The day my world stood still

September 3rd 2018 will be a day I will always long to forget ever happened but sadly never will. This was the day I lost the biggest part of who I am. Those that were fortunate enough to know her knew she was a great woman who would give you the shirt off her back. My grandma was my whole world. I'm not even sure how I go on from here or if I even want to not to mention that I just dont have it in me to even try. I'm greatful for the wonderful 36 yrs I had with her but I could have had 36 more and it wouldnt have been enough. She was wise in so many ways and always knew just what to say to make me feel better. The one thing I can be certain of is that I picked the right man to be my husband. She truly loved him. She said all the time how lucky we were to have found him and I know she found comfort in knowing that i was taking care of. I wish i could have told her goodbye,  i wish i had just one more hug just one more day. I love you grandma with all of me that is all of you. I love you so much and not a day will pass that I wont.

Lisfranc fracture dislocation

Prior to Jan 8th of 2018 I had never even heard of a lisfranc.........
My story begins on December 23rd 2017, I was moving a mattress from one room to another and got it stuck between two rooms, I thought no big deal I will just climb over the box springs and go around and shove it in. (So I thought).... as I was stepping down from the box springs with my left foot I twisted it and tried to catch myself with my right foot. That didn't turn out too well I twisted it too but so much worse than the left. I crawled to the living room or rather drug myself there after I woke up in the floor as I'm sure I passed out for a minute. I got my phone and messaged my husband who took me straight to the er. The er x-rayed my foot and said just a sprain and put me in a boot and gave me a referral. Since it was December 23rd, almost Christmas no one could see me. December 26th I went to a different hospital and again was xrayed and again told it's just a sprain as well as given another referral to a specialist. Again it's around the holidays and No one would see me. On Jan 4th I returned to the er I went to first because it had took on a red tint and was very hot to the touch. The er x-rayed again and tested for blood clots, No clots and again told it was just a sprain. Fast foward to Jan 8th I finally got into a specialist who believed it to be a lisfranc fracture but requested an mri to confirm. The mri was done on Jan 11th and that evening the doctor called and requested no weight bearing and stated it was a severe injury... a lisfranc fracture with dislocation of the first and second metatarsal. I returned to his office within that week and he wanted to do a wait and see approach stated it did not need surgery just remain non-weight bearing for 6 weeks, at my appointment on the 7th week my right foot was still swollen, red and had numbness. The doctor stated he now believed I had complex regional pain syndrome and that is why the foot is not healing on its own and referred me to a neurologist. I used my better judgment this time and called another specialist who luckily was able to see me the very next day which was March 1st 2018. The new doctor said that it is dislocated 2.9 mm and that will not heal on its own it needs and has needed surgery. So Monday 3/5/2018 I had the orif surgery (open reduction internal fixation ) with arthrex tight rope. Let me tell you it hurts so very bad. Im in a constant state of pain. The key is to stay on top of the medicine which I have been trying very hard to do. I'm going to include pictures of what to look for when trying to diagnose this type of injury and will update along the way.... please feel free to share your stories of recovery. Note the bruising on the bottom of the foot , almost always a lisfranc injury. I also learned that the dislocation was pressing on a nerve and may have caused permanent damage due to not treated timely.

I'm now 3 weeks post surgery about 13 weeks since the injury that will become one of the worst things in my past. I had a problem with an allergy to not only the mesh they used but the steri strips that were put in place at post op 2 week follow up and the dermabond glue as well. Currently taking a steroid dose pack and using hydrocortisone cream on the rash. Surgery was horrible and the night stay in the hospital wasn't much better , couldn't have had surgery at much worse of a time than when the country is short on pain meds. To say it was hell is an understatement. I was released on gabapentin and percocet for home which I have almost completely stopped taking, I'm starting to get those dreaded nerve pains as my foot is waking up. When it doesn't hurt it's numb. I'm not sure which is worse. I believe I currently have 3 more weeks before I can begin partial weight-bearing with a boot and then 2 weeks later physical therapy begins. Learning to walk again after 5 months. Today the swelling is down alot, and most of the rash has began to dissappear. 

Today makes 5 weeks and 3 days since surgery and I have actually had a few restful nights sleep. Last night I bumped the fourth toe on my knee Walker so I'm paying for that today , in the way of pain and swelling. Looking more like a foot every day though and next Thursday I start physical therapy. I can't hardly wait. I'm nervous and scared but excited too.

So today Marks 2 days shy of 17 weeks since I took a step on this foot and today was my first day of physical therapy. The physical therapist said in my case it was good I hadn't been able to wear the boot this whole time because my range of motion is good for someone who has been out of commission so long. We did a tennis ball under my foot and I rolled it around with pressure applied as I could tolerate, he also said I could use a frozen water bottle 1 time a day. We did some ankle rolls left and right as well as ice therapy. Let me tell you that wasn't as great as I had hoped it would be. 10 minutes spent icing and my foot felt like it was going to break right off because it was so cold. Today I also took my first 10 to 15 steps with the boot on of course and a walker. Mentally it was great. Physically it was very painful. I didn't put my full weight on it as I stepped. More mental I suppose as I am so scared I will reinjure it. Starting next week I will do physical therapy 2 times a week for a while . The road to recovery is in site. Seems a little more swollen after therapy however.

Today was my 6 week follow up appointment post surgery. The doctor said it looks good which is surprising since I had physical therapy today too. The doctor told me those sweet words I have been wanting to hear for 17 long weeks. You may now walk. Get rid of the boot and go to tennis shoes also no longer use the knee walker. However he did say dont do it if it hurts. Listen to your foot. So I made it to work and took a walk around the halls and back to my office. Worn out when I got back so maybe stick with knee walker this afternoon.

Today I also moved my toes for the first time in awhile. I still have numbness but the doctor said that is going to take a long time to go away. So I'm not there yet but I'm getting there.

Here i am week 10 been going to therapy twice a week.

Physical therapy today..... so we didnt do a whole lot of hard labor intensive stuff. Rode the bike for 10 min. Did a few stretches and he could see that my right ankle still doesnt have the dorsial flexion it should. He says he believes it to be two things, one there is a bone that runs down the calf and sometimes after an injury gets sort of locked in place so he attempted to get it to pop stubborn thing just wouldnt do it. Also the calf muscle is entirely too tight so the next thing we did was something like acupunture except the needles latched onto the muscle thatruns down my leg trigger point dry needling i believe its called. From there he put electrodes on it to try and loosen the muscle. Felt weird had my foot jumping. Doesnt feel any better after but he said may take a few times. As for now I was told to stay on two crutches.

I haven't posted in a while and today I am 3 months post op. I put the crutches down and am currently walking without them but still have a limp and a pain level of about 3. Still dealing with daily swelling and problems finding a comfortable shoe. However any progress is better than no progress so i will take it.

Helping others to show that good is still in the world

Mostly we spend our lives only thinking of how things are for us and our family or at least I do, but then something happens and you realize the life you live or the problems you have are so small compared to those of others. A sweet young child I learned of today is having some complications and is at Children's hospital now , the child has medicaid so her bills will paid for. However, her mother just had back surgery and has not left her side. Her vehicle is broken down and barely even has a change of clothes or money to eat for herself. Now from what I have heard, medicaid will pay for her to eat too, however because the neurologist won't come to the hospital the mother had to check herself and her daughter out to go to him which starts the time over again (because you have to be their so many days before they will pay). I'm goin to attach a link to her funding page in hopes for a little help for this family because I have to believe that this world is not all evil and there are people out there that care.Let's show this family how we care please click on the link to support.

Sammy's Song: Musical treasures from a trash collector

Sammy's Song: Musical treasures from a trash collector: SHERMAN, TX -- We've all heard the saying, 'there's more than meets the eye.'  That's just one way to describe Sammy Mantuano, who by day drives a garbage truck in Sherman.

Sherman trash collector pursues musical dream

Sherman trash collector pursues musical dream: No One Gets You Closer in Texoma by providing Local News, Severe Weather Updates, and Sports information for Ada, OK, Ardmore, OK, Durant, OK, Denison, TX and Sherman, TX.



My husband, my best friend, the one I speak so highly of.

My Best friend

I spend a lot of time talking about my grandma and how she means more to me than anyone in the world. While I have always leaned on her and looked to her for guidance and felt as though no one could ever have my heart the way she does and no one could ever completely understand me the way she does, there is one person who reigns in really close. Who you ask? My husband, Sammy Mantuano. I have spent the better part of today thinking about just how much I love him and how somehow when I was busy with work or home life or just everyday routine  I not only fell in love with him, I learned to rely on him and to turn to him when I was in need of a friend or good advice. "Love" that one word that I really thought I could never completely feel for anyone. I don't always have the right words to say or make the best choices but yet somehow he loves me anyways.  The hundreds of times I have been sick or in trouble he would go to the ends of the earth 10 times and back again just make it all better. The man who works two jobs seven days a week and does it with a smile all so we can have the things we have and afford the health care I always seem to need. How could there ever be anyone that compares to grandma I always told myself and yet here he is and I'm married to him. We don't always see eye to eye and lord knows we have had our fights. I remember I use to get so mad at him I would take off walking but I always knew he would come to find me until one day he didnt. Imagine how mad I was when I walked back home. But see he knew before even I did that we are the perfect pair. Equally tempered, giving and kind. And he knew if he didnt come for me,  I would come back. One half of my heart belongs to grandma and the other half belongs to my wonderful husband who doesn't do anything halfway. I have always looked at bales of hay and thought of us. I'm the messy pile that looks half put together and he the neatly woven bale without a single piece out of place and together we make it work through the good times and the bad. To my best friend thank you for always looking out for me and taking such good care of me when I'm not well.  But most of all Thank you for staying when so many times it would have been easier for you to walk away.

Ps
I love you the mostest.

Vera Adeline Dutton

Who in this world do you inspire to be?
I remember my childhood like it was yesterday and that memory is one thing I'm grateful to have. Growing up would have been so much different without my grandma she was always there with a guiding hand and an open heart.

 I was her shadow she would say where she went I went even when she worked. She took care of elderly sick people and I remember this one lady said tell that little girl with the big eyes to stop looking at me it creeps me out. Of course grandma just scooped me right up and told me I didn't have big eyes they were her eyes and she loved them. Oh how I love her. All the mud pies she pretended to eat and the paper dolls and dress up. As I grew up and took a job and a life of my own she always knew the right words to say when I was having a bad day. She would say Becky some people just can't help it. Or now Becky you can't have hate in your heart, you have to let that go. 

I have learned to do that as I have gotten older I just think well they can't help their stupid selves and then I think no Becky don't call them stupid that's just mean and hateful and remember what grandma taught you. All the stories she would tell. 

I love her stories I could hear them over and over again. If there is one person in this entire world I want to be when I grow up (if that ever happens) is my grandma my heart and my soul without her I don't know who I would be. To one she may be just somebody but to me she is my world.

Vanilla Mint Deodorant Creme

I have a confession to make. I never actually tried to use this as a deodorant although I feel like it would work for that I just keep mine in my purse and take a wiff every once in awhile as it smells yummy. With that said I did rub a little on my hand and blends quickly and is not sticky at all. But I did notice the scent doesn't stay on you.

Here is some company details:

Organic, chemical-free cream deodorant that really works!  Organic arrowroot powder absorbs wetness naturally. Organic Shea butter soothes and moisturizes dry skin. Coconut oil has natural anti-bacterial properties as well as soothes and conditions the skin. Organic peppermint and organic tea tree essential oils provide anti-bacterial and germ-killing anti-septic properties. It leaves you feeling confidently cool, fresh and clean.

Directions for use: Scoop a pea-sized amount from the jar with clean fingers. Rub onto each underarm until deodorant is applied.

Ingredients: Organic Shea Butter, Organic Arrowroot Powder, (Vegan), Organic Sunflower Oil,  Organic Virgin Coconut Oil, Aluminum-Free Baking Soda, Organic Peppermint Essential Oil, Organic Vanilla Extract, Organic Tea Tree Essential Oil.

Size: 2 oz


I received this product for testing and review purposes at no charge to me.
Shelf Life: 12 Months

What's a good night's sleep worth to you?

A good night's sleep is of utmost importance and sleeping on the right bed with the right pillows is only a part if that. You also have to have a good set of stay in place comfortable sheets.

Your in luck! I found them stacked away on amazon at an affordable price and a wide selection of colors. I slept like baby on these sheets and they are beyond soft.

Buy Now

These actually stay put and or just right in thickness. 

Specs:

SHEET THAT WILL HUG YOUR MATTRESS - Queen Size Luxury 4pc Bed Sheets Set - 1 flat sheet 102"x90", 1 fitted sheet 80"x60", 2 pillowcases 20"x30". Deep pocket fitted sheet with elastic all around (not just the corners, like other sheets). Fits mattresses up to 16".

EASY CARE AND LONG LASTING - Fade, stain, shrink and wrinkle resistant. Machine-wash in cold. Dries quick on tumble dry low. More durable than cotton. Hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites

HIGHEST QUALITY DOUBLE BRUSHED MICROFIBER - Made of the highest quality microfiber and workmanship so you know it LASTS! We made sure to brush the fabric from both sides so that it is extra soft! Fabulous selection of colors will make your bedroom look like it belongs in a magazine

100% LIFETIME GUARANTEE - Netsl Bedding is a different kind of company that prides itself in providing the absolute best customer service in the industry. If for any reason you decide that this bed sheet set is not for you, send 1 simple email and receive a 100% money-back refund, absolutely no questions asked!

you could not ask for a better offer than these and I think it's great they offer the 100% Guarantee. 

I received this product for review purposes and it more than exceeds expectations

Bella Eleganze 3d fiber lash mascara

                                Buy Now
You see the spidey lashes of younique and it scares you away from fiber mascara. I totally understand that was me before trying this mascara. I read many of the reviews and had no trouble applying this. I started by curling my lashes and then applying my regular mascara and letting it dry. Once dried I applied the gel and then quickly the fibers. Surprise it Did not bother my eyes at all. I only applied about midway up my lashes. I should have done a before picture as I virtually have no lashes but I do have an after photo and look at them lashes no spidey eye just pretty lashes.

Love it myself and will without doubt buy this when my tube runs low.

I received this product for testing and review purposes and it more than exceeds expectations.

So your getting married and you need a ring

When your in the market for that perfect ring and your on a small budget where do you turn? 
I found one of the most gorgeous cost efficient sets I believe I have ever seen. This set is sterling silver and beautiful with lots of detail not only on the top but on both the sides of the ring as well. It's true to the size and shines at all angles. A great alternative to the over priced diamonds and gold and just as lovely. I would recommend this ring to anyone in the market for a wedding band set.

click here to buy now

BL jewelry has so many to choose from no matter the occasion and each piece is just as lovely as the next. I highly recommend them.

                      Buy it now on Amazon

I also found this very lovely Citron yellow ring. True to the size and more gorgeous in person than any picture could show . Great pricing and very detailed piece. Very shiny with a great touch of vintage.


I received this product for testing and review purposes and it more than exceeds expectations. I would recommend. Go check this seller out you will be amazed at the great pieces and speedy shipping.

Get your karaoke on

We do lots of karaoke at my house and my husband plays almost every instrument made so good quality sound is important to us.
I was presented with an opportunity to review the Audio 2000s ADM1064B Dynamic Karaoke / Vocal Microphone and I must say for a 10 dollar mic this produces great sound without the feedback that many mics have. The cord is plenty long and the 1/4 jack will fit any amp. We have many mics that cost so much more and this is comparable to them.

                       Buy now on Amazon


Every good mic needs a decent mixer so along with this mic I received the Audio2000's Aud7005 6-Channel Portable Audio Mixer.  This is ideal for drum kit microphones, quartets singing microphones, guitars and even keyboards.  This makes an Excellent splitter. As an example you can take 4 quarter inch Jacks whether that's mics or instrument's plug them into the mixer then into a power amp which allows you to individually control the volume. This also frees up spots on your amp. Easy to use and portable as the you have the option of plugging it into the wall or operate with batteries.  Produces clear quality sound and I love the portability.

Buy Now on Amazon

While your there check out some of Ez pro gears other great products.

I was given the opportunity to test these products and both more than exceed my expectations.

Let's talk rustic

On my quest to have my whole home done in rustic. I stumbled across two more one of kind pieces and of course I had to rush and show you.

First up I have Tp holder with a Texas star and longhorns. You are not going to believe this thing. It's so detailed and well put together and a perfect accent in my bathroom. I must also say a great talking point for guest and a must have for the rustic extremist such as myself.

                      Buy Now On Amazon

isn't it cute! Here is some more info on this one of a kind must have.

An elegant bull horn with paper towel holder. It is made of poly resin. It is 8" wide and 4" tall. It has star with ring in the middle. A nice addition to any western bathroom décor.
Features & details

Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.4 x 5.5 inches Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds

And if you like crosses as do I you will love this next piece.  This cross is adorned with beautiful turquoise jewels and is silver in color.  A very heavy and durable piece with a touch of class.

                                Buy Now



A poly resin cross in silver background and turquoise dots and circles is a unique cross. It is 14" tall and 10" wide. An elegant wall décor.

Product Dimensions: 16.5 x 12.5 x 2 inches

I received these products for testing and review purposes I couldn't be more satisfied with not only the quality of product but also the customer service provided from this company. I highly recommend.

Electric pepper grinder by Ozeri

In my house we use tons of pepper more so than salt. This pepper grinder has become a favorite in my household. I have used it more times than I can count on both hands and my toes and every time without fail we get perfect ground pepper. This grinder has a light on it when you push the button to grind which is another plus in my house because I don't like bright lights. The light on this grinder allows me to put just the right amount of pepper on my food. Ozeri grinder has a very nice sleek design that adds a touch of elegance to any kitchen. I cant imagine my life without it now that i have used it and its backed by a guarantee . You can find them on Amazon . Don't take my word for how great they are , go get one and find out for yourself and when you love it well your welcome.
Go check Ozeri out on Facebook too they have lots of neat stuff you didn't know you can't live without.

Durable ceramic mechanism easily grinds peppercorns, salt and spices
Seasons accurately with adjustable ceramic grinding mechanism that adjusts from fine to coarse

Features an ultra soft textured non-slip grip Includes a built-in light that automatically turns on for clear and precise seasoning

See-through container makes monitoring pepper level easy and reveals the grinding action

 Satisfaction Guarantee


Disclaimer : I received this product for testing and review purposes all statements are my own.

my camping needs

Summer is coming up so it's time to break out the camping gear! I'm so excited as its my favorite time of the year and this year I will be packing up two new products to take with me on my camping trip. First up we have the Supernova 300 Ultra Bright LED Camping Lantern
This little handy lantern takes two 9 volt batteries it's light weight and super portable and did I mention bright. I always hated the other ones. They are heavy you have to have propane tanks and somehow I never take enough. This packs up and doesn't take much room and cost so much less to run as well as its more portable.

Whatever your lighting need, the Supernova 300 is the brightest and longest lasting LED lantern available
find it here on amazon
Light the way with this long lasting and high-powered lantern for up to six days of continuous use

The Supernova 300 lumens LED lantern combines the latest in LED lighting technology along with an innovative design that results in high performance.

With 300 lumens of brightness, the ability to run for days, and a strong manufacturer's warranty, this lantern will perform its duties for many years to come.

• 300 Lumens blows away the competition and provides the brightest LED lighting in its class
• Super high-efficiency LED light generates little to no heat and can be used continuously for up to six days, making it a must have for any type of emergency and safer and longer lasting than any type of emergency candles!
• State of the art convex reflector provides optimal lighting and reflection
• Sturdy rubber and plastic molding for maximum durability and water resistance
• Removable top for focused forward lighting or for use as a hanging area light
• Slow pulse LED indicator light ensures that the lantern can always be found in the event of an emergency
• LED lights are guaranteed for up to 100,000 hours of use and never need replacing
• Perfect for Camping, Hiking, Boating, Emergencies, Recreation

I will also be carrying along my Youphoria Sport Towel

it dries quickly barely weights anything and is great for that quick dry. Even wet this thing doesn't weigh very much at all and its soft and it has a hook for hanging. From experience mine went from wet to dry in under an 1 hour and that was inside so I know it will be my go to towel for camping.

grab one of these too because you are gonna love it.

sport towel on amazon



- LIGHT WEIGHT AND COMPACT DESIGN: Weighing less than 150 grams - that's less than your average fruit weighs - the Youphoria Multi-Sport Travel Towel is 50% lighter than leading cotton alternatives. The compact design enables you to pack and take it anywhere!
- UNIQUE STAY-DRY TECHNOLOGY: Our towels are 100% microfiber, which dries tremendously faster than the leading alternatives. Microfiber can hold up to 4X its weight in water but dries 5X faster than normal cotton towel, and it will even dry quickly when you have it folded up or stored in your bag. Microfiber is designed specifically for this use. Ultra-soft, Super-Absorbent, Ready to go!
- CONVENIENT HOOK: No one likes a towel on the floor and often times if you hang dry you towel it's not able to get the air it needs to dry quickly! Other towels either have a very small hook that isn't really that useful or are missing the hook altogether. We've re-developed our hook to be very practical and work in a variety of situations. Be confident that you'll never have to throw over rail or lay on the ground.

Disclaimer : I received these products at no charge to me for review purposes.

Fractionated Coconut Carrier Oil & Massage Oil

Fractionated Coconut Carrier Oil & Massage Oil

Besides the fact that this oil is great for your skin and your hair all by itself it also makes a great carrier oil for all those essential oils you don't know what to do with. Many say it's non greasy and even the company themselves but I do find it to be greasy at least on Me so I can't use very much. However it's affect on my hair and skin are night in day compared to all other products I have tried. My skin is smoother and my hair looks much more shiny and not in an oily way but a healthy way. Another great thing is it has a very long shelf life.

pick it up here on amazon and start renewing your skin.


-The fractionated coconut carrier and massage oil by GoPure creates a barrier on your skin, but does not clog your pores. 

Provides a light-weight and non-greasy finish. It is composed of 100 percent natural Carrier Oil or pure base.

-The shelf life, with proper storage conditions is indefinite. The product needs to be stored in a cool location, out of the direct sunlight.

-Ideal product for massage therapy due to the ability for the oil to remain in liquid form provided by the fractionating process.

The Fractionated Coconut Oil offered by GoPure is considered an all-natural type of carrier oil that is able to easily absorb into your skin, which makes it a go-to option for all types of topical therapies. It offers a feather-light emollient, providing a soothing barrier, without the risk of clogging your pores, and is ideal for dry or otherwise troubled skin. It provides the skin with a non-greasy, silky smooth feel, unlike the other vegetable carrier oils currently available. It is completely soluble with all types of essential oils and is odorless and colorless, which means it will not stain any fabric it comes in contact with. It also has a prolonged shelf life, which means it will not go rancid and is designed for topical use only.
Disclaimer : I received this product for review purposes at no charge to me through Tomoson and all statements expressed are my own.

Glow Stick Bracelets - 100 Bracelets BY GOOD STUFF

Seriously who doesn't love glow sticks? I don't think I have ever seen any brighter than these. This is a 100 count in a multitude of colors and they are long lasting. The kids love them and of course so do I. These glow sticks last a long time too oh and they come with connectors to make bracelets or connect them longer for a necklace. Since there are so many you get creative and make a hula hoop. I review mine for review purposes but would totally buy them at full price. What are you waiting on go pick you up some @ amazon.com.

Superstart car battery

I had to let you guys know about this battery I'm not an auto mechanic and don't really know all that much about cars but what I do know is last Friday my car wouldn't start. You know the dreaded click click click of a dead battery. Saturday I went to O'Reillys which is where I bought the battery and of course thinking I hadn't had it all that long thought I would swap it out under my warranty. Little did I know I have had it since 2007. Today this year is 2015 that makes this battery 8 years old and had no problems until now. I'm amazed. Even O'Reillys employees were impressed. I will never buy another brand you had me at you bought this battery in 2007. Job well done.

P.s. the employees were able to charge it up and I used it a whole week longer.

Hair Symphony Detangling and Soft Hair Brushes with Cosmetics Bag

So of course when I saw this I just knew I had to have it because I have very long and very thick hair. I think it works just ok but not anything special. I actually prefer my regular hairbrush over this. The detangler pokes me in the head and the regular brush isn't even comfortable to hold. Now of course that's just my opinion others swear by it and really love it. Just check out some of the Amazon reviews and you will see others love it. If your interested you can pick this up at the following link:

http://hairsymphony.com/exclusive-offer.html.

Disclaimer : I received this product at no charge to me for review purposes all stated info is of my own opinion.