I Love Lucy

I love Lucy. Like, really. I do. I'm a huge fan of B&W movies and television in general, but I recently re-discovered my love for this gem. I always loved visiting the "Lucy, A Tribute" walk-through experience at Universal Orlando. I was just in awe of the sets, the costumes, and everything else. I recently decided to start DVR'ing all of the episodes that air and MAN are they on lots and lots. With the addition of an all day marathon the other day, I now have 80+ episodes to go through!

~Here are a few of my favorites~

This one makes me smile SO MUCH! It's entitled "Lucy is Enciente." It showcases the classic scene of when Lucy finally gets the chance to tell Ricky she's pregnant with what's soon to be Little Ricky. The emotions are so true and real. Incredible.

Another gem of an episode where Lucy gets involved in some "local culture" during a trip to Italy.

"Speeeeed it up!" HAHA. This was another hilarious episode (which of them wasn't?) where the girls get jobs at a chocolate factory. CLASSIC!

Lucy loved Ricky so much. This was the episode where Lucy went into the hospital to give birth to their son.

Last, but certainly not least is the "Vitameatavegamin" episode. Take a peek for yourself.

Anyone else out there have favorite "I Love Lucy" episodes?

Sunday Funnies: Late Night Edition

Good 'ole Wal-Mart. How to describe this place? Honestly, I hate it. Sure, it has some pretty low prices but some of the folks that show up there are interesting to say the least. One of the greatest websites out there is called "People of Wal-Mart." Have you heard of it? Let me humor you a bit...

PS. All commentary below the images is taken from the website

"At what point does a person just say “F*ck it, I don’t need to put on shoes or pants”? Most people in the world would put pants on to walk into another room of the house, or if not that, then they would put some on if they are going to the street to get their mail. You made it to Walmart."

Georgia

"Oh wow that’s neat, JanSport came out with a new flesh colored fanny-pack….wait…wait a minute…hold on…that can’t be…is it really?…..OH MY DEAR GOD! Someone come and stab me in the neck so I’m distracted from this pain!"

North Carolina

"Well they say the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Unfortunately, this apple was rotten."

California

"Hershey’s has a new butterscotch chip! Now, somebody go get us a few barrels of cookie dough."

Texas

"I was going to count how many sizes too small that is but I’ve only got like 20 years of education, so counting that high seems out of my grasp. If there is anyone out there with a doctorate in Quatum Physics that would like to give it a try, we would welcome the answer."

Virginia

"I woke up today completely pissed off that it was Monday. Yes I had a case of the “Mondays,” and I was miserable. So for all you people who for some reason like school or work and woke up in good spirits this morning, this should ruin that and bring you back down with the rest of us."

Alabama

"Really dude? I mean really? You go out in public like that? I wouldn’t be caught dead holding that big of a purse with that outfit. Ever hear of a pocket book? Pffffttt, amateurs."

Virginia

"Hey Peaches & Cream, how many times do I have to outlaw flesh-colored pants? My heart drops with fear every time I have to do a double take, so knock it off!"
Missouri

And last but not least, my favorite. Bitties. (Back T***ies)

Slipping into some snakeskin pants, strapping on my house slippers, and wearing a wife beater with no bra...I'm off to Wal-Mart.

Happy Sunday!

Favorite Vacation Ever

Topic of the Day: "What was my favorite vacation or trip ever -- list 10 reasons why"

So when your brain is on empty, but you're wanting to blog...check out The Imagination Prompt Generator. With each click it gives you a new topic. LOVE IT!

This is such a hard one to answer. I spent 9 months on a marketing tour that took me all over the country and to some of the most amazing golf courses around. Though it was work, each trip was also like a mini vacation. So, it's hard for me to choose one spot or one vacation that was the best. I guess the trip that would get the all around best vacation experience ever would be my trip to New York City in 2008. I know I've mentioned it before on this blog many times, but it truly was a magical experience for me. Purely because it was a dream of mine to go at Christmas and to see the Rockefeller tree. I used to want to be proposed to under the tree on the ice. It was all just so magical. Anyway, here's my top ten eleven list.

1. Seeing the Rockefeller tree

2. Having it snow lots and lots

3. Going ice skating at the Rockefeller rink

4. Finally getting to see the World Trade Center site

5. Eating REAL New York pizza

6. Seeing a play on Broadway

7. Admiring all the holiday windows on 5th Avenue

8. Hanging out in Grand Central Station

9. Riding the Subway

10. Going for a super long walk through and around Central Park

11. Eating the most fabulous cannoli and pasta in Little Italy

I had hoped I'd be there again this past year, but I know I have tons of time to go again. Maybe this year?

Have you ever been to NYC? What were your favorite parts? Do you have a favorite vacation spot?

Very Thankful

My family is a family of public servants. My mother works in court security with juveniles and has been with the sheriff's department for many years. Both my cousins on my dads side are deputies for various agencies. My husband is a soldier. My dad and my uncle work for a missile defense company, which isn't completely a public service but they do provide the weapons and aircraft that protect our country. I'm proud my family has chosen such careers even though they are low paying and often disrespected. Many people know my husbands career but most don't know about my life long involvement with the law enforcement community.

This afternoon, my mom called me to inform me that my cousin was involved in a shooting with a suspect. I had just hung up the phone with my dad and he made no mention of it, so I was a bit alarmed. Thankfully, my cousin is just fine and executed his job well. I am so thankful for this. SO thankful. His wife is pregnant with their second child and their other little girl is as precious as can be.

Police involved shootings are on the rise in this country. I remember watching the funeral of Deputy Brandon Coates who died in the line of duty when a POS shot him in the head twice. ((Side note, I hope that a-hole rots in hell when his time comes)) His funeral took place at my home Church and it was so painful to watch, knowing something like that could happen to my cousins at any moment. I am not a criminal so I can't understand the mentality. Why not just do what you are supposed to do and leave it at that? I remember when my car was broken into the first time (yes I said the first time) and I felt so violated. Someone wanted to take things from me. They wanted something they couldn't have or couldn't afford. So, they decided to take it upon themselves to do whatever they had to to get it. DISGUSTING. How about you work for a living? How about you hold a job and earn the money to buy the things you want? Don't get me started...

Anyway, it's scary how out of control violence is becoming in this country. It is scary that people who stand to serve and protect our being hunted. When I did a Google image search for the graphic I have in this blog entry, a disturbing website came up. It is entitled "Shitty Cop" and the comments left on these stories are disgusting. One such post was praising the person who killed Brandon Coates. They had an image of a crown around the scumbags head. There are people who call themselves "Black Foot Soldiers" who designate themselves to certain streets and areas in my home town. They are the ones praising when cops are shot and killed and the ones encouraging citizens to rise up against law enforcement. SICK. 

You know, people want to complain and cry when officers engage, shoot, and kill suspects but if it were one of their family members or their homes being harmed...they'd have no problems with it. How sick and twisted is our society?

Don't Forget!

Don't forget!

You have 2 days left to enter both giveaways happening now on my blog.

Custom Canvas Photo Print Giveaway

Married to the Military Book Giveaway

You have 3 days left to be a part of our AWESOME 2011 Valentines Day Gift Swap

Click here to find out more!

Versatile Blogger Award

I love love love to get awards from fellow bloggies. It puts a smile on my face. Beckie over at "Turn for the Nurse" bestowed "The Versatile Blogger" award onto me. Thanks Beckie!

Now for the "rules" of this award:

1. Thank and link back to the person who gave you the award

2. Answer 10 questions

3. Pass it along to 7 blogs you've recently discovered and enjoy

4. Leave your recipients a note, telling them about the award

The 10 Questions...

1. Why did you create this blog?

Well, funny enough it used to be called "And Baby Makes 3." It was originally started to document my husband and I's journey along the path to parenthood. It has since turned into a place to express my grief in losing our first baby, coping with military life, going through a separation, and now hopeful look towards the future.

2. What kinds of blogs do you follow?

Most of the blogs I follow our those who are in the milspouse community. These are the women I identify with most and find their stories the most interesting. I do also follow cooking, infertility, crafting, and parenting blogs.

3. Favorite make-up brand?

Dior Show Mascara. Cover Girl powders/bronzers. Bath & Body Works lip glosses. I don't wear foundation. OPI nail polishes.

4. Favorite clothing brand?

Don't really have a favorite anymore. I shop more at random boutiques online or at Ross & Marshalls and stuff. But, I do love Lilly Pulitzer like there is no tomorrow. Ralph Lauren. Guess. BCBG. Old Navy. Macys. Nordstrom

5. Indispensable makeup product?

Lip Gloss :)

6. Favorite color?
Pink

7. Favorite perfume?
Chanel Chance

8. Favorite film?

Gone With the Wind!

9. What country would you like to visit and why?

Greece or Italy...or both. I am in love with Greek people and their food. Their hospitality is amazing. Same with Italy. Amazing food, amazing people, amazing wine, amazing scenery.

10. Would you rather forget to put mascara on one eye or forget blush on one side of your face?

Blush. I don't use it.

SEVEN BLOGGERS

1. Lindsey @ Confessions of a Marine Wife

2. Bohemian Transplant

3. Life as A Cajun Bombshell

4. Leggings Are Not Pants

5. Lauren @ Not Just An Army Wife

6. Trying Our Best

7. The Cook With A Book

More Super Shopping Finds

So, I have never been one to really post too much about fashion and shopping but in the quest to get LOTS for just a little I think I'll start sharing some of my finds with you guys. I don't want any of my readers to think I'm endorsing or getting paid for anything I mention here, because I'm not. Just a simple gal finding some awesome deals and wanting to share them with my readers. :)

Most of you know about Groupon, but if you don't you're missing out! This website presents a different deal everyday at super slashed prices. Today's is AWESOME! $10 for $20 or $15 for $30 of Bath & Body Works products. I was lucky enough to have a $5 off coupon so I am going to snag $30 in products for just $10! LOVE IT! I was just thinking of how I really would like to have some of their soaps laying around.

Over at FinishLine.com, they are having a massive clearance on all of their NCAA hoodies and sweatshirts. There are various styles for both women and men and all slashed to $14.99. They have tons of sizes available, so you can def. find one you are looking for. Be forewarned that shipping is about $8.00 and with tax you'll probably pay about $25 per hoodie, but it's still a great price. They also have other outerwear marked at half off.

I've never heard of or used this site before, but 6pm.com is having a major sale on shoes. I snagged the above for $30 each! I had to trash so many of my shoes when I moved from VA to TX because we simply didn't have the room in my car. Tragic! Now, I'm working to rebuild and incorporate heels once again. Wearing heels in Texas was a no-no :( If you're looking for kids shoes, even better. They've got some for $5!

Living Social is very much like Groupon. Each day a different slashed deal is delivered to your inbox. The great thing about Living Social is that they also offer vacations at completely crazy prices. Each week, they unveil a list of at least 10 places to go all around the country and even in Mexico, Puerto Rico, etc. It's a great way to explore on a budget. Check it out!

Did you know Target also has a Daily Deals section on their website? Check it out!

Victoria's Secret is having a 40% off sale on all of their NFL Pink Collection. This stuff is usually WAY overpriced in my opinion, but now that it's on sale, it makes it affordable. Check out all the cute tees, yoga pants, and underwear.

And last but not least, not so much a shopping deal but an awesome tip. If you live in an area with a massage school, be sure to find out about their student services. Massage can be so expensive and we all want one like every week but most of us can't afford it. Well, massage schools are the answer to that problem. The one we have here charges $25 for an hour long massage! Can't beat it! Almost every school I have seen in various states charges the same. Now you can afford to get a massage every week!

Military Wife Sterotypes & Other Musings ~ Part One

*I want to make a small disclaimer here. Some of the things I'm going to mention in this post might be really offensive to those who read it. It's not my intention, but I'm trying to bring to the surface some of what people hear and say on a regular basis about being a military spouse*

((Update: This post has taken me over two weeks to finish. So much to say but don't know how, so I will break it up into two sections))

Last night, I was in a discussion with "M" about the stereotypes that surround military spouses. Some are true, others not but when I typed certain things into Google, I was amazed at some of the results. Well, maybe not so amazed but shocked at some of the things people were complaining about. I also turned to Twitter today to gather some feedback from some of my favorite #milspouses. Every single one of them had obviously been subjected to various prejudices at one time. Just like anything in life, the best way to overcome stereotypes is to live your life to defy them and prove the "haters" wrong.

I was absolutely astonished when I came across this website, which mainly consists of various rants of people angry with their girlfriends and wives. I have no idea the purpose of it all but there are several vicious and offensive posts on their about military spouses. A couple of them stuck out to me and some of my Twitter friends in particular. Be warned, the language is VERY offensive...

"Almost all military spouses are lazy and fat, and expect the world to be handed to them on a silver platter. It makes me so mad to see soldiers busting their ass in the military, only for their fat lazy wives to sit there and spend all the money. DO they not want anything more for their life?? You only have one life, a military spouse is NOT a career. Military spouses are not in the military. I am tired of some damn DEPENDENT telling me about all the hardships of the military. ARE YOU IN THE ARMY?? HAVE YOU BEEN TO IRAQ????? Have you tried to sleep while IEDS and mortars are going off. Get off your fat asses and do something with your lives, you cant live vicariously through your husbands. Some of us females actually fight against the name that YOU give to us."

My response: I do hear stories of wives spending all of their husbands deployment money and going on massive shopping sprees. That's unfortunate. I understand their point with being a military spouse does not make you enlisted in the Army, nor is it a career...but it's pretty dang close. It takes an entire family to support one persons time in the military. Spouses will NEVER know the challenges their service members go through during deployments, and to pretend you will is foolish. There's no way to ever understand unless you've been a deployed person yourself and served your country. But, I think the pride is what makes us so close to our service member husbands and military life is absolutely consuming. No way around it.

"I am so sick of army wives! You know the ones with army stickers all over their mini van that they cart their 50 kids around in! The ones who think they know everything! The ones who talk about the army 24/7! Get over yourself! You don't see wives of cops going around with Proud Cop Wife all over their clothes and vehicle! Is your life really so lame that all you have is the fact your husband joined the army! Its one thing to be proud of your husband for whatever but do these women really think the whole world cares!!!"

My response: Wow. I have no idea what I would say to this person in real life. Sounds like a lot of anger and jealousy. The moderators of the website made a notation that they felt that perhaps Army wives have a much greater chance of becoming widows than do cop wives. Well said. Frankly, I don't give a rats @$$ whether or not you think I'm being overly patriotic or care too much about my husbands choice of career. You should be just as patriotic and thankful my husband sacrifices so yours doesn't have to. The whole world SHOULD care. My life isn't lame at all, but never was I more proud of my country than while my husband was serving his time in Iraq. 

I was reading something else on another website about people complaining about military spouses and their blogs. All of this sentiment stems from people's opinions that spouses don't enlist and shouldn't be so consumed with their husbands careers. Even "M" has given me massive grief about my blog and the things I say here. The bottom line is that this life is SO consuming. People love to pretend that they understand. I love when others compare their civilian lives to those who are in the military. Our marriages are different, our children's lives our different, our careers are different, our worries are different, our fears are different. Please do not pretend to understand. One of the major ways we connect with others in our community is through our blogs and other social media outlets. It's a way to share our emotions, our weak moments, our struggles, and our joys with those who understand. Because the community is so small, it's hard to find those who "get it." So please, don't whine and complain about military spouses who blog about their husbands, deployment, and the like. It's our way of coping.

Wordless Wednesday

Piper seriously enjoying her doggie cannoli from the Canine Cafe

Shopping Secret

If you're not following The Today Show's "Money" page on Facebook, you are missing out on AMAZING deals. I am not 100% sure, but I think they do this weekly. None the less, each week they air a group of deals called "Jill's Steals & Deals" and subsequently post them on their Facebook page for everyone to snag. These deals are not simply 10% off here or $5 off there, no folks these deals are INSANE. For example, here are a few from today...

*NFL Snuggie's ~ $12 each and FREE SHIPPING!

*12 pack of personalized Valentines Cards ~ $5

*8.5 x 11 Photo Book ~ $5.99

Anyway, there's still time tonight to get some of these so hurry on over by clicking here. And be sure to fan them on Facebook so you don't miss out in the future.

You know you are a Twitter addict when...

You're stoked out of your mind 24/7 that Britney Spears is one of your followers. Super lame, I know but honestly...there are over 6 million people she doesn't follow. Anybody want my autograph? JK ;-)

I Am by Mark Schultz

Set your DVR's Thursday

When: Thursday, January 27th, 2011

What: "America's Bravest Families" on the Oprah Winfrey Show

Why: First lady Michelle Obama, Tom Brokaw and Bob Woodward introduce us to some of the bravest families in America as they cope with the invisible wounds of war.

Soooo excited for Scentsy!

I'm totally new to Scentsy and I've been wanting to join the masses for a long time. I finally bit the bullet and decided to throw a party through my Twitter MilSpouse friend Julie. This is the gorgeous warmer I just picked up during my party. I can't wait! This Faith collection fits my decor so well, I had no idea which one to choose.

The bars I chose were:

1. Lavender Vanilla

2. Cinnamon Vanilla

3. Newborn Nursery

4. Twilight

5. Coconut Lemongrass

For those wanting to get in on the party, I've extended the deadline until Saturday, January 29th. Just as a refresher, I'm doing some giveaways to go along with any purchases my bloggie friends make. Here's the 411...

*Anyone who makes a purchase of $25 or more will be entered to win a Plug-In Warmer of their choice

*Anyone who makes a purchase of $50 or more will receive a free Scentsy Bar of their choice

So, go on and get shopping by clicking here. Any questions just give myself or Julie a shout. Be sure to leave a comment here letting me know you've purchased in order to qualify for the giveaway. You must purchase from my party in order for your purchase to count.

Thanks for supporting military spouses!

Kate's AFC Party

First, let's make it VERY CLEAR that I'm a Denver Broncos fan...

But, my good friend Kate over at Every Mile A Memory threw a special AFC party to cheer on her Steelers. She really knows how to throw down! Check it out...

The group :)

Even the pups got in on the fun!

(Piper - L, Cali - R)

CONGRATULATIONS STEELERS!

Sunday Funnies: Over the Top Pet Posh

I love Piper Annabelle like there is no tomorrow and the girl is spoiled beyond belief. Every time I leave the house to run an errand, I'm always bringing back something new for her to chomp on or wear. It's ridiculous. I've learned to curb the habit recently upon realizing she has more clothing than I do. Anyway, the pet industry is BOOMING and special couture items are all the rage. Here are some crazy and ridiculous things I found for all of you millionaires reading my blog...

Introducing the Swiss Chalet Pet Estate from Posh Living (one of my fave sites BTW)

For a measely $8,000, your pet can sleep and play in his or her own luxurious digs. The skies the limit with what they can do from cable, heat, air conditioning, running water, electricity, wireless internet (I mean what dog DOESN'T need to check their e-mail?). You can also customize this home with various crown moldings, rugs, window treatments, furnishings, and more. Shoot, at this price...I think I might save myself the headache of a real house and move in with my dog!

Next up, the Crystal Cream Lace Gown by Chien Coature

This fancy frock is an absolute BARGAIN at $1,595. Excuse me, but some people's wedding dresses don't cost that much and require about 50 times more fabric and beading. I mean, where the HECK would you wear this thing? Is there such a thing as pet pageants? Do you bring this dog to a wedding wearing this thing? Absolute insanity. I'd really like to know how many they have sold. Oh, and nothing screams Haute Couture like velcro closures.

How about a soft place to sleep? The Lilian Cuddle Couch should do the trick.

I mean, I have to be honest here. This thing is absolutely GORGEOUS and seriously adorable. If I had a money tree and $1,100.99 to spend...I'd consider it. Being that my own beds in the past haven't cost that much...I think it's a bit over the top. Not to mention, what dog actually sleeps in one of these fancy beds? In the past, I thought it would be so presh to get my dog one of those expensive canopy beds off eBay or something but Piper sleeps with me! She never uses the $13 bed I got her from Ross unless she's blocked off in the bathroom while I'm working or running errands. I just can't imagine...

This is just ridiculous. The Venus Wedding Dress by Poochie Heaven

This might not be off the charts expensive at $120, but who HONESTLY holds a wedding ceremony for their dogs. I mean really?

Next up, Hartman & Rose Fur Coat

What furry four legged creature doesn't need to walk around in another furry four legged creatures skin for $1,495?

And now...a few for the ridiculously ridiculous file.

Is your dog having testicle envy? How about a pair of Neuticles?

These puppies come in Natural, Original, & Ultra Plus in case you were wondering. You can cough up anywhere from $300+ for a pair of these babies.

And last but not least...straight from the dumb files...

In case you are offended by the sight of your dogs anus, Rear Gear Butt Covers

These might not be expensive at $5 a piece but honestly? If you use these on your dog, you are not my friend.

~Chillin' with Piper and preparing for her dog nuptials with her butt cover~

Happy Sunday!

What a Joke

Does anyone else out there in the military community think that the psych exams given to service members once they return are a complete, big, fat joke? I mean, what do they think is going to happen when they have cattle calls and sit down for a few minutes with each person? Do you think they are going to snap, show aggression, beat someone up, scream a bunch of obscenities, etc? I understand they ask questions like "Have you thought about killing yourself" and "Are you having trouble sleeping?" etc., but again...these guys just touched down on US soil. It takes a bit of time for most of these issues to present themselves. It's the process of coming from a war zone and reintegrating into a "happy, healthy" society like we have here that causes the problems to come to fruition. I read over "M's" medical evaluations from when he came back and everything was 100% clear. His papers looked like he was a completely adjusted soldier. How could they not? Come to find out over a year later he has PTSD. What a shocker!?! Something more needs to be done, starting with repeat psych evaluations several months after reintegration. The videos I'm posting below claim the Army has soldiers come back 90-120 days for a repeat evaluation but to my knowledge, that never occurred with my husband. I could be wrong, but regardless...my husbands wasn't caught. Even after evaluations, appointments with social work, family advocacy stepping in, etc. WHY? I'm no therapist, no doctor...but even I knew he had it all along yet nobody would listen. I understand sometimes it is up to the soldier to step up and admit a problem, but some have a better ability to do that than others. It should also be the responsibility of the agency that put them in this situation to ensure each service member is getting the return care they need. All of the programs and offerings are great, but if there aren't people out there with eyes wide open, it doesn't do a darn thing.

Part One



Part Two



Part Three