gift ideas, mil-spouse, mom, mother, motherhood

8 Mother’s Day Gifts for the MilSpouse in Your Life

March 30, 2018 No Comments

Whether you are looking for a gift for your mom, wife, something you can hint to the hubby or even for one of your best friends, the idea of supporting military spouse and/or veteran businesses while I’m gift giving makes me so happy! We have so many creative military spouses and veterans in our space that we can support. The list is probably extensive, but these are some of my favorites! Share yours in the comments below!

Designs by Katie Leigh ~ I met Katie just recently and I was so excited because this girls knows how to make jewelry! It’s affordable, well made and her customer service is stellar. If you have an questions or an issue she’s there and will do her best to answer or fix. You have probably seen her stuff all over my feed since I am a brand ambassador for her, but I can’t go anywhere in her stuff without someone commenting on it. Enter “Rheanna” on your checkout for a little surprise

Sword and Plough – I had the extreme pleasure of meeting the ladies behind this brand last year. Their motivation and company in general is so inspiring and I think that what they are doing is amazing. They have a commitment to donating a portion of their profits to support service members and their families through various organizations. They employ military veterans and spouses in every stage of their design and manufacturing. S&P uses recycled materials and packaging and have a goal to maintain a low carbon footprint, as well as manufacturing their bags in the good ‘ole USA!

This is the bag currently on my wish list!

Hope Designs Ltd – Lauren from HDL combines two of my favorite things jewelry and vintage brooches. You guys, seriously this stuff is so beautiful. I’ve been a brooch fan for a long time. Well before I had kids I would ask for brooches and wear them on my wool jackets in the winter time. Even now you will find a brooch on my nicer jackets. Its my thing and I love it. But Hope Designs is much more than just your grandma’s brooches. You can find earrings, bracelets and even men’s accessories, all celebrating our military lives of then and now. The items below are some of my favorite.

MasonChix – founded by a military spouse and special needs mom, purchasing from MasonChix will get you two things. First, it will get you an amazingly comfy and cute shirt (I have several), and second, you will be contributing to the purchase of special needs swings for playgrounds! You guys, if that doesn’t make you feel good about your purchase I’m not sure what will!

THEY ARE IN THE MIDDLE OF A HUGE SALE RIGHT NOW, TO GET READY FOR SPRING DESIGNS! SO HURRY AND SNAG A DEAL!!!

Daisy Fae Designs – I can’t remember where I first stumbled upon this shop. On one of my many late night Etsy rabbit holes most likely. But the bright colors and fun designs drew me in to this wonderful lady her company. I feel like the picture will say it all! You can find all sorts of fun designs including the adorable prickly pear and lemon prints in her Desert Collection! And don’t forget about the super adorable skinny scarf trend that is making a comeback! Adorable prints in that and traditional cowl scarf designs are available as well.

Bottle Breacher – One part self-defense, one part bottle opener? Put it on a keychain and color it pink?! I’m sold! I love my bottle breacher!! Plus, this isn’t just for mother’s day guys. Bookmark this one for promotion, retirement, birthday, wedding gifts, whatever! Full size bottle openers, Shirts, wine bottle openers, coolers. They’ve got it all.

Combat Flip Flops – Also someone I was so grateful to have spoken to and met last year was the founder of Combat Flip Flops. He and his wife are pretty amazing people, and the purpose of this company makes my heart melt. Buy any product and you are funding a day of education for an Afghan Woman. Buy any Peacemaker (Jewelry from their Peacemaker, be a better human line) and fund the clearance of 3sq meters of landmines. Buy a Perfect Circle (beautiful lapis lazuli bracelet – currently sold out) and employ American Gold Star families and Afghan war widows. Plus, their flip flops are just comfy…got mine in pink (are we surprised?) The ones pictured below are the ones I have. Super comfy and made with a combat boot outsole! Recycle and reuse my friends.

The Rosie Company – Founded by MilSpouses, The Rosie Company started out with these adorable planners – “The Rosie” and have branched out into so much more. They have apparel, accessories, cute pens and a ton more. I haven’t seen the planner up close and personal, but I have a lot of good things, especially for newer military spouses or new to paper planning. There are a ton of reviews out there for those interested in delving into the paper planner world (trust me, we know we are crazy). Check out all their products by clicking the link.

military, military life, milspouse

Milspouse Monday: Missing Out

January 29, 2018 No Comments

This is both a plea for forgiveness and a giant thank you for all my civilian friends. I’m looking at you, and I am so thankful for you. One of the hardest things for me in this crazy milspouse life might not be the most obvious. I’ve gotten used to the leaving and it doesn’t make me lose my mind like it once did. I think at the stage the kids are in we are busier, they “need” us less, and they are sleeping through the night {can I get an amen?}.

The thing that is the hardest about #militarylife isn't what you think it is - the leaving I'm used to - its the missing out that I'm not Click To Tweet

For me the hardest part is missing out. We’ve really grown a life here, more so than any other place that we’ve been. We are all happy, which is crazy!!! The kids are loving school and adjusted, hubby is loving his job, and I’ve got stuff. It’s amazing!! So when I have to miss out on events, parties, get-togethers it kills me a little bit inside. This isn’t just a byproduct of my military life. My personality is largely to blame. As a self-described sanguin I thrive on being around people. Lock me in the house for a couple days and I’ve become a shadow of the person I once was. I say things like “can we just go to the library as a family?” or “can we all go to Cost-Co together?” constantly to me sweet and adoring husband. I’m comfortable around large groups, comfortable in taking the lead – all good qualities. The downside is that when I don’t get out, don’t see people I fall apart a little inside. I withdraw and feel alone. I worry constantly that these people don’t like me anymore, that somehow in the rat race of life they’ve decided that me missing an event or two means that I obviously hate them and their only recourse is not be my friend anymore. It’s insanity!! If they don’t reach out to me it must be over. Another part of my personality is that of “The Reacher”. A topic I’ve discussed before, and one that is close to my heart.

Life isn’t a one-way road!

I’m constantly feeling like I’m the reacher! I’m the texter, the caller, the get-together put together-er {its a word, I’ve decided}. I know that its mostly in my head, but its a very real feeling. To feel like you’re the one moving the friendship along. That if I suddenly stopped texting and calling said person I’d never hear from them again. And while that may be true in some cases, I know its not for everyone. I tell myself I should just chill. Calm the heck down Rheanna!! But I usually don’t do a very good job. And while I’m able to keep my anxiety at bay most of the time these day, it is during these times when military life has reared its ugly head that my anxiety does also.

So to all my civilian, and military friends, THANK YOU, from the bottom of my heart. For being in my life, for dealing with the crazy, and for being understanding. I make a plea for myself and for all the military spouses you might know that many of us feel this way. And we ask, so very selfishly, to not forget about us. When we can’t go somewhere, or do something, don’t forget about us. Keep inviting us, keep showing up in our lives. Because you know what happens if you do? You’ll get on of the most loyal and steadfast friends you could find. We will be there in a moment’s notice. We know how to rally the troops, get a meal chain going, load of the kids at all hours and head over to your house. We welcome you in to crash on the couch, we’ll feed you amazing meals and just be there for you. It might not always be easy being our friend, but I promise that in the end we think its worth it!

amazon fashion, beauty products, book review, review

Favorite Things for 2018!

January 17, 2018 No Comments

We are about half-way into the first month of 2018! So, it’s a great time to share some of my favorite things that you should try, read and get for the new year.

First up, beauty supplies! 2017 was the year of trying all the beauty supplies. I can’t even begin to tell you how many I’ve tried this year. From cleansers, to lipsticks, and even some muscle rub!

beauty supplies

REDKEN No Blow Dry NBD – Since blow drying my hair is my least favorite thing to do, even at its short length, when I spied something specifically meant for that I jumped at the chance to give it a try! This stuff is actually designed to help your hair air-dry faster, while being able to style it! I use it every day. There are three formulas – for thick hair, find hair and medium hair. available at ulta and amazon
Skinfood Egg White Pack, Korean Skin Care – I have several Korean friends that are always raving about Korean skin care products. This is my first one, and I’m going to head back for some more. This product is basically like a Biore strip, although I felt like it worked so much better. Plus, I love a brand that prides itself on quality ingredients, working with eco-friendly and responsible farmers across the world. That’s something I can get behind. available at ulta, skinfood.com, and amazon
Clinque Take the Day Off cleansing balm – I picked this up on whim in the check out at Ulta. You know how that happens. This little tiny purple container is literally amazing! It is light, doesn’t make me greasy and goes a long way. It does a pretty fantastic job on my color-stay lipsticks and eye make-up. available at Ulta and amazon
AP24 Whitening Flouride Toothpaste – Now I’m going to admit to you right off the bat that I totally committed the ultimate blogger sin and didn’t do a before an after photo. But lets be real, I’ve got three kids and life is crazy!!! I head about this from my girlfriend who competes in the Mrs. America pageants. She raves about it. So I’ve been using it, with the kiddos as well. I definitely would recommend this to anyone looking for something like this. It takes good, my kids like it, and it does an amazing job at whitening teeth without harmful peroxides. available from an independent rep, NuSkin.com or amazon (for an amazing price!)
RimmelLondon Provocolips 16 Hr Kiss Proof Lipstick – Obsessed is probably a light way of explaining how much I love this lipstick. I think I have about six colors and I wouldn’t mind adding in some more. While being a lover of lipstick means I have a lot in my collection, I also love my husband. So my first foray into kissable lips was when I got married thirteen years ago, and I’ve been on a constant hunt ever since. Of all the ones I’ve tried recently Rimmel’s Kiss Proof knocks it out of the park. It goes on smooth, doesn’t automatically adhere to your teeth (which I had found with similar brands), and while it is Kiss Proof I don’t have to take one million layers off my lips to get it to come off. Go get some!!! available at most drug stores (CVS, Walgreens, rimmellondon.com and amazon (i linked my favorite color)
Cover Girl TruNaked Smokey Eye Pallet – this is a brand new product I got to try thanks to Influenster (if you don’t use Influenster you have to give it a try! You don’t need a blog – use my referral link ) The pigment on these colors is crazy amazing and this is perfect for creating those smokey eye looks for date night! available at drug stores and amazon
Revitalift Intensive Overnight Mask – Oh man I love this stuff! Being honest with myself about taking care of my skin as I settle into my mid-thirties was a battle. But here I am, accepting it, and valuing the amazing skin genetics has given me by not taking that for granted. Extra bonus of this is that it keeps my skin looking and feeling amazing in these brutal East Coast winters! Yuck! This California girl does not like what this weather does to my skin. $24.99 seems steep but when you are investing in the future of your skin, its totally reasonable. available at CVS, Walgreen and Amazon
Sugar + Spruce Muscle Rub – previously known as Ladyburg, Sugar + Spruce is a military family owned business located in Fredricksburg, Virginia. I love love love this place! I may just make a whole post devoted to all the products I love from them. For all of you that are re-dedicating yourself to getting back to the gym or running (like me) this is exactly what you need. Make with pure and quality oils infused with natural muscle soothers like Capscian and St John’s Wart, this is my go to product post-workout.

clothing

Frumos Palazzo Pants – These pants are life, and I secretly dub them my period pants. When I’m tried of wearing leggings these are my pants! I’m already trying to decide what color I’m going to order these in next. They are so comfortable and I’m excited to style them for all types of occasions, not just lounging around the house (available in plus size!!) Way to go amazon fashion! click image to purchase

2. Leggings Depot Leggings – I was on the hunt for some plain black leggings that were buttery soft and I had heard from someone that they had gotten some leggings off Amazon. Since I now apparently buy everything on Amazon, why not give it a shot! They aren’t see through and they didn’t fall apart in the first wash so I could that as a win. click image to purchase

Books

Jamie Farrell, Officer’s Ex-Wives Series – I love this series and I keep bugging her to write more! If you’re looking for a fun series to read this year add this to your list. Her Rebel Heart is book one.
Jamie Farrell, Misfit Brides Series – I may be a little partial to Jamie. She’s a fellow military spouse and a lover of all things southern (including Luke Bryan, so you know…). Blissed is book one.
Kim Mills, Way Home Series – Another military spouse, but this time Canadian, Kim Mills is a new writer on the scene and her books are fabulous! There are two books in the series, All the Way Home is book one.
Finding Chandra Levy – If you like true crime, this was on my list for 2017. It’s written well and an easy read. I picked it up, having known some of about the case since I was living near where she was from at the time of the case. Now that I’m living in Washington, DC I thought it was time to pick this up and see what I could learn.
The Killer of Little Shepherds – This is a true crime genre book all about the birth of Forensic Science, and the case involved in the creation.
Becoming Winston Churchill – My mom read a book about WC, so I too set out looking for one. If you also were a fan of The Crown and became intrigued by this interesting character, that was towards the end of his life during that story line, I suggest you learn a little bit more about the great man.

Deployment, military, military life, milspouse

A New Year, A New Me and a New You! {MilSpouse Wellness Summit}

January 7, 2018 No Comments

I’m about a week late to the party. The obligatory “New Year’s” post that one must publish when you’re a blogger. My new me was postponed when I promptly became sick on January 2nd. It’s now a week later and I’m still sick, having transitioned from some sort of fever virus to a sinus infection. Murphy has moved in forever apparently. But I’ve got big plans for 2018! Along with the obvious resolutions – move more, eat better, be present – I’m excited to kick off the year with goal of self-care. I think most moms can relate to this. Your life is about your family and your children and self-care falls somewhere at the very end of the list when your children are asleep.

How do you practice ‘self-care’ when you are a busy mom, solo-parenting a lot of the time, and with a lot on your plate? First thing you can do is register for the Military Spouse Wellness Summit 2018! I’m so excited for this virtual summit. This will be my third summit, and it is always an amazing experience. You can join me and fellow military spouses, military girlfriends, wives of firefighters and police officers, as we join together in a united goal of taking care of ourselves. The MSWS will focus on full-body, all inclusive health – mind, body and soul. And as cheesy as that might sound, the organizers behind thing amazing summit know what they are doing.

Host, Corie Weathers, a licensed professional counselor, will take us through our week-long journey of wellness. Joined by guests like Laura Casey, reserve spouse, founder of Southern Weddings and Write the Word Journals; Tiffany Smiley, Caregiver spouse and founder of Hope Unseen and Jess Atkins, founder of the StyleBook app, a virtual closest organizer, I guarantee you will have an amazing experience. Find balance, tools to prevent the burnout – all things that I need to be reminded of my life.

I’ve shared my story many times on this blog, giving snippets of my life a little at a time. Everyone’s military life is unique and mine is no exception. At times it is rough and each year is different. 2018 is going to be one of those rough years I think, but my hope is that this summit sets things up so that I have the tools to cope with things that life throws at me. I know it won’t be perfect, but what I do know is that with my family, friends and faith will help carry me through.

Register for the Summit here! General admission is free, VIP registrations are still available. TODAY is the last day to receive 65% off with code: TRIBE