Beach Safety Tips and CPR Refresher: Great Summer Info

When I was 10 or so I began babysitting the little girl down the road.  At the time I was enamored with The Baby-Sitters Club and had dreams of starting a Baby-Sitter's Club of my own. When I turned 11 I was so excited that I was officially old enough to take a Baby Sitter's Safety Course, offered at a local hospital.  They covered all types of things, such as the Heimlich Maneuver, how to properly change a diaper, feeding babies, and CPR for both babies and older kids.  I remember receiving an identifying card, that could be kept in my wallet, that stated I had taken the course and had been instructed on these things.  I was SO proud of that card.

Within a few years my Baby-Sitter's Club dream was gone, and replaced of Daydreams about New Kids on the Block and all other things that preoccupies a young teen's thoughts. Besides reviewing information when the kids were little, I haven't thought much about CPR since.

As summer has rolled back around, I've heard of a lot of drownings on Gulf Coast beaches.  Last week there were four drownings in a 24 hour period.  Based on this I think that it is extremely important that all of us in the coastal regions make ourselves familiar with a couple of things.

1. What do the flags on the beach mean?   I found a cool illustration to explain it!

Take Note of a Red Flag and a Double Red Flag.  These are VERY dangerous conditions! Stay out of the water for your own safety!

2. What are rip currents? What do I do if I get stuck in one and am being pulled out further?

Rip currents are powerful, channeled currents of water flowing away from shore. They typically extend from the shoreline, through the surf zone, and past the line of breaking waves. Rip currents can occur at any beach with breaking waves, including the Great Lakes.

If you are caught in a rip current, do not try to fight it by swimming back towards the shore line.  You should try to swim away, parallel to the beach, until you're safely out of it.  If you can't swim or are tired from fighting the current, try to tread or float so that you may rest until help arrives or your able to try to swim away again.

3. Learn CPR.
CPR stands for CardioPulmonary Resuscitation.  CPR is indicated for any person who is unresponsive with no breathing, or who is only breathing in occasional agonal gasps, as it is most likely that they are in cardiac arrest.
CPR is detrimental in so many events, such as drowning, and you'd be doing yourself a disservice if you didn't make familiar with the basics.

ACLS National, the American Medical Learning Center, offers CPR courses.  They also offer the Be A Shield promotion where you can do a CPR, choking, and heat exhaustion refresher.  It's easy to learn and free, so all it costs you is your time! 

When our kids are young we spend time baby proofing our house, making sure they are safe in their environment, how many of us take the time to learn these necessary life saving techniques to protect our families?  I'll admit I've slacked on this.  My husband is CPR certified (required where he works) and I've relied on him.  However, I am going to take the time out of my schedule to brush up with the Be A Shield program and know that my kids will be protected, whether or not Dad is home.  Will you join me?

A special thanks to ACLS National for partnering up with Semmes Savers to bring you all of the information in this post. 

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A Glee Inspired Coming Out Party: I Support Unconditional Love

I've done posts about bullying in the past but I'm going to take it a step further this time.  I don't ask anyone to agree with me and I fully understand that living in the Deep South this is NOT a popular opinion.  The bottom line is that my kids are getting older and I feel like this should be addressed.  I want my children to live in a better world and if I can maybe reach one person, then this post has done it's job.  If you don't agree, I will welcome RESPECTFUL comments on this post but if anyone is disrespectful, I will delete the comment. #NoHate

First I'd like to tell you about a conversation that Kels and I had one night.  We were discussing a couple of celebrities (Justin Beiber and Selena Gomez) that have an on/off relationship and Kels told me that she believed that they were off again.  I stated, "Well, that would make Cassie happy."  She asked "Why?  Is she a Belieber?"  I started laughing and before I could respond she said, "Does she have a crush on Selena?  Is Cassie a lesbian?" I replied, "No, Cassie can't stand Justin Beiber and Selena Gomez is her favorite singer/actress.  She's 11 and doesn't really think about boys or girls that way yet, but if and when she does, if she is a lesbian, I would still love her and support her."  Kels replied, "Of course you will, I cannot imagine anyone more supporting. You'd probably throw a Glee Inspired coming out party."  This conversation has been echoed to the kids (Cassie's response was, "That will never happen" regarding the party.  She doesn't share my love of Glee. haha) and to friends.  Everyone agreed that I'd definitely try to do that (no, only if they wanted to).

I've always been in the mind set that "What happens in your room is YOUR business, not mine." (Provided you aren't hurting anyone and it's occurring between consenting adults).  I have not always been as accepting as I am now though.  Granted, I was not mean about it or a bully about my beliefs, but as I've grown up, in age and maturity, I have become more accepting.  I think a lot of it has to do with my kids.  There was another turning point though that I feel I should share.

When I was 19 I worked at a chain of steak houses.  I was a hostess and my best friend was a server and bartender.  I made friends with a guy we'll call Matt who worked as a dishwasher.  Matt always brought a smile to my face.  He was a couple of years younger than me, and was still in high school.  In an area as large as the one I live in, and factoring in that this restaurant was about 30 minutes from my house, it was surprising to me that he actually went to the school I had graduated from two years earlier.

In April, a month or two after Matt had started working with us, I had to go out of town for a week. When I got back into our area my pager (I'm dating myself here, but this was before everyone had cell phones) was going off like crazy.  My best friend was calling me.  In the hour it took for me to get from where my pager started working again, to another friend's house, she had paged me at least 10 times.  I knew something was wrong, and would have stopped earlier to call but I was riding with someone else and it was getting late so they wanted to get home

When I got to my friend's house I went straight to the phone and called my best friend.  She was crying.  She managed to tell me that Matt had killed himself.  I was heartbroken.  We weren't extremely close or anything like that, but this is someone who made me smile all the time.  Someone that made my days at work a little more enjoyable.  He was gone.

I had no idea why he had done it, which is quite possibly one of the worst things after someone commits suicide in my honest opinion.  It's hard when anyone dies, but when someone commits suicide the "Whys?" eat away at you.  Why did they do this?  Why did they not get help?  What was so bad that they felt this was the only way out?  I may have gotten my answer a few days later.

After the wake was held I stopped to grab a bite to eat at a local fast food place.  Even back then being dressed up was out of the norm for me and one of the guys that worked there (who I happen to know) asked me why I was dressed up.  I told him, "I'm on the way home from a wake."  He said, "Who died?"  I told him, "He went to school with you, his name was Matt."  I won't repeat here what he said, but know that it was along the lines of, "Good. He was gay.  He should have done it a long time ago."  I won't say what my reaction to that was, just know I do tend to have a bit of a temper, and what he said was completely uncalled for.

April was 14 years ago that this happened and I still don't have concrete answers.  I do know that I heard a lot of whispers after the fact and they were that he was gay.  Considering some of the remarks that I heard about him, and other gay and lesbian people, in the weeks after Matt's death I have my opinion on why he died.  Whether or not he was gay, I have no idea.  It doesn't matter to me.  He was my friend and that's ALL that matters to me.  I saw a friend gone and some hateful individuals saw one less gay on the planet.  If the bullying he endured after death was anything compared to what he endured while he was alive, I feel that may have had a lot to do with what he did.  Regardless a remarkable young man is gone.

Having kids puts a lot of things into perspective for you.  I would never want my kids to be treated like Matt was, nor do I think that ANYONE should be treated like that.

Our kids learn by example.  It is time for adults to stop being bullies so kids see that this is not how you act.  No matter what your beliefs on sexual preference, it is not up to you to decide that anyone is right or wrong.

 If you are a believer in the Bible, you believe that God creates ALL of us, not some of us.  Whether or not you feel that someone is "sinning" is not your place to judge, it is only His.  In fact, Matthew, 7:1-5 addresses your judging (Source: Bible Hub):
 1“Do not judge so that you will not be judged.2“For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you.3“Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?4“Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ and behold, the log is in your own eye?5“You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.
Another blogger shared a post today by a different blog that was all about how being gay was wrong and an abomination and such.  I won't link to the post because I don't want to give her extra page views and help her spread hate.  She went on and on about how she knew it was a sin and proceeded to talk about sinners and such....judging them.  It made me sick to my stomach.

As a parent we OWE our kids unconditional love.  If you think breeding hate in them is showing unconditional love, you're wrong. It teaches them that you will hate them if they do whatever it is that you are against.  Would you really want your kids to think that??

Teach your children to love everyone.  Show them this by example.  Let them know that no matter if you condone their choices, you will ALWAYS love them.  Think back to when they were born and the doctor placed them in your arms.  Did you look them in the eyes and say, "I love you" or did you look them in their eyes and say, "I love you only if you're straight, make good choices, never make mistakes, etc"

We all have dreams for our kids but it's their life is not ours to live.  It's their's.

Teach them acceptance for others.  Think about the hate they spread to others for different choices.  I have long wondered if those who bullied Matt learned that from their parents and, if that is what drove him to suicide, do their parents know they helped take someone's life?  Would you want to be the parent of a child who bullied someone to the point that they thought suicide was their only escape?

Our decisions, and the way we treat others, affect our children.  They can do so negatively or positively.  Which do you want?

A personal note to the blogger who shared the post: I'm sorry that people like her think it's okay to spread a message of hate.  Please know that there are good people in the world that support love. 

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Chili's 1,000,000 Flatbread Giveaway

Chili's is giving away 1,000,000 Flatbreads!  Get your coupon now!

This post contains affiliate links.

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Half Price Shakes at Sonic: All Day June 20th!

Cassie and I had to run a couple of errands the other day and we stopped by Sonic (Happy Hour! Yay!).  They gave us one of these flyers.  I asked the girl if it was everywhere, and she said, "I think so." but I'd call your local Sonic before heading up there on the 20th.  I can VERIFY that the location in Semmes, AL (Moffett Road, in front of Walmart) is participating!

Are you going to get a half price milkshake??
What kind of milkshake are you getting?

Details from the flyer:

All Day June 20
There’s no better way to welcome summer
AWW NUTS! Nuts may come in contact with your Real Ice Cream
Products containing allergens (e.g. peanuts, peanut butter and flavoring, fish, eggs, milk, soy, wheat, tree nuts, shellfish, etc) are used in this restaurant and may come in contact with your food or drink.  OREO is a registered trademark of Mondelez International group, used under license. Offer good only on 6/20/13 *INCLUDES SHAKES ONLY. NOT GOOD IN CONJUNCTION WITH HAPPY HOUR, COMBOS, WACKY PACK KIDS’ MEALS OR ANY OTHER OFFERS.  Only at participating Sonic Drive-Ins

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OKA b Stylish Summer of Color Giveaway

Semmes Savers is ecstatic to bring you this awesome giveaway sponsored by OKA b!

About OKA b:
OKA b. is founded on the principle that fashion and comfort should never be mutually exclusive. Imagine a shoe that not only looks great with every outfit but feels great with every step. A sandal given the thumbs up by your doctor and your best friend. A slide that matches your wedding gown and massages your feet as you dance down the aisle. A flip-flop so stylish it's featured in fashion magazines. A shoe that's 100% recyclable, waterproof, made in the USA and priced under $45.

I love my wedge thongs and I'm so happy that OKA b has allowed me to also host a giveaway for a pair.  Some great bloggers have joined me for this giveaway and I'm happy to have their help!

OKA b is giving one lucky winner a pair their choice of OKA b shoes!  Heels, Flats, Ballet Slippers....whatever your heart desires!

Giveaway runs through the rest of June, so make sure to get all your entries in!  There are daily entries for both Pinterest and Twitter.

Enter below:

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Disclosure: Open to the continental U.S. Void where prohibited by law. No purchase necessary to enter or win. Must be 18 years or older to enter.

Prize fulfillment is the responsibility of the sponsor. None of the participating blogs are responsible if prize is not fulfilled.

Winner notification will come from Tara@SemmesSavers.com. Winner will have 48 hours to respond and claim their prize or another winner will be selected. Please make sure to add tara@semmessavers.com to your safe senders list as we are not responsible for lost or misdirected emails.
Giveaway not sponsored or endorsed by Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Pinterest.

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Kels' Korner: Oh baby! Go Baby! Basics set from Babytime! by Episencial giveaway!

I read about Babytime! by Episencial while searching for something for my son's sensitive, eczema prone skin.

I contacted the company to see if I could do a review and giveaway.
I received a sample of Babytime! Snuggly Lotion.  

The information on the bottle is easy to understand.  It's clear on who it's for (Ages 0+) and what it is (nourishing moisture), and it let's you know it's enriched with Omega oils and a cherry butter scent.  But that's not all.  

On the back, it lists the major pluses to this lotion.  Babytime! by Episencial Snuggly Lotion is full of USDA Organic ingredients; full of plant based ingredients, and full of 100% Natural ingredients.  Ingredients you can actually pronounce.  To make it easy to see where each ingredient falls, they're color coded.  

The first ingredient listed is Aloe Vera Leaf juice.  That's right, aloe vera, trusted for hundreds of years to heal.  This aloe vera juice is also USDA certified organic.  What's the next ingredient?  Water.  Pure, simple, water.  There's Safflower, and Shea Butter, and many oils we all know to be good for us: olive, avocado, evening primrose, and Jojoba to name a few of the other certified organic ingredients.    

The directions are simple: use common sense caution and smooth onto face and body after a bath, or massage into the scalp to help remove flaking skin.  (Cradle cap on babies.)

Did I mention it's vegan, made in the USA, and allergy free?  The smell is a very light cherry, and the texture is rich and smooth.  But how does it work?

My son has very sensitive, moderate to severe eczema prone skin.  I used this on his really bad eczema spots (back of his arms).  I couldn't believe it.  His usual lotions, prescription and over-the-counter, didn't do what this lotion did.  The name brand lotion for eczema in the yellow box we normally pick up for him at the local drug store didn't accomplish what Babytime! Snuggly Lotion did, and it's not even their lotion specifically for eczema.  

Within three applications, not days, not weeks, but applications - his dry rough skin was smooth.  No kidding.  I was super impressed.

With continued use, it has kept his skin smooth with minimal to no flare ups.  I really couldn't believe it.  I started using it on my dry, cracked hands.  Smooth and healed within that same short time!  This stuff must cost a fortune, it's amazing.

Nope, for about the same price as the usual "yellow box" lotion, I can get this organic, natural, plant based Omega oils enriched lotion?  We've officially switched.  A little goes a long way, and it's super creamy formula is just pleasant to apply.  Plus, the scent is better.

I've been touting praises for Babytime! Snuggly Lotion to everyone I can.
I can't wait to explore more of the Babytime! by Episencials line of products.


While I did receive a free product to review, all thoughts and opinions are my own and I was in no way required or compensated to give a positive review.

Thanks to our sponsor, I have ONE Go Baby! Basics set to give away!

Enter today!

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OKA b Review: Step into Summer with Style

I think I may need an intervention soon, or a 12 step program.  My name is Tara and I'm addicted....to cute shoes...I have a shoe fetish.  Seriously, I can't get enough of them!  My first job, at the age of 16, was at a shoe store.  By the time my shopping was done I had a little, bitty check.  Then, some years later (after the knee, back, and coordination problems started) I started hating shoes.  I'd wear them, generally sneakers, when I was out, but that was it.  I had about 2-3 pairs of shoes at any given time.  A pair of sneakers, a pair of boots, and a pair of flip-flops was all I needed in life (well, as far as my tootsies were concerned).

In the last year or so I've caught myself saying, "Oh, cute shoes, I'd love them".  It's almost like Carrie Bradshaw's brain was switched with mine.  Ok, so Carrie Bradshaw is a bit of a stretch.  I can't afford her taste in shoes.  Maybe just a spirit of Carrie.  Or, maybe it's my best friend and her obsession with shoes finally rubbing off on me.  Regardless, I started noticing them again and I started to see a need for more than three pairs.

When I found OKA b I told myself, I NEED these.  Luckily, OKA b was kind enough to allow me to do a review!  I was asked which shoes I wanted to review.  I selected Virginia in Licorice.  It took me days to settle on a pair.  I wanted so many of them.  However, the Virginia were perfect for me, with a little bling and a wedge heel (which, at 5'4", I could definitely use the "lift" in height!).  

About OKA b:
OKA b. is founded on the principle that fashion and comfort should never be mutually exclusive. Imagine a shoe that not only looks great with every outfit but feels great with every step. A sandal given the thumbs up by your doctor and your best friend. A slide that matches your wedding gown and massages your feet as you dance down the aisle. A flip-flop so stylish it's featured in fashion magazines. A shoe that's 100% recyclable, waterproof, made in the USA and priced under $45.

My absolute favorite thing about this pair of thongs?  The support!  I have issues and HAVE to have support or my feet throb!

I wore these out the other day with a CUTE top and some jeans.  I had a couple of people compliment me on how cute the shoes were!  Another day a friend stopped by and saw them sitting on the couch (I had just opened the box) and she said, "Are those OKA b?  I LOVE those that brand!" and she proceeded to tell me about a pair she had owned.

Another great thing is that OKA b shoes are HANDCRAFTED in the USA!!  I like to support American made products when possible and love knowing that these are American made!

With thongs, wedges, ballet slippers and more, as well as every color under the sun, no matter what your shoe style is, you'll find one to fit your need.

OKA b prices are affordable too, so whether you are a Shoe Diva or a Frugal Fetishist, OKA b will satisfy your desire and your pocketbook!

Follow OKA b on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Semmes Savers will be hosting a giveaway for a pair of OKA b shoes June 16-June 30, so make sure to check back to enter!


Disclosure:  I received the above mentioned pair of OKA b shoes to facilitate my review.  All thoughts/opinions are mine and mine alone.  I was not required to write a positive review.

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