Where the hell was I going with this?

The problem with writing every.single.day. or using writing prompts is that inevitably you're going to repeat yourself, unless of course you're one of those amazing awesome mommy bloggers (of which I am not) that talk about real shit all day, like something their lifesuckers (you like that? thank Baby Sideburns, her blog is awesome) have done that's insane, or how they wish they had something to talk about and still manage to make it sound amazing. Again, I am not one of these people. I wish I were. I wish I could say things to make people laugh and want to read what I write. I wish I could have followers. Alas, I do not though and so I guess I'm writing this just for me. I'm ok with this though. It's a record for me. Things for me to look back on. Things for my son to see about his mom. If he reads the good stuff, great. If he reads bad stuff, then even better because he'll know that I was not perfect and never claimed to be. As a matter of fact, one of the reasons I've never tried to do the mommy blog thing is because I can't commit and I'm somewhat negative. I tend to start projects and never finish. I tend to count the negatives in my life, not the positives. I've become bitter and self righteous because of it. I'm unhappy in my life and I know it. Everyone knows it! I want to be happy though. I really do. I want to be more peppy and have more friends and be more outgoing and talk to the other moms on the football field or the basketball court. I want to join the crowd while we watch our kids play. I want to be called up and asked if I want to have lunch or go out for drinks on a Friday night. In order for that to happen though, I think it's going to be me that has to make a change. I have to put myself out there. I have to stop hiding in a hole. I have to be more positive. On that note, being happy, being grateful... here are a few things I know I should be grateful for and I don't show it enough.

1. Keegan (sometimes I push him to the TV or game or to friends because I just want to play on the computer or sleep. This is what my mother did and I always felt like I didn't matter.)

2. Not having to work. (I hate taking care of dad some times because he's stubborn. we're more alike than I want to admit which makes it difficult. but it makes it easier to take Keegan to practices and get dad to and from doctors without worrying about missing work.)

3. Not having many bills. (this comes with the not having to work but it's separate. you can have a job but have little to no bills, it's called being financially stable, but I am 30 with a car and a cell phone and other needs but luckily nothing serious that requires me to need a job which would land dad in a home or with a paid caregiver that we can't afford.)

Sadly that's all I can think of today... I mean, when I first started typing this, I had a list a mile long and I swear as soon as I started putting words on paper, or on the computer rather, my mind just went poof, blank, nothing, nada. RIDICULOUS. I really wish I had some kind of lead I could attach to my head that would read my thoughts and type them up for me. Seriously. I'd have a LOT to say then!

fuck volunteering

I think 2015 should be the year I get out of helping ANYONE and volunteering for anything. I left the AllRecipes AllStars last year because they were getting too…demanding and they were clearly siding with people who had been in the program longer than others. There was some drama on the Facebook page that led to me being told to watch what I post. Basically, people were posting other sites and such they were selling for and these sites were left up there and no one said a word. I posted ONCE and someone had a fit and I told them that I had the right to do what others are doing and it led to ME being reprimanded by those in charge. This wasn’t the first time stuff like this had been done. They were also demanding more and more from us that was costing us more and more money and as volunteers, I felt that we should be compensated a little, free coupon or something but it got to the point where we were told what we had to do and if we had to buy it, it was our problem. As a volunteer, I don’t have to come out of pocket so that a brand can get future recognition and bring in sales. Nope. Not doing it, so I left that at the end of last year. I’m also a sales person for Jamberry now, since October and I don’t like their practices, bullshit corporate responses to actual real questions or the way they’re beginning to do things. Companies that have glitches are supposed to get better over time, not worse. If so, then they need to shut down. Also, with Soldiers’ Angels, they’ve created a new database for us to report the work we do for SA. I understand that this is for them to keep track of current military personnel and support but I think it’s bullshit how they’re doing it. For example, any one of us can select letter writing or card writing requests, report that we did and never actually complete any of it. We also don’t get recognition for anything we do that was once SA related but no longer is. For example, a former SA volunteer still volunteers for her local VA and we send birthday cards every month for her to pass out. We were told we wouldn’t get recognition for recording those hours. I think that’s bullshit. I am indeed a volunteer and not a paid employee. I get that. However, I think volunteers should be recognized for the work they do. We used to be able to put our hours into the Presidential Volunteer Service Awards site and receive recognition once the hours were certified. Now the lady over SA has informed us that she would see what she could do about PVSA but the point of the new database was to prevent the extra step. That’s bullshit because if SA is going to recognize us for our ACTUAL hours then we’re not getting recognized for what we’re actually doing. It doesn’t seem right because we’re giving up our time, free of charge to support those overseas, home suffering or in VA homes or whatnot. It’s only fair to at least receive a piece of paper in the mail saying we did something, which we can file for ourselves. It only seems right. I’m getting sick of all the bureaucracy though.

#FrostyVoxBox from Influenster

I love being able to try new things and who doesn't love FREEBIES!?!?!? This month, I received the #FrostyVoxBox from Influenster with all kinds of amazing products in it! So I've heard of all the brands and even tried some of their products and some I haven't, so it was like early Christmas for me! So, here go the reviews! (yes, I'm posting all my reviews in one post because I'm totally too lazy to create separate posts!)

all the goodies together!

First up is my favorite item in the whole box, just because I love their products and it is........... the EcoTools Full Volume Style Hair Brush. I've used several of their products including a facial sponge and make-up brushes. I love these products because they're made from all natural materials. What I really love about this brush is the vent factor which allows air to go through while you're using it so you can dry faster. It makes getting ready a lot faster and my hair comes out shiny, smooth, and how I want it, FOR ONCE!


The next goody I tried was actually a goody! These Fruit Vines® Bites in cherry flavor are very tasty! They're like a gummy version of licorice. I've never been a huge licorice fan because it's kind of tough to me and way too chewy. I think it's the rubbery texture of the candy. Clearly I'm a minority here because I've been told by my entire family and list of friends that I'm insane, but whatever! :) These are the perfect size and perfect consistency to me though. Delicious! Cherry is also my favorite flavor for ANY candy so these are super tasty to me!



Next up we have makeup goodies! My favorite out of the makeup items, was the Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal Eyeliner. This stuff is AMAZING! I have always used another brand of eyeliner that I've loved for years. I'm one of those people that once I find something I like, I don't want to change to something else similar for fear that the product won't stand up to my standards. I LOVE this product though! Today was a ROUGH day for me, and I was beyond stressed. I cried. A lot. I have to get myself together and use some eye drops just for the picture you see below. Well, my eyeliner STAYED. I'm not kidding. No matter how much I wiped or dabbed my eyes, this stuff would NOT come off. Even through medicated eye drops, it didn't come home. This is honestly the first WATERPROOF eyeliner I've tried that is actually WATERPROOF. That brings me to my next review, which isn't so good.

see my eyes still lined all pretty!

This review is for Rimmel Gentle Eye Makeup Remover. According to the bottle, it will work on waterproof mascara and according to the site, "Gently removes all eye make up, including long lasting & waterproof make up, with no oily residue." I beg to differ. It is gentle. There is no oily residue. I got it in my eye because I'm an idiot and it honestly just felt like water in my eye. However, it didn't remove my Rimmel eyeliner that I'd been wearing all day. This is where my tried and true (other brand) makeup remover actually did the job. I spent about 1-2 minutes with the Rimmel trying to get off the eyeliner and only about 30 seconds and three swipes with the other remover and you can see the difference in this picture. The eye above the nose ring is with Rimmel's remover and the other eye is with the other brand remover. In this case, I'll stick with my tried and true makeup remover.

eye above nose-ring still has liner.... smudged...

If you look in the picture above, you'll also notice my rather pink lips! This too was a freebie to try in the box. It is NYC Expert Last Lip Color in Sugar Plum. Ok. I don't wear lipstick. It's more out of laziness than anything. I don't like to go through colors to find one that suits me and I don't like having to hunt down a compact, a mirror, or a bathroom with a mirror to reapply once it comes off, therefore I just don't bother. I'm a chapstick gal! All the way! Well this particular lipstick is actually something I would wear. It has a nice texture to it. It glides on rather smoothly with no clumping and makes your lips look very soft and smooth. I wasn't crazy about the color though. The name of it, as you can see, is Sugar Plum so yea, it's probably definitely related to the fact that this is a winter themed box. It's not for me though. However, if you click on the link, you'll see there are sooooo many other colors, which does excite me. I will probably actually take the time in store to pick out a color I like. The price tag isn't so bad! For a mere $2, you can have soft, smooth, colorful lips that last! No reapplying every time you talk! That might be a slight over-exaggeration, but that's what it feels like when I usually wear lipstick.


I haven't opened and used the McCormick Gourmet All Natural Thyme yet, but that's because I already have a bottle open in the kitchen!!!! LOL. McCormick is the only brand of herbs and spices you'll find in my kitchen, unless I'm buying fresh. What I love about McCormick spices is that they are natural and really retain their flavor. They don't taste like a bottled spice or a stale spice. You get that fresh flavor. I could buy fresh herbs and dry them out and these bottled herbs would still taste the same! They are full of flavor and last. I do love the fact that I got a bottle for free though! Bottled herbs, especially McCormick, can get rather expensive but they're worth it. You're paying for fresh, natural herbs, as well as convenience and as a mom, caregiver and part time online employee, I'm always looking for convenience.

Speaking of "in-the-kitchen," we have some very tasty Celestial Seasonings Candy Cane Lane® Decaf Green Tea.

This definitely has some holiday flavor to it! I like it though. I'm a peppermint person, especially during the holidays. You can often find me with a candy cane hanging out of my mouth. So I really liked this tea!


Last but not least, because I wasn't sure I wanted to try it, we have No7 Protect & Perfect Intense ADVANCED Serum. I'm not crazy about trying products that say "For more advanced signs of ageing. Younger looking skin in just 2 weeks," if I'm only receiving a sample that only has enough in it for one day. The thing about products like serums, is that they usually take time to work and you have to use them consistently each day to see results. A sample size that only provides enough product for one day usually just leaves your skin feeling some kind of way for one day and the next day your skin is doing funny things. My skin for example, will get super oily the day after I try a new product that has dried my skin out, if I don't continue using that product daily. It overcompensates for the dryness which eventually leads to a breakout. I hate this! I did try it and unfortunately for me, it did what I thought it would. My face was REALLY dry afterwards and once I went back to my regular routine, my face broke out. I'm back to normal now and it could have been because it was a short amount of time to use it, then again, it could have been the serum. I won't use it again but it might work for someone else.

December 2014 - 30 Days of Lists

So December 1 marked another start for 30 Days of Lists! Yes, yes, we all know there are 31 days in December! Moving right along. This used to occur only twice a year, in March and September, but last year the ladies who sponsor it started one in December. Last year, I did a huge book but didn’t finish until like, February! I wanted it to have all these pictures, stickers, embellishments, etc., like all the other listers on the site. I however discovered I'm way too plain for that shit and I have one tiny creative bone hidden in my body that only surfaces when Keegan has last minute school projects. This year I’m keeping it simple and putting it in here. I was also going to do one post a day but I wrote them all on paper and then typed them up when the month was over, so here they are, all 30 lists! lol

Day 1 - It’s __________ season!

     hoodie

     hot cocoa

     baking

     bon fire

Day 2- It’s too early for…

     Christmas shopping

     Sleeping late

     Tree decorating

     Family get togethers -_-

     2015

Day 3 - Photos to take this month

     Keegan doing lego calendar

     Festival of Lights

     Present opening

Day 4 - Friends and family I get to see this month

     Denise

     Tony’s family

Day 5 - Changes I made in 2014

     Stopped agreeing with everyone

     Started thinking for myself

     Started believing I can have more

     Stopped biting my tongue

Day 6 - Favorite words to write

     Frig it

     Whatever

     Right!?

     Exactly!

     Lol (does this count)

Day 7 - Things I think about in the shower

     EVERYTHING!

     Laundry

     Home renovation

     What needs to get done

     sleep

Day 8 - Things that put me in a good mood

     UPS at my door

     Packages in my mail box

     Keegan doing well at something he really likes

     Funny YouTube videos

     Figuring out something that’s had me stumped forever

Day 9 - People who influence me

     My son

     Sarah

     My mom (even though she’s gone)

Day 10 - Favorite recipes

     Ranch bread crumb chicken

     Tony’s roast

     Mom’s beef stew

Day 11 - Parts of my life I wish I could outsource

     Laundry

     Dealing with dad

     My fat…can’t I give that to someone else

Day 12 - Traditions I love

     Going to Miyabi’s, Krispy Kreme, the Lights

     Buying my family yearly ornaments

     Decorating for holidays

Day 13 - Current soundtrack

     Something in the Water – Carrie Underwood

     Girl in a Country Song – Maddie & Tae

     Drinking Class – Lee Brice

     All About That Bass – Meghan Trainor

Day 14 - On my nightstand

     Phone

     Notebook

     iPad

     ink pen

     clock

Day 15 - Out my window (I was at school waiting on Keegan)

     Playground

     School building

     Other cars

     Kids

Day 16 - Today I…

     Will meet someone to sell my costume jewelry to

     Will catch up on my letters and cards to soldiers

     Think up a Christmas tree idea

Day 17 - On my desk today

     Cards

     Calendar

     Phone

     List of shit to accomplish

Day 18 - Things to cross of my list

     Make Christmas tree

     Finish cards

Day 19 - Things I’ll never regret

     Having my son

     Speaking my mind

     Standing up for myself

     Getting an education

     Taking care of my parents

Day 20 - Favorite moments from this week

     Learning I could afford braces for my son

     Christmas break began at 12pm yesterday

     Knowing I helped provide Christmas for a needy military family

Day 21 - My version of “fancy” involves

     Getting dressed up for dinner

     Candles at the dinner table

     Pearls

Day 22 - My to do list

     Paint cabinets/bar

     Clean out fridge

     Wrap presents

     Call orthodontist

     Call credit union

     Call Dodge dealership

     Make gingerbread house with Keegan

     Balance checkbooks

     Work on Pinterest boards

Day 23 - I find magic in

     My son’s encouragement

     Little things Tony does for me

Day 24 - Ways to express joy

     Emoticons

     Laugh

     Cry

     Create something

Day 25 - I would like to remember

     How to be me

     The look on my sons face when he opened his presents

     To stop worrying so much

     I can’t be perfect (according to others’ standards)

Day 26 - I am grateful for

     My son

     A place to live

     Being able to be at home with my son

     Knowing how to be frugal

Day 27 - Things that happened yesterday

     Keegan went to his dads

     I got takeout instead of cooking

Day 28 - Today I choose to

     Sleep in

     Ignore people

     Get my meal binder together

     Make a plan for 2015

Day 29 - My daily routine

     Sleep til noon

     Get up

     Brush teeth

     Get a soda

     Check daily links

     Max out swagbucks

     Check email

     Dinner

     Shower

     Bed

Day 30 - Skills to work on next year

     Love myself more

     Stop letting people take advantage

     People skills

     Attitude adjustment

     Be nicer

Free Kleenex!!!

Let's be real, who doesn't like something FREE!??!?! I love FREE!

I received some lovely boxes of tissue from Crowdtap and Kleenex to try out and mmm, I love the softness. Kleenex is the only brand I use anyway. They have many different varieties and during the cold winter seasons, it's a blessing to have options. You can get ones with lotion in them and those are my favorite!

As an added gift, Crowdtap gave me a link to a printable coupon for $1.50 off two boxes of Kleenex so you too can share in the joy of Kleenex with me!!!

November Thankfuls

Here we are again! It seems like this is the only time of year I'm thankful. I swear I'm thankful more than one month a year even if it doesn't seem like it!

1. Yay for child support. I would never admit to Nathan that I smile when those checks come but seriously,

2. Thankful for Daylight Savings Time. It gave me an extra hour to sleep in!

3. Scratch being thankful for DST. Seriously. Since my car radio touch screen is broke, I can’t change the time so it’ll be an hour ahead until I can get the radio replaced and I feel like it’s midnight when it’s only like 6pm. Sheesh.

4. Thankful for Election Day? Or rather having the freedom to vote although it doesn’t matter who we vote for. They’re politicians and they don't give a shit about anyone or anything other than their own agenda.

5. Thankful for our local Arts Council. Keegan had a very fun time at the fine arts class this evening.

6. Thankful for Keegan’s new school. They had a Fall Festival tonight and Keegan has so much fun!

7. I’m thankful for Jamberry. I’m loving my nails every day and I love the fact that I’m getting paid to have my nails done all pretty!

8. I am thankful for Cirque Du Soleil. It got me out of the house today and I got to hang with an old friend I haven’t seen in over a year.

9. As much as he pisses me off, I guess I’m thankful for Keegan’s dad, WHEN HE WANTS HIS SON because they had him this weekend but he’s coming home tonight! I needed the quiet.

10. Thankful for Keegan! That is all!

11. Thankful for all our Veteran’s. If it weren’t for them and our current military personnel, I wouldn’t have the freedom to be thankful for what I am thankful for. Make sense? Yea!

12. Thankful for my down comforter. It’s so warm and toasty right now!

13. Thankful that Tony took today off to take me to Charleston although it was a waste of a fucking trip because of that stupid doctor! Idiot!

14. TGIF!

15. Although he whines and throws serious pity parties a lot for himself, I’m thankful that Kevin and I are friends regardless of all the bullshit we went through to get here.

16. Thankful for amazing in-laws. Tony’s family really is wonderful and so much better than my own!!!

17. Printers! Yay! I love my laser printer when it works right! Today it’s working great!

18. Another day I’m thankful for Keegan! He’s so loving and understanding for a 10 year old!

19. I was going to say thankful for the dentist because they can fix teeth but I swear sometimes they make it worse!

20. Thankful that it’s almost Friday. I’m tired…

21. Hahah! I am so thankful that Nathan’s lawyer is a woman, an understanding woman! He called her to have her call me asking if I would postpone the hearing Monday with some bullshit excuse that they are trying to get a mortgage but if the support payments go up, then they won’t get approved for the mortgage. Number one, they supposedly already had a house that they were supposed to have moved in to since the Summer and number two, why the fuck should I care about him getting a mortgage? Seriously? He doesn’t care what happens to his son but I’m supposed to be sympathetic towards him getting a mortgage! HAHAHAHHA! That one’s funny! His lawyer told me to go ahead with the hearing! She’s supposed to be on HIS side! Lol! LOVE IT!

22. Thankful for fast food even though I will be very grateful to get my new stove in and my kitchen finished.

23. Thankful for the Arts Council! Today Keegan made another shirt in a Tye Dye Mania class!

24. Today I am thankful for booze. Seriously. It and anti-anxiety meds numbed the pain of the DSS office basically kissing Nathan’s ass and fucking over his child.

25. Thankful for balls, my balls! Lol. I stood up for myself and told Nathan he could either come get Keegan from the house or not get him at all. He came to the house! Lol. Granted, he brought his mommy with him. Betting his wife felt too insecure to trust him alone and didn’t feel like riding her lazy ass down here. Someone’s gotta pick up takeout right! BAHAHA!

26. Thankful for the ability to open my mouth and voice my opinion. You don’t have to like it, which is why it’s MINE!

27. Thankful for TURKEY! And Potato salad, and red velvet cake and dirt cake, and deviled eggs, ahh hell, all the yummy Thanksgiving food!

28. Thankful for Black Friday deals online (my wallet's screaming otherwise)!

29. Thankful for such an amazing college football team this year! After 5 losses against Carolina, we finally won and we owe it all to an amazing lineup this year!

30. Thankful for being able to sleep in. I got some MUCH needed rest!

fine arts class

fall festival

rockin' my Jamberry "sheer genius"

Cirque tickets!!!! HELL YEA!

Day 30 - on my mind today

Day 29 - accomplishments I'm most proud of

Day 28 - this time next year

Today I woke up with stabbing pains. I'm thinking kidney stone or UTI!

Day 27 - I'm thankful for

Parade today! Keegan was in it with the football team. We stayed for a little while then headed to Charleston. We went to the mall and got Keegan some clothes and a coat since it's starting to get chilly. Then we went to Miyabi for dinner. It was nice to get out of the house.