Breast Cancer Awareness BLM Girls Go PINK Blog Hop!

Hi there Rose Heads!  I'm sure that you are aware that the month of October is dedicated to breast cancer awareness.  When I was 22 years old, I lost my grandmother to complications from breast cancer.  She was always a lively and pleasantly plump woman.  At the end of her battle, I hardly recognized her.  She was frail and could barely speak.  That horrible disease stripped her of her spirit and her voice.  It was the absolute worse thing I think I've had to endure in my adult life.

Now, I KNOW that you THINK you KNOW what this disease does and who it effects.  BUT...were you aware that you don't have to be an older woman to have breast cancer?  Were you also aware that you don't have to be a female to have breast cancer? 

The PIVOTAL KEY to smashing this disease in its face is EARLY DETECTION!

• Yearly mammograms are recommended starting at age 40 and continuing for as long as a woman is in good health.
• Clinical breast exam (CBE) about every 3 years for women in their 20s and 30s and every year for women 40 and over.
• Women should know how their breasts normally look and feel and report any breast change promptly to their health care provider. Breast self-exam (BSE) is an option for women starting in their 20s.

Some women – because of their family history, a genetic tendency, or certain other factors – should be screened with MRI in addition to mammograms. (The number of women who fall into this category is small: less than 2% of all the women in the US.) Talk with your doctor about your history and whether you should have additional tests at an earlier age.

HONESTY TIME...
I wasn't going to share this but, this is too real not to.  Earlier this year, I had a lump under my left arm.  At first, I thought it was an ingrown hair.  Then, I thought maybe it's a boil.  I tried squeezing it, not wearing deodorant and down home, southern remedies as well.  At long last, I couldn't take it anymore.  I went to the doctor and they were "concerned" which made me concerned as hell!  I went to Northside hospital's radiation department (here in metro Atlanta) for an ultra sound.  The tech performed the diagnostic test and immediately left the room.  I was sitting there, booty out (in one of those damn backless gowns), feet swinging off the "bed" and half scared out of my mind!  I kept thinking of all the good times with my family that I would miss if I "didn't make it".  All the silly arguments I had with my husband.  All the time I wasted harboring hateful feelings toward people... Then, she returned with a DOCTOR!  I almost sharted on myself. In my mind, his presence alone meant a death sentence. 

He explained that my body was fighting off an infection and my lymph node was swollen but...healthy.  He told me that eventually it would return to it's normal size.  He commended me for coming in and taking action because had it been breast cancer related, early detection would have made all the difference.

I walked away feeling relieved and stupid for jumping to so many conclusions.  Then, I felt selfish and ridiculous because there are so many women out there fighting for their lives.  Fighting in that very same hospital where I delivered my son and where I was relieved to learn I didn't have breast cancer. 

I tell that story for no other reason than to encourage you to educate yourself and those you love about how to check their breasts.  Also to encourage you to stress how important early detection is.  I know my grandmother didn't learn about her illness until she felt sick...that's too late.  Maybe she could have met her great grandchild had she gone for her regularly scheduled mammograms and checked her breasts herself.

Now, the BLM Girls Go Pink Blog Hop will be on until October 31st!

If you want to participate here is what you need to do:

• Link up your Breast Cancer Awareness post. Click here to link your blog post. 
• Stop by the blogs listed in the linky and follow and show love.
• This is also a way to start following some new bloggers and networking so, take this time to hook up on all the good social media outlets like FB, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.
• If you talk about this on any of the social media outlets use the hashtag #BLMgirlsgopink

Here is a list of all the FAB co-hosts of this hop!  Please stop by their blogs and show them some PINK LOVE!

Britt

Carissa

Dani

Miss Foodie Fash

Rochelle

 Ty

Online Soap Opera: Cravencrest

Hello Rose Heads!  I love to write and come up with short stories, poems, songs, etc.  Well, a couple of years ago, I decided to write an online soap!  I called it:  Cravencrest  Lately, I've been thinking that I need resurrect that soap RIGHT HERE on What Rose Redd Said! 
So, once a week, I will post a new episode!  If you miss an episode, don't worry, it'll be posted in "Cravencrest" tab at the top of the blog!  So, without further adieu, here is the first episode of Cravencrest!

EPISODE ONE:

Our episode begins at Ashlyn’s loft in downtown Cravencrest…


It’s Saturday night, 9:30pm Ashlyn is sitting in the dark in front of a glowing computer screen. She is registering on The Beat of Love match making website. After a failed, 6 month marriage and a string of disappointing boyfriends she’s tired of conventional dating methods and has decided to give online dating a try.

Ashlyn: (She finishes the online registration and pays the $150.00 fee) Alright let’s see what this site has to offer. It had better be worth the gas bill money! HEL-LO Marlon! Lookin’ good! Wait a minute…5’8” with a slightly overweight build? See, this is why they should show more than a headshot…this is deceiving! He can’t be serious. I like ‘em tall, fine and thin as a vine! Then again…maybe I shouldn’t be so shallow. His profile says that he likes eating out at restaurants, cooking and wine tasting. I’ll send him a “love tap” and see what happens.


She continues browsing and receives a love tap from Marlon. She clicks on the message and reads it out loud:


Hello Ashlyn,
I’m glad you tapped me. I see you live in Cravencrest. I just moved here 6 months ago and I hadn’t met anyone so, I decided to give the online thing a try. I’m not into living life in the fast lane, I like to take life as it comes and enjoy every moment. I’m 32 and I’m the Executive Chef at KAMA. I’ve never been married and I don’t have any children. I enjoy good food, good music and good company. No, I don’t live with my mama, yes I own my home and car, I don’t have bad credit and I’m not a womanizing, chauvinistic punk. I think I covered all the bases. Hope you don’t find me too straight forward I just want to get those questions out the way! LOL! I would welcome the chance to get to know you better. - Marlon

Ashlyn: I can’t believe I’m actually doing this. He seems really nice though and Lord knows I need a little nice in my life these days. (She begins drafting a response to Marlon)


Hey Marlon,
I can see you shoot straight from the hip. That’s an admirable quality. Since you started it…no, I don’t live with my mama, yes I own my car and loft, my credit is my business until I know you better and no I’m not a gold digging, narcissistic, sex fiend. Now that the pleasantries have been taken care of… Let me say that I’m glad I tapped you too. I must admit it gives me comfort to know you’re just trying out the online dating because it’s the same situation with me. Let’s see…you said you want to get to know me better huh? Well, I’m 30 and I own “Coifed Hair Gallery”. It’s located a little past where your place is down on Doppler Ave. I don’t have any children. The salon is my baby right now. I have been married once before but it was very short lived. I guess I’m like you in that I don’t want to live my life in the fast lane. I want to relax and enjoy what life has to offer. - Ashlyn

 3 months later…

Marlon: (Calling Ashlyn) Hey baby, it’s me. I’ll be there in about fifteen minutes. Remember I made reservations and I don’t want to be late. Tonight is going to be a beautiful night and I can’t wait to share it with you. Love you, see you soon.

Ashlyn: Damn it! Where are my pearl teardrop earrings? Ah, I’m so nervous. I wonder what Marlon needs to tell me. I’m really falling for him and I hope he feels the same. I think he does. Oh, what am I doing? Relax Ash, relax. Everything will be fine. (Marlon knocks at the door) Oh crap! He’s here…forget it I’ll wear my diamond studs. Coming Marlon!

Ashlyn opens the door in a form fitting, off the shoulder red satin dress, 5” red satin pumps and a nervous smile. Marlon stands there for moment with his mouth wide open holding two dozen pink roses in his hands.

Ashlyn: Marlon? Baby, do I look okay?

Marlon: You look amazing. I don’t deserve to have such a goddess on my arm this evening.

Ashlyn: Stop it Marlon! You’re making me blush. Are those for me?

Marlon: Huh? Oh, yeah, yeah, I got these for you. But, we’d better hurry; I don’t want to miss our reservation. You ready?

Ashlyn: I’m ready, let’s go.

They pull up to the Blue Bistro. Marlon opens her car door and escorts her to front door of the restaurant where he opens the door again. Ashlyn gives him a coy smile as she looks around at the stunning ambiance of the restaurant.

Marlon: Reservation for two, under the name Jamison…Marlon Jamison.

Concierge: Ah, yes Mr. Jamison. Right this way.

Ashlyn: (In a whispering voice) Marlon this is so nice. It’s lovely in here.

Concierge: Your waiter will be with you momentarily.

Marlon & Ashlyn: Thank you!

Ashlyn: Marlon, I just want you to know that these have been the best three months. I really enjoy the time we spend together and it just keeps getting better and better. I feel like I can be myself around you and let my guard down. You make me feel special and desired. You’re a gentleman and I thank you for respecting my decision to abstain. I couldn’t ask for more. But, enough about my feelings, I’m sorry baby. You said you had something to tell me. Tell me what you had to say.

Marlon: (He takes a big gulp of water) Ash baby, I feel the same way. Our connection is powerful. I never thought I’d find this in a woman. You make me feel alive and free to share everything with you. That’s why I wanted to take you out tonight. I wanted to reveal all of me to you. Ashlyn baby…there is no way to say this so I’ll just say it…I’m bi-sexual. Prior to meeting you I was in a six year relationship with a man.

Ashlyn: (laughing hysterically) You’re what!?! C’mon boy, what did you really want to say?

Marlon looks at Ashlyn and doesn’t smile. She realizes he is serious and quickly stops laughing. She tilts her head slightly to the left and peers into his eyes.

Ashlyn: Normally, I’d tell you where you could go but, I’m starting to see life in a whole new way. Let me ask you this. Do you feel as though you could be with me exclusively? I mean, not seeing any other woman or man…just me?

Marlon: Yes, baby! That’s what I want. All I want is you. I, I love you.

Ashlyn: (She sighs) This is all so much at once. This is going to sound strange but, I know you have a photo of your ex. Maybe if I can see it, this will all become real to me. Right now I feel like I’m in dream.

Marlon: A photo? You want to see a photo? Listen Ash I’m not a freak here to entertain you. I opened myself up to you but, I see no reason why you’d need to see a photo. Ugh! (They both sit in silence) I apologize; I guess I’m angry at myself for still having his picture in my wallet.

He reaches into his jacket pocket and produces the photo, Ashlyn looks at the picture and becomes pale.

Ashlyn: I, I have to go…I can’t stay here. I can’t stay here.

Marlon: Baby, what’s wrong? What is it? YOU ASKED TO SEE IT!

Ashlyn: That’s Dennis, that’s my ex-husband!

Copyright © 2010-2012 Cravencrest. All Rights Reserved. Do not duplicate or redistribute in any form.

Some OOTDs

Hey Rose Heads!  So, I'm not the best when it comes to taking photos of what I'm wearing.  However, one day while was perusing through the posts in the Bloggers Like Me group on FB, a blogger named Karen was talking about her month of October 30 Day Remix challenge.  I thought that was a smart idea!  Basically, you wear what you have in your closet and try to mix things up a bit and pair different items together to get more looks than what you've been rocking.  Since I'm on a perpetual budget, I liked that idea.  So, everyday, I try to post what I'm wearing on to Instagram.  I'm so proud of myself!  BUT...I neglect to post it here. So...here is October's outfit parade...so far...and I've missed a couple of days...don't judge.

Alright, this is me at work...today on 10/10.  I wanted to do a neutral look so, I paired a brown A-line skirt with a blouse and a brown blazer.  I paid $4 for the blazer and $5 for the skirt.  The necklace is a hand me down from my mama.  "She get it from her mama"...remember that song?

This is me yesterday, 10/9.  I bought that patterned blouse for $1 at the $1 consignment sale where I met Keren of "Two Stylish Kays".  I love that blog!  I got the shoes from Whitney James' store.  You know Nic's Picks...another good blog!

This was from 10/8.  I got that dress from Whitney's store too! The purple-ish fuscia colored pumps are suede and they're Jessica Simpson.  I puffy heart her man!

This is me on 10/6.  Isn't the bride beautiful!  We've known each other since college.  I actually sang two songs for her wedding.  It was lovely.  The dress is Calvin Klein.

This is me on 10/5.  Another thrifted blazer that I got for the low-low!  The stone washed jeans are from F21.  The pumps are from Target.  They're what I like to call "Black girl nude" they match my skin tone so well!

This is me on 10/4.  I got that scarf for $1!  The pants are F21.  The blazer is from Old Navy from waaay back in the day.  The shoes are Gianni Binni.  They're suede and have a chunky heel. LOVE!

This is me on 10/2.  I bought those pants from the ShapELy Elouise online boutique.  Check them out via my "Shopping Here is Awesome" link.

Well...that's it.  I love this challenge!  Why don't you play along?

ALL These Things...

Hello Rose Heads!  I hope you enjoyed Mothering Week as much as I did!  I think it went really well.  I didn't realize how much actually goes in to mothering a child and balancing a family.  I just "did what needed to be done".  Now, I realize just how all encompassing it can be...and I'm proud of myself and of you for doing what you do for your families everyday.

Today, I want to talk about ALL THESE THINGS I'm doing and how frustrating it can be trying to build a couple of brands and chase life, outside the box.

My number one priority is my family.  Taking care of my husband, my son and our home is the MOST important thing in my life.  Nothing comes before it...nothing ever will (and if it does, it will be eliminated!).  Since we bought our home, I'm DIY-ing everything, in terms of decorating.  So, since I work 40 hours a week, it's hard trying to decorate, and do the cleaning and cooking and still have time for other things.  I'm struggling trying to find balance. 

For now, I've just decided to do one project per week.  For instance, I bought a very Americana set of table and chairs off of Craigslist.  I decided that I would sand and paint this set of table and chairs.  HOWEVER, in order to do that right...it takes time.  So, that's my primary project for now.  My husband really wants it to be done but...it's going to be done when it's done! LOL!

My Bachelor's of Arts degree in Educational Studies was once a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies K-8.  Once upon a time before I had Picard, I wanted nothing more than to help sculpt and mold little minds into beautiful vessels ready to help develop our world.  NOW...the rose tint has come off the old spectacles and I'm less enamored with the teaching profession.  So, I'm finishing up my last few credit hours to get this "Educational Studies" degree.  I feel bad for accumulating all this debt for nothing.  BUT...I know in my heart that being a teacher just because I started out with that is a disservice not only to the children but, to myself.  Never the less, that homework and those assignments are real and I MUST be on point with my game to get through this.  The photo below is from my LAST day of in-class visits with the kiddos...thank you MOSES!

Two Tears in my Bucket is not only my crafting blog, it's my fledgling greeting card, invitation and gift business.  Currently, I have an Etsy store but, I'm going to open another online store front just to have more access to a wider audience.  This isn't that time consuming because whenever I make a card, I take photos of it.  So, it's just about making sure I'm in my studio...nightly generating fresh product.  Additionally, crafting companies such as the ones that make paper, ribbon, bling, felt, stamps, etc. have what is called "Design Teams".  These DTs (for short) create projects for these companies using their product to give their costumers ideas about how this product can be used in their creations.  At present, I serve on two stamp company's teams, a paper and such team, a challenge blog's team and a team that scouts crafting talent.  If I want to be considered legit in this industry...it's a must that I do well on these teams.  It just comes with the territory.

What Rose Redd Said just so happened to come about because I wanted to share more about my life than just crafts and I also wanted to hold myself accountable for how I carried myself as a woman.  I think I had become too burdened with life's details to pay any real attention to myself.  This blog motivates me to always include myself in the big picture.  Now, I want to share and do more on this blog!  It's not just about fashion for me.  It's about the total woman and I want to convey that to my readers.  I want people to come here for SUBSTANCE...not just for fashion pics...not that I don't love a good fashion blog!  I just want more for this space.

SINGING...is. my. life.  Music is just as much a part of my as my hands and feet are.  Over the next few months, I'm going to record a little something...just for me.  I love to write and sing and perform.  Stardom is not required.  I just want to share this music so...even if I NEVER sleep...I'm scratching this one off the old "to-do" list.  Check me out (purely listening only...the vid isn't good).

So...I'm striving for balance.  Because it may seem like a lot but, I can't just stop.  I've got to make all these things work. 

Mothering Week - Day Five...I Can't KEEP Your Kids...

Hello Rose Heads!  Welcome to Day Five of Mothering Week here at What Rose Redd Said.  The purpose of MOTHERING WEEK is to provide a little insight, guidance and perspective on what it's like to be a modern mother of the 21 century.

Part of being a good mother is knowing when to say NO!  The subject matter today, isn't to be taken literally.  It's figurative.  No, I can't keep your kids... let you borrow something, make something for you, loan you money or do everything in the world just for you.  We have to say no because we need the ENERGY when we have to say yes.  Therefore, it's a necessary, albeit uncomfortable task!

Here is a list of polite ways to tell someone NO:

1.  I'm sorry but, I just can't help you out right now.

2.  Maybe some other time.

3.  Not today.

4.  I'm not up to it today.

5.  I'd love to help but, it's not a good time for me.

6.  My plate is full, I can't take on anymore.

7.  Perhaps you should try_______.

8.  I don't want to make any more commitments that I can't keep.

Mothering Week - Day Four...Me Time is THE Time

Hello Rose Heads!  Hello Rose Heads!  Welcome to Day Four of Mothering Week here at What Rose Redd Said.  The purpose of MOTHERING WEEK is to provide a little insight, guidance and perspective on what it's like to be a modern mother of the 21 century.

In my not so humble opinion EVERYONE needs "Me" time.  You know, time where you can escape the realities of your life and do something that you enjoy to pamper yourself.  BUT (there's always one of those)...MOTHERS need me time more than most!  Mamas, it's so important that you carve some time out of your schedule on a regular basis for...down time.  Let me tell you something, it's not selfish!  As my mother would say, "If you don't protect the Goose, the Goose can't lay anymore golden eggs".  You may be scratching your head at my mama and her southern sayings but, all that means is...if you don't take care of YOU, YOU can't take care of THEM.  Period.  <------

Well, alright, now I understand that for most of us, money is an issue.  HOWEVER (comma), you can do low budget things to reduce your stress, pamper yourself and spend some time remembering the woman you are outside of your mothering and wifey (spousey) duties.  Uh, oh...what's this...it's a LIST!  Check it out!

Low Cost ME TIME activities:

1.  Go to a store you KNOW you can't buy anything out of and try on everything on your wish list.

2.  Go somewhere quiet and read.

3.  Take yourself to lunch (there are ALWAYS lunch specials).

4.  If you can't buy a high ticket item, grab some lipstick or a pair of earrings.

5.  Make a homemade face mask and give yourself a facial.

6.  Turn on some music and DANCE...by yourself.

7.  Go to the park and take pictures of nature.

8.  Give your self a mani/pedi.

9.  People watch.

10.  Go thrifting!

11.  Go to see a $1 movie.

12.  Daydream.

*Now remember, this list is a list of things that are low cost ways to have some ME TIME.  This is not a complete annotated list of all the tips, pointers and advice about being a mommy!  If you have any questions or want to add some things...leave them in the comments below!

COME BACK TOMORROW FOR DAY FOUR OF MOTHERING WEEK!  The topic is "I Can't Keep Your Kids!"

 

ALSO...SEND ALL THE NEW MOMMIES OVER!  I HAVE AN AWESOME GIVEAWAY FOR THEM! 

Mothering Week - Day Three...a GIVE AWAY and What Kind of Mama are YOU?

Hello Rose Heads!  Welcome to Day Three of Mothering Week here at What Rose Redd Said.  The purpose of MOTHERING WEEK is to provide a little insight, guidance and perspective on what it's like to be a modern mother of the 21 century.

I know you're interested in the GIVE AWAY right?  Well, of course you are! Don't worry it's at the bottom of this post.  Now, this is where you tell all your EXPECTING mom friends or ladies with toddlers to head on over to the What Rose Redd Said blog so that they can win three AWESOME books that are GREAT TOOLS for Mothering..."What to Expect When You're Expecting", "What to Expect The First Year" and "What to Expect the Second Year".

Now...moving along to today's topic "What Kind of Mama are YOU?"

Before I had Picard, I had many delusions of grandeur.  Delusions like I would never allow him to watch television, he would always be fashionably dressed and neat, my house would never have toys and miscellaneous children's items strewn all over and my husband and I would provide nothing but the best educational experiences for our budding genius.  WELL...you know what they say about the best laid plans (I know I've said that recently...but, that's on cliche that's worth repeating)!  When he finally got here and I got settled into my mothering style, I realized that your mothering style is important and sets the tone for the relationship you have with your child.  I've have plenty of time to sit back and observe different mothering styles and I think there are four basic categories.  Now, of course everyone doesn't fit into one of these categories.  This is only my opinion!  See if you fit into one of these...

BUBBLE MOM:

Bubble Mom is a member of Baby Center, Cafe Mom, What to Expect and any other mommy on-line community.  She regularly checks the American Academy of Pediatrics' site and follows whatever new guidelines, suggestions or tips that comes along without deviating or forming her own opinion.  Her children drink soy milk, she sends her children to organic friendly, sustainable schools, she uses organic cotton cloth diapers for her babies, she believes that her children should express themselves at all costs and doesn't allow her children to be vaccinated.  She and her children live in a bubble in hopes they won't be contaminated by the fatty, sugary, dirty and gritty world.

RULER MOM:

Ruler mom has a list for everything and everyone in the house.  The lists are on the refrigerator, on a cork board in the hall and probably on her cell phone too.  Her belief is that if everything is organized to a "T" then, there will be no unexpected situations or chaos.  Her children do everything on a schedule and seldom deviate from the plan.  She also has a list of staunch rules that everyone must abide by; not just for the house either.  There are car rules, restaurant and shopping rules as well.  Ruler mom makes a lot of decisions for the children and doesn't expect her authority over the children to be challenged.

FRIEND MOM:

Friend mom wants her children to view her as an older friend that is simply there to help provide for them.  She allows her children to make a lot of decisions on their own.  She allows her children to debate with her as opposed to allowing her word to be final.  Friend mom is flexible on what the children eat, what time they go to bed and when friends can come over.  She attempts to gain her children's respect through a more passive friend role as opposed to an authoritative parenting role.

OLD SCHOOL MOM:

Old school mom is equal parts "Bubble", "Ruler" and "Friend".  She is concerned about current trends in child safety, health and nutrition. However, not so concerned that she will abandon something she feels is right for her child simply because someone says it's not.  She has a set of rules that she would like for her family to abide by.  However, the rules grow and change as the children grow and change (that eating only in the kitchen/dining room will probably always be a rule though).  She is approachable when her children need to share something with her.  However, she is not going to tolerate even so much as an inkling of disrespect or mistreatment from anyone in her home.  Old School mom is more balanced.

I think at some point, I've been all of these types of moms but, Old School mom is my neutral starting point always.  What kind of mama are you?

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