This is a sponsored post on behalf of Hawks Cay Resort. All opinions are honest and my own. My husband and I recently had the opportunity to visit a first responder and military friendly resort, Hawks cay Resort, in Duck Key, Florida. Hawks Cay Resort is nestled in the Florida Keys surrounded by crystal clear waters, palm trees, and gorgeous views that go on for miles. We all know how much first responders and military members deserve to relax. So when traveling to Hawks Cay Resort we had plans for some serious R & R and the resort did not disappoint! For the first time in a Click for more
Financial Preparedness for First Responders and their Families
First Responder families are used to having hard conversations regarding the job. But we don't always want to talk about finances and being prepared if an emergency were to happen. Talking about emergency funds and life insurance is not exactly "fun" for most people, but it really is a necessary conversation not just for everyone in life but especially first responder families. In today's episode, Courtney from Heroes Financial Coaching is joining us to talk about financial preparedness for first responders. Courtney is a veteran wife, police wife and momma to two toddlers. She knows Click for more
Building Resiliency in First Responders
First responders are just that- the ones that respond to danger, negativity and emergencies FIRST. They are the helpers in the world and constantly being exposed to heavy topics and experiences can take a toll. One way to combat the high exposure to negativity and emergencies is by building resiliency in first responders. This not only helps them process what they see on the job, but helps decrease burnout in first responders and spillover from the job. In today's podcast episode we brought on Kristen Jauregui as our guest. Kristen is a fellow police wife, dispatcher of 23 years, Click for more
Scholarships for Children of Law Enforcement
Scholarship information found on Scholarships.com I get asked almost weekly if I know of any law enforcement scholarships. Sometimes they can be hard to find but they do exist. And you are going to want your child(ren) to apply if they meet the scholarship requirements because, as we know, higher education is NOT cheap. Getting scholarships for college these days is almost necessary, not to mention, having financial assistance can reduce your financial stress drastically. This is a comprehensive list of all the current scholarships I know of. Law Enforcement Scholarships Click for more
The BEST books for police wives, police officers & their families
Isn't there something great about having a book in your hands? Don't get me wrong, I love reading and learning from information on the web (obviously, because I have a blog), but I also love snuggling up with a good book or reading one to my kids. Even better, I love reading books that help me grow and encourage my police wife life. And from time to time, my officer will recommend a few good books, too. And if he recommends them, you know they are good! But let's not forget books for your little ones. Nothing could be better than seeing my kids' smiling faces while I read a book about Click for more
Why You Should Visit the National Law Enforcement Museum in DC
This post is sponsored by The National Law Enforcement Museum. All opinions are honest and my own. Recently my family and I drove into Washington, D.C. and toured the National Law Enforcement Officers Museum. The museum is offering FREE admission to all active and retired law enforcement officers every Saturday for the rest of 2022. Not only is the museum incredibly interactive and engaging, but they honor America's law enforcement and all that they do in such powerful and meaningful ways. Our entire family (ages ranging from 5-38 year olds) loved everything the museum had to Click for more
Tips for Bedtime Routines for Solo Parents (from a Pediatric Sleep Consultant)
This is a guest post from Melissa P., a fellow police wife, solo parent and pediatric sleep consultant. Solo parenting at bedtime, during day shifts, evening shifts, overnight shifts, on call shifts…it’s all hard. Doing the bedtime routine as solo parents can feel like the hardest part of the day. It’s tough! You’ve already had an exhausting day of work outside the home, or you’ve been with the kids all day and you just need a break. I’m with you on that! But your spouse’s demanding and often unpredictable schedule isn’t going anywhere so let’s focus on what you CAN control and Click for more
Non-Toxic Ways to Keep Police Gear & Vests Smelling Clean
This post in sponsored by Arrest My Vest. All opinions are honest and my own. Raise your hand if you've even gotten a whiff of smelly vests, uniforms, boots or gear? Probably every police officer and family member and it's nearly guaranteed to happen in the heat of the summer. So how exactly can you keep all that police gear and vests smelling clean even during the summer months? Better yet, how can you keep things smelling good without adding extra chemicals to your clothing, cruiser, K9 and more? Here are some of the top ways! Easy, Non-Toxic Ways to Keep Police Click for more
10 Ways to Support Law Enforcement Families in Need from a Police Widow
Written by: April Katherman-Redgrave There is no arguing the fact that Law Enforcement families share a special bond and connection. Being a part of the “Blue Family” is unique. When one falls, we all fall. Whether it be an injury, critical incident, family struggles or God forbid a death we always band together. There are times when we are not sure how to support each other yet we are willing and ready. What better way to get advice and tips on how to help one of our own than from a family who has been there, who has experienced tragedy, loss and needed support. On Click for more
What is National Police Week and Why is it Observed?
Did you know that there are a few times throughout the year to celebrate or observe the sacrifices law enforcement officers make? There is Law Enforcement Appreciation Day (often called L.E.A.D.), Thank a Police Officer Day and National Police Week, but the meaning behind each of these days is actually very different. While the first two are meant to serve as days to thank law enforcement, National Police Week is a week dedicated to honoring those we lost the previous year in the Line of Duty. Sadly, the true meaning to National Police Week is often confused. It is much more than Click for more
How to Create and Foster Routines as a Law Enforcement Family
With shift work and inconsistent schedules it can feel as if creating routines for your family are difficult. But I am here to tell you, that you probably already have routines that you may not be aware of. And you can absolutely create routines based on what YOU CAN CONTROL. If you focus on what you can control vs what you can't (like your spouse being held over at work or his/her schedule) then you set yourself up for success. Helpful Tips for Establishing Routines as a Law Enforcement Family: Individual routines vs. family routines While it is important to have routines as an Click for more
How to Take Back Your Digital Privacy for Law Enforcement Families with Pete James
Sadly, digital privacy for law enforcement officers and their families has become not a want but a need. All over the nation we seeing police officers being harassed, doxxed or targeted. One way that this is happening is by people having access to a law enforcement officer's private information like home address, phone number, and the names of their relatives. Because of this, the need to break the connection between a police officer's name and their personal information is incredibly high. However, with the high number of people search sites available at anyone's fingertips, removing your Click for more
Children of Law Enforcement: Q&A with a Daughter of a Police Officer
Children of law enforcement families face a unique set of challenges and experiences that many other kids may not understand. Because of that, my daughter was brave enough to come on to today's episode and allow me to ask her some questions about what her experience is like. She wanted to share in hopes of helping just one fellow or future child of law enforcement. While most of her experience is a positive one, I'll be honest and say this was a harder episode for us to get through than we both realized. One question left us both in tears and out of respect to her, I did not include it Click for more
How to Deal with People Who Are Anti-Police as a Law Enforcement Spouse/Couple
Sadly, coming across people who are anti-police and sometimes even friends and family who buy into this negative police rhetoric can happen. And for many in our community, it feels like it is happening more now than ever before. For that reason, so many couples, spouses and officers feel like they can not openly share their pride and support for law enforcement. Due to the current climate and widespread media negativity, law enforcement seems to be a hot button topic and very politically driven. Many like to dehumanize and demoralize law enforcement and lump every police officer into Click for more
What to Remember When You Feel Lonely as a Police Spouse
Years ago, I did not know that the loneliness I was experiencing was very normal. In fact, most police spouses experience loneliness, on some level, at some point. If you are finding yourself lonely and missing your spouse, then I want you to know, you are not alone. I am not so physically lonely now because I have little ones & lots of animals to occupy my time and company. However, I am now in the stage of my life where I can feel emotionally lonely if I do not allow myself to be intentional and make time for my husband and I to be together. Keeping your time protected, as a Click for more
How to Live a Purposeful Life Even During Hard Times with Zanna Wolfgang
If you are a police family member and ready to find encouragement for living your best life, then this is the episode for you. Joining me on the podcast today is Zanna Wolfgang. Zanna is a former police wife, founder of Honor the Brave and she has some new ventures that we are talking about today which share her passion for helping women live their lives purposefully even during hard times. It’s no secret that the past few years have obviously been hard for so many of us but in today’s episode we want to encourage people to not stay in that hard season of life. We want to use Click for more
The Best Resources and Support for Police Spouses All in One Place
If you haven't heard, The Police Wife Conference is coming back for it's 4th year! This is a virtual event that is happening April 25th-29th, 2022! If you are Looking for Resources and Support for Police Spouses, this is for you! 5 days, 10 expert speakers, talking about 10 different topics for law enforcement families. In a nutshell, the best resources and support for police spouses all packed in to one powerful week. Here are the details: The Fourth Annual Police Wife Conference is a week long, virtual event where you will have access to 10 experts speakers from Click for more
The Best Crowdfunding Platform for First Responders
Have you ever wanted to give money to a first responder fundraiser but hate all the unnecessary fees? Or maybe you can't trust the fundraiser being passed around because there are so many claiming to help the recipient? Joining me on today's episode is Robert Garland. Robert is a NYPD Detective and the Founder and CEO of Fund the First, a crowdfunding platform for first responders, military, teachers and more. So what makes Fund the First different than other fundraising platforms? First, let's talk about the why. Robert started Fund the First because a fellow police officer and Click for more
When You Feel Just Plain Tired as a Law Enforcement Spouse
Disclaimer: I am not a counselor or doctor. Do not take my story, opinion or what is shared in this episode as medical or professional advice. Raise your hand if over the past two years you have felt just plain tired as a law enforcement spouse. For some of us, it ends there. We are just tired. Mentally and physically tired from the rhetoric, the hate that law enforcement receive and from the impact the job has on our lives. For others, that tiredness turns into exhaustion and burnout. You can take a break, go on vacation or do a social media fast for a bit and feel better. Click for more
How to Take Control of Your Fear as a Police Wife
Fear as a police wife- this is a huge topic I get asked about all the time. Spouses want to know are their fears normal? Do other spouses have fear, too? How do you manage the fear? First, fear is normal. But fear is an emotion that will control you if you let it. It can consume you and only bring negativity if you don't find ways to redirect those emotions. So there is a fine line between having normal amounts of fear as a police wife in your life and letting those fears be in the front of your mind every single day. Sadly, I don't think this topic is not discussed enough. We hear Click for more
Banking Benefits for Law Enforcement Officers and their Families
This is a sponsored post on behalf of The Police Credit Union of California. All opinions are honest and my own. Law enforcement officers and their families face unique challenges that many don't understand. But when it comes to your finances you should bank with an institution that appreciates your sacrifices and understands the need for extra protection. You (or the officer in your life) provide care and protection to your community on a daily basis. So why not bank with a company that will provide the same care over your money? If you live in California and are in law Click for more
How to Best Prepare for the Unexpected as a Law Enforcement Family
This episode is brought to you by Blue Monarch Co. Blue Monarch Co. is a retired police owned and operated jewelry company that offers inspirational and subtle thin blue line pieces. Check out Blue Monarch Co. and use code HEART40 for 40% off your order or code BOGOHEART for buy one, get one free for any products in the heart collection. While talking about the dangers of the job is not an ideal conversation and one that many law enforcement families put off, it truly is one of necessity. No one truly wants to talk about how to prepare for the unexpected. Believe me, Click for more
The Go-To Discount Shop for Holsters, Tactical Gear and Public Safety Products
This is a sponsored post on behalf of CopQuest. All opinions are honest and my own. Whether you work in public safety as a first responder or you are looking for the best conceal carry options as a firearm aficionado, then CopQuest is the place to shop for discounted products. I know my husband is always searching for deals on his favorite brands like Mechanix Wear gloves and Safariland so now he can do that from one shop as CopQuest offers discounted pricing off top brands for items like holsters, tactical gear and public safety products. Plus, when I am shopping for my husband, Click for more
How to Make Mental Wellness a Priority for Law Enforcement Spouses
This episode is brought to you by Charliemadison Originals. Charliemadison Originals is a military spouse-owned and operated small business that supports all first responders. They create meaningful everyday jewelry that keeps you connected to your first-responder hero and reminds you of those you cherish most. This is a topic that is really real and raw for me. A lot of emphasis as spouses is put on mental health for the officer in our life (and understandbly so) but what we don't always recognize is that we need to check on ourselves as well. As Click for more
How to Survive and Thrive in a Law Enforcement Marriage with Lena Rosenbloom
This episode is brought to you by Blue Monarch Co. Blue Monarch Co. is a retired police owned and operated jewelry company that offers inspirational and subtle thin blue ling pieces. Check out Blue Monarch Co. and use code BLUE20 for 20% off your purchase. Today Lena Rosenbloom from Badge Wives is joining us to talk about how to not only survive in your law enforcement marriage but how to thrive. Lena is a fellow police wife of many years, is a mental health professional, and is the President of Badge Wives located in Florida. So many times old statistics about Click for more
This credit union offers exclusive benefits to law enforcement and their families
This is a sponsored post on behalf of The Police Credit Union of California. All opinions are honest and my own. We have been a law enforcement family for over 15 years and never once have we expected discounts or special benefits for my husband's career. However, knowing that there are companies or institutions out there that recognize the sacrifices law enforcement officers (and their families) make and want to provide benefits to them, is more than appreciated. A little thank you goes such a long way and we have definitely gravitated towards companies that show their support to law Click for more
Buying or Selling a Home? Check Out this Program that Gives Back to First Responders
This post is sponsored by Honor the Brave. All opinions are honest and my own. My husband and I recently moved this summer to gain more privacy for our family and away from a busy, cookie cutter neighborhood (best decision ever, by the way). When seeking out a realtor to sell our home and help us find a new one, we went with our long-time local realtor who also happened to be part of a program called Honor the Brave. I've recommended Honor the Brave to many first responder families before because they have an amazing reputation in the law enforcement community. But we were so Click for more
The Best Financial Tips for California Law Enforcement Officers
This is a sponsored post on behalf of The Police Credit Union of California. All opinions are honest and my own. If there is one thing that I know about law enforcement officers (and their spouses) is that they like to be prepared. That preparedness comes in many forms. In your career, at the range, while driving, the safety of your home, the protection of your family, just to name a few. But let's not forget about your finances. Being financially prepared and banking with a financial institution that cares about the same level of preparedness with your money as you do is important. Click for more
The Best Devotional for Hope and Strength During the War on Cops
The past two years have been nothing short of difficult for law enforcement officers and their families. We've gone through and witnessed vile hatred towards cops, media spun lies, defunding of police and much more. But as families, it can be hard to sit back and watch this all happen. We already deal with loneliness from the job, single but married parenting, unsupportive friends and family, fear, just to name a few. If you are searching for hope and strength during the war on cops and the law enforcement lifestyle, then look no further. The Best Devotional for Hope and Click for more
Top Law Enforcement Lingo and Acronyms for Police Spouses and Families
Maybe your spouse just went through the police academy and now you are hearing acronyms and lingo you've never heard before. I get it- my head was spinning my husband's first year in the academy trying to grasp what he was saying. Or maybe you are a veteran spouse and your spouse is STILL saying them. Lol! I get that also! Either way, here are some top acronyms and lingo you may hear from your officer and what they mean! Top Law Enforcement Lingo and Acronyms FTO- Field Training Officer You will hear this one a lot, especially as your spouse leaves the academy. Your officer Click for more