Valentine’s Day Gifts

Valentine’s Day seems to be hurling its fluffy heart-shaped self directly in our faces at break-neck speeds this year. It’s time to celebrate the “US” portion of your life. If you’re reading this and thinking “I have NO clue what to do/buy for my significant other” Don’t fret, I got you!! This is a TWO idea concept. First is to  BE HONEST, Second is to do what works best for your “US”. 

I should be honest here, I think flowers are cute and all but there was a time when a certain holiday rolled around and I had hinted to a certain gift and i just knew that I was going to get it, until I didn’t and managed to get flowers instead. I (ashamed to say) acted like a brat, and told my s/o that I really would’ve appreciated getting that thing that I had hinted to before that would’ve saved money and wouldn’t have died in a week. His response you ask?? a calm and collected “….. why didn’t you just say so, I’m not a mind reader and I’m terrible at picking up on hints… you know that…” It’s true, he sucks at noticing anything other than the obvious. He was right though, why didn’t I just ask for what I wanted rather than dance around the truth in hopes he would Sherlock Holmes that mess and then be disappointed when he didn’t?? The truth of the matter is that I felt like if I said it upfront that would make me rude or pushy but that’s not the truth at all. There’s an old expression “It’s not what you say, it’s HOW you say it” that clearly applies here. I wouldn’t dare say “Get me ____ for a gift” that’s just not me. This next piece of advice though??? This is how I make gift giving (and receiving) fluid.

I’m about to give you the “SECRET” to gift giving in a relationship that works every single time!! Ya ready?? All you need to ask for a list from your s/o and give the same one in return, simple huh? Here’s the simple details, Ask your s/o to give you a list of items or activities. You can put a price range on it or they can all be free (think picnic, hikes, alone time). Not let’s go back to the whole “It’s not what you say, it’s how you say it” expression. By now my s/o know the drill we just hand over the list, but the first time or two it went a little bit more like this “Hey I’m wanting to get you something but I wanted to make sure it’s something that you’d actually want or want to do, could you give me a list of things that range in budget so that I can get an idea? If your s/0 doesn’t follow suit in asking for a list in return, take the reins and POLITELY manage to put out there that you don’t want them to feel obligated but IF they were thinking of getting/ doing something for you as well, that you would like ____ (<— fill in your own blank here). It’s important to add that if you’re not in a relationship it’s OKAY, in fact a good thing to go out and do something to make yourself happy this valentines day.

This can really work for any gift giving occasion and with any relationship brother, sister, mother, daughter, father or, son!! Give it a try and let us know how it works out for you and if you have any other advice to add we’d love to hear it!

We hope you get EGGSactly what you ask for this year 😉

  With lots of Valentine’s Day love,

    Your Chicks ❤

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**Disclaimer: None of these chicks are counselors and can’t guarantee that any method works for anyone.

Flying the Coop

At some point in life all of us or someone close to us have probably moved away. These times in life are never easy but somehow we find a way to get through them. Currently, our very own #FieryChick is “Flying the Coop” to see what life has in store for her and her little family in the big state of California. Did you hear that??? CALIFORNIA!!! We are Tennessee chicks! The distance seems like an eternity away, but we know that no amount of miles can keep us apart. Distance doesn’t mean much when you truly care for someone.We have all learned this by serving in the military which at some point in time always calls for some distance from those you love

And so our Hen House Social Blog begins…

Even though I only “flew from the coop” two years ago I have learned fast that it can be a big change in someone’s life. I only met #FieryChick a couple years ago but she will definitely be missed. From all the stories that I have heard this girl is ROWDY just like me! I see loads of trips to California in the near future. #RowdyChick

I’ve known #FieryChick for many years. My husband was her recruiter when she joined the military. We were coincidentally sat at the table next to her and some friends who were seeing her off for basic training the night before she left. I noticed she kept ducking or hiding during dinner which seemed odd. My husband pointed out he thought it was because of him since he was her recruiter. I didn’t know her but I felt bad since she was about to leave and told her not to worry about us if that was the case. Turned out, she was afraid for him to know she MAY be “partaking” in an adult beverage before she left! (Thus, the hiding while taking a drink) I ended up “partaking” with her for the rest of the evening and we have been friends since! I’d be lying if I said I don’t get super sad about this move at times. Even though we are both busy mommy’s now and our time is limited together, I also know she is just right down the road if I need her or want to hang out. But, I know just like all the times before, we will survive! #DabblerChick

When it comes to knowing #FieryChick over the past years I have come to know she is one tough #chick. Distance hasn’t stopped her in the past and i know it won’t now. With these #chicks it isn’t just a friendship that comes and goes, its constant long lasting friendship. So even though we are sad to see #FieryChick leave the coop we will be her support system through it all. Bring on the California vacations!  #SimpleChick

It is sad to see one of your friends leave just when you are really getting to know them. #FieryChick and I met several years ago through this group of great ladies! When I joined the military she was one of my first friends in my unit, and made the transition easy. Although far away, I believe we will all do a great job keeping in touch with each other.  We will miss you!!! Distance and time can happen, but with this group if friends, one phone call or night out can make up for lost time. #ThatChick

I think it is exciting when friends move away, hear me out! Going to visit them is always a fun adventure. We will now have our #FieryChick on the West Coast and will know the best places to eat, drink and best of all dance when we come visit!! BUT you will no doubt be missed! #SpeckledChick

From the stories I’ve been told to the solid couple of nights out we’ve had #FieryChick lives up to her name, no doubt. I’ve only known her a short time but it’s clear this group won’t be the same without her close by. The Cali move just gives us another excuse to visit more frequently, but this chick will be greatly missed here in TN. #MellowChick

I’ve only known #FieryChick for a short while, but I know California will never be the same once this Tennessee Chick lands there!  Change is always hard, but it’s also a door to new adventures and life changing experiences. And you know if you need anything all us southern chicks will be on the first flight out!  #SassyChick

“Friends never say goodbye, they simply say ..see you soon!” Fiery chick definitely lives up to her name.. Passionate, brave, not afraid to go the distance for her family..A force to be reckoned with! I’m very proud to have you in my henhouse of great chicks! Just Remember while you’re flying the coop and starting this exciting adventure …you will need a space big enough for our henhouse reunion in California! See ya Soon! #LakeChick

The time has come to fly the coop, it’s happened to us all, near or far we’ve all had to say goodbye. I’ve been in this situation many times in my life but it’s never come easy. If there’s one major difference in this scenario it’s that I’ve learned that when it comes to friendships, always choose quality over quantity. When your life becomes a circus and you’re walking the tightrope those quality friends are the safety net beneath you. Sure I’m nervous about a two thousand mile move across the country but I have a strange sense of comfort in these #chicks. I know without a doubt in my mind that they will be there for me just as I would be for them, at the drop of a hat. So now is the time to once again spread those wings, knowing in my heart that my location may change but my friends won’t!! #FieryChick

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