Thankful Monday

Thankful Monday

 That M comes home THIS WEEK!

That M decided its ok to have a cleaning lady come do our out-processing cleaning so we dont have to stress about it 

That I was able to have a little girls day Saturday to relax and spend some time with the ladies Im going to miss the most

That everything with the seller of the new house totally turned around and she really is a sweet helpful lady

For the security system that is being put in our new house to help us stay safe!

Thats right we have just a few more days till we will be picking M up. I am so extreamly excited to have him home. Im trying to stay as busy as possible so it goes quickly but that is not really happening. Things have been getting cancelled making the days, and nights, seem twice as long. I guess maybe I should enjoy the calm and somewhat quite these last few days because when M gets home its going to be crazy getting things ready for our PCS. Oh did I mention that the movers come in 2 weeks!! Yikes!!! Im excited, Im stressed, and Im nervous, but mostly excited and READY!! At least I think Im ready!!

Another Pre and Post kid post

We are down to less then a week until M comes home. Excited is an understatement. He asked me the other day if I was going to be relived and make him deal with MJ and the dogs and everything when he comes home. After I told him no, It got me thinking. I started to compare how I was feeling the first week he was gone, to the last. It is kind of funny really. As you know this was our first time M left since having MJ so it was a new experience for both of us. This is what I came up with:


The first Week

I was in bed by 7 counting down the seconds until MJ went to bed

After that I didnt even turn on the tv I went right to sleep I was so tired

There were a few times I even cried I was so tired

Kemba was still getting up all night to go to the bathroom so I never got any sleep

I napped when MJ napped to insure I would make it through the day

I just about got rid of all 3 dogs at one point (JK)

I was in a complete panic and so unorganized each time I left the house

I didnt think I was going to make it 7 weeks ( how lame is that)




The last week

I get everything done that needs done usually before snack time

I no longer need to nap when MJ does

I actually can stay up to watch my shows, most nights

I have learned what it takes to spend the day in boise with a 1 year old alone

I am down to only wanting to get rid of 1 of the dogs ( JK again)

I could care less if M helped when he got home because we have a good little routine, although the break might be nice.

I look back and see that the 7 weeks flew by and were totally fine and I over reacted  the first week or two on how horrible it was going to be



I am glad M is coming home, really I am. I cant even stand waiting these last few days. But the reasoning I wanted him home the first week ( to help me and let me sleep) is so different then why I want him home now ( so he can see how fun MJ is and they can be together again). I have said it a million times this past 7 weeks, but it really is crazy how much a TDY or deployment is different from when you have no kids to when you have them. The one thing that isnt different is you realize how strong you really are, even if you didnt think you could get any stronger. You realize that you really can handle anything that is thrown at you, and a military wife knows that during a deployment or TDY there are a million things that will be thrown. The kids will get sick, the dogs will need something, the house will break, and you will get sick even though you havent gotten sick in over 2 years. But you will make it through and come out even stronger on the other end. You will come out with a sense of pride as you look back and see what you accomplished.

So those of you who have gone through one two three or more deployments with kids!! Look at us!!!!

Those who are about to, keep your head up girl. It may seem bad at first but that will quickly change. And just think about this, having kids really gives you little time to be sad.

Things Every Military Spouse Should Know

When you become a Military Spouse, you feel pride and joy. Your so giddy that you married the man in the uniform. The one that looks amazing in his dress blues. Then you move to your first base, far away from home and any friends you had before. Your new. You think your alone. And all that fun exciting feeling flies out the window. I came across this article on nextgenmilspouse.com and though it was perfect. I also added a few of my own!


Things Every Military Spouse Should Know


You are never alone. Though it may feel like it sometimes, there is always someone else who is going through something similar, you just have to find them.  And I know a whole bunch of people on our Facebook page and Twitter feed that are ready to support you through whatever challenge you face.  We’re all here for you whether you’re active duty, Reserve, or National Guard.  Stronger together.


Don’t define yourself as solely a military spouse. A mistake a lot of military spouses make is defining themselves as nothing more than so-and-so’s spouse or Army wife etc. You need other things in your life or it will be a long and boring deployment if your only interest is your spouse’s career.
It’s okay to have outside interests. Period.




Where the Class 6 is (and the commissary, and the exchange, and the medical treatment facility and the legal office, all of the other important places you will need to use). While you may not want to shop at the commissary all the time, it’s good to know where it is in case you ever need to pick something up really quick. And if something were to happen to your spouse while she was at work you would definitely want to know where the nearest MTF (medical treatment facility) is.  You should always learn where the important things on base are, whether or not you live on post.


 This too shall pass. When it gets really hard, like that hump in the middle of a deployment, and it seems like it will never get better, remember, it will pass. Eventually.


You can handle this. One thing I hear a lot from people who are not married to a service member is that they couldn’t handle living this life. But anyone can, and YOU especially can.  You love your servicemember even if you don’t love everything about the military.


You have many resources at your fingertips.  Use them.  There are scholarships for spouses, you can get free daycare during a deployment, you have access to help finding a job, and so much more. Learn what is available to you, and use it!


A positive attitude can get you much farther than a negative one. If you have a positive outlook even during the worst situations, everything seems better. Have to move in 30 days? If you look at it as a challenge and an adventure, it is much easier than if you look at it as the worst thing ever.


The motto of the military should be hurry up, wait and be patient. The military is known for never doing things on time.  It is what it is.
Be flexible, things change so much in the military, your spouse might come home at 5 pm on the dot every day for a week and then the next week you are lucky if she is home by 9 pm. Instead of getting irritated, roll with it.  Making concrete plans can often bite you in the butt!


Deployments and separations do end even if they seem like they won’t. 
Your friends and family might not get it, but that’s okay. This is something a lot of people who are new to the military struggle with. Their friends and family just don’t get what it’s like. Adjusting to time apart is hard and you might get comments like “well, this is what you signed up for.” It’s hard and while these comments are rude, they usually aren’t aiming to be hurtful.


Embrace where you live, even if you don’t like your duty station. You might hate where you are, but try to see the good in it, and collect something from everywhere you live. You might never get to go back there, and from experience I can tell you, you will miss things about even the worst duty stations. There is always a redeeming quality.


Don’t compare your situation to anyone else’s. Everyone loses when you play the who has it worse game. “My husband’s been gone 13 months” “Yeah ,well mine missed the birth of 2 of our children.” “My wife and I had to put our family plans on hold when she got orders to deploy.” No one has it worse than anyone. If someone is having a rough time, telling them how much worse your situation is won’t help them.  Or you.


A general POA won’t get you everywhere…make sure you’re packing heat. There are many different kinds of powers of attorney you might need, there are ones for housing, dealing with your cars, and your bank. A lot of places require a specific POA. Make sure you have any and all POAs you might need. It’s better to have and not need than to need and not have.


Give everyone a chance. Don’t judge a book by it’s cover. You could miss out on a great friendship. Probably my favorite thing about military life is the way so many different types of people come together. You meet people you would have never otherwise met, or even spoken to.


To add to this one, dont listen to the drama. My closest friends are the ones that people told me NOT to be friends with.

Always Remember 7:30AM ( revile) , 5PM (national anthem) and 10PM  (taps). You will often be caught outside during one of these and you will look pretty silly if you dont know what to do! So ask your husband.


Dont leave it up to your spouse to tell you events that are happening around base and the squadron. I would have missed 90% of the spouses events if I would have waited for M to tell me about them. Get out! Get involved! For the most part, Im the one telling M whats going on and when. He usually has no idea!


If you live on base, take care of your house. I see so many people with the mind set that its not their house so they dont care what happens to it. Well guess what!! When you are getting ready to PCS you are going to have to pay for every little thing you didnt care about before you go! Adding on replacing your entire grass in the backyard  on top of the to do list of things to do before you PCS is not fun. Mistakes and wear and tear happen! But Housing can tell the difference between that and just lack of caring. To go along with that, dont be rude to the housing office when you arent getting what you want while trying to get a house. Remember they are the ones you have to go through to out process from your house, and they can make it HELL for you if they choose.


Get to know your neighbors even if you arent friends. I had to go ask my neighbor the day after I moved into our house, while M was deployed, for a phone because I locked myself out. You never want neighbors that dont like you, that will not be a fun 3 years.



Well thats all I can think of now. I know I wish I would have known a lot of these when I first became a military spouse. You can also look back a month or so ago and read about how you should 'act' as a military spouse as well!!Good Luck!

What it Really Means to Have Endometriosis

What It Really Means to Have Endometriosis

Above is a link to a great article written by one doctor who seems to know about endomitriosis.  A man no less. If you don't know me personally, I suffer from this horrible 'disease'. I hate that word. But that's what it is. Up until recently I though I was alone in this battle. I guess not alone, but I didn't know anyone who had this but me.  For years I had pelvic pain and shrugged it off not really knowing what it was. It wasn't until 2010 that I was in the doctors office or ER constantly during the start of my husbands deployment that the military finally started to realize what it was. I was immediately sent to the military OBGYN where he seemed to know exactly what it was. I went in for my first laparoscopic surgery a few weeks later. Sure enough,  Endometriosis is what I had.  Three hours later I came out of surgery. The doctor explained, and showed picture after picture of a horrid amount of tissue build up on my uterus and everything around it including my colon. I even had one that was wrapped around one tube and stretched completely across my body near my rib cage. Gross right? How could I have this? I couldn't understand because I had no idea what it was.

 A year later after tons of pain and  two rounds of clomid I got pregnant with MJ. What a blessing. I had doctors told me this was the cure! Pregnancy often helped subside pain during and after. Not for me. The pain continued. Then it continued after we were blessed with the birth of our son. I spent some time with the OBGYN who delivered MJ trying to figure out a plan to help with pain. I was 23 too young for it to be so bad. To young for drastic measures. We tried a few different birth control pills but that was it. We talked about another surgery but after wondering if it was worth it considering the pain came back within weeks of the first one, I decided against it. Now I have the meirana IUD which has been said to help in time. Although it has only been a few months, I see no difference. I have googled everything there is out there on this disease. I have thought about doing endomitriosis clinical studies and have even asked my doctor for a hysterectomy which at 25 they just aren't ready to to. When we get to Ohio my plan is to find a doctor who knows more about this then the doctors I have seen. I am 25 if this is the pain now I can't imagine it as it gets worse as I get older like they say that it does. 

I know what a sob story right?? I was just looking online at research groups and support groups and came across this article and thought it was truly amazing. How someone who has never had this can describe it perfectly. So those of you who do not know about it do now. Those who have it feel my pain and those who know someone who have it understand a little better. This is a disease. One that is rarely heard of but becoming extremely common. I am hoping now doctors and researchers are finding someway to help with this because it is no a fun thing to live with.  

Thankful Monday

Thankful Monday

That I can say that M comes home NEXT WEEK!! 

That things are coming along with this PCS 

That I have a pretty busy week to hopefully help make it go by quickly 

That I have a crafty mom so she can make stuff like the car holder I wanted for the Drive to Ohio lol

That the kids table and chairs I have been wanting was on Zullily so I got it cheaper then planned! Its the little things lol

 

Well Its getting closer. We move in less then 4 weeks. M gets home next week!! Can you believe it? 7 weeks just flew by, most of the time. I am pretty excited. I know as soon as he gets here its going to be jammed packed with stuff to do and before we know it it will be 4am Saturday the 17th and we will be driving away from Mt Home AFB for the last time. Im getting way too excited. My house is just a wreck with packed boxes and empty rooms. The couch is being sold today. 1 week before our new living room furniture arrives. I will have an empty living room. Then when the couches do get here they will be kept in the wrapping to make sure they dont get messed up on our move. My house is going to look ridiculous these next few weeks. But Im still excited!! 

Cant wait till next week!

Citrus Lane Review: July

Citrus Lane redeemed themselves this month. Not saying it was worth the $25 but It was the best box yet. Too bad I already canceled my subscription. I decided that it really just wasnt worth it. Its so cool to see the different brands of kids products that I have never heard of but not for the money I was spending. So July will be my last box and review. Sorry to those of you who look forward to it!




July Review

SUMO Snack-Stacker from ZoLi

  This is an awesome product. Im really excited to have it, its like this box was made for our trip. Its 3 separate containers that just screw on to each other. Makes snacking on the go easy!! This is the larger version of one they put in an earlier box. Its a huge hit with me, but other Citrus Lane Subscribers are unhappy since they have the smaller one.


Price: $18.00

Wooden Peg Puzzles from Melissa & Doug

As you can see from the picture at the top, ours is numbers not letters but I couldnt find that one online. This is a great learning activity for my son. This is also great for the car trip we are about to make. I really love Melissa & Doug and they hit spot on with this product.


 Price: $8.00-$13.00


Cool It Buddy Instant Cold Pack from Me4Kids

When I first saw this I thought it was silly. What was I going to do with this. But once I read more about it Its perfect for our family and road trip. It is a pack of two reusable ice packs that dont need to be kept in the freezer.  My son is a total mess so these will be used often in our house. What better thing to keep in the car, purse, or home since it can be used anywhere!!


Price- $2.99


Fruit Pouch by GoGo SqueeZe

We all know them, and all kids love them. Citrus Lane seems to have a thing for these type things but Im not complaining, these type pouches are my sons favorite. He saw it as soon as I opened the box and had to have it.



Price: $13.00 for a 16 pack




Postagram from Sincerely Inc.

Postagram is an app tht lets you turn your favorite snapshots into printed personalized postcards right from your phone.  Citrus Lane gave us a chance to try them by giving us 10 free postcards. I would have never used this before this day but it could be kind of cool to try out! Who knows, maybe I will love it! You can also go to their site and do it from a computer.







 Price: $.99 per post card so about $10.00



Total: About $42.00

 I really enjoyed this months box. They really did a good job this time around in my book. Im hoping, for other subscribers sake, they stick to better products like these. 

Road Trip with my husband, Toddler, and 3 dogs!!! Call me crazy

Well as you know we are going to be making a 32 hour drive to our new home in Ohio next month. We have done this before. Twice actually. There and back once Just M and I and our 2 dogs, then once there and back with M, MJ, and the two dogs. Thats about 64 hours. It went great both times. So why is It im nervous about the trip this time? We dont even have to make the drive back. Well this is because MJ is older. He can not sit still, he doesnt sleep in the car every time we are in it, and he talks lol JK about the talking ting that will be fun to listen to. I am also nervous because we have a 3rd dog now. YIKES!!

I have been panicking about this move, every little bit of it. Now I am freaking about just the driver alone. I have asked all my mommy friends that travel often with their little ones and got some great advice, all advice I already knew though so I just need to get over the fact that this drive has to happen and will happen in 4 weeks. There are going to be problems I am going to get stressed and annoyed because thats what I do. Did telling myself that help at all? Of course not lol But here is the plan and the things we ave bought to help make the drive a little more bearable.

 The Star Kids Snack and Play Travel Tray. This attaches to their waste while they are in their ar seat giving them a little table to play and eat on. I hate having food in my car, but on a road trip it just has to happen so hopefully this will make it a little less messy. Also He can color and play wit his cars on an actual surface not just is legs. The pockets are awesome so he can have a few toys and books that he can reach whenever he would like. Now I havent tried this yet. MJ is still rear facing so Im worried it might not fit. It seems to be ok by the looks of it but I will give it a try on our way to Boise tomorrow.





I also Hate crayons and markers lol he doesnt really get to stay on the paper yet so they end up all over my table. I guess crayons wont be horrible Because Im not too worried about him drawing on the travel tray so he will get some of those. BUT I decided to get him this anyways.
Fisher-Price Travel Doodler Pro
 We are working on teaching him to move the blue button to delete the picture. Its a perfect size for the car and is not messy at all.

 Melissa and Doug Reusable Sticker Pad
This is awesome. Not only is it a perfect theme for our moving trip with the trains, planes, cars, and boats, It isnt sticky as in it wont stick to everything in my car!! Such a fun thing. They get to create their own scene with the background and reusable stickers, then can take them all off and do it again. I think he will love this since he is way in to stickers. Some of our boxes that are already packed are beautifully decorated with Sesame Street stickers.

Crayola Marker and Watercolor Pad
He actually got this for is birthday so its not really new to him. It is just a bunch of blank pages to color whatever he would like. So we will have this on hand as well.

This isnt the exact book but we got him a few coloring books. Those to keep his attention for very long but its worth a try.

Simba
This looks nothing like his Simba. We can never lose im because there isnt a Simba out there we can find that looks like his lol
But anyways. We cant leave home without Simba. He will just die

 His Ohio Blanket Again a must have

His Sesame Street Crayon Holder my mom made for his goodie bags for his 1st Birthday. Im limiting him to 4 crayons because if there are more in sight, he makes one little mark and then wants another, and another.

Cars Case
This isnt the one he has because my mom is still making his. But You get the picture. Cute Idea right??? Every boy needs one, and every mom should carry one in her purse.

Some of his Favorite Shows and Movies with our DVD player that hooks to the head rest for him to see.

Books
The kid loves books so of course these are a must

Snack cups. Im really hoping these work out better then last time. He usually gets them everywhere

Of course the Sippy cup strap so Im not having to find it to hand to him every few minutes. He is usually pretty good with putting it back in is cup holder unless he gets mad.






Then we will of course bring lots of sugar free snacks and water for him. Sugar free because we want to make sure he isnt super hyper as we are trying to avoid that lol

I think we might buy a few more 'surprise' toys for him to have. 3, one for each day we are on the road. That way its a cool fun new toy. He will get to open those after he has been pretty good during our drive.


As for the dogs

This is for the back so they are not tearing up my new car

Dog Gate
I can not have them climbing over my seats lol We use this all the time though.

 And lots and lots of these and other toys.
















Yep thats the list for stuff that will be packed inside the car to keep me sane. Check back in a few months to see what actually worked and what didnt! Also any other advice I have to give you with traveling with a toddler by car.

Ipsy Glam Bag : July

So excited that I got my Ipsy Glam bag sooner then last month! These products are just awesome!! I actually got everything that I wanted so that is really exciting! So here we go!!

First is the Pouty Pop Crayon by POP Beauty in coral crush ( the middle one). This is really exciting because It will go with my lip pencil from last month. I had never tried a lip crayon before so this was different for me. It is full size. It goes on nicely like a lip stick.

Price: $25.00 for a 6 pack



Next is the California Collection Eye Shadow Sample by BH Cosmetics. They came in Malibu, San Francisco, and Hollywood. If you look on their site each one is an actual pallet but we just got one color from each. Im always looking for a new color and brand of eye shadow so this is awesome to have.This brand is a popular brand with the Ipsy community.

Price: $9.95 for one Pallet

We also got the Coola Mineral Face SPF 20 moisturizer some came in regular, like mine,and some tinted. I guess I cant say I got everything I wanted because I wanted the tinted one but that is not a big deal at all.This was also a sample and Im so bummed of how small it was!!! .23 Oz!! Seriously?? Lol thats like two applications!! But other then that its nice!! It is unscented and goes on smoothly.

Price: $36.00 for a 1.7 Oz bottle



Now for the products that not everyone go the same. I got the Weather Proof Humidity Spray from Big Sexy Hair. This one I was really excited for because we are moving to Ohio and my hair is going to be horrible in the humidity. Im not excited for that. I dont live in humidity so I have no idea how to deal with this daily lol I have not tried this yet only because, again, its not humid here so it would be a waste. So Im not sure how it works just yet. It has a very faint smell which is nice. It also is a very fine mist not thick so that is awesome. So excited to try this next month!

Price: $18.95 for a 3.4 oz bottle




And Last is the Straight up Color Nail Lacquer In MaTai. Again I was excite for this because I am OBSESSED with nail polish. I paint my nails every few days so I love getting new brands and colors!It is such a pretty color too!! This was also a full size product

 

Price: $13.00

This bag was an awesome bag! I am going to use everyone of these products often! It did have a lot of samples this month but sometimes you just cant have the full product lol It was still a great bag. Even the bag itself was cute!!

Total for the full size products:  $103.00

I cant wait for next month! I will be in the middle of my move to Ohio when they are being shipped so I will have it sent to my in laws house to pick up when we get there. So My reviews might be a little late! But check back for the August Sneak peek, which will be right on time! 

Thankful Monday

Thankful Monday

 That I am able to get into MJs doctor when needed, for the most part.

That My Grandma is now moved in with My Aunt and doing well

 That we bought an anual Zoo pass because MJ LOVES the zoo and its so fun to take him

That M is doing so well in his Recruiting class and he really enjoys it

That every day that passes is a day closer to when M comes home AND to when we move
 

As of Wednesday we are 4.5 weeks away from Moving to Ohio AND as of Thursday we are 2 weeks from when M gets home! I am going crazy with excitement. I have packed up pretty much all that I can pack that we are taking in the Uhaul with us that we dont use daily. My house is a complete mess with boxes and random stuff evey rwhere from when we sold bookshelves and such. This or Next week the Couch gets cleaned and hauled off to a friends house which will leave us with no couch ( my choice since I want it out of here before MJ ruins it) for a week and a half. Then when we get the new couches and chairs and tables they will sit in the wrapping so they dont get dirty before we move. Our house it becoming a complete mess. On one hand It makes me excited because we are so close, on the other hand my OCD comes out and I want to cry since everything does not look perfect.  I just have to keep telling myself why it looks that way. 

I hope these weeks fly by Im too excited!

 

Is it baby fever?

MJ is at that age where most people are starting to try and have another baby. Every friend of ours, who also had a baby the same time we had MJ, is either pregnant again, trying, or about to try. If you follow my blog, you know that I am dead set on not having another for many reasons. Lately All this baby talk has made me kind of sad. Its like Im missing out on something that I should be doing along with everyone else. It got me thinking... alot. Do I really not want another baby? What are my seasonings? Are they legit. I would love for MJ to have a sibling. But after I sat and thought about it, that is really the ONLY reason I would want to have another baby. For MJ. If you ask me that is very selfish. The baby would solely be here to 'be a sibling to MJ'. Now I know thats not how I would feel after I actually had another baby. I would love him or her as much as I love MJ. I probably would not be able to imagine my life with out him or her. But right now, thats really the only reason I would want one. I dont think thats really fair to the child.

I was pretty emotional last night about the subject. I had to really sit and think about what I really wanted, and talk to M about what he wanted. I thought about how much MJ would love it. He would really after a few years of probably being angry at us for bringing yet another thing in the house that will take up time away from him ( He already fights with Kemba like a brother). BUT there were so many reasons not to have another. The cost. The fact we just bought a 3 bedroom house because we didnt want another baby. And for selfish reasons, Not wanting to be pregnant again.

I always thought I would be a mom of 2 or 3 until we went through fertility issues and were finally blessed with MJ. Its scary. Trying to have a baby not knowing if you will get pregnant or not. Or worrying for 9 months if the baby will be healthy. Then being a parent and worrying about keeping them safe once they arrive is a whole other fear. I dont want to go through all of that. It gives me axiety to even think about the things that could go wrong. Yep I am that person. I worry about things way too much.

When I was looking online and reading other moms of 1 stories and worries about having another baby, I read a post from someone saying, Do you really want another child, or another baby. It was funny to think about really. Most people are that way, they want the baby. BABY FEVER but then they grow up and they want another BABY. But me, I dont want another baby. I would want another child. I would want to just skip the whole baby phase and have another MJs age. Can I do that? I really just wish MJ was a twin. Two of the most amazing little man ever.


So after talking to M and realizing that what I really wanted was a playmate for MJ, not another child I decided that that was no where near a good enough reason to have another child, and although I will still be sad when others get pregnant around me, I will just have to remember that. Eventually the years will pass and people will be done having babies and I wont have to be sad anymore. But until then, I know there will be those days where I really reconsider having more, and then a week later, be fine and content with out choice. It also helps that M is on the same page as me. At first I think he was a little dissapointed when I came back and said I wanted only one. But he slowly decided the same. I really just thought he was just saying it to make me happy until I asked him again last night. He really doesnt want another. That MJ was it.  That made me feel so much better to have him on the same page. A relief in a way.


So there it is. MJ will be an only child. A spoiled to the core but amazing, only child. One who needs a lot of friends who come to my house and play so I dont need to worry about him being lonely lol

Thankful Monday

Thankful Monday

That I was able to spend the 4th Of July with Friends

That we were blessed with such an amazing son

That I have MJ here with me this time around so I am not so lonely while M is away

That the AF has given u this opportunity to be able to move back near Ms home town and be around family

That my grandma, who is in the hospital, is still with us today!  

Ipsy: July Glam Bag Sneak Peak

Here we are again!! The July Sneak Peaks are our for the Ipsy Glam bag for July!! After last months glam bag, I was extreamly excited to see what July had to offer. These seem like pretty good sneak peaks. If they are what we all think they are, this bag wont be better then Junes Glam bag BUT still a good one!! As always Im just excited to try new things for only $10!!!



Sneak Peak #1

A pop of perfect color will be yours from sand to sundown.

Its not hard to tell that this sneak peak is for the lips!! We have a few guesses on brands that it could be. 

 
Possible brands:

• Tarte
• Clinique
• Pop Beauty
• Revlon
• Neutrogena
• Hard Candy

Ipsy has worked with Pop Beauty before so this will probably be the brand. Also if you ladies look back at Junes Glam bag at the lip pencil, the colors are close to matching!! Perfect for Julys bag!!




Sneak Peak #2

Sun or city, guard your skin from spots and wrinkles with this instant summer fave!

Everyone on facebook, as well as myself, are pretty positive this is the Mineral Face SPF 20 Rose Essence Tinted Moisturizer by Coola! Its summer time o how could you not be excited about this product?? TINTED face lotion with SPF 20 in it? Yes please! Any Beauty queen knows they need to take care of their skin!

Sneak Peak #3

Have fun finding the perfect beach-look with this gorgeous combination of California colors!

 This without a doubt is the  BH cosmetics California Collection Eyeshadow sample. Look it up! See for your self! Samples are never fun BUT this i a good sized sample and I love trying out new eye shadows!! So I am really excited about this product.

Sneak Peak #4

ONE of these is yours for summer's salt air and beachy hair! 

These two items are mot likely from the sexy Hair corp! One being the soy Renewal  Beach Conditioning and texturizing spray and the other being the weather proof humidity resistant spray. This one I am really excited for only because I am hoping for the weather spray. As you know Im moving to the great state of Ohio next month and need something for my hair!! This girl is not used to humidity!





Sneak Peak #5 

Turn up the heat and top off your summer look with ONE of these sun-ready finds!

Because Of some leaked pictures, we know what these are!

1. Benefit Benetint sample (see above)
2. derma e Microdermabrasion Scrub
3. Demeter Salt Air Perfume Oil Roll On
4. Nailtini Straight Up Color Nail Lacquer In Mai Tai

 I personally am wanting the nail polish of the Scrub. I do not need another cheek product for a little but and am not a fan of the Salt air perfume oil roll on.


Someone else mentioned that our bag might be a pretty see through Hot pink Glam Bag which I am way excited for!!! Probably will be my favorite one yet if thats the case!!!




Well ladies here it is! The Sneak Peaks for July!! I hope you are just as excited for your Glam Bag as I am! Come back in a few weeks to see the product reviews!!! 

Home is where the Air Force sends us...

... Its true. It doesnt matter where we go, where our orders are written out to, we go... we go and we make it home. Have you ever sat and thought about what it would be like if when you married your spouse, and bought your first house, and had your first baby, and maybe your second or third, and watched them grow up, and became a grandparent was all in one location? For so many people this is normal, for military families its not. For me, its scary. I have been moving from place to place, state to state, since I was 18 years old. Im not even sure I remember what its like to stay in one place for very long. I have never had the chance to as an adult. Would I love making a home for myself in an area I will grow old in around family and friends? Or would I get the itch to move every few years?

Its hard moving every few years. I hear it from every spouse I know that is involved in the military. Its exciting, but its hard. You have to leave friends behind. The friends that you have made your family. You leave the home, although small and probably on base, that was yours for the past 3 years. The home you made memories in. You leave the State you met your spouse in, or had your son in. There can be a million things you dislike about a base or new location, but you made memories, you made it your home. Mountain Home became my home. There are far too many memories that where made here. Some I cant wait to leave behind, but more I will hold dear to my heart for the rest of my life. I have met life long friends, that truly are my family. My son was born here! The most amazing memory that I can possibly be blessed with. He met his first friends and lived his first year and a half here. He made memories here as well. Although he probably wont remember them as we look back at pictures 18 years from now, they were still memories, even if they were mine of him growing up.

But its true, home really is where the Air Force sends us. We have to make it home. In order to feel at peace, and comfortable with our new location, we make it a home. We decorate our new home the way we love it. We make new friends that might or might not become life long ones. We make memories. It becomes our home, until we get orders again and the whole process starts over. As military wives, we learn to make the best out of our situations. Each and every one of them. We live with it, we make it our life.

As our time left here in Mountain Home gets shorter and shorter I have begun to grow extreamly emotional. Not only am I trying to make every last memory here in our home with our friends, Im doing it without my husband by my side to make the last memories as well. Im dreading leaving here if only because I will miss the friends who have become family, or the little things about this area that I DO enjoy. But Im also excited. Im excited to start over. To be in our first house that we bought in a location that is so near to family its almost unbelievable. Im excited to make new friends. But Im nervous too. I know there will be a time, maybe a month into moving, that I will miss here more then ever. When I havent met many friends yet due to not being by a base. OR just missing my old ones. The ones I went through so much with. The ones that know me just as well as I know myself. But I will get past it. I will always hold on to the memories here and stay close to those who have became our family. I will make new friends and make Sandusky our home. Maybe even more of a home then Mountain Home was.

Here is to new memories that will be made and new friendships that will form!!

Guest Blogger: Finding Work for Veterans

 I am extreamly excited to announce that I was able to get a Guest Blogger for this post!! Its PCS season everyone!! We know what that means, time for spouses to find another job. Something that every spouse dreads. Emma has written a great post about the Myths and Truths of the Job hunt for Spouses, as well as military members who are getting out of the military.

 I want to thank Emma For taking her time to write about something that is so important to military members and their families.

Finding Work for Veterans

There’s no doubt that many veterans are struggling to overcome some of the barriers to finding employment after completing military service. Fortunately, with the right approach, veterans can debunk some of the discouraging myths out there, and can find opportunities for employment in the recovering economy. It’s important for veterans to remain consistent and persistent in their job search.

Myth #1: There are no services out there that help veterans find civilian jobs.

Truth: There are several programs at the national level and located in local communities that are geared towards helping veterans and their families with making a living and finding work after the military. Many of these groups, like Hire Heroes USA, are actually made up of veterans that help other former servicemen and servicewomen get back on their feet and find rewarding jobs. These groups help with resumes and equip veterans with tools necessary to succeed in the workplace.

Myth #2: Asking for referrals is a waste of time.

Truth: Many people think that asking for referrals is too time consuming and may be viewed as an annoyance. However, most people are eager to reward hard work or exemplary character with a glowing referral. Many companies have made it even easier to get referrals or references by partnering with mobile recruiting companies like JIBE. These services allow you to ask for referrals by connecting directly to social media sites like Facebook and LinkedIn.

Myth #3: Veterans are best suited for jobs where they will be taking orders from a direct supervisor.

Truth: While most veterans have a history of answering orders from their superior officers, that doesn’t mean that they have to continue answering to someone else after leaving the military. Many choose to strike out on their own by opening up a small business. There are several programs available that will educate veterans on how to turn an idea into a start up venture and eventually a successful business.

Myth #4: It’s impossible to change your career path.

Truth: As technology and businesses continue to evolve, it is becoming more commonplace for people to change their occupation multiple times during their lifetime. Technology is creating more ways to do different jobs, while making others obsolete at the same time. Building transferable skills is helpful to veterans that may face a career change in the near future. Committing to plan of action is one of the most important things any veteran can do to ensure that they can build a successful long term career after their military service comes to an end.

You already know that the transition back into civilian life can be difficult alongside the burden of finding work to support your family. You’ll be far more successful if you stay positive and focus on achieving your own personal career goals. Put your efforts into finding jobs that are the best fit for you. Avoid wasting time listening to negative hearsay, and you are bound to succeed.

About the Author

Emma is a mid 20-something year old with a passion for life, love, fitness, and helping others. She loves to be active and get involved in as many sport and community activities as possible. Emma is currently studying to become a Career & Life Coach, and loves to network with people from around the world! Check out Emma’s blog at http://smileasithappens.blogspot.com/!