Keeping it Sacred or Getting It Back, Just One Drop

I am a very blessed woman. I have an amazing man. We have been through hell and back in our short marriage, but I promise, there's not one person on this whole planet that I'd rather walk through hell with. That's a fact.

I hear trucker's wives talk about how they are afraid of their man cheating, or how they can't trust him, or how he has done this or that or whatever. Oh. My. Goodness. I guess I have my Grandma and Papa to thank for my view that marriage should be forever, no matter what it takes. Grandma died many years after Papa, still signing her name Mrs. with his initials and last name. Am I saying that you should stay if he cheats while out on the road, heavens no, only you can decide that. I just have chosen to do what it takes to make sure my marriage is strong and healthy. I can't control what he does when he's not here. Heck, I can't control what he does when he is here. I can; however, choose to control me. I choose to treat him respectfully, uplift him and pray for him daily. I choose to be the wife that God created me to be. When I make mistakes, I do my best to learn from them and go on. When he makes mistakes, I do my best to do the same. I don't know how I would handle infidelity, and I pray I never have to. I choose to be faithful, honest and true. I know that goes a long way.

My husband is my hero, my soul mate, my very best friend. The 6 months we were separated were the longest, most painful days of my entire life. I did what I had to do, I prayed for that man every single day. I prayed that God would show me where I had done wrong and compel my heart to change. I prayed that God would heal both of our pain and allow us to grow in Him and in each other. I prayed that God would make him happy, no matter what that meant.  I never once took my ring off, I tried once because he told me to, but that didn't even last an hour, it was wrong and I knew it. I never flirted with another man. I never acted single. And I never, EVER, gave up hope.

This video from Plumb helped me through some of those dark nights. It still picks me up on days when I miss him.

But now, he's home - well, when he's home, he's home - but when he's out on the road we do things to keep our marriage sacred and strong. We write notes, we send videos, pictures and cute texts to one another. We both love music so sending videos is a great way for us to uplift one another. He reminds me every day that he loves me and wants me and I do the same for him. We talk about what is most important, and about silly things that don't matter to anyone at all. We do our best not to argue, fight, or jump to conclusions. We communicate and build one another up. We read together and pray together. Above all, we do our best to respect one another.

I pray that no matter who you are, that you have someone amazing in your life that you can share it with. If things are hard, I pray that God will bring healing. It only takes one drop. If I can pray for you or with you, if I can help you in some way to find that one drop, please let me know. If you don't want to post a comment, drop me an email, ThatTexasLady@gmail.com.

Revisiting Crimson Trace Review

Many of you read my review last year of the CT LG-431. If not, you can visit it here.

With my pictures of the new paint job on my LCP, I am receiving new questions about the LG-431 and I wanted to address those as well as some of the controversy surrounding laser grips, as well as talk batteries.

First, a few questions:

Does the Laser Grip affect your grip?

No, not at all. I do not feel any difference in the grip of the pistol. The button is the only piece under your hand anyway, allowing you to activate the laser when correctly holding the pistol. I have even seen it correct the grip of two shooters, as it will not light without proper grip. Effectively, tattling on you if you're not holding the pistol correctly.

Does the Laser Grip work in daylight?

That depends on the light, the distance, and the battery. Red lasers don't work as well in bright sunlight as they do in low light.

The Crimson Trace website states :

Under bright sunlight, the dot can be seen up to 15 yards away. Lighter-colored surfaces reflect laser light better than darker surfaces. The lighter the surface, the brighter the laser dot will be and the farther away it can be seen.

Why do I need a laser?

You don't NEED a laser. It may; however, shave seconds when seconds count. I've especially noticed this in situations where people are practicing. The LG helps to tell them that their sight picture is correct, it tells on them if they're limp wristing or pulling down on the firearm with the trigger. It also allows for a faster draw and more accurate shot from the hip in a self-defense situation when taking the time to aim may cost seconds.

Understand, though, that a laser runs on batteries and batteries die. Never rely solely on the LG, as you still need to know how to shoot with the sights on your firearm in case of battery failure or device failure in an intense situation.

Next there is much controversy on Laser Grips. Many people have a problem with laser sights on a self-defense handgun. They worry about us becoming lazy, not practicing with sights, and then not being able to aim and shoot in the event of a mechanical or battery failure. That's why it is important to train and practice with and without your laser.

If I am wearing my Flashbang holster, I can draw and fire accurately in less than 3 seconds with my LG-431. I hope to make it to the range soon and take some video to show you!

Finally, batteries, the LG-431 takes #357 batteries, which are not really very expensive. I found out today; however, that Crimson Trace offers customers a free battery every year. Why? Because they care about their customers and they want to be sure that you have a fresh battery in your laser grip every year! You can read more information on their website here.

I still love my CT and I think you will too!!

Not Just Guns: Ka-Bar TDI Review

Let me start with a little disclaimer. Many of the products I review come from the company. They partner with me, send me an item, I review it and then either give away the review item or the complimentary item that they've sent along (I get to keep the review item). Ka-Bar does not have any idea who I am. They have not partnered with me, they don't know who I am and they probably don't care. Hehehe. This is simply a self-defense item that I have wanted for a very long time, and since I refuse to spend money on myself, my darling Cowboy bought it for me this weekend.

The Ka-Bar TDI was made specifically for law enforcement officers. On their website, Ka-Bar explains, "In extreme close-quarter encounters where a suspect is attempting to take an officer's handgun, or an officer cannot access his handgun, the TDI knife is available as a "last option" knife. When worn on the pant belt the entire unit - knife and sheath - is well concealed. Designed by John Benner, founder and owner of Tactical Defense Institute."

With a blade length of 2-5/16" and an overall length of 5-5/8" this blade is as easy to conceal as it is to wear. It has a steel, fixed, drop-point blade with a Zytel® handle. The shape makes it easy to draw securely and hold without leaving a way for the BG to take it from you. It can be grasped overhanded or underhanded and is secure in your grip and easy to wield either way.

The handle is not big and bulky and does not make a smaller, petite, or feminine hand feel overwhelmed. It doesn't make you feel like you're lugging a club or that you should be lurking back alleys somewhere. It feels like what it was made for....protection.

The only thing I dislike about the TDI is the sheath. From what I understand, I am not the only one. The sheath was made to be worn on the underbelt of a LEO with a duty belt on over it. It doesn't accommodate every day use by a woman very well. I am researching other options at the moment. Perhaps I can sweet talk our dear friends at Remora, and they can devise an option or two. Perhaps I should save up, order and try out Ka-Bar's ankle rig for this knife? Perhaps I will come up with something altogether different. I will let you know.

Be safe, be strong, and remember YOU ARE WORTH IT!

Lady

Review - BulkAmmo.com

I have done many reviews since starting this blog, but I was so excited when Bulk Ammo contacted me. Any chance I have to get to the range is great, but testing ammo is so much fun!

The fine fellas at BulkAmmo.com sent me out this box of Magtech 95 gr. .380 ammunition. I was pleased when I opened the box. The box of ammo was packed securely in a sturdy box and the invoice had three sets of initials on it. You can rest assured that these guys make sure you get what you ordered.

We headed out to the range with this Magtech and some other brands that you can pick up on clearance at the local gun shop. This picture here is two shots, both .380, shot one at a time. The top shot is the less expensive ammo from the local gun/sporting goods store. Both similar in grainage and caliber. 

 

Then, I broke out the camera and grabbed some footage of our time at the range:

As you can see in the video, the MagTech totally out-shot the bargain priced ammo that I had in my range bag. This ammo shot clean, had no problems with misfeeds or misfires, and performed as promised. The price is competitve, especially when you're like me and have to drive an hour to purchase ammo from a store...AND the order was TRIPLE checked. I will be ordering from BulkAmmo.com in the future and I hope that you will at least take the time to check them out!

Thanks guys! I look forward to talking to you again soon!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this ammunition free from the BulkAmmo.com. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Deep Conceal Holsters: Review

Oh my goodness, I have several holsters to review for you this week! I am not presenting them in any particular order, simply the order in which I received and reviewed them.

The first one is the Deep Conceal Concealed Carry Shoulder holster.

The Deep Conceal Max Double Strap Holster

 

And the Deep Conceal Ultra Carry Single Strap Concealed Carry Holster

 

Construction: These holsters are made out of soft cotton canvas material and soft velcro. They are constructed well and through our testing never offered to separate or fray. If you measure correctly for your size, it is made to fit your body, if you need more length, extensions are available as well. These holsters are machine washable.

Comfort: This is another holster that the comfort depends on your build. This holster was not comfortable for me all of the time, as I am not a thin person. It was only uncomfortable for me after a large meal, sitting in the car. The Cowboy; however, loves it and wears it almost daily. If you are a fit person, I think you will find this holster extremely comfortable.  

Gun Ride: The firearm rides just under your weak arm in a vertical position.

Concealability: Due to the strap across your belly, you need  some type of cover. Either a button up or vest of some type that closes at least as far up as the holster.

Price: With models between $30 and $50, the price fits anyone's budget.

Ordering/Customer Service: Customer service at Deep Conceal is top notch. They are there to answer any questions and will help you with a smile that can be felt through their phone calls and emails. Shipping is swift and their return policy is fair.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this holster free from the manufacturer. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Flashbang Bra Holster, Preliminary review

So I just received the Flasbang in the mail about an hour ago. So far, I really like it. I am not going to do my regular review format until I have had the chance to wear it for a few days, to be fair to the other reviews I give, but since there has been so much anticipation for this review, I wanted to give some up front comments.

First off, one reason so many of my readers are eager to hear my review is that I am not a size 5. Many of the ladies who have reviewed the Flashbang and most of the models in the pictures and videos (not counting the gorgeous Lisa at 8 months pregnant and glowing) are beautifully thin women with great athletic bodies. I; however, am a fuller figured girl. Not exactly plus sized, but not far from it.

Of course,  when I opened the package I ran to my closet with my camera to show you fine folks what it looked like. I have never seen the "Pull The Dot" snaps used on this puppy, and thought I was losing my mind, but thankfully, Lisa posted a video on her Facebook page explaining that you have to pull them a certain way. Thanks so much for that added security, Lisa, I love it!!

I have pictures with two tops. The first one is a tight tank, I like the layered look as I have been told it makes me look thinner (Yay!) and here it is

I am wearing an underwire bra and have my Ruger LCP with Crimson Trace in the flashbang here.

The next top, is a cute little thermal looking top I got at Cavenders this weekend and I chose it because it is quite see through

As you can see, you can see the leather strap that attaches the Flashbang through the shirt material but the holster itself and the pistol are unseen.

On a side note, why does the camera pointed at us automatically make us go into that "weight-on-one leg, hands-on-the-hip" pose? Both pictures. What the What? I don't know. I'll try to stop that. Anyway, back to the holster.

I will tell you that having it there makes me feel like I need to sit up straight, not a bad thing. My grandma would be happy that I am sitting up straight while I type this. I don't know what it is, it just promotes good posture. Chiropractors everywhere will love this, hehehe. 

I think the biggest question from larger women everywhere has been, "Will the grip of the pistol dig into my belly, especially when sitting?" So far my answer is no. Maybe that's part of the reason I feel like sitting up straighter, but even slouching a little (yes, Grandma, I slouched on purpose) it's not digging in. It does take a minute to adjust it how you want it and get used to it. I mean ESPECIALLY if you wear an underwire.

Another question was, "Will it make one of them look bigger than the other?" As all women know, most of us are a little lopsided anyway. If you look closely, you will see that I am a little bigger on the right than the left. That is NOT because of the Flashbang, it's on the OTHER side. I am right handed so the Flashbang is under my left breast. I am just bigger on the right, always have been.

So far, comfort is good, taking some getting used to, as with any new holster, you know it's there for the first day or two. Part of that, I think, especially with concealed carry is that nagging, "Can anyone see it?" But after a while we get used to it and don't know it's there anymore. I've had it on for about an hour and it's really not so bad. I kept it on while changing clothes, put on and off my coat and fixed lunch for the little ones. It was not in the way. And, unlike an IWB or pouch type holster, you don't have to worry about what to do with it when you go to the bathroom.

So, as of now, the Flashbang is a hit! I will post next week after I have worn it a few days and let you know what I think! Please feel free to ask any questions!

Have a great day and a wonderful weekend!!

Crossbreed MiniTuck Giveaway

Since we're all exactly the same size, I know that we will all enjoy this holster exactly the same way. But really, since all women are different sizes, I have opinions and pictures of women of different sizes. (Pictures will be added at a later date due to technical difficulties.) I know that sometimes clothes, accessories and holsters will fit a thin woman much differently than it would a fluffy woman. I am probably what some would consider "average". I am not excessively overweight but I do have some "fluff".

The bigger you are, the more difficult you may have found it to find a comfortable, sitting holster. That's one reason I created this blog, to inform women of the options available. When I review a holster, I will remark on the following topics: Construction, Comfort, Gun Ride, Concealability, Price, Ordering & Customer Service.

So with all of that said, let's get on to the review.

The great guys at Crossbreed have been superkind enough to allow us to review and give away two of their amazing holsters! Today I will be reviewing the Crossbreed MiniTuck for the Ruger LCP without the Crimson Trace LG-431.

Construction: We received the MiniTuck in Natural Horsehide, right handed, and the construction is awesome. The super staff at Crossbreed suggested the Horsehide due to the heat here in Texas and I am glad they did. With record setting temps, it's hot enough as it is. As with any leather product, it was stiff and rigid at first, but after a day or two, broke in quite nicely. The kydex is formed to the LCP and fits snugly without making it difficult to draw.

Comfort: The MiniTuck is the most comfortable of the holsters I have tried so far. Whether wearing mid or low rise jeans, dress slacks, or shorts, the MiniTuck is great! It is best to wear a belt but I even wore it one day with a pair of low rise jeans with no belts loops and as the jeans were snug, I didn't have any problems. I was pretty self-conscious that they were going to ride down, though, whether they really were or not.

A friend of mine, a very thin woman, wore my MiniTuck for a few days and truly enjoyed it. She stated that it didn't bite into her hip like another IWB had and being able to adjust the cant a little made it sit perfectly. She, like me, said it was the most comfortable IWB she had ever tried.

Gun Ride: It is adjustable, so you can fiddle with the cant a little, in case you're like me and when you sit, you feel like the butt of your pistol is going to rearrange a rib or two, but I didn't have to adjust it much at all.

Concealability: The LCP is a small gun anyway so not much to conceal, but with the MiniTuck, it pretty much disappears. The clips are attached so that you can tuck your shirt in around it, making it difficult to notice that way. If you wear any kind of cover garment at all, it completely disappears.

Price: At $77 for the horsehide model and $67 for cowhide, this holster is very well priced. The durability makes it well worth the price tag, giving you years of wear out of your money.

Ordering/Customer Service: Ordering is so easy, you can call Crossbreed at 888-732-5011 or order online. The staff are amazing! This is a family company and they hand make each and every holster, giving it a personal touch and making sure they turn out a quality product. Because they hand make each holster, be sure to allow 4-6 weeks for delivery when you order. Waiting is hard, especially for me, but they will get it to you, I promise!

In summary, I love, love, love the Crossbreed MiniTuck! The agreement between Crossbreed and I was that the merchandise they sent to me would be for review and given away, so unfortunately I have to part with this great holster...but the great part is that I get to give it to one of you!!!! I now have an LG-431 on my Ruger anyway so it won't fit (gives me an excuse to buy a new one, hehehe).

So, while I wait for payday to call and order me a MiniTuck to fit with my new LG-431, let's have a giveaway, shall we?

To enter the drawing for a free Crossbreed Minituck for the Ruger LCP, leave a comment on this post (NOT on the Facebook page) and let us know what your favorite handgun is (whether you own it or not). Comments are moderated, so don't worry if your comment does not show up right away. Guys, remember, I can't ask you not to enter but please let the ladies win, this blog IS for them after all. If you are entering to win for a lady in your life, that is acceptable as well. Please only one entry per person, drawing will be held on Friday, July 1st around noon.

Happy commenting, friends!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this holster free from the manufacturer. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

What's Up With Ladies Pajamas?

Okay girls, who's with me here? Why don't ladies pajamas have pockets??? This mystery eludes me. So what do we do?

I know that there are times when my Cowboy is out of town or out working cattle or whatever late at night and can't be here. I work all day long and when I get off I want to be comfy in my pajamas, whether I'm ironing, cooking, crafting or just layin' around being lazy. If someone were to decide to enter my home without being invited, I would like to be prepared.

Then sometimes, I realize I'm out of something...milk, chocolate, whatever, and have to run down to the corner store. My grandmother would have a kitten, but I sometimes do so without getting dressed again. Tank top and pajama pants, I run down to the store and grab what I need. The Cowboy hates it when I do that. Has nothing to do with the pj's, just that our little Allsups has been robbed pretty regular as of late.

So what can we do? This is Texas and if you're realistic, you know that most of the time, this time of year, it is too hot even at midnight to throw on a sweater, pop the LCP in the pocket with a pocket holster and run to the Qwikie Mart. Winter time, not a problem...but this is Texas summer (already). Men's jammies have pockets and are comfy enough, but don't fit right. they're too baggy in the crotch and just feel too big. The trusty IWB won't work because you have no belt. The yoga pants I like to wear have pockets, but they're awful flimsy and even my tiny LCP will pull on them, look silly and be uncomfortable. Just my Blackberry in those pockets is bulky and awkward.

So here's my thought. I'm gonna break out the old Singer sewing machine and see what I can come up with. I'm thinking if I pull out the seam ripper and make pockets. Maybe a real pocket on the left for keys, cellphone, etc., and a gun pocket on the right for the LCP or similar small pistol and a slot for your ID.

While I try this, guess I'm gonna have to stick with the old Snoopy pants I got from the men's department.

Any thoughts?

Lady's Biblical View On Concealed Carry

Already, in one day, I've had someone ask, "How can you call yourself a Christian woman, with faith in God, and carry a weapon?" Instead of a quick retort, I thought I would share with you all my views on what the Bible says. This is simply my opinion, you are entitled to your own. Praise God for free will.

I want to start out with the most commonly used Biblical arguments against carrying, "turn the other cheek" and "Thou shalt not kill."

Turn the other cheek
"And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloke forbid not to take thy coat also" (Luke 6:29). At the time of Jesus, striking someone deemed to be of a lower class with the back of the hand was used to assert authority and dominance. If the persecuted person "turned the other cheek," the discipliner was faced with a dilemma. The left hand was used for unclean purposes, so a back-hand strike on the opposite cheek would not be performed. The other alternative would be a slap with the open hand as a challenge or to punch the person, but this was seen as a statement of equality. Thus, by turning the other cheek the persecuted was in effect demanding equality. By handing over one's cloak in addition to one's tunic, the debtor has essentially given the shirt off their back, a situation directly forbidden by Hebrew Law as stated in Deuteronomy 24: 10-13. By giving the lender the cloak as well the debtor was reduced to nakedness. Public nudity was viewed as bringing shame on the viewer, not the naked, as evidenced in Genesis 9: 20-27.

Turning the other cheek, makes me an equal with the one who would do harm to me. If a man, most of them being bigger than me, wants to do harm to me then me having a way to protect myself puts me as his equal. I don't plan to carry a "man killer" weapon that would most definitely fire a shot to kill. I simply plan to carry a small weapon that could cause my would-be assailant enough pain to leave me alone long enough to provide for my escape.

Thou Shall Not Kill
Exodus 20:13 states, as we all know, in the KJV Thou shall not kill. The Hebrew word "תִּֿרְצָֽ֖ח׃" or "ratsach" literally means to murder. Even the Webster's dictionary has different definitions for the words "kill" and "murder".

Kill: to cause the death of, put an end to

Murder: the crime of killing a person especially with malice aforethought

In carrying a weapon for self-defense purposes, I have no intention of murdering anyone. I honestly have no intention of ever killing anyone. The gun I have that I will carry would take many shots and pure intent to actually kill someone. I pray every single day as I strap on my weapon that I will never have to draw it. I pray every day that I will never have to use it. I will protect my life or the life of another if it is necessary, but I pray every day that that never happens.

We should always trust that God will protect and provide. But there are stupid people out there, angry people out there and, just as He gave it to us, God gave them free will. As much as He would like to protect us from it, He has to allow them to make their own choices too. Prayer for safety every day is our first line of defense. Some say that they won't carry because it means that they have no faith that God will protect them. If you look in Luke 22, you will see that two of the disciples carried swords to the Last Supper. Even Christ instructed the disciples that if they had no swords for self defense that they were to sell their clothes to buy one. The disciples said that they have two swords and He said it was enough. In verse 40, He reminds them to pray that they not enter into temptation. The Lord instructed the disciples to carry protection but to pray that they not have to use it.

If your husband or yourself lost a job, would you sit on the sofa and watch television and wait for God to knock on your door with a job? No you go out and turn in resumes and actively pursue new employment. You should take the same proactive approach on protecting your life and the lives of those you love. Just like Jesus and the apostles, carrying a weapon to protect life, to protect the temple of God (I Cor. 6:19-20) is not only prudent but scriptural. If your life is truly His, if you live to share the Gospel, then you should protect that life. Protect that temple. But pray that you never have to.

Again, this is simply my opinion. You are surely entitled to your own.

Have a great day, thanks for stopping by,



Here is a link I received with more views: Christians Bearing Arms
I also enjoy Kathy Jackson's view at Cornered Cat