The Sisterhood of the Traveling, well.....Sisters!

Most people are blessed with siblings and it’s a bonus if the siblings become friends. We’ve been blessed to each have a sister (or two) in our lives and to call them friend is an understatement. Gina, Lisa, and Kandice have been foundation to every single friendship outside of the sisterhood because, well, they were and still are our first friends.

DISCLAIMER****to our brothers that we love VERY MUCH!!!! Please do not be upset that this post is just about the sisters.  You all mean just as much to us!!!  (Had to put that out there just in case they read this!  )

Kandice and I are eighteen months apart. We’ve done everything together, except one thing. Kandice and her family moved to Florida in July 2015 and I am still living in Illinois. I could give you all of the ugly details about how hard that was on me, but that wouldn’t be fun. I think what I want you to know more than anything is how space did nothing but draw Kandice and I closer together.

I knew firsthand how Kendra was feeling when Kandice moved away, because I experienced this with both Gina and Lisa. It was awful not having them here to lean on through some pretty tough times of our dad being sick, good times of birthdays and anniversaries, or just every day ordinary stuff. Fortunately, I now have them both back home with me.  My puzzle is complete, because two of the most important pieces are in their specific spots!    

I can remember Kandice being my tag-along for much of my childhood. I also remember how much it bothered me when she finally started hanging out with her own friends and instead of complaining she was a third wheel, I actually missed her a lot. Kandice has never really needed me, and I pretended like I didn’t need her, but I always did. I still do. Because everything I do in life feels just a little bit off balance if she isn’t somehow a part of it.

I’m the youngest of the three sisters, and I was definitely babied (still am!)  I was their living baby doll.  Some of the best childhood memories were getting my hair all curled and feathered and wearing makeup like my big sisters! Everything about me involves their influence in some way shape or form.  

If I have learned anything from having a sister it’s to not take them for granted. “Sisters by blood and friends by choice” is such a true statement. Kandice doesn’t have to be my friend but she chooses to. And the older we get, the more we watch our children grow, the distance we travel to be together again, is what strengthens us each year. I am so lucky to call her my sister.

  

There is definitely one thing that a lot of people notice when it comes to Gina, Lisa and myself.  We are FIERCELY PROTECTIVE of each other and our family. There has never been a time that we don’t have the others' back. I’m blessed that through my flaws or achievements they are my supporters and my biggest cheerleaders. How blessed I am that they are MY sisters. 

Love

On Saturday, I woke up with the worst headache and I knew it was going to be a migraine. It wouldn’t have mattered any other day but Saturday was the Moore reunion on my mom’s side of the family. We barely see each other more than once a year because we are scattered all over, so there was no way I would miss the reunion.

I knew this migraine was from the weather and I decided to take my normal cocktail of medication and pray. I text Misty and my mom at the same time asking to agree with me in prayer that the pain would leave; It was gone by 10 am and never returned. (Thank you, God!)

But this post isn’t about migraines or even about family reunions, although I probably wouldn’t have come to this thought process if it hadn’t been for the insane amount of love I feel for my family. This post is about how many other families in the world have had to lay their loved ones to rest because of the senseless violence going on all around us.

You see, as I drove out to my family reunion, knowing I would get to share memories and visit with those I love most in this world, my heart sank as I became acutely aware of how some families would not be able to do this. In 2016 alone, we have turned our social media on and read, watched, or listened to a new story about someone or many dying in the name of hate. My heart hurts for these people. My heart hurts trying to explain to my child why these things happen and how they will never completely end.

And the reason I know this and you know this is because the most potentially dangerous weapon in the world lies within each of us; it is the human heart. It has the ability to grow hate and with hate comes action. But we have such an opportunity to fill our hearts and the hearts of others with love. Especially when the world turns dark and we weep and mourn for those around us, we must ACT and RESPOND with LOVE.

Do not give up hope but rather be the hope for someone hurting right now. Show people love when they would expect anything but. As we enter into the second half of 2016, take a few minutes to think about ways YOU can fill your heart with love for others who need you. The violence is everywhere, my friends. Nice and Turkey are our neighbors. Orlando, Dallas, Minnesota, and Louisiana are right in our back yard. Be the light God has called us to be and flood this dark world with His love.

Light and Love Always, ~K 

But I Don't Wanna Go There!

We all have that one place we LOATHE going to but have to go anyway.  For me, this place isn’t a job, or school or a doctor office…this place is Walmart.  It’s just something I have to face though; every week, for my own shopping and when I take my parents to get their groceries. I’ve tried to avoid it by shopping elsewhere, but I’m not a very savvy, coupon clipping shopper and this is the place I save the most money. Their slogan is “Save Money. Live Better”.  I definitely save money with most of my purchases. The whole live better part on their end needs some work!  I’m not sure how this deep disdain began with Walmart but I’m not alone.  There are blogs strictly dedicated towards their hate for Walmart, songs making fun of Walmart customers and hundreds of memes that coincide with multiple reasons I abhor Wally world.  Allow me to share some with you:

NUMBER ONE REASON – 30 CHECKOUT LANES, 3 AVAILABLE! This may be a stretch but not by much.  I swear every Walmart is the same way too.  We have three stores in this town and the lines are always long.  It never fails that you will be standing in line for awhile, whether you are in the 20 items or less lane or standing behind someone with two carts full of crap.  Thank God for the magazine racks near the register!

NUMBER TWO REASON – SELF CHECKOUT LANES! Ok, these have helped relieve some of the stress with the lack of open checkouts but come on, there’s a total of 10 registers, and it never fails that at least 2 are usually out of order.  Are you purchasing wine for a romantic dinner with the hubs?  You get to wait to have a self-checkout employee that monitors the registers to check your ID or you can’t even stay in the self-checkout line and have to go stand in a regular checkout line. Plus, I am all for convenience, but I can’t help to think, I am spending my money in  your store to help pay your employees, and yet I’m doing the job you should have your employees doing…FOR PETE'S SAKE OPEN THOSE OTHER 27 LANES!

NUMBER THREE REASON- INVASION OF PERSONAL SPACE! This is a BIG one for me!!!! Did people lose all manners and common sense when they walked through the entrance? I have just spent an hour in this store, focused on getting what I need and wanting to get out as fast as possible.  I am already irritated because it’s Walmart and now more irate because of the whole line issue. I finally get up to the register and begin to put my items on the belt and then I feel a presence.  I don’t even want to turn around.  The fact I can feel their body heat proves they are way too close and we would be nose to nose if I face them.  I move up and lo and behold so do they.  You’re invading my bubble, people!!! 

NUMBER FOUR REASON- THE CLIENTELE! Let me start off by saying I’M NOT A SNOB. I have no reason to be. I didn’t grow up rich by any means.  I know people come from all walks of life. Honestly though, there is just some attire etiquette /personal hygiene that applies when going out anywhere, but for some reason people don’t obey this at Walmart! That being said, there is a reason for the website People of Walmart.  I’m not saying you have to wear your Sunday best (but that’s okay if you do).  First of all, pajamas are for the home, not the store.  I understand there are those times where it’s super late at night and you need to grab a necessity and you leave your house in a hurry.  If it’s in the afternoon and you’re sick or just got out of the hospital and need meds, then I totally get it.  If you’re just rolling out of bed and its 3 o clock, and you didn’t want to get dressed…NOT OKAY! Ladies, wear a bra.  Guys, pull your pants up.  People, buy a brush and run it through your hair.  It’s the little things that count.

Even after all this complaining, I will suck it up and continuing shopping at Walmart, but I certainly do feel better after getting some of that out in the open and appreciate you taking the time to read my “whining”!

Hope you all have a great and happy weekend! - M

The Soundtrack Of Your Life

If you could reflect on the significant moments of your life in the form of a song, what would you choose? Music is the soundtrack to our life and it’s amazing to see how much our taste buds change over time. Take a few moments and see what’s on our play list and figure out what you’d choose for yours. It could be the song you heard when something happened or even just a song that reminds you of the experience.

As we thought of the songs that we would choose for various moments, we learned that our taste buds weren’t exactly the same. Some of these experiences are even spent together and yet we chose very different songs to remember them by.


First Friend-                                                                                                
 Kendra’s choice: Rhythm Nation- Janet Jackson                                        

 Misty’s choice: Forever Friends- Sandi Patty

Circa 1990 Singing Misty's song choice, Forever Friends, at our church 

Reminds You of Your Childhood-                                                                       

 Kendra’s Choice: Girls Just Want to Have Fun- Cyndi Lauper                                                                Misty’s Choice: Elvira (or as Misty would sing as a kid...Hell-Fire-Up) Oak Ridge Boys
First Real Kiss-
Kendra’s Choice: I’d Die Without You- PM Dawn
Misty’s Choice: Silent Lucidity- Queensryche
Go to Angry Song-
Kendra’s Choice: Scream- Michael and Janet Jackson
Misty’s Choice: Mama Said Knock You Out- LL Cool J
High school-
Kendra’s Choice: Fade Into You- Mazzy Star
Misty’s Choice: Regulate- Nate Dogg and Warren G
Your Family-
Kendra’s Choice: Time of Your Life- Green Day
Misty’s Choice: Boondocks- Little Big Town
Wedding Day-
Kendra’s Choice: Best Friend- Queen
Misty’s Choice: Lovely Day- Bill Withers
When You’re Down-
Kendra’s Choice: Creep- Radiohead
Misty’s Choice: Under The Bridge- Red Hot Chili Peppers
When You’re Up-
Kendra’s Choice: Freedom ‘90- George Michael
Misty’s Choice: Got To Give It Up- Marvin Gaye
Vacation-
Kendra’s Choice: Mockingbird- Carly Simon & James Taylor
 Misty’s Choice: Cake By The Ocean- DNCE

Our Musical taste buds might differ but our friendship is a constant 

Weekend Vibes-
Kendra’s Choice: Ain’t No Mountain High Enough- Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell
Misty’s Choice: Freedom ’90- George Michael
Significant Loss-
Kendra’s Choice: Life Fades Away- Roy Orbison
Misty’s Choice: The Dance- Garth Brooks
Your Spiritual Side-
Kendra’s Choice: Good Good Father- Chris Tomlin

 Misty’s Choice: Keep Walkin’ On- Faith Hill
Motivation-
Kendra’s Choice: Dancing With Myself- Billy Idol
Misty’s Choice: Get Up Off That Thing- James Brown
All Time Favorite-
Kendra’s Choice: In My Life- The Beatles
Misty’s Choice: Love Will Keep Us Together- Captain and Tennille

Throw back to the ripe old age of 6 and 7 when we sang for the children's choir- our first singing gig

P.S. We would like to thank our first follower on the blog, Brittany, and send her a little swag bag as a token of our appreciation! We would also like to invite you to follow the blog because you know you wanna....Right? Happy Hump Day everyone! 

Thanks for being our first follower, Brittany! 

Nasty Habits and Nail Polish

Let’s face it, we’ve all got one habit we wish we could stop cold turkey. For me it’s always been biting my nails. I've been a chronic nail biter since my childhood. I am not exactly sure if it had to do with nerves or just something to keep my hands busy, but eventually I bit my nails on a daily basis. (Not pretty)

This year in May, I decided to go cold turkey and attempt to grow my nails out again. I’ve done this process more times than I can count and I’ve failed every single time- until now. It’s now almost the middle of July and I haven’t bitten a single nail. And the secret to my success has been one thing: nail polish.

I've decided to share with you some of my favorite and not so favorite polishes, each promising beautiful, hard, shiny nails. These are my top five nail polishes since I quit biting my nails. Feel free to leave your favorite polish in the comments. (Each polish was between $3-7 per bottle and purchased at Walgreens, Five and Below, and County Market with the exception of L.A. Nail Lacque and that was a borrow from my Mother)

1. Sally Hansen Hard As Nails Xtreme wear: ***** This is my favorite polish. Even though it takes the longest to dry out of all of the polishes, I love that this polish lives up to its name. I can go over a week without having to do a touch up and that’s pretty impressive since I wash my hands and do dishes a zillion times a day. Plus, Pink Punk is my favorite shade.
2. Sinful Colors Professional: **** This was the first color I painted my nails with because it was actually the only color in my medicine cabinet. I have to say I really like how it wears and the color was really pretty for spring/summer. It was pretty fast drying but chipped off a bit sooner than I wanted. This color is called Outrageous. 

   

   The first day I painted my nails. Look how short they were. Gotta start somewhere!

3. L.A. Colors Nail Lacque: **** I gave this one a four stars because I could use it alone or create an American manicured look with it. It came in the color Pink Pearl and it dried really fast. The only thing I wasn’t a fan of was how it didn’t really “thicken” with each coat so my nails still looked a bit transparent.
4. Funky Fingers: *** I loved this glitter based nail polish because it changed colors when you were outside. I loved that it was quick drying but was not a fan of how hard it was to come off of the nail. I even used a specific nail remover designed for glitter polish and it still took a long time to get off of the nail. I also felt like it left my nails in poorer condition that before painting them. (nail peeling and minor scratches to the nail.) Nail color is called Bling Dipper  

   

   This picture is a combination of  L.A. Nail Lacque and Funky Fingers 

5. Sally Hansen Insta-Dri: ** It did not hold up to the name. I felt like it dried quicker but not quick, if that makes any sense. I picked the color Snappy Sorbet to get an orangey type of polish but I felt it bled onto my cuticles and skin too easily and was hard to clean around the edges of the nail for a nicer finish. If I purchased this nail polish again, I would definitely try a non-matte looking polish color. (after discussing this polish with Misty, she agrees that it isn't the best nail polish but it makes a terrific toe polish!) 

So there ya have it. I hope this helps with your choice of nail polish and I would love recommendations on good polish and colors that are under a $10 budget. Please leave us a comment! Happy Monday!!!! 

Happy Birthday To You!!!

I LOVE everything about birthdays…the cake, the gifts, the parties and decorations.  It’s that one day of the year where everything is about you!!! One of my favorite childhood birthdays was a party at McDonald’s.  Showbiz (which is now Chuck E Cheese) was way too expensive at the time, so my parents decided I could have a party at Micky D’s, complete with happy meals and cake.  I got to invite all my classmates.  I remember my favorite gift was from my friend Brock.  It was the teeniest tiny baby doll that came with a homemade crib made from a Quaker Oats Container, and had a homemade pillow and pink blanket for the baby.  I still have that doll and pink blankie in my keepsake box! 

Another favorite memory is  ice cream cone cupcakes my mommy used to make for us on our birthday.  These are still a favorite for me and my siblings.  My brother made them for my sister in law’s last birthday party!  

I think my favorite thing about birthdays though, is when you are blessed to have family and friends shower you with an overabundance of love and kindness.  Don’t get me wrong, gifts are great (and always appreciated, lol!) but being with the ones that love you is the best way to spend a birthday. I’ve been fortunate to have 39 birthdays just like that!!!   

Today my BFF’s little man, Paxton Lee, is celebrating his 7^th birthday!!!  He is honestly one of the coolest little dudes, and has such a sweet and kind heart for a kid his age.  I am honored to be one of his “honorary aunties”!  My wish for you Pax (besides some really cool presents) is that you always remember the people that love you and want the very best for you today and every birthday from here on out!!!  

Thirty- Five Years and Counting….How does that Happen?

So here we sit, my best friend and I, starting this grand and brand new adventure.  My Bestie, Kendra Michelle is the brain child of this blog.  She is the brain child of most of our ideas and this one was LOVE at first mention.  Since this is our first blog post for WHO IS YOUR BESTIE, we decided to each write from our own perspective how we became best friends.  So, ladies and gentleman, I present to you my blog entry #1 WHO IS MY BESTIE:

I can’t give you a specific date but it all started in Springfield IL at our family church, First Assembly of God.  I can’t even tell you how we met, started talking, any of that because she was four and I was five at the time.  I just remember we were inseparable.  

I can picture moments from my pre-school aged self and when I do, I see Misty. I hear giggles and I see smiles and if you asked me what bonded us, I wouldn’t be able to pin point any one thing, because it was actually everything. 

She had a little toe head blonde sister we would tease, her mom was the choir leader, my dad in the choir, so every Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday we were together. We were in the same Sunday school class, we went to Daisies together (our church version of girls scouts) Then the unthinkable happened….she moved away.  My little 7 year old self now, was devastated.  She moved an hour away, but you would have thought her parents moved her clear across the continent in my mind.  Letters were sent here and there in our little childhood scribble, but then in our hectic lives of raising our cabbage patch dolls and trying to keep up with our school work, we lost touch. 

We met because eventually, we would become each other’s go-to for just about every aspect of life. It probably helped that our parents saw the uniqueness of our friendship and allowed us to stay in touch when the church was no longer our main connection. And yes, we lost touch a bit when I moved away, but we picked right back up again when I moved back.

  Fast forward two years.  It was a summer day on a Sunday and of course I was at church.  I can remember the day like it was yesterday.  I was getting ready to go into the sanctuary.  The hall of the church had a long aisle that led to the Sunday School area and the last door of the sanctuary, where I was getting ready to go into.  There she was…a vision….in a pink kitty cat dress coming down the hall, the sun beaming behind her.  My best friend had returned. It seriously was like a scene from the greatest movies that have those reuniting moments.  We locked eyes and ran down the hall and gave each other the biggest hug. Nothing had changed in those two years. We picked right up from where we left off. 

By definition, friendship is “the emotions or conduct of friends; the state of being friends.” – Google. I guess we are constantly in a state of being friends.

But actually, we are so much more than that. We are sisters. Misty and I took a needle and smeared our blood stained fingers together and became sisters. Misty’s mom has always believed that’s why we’ve remained as close as we have, and coincidentally, I think the same thing.

Thirty-five years would require me to share a lot of history between Misty and me. I could share how we introduced each other to our spouses, or how we’ve seen loved ones pass or become ill. I could tell you she is the only human who knows all of my secrets, or that we’ve been through cancer scares and injuries. But what I want to tell you more than anything is that Misty is still my best friend today because she chooses to be. I don’t ask her to stick around; she does it on her own accord.

Have we had spaces in our friendship? Sure. But they’ve never lasted long. The worst fight we’ve ever been in began and ended on the same day. We don’t let weeds grow when it comes to us. We believe in the constant nurturing of true friendship but it actually comes quite naturally.

So if you’re interested in the hows and whys of true friendship, you’ve come to the right place. We want to show you how important it is to have people in your corner, no matter what. Plus, if we can make each other laugh to the point of nearly passing out, we’d love to see if we can do that for you too!

Misty & Kendra 

Proverbs 17:17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity