Monday, November 30, 2009

Ruffled Scarf Giveaway


Wonderful Trina over at XOXO Trina, is hosting a scarf giveaway. If you hurry up, you can still enter too! I just did! I am in love with this scarf. I had to go watch her YouTube video for the full effect. But I am crossing my fingers and my toes that I win!!! <3

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Custom Necklace Giveaway


The Mama Manifesto blog is having a giveaway for this necklace. I would just love to have one. Either with my mom's name or Anabelle's name. I would just cherish a necklace like this.

If you want to enter, go to the blog. And you have to leave a comment about your most sentimental piece of jewelry.

My most sentimental piece would have to be my mom's wedding ring. Shortly after she passed, my dad gave it to me. He knew I needed a piece of momma with me. I wear it every sing day. It's on a simple chain that she gave me after Anabelle was born. With a little baby shoe. The little shoe now sits right inside momma's ring.

I think jewelry that has a story behind it, those are the most precious pieces. Regardless of the cash value, if it has sentimental value, it is all worth it. Like Anabelle's baby shoe and my momma's wedding ring. Something like this necklace from Isabelle Grace Jewelry is timeless and sentimental. <3

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Lawn Frock Giveaway!!!!


The Grosgrain blog has another fabulous giveaway. One for this dress. Ya, I'm a single mom. I stay home and the only time I really get out, is to do some grocery shopping. And most of my wardrobe, currently consists of sweatpants and old t-shirts. But even I like to dress up from time to time. I would cherish this dress! There is something so simple and elegant about it. A dress that you can wear for a job interview, church, or just a day out. <3

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Asking for Help

I will say this, I have never taken help. Not from anybody. Not really. There were times when I would call my parents for $20 to buy some groceries. Or I would ask my brother to help me move. But I never have asked for serious help.

My current situation does not just include me. It is also about Anabelle. And I need to do what is best for her. You see, I lost my job not too long ago. My mom passed away suddenly and very unexpectedly. She was hit by a drunk driver, on her way home from work. It is pretty obvious, I needed to go home. Home for me, is roughly 790 miles away.

I went into work and explained it to them. But it didn't really matter. Because of the economy, my job was on the line. If I went home, I lost my job. But how could I miss my own momma's funeral? I couldn't!!! My brother couldn't be there, he is in Iraq. Fighting for our country. And I couldn't let my dad go through this alone. I went home.

Now I'm without a job. I tried to get help. I didn't think it was right, what the bank did to me. I worked at a bank. I can't get unemployment, because they are saying that I quit. Because I just didn't show up. Even though I talked to them beforehand. I definitely can't hire an attorney. I did go see a law office here in town. They help people with law services. But I would still have to come up with some money up front. I can't afford it.

My brother knows about my current situation. I cried when I got a letter in the mail from him 2 weeks ago. He sent me money to cover my rent until December. I know that he can't really afford it. But he is helping me, as much as he can. And I have gone on so many job interviews that I can't even count the number. But no luck. None!!! Each interview is for 1 job, and 30 of us show up!!! I have been out of a job for 6 weeks. And my bank account has very little left.

Moni finally convinced me to go apply for help. I have always felt weird about public assistance. I always felt like there was someone more worthy, more in need of the help. Someone who needed it much more than me. But I applied for food stamps, WIC, and for some housing assistance. I got $150 in food stamps and WIC for Anabelle. The housing assistance, I'm on a waiting list. This will help a lot!!! I am very grateful for the help.

I just need to find a job. I don't care if I have to work at McDonald's making french fries. Or if I am scrubbing toilets somewhere. My baby needs to eat. And she needs to live in a warm home. I haven't been able to get any kind of help from her dad. I'm still waiting on the first child support payment. Anabelle is 19 months old!!! I guess we will wait until she is 18. I don't know about him!

For now, God is providing for us. We have enough money to eat. And thanks to my brother, we have our rent paid for a while. I also have 3 dear friends who are helping me with things for Anabelle. They just don't understand how grateful I am to them. Lola sends toys and she sent Anabelle some winter clothes. Maggie has given me some clothes and shoes, that her girls have outgrown. And Moni, well she just surprises us with things that she knows we need. Like shampoo and milk!!! I am so lucky to have them in my corner!!!

It has been a tough 6 weeks. Sometimes I don't want to get out of bed. But I have a little girl who is depending on her momma. I'm the only person she has to depend on. I have to be strong for her. I don't mind doing without. Just as long as she has what she needs. If going to bed hungry will allow for her to eat, I will do it every single night. She is my world. And sometimes, you just have to ask for a little help to get by. <3

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Aunty Ollie Gift Card Giveaway!


I found the Grosgrain blog through a friend. And am I ever glad I did! It has to be one of the most amazing blogs that I have seen yet. The lady makes all these fabulous clothes, then gives them away in various giveaways. She also has a lot of giveaways from different people (small shops.)

This giveaway is for a $100 gift card! Are you serious? Yes, $100 to a Aunty Ollie, a shop for kids! Now more than ever before, I need some help. I am hoping and praying that I win. I could get Anabelle a little coat, or a dress. Something. Poor little baby girl, it isn't her fault that we are in this situation right now. If I won, I would probably wrap it up for her. Give it to her for Christmas. Because this year, things are going to be extra tight. Here's to hoping and praying! <3

Monday, November 9, 2009

Are You Ready for the Ride?

I'm a single momma, to the most precious little girl, Anabelle. She is my entire life. A little angel that wasn't planned. But she changed my life for the better. Made me a strong woman. Together, we are hanging on to life.

My good friend, Moni has a blog. And I just love to read it. Now that I have plenty of time on my hands, and not many people to talk to, I thought I would start a blog of my own.

I don't know exactly what I'm going to write about. Or if you will find this single momma interesting at all. But I hope you find something that brings you back. I would like to share my story with you. <3