These are a few of my favorite things!

1.Turbie Twist hair towels :They are 1,000x easier to use than regular towels, dry your hair more quickly which results in less of a need to damage your hair with heating tools, and they hold up forever! (I still have the original two I purchased over 5 years ago! The lady that I used to Nanny for told me about them ages ago, and I've been hooked ever since!) I will say, there is a significant difference between the Turbie Twist brand and the knock offs you see at places like Dollar Tree (which do not work and attract lint like crazy). Invest a few bucks and buy the real thing! I got mine from Bed Bath and Beyond. Target, Sally's, CVS, and lots of other places sell them also.

2. PURR- perfume by Katie Perry. I honestly have never recieved more perfume- related comments than I have in the past week! I recently purchased Katie Perry's "Purr" perfume on a whim while I was at Target. I was looking for something similar to my favorite night time scent that I am currently out of (Estee Lauder's Sensuous Noir: everyone was sold out the last time I went to the mall. ) The price and the quantity looked good, so I decided to give "Purr" a try. (I sprayed a little bit of the sampler on my wrist and walked around Target to do my shopping for a while; when I noticed how well the perfume worked with my body chemistry, I decided on purchasing it!) I couldn't be happier! I jest not, in the past two weeks that I've been wearing this, I have recieved ten, yes ten compliments from different people! Crazy! This perfume is a winner in my book; it has a lasting scent, it rivals my favorite night-time perfume (and I'm VERY picky), it has very pleasant floral and sensual notes to it, an adorable bottle, and the price per ounce is a steal! You can purchase this at most drugstores, Targets, and department stores. (In a side note, Katie Perry has recently launched a new fragrance called, "Meow". I will have to sample it in stores and report back; if it's half as good as Purr, it will merit my vote!) 

3.Con-Air Pro Hair Clips: I love to use hot curlers on my hair once in a while. I have naturally wavy hair, but sometimes I like to take it up a notch! I've found that it really makes a difference what type of clips you use when you use hot curlers. (A lot of clips leave unsightly dents in your hair...eek!). With these clips, you negate those dents because they wrap around your hair and the groves in them allow your hair to fit through without leaving a mark, if that makes sense! These clips are fantastic! I bought mine at Sally's beauty. (I had a $5 coupon from my membership, so since they were origionally priced at $6, I only paid $1 for them...yay!) 

4. Maybelline Baby Lips "Cherry Me"- Not only does this lip balm taste great, it leaves your lips soft and moisturized. It is non-sticky and it leaves a gorgeous cherry scent on your lips that tastes as good as it smells! You can find them at any drugstore or Ulta!

5. Fit & Active Mixed Berry Pomegranate Nonfat Smoothies (Buy them at Aldi. They are only a few dollars for a 4 pack!). I like to shop at Aldi on occassion. They're a discounted food chain that offers great prices on a lot of items. (I like to get some canned/pantry items for there and get my produce from places like Kroger.) One of my favorite Aldi items is their inexpensive smoothies. I typically make my own fruit smoothies at home on a regular basis, but sometimes I just do not have time to drag out the blender when I need to get ready in a hurry. That's when these little gems come in and work as an excellent substitute for my homemade ones! They taste delicious and are low fat! 

Hey McDonald's, My Dogs Think Your Insulting Marketing Techniques Are Lousy!

(Click to enlarge.)

(Ranger,Macy, Mykelti)

As a responsible pet owner and a PROUD MOMMA to three dogs, one a beautiful Pit Bull mix, I am NOT "lovin'" McDonald's shady new marketing techniques! All evening I've been left scratching my head and wondering what on earth were these morons thinking?! The ingredients they put in their overly processed foods are dangerous enough, but now they're using shady marketing techniques that insult loving family pets in homes all across the United States. Let's take a stand and NOT support them with our business!


AS FAR AS I'M CONCERNED, McDonald's HAS CROSSED THE LINE!


This is the video that has sparked all of the controversy:
This is our outcry and the disapproving response thousands of pet owners have voiced in response to McDonald's heinous advertisement: America's Bark Off To McDonald's http://vimeo.com/36256114 (I had a little trouble with the links; just copy and paste them into your search engine and the entire video should show up!) 


Want to show your support for these amazingly sweet and misunderstood animals? TAKE A STAND! Call them, email them, snail mail them, whatever it takes! Let them know that it is NOT acceptable for them to use our beloved family pets in their negative, hateful advertising schemes in order to make a dirty dollar! I have already emailed them and plan to call them tomorrow as well to complain. (If I receive a response back, I will post for all to read.) I plan to boycott McDonald's until they issue an apology to all of the responsible pet owners and dogs across America. Want to do your part? Join me in taking a stand by contacting them to let them know you disapprove of their recent actions: Lets take a stand for those who do not have a voice!

Want to do even more?


Consider doing your research and seeing if your home might be a good environment for one these amazing furbabies!  If it is, go adopt your new Pit Bull and enroll in a reputable obedience facility near you so that you both get started off on the right paw! If you are unable to adopt for whatever reason, consider volunteering at your local rescue! It's amazing how much these sweet pups can benefit from a friendly volunteer's attention and walks! If you don't have the time to do either, please consider doing your research and donating to a reputable Pit Bull rescue (or other rescue of your choice).


http://www.memphishumane.org (This is where I adopted Macy from. They gave her a good home for over two years until she went to live in her forever home with me! They are one of the ONLY shelters in this area that does not automatically euthanize the Pit Bulls that walk through their doors; instead, they give them a safe place to stay and try to find them a safe forever home. Nobody wanted Macy. She was in heart failure, solid black, and a Pit Bull mix: none of those things were in her control, but all were "strikes" against her chances of finding a home. Macy patiently waited, and waited, and waited for a home. Then one day, while I was visiting to adopted a new friend for Ranger, Macy greeted me with a kiss and "adopted me"! She has been such a blessing in my life ever since that day! She always gives me kisses and snuggles. She is one of my best friends! She is a Pit Bull mix. She has stolen my heart!)


Other fantastic organizations:


Bad Rap


Hearts of Gold Pit Rescue (Memphis Based!)


Villalobos Rescue Center


Petfinder

If you do decide to adopt a new member for your family either through a reputable rescue or responsible breeder (I use and support both, personally), PLEASE enroll them into a reputable obedience class so that you can both start out on the right paw and be a fantastic represenative for your breed! (This is also a great idea even if you have an existing pet; you'd be surprised just how smart dogs are and how capable they are of learning regardless of age/breed!) The American Kennel Club can help you find a great training facility in your area! I would also highly recommend that you work towards becoming a Canine Good Citizen through the American Kennel Club. This test helps to show that your dog is of a sound and safe temperament (It does not matter if you have a pure breed or a mix). Whatever you do, PLEASE BE A RESPONSIBLE OWNER! 


~Socialize your pet, Educate yourself, Be a good advocate for your breed/mix, Train diligently, and most importantly, love your pet and have fun!~

www.akc.org
Canine Good Citizen Information

My sweet girl, takes a stand!

"Hey McDonald's, my name is, Macy. I am a rescued Pit Bull mix. I show nothing but love and affection towards everyone that I meet! I am much safer than your processed foods and your shady marketing techniques!!!" 


~UPDATE~ This is the sorry excuse for an "apology" that McDonald's issued this week in response to their add. It's pre-recorded and couldn't be more insincere! The "appology"

Breast Cancer Awareness: Lets take a moment to think about what really happened this week with the Susan G. Komen Foundation

~Preface: When I originally created this post and saved it to edit, Susan G. Komen had yet to retract their statements and reconcile with Planned Parenthood.~

Before you continue reading, I encourage you to play this video. 

(Be sure to pause the other music in the right sidebar before pressing "play")

 

Good day my lovelies! I'm going to warn you in advance that the topic below might step on a few toes. If I offend you, I'm apologize.  My intent is only to draw awareness and support for Breast Cancer screenings and testing. As we all know, Breast Cancer affects every single race, ethnicity, religious, political and economical background. Breast Cancer does not pick sides; it picks its victims with an unequivicebly savage recourse. Breast Cancer Affects Us All. Instead of being divided, we should be united in this front to help save lives. This is what the post below is all about. I hope you read the following and it stops and makes you think today. You don't have to agree with my view point or support my opinion, but at the very least, please give the topic some thought. 

(Feel free to leave a comment below with your *polite* opinions!)

Explain to me how it is that the Susan G. Komen foundation, who for years has been at the forefront of Breast Cancer screenings, fundraisers, and testing, finds no qualms, no problems, and no consequences with pulling funding and support for the preventive care and screening of Breast Cancer offered at Planned Parenthood locations. 

PLANNED PARENTHOOD BEING ONE OF THE ONLY GROUPS IN THE NATION THAT OFFERS THESE LIFE SAVING TESTS TO LOW INCOME WOMEN...

~Lets just preface the rest of my rant by saying that I am extremely Pro-Life.~ 

(I believe that life begins at conception and that all life is sacred and precious. That is my personal and religious conviction, and I make no apologies for it.)

That being addressed, although Planned Parenthood does preform abortions, I also recognize and have researched that they spend far more of their money, time, and work to preform other things that benefit thousands of people. Things such as: cancer screenings, pap smears (which also screen for cancer and STD's), sexual education, pregnancy testing/birth control, etc to help women who can not afford their medical care. 

Now before you go all crazy one me, please do not make the assumption that all women who use Planned Parenthood's services are "lazy and don't work" or want an abortion. This is simply not true. Take me for example (I'll be a "martyr" for this cause because I truly care about it). What about people with pre-existing conditions who can not acquire health care regardless of their work status? What about women who spend upwards of $400 a month just for health insurance coverage that STILL doesn't cover all of their medical bills...(we're talking into the thousands, folks). I'm one of them. My temporary Cobra insurance runs out in May. After that, I will likely not be able to find coverage because of my pre-existing conditions (Those conditions alone require costly medications and medical testing to keep me healthy and to keep my heart and lungs functioning) . Food for thought! Although I do not currently use Planned Parenthood for birth control, breast cancer screenings, or other medical care personally, I will likely need those discounted services in the future. I would have no qualms about seeking out those services in the future in order to stay healthy, if the situation merited. Why should I be punished for that? 

-Why should thousands of women be punished for seeking out preventive care and screenings that could be potentially life-saving? 

-Why Should Any Woman Be Punished For Being Proactive or going to the doctor if they find a lump?!

The answer is: They should not!

And the true answer behind all of the recent events and chaos is: It's all politics!

Here's a great idea: Let's take politics out of the picture, and do what's right for ALL women by keeping these life-saving screenings and preventive exams open for all of the women who need them! 

The Scar Project

(Photo credit given to "The SCAR Project")

And if you're a man and you're reading this, I applaud you. Breast Cancer can and does affect men too. Yes, men too can develop Breast Cancer. Maybe you didn't know that before, and now you'll keep yourself informed as well. Maybe this post just might change your life...

~Stepping off of my soap box now!~

Once again, this post is not meant to offend or harm, only to enlighten and raise awareness....

~Have a good day my lovelies!~

Music Monday: Lydia's Music Picks of the Week

Good day my lovelies! This week I thought I'd start you out on the right musical foot with a few of my favorites. Below are my top ten picks of the week. Some are by their original artists, others are covers. Enjoy!: 

"If it Means a Lot to You" - A Day To Remember (Acoustic cover by "This Wild Life")

"Oh Darling" - Sara Bareilles (Beatles original)

"Strip" - Chris Brown ft Kevin McCall

"Dancing Away With My Heart" - Lady Antebellum

"These Arms of Mine" - Otis Redding

"Walkaway Joe"- Trisha Yearwood

"Never Let Me Go" - Florence+The Machine

"Skyscraper" - Demi Lovato (Cover by Jenny Lane)

"Untouchable"- Luna Halo (Taylor Swift cover)

"Pretty Little Adriana" - Vince Gill (James David Carter cover)

Friday Randoms

Enjoy today's list of randoms:


1. Last night I decided it'd be a great idea to join the INSANITY and order the workout DVD's...wish me luck! I can't wait to try it and see the results! (I've been doing my research for a while now and decided that would be the best for my lifestyle. I'll blog more about that later!)


2. Last night I went against every fiber in my being and tried Mykelti out on a head halter to gain a little more control over her on our loose leash walks and heeling positions. She astounded me and took to it quite well! (For the record, I'm a flat buckle collar type person, and that is my preferred tool for my dogs. I firmly believe that a well trained dog only needs a flat buckle collar (Unless you have a bracho. dog like a Pug; they should ALWAYS wear a harness). That being said, I do believe other training aids can be beneficial in the short term, such as a proper fitting, well introduced head halter in this case. (In Mykelti's case, this will be used as a very, very temporary training aid to perfect our loose leash walks over the next two weeks before her CGC test.)


3. Susan G. Komen Foundation is NOT on this pro-lifer's nice list right now. (I'll blog more about that later...)


4. On the aforementioned note of Insanity in number one, I tried a bit of the Insanity workout that my friends had, and it was killer! (yet I surprisingly enjoyed the "torture" because it was so high energy!) I think I just might wind up liking it...


5. I hate eye doctors. As a result, I've worn my last pair of contacts way past their prime and I am currently wearing my "back up glasses" since my originals were Wal-Mart cheapies and broke...I will have to go to the eye doctor soon...yikes!


6. I'm thinking about getting my hair done again next week; it's long overdue! Maybe I'll add in a few more highlights and a good trim. I absolutely love the girl that does my hair! If you're local and need someone, let me know and I'll message you the salon's info.


7. I learned the other day that McDonald's previously used "Pink Slime" in their burgers. GROSS! Even though they're supposedly eliminating it from their ingredient list now, I still don't want to know what else is in their food. As if I need another reason to avoid fast food...ICK!


8. Current nail polish:  Sally Hansen's Complete Salon Manicure in " Pedal to the Metal" (purple silver) with Sephora by OPO's "Indi-go With the Flow" (bluish-purple glitter) as a pretty glittery top coat. Such a cute combo!


9. I'm having another MRI done today at 3:00...say a prayer for me if you read this! I'm SICK of these tests.


10. I created a Twitter account! Follow me: @LydiaNichole85

Follow me on Twitter!

Today, I decided to lose my "Twitter Virginity" and create an account! Hope you all enjoy my random musings!

Follow me on Twitter!

Reporter's reaction to a fly...hilarious!

I saw this video on my friend's Facebook page and couldn't resist sharing! This guy's reaction to a fly zooming into his mouth is absolutely hilarious! Bless his heart, I'd probably have the same exact reaction too if that happened to me lol! 


(Pause the music in the right side bar before you press play on the video!)

Happiness

Bless his heart, Lennon sure did have it right! Deep down, I truly believe that all any of us really want in life is happiness. When people get blindsided by the minuscule and insignificant things in their day to day lives, it's easy to forget what's really important: happiness. So my lovelies, I leave you with a challenge: Take a moment today to do something that puts a smile on your face and while you're at it, go out of your way to make someone else smile today too! 

Below is a great list of ideas to spread the smiles and happiness! Give a few a try; I have!

(click to enlarge)

The State of the Union Address 2012

Last week I set aside time to watch President Obama's State of the Union Address. ( I actually typed up this blog post last week and just forgot to post it!) To be honest, I thought he did a fantastic job!  I found that the speech really summed up the President's vision for the future of our country. Now my pessimistic readers (if they exist, right?!) might be thinking well, "what people say and what they do can be two different things sometimes", and that is correct. However, I'm hoping that the President follows through with a lot of the things he mentioned as I think most of them would be beneficial.


At this point you might be wondering about my political affiliation, right? Well, I'm more of a Centrist than anything (Similar to Libertarian, but a bit different). A Centrist is a middle of the road type person and a big fan that both large political parties should meet in the middle on certain issues to try and work out things for the benefit of our country as a whole, instead of being divided. I am conservative on some things (abortion, the right to bear arms) and liberal on others (health care). I honestly just go by what issues strike me more so than the political party with the best propaganda. I definitely enjoy putting in my own research and learning about both sides of each issue; I think doing so makes me a more educated voter. And on the topic of my privilege to vote; I take advantage of that every single opportunity I have though local, state, and national elections! I firmly believe that it all truly adds up and makes a difference. 


Regardless of my affiliation, I find it of the utmost importance to support the brave men and women that fight to ensure and sustain the freedoms I enjoy, as well as the Commander in Chief who oversees our nation. I pray for all of them and try to do the best I can for my country by being a productive member of society through the things I do in my day to day life (volunteering,etc). I also think one of the most important things we can do for our country is to educate ourselves on the issues our nation faces and make smart decisions by taking advantage of our voting privileges and using them wisely during each election. 


....Ok, Stepping off my political soap box now! Have a great day my lovelies!...

In a side note, I thought the most sweet and touching moment of that night occurred before the President gave his speech. It absolutely melted my heart and put a huge smile on my face to see Arizona Congresswoman, Gabrielle Giffords (who had been previously injured in a tragic shooting), embrace President Obama with a huge bear hug. It showed the compassion and kindness that was in both of them and I really thought that was such a wonderful moment! (Doesn't Gabrielle Giffords look terrific?!?!)

Happy Birthday Mykelti (1) & Ranger (2)!

 I'll preface this post by saying that I probably love my pets more than some people love their own children! 

On Friday January 27th, I celebrated the birthdays of two of my most cherished friends: my beloved Australian Shepherds, Ranger & Mykelti! My dogs are there for me through every single up and down,  and always know how to make me smile no matter what kind of day I'm having. Not only do they unselfishly give me all of their devotion and love, I have also been blessed to use Ranger as a Registered Therapy Dog throughout our community to make others smile as well! (And little Mykelti is in training to become a Registered Therapy Dog soon as well!) As if that wasn't enough; they keep me busy every week and give me something to look forward to with their training (obedience, agility, rally, therapy work). My dogs are my best friends and I absolutely consider them to be like my children. Although I do want children, at this point in my life I just don't know if it will happen... So right now, I'm content instead to spoil my dogs rotten and give them the best life possible, and in return, they are such wonderful blessings in my life! 


On the note of dogs, I have three: Macy, Ranger, and Mykelti. I'm not sure when Macy's birthday is (she is my rescued Pit Bull x) so I celebrate the day I adopted her (August 28, 2010). Ranger and Mykelti are from the same wonderful breeder though, so I do know their birthday! (January 27 2010 and 2011)  They were actually born on the exact same day, one year apart! No, the breeder didn't plan that; it was just a funny coincidence. (Ranger is the oldest by one year, and Mykelti is the youngest.) They are also related: Mykelti's mother is the mom to Ranger's father...almost as confusing as my family!


One of my friends recently told me about a cute pet bakery near me that sells items for animals : Dog cakes, cookies, toys,etc. It sounded too cute to pass up, so I decided to order a birthday cake for Ranger and Mykelti's special day! Now I realize to some, that might classify me as "The Crazy Dog Lady". Since I prefer my dogs to most people however, I seriously couldn't care less! (and if you've read this far, my guess is that you like animals as well!) After all, they aren't just dogs, they are my best buddies! It's not every day two of your best friends share the same birthday, so I thought this merited a paw-sitively fun celebration! 

WARNING: Cuteness Overload Ahead!

Ranger as a tinsy tiny puppy! 

Baby Mykelti on the way home with us from Missouri!

Isn't their cake adorable? Three Dog Bakery is the best! 

(left to right) Mykelti on her 1st birthday and Ranger on his 2nd birthday!

Sweet Mykelti on her first birthday!

Macy celebrated Ranger & Mykelti's birthday with cake and a toy too since I don't know her actual birthday! 

My handsome Ranger on his second birthday!

Mykelti and Ranger with their birthday cake and party hats!

3 candles: two candles for Ranger's 2nd birthday and one for Myketli's 1st birthday!

Their cake was peanut butter flavored (with the consistency of a  bran muffin) and doggy-safe; it looks better than some of the birthday cake I've had in the past to be honest lol!

My cute little party animals: Ranger, Macy, and Mykelti!

Mykelti and Ranger waiting patiently to have some cake!

 AKC Brake's Femme Fatale and CGC, RTD AKC Brake's Lone Ranger

Macy LOVED the cake!

Mykelti got the peanut butter icing stuck to her tongue lol

Let them eat cake!

My three loves

I think he approved of the cake! (He lasted about an hour before he took off his hat; I lasted about 10 more minutes before I vacuumed the crumbs they left behind like an OCD mad woman lol!) 

They each got one toy! 

~Thanks for viewing~

Please say a prayer for me...

For those of you who read my blog, I have a huge favor to ask of you. Please pray for me. I received some bad news today during a trip to the Neurologist that another doctor referred me to. The neurologist I saw today was so concerned that he scheduled me for an MRI first thing in the morning and I will be undergoing some more tests this week to see what's going on. Please keep me in your prays and pray that I do NOT have what my doctor suspects, and that things will be alright. To say that I'm frustrated and nervous would be an understatement! I am so damn sick of being a pin cushion and playing the "waiting game". I'm normally a pretty positive person, but right now I'm honestly a bit terrified at the moment. All I can do at this point is pray and put all of my worries in God's hands and hope that my tests come back clear. 

Heidi Klum and Seal to Divorce?

I don't typically go crazy over celebrity gossip, but the news of Heidi Klum and Seal possibly divorcing really saddened me! They have always seemed like such a sweet, happy couple! Granted, everything can appear differently in public vs. behind closed doors. I'm still rooting for them to work it out and hoping the news reports are just some sort of tabloid garbage! Divorce is a hellacious nightmare to say the least! (Been there, done that in order to save my life from my abusive ex.)  Hopefully, Heidi and Seal have just hit a small bump in the road that isn't anything serious, and can work it out (unless of course there's abuse or infidelity involved and it's a bad situation). Let's hope they'll take a little advice from Al Green by staying together!  

Tears For Fears - Shout + lyrics

See what was #1 on the day you were born


I found this particularly amusing today! If you enter your birthday on the link I listed above, it will show you what song was #1 on the day you were born. 


Mine was, "Shout" - Tears for Fears





(Be sure to pause the music in the right side bar before playing this video)

Etta James earned her wings...

Etta James Dies of Leukemia at 73

I was saddened to hear the news of Etta James' passing today. I grew up listening  to a wide variety of music, and her songs were some of my absolute favorite. Every piece she sang had heart and power to it, and that's what makes memorable music that all audiences can appreciate. I have no doubt that her legend and her music will live on for generations to come. This beautiful lady has truly left a song on the heart of those she leaves behind. 

 ~Rest peacefully Etta~

10 Things Thursday

In no particular order:


1. Most people dislike vacuuming their house, I'm probably the .1% that actually derives enjoyment from it. I've had my Dyson for four years now, and I still love to vacuum with it. (Maybe that's not a bad thing though since I have pets)


2. Orbit Bubblemint gum...go get you some! 


3. I love sweet tea; I'm partial to Luzianne's decaf tea for making mine. 


4. I decorate for pretty much EVERY single holiday. My house is already decorated for Valentine's and it's still January!


5. I love the way fresh linens smell right when you take them out of the dryer....ahhhh


6. Today's lunch/dinner was homemade Chicken Alfredo and sweet tea...yummy!


7. On the note of Alfredo, this is the recipe I follow: It's amazing! (The cream cheese really make the difference)


8. I really need to to go to the optometrist! I'm on my last pair of contacts, and my "back up glasses" are broken...I hate the eye doctor, but I may just have to suck it up and pay him a visit pretty soon if I'd like to see well!


9. I love high pulp orange juice. Simple Orange (high pulp) is my favorite orange juice.


10. My puppy, Mykelti snuggles as close as she can to me at night to go to sleep; I think it's the most sweet thing ever!