Open a Door with HopeLine from Verizon

Have you heard the saying: "When one door closes another opens?" In my adult years I have found this to ring true. At a young age I was abused emotionally, sexually, physically and mentally. I didn't let it stop me from exceeding at things. I fought to do something with my life and part of that is writing. Even if I do struggle, from time to time, with grammar or spelling. It is an outlet for my thoughts, experiences and stories. Because, I have been blessed with such a great platform I want to use it for good. In doing this I want to share with you a program I am so proud to support and work with! 

  I partnered with Verizon. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations.

"In the United States, one in every four women and one in every seven men have experienced severe physical violence from an intimate partner1, and each year more than 15 million children witness violence in their homes".

While I talk about this program I will be showing you through pictures, a schooner ride, we enjoyed in Watkins Geln, NY. 

As a domestic abuse survivor myself, it is so imperative to take the time for myself. Knowing my limits to get out to clear my thoughts and mind. I want to help and support others in my shoes but I can't do that if I don't help myself first! With that being said, I hope this opens a door when it seems one has been shut! 

15 Camping Inspired Netflix Shows

 Camping has been a past time that I enjoy through my childhood and now enjoy in my adulthood. I have passed the love of camping down to my family. When ever the weather allows us we escape to different camp retreats and enjoy nature at it's finest. As I set the campsite up I allow my son to stream Netflix on our tablet. This allows some screen time but allows me time to get everything ready! While out camping this past weekend I thought I would share our favorite Camping inspired shows we just adore watching.

 I am a member of Netflix’s blogger StreamTeam. I did not receive compensation for this post, but Netflix has provided me with a membership and other bonuses for being part of the Stream Team. All opinions expressed are my own.

1. Rock the Park- This has grew our LOVE of State Parks!

2. The Way- A sad but worth a watch movie.

3. Robbin Willams in RV

4. Small is beautiful, a tiny house documentation.

5. Meat Eater- if you do not like hunting this is NOT for you.

My Infertility Journey

I have shared some personal things lately about our rainbow son Mac. You can enjoy his birth story here. What is a rainbow baby you ask? That is a living child you birthed after you have suffered a miscarriage or death of a child. Today, I want to talk about my infertility journey that luckily lead to our son Mac.

“This is a sponsored conversation from Mums the Word Network and The Stork OTC. All opinions are my own.”
About 1 in 8 couples suffer from infertility. Many of these couples require different treatments, procedures or medications to conceive a child. None of these are a happy experience unless of course they result in a child. If you have struggled with infertility you will understand just how humbling it is. I understand! I was were you are reading this about 10 years ago. 

Creating a Viking Themed Party

Training fire breathing dragons, battling off enemies or hiding treasure were just a few things happening at my son's Viking themed Party this year! He loves swords, shields, ships and anything chain mail. Knowing this I starting to look for great decorations and prompts for his party. These types of things can get expensive and or you can't find what you are always looking for.

Most stores did not have the theme we were going for so we created some. 

This sign (pictured above) for example, I created from cardboard and some paint. 

Weekend stay at Sherkston Shores Resort

A few weekends back we were lucky enough to escape the hustle of the city and retreat to a beach view cottage. Checking in for a long weekend at the Sherkston Shores Beach Resort was exactly what I needed. The resort itself is about a 36 minute drive from the Niagara Falls. I don't know about you but I love a trip to Canada! Perfect to location if you want visit some tourist sites but don't want to stay in the neighborhood!

I was rather excited for the beach life. Something about sandy shores, sun views and waves crashing send me into vacation-relax mode. 

These cottages are so wonderfully decorated and equipped with essentials you will need. I can see why so many people purchase the cottages once they stay in one! If you do fancy a little Summer escape cottage, you can view fully furnished models near the entrance of the Resort. They have realtors to answer any questions and will even give you a tour of the grounds!!

Viking inspired Birthday Invites #HPSmartMom

Most people would consider me a "crafty" person. Personally, I think anyone can go online or Pinterest and get "Crafty". Whether it is a talent or not printing your own invites is so easy. I swear anyone can do it and all it takes are your phone/laptop and printer. We have the HP Envy printer for reference.

I received the products in this post from the wonderful HP, as part of HP Smart Moms Panel, with Mom Select.

My son wanted a "Viking" themed party this year and like most years I couldn't find invites for it. I decided to head over to Hp and explore their templates. Although they did not have any pre-made ones they had a fun "Make your own" feature that appealed to me. I simply loaded a photo of my son, pictured above. Wrote out all the details of the party and as my son would say "BOOM" done.