Hi it's me!

Howdy Folks! Yes, it is I and yes I am still alive (partially, anyway). I have started several post but never finished them or posted them due to several thing mostly just my circumstances. In those posts I opened up even more about my family life and even featured some family moments. I chose not to publish those posts due to some recent events that will undoubtedly be revealed as the year continues.

I don’t believe in making “New Year’s” resolutions but I have decided that I need to make some changes and to also take better care of myself, spiritually, emotionally, physically, and financially.

I am also currently pursuing a teaching certification, what? Yes, you read it correctly. I have been a substitute teacher for a while now and I think I have found my niche, my place, maybe even my calling. A little dramatic? Yeah, I know but, my original major in college was Elementary Education and now I am preparing for the Elementary Education General Knowledge Exam.

I have not made any “Splurge Purchases” lately but I am in need of a new car so, most likely that will be my next “splurge”. I’m not really into cars except for Volkswagens and that is solely due to the “punch Buggy” game I play with the kids. I can spot those babies a mile away, RED ONE!

I am still dabbling with hair; I recently colored, straightened, and cut my hair and Q’s. We took a few pictures and maybe we will get it together and post them. I am actually very anxious to get my hands on a friend’s hair. She wanted me to color her hair a month or so ago and our schedules have not been compatible but I am itching to do some creative color so, I might have to make it happen.

Thanks to Q! for helping my maintain some of my sanity during this rough time and I promise to try my best to be more regular. Hot water, crushed flax seed and lemon anyone?

Special Occasion: 8th Wedding Anniversary

Can you believe that I have been married for 8 years? I can't either! Marriage is...hard! So many peaks and valleys and them more peaks and valleys followed by more peaks and valleys. There is so much that no one ever tells you about being married, I would say that someone should write a book about all the untold stories. That wouldn't work because of how each marriage varies that would be the world's largest book.

Year after year we have said that we wanted to go on a cruise because neither of us have ever been on one and THIS YEAR...we went on our first cruise! We took a three day Norwegian Freestyle Cruise to the Bahamas.

Three days of eating, sleeping, and drinking! I am so afraid of stepping this big butt of mine on a scale. :0 The first day we arrived in the Bahamas at 7am. We rented a scooter and rode around seeing the sights. After returning the scooter we decided that we would walk the island until we didn't want to walk anymore. The people were so nice and they kept yelling: "Stay on the left!" when we were on the scooter even though we were indeed on the left side of the road. I AM SO IN LOVE WITH SKY JUICE!! I wish I was a baby and all my bottles were filled with it. LOL! After drinking Sky Juice at a local restaurant the drink on the boat just couldn't compete.


This post was never published until today June 7, 2011. I found it and struggled with posting it or deleting it. Why? Right after we returned from the cruise I was blindsided and my husband and I separated. I see no reconciliation in the future and I am navigating the world of divorce.

Vacations: Disney World

M-I-C-K-E-Y, actually it was all about the princesses. Let me start from the beginning. All of my children made the honor roll, well Miss E made the Principal's List and as a reward we decided to take them to Disney. The boys, actually all of them have been there before (Miss E was only a few months old)but this time was different. We loaded them in the car without telling them where we were going.

Miss E was so excited because now she is old enough to really appreciate going. We also gave them some money to spend on whatever their hearts desired. Disney has this really neat gift/debit card to use in their parks. You load the card at the ticket booth and then you can use it everywhere in the park. The card was on a stretchy bracelet that fits on your wrist and each one of the kids had one. Each time you swipe the card your remaining balance is printed on their receipt. I must say it is amazing how frugal the kids became when they had to spend their money. The exception, yeah you guessed it, Miss E. She overspent and I had to rescue her at the cash register, LOL.

I started this post by saying how the entire time Miss E wanted to see the princesses and we didn't run into a single one. Oh, well there is always next time.

Still around and not forgotten.

Hello, we just wanted to post and let you know that our blog is not forgotten. Unfortunately, there have been a lot of ups and downs and life has gotten in the way of blogging. Rest assured, we will be back very soon. Keep checking back for updates about our trips, professional experiences, accomplishments and hobbies.

We hope all are doing well and we look forward to continuing to share our experience in the decade of 30.

Take care!

Tampa Bay Police Memorial Fund Gala:Celebration of Courage

I recently has the pleasure of being apart of the entertainment for the Tampa Bay Police Memorial Gala. The event, The Celebration of Courage, was an unforgettable evening of entertainment and professional networking, bridging together Tampa Bay Professionals in recognition of law enforcement professionals who are the Fallen Heroes of our community. This wonderful event was held on Wednesday, October 20, 2010 at The DoubleTree Hotel Tampa Westshore. The Tampa Police Memorial Fund was founded in 1996 and continues to help assist the families of our local heroes whom have dedicated their lives in service.

All of the salsa performers

Striking a pose for the camera

My dance partner, Dan

The entire crew eating dinner after the performance

Good time, good food!

Two of the dancers being "cheesy"

Splurge Purchase: Mineral Makeup (REVIEW)

How do I like Mineral Makeup? Well...I LOVE it! I have been wearing it on and off for more than a week now. I know I told you I would return in a week but...but nothing just life.

I start by applying the makeup to a clean, moisturized face. I use Cetaphil cleanser and Cataphil moisturizer. I apply my concealer: 42 Dark Bisque, where needed to hide my hyperpigmentation. I then 4G golden dark, sparingly and in a circular motion as directed. I add a bit of Warmth to my cheeks, forehead, and chin in the same fashion you would apply bronzer. The last step is to set the look with Original Mineral Veil.

I really do like this product. I do not get the shiny look like I used to. To say that I have no "shine" would be a lie. I do have some shine but it hours later, not minutes later like with other makeup products.

Splurge Purchase: Mineral Make up

It isn't often that I purchase something that isn't on sale or clearance.  I always wait for an item to go on sale I HATE PAYING FULL PRICE.  I once heard that if you wait for an item to be markd down to 80% off then you will end up paying the same amount for the item that the retailer did.  Anyway, since hitting the big 3-0, I have really started to take better care of my skin.  It has been said that you will end up with either your body or your face so, I choose my face ( I lost the body a few years ago, dang kids).
I have been wanting this make up ever since I stayed up late one night watching the informercial.

On Friday I went shopping with Q and I purchased the customized get started kit.

This Kit Contains:

1 SPF 15 Foundation in Original or Matte (size: large) 
1 Original Mineral Veil (size: medium), 1 Warmth All-Over Face Color (size: medium), 1 Full Flawless Face Brush, 1 Flawless Application Face Brush, 1 Maximum Coverage Concealer Brush, 1 Get Started DVD, Exclusive Bonus: Well-Cared For Brush Conditioning Shampoo

http://bareescentuals.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-BareEscentuals-Site/default/Product-Show?pid=497190%0d%0a

I will use the product for a week and then Iwill let you know if it was worth it.