The “Trad Wife” Trend

 In recent years, there has been a growing trend of young women choosing to adopt traditional lifestyles as homemakers, while men go out to work and provide for their families. This trend has caused a lot of debate and controversy, with some people arguing that it is regressive and limiting to women's potential, while others argue that it provides a sense of fulfillment and happiness. In this essay, I will explore the reasons why traditional lifestyles are becoming increasingly popular among young women.

Firstly, the rise of feminism has created pressure on women to "do it all." Women are expected to excel in their careers while also being responsible for the majority of household tasks and raising children. This pressure can be overwhelming, and many women are finding it difficult to balance the demands of work and family. By adopting a traditional lifestyle, women can focus on their roles as homemakers and mothers, which provides a sense of clarity and purpose.

Secondly, many women are finding that the traditional lifestyle provides a sense of fulfillment that they are not getting from their careers. While careers can provide financial stability and social status, they do not always provide a sense of personal fulfillment. Raising children and managing a household can be challenging, but it is also rewarding and fulfilling in its own way.

Thirdly, many women are realizing that traditional lifestyles provide a sense of stability and security for their families. With the rise of divorce rates and the instability of the modern job market, many women are seeking a lifestyle that provides a sense of security and stability for their families. By staying home and raising children, they can provide a stable home environment that allows their children to thrive.

Fourthly, traditional lifestyles provide an opportunity for couples to divide household tasks in a way that suits their individual strengths and preferences. By adopting a traditional lifestyle, men can focus on their careers and provide financial stability, while women can focus on managing the household and raising children. This division of labor allows both partners to play to their strengths, which can lead to a more harmonious and fulfilling relationship.

Finally, many women are realizing that traditional lifestyles provide an opportunity for them to live their lives on their own terms. While the pressure to excel in their careers and be superwomen can be overwhelming, many women are realizing that they can choose a lifestyle that provides them with the most happiness and fulfillment, even if it goes against societal expectations.

In conclusion, traditional lifestyles are becoming increasingly popular among young women due to a variety of reasons. These lifestyles provide a sense of clarity and purpose, fulfillment, stability and security, a more harmonious relationship, and an opportunity to live their lives on their own terms. While this lifestyle may not be suitable for everyone, it is worth considering as an alternative to the traditional expectations placed on women in modern society.

Who Am I Anyway?

 I am a wonder person. I am a woman. I have a big heart that I tend to wear on my sleeve. I care a lot. I strive to bring happiness to those I love.  I would do anything possible to make my loved ones happy. I give and I give until I have nothing left. I am supportive and honest. I am an empath. I feel things deeper than most. I have been through hell and back again. I am a survivor. I am an amazing cook. I am curious. I love my family. I am a daughter, a sister, a grandchild, a mother, an aunt, a lover, a wife. I love learning. I love adventure. I love to try new things. I love tattoos. I love listening to people's stories. I love new music, old music, garage music, porch music, all music. I love vans, converse, dressing up, dressing down, workout clothes, skater/beach clothing. I enjoy the beach, museums, bonfires, mountains, camping, farms and being outside. I love to move, dance, workout do yoga or run when I'm stressed. I enjoy meeting new people and agreeing to disagree. I do not enjoy arguing and fighting but I love a debate and paying devil's advocate. I believe in well-rounded views and hearing from all sides.  I love old cars, off road trucks, tractors, jeeps and more. I love to sit, watch movies, cuddle with books on rainy days. I love healthy food and fat kid food. I can be one of gals or one of the guys. I enjoy hanging out with the little one or with grandparents. I am a patriot. I love my country. I love my freedoms. I love guns, blowing things up, or the silence of archery and knives. I am a book nerd, superhero fan. I love to help others succeed. I am a homesteader, and a homeschool teacher. I enjoy growing my food, preserving it and sharing how I did just so. I am a lover who enjoys giving from the simplest massages to the depths of fantasies. I believe in my God as well as something infinitely more. I believe in fate and choice at the same time. I believe in a living hell/karma, and something more after this life ends. I do not know if it's a new life as something or someone else, heaven or a future paradise. I believe in living and let live. I believe in letting children be children. I believe life is short and fragile. It is well spent with good times rather than wasted away growing old alone. Life should be full of love, laughter, and cuddles. I do believe I'd rather be alone than taken for granted, yelled at, judged or told how to live. In relationships, small things mean far more than large elaborate displays. Small notes, calls, messages, random cups of coffee, help cleaning up. Family means people, blood or not, that would do anything for you and be there for you and vice versa. I believe the core of a relationship is friendship. One day, your looks will fade, your muscles will not be what htey once were, illnesses will come and go. You will rely on that friendship and trust that you can lean on your SO no matter what difficult moments life can throw at you.

From Far Away

 Today, I sit beside myself. I see the younger me, and I see me from one week ago. The two are vastly different. They are both different from the me I am today.

Younger me, 19 with a baby and a deployed husband, living in Southern California. I was staying with my FIL and Bonus MIL. I knew little to nothing of the world and just started to learn. I was scared, alone, lost and just trying to survive this new world I had stepped into. California was so big to me and everything I had dreamed of. Being a new mother when I had not even wanted children in the first place. Being a military spouse and learning how it all worked. I was young, dumb, and trying to figure out life. I was scare to drive on the big highways, I marveled at the sunshine and ocean. I was navigating breastfeeding, first foods for a baby and more. I was terrified of the phone calls from overseas that were hastily cut short due to firefights. 

The woman who sits beside me at 33 years old is vastly different. She's been divorced, going through a tumultuous moment in her soon to be done marriage. Living in Florida and balancing businesses as she tries to figure out whether staying here is the best move or going elsewhere with little ones in tow. She is in her married home, sleeping in her own room. She isn't as scared as she once was, but still scared. She is married to the military once more. She has 5 wonderful children now. She's seen the ins and outs of the military and wears her own scars from the life that comes with it. She still loves the sunshine, the ocean and freedom. She has weathered many storms throughout her life.

Today, I am the woman still learning lessons at 33. The things I've talked about doing, but hadn't done. Those are the things haunting me right now. Life is such a fragile and short thing. 

19 year old me was blessed to have met my Bonus MIL from my first husband. Of course my FIL as well but let's focus on her today. She was an incredible, caring person. She had never had children of her own and her husband had passed years before she and my FIL had met. (They never officially married, but were together for 20+ years.) She lovingly opened up her home to myself and my little sweet baby (my oldest, and not little guy anymore). She took me in and loved us and cared for us fiercely. She taught me to slow down and relax, drink that wine. She showed me how to properly care for your home. She loved to listen to the eagles with all of the windows open. She was amazing. Always with a smile and laughter, and would drink coffee and show me the best breakfast burritos on the planet. She taught me self care was important, and to leave the house put together. When she loved you, you knew it and never had to doubt it.

33 year old me from two weeks ago hadn't spoken to her in two years. She'd started to become more and more forgetful until it was realized that she had dementia. That woman that would joke every so often on the phone of being scared her memory was slipping, was ultimately right. It should've been more of a concern. She would laugh it off assure me she was fine. It happened so slowly that you almost didn't notice. Once it was getting bad and she hardly understood what I was saying, I chickened out of calling her. Ironically, I had just had conversations about needing to give her a call.

The me today, realizes she should have called. I waited too long and I let her slip through my fingers. I found out she was in the hospital two days ago. Yesterday I found out, the Lord took her home at 4:55 PM. My whole world feels turned upside down. I should have called. 

What would I have said? I'm not entirely sure.

If I could go back to her lucid moments and tell her once more that she was a pillar in my life and shaped the woman I am, I would.

I did write her a letter and sent it to my FIL for him to read to her. I heard once that your hearing is the last sense to leave your body and doing this brought me some comfort.

This is what I wrote:

Dear ******,

I am sorry. Sorry I didn't reach out more. I got so stuck in my own problems that I didn't want to burden anyone else. After always being honest with you about my whole world, I didn't want you to worry about me. I love you. You were my mother when I couldn't reach out to my own. You showed me California. Islands with ******. Stater Bros with baby ******. Pools, naps, Eagles, Kendall Jackson Chardonnay Vintner's Reserve. Take care of yourself, deep cleaning on Sundays, Vegas at 21, dealing with ****. I regret not reaching out more. I so wish we could go back in time. I'd spend every minute with you. I wish so badly I could have just one more weekend to hear your advice. To tell you how much you are a part of the woman I am. To listen to you talk of growing up with your sister ******. Stories of your father. Talking about visiting your family in P-Town. ***** joking with you over Freaky Deaky Fridays. (I can still clearly here you saying, "Oh gosh, Oh brother, go away!" Breakfast burritos. The park down the road, the white pizzas from the place at the bottom of the hill. 
You helped me navigate my own feelings, my own world, being a new mother. Lifting me up with your faith when I had none myself.
Everyone who knew you absolutely adored you. You were the most vibrant, loving, fun person in the room. An unmistakable laugh, and always read with understanding. Offering advice when needed. Your friends will all miss you. No one in the world will be the same without you.




It's time I close this post out as my crying has been so much the last few days and I just needed to get this out.

If you take anything from this post, it's to tell the people you love, care for, and who've made an impact in your life that they are important and loved.

Life is much too fragile and short to not.

3 Things That Drive Me Crazy

 Top 3 Pet Peeves

Ok, everyone has something that just drives them nuts. It can be in regard to people, relationships, businesses, etc.

People pet peeves:

1) Not listening to others.
2) Resorting to insults instead of an actual discussion.
3) Not accepting that others can have different opinions, and that is OK.

Relationship pet Peeves:

1) Telling someone what they can and cannot do.
2) Lack of trust.
3) Talking down to someone.

Businesses:

1) Over packaging.
2) Lack of customer service.
3) Will not do customer service online.

1 Thing That Someone Told Me

 There is one thing that someone once told me about myself that has stuck with me forever.

Before we dive into that, is there something someone else has told you about yourself that has stuck with you? It's rather amazing how words can stick with us or alter how we view things. Our perception of reality. They can be good, or they can be bad. Sadly, more often than not, it's the bad that really stick out in our memories. If we learn to change or work on those things, they stick out more. We will still carry it. However, if we alter our thoughts on it, we can make it not a part of our reality. Instead of viewing talking too much as a bad thing, view it as you are a great communicator, or a people person.

Alright, now to go into it. I've had my fair share of toxic, unhealthy relationships to say the least. Well, one thing that I've always had in the back of my mind is that I was too much. I still do not understand what too much meant. It is one of the worst things to be told because you have no idea what about you is too much for someone. Too much caring? Too much talking? Too many emotions? Too much love? Too much personality? 

I struggle with a lot of insecurities in my life, and this would be one of my biggest that I'm constantly trying to overcome.

Top 10 Things That Make Me Happy

 Let's try something new. New and simple. 

10 Things That Make Me Truly Happy

1) Watching my children grow into amazing humans.

2) My friends and family that make feel cared for, seen, and maybe not always understood, but always valued for being myself.

3) Freedom to be myself.

4) My health and body for letting me live my life everyday as long as I promise to always stay on the path to caring for it. 

5) Love. In all of its many ways that it finds itself in my life. My friends, my family, new relationship bonds. I love to love and be loved.

6) Giving to others. Whether it be my time, my recipes, my knowledge, my joy from their joy, money, goods, art. All of it. I would give it all away to see the happiness in others.

7) Sunshine, wind, rain, sunrises, sunsets. Everything that nature has to offer and show us.

8) Gardening. Watching something grow as it is nurtured.

9) Self-care

, self love, self improvement. Becoming one with yourself, your spirit, your purpose, and the universe.

10) Creating things. Recipes, art, writings, plans for businesses, goals with others.

It's really quiet grand, this life.

 Into the heart of things!

I've been working on a lot of many different projects as of late. I've got so many things changing and whirling around that sometimes I'm not even sure I can keep up with myself. My assistant stuff, landscaping, handyman services, accounting, brand ambassador, etsy for paintings/gardening/fudges, photos on different apps, website designing, digital books I'm authoring... phew.. I know there are many more things I'm missing. The beautiful part is that it is all my own. Every ounce of that chaos, is me. It's all me. 

I've really been striving to just be my own individual. Daring to step into the world as me. Not working on someone else's schedule, building their dreams. 

New things around the homestead: Cowcow, 3 ducks, our 12 hens. In two days I will be picking up 15 guinea chicks, 15 rainbow hens, and 3 rare heritage turkeys! I need to set up the brooders today, and start building a smaller pig pen for the 2 piglets I will be getting in a couple of months as well. 

Around the gardens: started our seedlings and have sprouts everywhere. Today, we will be planting "3-sisters".  That is something that my family taught me as I was younger and something I hope to pass on. Planting corn, beans that will grow up the stalks, and squashes that will grow around the base. Utilizing all the space available while producing the base of stews. A well loved dish in our home. Nutritious and straight from the garden! My goal is to teach my children what little bits of Native knowledge I have and maybe we can learn some things I do not know or remember myself. Who knows how far I will get.

Alright, time to finish up this coffee, get the kiddos fed, animals fed, gardens watered and a workout in!

Have a grand day everyone!

P.S. Key Lime Pie Fudge listing on etsy is live! I'll share the recipe soon.

Hello hello hello... Can you hear me?

 Hello there world. 

How about this insane weather? Texas, Missouri, tons of other states. Snow everywhere, but not here, in Florida. Sad face inserted here. Can you imagine the rolling blackouts. I'm sure plenty of you are living it. As for me and mine, we are just being buys  with crazy life. Cleaning, sorting, feeding animals, planning food, workouts gardens, adventures, oh my! 

I've been going through a lot mentally. Emotionally. So I'm writing, taking photos more and more, attempting to re-learn the guitar. In retrospect, it's a huge task on its own. Work is slow just because of the current world pandemic. Realestate is not where you want to be. I've applied to college courses again. Eek. Not sure how excited or not excited I am about that. We will see what happens. Send good vibes!

Learning New Skills

 So... Life...

I've been in a funk for a while now. I'm trying to pull myself out so I've been trying new things. Tonight, if I dare, I'll be trying out a jiu jitsu place local to me. I'm hoping something will click that just makes me feel complete.
Work has been a struggle in it's own right just because of the fluctuating of the housing market during Covid. Praying for just some normalcy soon.
So new things so far, rock climbing, new workout area, new recipes, new farm animals. I think my life just needs some major overhauling.
I've been writing a lot more and decided it's time for a new guitar. I've been playing the lotto in hope of winning some extra cash, haha! I've restarted my Spanish lessons, my college aspirations, doordashing. Just need some peace and to get out of my head.

Send me some things on what's new or changing for you! I'd love to hear it.

Until another day...

Into the Heart of Things

 Diving into the writing part of things because emotionally, I'm drained.

I thought I saw you there

things are now becoming clear

I don't need you here

Now you'll be missing me

Funny how that was my fear for years

Maybe we're all the better for 

The mishap that happened

but how do I live with the death of love

how do I celebrate and ask for more 

Sunday Funday Biscuits

 This morning I made fresh biscuits and served them with my homemade persimmon and datil pepper jam. They were amazing! So because I'm a huge fan of both, I'm going to share them with you! 

Datil Pepper Jam

    12 oz datil peppers (about 60) finely chopped

• 2 cups cider vinegar, divided

• 10 persimmons, peeled & pureed

• 1 cup sugar

• 1 cup honey

• 2 3-oz pouches of liquid pectin

• 5 (8 oz) half pint glass preserving jars with lids and bands

• 
  

• DIRECTIONS:

• PREPARE boiling water canner. Heat jars and lids in simmering water until ready for use. Do not boil. Set bands aside.

• COMBINE purée with 1 cup cider vinegar and sugar. Bring to a boil over high heat. Add in remaining apple cider and chopped peppers. Boil 10 minutes, stirring frequently.

• ADD liquid pectin, immediately squeezing entire contents from pouches. Continue to boil hard for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Skim foam if necessary.

• LADLE hot datil & persimmon jam into hot jars leaving 1/4 inch headspace. Wipe rim. Center lid on jar. Apply band until fit is fingertip tight.

• PROCESS in a boiling water canner for 10 minutes, adjusting for altitude. Remove jars and cool. Check lids for seal after 24 hours. Lid should not flex up and down when center is pressed.
  
• 
  

• Biscuits

• 4 C of all purpose flour
  2 T Baking powder
  2 T Sugar
  2 tsp Salt
  12 T unsalted butter
  1.5 C ice cold milk
  
  

• Directions

• Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).
  In a large mixing bowl sift together flour, baking powder, sugar and salt. Cut in shortening with fork or pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  Pour milk into flour mixture while stirring with a fork. Mix in milk until dough is soft, moist and pulls away from the side of the bowl.
  Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and toss with flour until no longer sticky. Roll dough out into a 1/2 inch thick sheet and cut with a floured biscuit or cookie cutter. Press together unused dough and repeat rolling and cutting procedure.
  Place biscuits on ungreased baking sheets and bake in preheated oven until golden brown, about 10 minutes.
  
  
  
  There ya have it folks! Happy Sunday! 

Life as we know it

    My life has had so many ups and downs. I really can not count how many to be honest. Season change us. Life takes so many unexpected twists and turns. We change. We learn. We grow. We take the best parts and move forward and try to forget the bad parts. 

    My wine is going to be ready to filter one more time on October 11th. School has been trying for everyone in the family. Striving toward a more independent self is HARD. I can tell you, I will push my children to be independent before they ever get into a relationship. Find your space in education, and a career before deciding to be with someone. I'm about to start some datil pepper jam. We have processed a third of our meat chickens. 

    On with TODAY! In midst of conversation with a friend, we talked about a time I made carne asada fries. Wow. I have not had those in so long. What do I have in my fridge? A pork butt. I'm 100% making carnita fries! Carnita flavors, fries, guacamole???? Who could resist??

Recipe:

CARNITAS
9 lb pork butt
1 cup of orange juice
1 orange zested
1 12 oz beer, I prefer Corona
10 cloves of garlic minced
2 onions chopped (Optional*plus some finely chopped for topping)
2 1/2 tsp of crushed red pepper flakes
2 cinnamon sticks
4 bay leaves
3 tsp salt (more or less to taste)
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1 tsp cumin

Preheat oven to 300 degrees
Mix all dry ingredient and rub all over pork butt. Place in roasting pan, poor in juice and beer. 

Place onions, garlic, bay leaves, cinnamon sticks and orange zest in liquid. 

Cover with lid or foil. Use a ladle to pour liquid over meat every 1.5 hours. Cook for 6-8, or until internal temperature reaches 145 degrees.

 Let rest for 20-30 minutes, then shred with two forks.

FRENCH FRIES
4 russet potatoes cut into even strips
4 cups of vegetable oil for frying
Pinch of Salt to taste

Soak potatoes in a large bowl of water for about 30 minutes. Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.

Heat oil in a deep-fryer or large saucepan to 275 degrees. Gently add the potatoes in the hot oil for about 5 minutes, stirring and flipping the potatoes occasionally. Remove potatoes from oil with a slotted spoon to drain on paper towel and to cool completely.

Heat oil in a deep-fryer or large saucepan to 350 degrees. Fry the potatoes again until golden brown, 5 to 6 minutes. Blot with a paper towel. Sprinkle with salt.

GUACAMOLE

6 avocados - peeled, pitted, and mashed 

2 limes, juiced

2 teaspoons salt

1/2 cup diced onion 

1/3 cup finely chopped cilantro

2 roma (plum) tomatoes, diced

3 cloves of garlic, minced

1 Jalapeno finely diced

In a medium bowl, mash together the avocados, lime juice, and salt. Mix in onion, cilantro, tomatoes, and garlic. Stir in jalapeno. Refrigerate 1 hour for best flavor, or serve immediately.

OPTIONAL TOPPINGS

Sour Cream
Guacamole
Cilantro
Cotija Cheese
Cheese of your choosing, I prefer pepper jack


INSTRUCTIONS FOR CARNITAS FRIES

Place freshly made french fries in a cast iron or just a cookie sheet. Top with cheese of your choosing. Then place carnita meat on top. Broil until cheese is melted. Top with the topping you prefer!! ENJOY!


Will be posting a picture when completed!

A little bit of life

 Hey, hey, hey there!

So I've got this crazy goal to be making $6k a month by the end of the year. Seeing as I'm in the last quarter of the year, I'm thinking this may or may not happen. That's 6x what I'm currently making. Well, before corona hit us. 

Here's what I'm doing! I'm pushing on all of my social medias(tiktok, instagram, blogger, youtube) to gain followers; trying to remember to promote my Mary Kay stuff, however, I'm not a salesperson, so I just kind of let friends and family come to me when they need something; being a brand ambassador for a few different brands; debating on making something to sell on etsy like tie-dyed everything; application in for audible to be a narrator; finishing applications for Amazon flex, doordash, etc.; selling photos for stock photos.

If you have any ideas to add on here, please do!

Anywho, updates on life right now. School is back in session.We have some sprouts coming in from the fall starts! We sowed cucumbers, roma tomatos, grape tomatoes, mini bell peppers, regular green bells, chamomile, marjoram, chives, carrots, lavendar, and I'm sure I've forgotten some. We started some Scuppernong Muscadine wine from our grape harvest. The Persimmon tree is blessing us with fruit for some awesome jams coming up. Datil peppers are going to be made into something, but I haven't quiet figured out what I want to make yet. Maybe hot sauce? Our laying hens slowed laying because they had some raccoon issues. Makes me want to cry! We thankfully only lost one hen.  

Comment below and let me know what you're up to with side gigs, or just around the home. Of course, any recipes you have, SHARE PLEASE!! I can always use more in my repertoire!

Enjoy some photos the littlest ones and I capture today, and have an amazing day!

10 years later...

Looking back over the last 10 years, so many things have changed from where they began. I've changed, my life has changed, my family dynamics have changed. I know that it's been for the better, and as for life, well, that's just the way it goes. I was a baby it seems now. It's a very somber thing to just breathe in, and realize that every choice has lead you down a different path. Some things you envisioned, and others, you could never imagine them happening. For the better or for the worse.


Today, I am a proud mother of five beautiful children. I have my eyes set on school... AGAIN. I've decided that this phoenix of a woman that I am, will rise up again to build myself into a new version. I have made mistakes, I have made amazing choices, overall, I am me. I am woman. I am strong. I am beautiful just as I am. 

Stay tuned, as this new chapter is just starting. 
xoxo

A day in the life

A Day in The Life Of..

ME!

Wake up, feeling spunky!

Next it's either green tea with honey, or coffee.. YUM!

Then either a smoothie, or ^ chia seeds, with pecans, hemp seeds, organic maple syrup and coconut/almond milk.. Got your attn yet??

Next, mother nature viewing (so pretty)...

next is yoga.... and then maybe some gym time..

then some internet browsing..

and more browsing... Oh how I want this piercing(s)!!

and then some pictures for DH... (gotta love deployments, so many pictures)

ok.. then to doing boring tasks, such as laundry, cleaning, grocery shopping...

and then my friends, lovely friends, including my amazing SIL (sister-in-law)! Wouldn't trade any of them for anything in this world.. love them.. <3

and then my beautiful babies and I chat for a while..

after that, I'm ready for bed time!

Then it's time for bed, and this silly cat cuddles with me every night, right on top of me, and under the covers, haha!

Ok everyone, that's it for now!

Have a fantastic evening!!

~ME

Favorite Apps

November 6 2013

(yes I'm aware I'm a day late, shh)

Ok for all you tech savvy people, my top 5 favorite apps are probably not that awesome to you, but they are for me. Thank you technology for saving my butt more than a couple of times!

1. Pinterest- I am an addict of sorts, let me tell you! I have over 4k pins. It's a bit excessive. Ha! They keep me up to date on diy projects, recipes, paleo things, workouts, kids stuff, home decor... I could go on and on!



2. Geocaching- Keeps you active, and who doesn't love a treasure hunt or hide n seek?? Highly recommend to everyone!



3. Spotify Premium- No commercials during your favorite playlists. Also, make your own playlists, or listen to others, and make them available offline! So worth it for music lovers everywhere!



4. Retailmenot- Keeps awesome coupons for so many places. Who doesn't love to save money??



5. USAA- Deposit money from home, keep your account up to date. Fantastic idea to start banking online!!



Ok there's my top 5 apps, what are yours???