It was like watching a train wreck in slow motion, and my mouth was the tunnel it happened in.

MVEMJSUN

My Very Excellent Mother Just Stole Underwear and Narcotics.

Whoa, Woah, WOAHHHHHHHH!!

DON'T USE THAT SHANE!! NEVER.REPEAT.THAT SENTENCE.EVER.

Well, at least not in front of your teacher, or at church, or around a CPS worker, or a police officer, or anyone that has the authority to get me carted off to jail for moonlighting as a panty raiding, drug heister. We all know how much leniency the courts have for women who are theiving, commando, pill poppers.

Then this happens::

"Uh mom...I don't really understand what you're saying but one of the signs of drug addiction is being confused a lot. Maybe you should come to school with me tomorrow. It's Red Ribbon Week, they're teaching us about how drugs are bad."

Ummmm, that's okay. Maybe you should just have your teacher write that mnemonic down for mommy so that we won't have to go through this again. Okay?

"haha yeah, maybe that's a good idea, mom....I don't really understand what's going on right now."

Okay, goodnight honey...

**Shane walks away**

I desperately wave and call out,

I LOOOOVE YOU!!!! MOMMY'S NOT CRAZY!!

PROMISE!!

"I know mom. It's okay. Goodnight"

I guess it could have been worse. I could have said this....

From what I gather, I was supposed to say this...

But instead, I said this...

Perfect Pumpkin Pancake Recipe

2013-10-17T21:20:00.000-05:00

Let's make some homemade

Tips:

*Do not over mix the batter. Be sure you take the extra 2 minutes to gently fold in the mixture. Mixing too roughly can cause a bad reaction to the mix. There is a great tutorial if you go to WikiHow.

*Setting your stove or griddle any higher that medium heat can cause you to have burnt outsides and raw insides. ICK!

*You can tell when your pancake is ready to be flipped by watching for it to bubble. Don't flip your pancake more than once. It will cause to flatten and become dense, rather than light and fluffy.

Look how fluffy they get!!

A Woman's Worst Nightmare

2013-10-11T22:43:00.000-05:00

It's that time of the year again. Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This year I want to take a moment to answer the question the spews from every person who has never been on the receiving end of Domestic Violence.

Why do they stay?

That is a really good question, and while most people will answer with a "I have no clue.", "They're just stupid!", or "They are so brainwashed by now that they don't want to leave". I am going to explain the real reason.

They are afraid of death. They are afraid of never seeing their children again. They are just not ready to meet their maker.

Getting out of an abusive relationship isn't always how the big screen depicts it. Not everyone has the means to fake their own death, steal a dead person's social security number, change their appearance, and move across country, taking their kids with them.

LIFE IS NOT A MOVIE

This is reality folks. Sure, there are women's shelters that can help get you out. With all of the security measures these shelters have in place, it still doesn't keep you safe. Once you leave, you need a job, money, a car. If you have a child with this person there will be custody battles. If the abuser is controlling enough to resort to violence, there is no doubt that they will let their control over their child (and child's mind) get away that easily. Leaving an abusive relationship takes a lot of planning and work. A restraining order will not protect you, your child, or your family. It will not make everything disappear. Restraining orders and women's shelters are not a cure all for an abusive relationship. They are a bandage on the wound.

THAT IS A COLD HARD FACT

WHETHER WE LIKE IT OR NOT

I believe there are some things that may help stop an abusive relationship. You may disagree, and that's okay. There are things that can be done to keep the victim of abuse safe. It's not having them runaway and leave, or try to hide them in some far off tiny town. If a victim of Domestic violence calls the police after an attack and agrees to press charges, the abuser should be held in jail with no bail until the abuser can be committed to a mental health facility for treatment. Going to jail overnight and being released on bail is helping no one. It's a waste of taxpayer dollars. These abusers have serious mental issues. They are not rational, they have control problems, and probably witnessed abuse in their own home as a child. They need help and medication. Will it fix the problem for everyone? No. It might turn some lives around though.

IT MIGHT PREVENT A MURDER

It might have prevented my Aunt's murder, and her boyfriend's murder. She might have awoken on that cold winter morning of January 9, 2011. Her children might still have a mother. Her family may not of had to have the argument of closed or open casket. She was shot in the back of the head. My mother had to go look at her before the showing to approve her appearance. No one should ever have to be concerned that the glue won't hold the fake hair and an ear in place for the duration of a showing. Trying to figure out how to hide half a missing head should never happen to a family! Hearing that we were lucky she was sleeping on her stomach because otherwise we'd not even have a face to look at, is not something a family should have to be grateful for. Her boyfriends family wasn't so "Lucky". He was sleeping on his back.

This was all done by a shot gun that her ex stole from his father. So you can only imagine the mark that left.

So, back to that question everybody always asks,

WHY DON'T THE VICTIMS LEAVE?

She was 43. She left. She got her divorce. She got that restraining order. He continued to stalk her. She renewed the restraining order. He stole a key to her house from their son without him knowing. He walked into her home while she was asleep. He aimed and shot her. He then aimed and shot her boyfriend. Then he proceeded to call 911. He told them what he did. Then he left, drove his van to his parents home, wrote a nonsensical suicide note, and then aimed and shot himself in the head. Her youngest child, now 13, became parentless. His sister, who is only in her mid 20's went from being a mom of a toddler and 2 step-children, to having to raise her teenage brother as well.

So, before you judge Domestic Abuse victims, consider why some of them might stay. It's not always because they are stupid, or brainwashed. They are scared that something like this could happen to them...to their families. They are scared of leaving their children without parents. This isn't a game to them. This is serious. For everyone involved.

I do believe victims should speak up but only if it is safe for them, or if there is a child being harmed. If they feel leaving will result in death, they should not be pushed to leave. They should be supported by their friends and family. We can be a shoulder for them to cry on, an ear for them to confide in, and a safe haven for them if and when they are ready. Don't leave their side because you think they are stupid for staying. That will isolate them even further, and they may never get the courage to leave. Be their light at the end of the tunnel. Just don't keep asking to flip the light on. Wait until they're ready to leave the darkness.

You can read the news story of what happened to my aunt and her boyfriend HERE.

Did you know that her death is the reason I started writing? If I ever get a book deal from this blog, the dedication page will have her name on it ;)

You can read all of the posts inspired by this horrific tragedy by clicking RIGHT HERE

If you are living in an abusive relationship and WANT help, there is a website with a ton of info!

Click -----> HERE

If you are worried that your computer is being monitored DO NOT use a website. Make an excuse to leave the home and call from a payphone or a friends phone.

Things My Daughter Should Know...

2013-10-08T22:24:00.001-05:00

My Sweet Baby Girl

There is so much about life you need to know. Just in case I'm not around to tell you when you need to be told, I am going to write it down. This isn't everything, but it's a start.

It doesn't matter who you are or where you come from, at some point your life will get tough. It's okay though. With the right attitude, a full heart, and a strong mind, you will find your way through any situation.

Please remember to be kind to those whose paths you cross. Everyone is on their own journey. If you are able, help them find their way.

Make sure to work hard, fight hard, and play hard. The rewards you will reap are priceless.

Those big dreams can be reality. You just have to work for them and never give up.

Find something to be thankful for each and every day.

It's alright if you fall down, lose a fight, or struggle through something important. Without failures and hardships you will never find strength.

SMILE. A simple smile can make a difference for someone. A smile can change your attitude. A smile can change the path of every day.

Be true to yourself. Don't let judgement by others change your path or impact your destination.

No matter what someone says, you can't always *choose* happiness. That's okay. There is nothing wrong with shedding emotion. Anger, depression, bitterness, resentment, sadness, and heartbreak are all part of life. take the time to experience every emotion. Without really experiencing all emotions, you will never know empathy. Just don't let any negativity take over and swallow you whole.

Live a life you'd be proud to tell your grandchildren about. Make everyday a story worth telling. Get in trouble, invent silly games, sing karaoke on a first date, take impromptu trips, learn new things. Don't hold yourself back.

Tell jokes. Learn to take jokes. Laugh loudly.

Make memories. Take pictures. Make silly faces.

Play dress up. Try on fun clothes and wear silly glasses

Know that you will have different values, moral standards, and beliefs than others, BUT you can still be their best friend.

Understand history. Learn from it. Get active in politics. Vote. You hold the key to your children's future.

Splurge once in a while. There is no point in having a life if you don't take the time to live it.

Call your parents at least once a week. Talk to your grandparents while you still have them. Time passes too quickly.

Share your time generously. Especially to those in need, but remember to save some of that time for yourself.

Pick your friends wisely. Don't let anyone use you. Make sure the friendship goes both ways. Remember, you can only go one way for so long before that road eventually comes to an end.

You're never too old to splash in mud puddles, build a sand castle, go down the twisty slide, swing as high as you can, and then see how far you can jump off, color with crayons, play Go Fish and Candy Land, or to flag down the ice cream man for a Bomb Pop, or even to stand on your head.

Yell out the answers while watching Wheel of Fortune. Who cares how mad someone gets. It's not your fault you are great at puzzles!

Yell at your TV during baseball season! Jump out of your chair when your team makes a touchdown during football season. Go to a game and really experience the excitement.

Build something with your hands. Even if it comes out crooked, at least you know you did it.

Ask for directions.

Do something that scares you.

Get lost on purpose once in a while. You never know what adventure may await down an unknown path.

Learn to change a tire.

Learn to handle a gun.

Bake something from scratch once a week.

Learn how to cook one dish that will amaze a crowd. Never give up that recipe.

Find a book worth reading over and over again.

Take trips with friends. Make some new ones while you're there

The perfect shade of lipstick, and a cute pair of heels should be owned by every women.

Most importantly,

Love unconditionally, and forgive graciously. Live a life worth remembering and sharing.

You are perfect and I love you.

Uppercase Living Review and Giveaway!!

2013-10-07T22:17:00.001-05:00

I am really excited to introduce you to Shantee. She is a military wife, a mother of 2 gorgeous twin girls, who happen to be turning one on the day this giveaway starts, annnnd she is a an Uppercase Living Independent Distributor. Let me tell ya, this busy mamma just Uppercased the shit out of one of my boring walls! Let me tell you about this wall. It is a nightmare. It is all windows, and right above those windows is about 3 ft of empty space. That's right, from the top of the window to the ceiling there is 3 ft of open space. What do you do with that much room??

That's a whole lot of boring emptiness!

You Uppercase it! That's how!

Now that you have seen the space that I had to work with. let me show you an example of what I needed my Uppercase decor to match.

These are the colors in my living room.

I needed to find something to match the above pictured decor. I have been looking for wall quotes to match these colors. All I found were blacks, browns, and some random metallic colors....boring, boring, and tacky. I gave up. Well, until Shantee contacted me about a review. She was so helpful through the whole process. She sent me multiple selections that she thought I may like. She was very patient with my specific needs, and handled my indecisiveness like a pro! Then one night I scrolled through her site and found it! The PERFECT expression for my wall!

WRITE YOUR WORRIES IN SAND

Carve your blessings in stone.

Couldn't be any more perfect. Well, until I realized I could CHOOSE the colors it came in!! I was all like "Whatttt???" and Shantee was all like "Uhhhh yea!" So I was like, "Let's live dangerously! Give it me in Berry Red and Pumpkin Spice!" I ordered that Uppercase Living expressing LIKE A BOSS!

When it came in the mail, I was thrilled! It came with easy directions, and a special tool to "burnish" the expression. Burnish is fancy for rubbing. hehe

The handy dandy Burnishing tool.

I went step by step using the simple instructions in the picture above. I had a little difficulty getting it on BUT, I ordered a large expression. With the larger expressions they recommend two people putting it on the wall.

It was impossible for me to find a second adult. So, I did it alone and didn't ruin it either. Alone it took me about and hour to prep and place my gorgeous expression. Love it? You can order HERE.

After prepping, I placed it on the wall with tape. and then started to peel off the paper backing.

Once the backing was off I started to burnish the saying.

Then I removed the transfer paper very slowly and carefully. This was the end result! I love the touch it added to my room. It feels a little bit more inviting now that that white slab of dry wall is covered in a little bit of color.

I am more than pleased with the result this product has been provided!! Thank you sooooooo much Shantee!

NOW IT'S TIME FOR THE GIVEAWAY!!!

There will be 2 winners! The first winner will get a $25 credit and the second winner will receive a $15 credit! The credits can only be redeemed through Shantee. I'll will put the winner in touch with Shantee and she can help you customize or choose an expression that is write for you! Oh, AND if you make a purchase through her site, http://sjsiebuhr.uppercaseliving.net, you will be entered in another drawing for a chance to win a really awesome Halloween expression and an extra 10 rafflecopter entries for the 25 and 15 dollar credit.

What are you waiting for??? Enter using the rafflecopter below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway Giveaway Disclaimer:

Open to Residents of the Continental US Only. Prizes cannot be shipped to PO Boxes.

Winner will be selected by Random.org and be notified by email. Winners have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is selected. Please note that My Pleasant Nightmare is NOT responsible for shipment of this prize.

My opinions are my own and were not influenced by any form of compensation. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and Google+ are in no way associated with this giveaway. By providing your information in this form, you are providing your information to me and me alone.

I do not share or sell information and will use any information only for the purpose of contacting the winner.

Must be 18 or older to enter this Giveaway

Kids VW Beetle Giveaway!!

2013-10-01T00:00:00.000-05:00

Hosted By:

Funny Postpartum Lady

My Pleasant Nightmare

Mommy Needs a Break

Delectably Dawn

My Stay at Home Mamma Life

Putting Together My Puzzle

That Suburban Momma

Deezy Does It!

Dates: 10/1-10/15

Prize: Winner's Choice of a Pink Fisher-Price Power Wheels Barbie Volkswagen New Beetle for GIRL or Blue Power Wheels Hot Wheels Volkswagen Beetle for BOY.

With Christmas fast approaching I thought it was time to come up with something AMAZING! I have teamed up with some of the coolest Bloggers on the block for all you toddler Mommas out there. All you have to do is enter. It is that simple.

What's the Prize? I'm so glad you asked.

Well, if you have a little girl, you can win a Pink Fisher-Price Power Wheels Barbie Volkswagen New Beetle.

Features realistic VW design that is complimented by fresh, new colors from the Barbie pallet

Vehicle goes 2.5 mph forward and reverse

Power Lock Brake System allows for little girls' safe travel

Driver's door opens and closes

Includes 6-volt battery and charger

If you have a little boy you can win a Blue Power Wheels Hot Wheels Volkswagen Beetle.

Cool, sporty and fun Hot Wheels Volkswagen Beetle

Features cool Hot Wheels graphics

Includes 6-volt battery and charger

Drives 2.5 mph (max.) forward and reverse

Door open and closes for easy in and out

So now for the easy part. Just enter the Rafflecopter below. Some entries can be done once a day.

Good LUCK!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway Disclaimer:

Open to Residents of the Continental US Only. Prizes cannot be shipped to PO Boxes.

Winner will be selected by Random.org and be notified by email. Winners have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is selected. Please note that Funny Postpartum Lady is responsible for shipment of this prize.

I do not share or sell information and will use any information only for the purpose of contacting the winner.

Must be 18 or older to enter this Giveaway

Moms of Boys: Leading By Example

2013-09-29T20:44:00.001-05:00

We are all trying to raise our boys to be decent, hard working, respectable young men. Well, most of us. Some moms are just trying to raise them not to fart in public, belch the national anthem at the ball game, and not to become serial killers. That's okay too. We all need to have attainable goals. I don't judge.

Some moms of boys do though. They judge everyone, and harshly. I get it! Our little boys will always be our little boys. We want them to stay that way. We want to keep them young, innocent, and fun loving. We want them to have some form of a moral compass to follow. Most of all we want them to be respectful of and courteous to women.

Me and my sweet boys

"Respectful of and courteous to women." is the key phrase here.

How do our boys learn how to be respectful of other women? That's simple. Their mothers teach them. I find it funny though. Why? you ask. Well, because women don't seem to know how to be respectful and courteous of each other.

We are their mothers. We are their example of how to act toward one another. Yet, we are always talking down to, being critical of, or judging each other on every move we make. Then we wonder why men are such jerks. We give them the example. We show them how to treat us. They have learned to treat women by watching how women treat each other. This isn't fair to our children. It is not fair for us to raise them to see all of the hate women spew toward one another, and then scold them when they mistreat a women.

We all need to stop, take a deep breath, and take a good hard look at ourselves. We need to watch our mouths when we harshly and openly judge other women. No matter the age. We need to watch how we talk about young girls as well. Little snarky comments can be misconstrued by young boys. Sometimes we don't even realize we are making them because it comes so naturally to us. Woman gossip, and whisper, they give cruel or hateful looks, and demeaning glances. We shun each other when we disagree. We comment on clothes, hair, nails, makeup, money, houses, cars, who has the smarter, more gifted or cuter kid. We do all of this without thinking about the effect we are having on our young boys.

We should stop doing this in front of them. We should be more aware. We should realize that raising boys is a HUGE responsibility. We turn our boys into men, and if we do it wrong, there will always be those moms of girls out there judging us. So, let's open our lives up to understanding, compassion, forgiveness, kind words, loving hearts, and SECOND CHANCES. Lord knows, we all make wretched mistakes, an we will all continue to do so. We will all slip up. Let's try to learn from our mistakes, and pass that wisdom on. Let's stop telling young men how to treat women, and start teaching them, and leading by example. Let's SHOW them how we want to be treated.

I'm not just a mom of boys, I am a mom a a little girl, who will one day meet, fall in love, and marry one of your little boys, and I can't stand the thought of her calling me crying that she married a "jerk". I also can't stand the thought of raising one of those "jerks".

My Princess deserves a Prince, and I owe it to other mothers of girls to
make sure my boys are not the frog to their princess.

Let's be teammates, NOT opponents!

I love my boys!

4 ingredient Fiber Packed Smoothie

2013-09-22T12:32:00.004-05:00

I've been needing to add a little color to my life and for my health. What better way to do that then a yummy nutritious (hardest word I've ever had to figure how to spell, by the way) Smoothie!!

Now, If you are like me and have gained a few pounds and you aren't a huge fan of veggies....or fresh fruit AND you are lazy and don't like to put a lot of effort into your healthy eating (I know, I totally suck in the healthy department)then this is the perfect smoothie for you.

NOT JOKING!!!!!! SIMPLE, YUMMY, HEALTHY!

Ready for it?

Are you??

OKAY! HERE GOES!

Tia's Healthy Smoothie (yep I created it with all of my amazing craftiness)

2 cups Pomegranate Blueberry 100% JUICE V8 V*FUSION
3 cups of mixed wild berries (raspberries,blueberries,&blackberries)
1 heaping handful of kale or spinach

1 packet of Turbinado Sugar (I use SUGAR IN THE RAW)

BLEND UNTIL SMOOTH....you know..since it's a SMOOTHie.

I drink the whole blender full and it keeps me nice and full and gives me energy!

It is a total of 460 calories in the whole blender. But they are healthy bulky fiber filled calories, not icky empty bad calories.

If you break it down we are looking at

460 calories
0 yes 0 ZERO grams of fat
180 mg sodium
100 carbs
80 grams of dietary fiber (which for non diabetics this can cancel out 80 of those carbs)
vitamin A 36%
vitamin C 206% (oh yeah, hello happy immune system)
Vitamin E 20%

This also provides more than a full daily serving of fruit and a full daily serving of veggies recommended intake of veggies.

4 simple ingredients is all it takes

My Top 10 Elf on the Shelf Adventures

2013-09-22T12:13:00.001-05:00

The top 10 ELF-TASTIC Adventures our Elf on the Shelf, Cornelius has been on.

Meet our Elf

Doesn't he look sweet and innocent?

Welcome to our world of Elf shenanigans

Trying to catch some rays. The north pole keeps him ghostly white most of the year.

A day at The Snowman Spa. He ordered the Cocoa Marshmallow Bath package

Dragon Slayer

Bad Cowboy

Trying his hand at saving Gotham City with Batman's Batcopter

Midnight snack

Santa held him hostage during a time when the boys had an exceptionally messy room

He upset the oldest by climbing the tree and stuffing it with tissue

He managed to get kidnapped and pummeled with snowballs by little Christmas children decor.

And the one that REALLY ticked the kids of

The Great Elf Present Heist of 2011

Even though he is a pretty mischievous elf, we still made him a snack to take back to the North Pole with him on Christmas Eve.

We made "Elf Doughnuts" Fun and easy. They are cheerios covered in vanilla and chocolate candy coating topped with red and green sprinkles.

So, what do you think about Our fun little Elf? Do you want one? You can win one by

CLICKING HERE

Clicking above will take you to the giveaway on my blog. Good Luck!!!!!

Elf on the Shelf Giveaway

2013-09-22T11:08:00.000-05:00

Hosted by:

Mommy Needs A Break

Funny Postpartum Lady

My Pleasant Nightmare

That Suburban Momma

Deezy Does It

The Pinspired Mom

Diary of a Fit Single Mom

Momopolize

Unconventional Mommy Tails

Prize:

Description from Elf on the Shelf.com:

Bring the Christmas magic home to your family this year! The original Elf on the Shelf® set includes a magical scout elf from the North Pole and a beautiful children’s story book, all in a keepsake gift box. When you adopt this special elf and name him, he receives his Christmas magic and can fly to the North Pole—but only when all girls and boys are sound asleep! At the start of each holiday season, the elf returns to his family’s house to be Santa’s eyes and ears, and every night he travels back to the North Pole to report in. Families can register their elf online to receive an official adoption certificate and a special letter from Santa!

**Winner will have option to choose race and gender of elf**

Just in time to get ready for the Holiday Season! Enter with the Rafflecopter Below (some entries can be done once a day!)

GOOD LUCK!!

Need Some Elf on the Shelf Ideas? Check out the post from My Pleasant Nightmare
You can also check out the post from Mommy Needs a Break HERE & from The Pinspired Mom HERE

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Open to Residents of the Continental US Only. Prizes cannot be shipped to PO Boxes.

Winner will be selected by Random.org and be notified by email. Winners have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is selected. Please note that Mommy Needs a Break is responsible for the shipment of this prize.

The product provided for the review was free of charge from the company. The product offered for the giveaway is free of charge; no purchase necessary. My opinions are my own and were not influenced by any form of compensation. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and Google+ are in no way associated with this giveaway. By providing your information in this form, you are providing your information to me and me alone.

I do not share or sell information and will use any information only for the purpose of contacting the winner.

Must be 18 or older to enter this Giveaway

Happy Fall!!! Let's Make a Wreath to Celebrate!!

2013-09-21T21:37:00.000-05:00

And super fun DIY Projects

Tomorrow is the first day of Fall!!!! Squeeeeeeee!!! I just love fall. I love the colors, the smells, the comfort foods, and the decor. So, in honor of the first day of fall I am putting together a "How To" article. Let me tell ya, if I am putting together a "how to" then it is a simple task. No, seriously. My kids could do it.

There are only a few things you need for this, and there is no sewing required.

1. 12 in foam wreath

2. Fabrics with multiple colors and patterns. You can use 2 to 4 different fabrics depending on how fun you want it. I'm lazy and buy the cheap pre-cut squares from Walmart.

3. A wooden meat skewer

4. Ribbon that matches the fabric you chose.

5. A fall plaque for the center. Make sure it has a spot you can later feed you ribbon through. I found mine for a dollar at The Dollar Tree. This is optional though. You don't NEED anything in the center. It's beautiful either way.

Oh and put on a good movie. You'll be done with this project by the time it's over.

Here we go!

Cut up a bunch of that fabric into little 2 inch pieces. Make sure you keep the fabrics separate. Don't mix then all up like a bunch of wild animals. hehe

After you get everything cut and SEPARATED (I say that loudly because I know that some of you jumped the gun and threw them all in a bowl. Like I said not to do.) Grab your foam wreath and your wooden skewer. You are going to grab your first piece of frabric from pile one, lay it on the wreath starting at the bottom end of the top of the wreath. Totally sounds confusing. I know. So I made a picture. Use the skewer to twist the center of the fabric into the wreath. About half way to a quarter of the way down. If you poke through to the other side, YOU WENT TO FAR. Make sure you're doing this in a straight line from bottom to top, alternating the fabric (seeeee that's why it needed to be separated, so you could alternate.) Also, make sure you them close enough together that no white shows. I know, I know. I ask a lot of you all.

Continue doing this pattern all the way around the foam wreath. It will progress like this.

Once you get all the way around, you will just need to ad the finishing touches. So, grab that ribbon cut of about 2 ft of it. Fold it in half and tie the ends together in a nice tight knot or bow.

Now, lay it flat and lay your gorgeous wreath on top of it, with the bottom loop at the center of the wreath.

Now, loop the ribbon through the hole little plaque you chose. (if you chose one)

After pulling it through the hole, grab the top of your ribbon. The part with the bow or knot, and loop it through the bottom loop.

Pull tight!!

TA DA!!!!!!

You'are all all finished. Well, unless you want to a small accent like I did here:

Now you can hang you pretty wreath on the front door or patio door. It is a warm and inviting addition to any home this holiday season, and it's so simple you can get your kids involved!!

Spoil Me Giveaway

2013-09-15T00:00:00.000-05:00

Hosted by: Funny Postpartum Lady

An Open Letter to Men

2013-09-13T23:10:00.002-05:00

Disclaimer: I do not speak for all women. SOme are overindulgent and don't mind when their men do these things. That's okay. As long as I don't have to do them.

An open letter to Men:

We don't care how loud you laugh at whatever ridiculous thing you are watching on the T.V. when we walk into the room. It in no way, shape, or form provokes us to want to ask you "what's so funny?"
After a certain amount of time together, women typically learn that it does not matter what you're watching. There is a 99.9% chance that we will NOT find it as hilarious as your sweet, easily amused, man brain does. This, my dear, is why I quit asking "Hey babe,whatcha laughing at?" when you make that ever so obvious and overly dramatic laugh.
The fact that we KNOW you're dying for someone to ask, makes us automatically hate what you're watching and triggers the whole "LALALA I CAN'T HEAR YOU!!!" reaction. If someone walks into the room and they're intrigued even slightly by what you're watching, they will ask. If a woman walks passed the T.V. and doesn't give it a second look, pretend you never saw her.
Do not, I repeat, DO NOT, start laughing super hard just to get our attention and force us to ask what is so damn funny on your lame ass show.
We can usually predict what it will be. "Hey babe, watch this, you gotta see this!!" Then a dumb ass kid skateboards down a banister and crushes his "nuts". The only thing funny about that happening is, well, he probably can't produce any children in the future, saving us all from having to watch a second generation of that video. If you men want to crush your testicles, by all means, do it. You won't get an argument from me. Abort all the little swimmers you have. Just don't make me watch. It hurts me and I don't even have them. Oh, and if I have to watch that women dance on that table and crash through one more time, I will scream!!

While we are on the subject of your NOT SO subtle hints, I would like to request that you not make the BIG, GIGANTIC, overly DRAMATIC, ***SIGHHHHH***
You ain't foolin' anyone with that. We have it figured out! We KNOW you are just dying for us women to say "Oh honey, what's the matter? Are you okay?" Contrary to popular belief, most of us don't really care to discuss "feeeeeelings". When we claim to want to do that, we are usually trying to get you to run the other way so that we can have some alone time to swallow our feelings.....right out of a big bottle of wine. If your curious, a lot of us women stash our feelings there for safe keeping. Word of warning, attempting to find our stashed feelings in that wine bottle may result in serious bodily harm, or even death. Do not try this. AGAIN, DO.NOT.TRY.THIS.

Anyway, like I said, no giant "sighhhhhhhhhhhs" please. If there is something that a glass of wine or a beer won't fix, then just say "hey babe, can we talk?" That, my dear, will get my attention.

In short, anything that is an annoyingly loud noise used to manipulate someone into asking you why you are making that noise, is a big NO, NO!

Thank you for your time, and goodnight.
Love always,
My Pleasant Nightmare

Wordless Wednesday: Remembering 9/11

2013-09-11T18:44:00.001-05:00

God Bless America