Beauty Blogger #VoxBox Thanks @Influenster!

Well, I think I've finally used and abused just about everything in my Influenster Beauty Blogger Voxbox! So I'm ready to share "the good, the so-so, and the I think I'll pass" with you lovelies.

1.  Kiss Ever Pro Lashes Starter Kit ($5.99) - This was my FAVORITE product that came in the box.  Not only are the lashes lightweight and easy to apply, they are made from human hair so they look and feel natural.  The adhesive is latex-free and holds for 24 hours!  Falsies were never easier to wear!

2. Bath & Body Works Mini Candles ($3.50) - The candle I received came in the Nutmeg & Spice scent and I seriously wanted to eat it.  I mean, totally delicious smelling.  I've used the candle 5-6 times for several hours and its still not used up.  The scent is perfect for a small space like the bathroom.  I've seen a few sales on the web for these mini candles - but even better you can get a big version of the same scent!

3. Not Your Mother's Kinky Moves Curl Defining Hair Cream ($6.00) - This product I would pass on. I tried it both on my hair which is naturally wavy but fine, as well as my daughter's spiral curls - it didn't really control frizz or define curls for either of us.

4.  Boots No. 7 Beautiful Skin Cleansing Lotion ($8.49) & Night Cream ($13.49) - I thought the lightness of the product was a welcome change compared to most night creams.  It was interesting using the cleanser which is a lotion that you wipe off without ever using water.  I think I'm still on the fence but would likely try more of their product.

5.  NYC New York Color IndividualEyes Custom Compact ($4.99) - I love the portability of having all that you need for a single look in one compact, but I didn't necessarily love the color scheme of mine.  I think the best part of this is the included eyeshadow primer and highlighter.

6.  Goody Simple Styles Spin Pin ($7.29) - These pins are really neat, I just don't have enough hair to really play around with them.  I did use them in Zion's hair but found it to be difficult to get them to hold her hair - she has so much of it.  I think if you have a lot of hair, and reasonably long you might love these!

Overall, I really enjoyed the Influenster Beauty Blogger VoxBox.  I received the products totally free to try but all of these opinions are my own.

Avoid the 'Nightmare Before Christmas' With Early Holiday Shopping

We all know the last minute Christmas shopping routine by now-- Rush out of the house at 10 a.m. with your coffee, wait forever to find a parking space at Target or Walmart and hope to come back home with gifts sometime before 10 p.m.! Late shoppers, why torture yourself by wasting an entire day among hoards of other last-minute shopping “crazies” and risk trampling injuries? Do yourself a favor and start a little earlier this year, not a day or a week early, but two whole months early and look forward to an organized “Christmas Countdown.” Start your Christmas shopping in October, and you will be amazed at how enjoyable it can be. Here's why:

More Time to Prepare for the Holiday

The best thing about doing holiday shopping in October is that with the task out of the way, you'll be able focus your energy on preparations for the coming season. You'll also have plenty of time to exchange or return gifts or decorations if needed, and you can assemble everything in a timely manner. Instead of spontaneously grabbing any holiday card in site from the row of greeting cards at the pharmacy, do something out of the ordinary. Find a specialty card from a holiday store or create your own greeting. For example, Minted.com holiday cards give you the option of incorporating your own photos in the greeting, making for a highly personable and crafty creation. With early shopping, you'll also be left with time to make other crafts like dinner table centerpieces and around-the-house decorations that will dazzle your home and win over your guests.

Shorter Check Out Lines

There's nothing like navigating through the store with a full shopping cart to find a clear checkout line and a cashier that doesn't look like he or she is having a nervous breakdown. If you do your holiday shopping as early as October, you'll be able to take advantage of time flexibility and better store conditions. You'll have less of a chance of having to deal with long lines of impatient shoppers, refunds and checkout errors. Online shopping is another option that is easier to do early in the season and will alleviate the need for trips to the store altogether. With the hefty amount of time ahead of you, you can compare gift prices online to find the most affordable purchases. There are resources like Cyber Monday that can be helpful, as they list all the best deals and coupons for major retail outlets.

Peace of Mind

I don't know about you, but for me there's something about last-minute holiday shopping and the knowledge that everyone's in the store for the same reason that kind of gets under my skin. Maybe it's the relentless passer-by chatter of “Welp, it's that time of year again, huh?” Or maybe it's the fact that last-minute shoppers are stressed and frantic and sometimes flat-out mean. A store full of procrastinating shoppers has a certain chaotic, angry feel to it. Why go shopping for happy holiday gifts in an unhappy and stressful environment? Starting your holiday shopping in October is a much smoother alternative, allowing for more focus and peace of mind. It can be inspiring and fun to go browsing for holiday gifts before Halloween even starts.

If you methodically plot out your holiday shopping well in advance, you can have a stress-free holiday season. With all of the craziness that ensues in that special month, why would anyone want to add more craziness by doing your shopping last minute? December should be spent with your family, relatives and friends. It should be enjoyed to max and taken one day at a time with winter trips, ice skating in the park, taking long romantic walks with your special someone and preparing delicious dinners. You should be making sure you and your loved ones are having the time of your lives... Not waiting in lines for hours at department stores!

Contributed by:

Heather Wood

Heather is a blogger and Twitter fanatic who follows anything that has to do with home interiors.

Thoughts on Trying to Conceive Non-Traditional Baby Shower Ideas

This post could also be titled, "waaaahhhh I wanteeeeee baby now!!!!" But don't worry, I'm not going to get all ugly-cry on you, not just yet anyway.  It seems as though when you really want something to happen (read: a new car, marriage, baby) everyone seems to have or be getting what you want.

I mean just in the last month I've heard of at least 4 new pregnancies of people I am acquainted with.  And I'm not jealous, I'm sincerely thrilled for these ladies, but it does leave that question of wonder.  More like a mix between bewilderment and frustration.  I mean, seriously, you do all these things in your adolescent years to prevent pregnancy (unless you abstained - God knows I wish I had, but that is for another post)...and then you get married and you have your first baby rather unexpectedly and then you think okay great, it's time for another.  You start actually trying to make it happen and then ... nada.

They say to give it a full year of best effort before looking into it, but man is that hard to do when your biological clock is ticking like crazy.  Needless to say, I'm not pregnant yet.  But, I'm ready.  And I'm not desperate or discouraged but believing and waiting on God for His timing.  It is so hard to wait for those things which our heart's so eagerly desire!  So to all of you that are waiting for something right now...just know...I feel you!

On that note, thought it would be fun to share some Non-traditional Baby Shower Ideas predicted by Beau-coup!

1. Diaper Showers

How it works: Diapers are the one thing every new parent needs – and they will need a mountain of diapers in the coming months. Each guest is asked to bring diapers and diaper changing supplies like wipes and ointments in lieu of gifts. Diaper showers are common for mothers who are having a second or third child, but they are also a great way to help out a new mom.

2. Casserole Showers

How it works: It is important for mom and dad to stay happy and healthy while they focus on those crucial first months of their new baby’s life. With a casserole shower, friends and family can ensure the new parents have enough food to last them through those first few weeks of sleepless nights spent looking after the little one. Between caring for baby and work, many a mom and dad would forget to eat entirely if it were not for caring friends and family.

3. Book Showers

How it works: Parents who are bibliophiles may hope to pass on their love of books to their little ones. By having a book shower complete with cute bookmark favors, mom and dad can build a child-friendly library of books that will help their little bookworm grow and learn.

4. "Dadchelor" Parties

How it works: New dads are celebrating their impending fatherhood the same way they are celebrating their weddings – with one last day of freedom before the big day. With a “dadchelor” party, the father-to-be gets to spend a day with his buddies doing…well, whatever he wishes.

5. Girls Night Out/In

How it works: Instead of showering the new mom with gifts, her best gal pals can get together with mom-to-be and spoil her rotten before baby arrives. Many new moms truly enjoy one last day of pampering with close friends before their lives become all about baby.

6. Gender Reveal

How it works: A gender reveal party requires early planning. Parents-to-be have to keep the baby’s gender a secret from friends and family, and maybe even themselves, for it to work. Ask the ultrasound technician to write the sex down on a piece of paper, and seal it in an envelope. That envelope gets handed to the baker who then bakes either a pink cake or blue cake depending on whether the baby is a girl or a boy. The cake then gets covered in white frosting until the pink or blue cake is completely hidden. Have guests show up at the party dressed in either pink or blue to indicate which sex they believe the cake will reveal. The fun and exciting moment arrives when everyone finds out the gender at the same time as the new mom and dad cut into the cake to discover whether they are welcoming a boy or girl!

7. Adoption Celebration

How it works: Many new parents adopt or foster rather than conceiving traditionally. Many of these new parents may have adoption celebrations called “Welcome Home” parties, or “Meet the Baby” gatherings. Adoption celebrations are a great way to ensure the new parents have everything they need to help raise their adoptive child.

8. Sip'N'See

How it works: A sip 'n' see is a “meet the baby” party. It is the perfect opportunity for friends and family to come visit the new parents and their little bundle of joy a few weeks after the birth. A smaller production than a traditional baby shower, a sip ‘n’ see is a great way to get in some quiet bonding time with light refreshments.

9. Baby Naming

How it works: A baby naming ceremony is a non-religious way for parents to make a spiritual and emotional commitment to their baby. Traditionally, the new parents choose the baby’s name and reveal it to close friends and family, while making a vow to love and protect the child. This is an increasingly popular event where parents can publicly welcome the new addition to their family.

Information above used with permission from Beau-Coup - a great resource for baby shower favors and more!  

On My Heart... The Unimaginable

Lately I've been feeling especially sensitive to stories in the news of moms losing their children in unfathomable tragedy.

First, there was the mom who came home to her Central Park West apartment to find her trusted nanny had snapped, murdering two of her three young children and then trying to kill herself.

And then there was Hurricane Sandy and the story of a mom fleeing for her life with her two young boys, when the water overcame their vehicle and they were forced to leave it, the boys were ripped from her arms by the raging surge.

Both of these stories left me feeling such empathy for these mothers - I honestly don't know which scenario would be worse - either way - I just can't imagine the pain and the loss they are experiencing at this time.

One of the things that I didn't expect as I become a mother, or at least not to the degree of it, is this fierce protective nature that instinctually takes over.  Before I'd ever left the hospital with Zion, I had to watch the video...you know...the "don't shake your baby" video.  It literally had both me and the hubs crying - we just couldn't fathom how anyone could hurt their child in this way.

And then as I recovered those first few weeks - I would remember a rogue thought popping into my mind of "what if something happened to my daughter" and it would literally tighten every muscle north of my shoulder blades.  I was hypervigilant in those early weeks.  To a certain degree I still am.

Sometimes, the fear of something happening to my daughter - just the thought of it, can send me into an emotional spiral.  I think also about if someone were to hurt my daughter, what that would do to me - how I'd react, and how I'd ultimately respond.

As moms - we are nurturers: we kiss the boo-boos, take care of needs, tend volatile little emotions - and at the same time we are guardians: there to protect, to be their voice, and to fight for their survival if provoked.  With the same mouth we can magically heal a bump or bruise and in the next moment cuttingly warn someone to back off if they get too close to our child.

Many of my deepest thoughts lately have been in reflection of the parent-child relationship.  I've been thinking about God as the Father.  I've been trying to empathize with what it must have been like for Him to send Jesus to the Cross.  I mean, I'm going to be totally honest, when I look around at the world today, and then I look at my little girl, if I had to give her up for the wickedness of the world to be forgiven - placing all of the world's mistakes upon her, sending her to a brutal, torturous death on a cross---could I do that?  No.  Most certainly I could not.

Only God could do such a thing.  I do not believe even for a minute that a loving parent could sacrifice their child AND survive the pain.

And that is just it.  God loves all of his creation as his children - He's invited us all to be adopted into his family - but it cost him greatly - it cost him his one and only son.  Now of course, Jesus was raised to life and sits with the Father now, but it doesn't negate that God loves each of us so much he was willing to make a trade so that he could experience the same relationship with us.  So that we could know him, and experience Him.

That kind of Father is foreign to me.  A Father that would stop at nothing to bring all of his children into the fold, to save all of his children from eternal damnation.  The most stunning thought I have is that God could have shown up at any time now to judge the Earth, but he hasn't.  His desire that all should be saved is so strong, his love and compassion and mercy so overflowing, that he allows us to continue in our wretched state.

No one has more faith in humanity, than the creator of humanity himself.  And that is something worth thinking about.

Tria Beauty Hair Removal Laser + Discount Code Demo & Update

Lovelies - its time for an update on my quest for hairlessness!  I've been using the Tria Beauty Hair Removal Laser for just a few months and am starting to see results!

So now that you have seen how it works, its time to talk progress!! Here are some progress pictures - warning - if you don't want to see hairy legs or armpit - look away now!! Haha!

SAVE $100 on a Tria Hair Removal Laser from 11/21-11/27!

Use Code: SHOP100 at checkout!!

 These are Left & Right Armpits after 2nd October Treatment.
Here is my right armpit before and now:

I think you'll agree there is less hair overall and in general it is finer than before.

These are Left & Right Legs after 2nd October Treatment.
Remember that my Right leg is one treatment behind my left (purposefully for the comparison!)

Overall, several sessions in I'm seeing some results.  The biggest change is in the frequency of shaving. I used to have to shave my armpits EVERY day, now I'm getting away with once or twice a week.  My legs used to be every other day, now I can shave them once every 3-4 days.  That is great for someone who would like to still feel confident but doesn't have time to shave every day!

My only challenge with the review so far has been staying consistently on schedule with my treatments.  It has surprised me how long it takes to do each leg, and sometimes I have to charge the laser after just one leg, so I have to fight to keep with my every two week regimen.  I'm still very pleased with the results, so hopefully I'll have even more great results next month when I check in again!

I received complimentary product for this review as a part of the Tria Beauty Blogger Review program, however; all views, opinions and results are my own!

My Favorite Children's Books

I haven't done a Ten post in a while, and today seemed like a great time for it.  I've got to be honest with you, its been difficult lately keeping up with blogging.  The Holidays are fast approaching, my husband is still studying to complete his CPA by the end of the month, and we are in full home-preschool mode - which means time for myself and even time just to connect with you lovelies has been scarce.

I haven't even had the chance to share the many many great things going on with us right now - I have a head spinning in ideas for posts, with relatively no time to get them written!  If only Siri was slightly better at voice transcription...that would be so great!  Anyway, on the topic of home-preschool, I have been loving seeing Zion develop an appreciation of reading and books.

The girl has a photographic memory I tell you!  She can pick up a story by the 2nd time its read, so when she has quiet time she actually "reads" herself her stories, like almost word for word from memory.  She's only 2.5 so I assure you she is not actually reading them, but its incredibly impressive.  I think the biggest compliment is that she will read the stories with the same emphasis and voice changes and expressions that I use to bring them to life.  Cute overload for sure.  

Here are my 10 favorite children's stories from when I was a child...let me know if any of them resonate with you!

10.  Light in the Attic by Shel Silverstein

9. Robot by Jan Pienkowski

8. The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster

7.  The Frog & Toad Stories by Arnold Lobel

6. Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle by Betty MacDonald

5. The Poky Little Puppy by Janette Lowrey

4. The Funny Little Woman by Arlene Mosel

3. Green Eggs & Ham by Dr. Suess

2. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs by Judi Barrett

1. The Monster at the end of this Book by Jon Stone

Funny story to tell you about my all time favorite story - The Monster at the end of this Book, I actually loved this book so much that I tore the pages out of this book and hid them, because I didn't want to share it with anyone...it was mine, all mine.  Oh man!

Before I leave you - I have to take a minute and just mention this awesome campaign that Capital One & The Heart of America Foundation are wrapping up this week called, Book by Book!  Research shows that a child’s access to reading material is one of the strongest predictors of their ability to succeed academically, yet some 60% of children in low-income families have no books in their homes.

These two companies are coming together to donate a goal of 50,000 books!!  All you have to do to participate is to like their Investing for Good facebook page and they will donate a book!  They are currently about 8000 likes shy of their goal!  You can also vote for your favorite books to help influence the books that will be donated!  Would you help us to get some of these favorite books in the hands of kids less fortunate!? Just click like below, and to vote for your favorites click here!

Linking with Lena!

Are You Sponsor-worthy? Part I

First, let me just preface my post by stating that this is my opinion, and it is based on my experiences in sponsoring others as well as being sponsored myself.  Also, this is not an article about working with companies and brands - its an article specifically addressing blog-to-blog sponsorship.

So what makes a person sponsor-worthy?   What is the best indicator that you will get your money's worth from sponsoring someone's blog?  Is it their high number of followers?  Their stats?

Reciprocity >> This is the starting point for me.  It really comes down to the Golden Rule.  I believe sincerely in the power of treating others the way I want to be treated.  I know how I want to be treated when I pay someone to advertise my blog on their blog.  I want to be treated as a customer and I want good customer service.  So when someone purchases an ad on my site, I want them to know they are valued and important to me - and that I am grateful.

Practically speaking, I do this by communicating with them in several ways:

I have a welcome email that I send out to every ad space holder - at the beginning of their month of sponsorship.  This email is gold - it is filled with what I will be doing to promote their blog (based on their level of purchase), how I will do it, and what they can expect from their partnership.  It also gives them a calendar of events and important dates for events that will be on my blog (ways for them to grow - connect - and be featured.)

I follow them on everything.  The next step for me is to follow/subscribe to their blog and/or shop, and all social media that I can find them on.  I do this because I want them to know they are on my radar.  I'm going to be looking for ways that I can promote them and will need to know where they are active online.

I visit and browse a bit.  I do a little blog-stalking to see what kinds of things the sponsor has going on, and to learn about them - you know their name, kids and hubbies names, what general area they live in -etc.  I also note their size, niche if they have one and general posting rate.  Basically I try to get to know a little about them.  Plus, I need to make sure they are not a crazy phishing site or adult site or some other nonsense.

Relationship >> This is the heart of it all.  To me sponsorship is more accurately termed partnership.  In a sponsorship I am seeking funds to help me reach my goals.  In a partnership I am seeking funds to help us meet our goals.  Feel the difference?  When it comes down to it, the more I get involved in blogging the less time I have to read a ton of other blogs- so when someone sponsors my blog - they are going to be one of my regular reads.

It makes sense that I would build a relationship with that person - as I am often connecting with them over the length of their ad.  I'm not expecting to become BFF's with everyone who buys ad space but I do think that a big part of my reason for blogging is the community aspect.  So, to conclude this point - building relationships through sponsorship/partnership, being friendly essentially, is a key component to being sponsor-worthy.

Reputation >>  This is a big deal too!  Just like in your real life, your reputation matters.  It is especially true in blogging where a negative encounter can leave heavy repercussions.  Read: Treat your (sponsors) customers like the gold they are! They are precious and their positive or negative testimony of sponsoring you can spread easily through their dm's and private emails!  I know this firsthand because I've had others share with me frustrations with blogs they've sponsored.

A good idea is to under promise and over deliver!  Anytime I have gotten more than what I paid for, I've been a happy customer.  Well, I can think of exceptions to that but they have nothing to do with blogging.  Definitely offer something beyond just ad space - and then follow through always - go above and beyond often!

I believe if you keep these three R's in mind you will have the foundation set for being sponsor-worthy!

Stay tuned for more practical tips on sponsorship!  Have a specific question you want answered?  I'm collecting a bunch for an upcoming vlog, send me an email and I'll make sure I answer yours!

babyhuddle! U.S. Launch!

Hey lovelies! Check out this great resource for parents that is launching today in the U.S.! babyhuddle is an online parenting community, one-stop shop and resource guide all in one.  They launched in the UK in 2011 and have been growing like crazy!  I had a few days to test out the site ahead of the launch, and its been super easy to use, and a great way to ask questions, organize lists of items that would help others, and find new and interesting products that other parents recommend.

Here is a screen shot of my profile ... I created a couple of lists, and have asked/answered a few questions as well.

You can follow specific parents that you find on babyhuddle with lists/answers you find valuable.

Here are some of my pluses and minuses of the site:

(+):

• Super easy to use and efficient, clean interface.
• You can create great bundles of products in your lists - which is great to use as a resource for friends that are expecting for the first time, or to keep track of things you found invaluable during different stages.
• Great information, and answers from parents.

(-):

• I couldn't find a way to add any products that weren't already listed on the directory - and there were some things that I'd love to have added to my lists, so I hope that will be a future option.

Though this isn't the first parent community site I've come across, it does offer a few unique ways of sorting and gaining valuable information from other parents.  I also feel that it is less cluttered and overwhelming than a lot of the other resources out there - I encourage you to take a look at it yourself
and see what you think of it!

Make sure you check out my lists - "Help for sleep deprived parents" and "Breastfeeding Easily & Successfully" for some of my favorite products that got me through that first year with Zion!

Visit babyhuddle on: Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest

I was compensated for my time in writing/reviewing Babyhuddle, however; all opinions and views expressed in this post are my own.

Winners & Ad Space Claimers

Hey lovelies!! Woohooo! I'm finally back with the winner of the Lauren Nicole Gifts $75 Shop Credit, and all of the official ad space claimers from the Birthday/Blog Anniversary Giveaway in early September!

Winner of the Lauren Nicole Gifts Giveaway:

Congrats Lesley R! 

Can't wait to find out what you choose from this great shop! 

 Thank you to all who entered!!

And now the ad space claimers from my 1st Blog Anniversary:'

Warning - totally unnecessary to watch this video!

December Ads:
Loveliest -
Ashley M.

Lovelier - 
Brittney L.
Ashley K.
Erin B.
Jessica S.

Lovely - 
Emily R.
Diana Z.
Sarah F.

Most Lovely - 
Jessica B.
Jennifer N.

January Ads:
Loveliest -
Courtney D.
Ang P.

Lovelier -
Brighton H.
DeAnn P.

Lovely -
Sarah-Louise B.
Amber M.
Brittany H.
Kassie R.
Sara V.

Most Lovely -
Krystal B.
Melissa P.

February Ads:
Loveliest -
Kimberly
Chelsea O.

Most Lovely -
Kelly H.


All of you will be emailed this evening - and totally your responsibility to claim your ad space via the instructions I send! Thank you to all who entered and participated! XO

This Post Sponsored By:

A Post #Sandy #NYC

Things have been a bit nuts here in the last week.  I can't believe its been a whole week since I've posted, but other things have been on my mind.  Like superstorms and millions of people being displaced from their homes in many states including my own.

While, our little family survived the storm with little more than the occasional flicker of the lights and the epic howling of the wind that sounded like a banshee screaming outside our apartment, others are dealing with loss of life, property and the basics we so easily take for granted.

I think the hardest part is the fact that so many people are hurting, more than can be reached right now by the Red Cross & Government programs - and the rest of the country could easily just go on their way about their own business and forget about the needs of the people here.

If its easy to remain comfortable in my bubble up in Washington Heights, how much easier in a part of the country that didn't face the storm?  I fear another Katrina - towns and cities decimated with only a small percentage of the country giving of their time and treasure to help.

New York is resilient but I also disagree with the attitudes of overconfidence and arrogance by many officials shown on the news - New Yorkers need help right now.  And the city and state is not able to match the need - which means the help has to come from elsewhere - and I think our city and state would do better tempering the "We can survive anything attitude" to the "We need your help - in some ways desperately" attitude!

From things I have heard just today, several of our shelters are running low on supplies.  The demand is too great at this time to effectively care for those who are in need.  We're talking babies without basic necessities like diapers and formula.

I too sometimes find myself at a loss for how much I can do to help so many people.  I mean, I am a stay-at-home mom with a 2 year old at home to worry about.  But I'm driving myself crazy brainstorming things I can do with her to help.  Is it making meals?  Is it giving money?  Whatever it is I have to do something to help!  It is not only my responsibility as an American, but my hearts desire as a Christian.

I'll admit I am very independent in my political views, to the dismay of some, however; I want to challenge those who stand on the viewpoint of "Government programs to help others should be cut" to prove that there are others who will rise to this call of providing for their fellow Americans in such a time of great need.  Because some of these people have lost everything - every. single. thing. - and will need help to get back on their feet.  I hope those who gawk at these programs put their money where their mouths are.

I am burdened in my heart to be a bit of a squawking voice at this moment in time, because I don't want people to just simply forget and go about their lives without knowing the truth - our side of the country needs your help right now - in whatever way you can give - please do so.

I've created a special ad space on BaxtronLife for the rest of this year - and 100% of the proceeds will be donated to local relief efforts in our area that provide supplies to families in need.  (Through TGC Hurricane Sandy Relief Fund).   For more details please visit my sponsor page here.

Praying for all of the people suffering the results of this storm,

Loveliest Featurette + Giveaway Taylor from Goings on in Texas

I have the best treat for you guys today.  I'm so excited I am literally giddy as I'm typing this!  Not only is this the first time I've EVER done something like this, I think its been one of the funnest posts I've ever worked on...ever!

I had the awesome privilege of live interviewing Taylor from Goings on in Texas, and let me just tell you - it was a blast, and I can't wait to do more of these kinds of interviews in the future.  Not only is Taylor a total sweetheart - but she has one of the coolest job titles I've ever heard, Petroleum Landman!

Watch her awesome interview, I know you will love meeting her as much as I did, and then check out the details on how you can win the awesome giveaway she has for you today!

Links from the video:

Celebrate! // The Truth // Color in Motion 5k // DFW Bloggers // FabulessWardrobe

One winner takes all of these awesome prizes!!!  Enter via the Rafflecopter below!  Good luck!!

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

Taylor is one of my Loveliest sponsors in October & November.  Would you like to be a part of a feature interview on BaxtronLife?  Save 15% on a Loveliest Ad using code: LOVELY15 !!

Repressed Memories

Trigger Warning: Some of the stories and information shared may trigger unexpected emotional reactions or responses, therefore please read with caution.  If you do experience a strong reaction - connect with someone you trust who can help you process your reaction.

Halloween 1984

I was three in this picture.  I remember this Halloween well.  I was going to be a witch.  I had this adorable witch costume with an adorable little broom.  I remember my biological father decorating my broom with black electrical tape spiraled up the broom handle, and I remember being extremely angry when he took the broom and pretended to use it as a guitar.  I remember being so angry in fact, that I refused to carry the broom with me on halloween - I wanted nothing to do with it.  Totally irrational toddler feelings - yet feelings that were significant enough to me that I still vividly remember them.

Its interesting to think about how our memories are stored in early childhood.  How is it that some memories can seem crystal clear - vividly stored and imprinted in our hearts and minds, while others seem to escape us?  How are some memories classified and stored manageably while others are pushed into the outer reaches of our psyche to protect us from their harm?  How young is really too young to remember?

Until the last few years, I experienced large blank spaces in my childhood memories.  Not just spotty memories of being three, significant blackouts in memory throughout most of my childhood until becoming a pre-teen.  As a teenager I experienced more than the typical emotional upheaval - my heart bled through my adolescent years as I experienced pain and a drowning sadness that seemed to envelope me no matter what was occurring in my life.

I struggled through daily life into my early 20's hitting rock bottom several times before recognizing the hand of grace being extended to me.  Even after I had witnessed and experienced Christ's saving grace in my life, nothing could have prepared me for what was to come as my 20's came to an end.

It was in the security and stability of my marriage at 27 years of age that things started to unravel.  I couldn't understand why I began to experience violent emotions and a near hatred for men.   The hardest part was feeling that I couldn't seem to emotionally separate my husband from the men who had caused me harm in my life.  And it was at this point in time that my eyes began to open.   I was desperate to honor and respect this man, my husband, broken in his own ways but not the perpetrator of the crimes I began to subconsciously hold him accountable for.

Whether I wanted to face the past or not, I no longer had a choice, as my repressed childhood memories began to surface in unpredictable ways.  I have to pause for a minute here and share that one of the most difficult parts of processing what has been going on with me over the past few years has been the inability to trust in my memories.  Memory repression is the subject of controversy - with several studies  showing outcomes as divided as the current political beliefs of our nation.

I had to get to a point of a decision - to proceed open-minded to what was happening to me, willing to allow my memories to form cohesively without judgment - or to just refuse to acknowledge the overwhelming amount of evidence that was beginning to stack up in favor of my fragmented memories.  I chose to remain open minded - and began the process of facing honestly the wounds of my past.

I wish I could say that what I experienced were flashbacks - like the ones you see in the movies.  Vivid, clear - undeniable memory intrusions bursting forward from a certain trigger.  But it wasn't like that for me, it hasn't been like that.  Instead, I have experienced emotions that seem to come out of nowhere - at an intensity that has terrified me and at times my husband.

I have experienced fear and terror, the emptiness of the bottomless pit of depression and despair and unrelenting sadness.  The uniqueness of these emotions is their inability to be tied to any present day event, and the inability to process them with my adult reasoning/coping mechanisms.  It is hard to explain, but it has been like experiencing these overwhelming emotions as a young child with undeveloped coping skills and zero rationalization.  I have also experienced physical memory recovery - I fear more of this is yet to come.

When such things are happening to you, it is nearly impossible to accept the audacious idea that there is no grounding in true memory - or that somehow these repressed memories are figments of the imagination as some studies would claim.  And yet, the doubts that those claims place on an individual who begins to remember what they have buried, are enough to make you wish even more so that you could bury deeper the reality that desires to surface.

I was only three when my anger over such an irrational thing as a broomstick caused a permanent mark in my memory.  I was around the same age when the abuse - too terrifying to acknowledge in the moment - was locked away in my memory, the key buried only to surface decades later - when  the courage to unlock the past and the desperation to reclaim the future began to demand the attention of the present.

I said NO! to Gluten Udi's Gluten-Free 14-Day Challenge

Hey lovelies!! Today I want to share something that has really impacted my family in a positive way!  We recently participated in Udi's Gluten-Free 14 Day Challenge!

What is Gluten and why should you care?  Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye and barley that gives baked goods texture and binds them together.  Trouble is, gluten is often difficult to digest and due to the many changes in the way grains are harvested and processed now, more people than ever before are developing sensitivities and allergies to it!

Is Gluten really that bad? If you are gluten sensitive or have Celiacs disease symptoms can range from GI Distress to infertility!!

When Udi's contacted me about their 14 day challenge, I eagerly agreed to participate.  My husband and I have noticed a correlation to foods we eat and our overall sense of health and wellbeing, and we've been trying different adjustments to end the plague of upset stomach, indigestion and overall imbalance we've felt.  One of the things we'd put on our list to try was to go gluten-free, and we've recently been doing a lot of research about the paleo lifestyle.

A few weeks ago, we took the plunge and went gluten-free for 14 days.  Udi's helped us out by providing us with meal suggestions, samples of their gluten-free products and a few great printouts to guide us through the process!

I have to say, giving up gluten was made a lot easier by having gluten-free substitutes for some of our favorite foods!

After just a few days of being off gluten my husband and I immediately noticed we didn't feel as bloated.  In fact, my husband who often complains of stomach discomfort after meals didn't complain at all.  I felt like my energy levels improved as well several days into the challenge.

By the end of the first week, I felt more confident cooking gluten-free and actually managed to try a few recipes from the web.  I had to be careful picking ingredients because there are so many foods that contain hidden gluten!!

L-R: Egg & Spinach Scramble, Fajita Steak Salad, Spaghetti Squash Spaghetti

By the end of the 14 day challenge, I noticed my skin was clearer, and the dry skin I usually have near my nose was completely gone.  I felt lighter on my feet, less heavy and bloated, and my energy levels seemed much more stable.  My husband also noticed a huge improvement in the way he felt overall, including virtually no stomach discomfort after eliminating gluten!

Another surprise was how much better Zion appeared to feel eating gluten-free, I noticed her stomach wasn't nearly as bloated and she seemed more energetic.  I was incredibly happy to have a few Udi's gluten-free treats to ease the transition for her as she has a fondness for baked goods like her daddy!

The conclusion: the 14 day challenge was exactly what we needed to move us further along the path of eating right and feeling good.  We've since decided to continue our journey of eradicating gluten from our diet.

The few times we have re-introduced gluten just to see how we'd feel, we were met with stomach aches and nausea, a result which has solidified our resolve even more.

Have you considered going gluten-free?  What do you think would be the hardest item to give up!?  

We participated in Udi's Gluten-Free 14 day challenge and were given free samples of Udi's gluten-free products to try, as always the thoughts and opinions shared are my own.