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 »
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 »
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 »
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
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 »
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 »
Is there really a method to the madness? Apple calendars, Gmail calendars, Outlook calendars, planners, wall calendars, magnet calendars, Alexa, Siri, and I’m sure many other ways to help us all stay organized and on time. It’s madness people! Complete and utter madness! So, what is the method to the madness? Pick what works for
Organized chaos! How to get yourself back on schedule Read More »
Prospect and grow your business.
10 Ways to boost your business Read More »
The first Earth Day was April 22nd, 1970 and this year’s theme is to “Invest in Our Planet” . You can help by being a part of the “Great Global Cleanup”. and It’s simple to do on your own or as a team to help clean up our communities, beaches, parks, and waterways. Find an
10 ways to show Mother Earth some LOVE Read More »
After a couple years of all the “starting a blog is easy messaging” (it is not easy by way not at all) and hearing from respected peers, colleagues, and friends that I have stellar ideas, good advice, adventures, life journeys and a healthy sense of humor that could help others I decided blogging would be
Just a Cincinnati Girl Living in a Florida World Read More »
