Manatee County Animal Welfare currently has 109 adoptable dogs, and 36 of them are seniors. That means one out of every three dogs at the shelter is over seven years old. Even more difficult to accept is that 11 percent of those seniors have been in the shelter for more than two years. These dogs […]
Adopt a Senior Dog Month: Celebrating Manatee County’s Wise and Wonderful Seniors Read More »
This time of year is wonderful for a lot of people. The lights, the meals, the traditions — it all feels warm and festive. But for some families in our own community, the holidays are harder. Not because they don’t want to celebrate, but because the extra cost of “holiday everything” isn’t easy to manage,
When Love (and Venmo) Come Together for Something That Matters No one needs another random sweater, scented candle, or that basket full of bath oils, bombs, and bubble bath they got last year—the one that’s probably still sitting underneath the bathroom sink. What people do need is a little love, kindness, support, and connection. Time
BB’s Better-Together Gifts Read More »
(This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links.) Here are some quick, tiny thank-you, low-key you-matter-to-me, and I-fucking-love-you gifts for the friends who get you — the ones who laugh with you, cry with you, the ones who help you up, the
Holiday Gratitude, BB Style: Thoughtful Little Things That Hit Different Read More »
(Responsible Dog Ownership Month Wrap-Up) Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. September is Responsible Dog Ownership Month, and we’re closing it out with one of
From Shelter Stress to Success: Helping Dogs With Resource Guarding Read More »
Heads up: Some of these links are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you shop through them. No extra cost to you—just a little sunshine for me. ☀️ I only share what I actually use and love.Your Body Was Built for Sunshine We’ve been taught to fear sunlight like it’s
Sunglasses, Sunlight, and the Truth About Hormones: A No-BS Guide Read More »
Responsible Dog Ownership Month: What It Really Means September is Responsible Dog Ownership Month, and while “responsibility” doesn’t sound glamorous, it’s the difference between a short-lived adoption and a lifelong bond. It’s about more than snapping photos of a cute face—it’s showing up when things get messy, when patience is tested, and when a shy
From Shelter to Sidekick: Responsible Dog Ownership with Rowley Read More »
Feminism doesn’t mean hating men — it means equality. This blog unpacks what feminism really stands for, clears up common myths, and explains why it’s good for women and men.
What’s So Bad About the F-Word? Read More »
Asking for respect in a relationship doesn’t make you difficult — it makes you healthy. Here’s why boundaries, active listening, and reciprocity are essential for lasting love.
Respect Isn’t High Maintenance: Why Boundaries Don’t Make You “Difficult” Read More »
Why the Labels Keep Coming It’s 2025. Women work, live, and thrive in ways that weren’t always possible for our mothers and grandmothers. And yet, labels like “modern woman,” “difficult,” or even “feminist” still get tossed around as if they’re criticisms instead of reflections of growth and independence. Here’s the truth: these labels aren’t insults.
Modern Woman. Difficult. Feminist. Or Just… a Woman Who Knows Her Worth? Read More »
Riddler Has Waited 200+ Days Two hundred days. That’s how long Riddler has been waiting—patiently, sweetly, and without losing that sparkle in his eyes—for his forever family to find him. Meet Riddler Riddler is a 5-year-old mixed-breed sweetheart weighing just over 50 pounds. He’s neutered, healthy, and ready for adoption through Manatee County Animal Welfare.
🐾 Riddler’s 200+ Days: Let’s Help Him Find Home Read More »
Clear the Shelters Month Feature If you’re looking for the full package in a four-legged friend, meet Bonnie—our six-year-old superstar with a résumé that puts most dating profiles to shame. Bonnie is the kind of dog who makes you wonder why she’s still waiting for a home. She’s sharp as a tack, gorgeous inside and
Meet Bonnie: Brains, Beauty, and Your New Best Friend Read More »
Missed Part One? Start with: When the Abuser Cries Victim: The Dangerous Game That Puts Real Survivors at Risk This blog examines how false victimhood is used to manipulate systems—and the harm it causes real survivors. When Isolated Incidents Aren’t Enough Today’s DV system often responds to snapshots—a bruise, a 911 call—but misses what unfolds
Patterns Don’t Lie: Why We Need Coercive Control Laws and a Domestic Violence Registry Read More »
This August, the For the Love of Dogs team is highlighting some incredible dogs who need just a little extra—extra patience, extra space, extra love, and maybe a few extra tennis balls or pool days—to thrive. Some of these faces, like Bonnie, Murray, Charlie, and Riddler may already be familiar from past blog features. Others
🐾 August is Clear the Shelters Month! 🐾 Read More »
Not everyone who cries “victim” is one. This piece exposes how performative abuse claims silence real survivors—and what we need to change.
When the Abuser Cries Victim: The Dangerous Game That Puts Real Survivors at Risk Read More »
I didn’t book this shoot for anyone else—I did it for me. Bold. Bare. Beautiful. This is what it looks like when a woman stops waiting for permission and starts celebrating herself on her own terms. Here’s why I said yes, even when life got messy—and why you should too.
I Didn’t Wait for a Reason. I Just Wanted to Celebrate Me. Read More »
About This Series: Coercive Control, Emotional Abuse, and the Urgent Need for Change in Florida This post is part of an ongoing advocacy and education series focused on coercive control, emotional abuse, and the need for stronger legal protections for survivors in Florida. Each piece is grounded in data, survivor-informed perspectives, and policy research designed
Let’s get honest: Florida’s legal protections for survivors of domestic violence haven’t caught up with the reality of modern abuse. Not just physical abuse—but emotional, psychological, and financial harm. The kind that leaves no bruises, but wounds you all the same. And if that sounds dramatic, let me tell you a story. When the System
Beyond Bruises: The Forms of Abuse Florida Still Ignores Read More »
No More Guessing. No More Picking. Just What’s Actually Working on My Skin. This Wasn’t Supposed to Be a Thing at This Age At this point in life, I thought I’d have a handle on my skin. I’ve been through bad foundation, hormonal swings, and years of figuring out what my face needs. But then
Skin Drama, Hormones, and a Prescription That Finally Shut It Down Read More »
He helped other dogs get adopted—now it’s his turn to be chosen. Are you looking to add a dog to your family? Have I got the guy for you. Meet Fonzie—a 60-pound, big-hearted, goofy-sweet mixed-breed boy who’s about two years old and currently redefining what it means to be “a good dog just down on
Finding Fonzie’s Forever: The Dog Who Deserves a Second Chance Read More »
No More Excuses. No More Projects. Just Peace, Partnership, and Clarity. A personal perspective on love, limits, and finally learning the difference. Let me start with this: I’m not a therapist, a coach, or a relationship guru. I’m just a person who’s made more than a few questionable romantic decisions—and finally decided to stop handing
Boundaries Are Not Optional: How I Learned to Stop Explaining My Standards Read More »
Let’s talk about a real-deal American Bully with a big heart, serious muscle, and a loyalty streak a mile wide. Meet Riptide—a 100-pound XL American Bully who’s been waiting far too long for his forever home. Over 600 days in a shelter. That’s nearly two years of concrete floors, fluorescent lights, and zero chances to
With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility: Riptide’s 600-Day Wait for a Hero Read More »
🐾 Foster a Dog Month Wrap-Up: Tail Wags, Thank Yous & Why It Matters June might be winding down, but the impact of Foster a Dog Month is just getting started. Because let’s be honest—fostering isn’t just some feel-good summer project. It’s real, raw, lifesaving work. And for the dogs? It’s the bridge between “just
Foster a Dog in Manatee County | June Wrap-Up + Adoptable Dogs Read More »
We’ve all heard it: “Just forgive and forget.” Or worse: “Forgive for your own peace. Let karma handle the rest.” But what do you do when the harm was real, the consequences were none, and the person just keeps doing damage—unchecked and unbothered? This post is for every survivor, every single parent, every person who’s
When Forgiveness Isn’t Enough: Justice, Safety, and the Fight for Accountability Read More »
By Love BB LivingTrigger warning: Emotional abuse, coercive control, psychological manipulation What Makes a Monster? Lately, I’ve been circling back to a few big questions:What makes a monster?How can someone be with one—and not even know it?And what’s the true definition of a monster anyway? Wouldn’t it be fair to say that a human without humanity is one? Okay,
When a Human Has No Humanity: What Do You Call That? Read More »
Because fostering is heart work—with a wagging tail on the side. Welcome back to Foster a Dog Month! This week, we’re spotlighting the double win of fostering: the powerful impact on a dog’s life and the feel-good boost for you. Plus, we’ve got a quick matchmaking guide to help you find your ideal foster pup—and
Foster a Dog Month-Week Two: Snuggles, Second Chances & Smart Foster Picks Read More »
Alright, Manatee County—June is Foster a Dog Month, and we’re (volunteers) calling all dog lovers, beach bums, poolside loungers, and weekend adventurers. Whether you’re ready for a full-on furry commitment or just want a doggy sleepover to test the waters (literally), Manatee County Animal Welfare (MCAW) has a whole pack of pups just waiting to
June is Foster a Dog Month: Let’s Get Those Tails Wagging, Manatee! Read More »
They say narcissists don’t know what they’re doing. That they’re emotionally stunted adults just doing their best. That they can’t feel, can’t love, can’t help it. Cute. But that’s bullshit. The Pattern Wasn’t Chaos. It Was Calculated. Their partners, friends, and families often believe them—until they start falling away, one by one. And they will.
Since Narcissists Love a Show… Here’s the Finale They Deserve Read More »
If your 20s were for wild nights and questionable choices, and your 30s were about “figuring it out,” then welcome to your 40s—the era of I know what I want, I know what I won’t tolerate, and I’m not entertaining anything that disrupts my peace. This isn’t about lowering standards—it’s about finally raising your vibration,
Only the Emotionally Literate Need Apply: Dating in Your 40s Without the BS Read More »
Let’s get one thing straight: we are not living in the age of blind trust anymore. We have WiFi, search engines, open public records, and the divine power of a well-trained gut instinct. If something feels off, it probably is—and no, you’re not “paranoid,” you’re paying attention. Now, let’s be real: you don’t need to
Trust Your Gut, Google Their Ass: How to Vet Who You’re Dating Without the Drama Read More »
A no-BS guide to dating apps, profiles, and keeping your sanity (and standards) intact If you’re dating in your 40s—first of all, you are very brave. And I mean that. Yes, it really is that scary. Think less Sleepless in Seattle, and more Hunger Games: Midlife Edition. We’re talking high-level emotional intelligence, red flag radar
Rom-Com Rejects & Red Flag Survivors: Midlife Dating Decoded Read More »
A journey of healing, rising, and stepping fully into the woman I’ve become. I gave up so many parts of myself this past year in the name of peace. I made sacrifices for a fictional future—and spoiler alert: it was never peaceful or real (turns out delusion isn’t a shared vision board). But I didn’t
Becoming Her: The Return to My Own Power. Read More »
So… you’re back out there. Back on the apps, back to getting dressed up just to be ghosted by someone with a beard fade and a “startup.” (Allegedly.) You’ve dated some amazing people—and also been love-bombed, manipulated, and finessed by folks with champagne taste and tap water budgets. Some were just messy. Others? Highly skilled
There comes a moment—maybe not a grand “Aha” moment but a quiet uprising—when everything inside you whispers (or roars), “Enough.” It usually doesn’t happen all at once. It unfolds in layers: a boundary here, a realization there, a tiny rebellion in the form of standing up for yourself and not cowering away. And eventually, you
When a Narcissist Can’t Control You Anymore—Cue the Meltdown Read More »
Understanding the Issue In Florida and across the U.S., individuals have reported experiences of emotional and financial betrayal—often through false promises of love, partnership, or business collaboration. These tactics can leave lasting emotional, psychological, and financial damage, especially when victims are led to believe they are in safe or committed relationships. Currently, the law does
Advocating for a Registry of Emotional and Financial Predators in Florida Read More »
As I’ve progressed through this healing journey, I’ve been introduced to a range of terms—trauma bond, trauma, stressors, and triggers. Initially, it was overwhelming to differentiate between them, let alone identify which ones applied to me. What did all of this mean? How could I prevent these patterns from continuing? Before my toxic relationship even
Understanding Trauma, Triggers, and Growth: A Look at Where I Am Today Read More »
When a narcissist discards you, it can feel like the floor has been ripped out from beneath your life. One moment, you’re in what seems like a passionate connection—and the next, they’re gone. No explanation. No closure. Just silence. Then comes the aftermath: a flood of unpredictable messages at all hours. Some are full of
From Discard to Discovery: Healing After Narcissistic Abuse Read More »
In healthy relationships, transparency is often praised as a cornerstone of trust. But what happens when “transparency” is used not to build connection, but to control, monitor, and manipulate? Many people find themselves in relationships where a partner demands access to their digital devices, monitors conversations, or insists on knowing every password. Though this might
Digital Deceit: How Narcissists Weaponize Transparency in Relationships Read More »
Looking back, the entire timeline followed a pattern I didn’t recognize until it was too late. If you’re wondering whether you’re in a similar situation, here’s what a narcissistic relationship felt like to me over the span of 11 months. Month 1: Love Bombing It started like a dream. He was charming, attentive, affectionate. He
What 11 Months with a Narcissist Looked Like (For Me): From Love Bombing to Discard Read More »
This series is part of my healing. It’s a deeply personal reflection on a relationship I was in with someone who, from my perspective and through the support of therapy, I’ve come to believe may have shown narcissistic traits or patterns. I’m not a psychologist, and I’m not here to diagnose anyone. I’m simply sharing
A Journey of Healing: My Experience and Recovery from a Relationship That Changed Me Read More »
I had a tough phone call last night. I felt bullied and intimidated—pressured not to share my recent experiences and emotions as part of my healing journey. But here’s the truth: I need to rebuild myself after the emotional and mental abuse I endured over the past year. Writing is therapeutic for me. It helps
My Healing, My Voice Read More »
The holiday season is the perfect time to treat yourself or a loved one to some cozy, stylish gear, and we’ve got a special offer that makes it even more rewarding! Our Love BB Living shirts are now 25% off when you spend $40 or more —plus, with every purchase, you’re supporting a great cause
Celebrate the Holidays in Style with Love BB Living – 25% Off + Support a Great Cause! Read More »
Welcome to the 3rd installment of the Must LOVE Manatee County Shelter Dogs blog series. “Must LOVE Manatee County Shelter Dogs” hopefully helps inform you on resources, opportunities, and ways to get involved. This installment is meant to help you determine what type of doggo may be right for you. We’ll cover time commitment, selection
Rescue Me Right: Top Tips for Snagging Your Perfect Shelter Pup Read More »
Welcome to the 2nd installment of the Must LOVE Manatee County Shelter Dogs blog series. “Must LOVE Manatee County Shelter Dogs” hopefully helps inform you on resources, opportunities, and ways to get involved. The first installment covered high-level basics of “What you need to know”. It also provided where to start looking if you wanted
And Just Like That, You Helped Save a Life: A Must LOVE Manatee County Shelter Dogs Blog Read More »
Manatee County Animal Welfare is at capacity and with the recent storm more than 100 strays have come in. Many people reach out and want to help but aren’t quite sure how or where to go. There are several ways you, your family, or your business can help by donating, volunteering, social networking and more.
Must LOVE Manatee County Shelter Dogs- What you need to know Read More »
I wanted to let you all know Glow Getter Skin and Morgana now operate under Lush Injectables full-time offering all her services and so much more in joining with Farah and the team at Lush. I was just at their new office on North Rhodes Ave in Sarasota for my glowing skin and it is
UPDATE-FIND YOUR GLOWING SKIN AT LUSH INJECTABLES Read More »
Introducing my girl Taylor I first met Taylor in early 2021. Taylor is about 5 feet (maybe), slender, with super cool long dreadlocks, tattoos, and her own unique sense of style. We ended up being neighbors. She moved in with her hairless sphinx cat, tons of t-shirts, and art. Over the coming months and weeks, we
Bad Alien Apparel is out of this world (in Florida)! Read More »
I first met Emelia in late spring of 2022 by taking her lift classes at the woman owned gym I had joined where I live in downtown Bradenton, Florida. At the end of January 2023 I started training with her and then in early May 2023 she started her own class offerings under her own brand Rack the Weight.
Rack the Weight- Keep your barbell heavy not your heart Read More »
I first met Martha at one of her and my Mom’s Sister’s in Crime lunches. I always enjoy when I get to join that crew. They have the best stories (pun intended) about what they are working on, their research, and what they’re reading. I finished Martha’s book Love Power this spring and LOVED it! Love Power is
The Mystery you NEED to read this summer! Read More »
A couple months ago I stumbled across a post about woman here in Bradenton, Florida that had started her own juicing business and I thought, “This is great! I love fresh juices! I hate juicing” and I don’t know about you but I prefer to drink my veggies rather than eat them. Not only have
Happy Juice! Now in Bradenton + Sarasota Read More »
