How About a LoveNudge?

I’m a huge fan of The 5 Love Languages, so when I had an opportunity to review LoveNudge the official app of The 5 Love Languages® I couldn’t resist. You can download it on the App Store or get it on Google Play. LoveNudge.app can be used individually or with your significant other. It will guide you in taking actionable steps when it comes to using the 5 love languages with your partner. The app is user friendly and will track your progress weekly, monthly and yearly.

Once you’ve downloaded the LoveNudge App and created your profile then you can get familiar with the languages and even take the quiz to discover your preferred love language. I knew from reading the book that my preferred love language is “Quality Time”. My second runner up is “Acts of Service”. The app breaks it into percentages. My breakdown is 40% Quality Time, 27% Acts of Service, 13% Words of Affirmation, 13% Physical Touch and 7% Receiving Gifts.

LoveNudge allows you to create goals within a specific love language that will make your partner feel loved and appreciated. It will give you suggestions on what to do with your partner or things to do for your partner based on their love language. It helps you think outside the box and realize that we all receive love differently. We often stay in our own love language when trying to show our spouses love and get frustrated when it seems they don’t appreciate our efforts.

It’s because they receive love differently.

I like the ease of having the LoveNudge App at your fingertips to suggest activities, set goals and see your progress while you track how full your love tank is. It’s a great tool to use along with a variety of reading resources to support your relationship. It’s fun to use with your partner especially if you have different love languages. LoveNudge will help you to understand your partner and show them love in a way they will recognize, understand and appreciate it.

Download the LoveNudge.app and be entered to win Dr. Gary Chapman’s #1 New York Time bestseller The 5 Love Languages®, The 5 Love Languages® for Men, AND The Love Languages Devotional Bible (hardback)! Go to https://www.blessedfreebies.com/lovenudge.html to enter and for more details. Overall, I think the LoveNudge.App is a great resource to have on hand. I love the quiz to pinpoint your love language along with the descriptions of each one and option for you to connect with your partner.

Do you know your preferred love language?

Sandboxx Military Communication App is My Saving Grace

I had no clue that Sandboxx existed and as a NEW Military Mom, I appreciate that I have this option to communicate with my daughter while she’s away at boot camp for the ARMY. Thanks to my friend Renee for introducing me to Sandboxx. She uses it to connect with her son in the Navy. My younger brother is currently in boot camp as well for the NAVY. I can use it to communicate with him too. It was easy to download the Sandboxx App and get started. It’s available on Google Play & the App Store.

So, in case you’re in the dark like I was… Sandboxx is a military communication app that allows you to send letters to new recruits in boot camp. You can also use it beyond boot camp graduation and during deployment. The app is user friendly and will have you up and running within a short period of time. Once you download the app you’ll be prompted to create a Sandboxx account. You can connect to your recruit on the app if they already have an account set up. If not, you can still send letters to their base.

Make sure you have the correct address, company and platoon information so that your letter is distributed correctly when it arrives on base. Once you’re all set up in the app you can start writing your letters electronically and Sandboxx will print your letters and deliver it to the base the next business day if done before 5pm EST. Sandboxx also includes a self-addressed return envelope that makes it easier for them to reply. I love that you have the option to upload a photo to send along with your letter.

This is a whole new experience for me. I’ve NEVER been away from my daughter and it’s an adjustment. Sandboxx gives me a sense of relief because I know once I write that letter it will get to her in a short amount of time. USPS will take 3-5 business days to get on base and then some additional time to presort and get it in her hands. You can track the letter until it gets on base and even see who signed for it. I write frequently because I miss her, and I know she needs the loving support and encouragement.

You can purchase letter credits for (3, 8, 15 & 32 pack). The more you buy, the bigger the savings.
Sandboxx allows you to share their information with your friends and family for a chance to earn free letter credits. You can also use the app to make travel arrangements for boot camp graduation, I’m in the midst of this now. Book flights, hotel rooms and rentals through the app. They keep your recruit in the loop with itinerary information. You can always make changes and get a reimbursement if necessary.

I’ve enjoyed using Sandboxx to keep in touch with my daughter. EVERY New Military Parent needs to know about this. It’s a game changer. Have you tried Sandboxx?

Sign up with my link and you’ll get 1 letter credit after you send your first one.

The Misconception of Having Resting Bitch Face

It’s no secret that I’m NOT a morning person. I often try to refrain from personal contact until I’ve had some hot tea in my system and I’m no longer in zombie mode. I’m very reserved, quiet and serious. I usually warm up around 11:30 heading into the afternoon hour and I’m more pleasant to be around. My personality is very “matter of fact” as one of my co-workers has told me. One day we had a meeting and had to go around the room introducing ourselves with a few things about us and the same co-worker that says I’m matter of fact said… “That explains a lot!” after I spoke. Ha! I think I just need to wear graphic tees that explain my personality 24/7!

RBF Hoot Tee

I’ve even had people complain about my lack of a bubbling personality and smiling. I guess I come off as angry and somewhat intimidating which makes people uncomfortable. That’s seriously their personal problem. However they’ve got me all wrong! STOP judging me before you open your mouth to speak to me or get to know me. People that actually know me appreciate my honesty, loyalty and personality. Full Disclosure: I do wear my emotions on my sleeve but, if something is truly wrong I am very vocal about it. The only issue I have in the verbal communication department is that I need to take a moment and re-phrase certain things before I say them because my being blunt isn’t for everybody.

I'm So

Here are some of the struggles with having Resting Bitch Face… AND in case you don’t know what RBF is, I’ve got you covered. Resting Bitch Face, also known as RBF or bitchy resting face, is a term for a facial expression (or lack thereof) which unintentionally appears angry, annoyed or irritated.*Sourced from Wikipedia

1.) Some people can be very cold (temperature wise) and have a habit of crossing their arms all the time. It doesn’t mean they’re closed off or upset. They may be really just COLD and trying to stay as warm as they can by crossing their arms. Add that to a serious facial expression and its bad combination for some people to handle. Ask me how I know!

2.) Some people are very withdrawn from others but focused first thing in the morning. They may walk into their office or a meeting, go straight to their desk or seat and start working or wait for the meeting to start. The fact that they didn’t greet everyone or smile on the way to their desk or seat doesn’t mean they are being rude. If someone speaks, I’m pretty sure they would respond. The office struggle!

3.) If you don’t smile a lot, it shouldn’t be an issue. I don’t smile a lot. I smile when there is a reason to smile. Please don’t expect a smile first thing in the morning. This doesn’t mean I’m angry all the time. I just have a serious facial expression. I can’t tell you how many times a day I get asked… “What’s wrong or are you okay?” I have the same answer 99.9% of the time. Yes, I’m fine! How are you?

4.) You never know what someone may be going through. I’ve been diagnosed hypothyroidism which causes me to be fatigued and lethargic a majority of the time. I am on medication to help manage this. I schedule nap times for myself so I can function efficiently. When I am tired, you will see me struggling to keep it together. My face is emotionless! I’m okay though just trying to make it through the day!

5.) It can be exhausting to smile 24/7. The continued work struggle is being completely judged by your peers and them not taking the initiative to speak to you but, will take the time and complain to your superiors about your lack of enthusiasm and team spirit in the workplace. So you are subjected to webinars about a Non Verbal Communication – Quick Tips and Breaking Bad Communication Habits.

6.) Lets put aside the fact that you are automatically judged on first impressions especially in professional networking settings. When you approach someone or you see someone is approaching you and you’ve made eye contact, at that point you smile and then relax your face and start your conversation. You can totally rock networking with a straight face. This may be why I like speed networking the best. The Networking Struggle!

7.) Conclusion: People that don’t smile all the time (men & women) aren’t always angry, bitter, annoyed or irritated individuals. Resting Bitch Face isn’t as bad as people make it out to be.

Honestly, a person that doesn’t smile often… Why should it be counted against them? Why is it such a bad thing? I know some may have to adjust in professional and social settings but, don’t compromise who you are. BE YOU! The Everyday Struggle!

RBF Revised

The Teen Creed

I love to keep certain things that are sentimental to me. I am not much of a pack rat but cards that touched my heart and letters from loved ones I tend to hold on to. I have pictures, letters and cards from my deceased maternal grandmother who raised me, I was in sixth grade when she got physical custody of me and remained in her care until I was a young adult and she lost her battle with cancer in 1999. During the time that my grandmother cared for me I maintained a long distance relationship with my mother. We talked often on the phone, wrote letters,  sent cards and we traveled back and forth to see each other. I’m sure I was a rebellious teenager and put my grandparents and parents through trials and tribulations that a normal teenager would.

I was going through some papers to purge what I wanted to keep and what could be trashed and came across a card my mom sent me in 1995 when I was a few months shy of turning seventeen. I was young and in love with my high school sweetheart, now my husband and father of my “Fab Four” and you couldn’t tell me anything because I knew it all! I was sixteen and pregnant, became a teen mom and the following June of 96’  gave birth to my first daughter who is now fifteen and turning sixteen this coming June. I want to pass along the card that my mom sent me. I make it a priority to raise my children to enjoy life, focus on their education and NOT to make the same choices I did at their age. I’m very open and honest with them.

I want my children to take advantage of all the opportunities that come their way and live the life I didn’t get to live because once I became a young mother, my priorities changed drastically.  I appreciate the fact that my family was very supportive. I didn’t go away to college and live the college life because I chose to stay home and raise my daughter and take college courses when I could and work towards my degree. Getting a job and choosing a career was my top priority at the time so that I could raise my daughter. I decided to follow in my dad, uncle and grandfathers footsteps and join the newspaper industry and thirteen years later I still remain in the same industry. That’s one of the BEST choices I ever made! This is to my daughter Bria… (My other teen & tween can take notes too) AND… Thank you mom, I Love You!

Teen Creed
Choose only a date, who would make a good mate. Don’t let your parents down; They brought you up. Be humble enough to obey; You may give orders someday. Be master of your habits, or they will master you. Choose companions with care; You become what they are. Guard your thoughts; what you think, you are. Don’t let the crowd pressure you; Stand for something or you’ll fall for anything. Remember the Lord’s Day. Don’t be a show-off when you drive; Drive with safety and arrive. Serve the Lord faithfully; He has a good retirement plan.

Tween Academy Series: Tweens & Communication

I am privileged to be participating as co-host on a panel with six great bloggers with our discussion on Tweens & Communication being led by Rosalind Wiseman, author of the New York Times bestseller Queen Bees and Wannabes (which the movie Mean Girls was based on) to cover how to maintain an open line of communication with our tweens. The class takes place on Tuesday October 4th at noon, on TheMotherhood During this real-time, text-based class, we can exchange ideas and address questions about the importance of maintaining uninhibited family communication … even when it isn’t easy. It’s all part of Tween Academy on TheMotherhood, brought to you by Unilever. Please take a moment and “Like” the Unilever Facebook Page.

Speaking from experience, I was told that I talk at my children (This holds true when they’ve upset me) and I don’t talk to them. I don’t stop my ranting to see if they even understand what they did wrong, not taking the time to listen to hear their feelings and they just classify me as being a fussy mom. When I talk at them, it makes them shut down and not want to talk to me, leaving them to run to their dad, aunt, grandparents or friends etc. to talk and express their feelings bout the situation and NOT me. This is something that I have been working on so that no matter the situation, my children feel comfortable enough to come and talk to me about anything. As our children grow they tend to become more reserved and self-conscious when they enter into adolescence. It’s definitely up to us to give them a sense of security and that shoulder to lean on. Does this sound like anyone else?

Awesome Giveaway! During the Talk, we will randomly give one participant a Vera Bradley tote bag filled with these items: momAgenda Desktop Planner; momAgenda Chores Pad; momAgenda Love Post-It Notes; one sample each of Dove, Degree Girl, and Degree Men deodorant; Rosalind Wiseman’s Queen Bees and Wannabes; Rosalind Wiseman’s Boys, Girls & Other Hazardous Materials. You have to be present to win! So please join me along with Carmen Mom to the Screaming Masses, Michele Scraps of My Geek Life, Kailani An Island Life, Kristin Only Parent Chronicles and Dwan MommaDJane as we talk Tweens & Communication. Hope to see you there! For information on the other classes and topics head on over to TheMotherhood and jump right in!

error: Ask And You Shall Receive!!