My Face Is Falling Off...A Preview

I've been talking about it all week! My face is falling off...for real! I got a chemical peel and more "work" is on the way. This is just a preview of what is yet to come. 

Pretty gross huh? You ain't seen nothin' yet! I'll be sharing the whole transformation shortly. 

Be sure to stop by and feel my pain.

Sunday Sanity: My Week In Sparkles #8

It's been a rough week. I've been playing catch up (not to be confused with all the ketchup used on all of the hamburgers and hot dogs I've been serving because there has been no time for real meals) all week. I went away to Bloggy Boot Camp in Dallas last weekend and I tuned out of social all together. That was a good thing, but I'm incredibly behind! I have posts to write, I have work to do, and most importantly, I have family time to catch up on. I took some time at the spa for ME this week as well, and it was very needed, but it too put me far behind. So I was stressing. What could I find to sparkle about this week? 

As always, my family came through in a pinch and they sparkled up my world even when they didn't know they were doing it! On any given Saturday, B went to the store for some stuff I needed. I didn't NEED flowers, but they showed up, and they sparkled.

A dozen of these make me smile every time!

And the weekend moved on. We had to stay in for reasons that will become evident in the coming weeks. B watched football and ran my errands while I stayed at this little black box and played catch up. That was sparkly enough.

But it was Sunday evening and there was nothing for dinner. As I turned from my computer to ask if ordering pizza was OK, I saw the most amazing sight. It was quiet, and it was beautiful, and it was all that I love in this world minus 2. 

They had fallen asleep.

And so had he!

I should have jolted to my computer and caught up on some work. I should have started to fix dinner. I should have gone grocery shopping. But instead, I reveled in the beauty and I just enjoyed the moment. 

Sometimes it's just best to sit back and enjoy the beauty in your life and forget about the chaos. Tonight I did just that!

Enjoy the beauty, love your "NOW", and embrace the moment. And as always, Sparkle On!

It's OK to Use the "M" Word If You Have a Toddler #PoiseFab5

Y'all know what I'm talking about if you have a toddler. We spell EVERYTHING! I wouldn't dare SAY pool or park in front of Bubby because his excitement would be overwhelming until the minute we were able to go to these places. Instead, I spell them...out loud...to B like I'm in some Spelling Bee or something. Example: Do you want to take the kids to the P-O-O-L this afternoon? Saves everyone a lot of heartache and drama.

Unfortunately we, as adults, apply this same principle to uncomfortable topics in our own lives. We just don't talk about things that aren't socially acceptable, or that might touch on heartache or drama. We push them under the rug, we hide in the closet, and we spell them in our heads. So let's put this out there, shall we? 

I'm 45 years old (oh how I want to spell that so it's in code and you don't get it), I'm the mother of 6, my youngest is only 3 years old, and I'm in full blown M-E-N-O-P-A-U-S-E! I shared this with you almost a year ago when my Bubby turned 3 years old but I've ignored it ever since. It's not a FUN subject, it's not funny. But it's a reality and it's time I come out of the closet and stop being ashamed. I am not alone. 

September is Menopause Awareness Month and I'm tired of hiding. I'm no longer ashamed and I want to talk about it! It's just another phase in my life. I survived puberty and I'll survive this too. It's nothing but a "thang". I decided to do this with a B-A-N-G and I wanted to share it with y'all here. Let's dispel the myth that Menopause is an issue for little old ladies because that's just not true.

The facts might just surprise you:

• Perimenopause, or menopause transition, is a stage of a woman's life that starts several years before Menopause when the ovaries gradually begin to produce less estrogen. It generally starts in a woman's 40's but can start in a woman's 30's...OR EARLIER!
• The average length of Perimenopause is 4 years but can last as little as 3 months, or continue for up to 10 years.
• Perimenopause ends one year after a woman has gone 12 months without a period, at which time a woman officially enters Menopause.

So where am I going with this and why? Do I have a point? Of course I do! If you are going through Menopause, you'll want to listen. If you are having symptoms, you'll want to listen. If you think you are too young for this but you are approaching 30, you NEED to listen! You don't have to be ashamed because this is inevitable. We were born women, we entered puberty, we were fertile, a lot of us gave birth, and we will all go through Menopause. SO WHAT! The only problem is that so many women are not prepared for the C-H-A-N-G-E. They don't know what to do with the "flashes", they don't know how to deal with the lack of sexual drive. Why? Because they have no clue what they are in for and how to deal with these mysterious and unexpected changes when they hit.

Thanks to Poise more and more women know what's coming their way. They have introduced The 2nd Talk and have challenged us all to put it out there. Stop spelling the words. We can, we should, we HAVE to talk about this. We no longer have to hide in the closet in shame like our mothers did. It's a fact of life and there is NOTHING wrong with us. We aren't "sick", we are just transitioning in to this next phase in our lives, and it's not that bad!

It's becoming common place for women to have children later in life (30+), and more and more of us are having a 2nd set of children at an advanced age (like me). This means that more and more of us are experiencing Perimenopause or full blown Menopause while we have toddlers of our own. Let's talk! Ask your Mom what to expect, share it with your younger friends. No one needs to be in the dark anymore. Let's stop spelling the words, or not even talking about them at all. 

If you are experiencing hot flashes (Oy...these things are brutal) Poise has products to help you with that! I'm here to tell you that their Body Cooling Towelettes have helped me so much over the past few nights since I found out they exist. The hot flashes have plagued me (no exaggeration at all...these things have been PLAGUING me for the past 4 years) and this product gives me immediate relief. Thankfully, I haven't started having other issues with sexual dysfunction and the like, but if you do, Poise has products for you too! Grab a coupon at Walmart and try them out for yourself. You can thank me later! You can check out my full shopping experience if you want to see what the babies and I were able to find.

I have the Poise products at home. I'm using the Cooling Towelettes now and I'm happy to have a couple of the other products on hand for when they're needed. Menopause is a mysterious beast, and you never know when the next phase or issue is going to strike. I'm prepared. Are you?

The full line of Poise Feminine Wellness Products includes:

• Poise Roll-On Cooling Gel
• Poise Body Cooling Towelettes
• Poise Feminine Wash
• Poise Panty Freshener
• Poise Personal Lubricant

And thanks to the great people at Poise, I got the awesome opportunity to have the 2nd talk with someone on the "cusp". I live in my computer and I have so many friends in here. I was excited that I got to meet one of these friends in real life last weekend at Bloggy Boot Camp. Kristi Reddell from Moms Confession is so much fun and we had an immediate connection. She's only 32, and I'm older than that, so when Poise said I could bring anyone I wanted to a spa for the 2nd talk, I knew I wanted to bring Kristi. We'd already had the talk in Dallas. She knows she's not too young to think about this and I think she's prepared! It was time to celebrate our new friendship!

We met up at Zen Salon and Laser Spa for a little relaxation. We had very different things in mind. Kristi was going to relax with a full-body massage, and I was going to get a consult on my face. You see, once you hit Menopause, there is little you can do about the progression of age on your face. I'm vain. Shush...we all are. I wanted to find out if they could help! 

Turns out they can. I'm not into surgery and changing who I am, but I would love a more youthful appearance and Tammy was totally ready to help. After a lengthy discussion, she decided that we needed to start with a chemical peel. So while Kristi was relaxing and getting a massage, I was laying in my room, with my toddler in tow, getting chemically peeled in hopes that my new layers would give me a youthful glow.

Bubby was a good sport, as always, and sat in for the peel. It didn't take long at all.

When Kristi and I met back up in the lobby, she gushed about her massage. She looked so relaxed. I, on the other hand, was yellow with bad hair. We were both so happy with our experience though and we have nothing but Menopause, the 2nd Talk, and Poise to thank for this fabulous bonding experience! See? It does feel good to talk about it! It brings people together and I'm not embarrassed or ashamed that I shared my "problems" with Kristi...or YOU!

It's a life event. Embrace it! Menopause might not be all fun and games (although I'd be remiss if I didn't mention that not having periods ROCKS!), but it is nothing to be ashamed of! There are discomforts, there are mood swings, and oh my stars there are hot flashes. But there's Poise to handle my discomfort, and the spa can tackle the rest! Both have allowed me to embrace the beautiful, menopausal me! Embrace YOU, no matter what phase of life you are in. Not a one of us has a moment to waste and sweating (especially during the hot flashes) the small stuff, just isn't worth it!

Menopausal, hot flashy, wrinkly, or yellow...it doesn't matter...it's good to be me! Seriously, let's talk about it! M-E-N-O-P-A-U-S-E...it's not a dirty word and there's no need to spell it anymore, even if you have a toddler in the house!

Be sure to stay tuned. I have more "work" scheduled on my face in the coming weeks thanks to this inspiration from Poise. I'm happy to be out of the closet. I've been introduced to a wonderful product and an awesome spa and I'm taking full advantage of both. I'll be back to share my facial transformation. Y'all come back now, ya hear? You won't want to miss the pictures of my face falling off!

Disclaimer: I am a member of the Collective Bias™ Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias™ and Poise. All ideas, opinions, and photos are entirely my own. #CBias #SocialFabric #PoiseFab5

No It's NOT Raining...It's HOT Here in Texas!

Every day we walk to and from school. Every day, we see umbrellas. Every day Bubby asks the same question. "Is it raining Mommy?". Every day it's the same reply. "It's NOT raining Bubby, it's just hot here in Texas.". 

I get confused too. Umbrellas are to keep the rain off of you, not the sun. But here? It's a different story. Umbrellas are for shade. Even the kids abide by the local rule! 

I don't get it, much like Bubby. If you don't like the sun and heat, why do you live in Texas? Maybe everyone should just pack their umbrellas and head up north. Either way, this photo, this entire scene, of these girls succumbing to the ways of The Woods?  Well, it cracks me up!

And no, Bubby, it's not raining, it's just hot here in Texas! Get out your umbrella and enjoy it!

Sunday Sanity: My Week In Sparkles

LOL...that is all!

S0 much sparkled in my life this week, more to come later. But seriously, this was sparkle hour right here! Made me laugh to the point of tears and I felt a HUGE sparkle moment! 

What sparkled in your world this week?

My Hot Mess is 6...She'll Be Driving in NO Time!

Bug at 1 year old...awwee...isn't she precious?!?!

Today my Bug turns 6 years old and I can hardly believe it. You see, in that picture above (please excuse the quality, I do believe that was a flip phone...nice!), my baby was just 1 year old. She was my world and I was hers. Those of you that have had children later in life understand what I mean by that. I cherished this little cherub and couldn't stand to spend one moment away from her. The first time I dropped her off at daycare when she was 8 weeks old, the whole family had to tag along and try to console me in the parking lot as I sobbed. Think nervous breakdown, because I think I actually had one that day! Other than while I was at work, Bug and I were inseparable. Seriously, she was MY.WORLD!

But now, my little angel on earth is 6! Sometimes I feel like more of a nuisance than anything else to her. I mean, she still loves me, but I'm hardly her world. She has friends, school, and other interests that just don't include me. Her Daddy is her favorite (SIGH) and I'm just there to walk her to school, clean up her messes, wash her clothes, cook her meals...you know...all of that Mommy stuff. She does appreciate and love me but it's just not the same and she's growing up to fast!

You see, since I have the big girls, I know that this photo will become a reality in the glimpse of an eye and my baby girl will be driving away, hopefully to college. I won't be her world at all then, not even close! And so today, I celebrate Bug's 6th birthday with a happy heart for the little lady she is becoming and I'm very proud of her independence. She's doing so well in school and maturing at the speed of light. But forgive this Momma for wishing that time would reverse a little and take us back to a time and place where me and a cookie was all she'd ever need!

Happy Birthday Bug! You are loved more than the world is big, more than the sky is blue, more than the ocean's deep...that's how much Mommy loves YOU!

And Soon She'll Be 6...SIGH!

On Friday, my Bug will turn 6. That's a big number. She can no longer be considered a baby, a toddler, a preschooler...she will be SIX! How did this happen? Where has the time gone? How did I blink my eyes and this child that was born YESTERDAY is now on the cusp of 6?

I'm happy and sad all at the same time! As parents, we love to see our children grow and flourish but at the same time, it's difficult. She has her own friends, separate from my life. She has her own opinions, and she does not need me like she used to. Yes, it's still "Mommy can I?" every 5 minutes or so, but it's just "Mommy can I have  drink?" (that she can get for herself) or "Mommy can I have some fruit snacks?" (that she can reach on the shelf now). There is no more of that she can't survive without me syndrome.

I'm happy, and I'm proud of her, but part of me wants to hear her say "Mommy, Can I?" and know that she CAN'T without me. Is that so wrong? I'm one of those horrible moms that wants to hold on forever. Yes, I know she's not ready for the world and that I will have her around for years to come to bless my world, but it stings a little (lot) to know that "Mommy can I?" is not a necessary phrase in her vocabulary anymore.

Sunday Sanity, My Week In Sparkles #6

So what sparkled in your week? Today was sparkly (other than a little bout caused by the drama queen when she made Bug cry at her own birthday party...really...I should be used to this by now but I'm not).

We went to Chunk N Cheese (so says the Bubby) and it was fun...and expensive...OY! The babies had a blast and so did I! Bug's birthday is not until Friday but as y'all know, I am leaving on Friday so we celebrated this weekend. And I do believe the Chuck E. Cheese Curse has been broken so we'll be going back again!

This horse ride must have been scary! Look at B's face! Heavens to Mergatroid!

And Bubby played a little Skee Ball...fair and square!

OK, not so much but it was funny and even the employees were laughing!

But when it came to the rides, Bubby got serious!

It was a good day and it sparkled despite the nonsense! I'm truly hoping your week sparkled too! 

What are your favorite memories and/or sparkles from the week?  I'd love to hear about them!

♪♫ I'm Goin' Through the Big D and Do Mean Dallas ♫♪

So I've been doing this little bloggy thing for about a year and a half now, and I kind of have a Cinderella story going on. You might have guessed, I'm a fan of the whole princess story thing so living that dream is kind of...well...a dream to me!

A little over 3 years ago, we made the move from Georgia to Texas and it was a HUGE step for our family. I wasn't going to work. We would be a one-income household and we would struggle so that I could stay at home with the babies. This was a tough but conscious decision. And we did struggle, and we gave up a LOT. A once 2-vehicle family was now a 1-vehicle family, and that in itself was a challenge. We muddled through, we grumbled about our poverty, we struggled. 

At times we were broken. I didn't share that with you then because it was too painful, but my family broke completely and we went through a separation. That is not the fairy tale that I wanted to live nor share. So I didn't. I suffered through it and somehow we made it through that rough spot and found our way back to our marriage and family. I'm glad. 

But back on topic we go. I was blogging, typing little ditties from my life. People were following along and seemed entertained but that wasn't paying the bills. Then...I got accepted into the most fabulous community! Social Fabric came in to my life and nothing has been the same since!

You see this community, owned and operated by an incredible Social Shopper Media Company, Collective Bias, has changed my world. I was a teeny tiny, brand new blogger but they saw potential and they took me in to the fold. They coached me, they gave me opportunities, they pumped me, and they helped me grow. They valued my content over numbers. They valued ME! The support group within this community is amazing and I have gained some true and lasting friendships through my association. I began "shopping" for them and telling you all about my experiences with some pretty awesome brands. And people listened. How incredible is that? I did this for a while and I was happy, and I had money coming in to help ease my family's burden. The entire burden no longer laid on B's shoulders alone (my prince had been carrying too much)!

I entrenched myself in this community and I gave them my all! And you know what? They appreciated me! They afforded me even more opportunities. They allowed ME to lead others (bless their little hearts) and run campaigns for them. I have been doing this lead gig for quite some time with various awesome brands and I dig it! I love working with others, and I love to talk, and that's exactly what I get to do in this role. I promote brands that I love through the meaningful words of bloggers that I adore. And if you can believe it, I get paid to do what I love. Yes, Cinderella story indeed!

And then, near the beginning of the year, I was afforded the opportunity to contract through a division of Collective Bias called cbSocially. I'm a contract worker on a long-term basis and I get to work with an incredible group of ladies. I feel so blessed to have found all of these people and I pinch myself often for fear that I'm asleep. But those pinches hurt so I know I am living my Cinderella dream. 

I'm helping to support my family, I'm at home with my babies, and I have a pretty steady income. What could be better than that you ask? Well, I'm here to tell you!

A couple of months ago, I got an email from one of the most beautiful women I know (but unfortunately, have never met in real life). Courtney Velasquez from Discovering Arkansas (who just so happens to be the VP of the Social Fabric Community) sent me a simple email. "Are you going to Bloggy Boot Camp in Dallas? Can I sponsor you?". Hello floor, I have fallen on you and I can't get up! My response: Can you? I can't believe you'd want to but I am honored and I accept with a huge smile on my face!

These people are sending me on a big adventure. I will be heading to Dallas this coming Friday for a tremendous learning experience. I will be networking and I will figure out how to make this little dot on the internet grow! 

If you're on the Twitter, you can follow my adventures by stalking the hashtag #BBCDal. If you aren't, you know I'll be pumping photos and updates to Facebook and I'll be sure to stop back by here when I get home to share all of the fun and details with y'all!

In the meantime, I have all of my sparkle notebooks, sparkle pens, sparkle pencils, and whatever other sparkles I can muster gathered to pack up for the trip. I'm not overly excited to be leaving B and the babies (note: I've never left them over night before and I'll miss them...wish us ALL luck) but I'm excited for the adventure!

And I just can't thank Courtney, Collective Bias, and Social Fabric enough for this opportunity. I'm honored, I'm excited, and I promise I won't embarrass you while I'm there (What? I can act like a grown up when I want to!). Oh wait, I forgot the most fabulous part of all...I get to meet Courtney...in real life! I'm not a hugger, but she better watch out because she's getting one from me this time!

Look out Dallas...Here I come!

Disclosure: Although I have received sponsorship for Bloggy Boot Camp Dallas, this post was not solicited. I am writing this from my heart to show my appreciation to Collective Bias, Courtney from Discovering Arkansas, and my Social Fabric family. All opinions are my own. And a special thanks to my own family for putting up with my long hours as I grow and build this new venture in my life! You rock B, Bug, and Bubby...without you, I am nothing!

My Heart! It's Not Wordless, but it's Wednesday!

We have a tradition in the blogging world called Wordless Wednesday! We're supposed to post a photo, with no words, that moved us throughout the week. I'm not good with NO words. You know me better than that!

My Bubby often renders me speechless with his sheer beauty! He amazes me with his kind heart and his intellect. I admire this 3 year old and I am blessed that he is in my life. I thank him often. 

And when he sleeps, I value his beauty even more. I admire his greatness. This boy (that whines too much) rocks my world, and his beauty amazes me on a daily basis. He is beautiful, inside and out.

So this Wednesday, I post in honor of the fabulous Bubby...with too many words. I love this boy and the world is a better place because he is in it! Sparkle on and enjoy what makes you happy! Wordless or not, it doesn't matter. Share with the rest of us. We'd love to see what made you happy this week!

Sunday Sanity...My Week In Sparkles #5

What sparkled in your world this week? Well I had a lot of sparkles this week. Bug did great in school which in itself, sparkled! But my personal sparkles? Well, they were simple and they actually sparkled! Exhibit 1: Sparkle Thumb with rhinestone that looks like a hole in the nail if held correctly in the light. Cool, I know!

Exhibit 2: Tinkerbell Green sparkle fingers galore. Yes, it's the simple things in life and every few weeks, I indulge in new sparkles. THIS was the week! I chose green! Good choice, no?

Exhibit 3: I even got a new do which is a very rare occasion for sure. And B paid for it all by his own insistence. Gotta love a good week and you just have to appreciate the sparkles!

I'm overwhelmed with this week's sparkles and I appreciate each and every one! So tell me, what sparkled in your week? Sparkly minds want to know!

Sparkle On,

Bug Got Silver!

The coloring stinks, I know. But the coloring is NOT important here. Note: Bug got silver! That's right, the best of the best of conduct at school. MY BUG! You can't be nearly as surprised as I am! This hot mess of mine, this rule breaker? She was PERFECT for her first week of school. I called to confirm and it's true! S0 proud!

She got extra recess time for her accomplishment and that's good enough for her (and me). I'm just oh.so.proud! Who would have guessed that my little rule breaker would be the PERFECT student? Not me for sure! Fingers crossed it lasts!

I posted this on Facebook because that's what I do and I was proud (yes, I've said proud entirely too much already, but I can't help it, I'm proud...OY, said it again). I saw the comments pour in and I appreciated the encouragment. But then a comment from a good friend popped in there and I teared up. I always wonder if I'm doing right by my kids. I'm a Mom, that's what we do. We worry, and we wonder. We do the best we can and hope that we are serving our children well. So when I saw this comment, I felt somewhat validated, from another Mom, from a counselor!

• Heather Halstead A counselor told me if they push boundaries at home, that's because they feel the safest there. If they push boundaries at school, it's because they don't have an outlet at home. :) See, you're a great mama!

I know I'm not a great momma but that statement hit home! There was a time in my life when I wasn't there for my kids (I worked way too many hours away from the home) and my babies acted out at school.  MY FAULT!  Now, I'm here for them and they are unruly, wild little boogers, but I'm here for them! That statement above? It couldn't be more true and I'm thankful that it was pointed out to me.

My Bug might be a hot mess here, but I've taught her well. She knows what to do and she's got this thing! Rock on with your bad SILVER self Bug and if you have to act out, do it where you feel safe! Momma loves you no matter what! I just wish you didn't trust me so much at home! This momma could use a little break when you're here!

Hey, did I mention I was proud? I am! Sparkle On!