health and wellness, lifestyle, Parenting past 15, That girl in the red coat, Women

Find your path

Leave a comment

 

I woke up this morning feeling lost. Wondering what the hell was I doing with my life? I know I talk a big game but I too suffer from the midweek blahs as I like to call them. Maybe it’s the planets in retrograde. Maybe it’s my lack of exercise. Maybe it’s hormones. Yes, I had a hysterectomy 9 years ago, but I still have my ovaries, so it could be hormones…the joys of womanhood in your forties. So, I plopped myself with a pout and my coffee in hand into my favorite chair and started scrolling through my feeds. I came across a post that I instantly shared via my Instagram story, Instagram feed and Facebook page. Reader’s Digest version – it spoke of patience and that what you need and desire for a feeling a free life will come. It will come. To be gentle with yourself.

My struggle with life is more of a professional one. Many paths are inviting me to stroll down them. Honestly, I am done with strolling down paths others have laid out before me. I know that is why I am feeling the way I am today. I have been taking the easy road lately. I have been choosing the comfortable options. I know better, but have not been doing better – hence today’s tale. I made myself sit down and write today. I have been blogging for 6 years now, but for some reason it began to scare me. My mind filled with thoughts of worrying about what others will think, worrying that others will think my blog has no format or flow. …and just as those thoughts almost overtook my courage this gem by Tayna Markul came across via P!NK’s Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

…so here I am, speaking my truth instead of trying to be good.

 

Admitting our truths is scary. Trying to be good, hell, it’s frightening. Trying to be good is faking it, and I am done with faking it. My life isn’t all moonlight and roses. No one’s is…and that’s okay. So, here’s a little another nugget to help you have a better day and find your path, the one you choose, not the one chosen for you.

  • for those going through a separation or divorce – there is no shame to be felt. Be gentle with yourself – it just didn’t go as you had hoped
  • for those scorned by love – keep loving. Keep believing in love – if you don’t believe it can exist, it cannot find it’s way to your door
  • for those whose children are struggling with mental health issues – it’s not your fault, it is nothing to be ashamed of, it’s okay to talk about it and it’s okay to be frustrated by it.
  • it’s okay to love someone and not like them at the same time
  • it’s okay to want more – it’s not okay to punish others because you don’t have more
  • if you want something, you gotta do the work
  • if you want something, be okay with being scared
  • no one, I mean no one has all their shit together.

Stop comparing your life to the lives of others. Right now I am back at my old job. Shoe sales. My old employer asked me to come back, so I did. On my terms, with a schedule that works best for me. When I was first offered the position I thought “what will people say?” …then I remembered the opinions of others don’t pay my bills. My life is my life. Your life is your life. We are all just trying to get through and trying to matter.

Do what you have to do until you can do what you want to do. Stop trying to be good. Feel the fright, embrace it and find your path. Plain and simple.

beauty, Hair Care, That girl in the red coat

Proof of a Monday Motivator

Leave a comment

Yours truly cannot seem to sleep past 6 a.m.. No matter what time my head hits the pillow, once 6 a.m. rolls around, there I am, up before the sun. I remember as a kid thinking anyone who gets up so early everyday, especially on a Monday was weird. Well, now I am the weird one. I grabbed my cup of joe, sank into my favorite chair and started scrolling through my phone. Although many of the posts were from yesterday (Sunday), so many were memes and GIF’s about Monday being just around the corner. I know I can’t grant you three wishes, get the dog to stop chewing your shoes or get your children to understand “Mommy needs her coffee”, nor can I call in sick for you. What I can do is tell you about a gem from Living Proof that will put a pep in your step and have you trying to catch your reflection at every turn. Let me introduce you to Living Proof Perfect hair Day 5-in-1 styling treatment!

                     

I received this gem with my FabFitFun subscription box…you gotta get this box! I had great results with my Living Proof Restore trio https://thatgirlintheredcoat.com/2018/03/26/here-is-your-proof/   so I was keen to try this little beauty. Let me tell you, this little bottle packs a punch and delivers on it’s promises!

Living Proof’s Perfect hair Day 5-in-1 styling treatment delivers smoothness, volume, conditioning, strength and polish to your tresses. It styles and treats your hair without compromising one for the other. *Most volumizing products do not deliver conditioning and strength and vice versa.

Living Proof Perfect hair Day 5-in-1 styling treatment;

  • formulated for all hair types
  • color safe
  • safe to use on chemically treated hair
  • silicone free formualtion
  • contains patented Healthy Hair Molecule (OFPMA)
  • contains patented Thickening Molecule (PBAE)
  • smells heavenly

For best results, use this gem on damp hair. Apply from root to end, then blow dry. Want volume? Use your round brush while blow drying. Want a smooth, sleek look? Use your flat brush while blow drying. *For my girls with curls – apply to damp hair and air dry – start with a little bit of product to keep crunchy curls at bay – while air drying, you will not need as much product as when blow drying. Your curls will be soft, subtle and defined.

So there you have it, once again, proof that Monday, and everyday can be a good hair day.

beauty, health and wellness, That girl in the red coat

Monday Motivator

1 Comment

Happy Monday Beauties! Here we are once again. I don’t know about you, but every so often, yours truly looks at her reflection on a Monday morning and I look a little worse for wear. Be it from lack of sleep, not enough water over the weekend, too much chardonnay, you name it, my skin looks a little dull. Then, a few weeks ago my lovely friend asked me if I would try one of the makeup products she represents. I winced a little for I have sensitive skin and am a creature of habit where my makeup regime is concerned. I have had many an experience with bumps the size of strawberries all over my face from trying new products. Since this is my 46th year in this earthly realm and my birthday promise to myself was to get over myself and give things a chance, I told her “give me what you got”. …and let me tell you, once again, this Girl in the Red Coat was presently surprised. Let me introduce you to Arbonne’s Makeup Primer.

               

This little gem from Arbonne packs a punch! Arbonne’s Makeup Primer diminishes the look of fine lines and pores. I found it diminished the appearance of the dark spots on my face ….thank you baby oil suntanning sessions of the ’80’s – I should have listened to my mother. I wore it for two days, not a bump in sight, no itching, nada! It has a lightweight, moisturizing formula that allows your makeup to stay in place longer throughout your day. You know what I’m talking about ladies…once that temperature rises on a hot summers day, our makeup runs down our face – not with this gem.

Arbonne Makeup Primer;

  • Certified Gluten Free
  • Dermatologist tested
  • Ophthalmologist tested
  • Contains green tea leaf extract and horsetail extract = conditions your skin
  • Contains grape seed oil = smoother skin with balanced moisture
  • The hyaluronic spheres, iron oxides and mica within the formula helps to prime your skin to create a soft focus effect = you look like your favorite Instagram filter

So, take it from this gal, if you are looking to brighten your day and your face and keep your perfect cat eye in place, you are gonna love the Arbonne Makeup Primer.

beauty, Hair Care, That girl in the red coat

Monday Motivator

1 Comment

Today’s post is later in the day than usual, I know. It’s Monday and the better part of my day was promised to my family. An out of town lunch date with my girl and her Amma, my mother in law. (When she was a wee girl she came up with calling her gramma “Amma” and it stuck). Morning schedules were adjusted, emails delayed, only one cup of coffee and we were off. Being the summer and living in Ontario, we ran into construction and road closures, and with each kilometer the humidex rose little by little. I however was able to keep my cool, thanks to the A/C in my car and AG Hair’s FrizzProof.

This gem from AG Hair Care is a MUST HAVE for summer tresses. AG FrizzProof locks out frizz by creating an invisible, weightless shield over your hair. Even if the humidex reaches 40 degrees Celsius (104 fahrenheit) you can be sure that your hair will remain frizz free and your style silky, shiny and smooth. With it’s 2/5 hold factor it is the perfect addition to ensuring your desired style will hold true.

A few FAB! features of AG FrizzProof Argan Anti Humidity Finishing Spray;

  • enriched with Argan Oil *Sustainably sourced, fair-trade, organic Moroccan Argan Oil
  • contains Copolymers that deliver a humidity resistant light hold with high shine that rinses out easily without leaving any build up on your hair.
  • retains your style – leaves your hair silky, shiny and smooth
  • formulated for all hair types
  • Color safe
  • BEST OF ALL – the Argan oil is farmed and produced by the women of the Berber tribe, enabling them to have financial independence and in turn gives them the ability to provide for their families and educate their children

This is a finishing spray, which means you should apply it to your hair once you have completed styling it, be it curly, wavy or straight and after you have applied any other styling products you may be using. Once you have your desired style, spray all over your hair and VOILA! You and your tresses are good to go!

*a little tip from That Girl in the Red Coat – use this gem all year round. We tend to associate humidity with the summer. Humidity can rear it’s head during the other seasons too. Using a humidity resistant spray can ensure a frizz free hair day, everyday.

beauty, Hair Care, That girl in the red coat

Monday Motivator

Leave a comment

Here we are, It’s Monday morning. As you know, it’s my goal to make sure no one ever says “looks like you’ve got a case of the Mondays!” and to ensure that no matter what Monday may throw at you, you will always smile at your reflection. Over the past weeks I have received many questions about products I have blogged about in the past, so without further adieu, here are some of my archived posts giving you the low down on some FAB! products from Joico. Meet Hair Shake, Flip Turn, Humidity Blocker, Kpak Color Therapy Luster Lock and the Kpak system.

Monday Motivators – Joico Flip Turn & Hair Shake

 

Monday Motivator – Joico Humidity Blocker

Luster-licious

 

15 minutes is all it takes

 

A few gems from Joico that with ensure a good hair day this Monday and everyday.

 

 

 

 

 

 

beauty, Hair Care, That girl in the red coat

Your Brightening Monday Motivator

1 Comment

This Monday Motivator is for all the blonde beauties, natural and bottled alike. They say “blondes have more fun”, if you are a bottled blonde, you know all too well the upkeep on our tresses isn’t always a fun time. Between battling tangles, split ends, damage and that ever present frizz, we know for certain that the “blondes have more fun” slogan was created by a natural blonde. Before you run to your stylist and go back to brunette, I have a treat for you! Meet Blonde Life Brightening Veil from Joico!

This gem is a lifesaver for any bottled blonde out there! First and foremost, the scent is out of this world…think of the beach mixed with what you imagine Jon Bon Jovi smells like…it’s heavenly. Blonde Life Brightening Veil was created for natural blondes as well, so all of us are covered. This gem from Joico is an instant safeguard for blonde tresses. It boosts shine and doubles the strength of every strand. It leaves your hair comb-able, manageable, and frizz free. The secret is in the sauce – a blend of rich Tahitian Manoi Oil combined with ultra hydrating Tamanu Oil delivers deep nourishment and protection against the harsh UV rays. Add in Joico’s exclusive Bio Advanced Peptide Complex and your tresses are guaranteed additional repair and protection.

Blonde Life Brightening Veil protects your hair from;

  • thermal stylers
  • chemicals
  • UV exposure
  • humidity
  • dryness

To be applied to towel dried hair, spray all over, comb through, blow dry and style as usual. *for optimum results pair with Blonde Life Shampoo and Conditioner. 

After using Joico’s Blonde Life Brightening Veil, I found my hair had more shine, so much so I didn’t apply my usual shine spray. I had less of those little hairs poking up from the top of my head…you know, the ones your Mother used to pat down with her spit…still a little scarred by that to be honest. I had less tangles before blow drying and my hair smelled wonderful…like so good that I would run my fingers through it just to catch a whiff of the scent in the air.

So there you have it. For all my blonde beauties, with this gem from Joico, you are guaranteed a good hair day this Monday, and everyday.

beauty, Hair Care, That girl in the red coat

Monday Motivator vs Monday Motivator – Battle of the oils

1 Comment

Here we are again. Monday has arrived and with it the endless questions…Where are my keys? Who is picking up the kids from day camp? Did someone feed the dog? Why do toddlers like to play hide and seek with my purse? What does hot coffee taste like? For most of us, our Monday morning questions list is endless. The most common question…what product is best for my hair – this question is posed not only on Monday, but everyday. Trust me, this I know. I am asked everyday via text, email or by a comment on my blog. With so many products out there, how are we to know what to use? Today I am hoping to shed a little light on two products for you all. Over the past week I created a “battle of the oils” if you will. Moroccanoil vs SarynaKey.

 

Both of these oils are formulated to hydrate and moisturize the hair and to help repair damage and restore luster and shine to the hair. *side note – Moroccanoil has a “light” formula for fine hair/blondes, this I know. I used the original formula for it was the closest to SarynaKey’s formula and I wanted an equal comparison.

Morocannoil Oil Treatment (original) is infused with antioxidant rich argan oil and shine boosting vitamins. It detangles, speeds up drying time and boosts shine. Can be used on wet or dry hair. Formulated for all hair types, chemically treated or natural and any length. *ingredient list to be found at http://www.moroccanoil.com

SarynaKey Pure African Shea Oil Treatment is infused with shea butter – a natural source of keratin which is used to repair hair, leaving the hair soft, shiny and well moisturized. Vitamins and amino acids penetrate the hair cuticle to help restore porosity from root to tip. Can be used on wet or dry hair. Lightweight, absorbs quickly and formulated for all hair types, chemically treated or natural and any length. *ingredient list to be found at http://www.sarynakey.com

Now, for my results.

I used Moroccanoil Oil Treatment for 3 days. I washed my hair the first day, for the other two, I just wet my hair in the shower before styling and blow drying. The first day I applied a dime size amount throughout my hair when it was damp, blew dry my hair and styled. My hair felt softer and had a little more shine, yet still had some tangles. For the other two days, I applied the same size amount of Moroccanoil to my hair when it was dry, after using my flat iron *it is not a thermal protectant*. My hair continued to feel soft but was becoming weighed down and I found it harder to achieve volume and style and unfortunately my blonde was starting to pick up brassy tones. (…I know, the Moroccanoil light formula was created to stop this. As I stated above, I wanted an equal comparison). All in all, a lovely oil, best suited for medium to thick hair, and darker tones and colors.

I used SarynaKey Pure African Shea Oil Treatment for the next 3 days. I washed my hair with a clarifying shampoo to give myself a blank canvas if you will. As with the Moroccanoil, I washed my hair the first day, then only wet my hair in the shower before styling and blow drying for the remaining two days. The first day I applied a dime size amount throughout my hair when it was damp, blew dry my hair and styled. My hair felt softer, had shine and no tangles at all. For the next two days, as with the Morocannoil, I applied the same amount of SarynaKey to my hair when it was dry… again, after I used my flat iron *this is not a thermal protectant*. My hair continued to feel soft, it was not weighed down, it was easy to achieve my desired volume and style….and no brassy tones. My blonde stayed true. As you know, I am  a “non blonde” blonde. My natural level is between a 2/3, so I pick up brassy tones easier then men and money. All and all, a lovely oil as well. Suited for all hair types, fine to thick, and any color, from light to dark.

I am not here to sway an opinion in any way, shape or form. My sole purpose, as always is to educate and enlighten. Both Morocannoil and SarynKey oils are Salon professional oils that deliver on their promise. The difference I found was this…Moroccanoil has 2 Oil Treatments, one for medium to thick hair & darker tones and one for fine hair & lighter tones. SarynaKey has 1 Oil Treatment, formulated for all hair types and tones. Sometimes, having one less decision in your day can make your day that much easier.

A little tidbit of information for your back pocket as you venture into your week. Wishing you a great hair day this Monday and everyday.

health and wellness, lifestyle, That girl in the red coat, Women

When there’s a will, there’s a way

Leave a comment

As I was sitting in my kitchen this morning, staring at my blank screen, contemplating my life, wondering if I was making the right choices, a shadow flickered out of the corner of my eye. I looked out my window to see a bird perched on my rose bush. It’s been blooming for over a month now and until this morning I never noticed the  single rose blooming on a branch that was connected to a dead branch. Way up above the rest of the blooms, there it was, a rose blooming from a dead branch that is over 4 feet long, has a rose, in full bloom, it all it’s glory.

That’s when it hit me. If there’s a will, there’s a way. Always. If this rose could figure out a way to grow and bloom from a dead branch, anything is possible.

Since the shop closed, 2 years ago now, I have been trying to figure out my next step. Well, that is what I said I was doing, honestly,I was coasting along hoping my next step would just arrive at my front door along with my Amazon orders. It wasn’t until this past April, when, once again, I was faced with another small business closure and in turn, a job loss. I saw it as a nudge from the universe to focus on my writing,my consulting and my brand. You see, I thought I could only do one or the other, either work or write/consult. Over the past 6 weeks, I have been networking, blogging, making things happen if you will, all the while taking care of everything “household” from dishes to cooking to cleaning the gutters…yes, I cleaned the gutters. I bought a new ladder and everything. A little scared about how excited I was about a new ladder…must have something to do with my forties. I had many job offers come my way, even an old employer asking if I was interested in coming back. I turned down the offers, except one. My old employer’s offer. I met with him and offered my services on a on-call basis. He was happy with that, although it felt he had hoped for more. For the next 10 days, it kept playing on my mind. Last week a situation that I thought forced my hand made me call my old boss and tell him I would take the job, four days a week and gave him the hours I was comfortable with. He agreed and I left the meeting with smiles from employees, the owner and a hug from my old manager saying “So happy to have you back.”. The situation that I thought forced my hand isn’t important. What is important is I realized my hand wasn’t forced, I just needed a big push to make a decision, and that was it. I had been contemplating the offer for over a week, wavering over the opinions of others, fear it would end up being the same experience as it had been 8 years ago, worrying that I would lose myself and in turn my writing. Deep down I knew it was the best move for me right now. Have a job that provides an income for the household while still having 3 days to focus on and build my blog and brand.

When I saw the rose this morning, I literally had an Oprah AHA! moment. Here I was worrying I couldn’t do both, when all the while I have been doing both. Actually, I have been doing more than two things at once. Depending on the day, I can have four to six tasks at hand and sooner or later, they all get done and done well. I started my blog and my brand while working 40 – 44 hours a week running a Salon/retail shop and everything that entailed, running a household and raising a teenage millennial…if I could do that, hell, this will be a walk in the park.

What you want in life comes to you, if you let it. You gotta put in the time, the work, the sweat, the tears. When doubt and fear rear their ugly mugs, tell’em to shove it and keep going. It won’t always be pretty. It may not happen when you want it to happen, it will when you need it to happen. Many times  we feel everything is going to pot. It’s not, it’s just that we are in the middle of our story. When there’s a will, there’s a way. If a rose can figure that out, I think we can too.

 

beauty, health and wellness, That girl in the red coat

….another Moroccan’ Monday Motivator

Leave a comment

It was inevitable, Monday has arrived. I for one have been known to put on my best pout around 8:00 p.m. on a Sunday evening, knowing that Monday morning was mocking me with every tick of the clock. Since we cannot control time, nor the calendar, why not embrace Monday and make the best of it. We cannot control that a toddler thinks a snowsuit in June is appropriate daycare wear, the sighs, grunts and the all too familiar “UGH!” from our teens, every morning, nor can we control our spouse staring at us, stating over and over “Where are my keys?”…FYI…how about instead of staring at us, move your eyes around and help find them. You all get the picture, Monday morning can be, interesting. Today, I have a treat for you! This gem will bring a smile to your face and relief to your mind. A pot on the stove could be boiling over, a child and dog running through your legs playing tag, a teenager blaming you for their “horrible wardrobe” and with one application of this Mondays Motivator, bliss will surround you and for a moment the chaos of your morning will melt away. Let me introduce you to Moroccanoil Body Hand Cream

For those who may not know, Moroccanoil has a body line. It offers everything body, from Body Oils, Shower Milks, Bar Soaps, Body Scrubs and creams. I receieved a sample of the hand cream in a gift pack a year ago, and immediately called my rep. and ordered 6. I gave a few as gifts and selfishly kept some for myself. I have one in my purse, at my computer and by my bed. The scent is heavenly…it just makes me smile. With every application, I sigh and smile. What I find the most exciting is I have sensitive skin and I can use this hand cream. I have given Moroccanoil Body Hand Cream to friends with skin more sensitive than mine and they were elated! They could use it too.

Moroccanoil Body Hand Cream offers Moroccanoil’s original scent. It is a Paraben free cream. This gem absorbs quickly, so no worry of being locked in the bathroom because your hands keep slipping of the doorknob. Your hands are left soft and silky. The secret is in that sauce, so to speak. Moroccanoil Body Hand Cream is formulated with nutrient rich argon oil, avocado oil, cocoa, shea butter and mango butter. This combo delivers a luxurious, moisturizing effect and helps to repair dry hands. Here’s a break down for you;

  • Argan Oil helps to hydrate and nourish skin = improved texture and tone
  • Shea Butter is rich in essential fatty acids = increased moisture and strength for the skin barrier
  • Avacado Oil contains powerful antioxidants  = helps build skins natural defenses and restores moisture

You are going to adore this cream. The only warning I have for you is you may be referred to as Mary Katherine Gallagher because you will be smelling your hands so often.

beauty, health and wellness, lifestyle, Parenting past 15, That girl in the red coat

Sunday Confessions

Leave a comment

 

This August, yours truly will be 46. I have found my forties to be quite liberating. It is as if I have returned to my 8 year old self. I thought I was pretty cool. I could throw a football like a boy, I could double dutch like no one’s business, I never worried about what others thought of me, if you liked me, YAY! …if you didn’t, that was okay too. I had a 64 pack of Crayola crayons (with the built-in sharpener), I could make my parents laugh, life was good. Remember that person? Before the world got to you. You woke up everyday excited for the day, wondering what was around the next corner. Waking up with intention, be it to ride your bike without holding onto the handle bars or getting to the arcade in time to be the first in line for PacMan. Being picked first for basketball or coming home to a fresh pack of Oreo’s waiting for you on the kitchen table made you feel like you could conquer the world. Making a friend was as easy as saying “I like the color blue” and another person saying “Me too.”. If you argued with a friend and feelings were hurt, saying sorry was enough. If an explanation was needed and given, it was believed and words were forgiven. We didn’t hold grudges, and even if we tried, by the end of the day we literally forgot what happened and simply carried on.

I know many women who are 35 and under, and I see them struggling, with their self image, their friendships, their marriages, their parenting, you name it, the struggle is real. Today’s Sunday Confession is to help ease the anguish, to help women of any age to ease up on themselves and know that they are not alone.

  • there will be days you will look in the mirror and wonder “Where did I go?”and that’s ok. It happens to us all. I am here to tell you, you are still there, life is getting in the way. Take a breath and remember a time as a young girl you accomplished something on your own. Feel that memory. Take a moment to really feel it. Open your eyes.I promise when you look in the mirror you will see yourself.
  • do not be ashamed if you are not relishing being pregnant. I was sick from the moment of conception to the moment my daughter was delivered. When I say I was sick, I was sick. I threw up at least 15 times a day…if you need a washroom in the Kitchener Waterloo and surrounding area, I know where they ALL are. I am here to give you permission to not find your pregnancy magical. I am here to give you permission to find pregnancy weird, uncomfortable and down right gross at moments.
  • it is just fine if you like living on your own.
  • it is just fine if you do not want to have children…trust me, all the people telling you “it’s life changing” or “you’ll regret it” have probably yelled at their little miracles 10 times that day and are wondering who smells like spit up, them or the baby.
  • your thirties are your twenties, just with more financial stability (mostly). It’s okay to feel like you have know idea what you are doing. Trust me, the majority of us are winging it, or trying to mimic what we saw our parents do, who were probably mimicking their parents….see, we are all just trying to do our best.
  • the life you dreamed for yourself may not come to fruition. It’s gonna hurt. You’re going to feel like a failure. You are not. Pout for a while, throw a temper tantrum, have some chardonnay if needed, then let it go. In my experience, when life threw me curve ball and I felt like I just kept swinging and missing, sooner or later, I ended up hitting it out of the park.
  • try your best not to compare your life with your friend’s lives. Sure they may go on more trips then you, or have a better car or apartment, maybe they even have a house. More often than not, they are mortgaged to the hilt, credit cards are at their max and they are living paycheck to paycheck. Remember – Comparison is the thief of joy.
  • some kids eat paste, some wet the bed until they are 6, they will interrupt every single one of your conversations, they will ask 20000 questions before 10 a.m. on a Sunday. Being annoyed with them does not make you a bad parent.
  • there is no such thing as a perfect marriage, so stop knocking yourself out. It will be messy, there will be tears, arguments, resentment, laughs, embraces, every emotion under the sun. As my Gramma Leah said “the secret to a good marriage is not to fall out of love with each other at the same time”.
  • if you have to work full time and have your kids in daycare until they are in school, that’s what needs to be done, plain and simple. Let the “looks” from the neighbourhood Moms roll off your back. The opinions of others doesn’t pay the bills.
  • Your 30’s will have many bumps in the road, the journey is worth it

 

In my forties I have found I feel comfortable in my own skin, I like my reflection, and with each passing month, I find that the opinions of others do not mean as much to me as they used to and when asked my opinion, I give it. It isn’t always what one wants to hear, my opinion is honest. I have come to realize that if the intention behind your actions or words is not honest and true, there is no honor in them, to yourself or others and sooner rather than later, feelings are hurt and trust is lost.

For those struggling today, let me tell you, like a fine wine, life gets better with age. It may not pretty or what you hoped for. The way I see it, if you are fortunate enough to rekindle a spark within yourself, are able to realize your true value and let things go, learn from your mistakes and leave that baggage at the door, life is pretty good.