Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Amazing nail giveaway
Check out the following link for an awesome nail giveaway!!
Luminous Lacquer 600 Follower Halloween Giveaway
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Check this out
Check out this giveaway for an amazing holographic OPI nail polish!!!
http://smashleysparkles.blogspot.com/2012/02/100-follower-giveaway.html
http://smashleysparkles.blogspot.com/2012/02/100-follower-giveaway.html
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Check this out
There's this awesome makeup blog I think you all should check out. It's got reviews, giveaways, and all that awesome jazz. Check it.
Confessions of a Glitterholic!
Confessions of a Glitterholic!
Friday, April 1, 2011
Home Sweet Home
A friend of mine made a very interesting blog post today discussing where she feels at home at. The place she feels the most comfortable and like she belongs. It got me to wondering "Where do I feel the most at home at?"
For me it's complicated where I feel the most at home at. As a Navy Wife I feel it my duty to have shallow roots and be able to uproot and replant where ever the Navy sends us and make that my home. I've lived that mentality for a while now and that has made it kind of difficult to choose just 1 spot I feel like is my home.
I grew up in the midlands area of South Carolina just outside of Columbia on Lake Murray. It's the only place I lived before I met my now husband. My family however isn't from there. My maternal grandmothers family is from the Baltimore region of MD. My maternal grandfathers family is from Eastern TN just an hour outside of Knoxville in the mountains. I always felt like a piece of my heart belonged in TN as we often visited there for family reunions and harvest time for my Uncle's hay fields. We often visited Charleston SC too though and I always felt a great attraction there. Even more so now as it's where I met and fell in love with my amazing husband.
The Battery in Charleston SC overlooking the harbor is one place I always felt at home at. It's a combination of things that sets my soul at peace there. The smell of the water, the feel of the breeze and mist on my face, the sound of kids playing in the park and the leaves rustling, the feel of the ground firmly beneath my shoes unshifting, the smiles of the people as they pass by, the feeling of warmth and happiness that washes over me as all of these things meld together and my mind drifts away. It's the most peaceful feeling. Yet, it's not the most peaceful place. There's a park just on the other side of the walk, homes and apartment buildings towering behind the park, cars driving over the cobblestone street, people walking their dogs and out for an afternoon jog. It's quite a bustling little area yet all at the same time it brings me peace. It calms my soul and speaks to my heart. I know it sounds crazy, but it's as if the ocean and trees are wind are talking to me all at once telling me to let go of whatever is on my mind and just focus on the present. It's literally heaven on Earth.
It's not the only place I've ever felt such a deep connection to though. My family has a cabin on lots of ackerage located in the mountains of Eastern TN. It's not a big cabin. A 1 bedroom with a loft to be precise. Tiny and quaint. Quiet and secluded. The only thing to see for miles are cows, hay fields, the mountains, and a small quaint white church with a graveyard beside it that's located on family land. Everything within eye distance is Lowery land. The church was built and donated by my Grandfather's grandfather. The cemetary houses about 90% of my relatives. The select few that are burried there and not related by blood were long time family friends. There's a story that goes with every person burried there. Stories of love, courage, honor, commitment, and faith. Some were injured in wars and faught valiently and died years later. Others loved so deeply and gave their lives to bring forth a child. The stores are just amazing. As if the history behind each of the people there isn't enough to make my heart swell with pride and bring tears to my eyes the view surely is. When I sit down in one of the chairs on the porch of the cabin it's like being warped back to a time when life was much simpler. There's no Cable, no cell phone service, no internet, no video games, not even a home telephone. Just an old TV set that hasn't been turned on in years, an even older radio, and the sound of mother nature. The breeze blowing through the windows and across the porch, the trees swaying in the breeze, the cicadas chirping in the distance. It's isn't rare to see a Doe and her fawn out grazing in one of the pastures. Depending on the time of year there may be cattle in the fields behind the cabin and to the side. Even the cows don't bother me. There slow grazing and just basic lazy nature brings me back to a time much easier. My quieter and calmer. It's the best place to be left alone with your thoughts.
The burning question is though, which place do I feel more at home at? Which place do I feel I belong the most. I honestly am not sure. I don't think I could ever choose one over the other. Each have such a hold on my heart and soul that I don't believe I could let go of one or the other. So for that, I will always be a wanderer. Passing between the 2 to get my fill of what each one does best for me.
If you'd like to read my friends post on where she considers home please check it out: Where is Home
For me it's complicated where I feel the most at home at. As a Navy Wife I feel it my duty to have shallow roots and be able to uproot and replant where ever the Navy sends us and make that my home. I've lived that mentality for a while now and that has made it kind of difficult to choose just 1 spot I feel like is my home.
I grew up in the midlands area of South Carolina just outside of Columbia on Lake Murray. It's the only place I lived before I met my now husband. My family however isn't from there. My maternal grandmothers family is from the Baltimore region of MD. My maternal grandfathers family is from Eastern TN just an hour outside of Knoxville in the mountains. I always felt like a piece of my heart belonged in TN as we often visited there for family reunions and harvest time for my Uncle's hay fields. We often visited Charleston SC too though and I always felt a great attraction there. Even more so now as it's where I met and fell in love with my amazing husband.
The Battery in Charleston SC overlooking the harbor is one place I always felt at home at. It's a combination of things that sets my soul at peace there. The smell of the water, the feel of the breeze and mist on my face, the sound of kids playing in the park and the leaves rustling, the feel of the ground firmly beneath my shoes unshifting, the smiles of the people as they pass by, the feeling of warmth and happiness that washes over me as all of these things meld together and my mind drifts away. It's the most peaceful feeling. Yet, it's not the most peaceful place. There's a park just on the other side of the walk, homes and apartment buildings towering behind the park, cars driving over the cobblestone street, people walking their dogs and out for an afternoon jog. It's quite a bustling little area yet all at the same time it brings me peace. It calms my soul and speaks to my heart. I know it sounds crazy, but it's as if the ocean and trees are wind are talking to me all at once telling me to let go of whatever is on my mind and just focus on the present. It's literally heaven on Earth.
It's not the only place I've ever felt such a deep connection to though. My family has a cabin on lots of ackerage located in the mountains of Eastern TN. It's not a big cabin. A 1 bedroom with a loft to be precise. Tiny and quaint. Quiet and secluded. The only thing to see for miles are cows, hay fields, the mountains, and a small quaint white church with a graveyard beside it that's located on family land. Everything within eye distance is Lowery land. The church was built and donated by my Grandfather's grandfather. The cemetary houses about 90% of my relatives. The select few that are burried there and not related by blood were long time family friends. There's a story that goes with every person burried there. Stories of love, courage, honor, commitment, and faith. Some were injured in wars and faught valiently and died years later. Others loved so deeply and gave their lives to bring forth a child. The stores are just amazing. As if the history behind each of the people there isn't enough to make my heart swell with pride and bring tears to my eyes the view surely is. When I sit down in one of the chairs on the porch of the cabin it's like being warped back to a time when life was much simpler. There's no Cable, no cell phone service, no internet, no video games, not even a home telephone. Just an old TV set that hasn't been turned on in years, an even older radio, and the sound of mother nature. The breeze blowing through the windows and across the porch, the trees swaying in the breeze, the cicadas chirping in the distance. It's isn't rare to see a Doe and her fawn out grazing in one of the pastures. Depending on the time of year there may be cattle in the fields behind the cabin and to the side. Even the cows don't bother me. There slow grazing and just basic lazy nature brings me back to a time much easier. My quieter and calmer. It's the best place to be left alone with your thoughts.
The burning question is though, which place do I feel more at home at? Which place do I feel I belong the most. I honestly am not sure. I don't think I could ever choose one over the other. Each have such a hold on my heart and soul that I don't believe I could let go of one or the other. So for that, I will always be a wanderer. Passing between the 2 to get my fill of what each one does best for me.
If you'd like to read my friends post on where she considers home please check it out: Where is Home
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Random Ramblings
I haven't felt inspired to write anything with greatness in it today so today will be a random rambling sort of day. It's been so incredibly weird here weather wise. Not even 2 weeks ago it was 80's and so nice that my daughter wore shorts and a tank to the park to run around in. Today it was the normal that it's been for about a week. Rainy, cloudy, and in the 30's. Not exactly perfect outdoor weather.
We didn't let that stop us today though. We went to the outlets here in Williamsburg for a little retail therapy. We've been cooped up far too much lately so it was nice to get out of the house and do something fun. I hit up my 2 favorite stores, Gymboree and Carters. At Gymboree I found my normal amazing steal on clothes. I got a fleece zip up hoodie for a total of 3.35 with tax. Honestly, you can't even find wal-mart hoodies that cheap. It was the best deal ever. I also picked up 3 pairs of bottoms and 3 shirts today for 35 bucks. For Gymboree, that's not too bad.
In Carters I continued my amazing deal finding. I had a 20% off coupon and a 10 dollar off coupon. I got gifts for 2 friends having babies. 4 rompers and a sleeper for 1 and 2 rompers, 1 onesie, and a 2 piece outfit for the other for all of 40 bucks. Amazing deals. :) Everything was 50% off practically in the store and with my 20% off coupon it made everything I bought 70% off. Then I got 10 dollars off which was like getting the outfit for free. :) Can't beat deals like that.
After our shopping extravaganza we went and filled our bellies with Chinese in the food court. My husband is out to sea so it was just me and the Boogster doing what we do best. Chowing down on some amazing grub. For a 2yr old she has a love already for ethnic foods. She'll eat Chinese, Mexican, Indian, Spanish, Italian....you name it. I love having a child that's not a picky eater. Now if only we could get her appetite to actually make her grow a touch. teehee
We came home and Boogs went straight down for a nap. All that shopping is hard work I tell ya!! I paid all my bills today which is one of those things in life that's a catch 22. After I do it and I know all of them are paid it makes me feel so accomplished. Then when I look at how much it took from the bank account I sit and weep. Typical. At least the bills are paid and we still have money.
That's one of the joys of being military. It may suck a lot of the time and it may mean lots of lonely nights and stressful days but we always have money in the bank and our bills are paid. We always have a fridge full of food and clothes on our back. You can't complain about any of that!!! Well, I'm sure I've bored everyone to tears already with my totally random post so I shall sign off for the night. Until next time.
We didn't let that stop us today though. We went to the outlets here in Williamsburg for a little retail therapy. We've been cooped up far too much lately so it was nice to get out of the house and do something fun. I hit up my 2 favorite stores, Gymboree and Carters. At Gymboree I found my normal amazing steal on clothes. I got a fleece zip up hoodie for a total of 3.35 with tax. Honestly, you can't even find wal-mart hoodies that cheap. It was the best deal ever. I also picked up 3 pairs of bottoms and 3 shirts today for 35 bucks. For Gymboree, that's not too bad.
In Carters I continued my amazing deal finding. I had a 20% off coupon and a 10 dollar off coupon. I got gifts for 2 friends having babies. 4 rompers and a sleeper for 1 and 2 rompers, 1 onesie, and a 2 piece outfit for the other for all of 40 bucks. Amazing deals. :) Everything was 50% off practically in the store and with my 20% off coupon it made everything I bought 70% off. Then I got 10 dollars off which was like getting the outfit for free. :) Can't beat deals like that.
After our shopping extravaganza we went and filled our bellies with Chinese in the food court. My husband is out to sea so it was just me and the Boogster doing what we do best. Chowing down on some amazing grub. For a 2yr old she has a love already for ethnic foods. She'll eat Chinese, Mexican, Indian, Spanish, Italian....you name it. I love having a child that's not a picky eater. Now if only we could get her appetite to actually make her grow a touch. teehee
We came home and Boogs went straight down for a nap. All that shopping is hard work I tell ya!! I paid all my bills today which is one of those things in life that's a catch 22. After I do it and I know all of them are paid it makes me feel so accomplished. Then when I look at how much it took from the bank account I sit and weep. Typical. At least the bills are paid and we still have money.
That's one of the joys of being military. It may suck a lot of the time and it may mean lots of lonely nights and stressful days but we always have money in the bank and our bills are paid. We always have a fridge full of food and clothes on our back. You can't complain about any of that!!! Well, I'm sure I've bored everyone to tears already with my totally random post so I shall sign off for the night. Until next time.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Judgment Day
In this day and age it doesn't take looking around too much to read a news article or blog post or any media that speaks ill of the Muslim religion and it's people. It's not hard to find people who will proudly proclaim their distaste in all Muslims. To me, in this day and age of acceptance and love, I find it to be disgusting and vile. Judgement isn't something for us to do towards our fellow man. That is left to a higher power. Be it God, Sheba, Buddha, The Great One, or whatever name you call your higher power/being it is up to them to ultimately judge someone and their actions.
I want to discuss today the topic of extreme religious actions and how it effects people's judgement on a religion as a whole. We see so much extreme actions these days by people who believe greatly in their religion. Some feel that their god is telling them to picket funerals while others are saying their god is telling them to kill people. My biggest question in this post today is going to be, should we categorize everyone in a certain religion for the actions that a small group do in the name of that religion.
Right now the focus has been on the Muslim religion. The world has sat and watched as terrorist groups like Al Quida rain down death and destruction around the world. I can understand how people are angry at them. I am angry at them. They act in the name of Allah and the Muslim religion. They believe that their god has told them to do these things. While they've continued on with their destructive ways people have begun to form opinions on the Muslim religion based solely on what they have seen in the media about the Terrorist groups. My grandparents in particular are very old fashioned. I've heard more times than I can count "The Muslim people are such angry and hateful people." This saddens me and also, at times, enrages me. I understand that they are from a different day and age. I know that the time they were raised in was far different than ours today. However, these feelings aren't shared with just the older generations. It's currently the way many Americans feel. I can't speak for how others feel in other countries as I've only seen what's here in my homeland.
Whenever I hear people make generalized statements about the Muslim religion I pause for a second. I stop to think back and remember things I've learned about in History class, in research, on TV (I'm an avid fan of the History Channel), and books. I sit down and remember so many other events in the world's history that remind me so much of what is going on now. One that comes to mind at this very moment is England during the 1500's when there was a battle between the Protestant Church and Catholics. This battle wasn't just during the 1500's nor was it only in England. During that time though, people were burned at the stake for loving their faith so much that they refused to convert. The Catholic church pressed harder and harder killing men, women, and children.
It doesn't stop with just this instance either. Think back to early Colonial days in America. Back to the time of the first settlers all the way up until the early 1900's. Christians from all over Europe where flocking to America in hopes of a new life and the ability to practice their religion openly. It was a great time. For some. There was a small problem though. The land was already settled by Native Americans who loved their land deeply and had deep roots planted in their faith. Yet the Christians and Puritans who came to settle the land wanted to convert them and push them out of their home. When they were reluctant to do so, what happened? They killed them, went to war with them. To me, that would be a case of terrorism at it's finest. A shocking example of how 2 people so set in their religions will stop at nothing to convert the other.
There are so many more examples I could list off of people from religions going to extremes because they feel that their religion is ultimately the better one and anything different must be dissolved and converted. I'll spare you the time of listing off all the ones I can think of currently though. My point with this is that no one should judge who has a better religion. No one should push their faith or beliefs off onto another because they feel it'll save them. No one should go to the extreme in the name of their faith. However, no one should an entire religion based on the actions of a small group. If we were to do so and do so equally then there'd be practically no religion left to believe in. So love one another and be open to others beliefs and faiths. If they say that their roots are planted firmly in them, then accept that. If you don't know exactly what someones religious beliefs are, ask them. I'm sure that if they truly love their faith, they'd be happy and overjoyed to share their beliefs with you. I encourage, and even challenge, all of my readers to learn the truth behind an entire faith before passing judgement on it.
I want to discuss today the topic of extreme religious actions and how it effects people's judgement on a religion as a whole. We see so much extreme actions these days by people who believe greatly in their religion. Some feel that their god is telling them to picket funerals while others are saying their god is telling them to kill people. My biggest question in this post today is going to be, should we categorize everyone in a certain religion for the actions that a small group do in the name of that religion.
Right now the focus has been on the Muslim religion. The world has sat and watched as terrorist groups like Al Quida rain down death and destruction around the world. I can understand how people are angry at them. I am angry at them. They act in the name of Allah and the Muslim religion. They believe that their god has told them to do these things. While they've continued on with their destructive ways people have begun to form opinions on the Muslim religion based solely on what they have seen in the media about the Terrorist groups. My grandparents in particular are very old fashioned. I've heard more times than I can count "The Muslim people are such angry and hateful people." This saddens me and also, at times, enrages me. I understand that they are from a different day and age. I know that the time they were raised in was far different than ours today. However, these feelings aren't shared with just the older generations. It's currently the way many Americans feel. I can't speak for how others feel in other countries as I've only seen what's here in my homeland.
Whenever I hear people make generalized statements about the Muslim religion I pause for a second. I stop to think back and remember things I've learned about in History class, in research, on TV (I'm an avid fan of the History Channel), and books. I sit down and remember so many other events in the world's history that remind me so much of what is going on now. One that comes to mind at this very moment is England during the 1500's when there was a battle between the Protestant Church and Catholics. This battle wasn't just during the 1500's nor was it only in England. During that time though, people were burned at the stake for loving their faith so much that they refused to convert. The Catholic church pressed harder and harder killing men, women, and children.
It doesn't stop with just this instance either. Think back to early Colonial days in America. Back to the time of the first settlers all the way up until the early 1900's. Christians from all over Europe where flocking to America in hopes of a new life and the ability to practice their religion openly. It was a great time. For some. There was a small problem though. The land was already settled by Native Americans who loved their land deeply and had deep roots planted in their faith. Yet the Christians and Puritans who came to settle the land wanted to convert them and push them out of their home. When they were reluctant to do so, what happened? They killed them, went to war with them. To me, that would be a case of terrorism at it's finest. A shocking example of how 2 people so set in their religions will stop at nothing to convert the other.
There are so many more examples I could list off of people from religions going to extremes because they feel that their religion is ultimately the better one and anything different must be dissolved and converted. I'll spare you the time of listing off all the ones I can think of currently though. My point with this is that no one should judge who has a better religion. No one should push their faith or beliefs off onto another because they feel it'll save them. No one should go to the extreme in the name of their faith. However, no one should an entire religion based on the actions of a small group. If we were to do so and do so equally then there'd be practically no religion left to believe in. So love one another and be open to others beliefs and faiths. If they say that their roots are planted firmly in them, then accept that. If you don't know exactly what someones religious beliefs are, ask them. I'm sure that if they truly love their faith, they'd be happy and overjoyed to share their beliefs with you. I encourage, and even challenge, all of my readers to learn the truth behind an entire faith before passing judgement on it.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
My introduction
I guess I started this blog back in December with the intentions of blogging about pressing issues that I felt I wanted to address. I posted one and then stopped. Sad times. I have since decided to move forward with this blog and continue what I wanted to do to begin with. I got a bit ahead of myself this morning with a new topic only to realize as I sat here editing my blog to make it visually appealing that I have yet to introduce myself and my family. So let's start over and introduce you to our quaint little family!!
My name is Morgan. I'm 26 years old and hail from the great state of South Carolina. My family is originally from eastern TN and thusly my blood runs orange for the Tennessee Volunteers. I am married to not only the love of my life and what could possibly be the greatest man on earth, but my soul mate and other half. We complete each other and our love runs deep. We aren't the average couple though and are very familiar with acting a fool together. His name is Leslie and he serves in the US Navy currently aboard the USS George H W Bush. He's a plank owner and however much distaste I may have for his current superiors we love the ship and will always hold a special place in our hearts for it. He's been in 9 yrs in May and we've been a couple for 8 in August. We were married on May 28th of 2007.
In March of 2009 we were blessed to welcome a little girl into our family who's name is Arianna. We fondly refer to her as A, Boogs, Boogy, or Booger Britches. She's now a roudy 2yr old with enough attitude for several grown adults but we love her all the same! She has 2 furry older brothers DC and Caesar. Both rescue kittens and both loveable balls of fur. DC is a Main Coon and a giant loveable little man. He keeps me company on the lonely nights when my husband is away.
We currently reside in Newport News, VA but are anxiously awaiting PCS orders. Our fondest hope is to recieve orders for Goose Creek, SC which is located outside of Charleston. With the military you never really know though so we aren't holding our breath until we have orders in hand. That's about it for me and my precious family. If you ever want to know more feel free to ask. I'm pretty much an open book.
My name is Morgan. I'm 26 years old and hail from the great state of South Carolina. My family is originally from eastern TN and thusly my blood runs orange for the Tennessee Volunteers. I am married to not only the love of my life and what could possibly be the greatest man on earth, but my soul mate and other half. We complete each other and our love runs deep. We aren't the average couple though and are very familiar with acting a fool together. His name is Leslie and he serves in the US Navy currently aboard the USS George H W Bush. He's a plank owner and however much distaste I may have for his current superiors we love the ship and will always hold a special place in our hearts for it. He's been in 9 yrs in May and we've been a couple for 8 in August. We were married on May 28th of 2007.
In March of 2009 we were blessed to welcome a little girl into our family who's name is Arianna. We fondly refer to her as A, Boogs, Boogy, or Booger Britches. She's now a roudy 2yr old with enough attitude for several grown adults but we love her all the same! She has 2 furry older brothers DC and Caesar. Both rescue kittens and both loveable balls of fur. DC is a Main Coon and a giant loveable little man. He keeps me company on the lonely nights when my husband is away.
We currently reside in Newport News, VA but are anxiously awaiting PCS orders. Our fondest hope is to recieve orders for Goose Creek, SC which is located outside of Charleston. With the military you never really know though so we aren't holding our breath until we have orders in hand. That's about it for me and my precious family. If you ever want to know more feel free to ask. I'm pretty much an open book.
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