How do you what firearm is “right for you”? For me, it was the ‘ol fashioned way – trial and error.
That was the beginning of my journey into firearms. I followed my husband’s lead. After all, he’s the one that introduced me to firearms and joy of shooting. He grew up around firearms and has been a life long hunter.
His love for me and concern for my safety led me to learn about firearm safety, training and to be armed so I can defend my life if ever faced with such a situation. This journey lead me to create Incognito Wear IX. I’m so glad I did too! We are living in some crazy times!
Many realize that now more than ever we need to be vigilant, aware of our surroundings and equipped with life saving tools.
Naturally, my husband wanted to buy me the best gun, with the best knock down caliber and with the most rounds. I couldn’t agree more, except, it wasn’t right for me (at the time).
So you want to purchase a firearm and sign up for some lessons because you want to be safe around firearms and understand how to safely operate your gun.
I haven’t shot that firearm since my beginning. In fact, I’d bet you or someone you know has purchased a firearm (or two) that they no longer can shoot, or have sold because they weren’t right for them. I strongly recommend RENTING and Shooting the firearm you are considering purchasing before you buy.
I was thrilled to finally find my firearm!
Well, the truth be told, I took it from my husband :). You see, I have smaller hands and “trying” a gun without shooting it, you think you can R-E-A-C-H the trigger until you’re on the range and it malfunctions.
Oh, the joy though when you do find the firearm for you! It’s fun to shoot! You hit the target! You are empowered!
That’s the feeling I have with my Sig Sauer P365. This is what I didn’t know – It’s American made. I’ll share the history of Sig Sauer from USCCA article I found it very interesting and hope you do to!
The joy of shooting will be yours when you find the firearm that’s right for you, regardless of brand, the best self defense firearm is the one you will carry everyday and the one you are effective with.
When you decide to carry your firearm on body, it will change your wardrobe and our clothing is designed for just that and it too is Made in America!
Our clothes make concealing your firearm easy while allowing you to use your own holster (and not kept in a pocket) plus discreet access. Incognito Wear IX has pioneered concealed carry clothing. Pick up yours today – IncognitoWearIX.com
One other point to understand about self defense is making sure you’re covered; legally speaking that is. Self Defense Shield will step in, cover and support you legally, if you ever have to draw your firearm. Legal issues can arise even if you never pull the trigger. Learn more – Self Defense Shield
Stay safe, my friend! Never be a victim because of style.
Well, those lazy summer days are coming to end soon. Will you be homeschooling a-g-a-i-n? It’s a new school year and whether it’s starting at home, or “hybrid” school, or if you’re one of the “lucky ones”, your child is actually going to the physical school building, most of us parents look forward to regaining our routines.
In these crazy times of trying to stay safe and healthy but longing for friends and our lives to return to normal.
This month is about keeping your kids safe. Education, awareness and we should be pro-active, not reactive.
It’s one of my goals at Incognito Wear IX is to share information I hope you will find helpful in your journey of self-reliance for you and your family. But ya know, this “ain’t yo mamma’s world” anymore! and we’ve got to make sure we protect our kids too.
These are WAY different times, my friends! My kids are adults now, but when I was raising them as a single mom, my biggest fear was kidnapping. I was outnumber by 2 rambunctious boys and a pretty little girl. One of the scariest times of my life was when my oldest, about 8 at the time, went ahead of us before I could get the other 2 out of the car.
We were at the ball park and my daughter was cheering at the next pew wee game. While I was gathering all the stuff, my oldest went to find his friends. I didn’t know what happened; he was gone.
Fortunately, he’d gone ahead and into football field – and yes, without paying at the gate. Thankfully, after a few announcements (over the loud speaker) we were united! ….and I shed tears of relief!
Moms and Dads are juggling so much due to the pandemic. I hope this provides some valuable information how you can teach your kids about staying safe – being aware of their surroundings – not what’s on their phone!
this is especially true if your child goes home to an empty home after school. This may not be as common since Covid-19, but as more of us are going back to the office, we can’t become dismissive.
Nowadays, your child may be “groomed” by someone hiding behind a computer screen, a cellphone, social media chat room or even a coach (as seen first hand). These “relationships” my be secret or it could be someone you consider to be friends with.
Growing up, I didn’t know anyone who was a “latchkey kid” but that’s not to say there weren’t any either. I mean, it’s not like you’re going to announce that sort thing, right? Having a personal alarm key chain would provide a loud noise your child could sound if he felt threatened.
What about the shows or commercials inundating your home? Have you really paid attention to the message? I was struck about a revelation after reading “Bringing Up Boys” by the great Dr. Dobson.
A very popular, seamlessly harmless commercial was belittling men and their role as providers. If you have boys, I recommend “Bringing up Boys“. I also found great tips in Growing Kid’s God’s Way. These books provided some great insights for practical parenting and it opened my eyes to how I was parenting and some better alternatives!
Being a parent is one tough job! Watch out for pot holes.
How do you keep your kids safe in today’s world?
I want to share some helpful resources that Damsel in Defense has for you and your family (I’m a rep, but feel you may find them helpful). They’re tools to help with the multiple threats facing our kids today. Safe Hearts book series address topics like “grooming” and setting boundaries for elementary grade students. For latchkey kids, items like personal alarms bring attention, and for the young drivers, car safety tools for emergencies. There’s something for everyone.
Key Chains with “break away” features or built in flashlight, or pepper sprays for the older kiddos who are looking to spread their wings of independence.
Our children no longer have to worry with “stranger dangers” Sadly, it’s more common that the perpetrator is someone the child(ren) knows and likely has relationships with already.
Create the safe environment for kids to be kids.
August is National Shooting Sports month, a way to introduce new folks to the joy of the shooting sports AND it’s a good time to remember how important it is to teach your children about gun safety. Project Childsafe of the NSSF or NRA’s Eddie Eagle teach children what to do if they ever “see or find” a firearm.
Remember, just because you don’t have a firearm in your home, doesn’t mean your child won’t ever be in a situation where he/she comes across one. Teach them what to do.
Does your child know what to do if he or she finds a gun?
NSSF (National Shooting Sports Foundation) and the NRA Firearm Safety Information for Children
This month is about keeping your kids safe. Education, awareness and being pro-active.
Our children are our future. Heritage and history are important and can be great teachers. Let’s get back to the basics and keep our families safe and strong.
Want to help? Support your community by volunteering at the local school or mentorship programs.
Hopefully, you’ll hear my heart in this; my burden for this country. I’m sure you’re tired of all the non sense going on – Covid-19, working from home while home schooling, rioting and the political divide, but I truly believe we’re at a critical tipping point like never before.
According to YourDictionary.com the phrase “give me liberty or give me death is a set phrase indicating enormous displeasure at any over–authoritarian policy or law.” I fear these words spoken over 245 years ago may be truer today than ever before! THIS could be our (America as we know her) death!
This year’s been a doozy for sure! I’m sure we’re all feeling a little uneasy. Perhaps, it’s the lack of control or the many unanswered questions that has stirred up fear within us. All of this has me thinking a lot more about my safety and the importance of our Second Amendment:
“A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed”.
I implore you to take action, for the future of this country; and your right to protect, defend your life is at stake! I’m sure you’re seeing or hearing about this daily in the news and on social platforms. In case you’ve missed it, our right to believe in God and attend Church is also being attacked and shut down.
Please don’t become complacent. If you’re reading this, I know you love and value our Second Amendment! I’m sure you also understand that we are under attack like never before!
As a believer, I’m confident that “All things are possible with Christ Jesus” (Matt. 19:23) and (I believe) that our country is in need of a Revival and return to the principles that made the United States of America great. There is no other country, where others risk their own life (literally) to come to America.
Think about that!
THIS IS how great America is!
Our “Freedoms” make us great. Freedom to do whatever type of work you love, freedom to create a new product, solution or service. Free to start a business for those who desire to concealed carry and realize it’s up to them to defend and protect their own life. Freedom to pursue what makes you happy and to live the way you choose to and how you’ll raise your family.
No one else determines your future but you! How empowering is that!? We are all different, and yet we are all the same. It’s at our core values of understanding our own responsibilities, treating others with dignity and respect, as we are all created in the image of our maker. I’m sure you love your kids (or nieces/nephews, family) and want to pass on to the next generation the wonderful things we’ve received from our own parents like a better country than the generation before. We should continue to pay goodness forward.
If you believe in the power of prayer, I invite you to join us in Praying Up America (Facebook group).
So, how & what can you do to ensure your right to keep and bear arms?
Register to vote. Go to your Secretary of State to get your voter registration form. As long as you will be age 18 by election day.
VOTE in every election, with understanding each candidates platforms. Know what policies you are voting for
Learn from my Mistakes #131 – Clearing out the clutter and finding you best fashion. Tips on how to organize your closet to maximize your wardrobe plus mix and match to increase your outfits!
Do you know your “season-ality”?
By Clearing out the clutter stored in your closet you can find your best fashions and outfits without spending all day. Hopefully, you read last weeks email about our blog on understanding your skin undertones to dress like a Boss. If you missed it click here.
These tips and tricks work for men as well. The goal of this series is to have you look your best, maximizing wardrobe options for dressing like a boss and bring you more joy. Additionally, we hope you discover you have more options so you can concealed carry confidently.
Learning to be stylish and confident can come out of your own closet, but there’s probably some work to do first, for me too.
We’re going to show you some tips that will only expand your wardrobe by showing you how to maximize your existing outfits, but create a shopping experience within your own closet! You’ll find more options for concealing your firearm too.
Yes, having an organized closet is one sure way to build confidence. Now, you’ll be able to pull together the best outfits. They may not understand why, but they’ll can certainly pick out who’s the best dressed in a room.
Once you’ve found you’re best fashion by understanding what colors to wear and what not to wear; you’ll be able to coordinating outfits that will bring you more joy. After months of wearing mostly leggings, shorts or PJ’s, it’s time to do a little TLC on you and your wardrobe!
When you adorn a “perfect for you” outfit, the feeling that goes with it is hard to resist. Here’s to feeling and looking Grr-eat!
It’s hard to believe we’ll be heading into fall before we know it, so let’s prepare for all the wonderful Fall Clothes and get ourselves ready, shall we?
This little exercise will bring great benefit in expanding your options as well as for your concealed carry #OOTD (outfit of the day) too!
So, you actually want to start by sorting out the clothes you aren’t going to wear. Either you dislike them, or thought you’d loose the weight and it’s been a few years… I’m not judging or pointing fingers! Set them aside, if you can’t part with them (just yet), but get them out of the way! As a side note, the zipper storage bags are great for these clothes. Store them according to size(s).
Once you’ve done that,
Sort your clothes by type; such as tops, bottoms, jackets/sweaters/coats.
Replace mis matched hangers. Go ahead and invest in one style of hangers. I recently started to use fabric skinny hangers for my business and will change over to these in my own closet. They really help keep clothes from sliding off the hangers and ending up on the floor! Bonus advantage, these skinny hangers won’t take up as much space.
This simple little step alone of changing out your hangers will make such a difference! While your at it, make sure your clothes are all facing the same direction. Just like you’re favorite department store everything is on the same style of hangers and faces the same direction, typically the main traffic flow.
3. Within each garment type (like tops) organize them by colors. It doesn’t matter the order, as long as it works for you. My sister goes from light to dark or you can arrange your clothes following the color wheel.
4. Do you have garments with patterns or designs? Don’t let this overwhelm you. Organize according to the main background or dominate color.
Do this for each clothing category – your tops, your bottoms, dresses, suits, jackets, etc.
This exercise will really help you to visual some new and exciting options! You will see what pieces you can put together; what blends or contrasts to a particular garment you want to wear; thus giving you more outfit options. Again, who doesn’t want options!?
Let’s look at the color wheel. For example, colors opposite each other, like red and green, are what we call Complementary Colors. These colors compliment one another and are good together. Likewise, any color on either side of the “main” color also go together, called Analogous Colors.
So organizing you clothes in this manner may show you how to get more out of your clothes than the same old outfit you’ve been wearing. Additionally, you will be able to see if you are missing some key wardrobe elements. Such as a blazer. Now, you can shop with purpose for the right color and the right pieces for upcoming Fall clothes that’ll be here soon.
This will give you more ways to wear that top you feel confident in to concealed carry because it doesn’t print. Selecting different pants or skirt, a layering vest, sweater, or jacket can really change the look. Be courageous in exploring different color combinations with your clothing that eluded you when your closet was, well…. overstuffed and cluttered.
Now that you’re feeling great about your wardrobe, your closet being neat and tidy and worthy of a photo shoot, it will be easy to mix and match for a great looking #OOTD.
Be armed, Fashionable and incognito. Never be a victim because of style.
Learn from my mistakes # 130 – Do you have the wrong wardrobe?Have you been wearing the wrong things all this time and not known it?
Nothing says sexy like a confident woman! Confidence shows up when you know what your wearing looks awesome, you’re “dressed to the 9’s”, your perfectly put together outfit is the bomb! You strive for this every day and it does get you stand a little taller and walk with intention and purpose…. And that makes you an unlikely target!
The confidence, sense of empowerment that comes from knowing you can save your life (or even someone else’s) is why you made the decision to carry of self defense tools. More specifically, to carry a firearm concealed either on your body (preferred) or off body in a purse or attaché’ case.
My goal is to make it easy for you to get your day started off right by being prepared. Be armed, fashionable, and yes, knock out gorgeous!
After three months of lock down, I bet your ready to start wearing something other than leggings, shorts or lounge pants. Now is the perfect time to consider your wardrobe!
But before we get to the closet, let’s take a good look in the mirror. Do you know what are your best colors to wear? Once upon a time, “season” was the buzz word in selecting what to wear.
Let’s break this down, knowing or understanding your skin tone is the key to unlocking how to dress to look & feel your best! Which translate in to building confidence.
I’m sure you know what I mean, let’s say you have an important meeting or interview, what’s the number one garment you always go to? I’ll bet the color of that garment is within your “season”.
You know what feels good on you. If you’re not sure, it’s the color of something you’re wearing when you always get compliments. It looks good on you and you feel good about how you look in it.
So, let’s wash up and let’s take a good look in the mirror!
What you’re after is the UNDERTONES of your SKIN TONE.
Option 1. Remove makeup, lotions, etc. and wash your face (wait about 20 min. after washing your face so there’s no redness). Really look at your face undertones in your skin. It’s best to use natural daylight to examine your skin tone, as artificial lighting can change the appearance of your skin’s undertones. (Your skin tone is actually determined by the undertones that come through). If you use terms such as fair, medium or deep – that describes your skin tone, not the undertones.
Another place to look to determine your undertone color is to look at your palm and wrist. Look for the color of your veins, again in natural daylight is ideal.
warm skin = greenish looking veins.
cool skin = blue or purplish looking veins
neutral skin = if it’s hard to tell color of your veins
Option 2. Another option is to determine your Skin tone. If you can’t decide or it’s not easy to see your undertones, use a plain white piece of paper and hold it next to your face. Now, compare how your skin (color) looks in contrast to the paper.
If your skin looks yellowish, greenish, or light brown, then you likely have a warm skin tone.
If your skin looks pink, rosy, or blue, then you have a cool skin tone.
If your skin looks gray or ashen, then you are a neutral skin tone.
If you have a skin condition like acne, rosacea, or if you are extremely tanned, ask a friend to use the paper test on the crease behind your ear instead, which is less likely to be affected by these variables.
An undertone is influenced by either YELLOW or BLUE. That is:
YELLOW is WARM
and
BLUE is COOL
Once you know what your undertones are, it becomes a lot easier to select the best make up colors and clothes that complement your skin.
Option 3. Since it’s summer, what happens to your skin when you’re in the sun? Do you tan easily? Chances are you have warm skin tones. Those with warm undertones have skin that lends to yellow, gold and peachy shades
And, people who burn rather than tan usually have cool skin tones, although sometimes women with dark ebony skin that doesn’t burn can also have cool undertones.
People who are neutral may fall into either group with regards to tanning or burning, but neutrals will not have any obvious appearance of olive, yellow, or ruddy skin.
Once you know your undertones, we’ll divide this into two groups -1) less intense, lighter tones and 2) more intense, stronger and darker undertones. These two parts are referred to as “seasons”.
If you’re in the “Cool” family, your seasons are Summer and Winter. So, you’ll want to stick to colors with blue undertones such as a blue-green, or a blue-red, rose-brown, cool neutrals such as pure white, gray, black and taupe.
I fall into the warm family, but also feel as I’ve aged and I’m not in the sun as much, I also tend toward neutral.
If you’re in the “Warm” family, our seasons are Spring and Autumn. We have yellow or golden undertones. Our best colors are orange, teal, olive, rust and warm neutrals like ivory, eggshell, camel and chocolate brown.
If you think about what nature provides during her seasons, those are the colors that suit you best! Of course, you can wear what you want but to show case the best you, choose colors according to your skin tone season. Now you know the best colors for you to wear. You’ll look amazing!
On June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress passed an act establishing an official flag for the new nation.
The flag consists of 13 horizontal stripes, seven red alternating with six white. The stripes represent the original 13 Colonies and the stars represent the 50 states of the Union. The colors of the flag are symbolic as well; red symbolizes hardiness and valor, white symbolizes purity and innocence, and blue represents vigilance, perseverance and justice. On Aug. 3, 1949, President Harry S. Truman officially declared June 14 as Flag Day.
After a British bombardment, amateur poet Francis Scott Key was so inspired by the sight of the American flag still flying over Baltimore’s Fort McHenry that he wrote “The Star-Spangled Banner” on Sept. 14, 1814. It became Our National Anthem in 1931. Click here to test of your American history 🙂
General Flag Display Rules –
It is the universal custom to display the American flag only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flagstaffs in the open. However, when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed twenty-four hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness.
Displaying the Stars and Stripes – Did you know this?
The flag is usually displayed from sunrise to sunset. It should be raised briskly and lowered ceremoniously. In inclement weather, the flag should not be flown.
The flag should be displayed daily and on all holidays, weather permitting, on or near the main administration buildings of all public institutions. It should also be displayed in or near every polling place on election days and in or near every schoolhouse during school days.
When displayed flat against a wall or a window, or in a vertical orientation, the “union” field of stars should be uppermost and to the left of the observer.
When the flag is raised or lowered as part of a ceremony, and as it passes by in parade or review, everyone, except those in uniform, should face the flag with the right hand over the heart.
The U.S. flag should never be dipped toward any person or object, nor should the flag ever touch anything beneath it.
No other flag or pennant should be placed above, or, if on the same level, to the right of the flag of the United States of America, except during church services conducted by naval chaplains at sea…for personnel of the Navy…when the church pennant may be flown above the flag.
No person shall display the flag of the United Nations of any other national of international flag equal, above, or in a position of superior prominence or honor to, or in place of, the flag of the United States at any place within the United States or any Territory of possession thereof;
When other flags are on the same halyard or next to US FLAG – When flags of states, cities, or localities, or pennants of societies are flown on the same halyard with the US flag, the US flag should always be at the peak. When the flags are flown from adjacent flagpoles, the US flag should be hoisted first and lowered last. No such flag or pennant may be placed above the US flag, or to the right of the US flag
DISPLAYING FLAG OVER A STREET – When the flag is displayed over the middle of the street, it should be suspended vertically with the union (blue field of stars) to the north over an east-west street, or to the east over a north-south street.
Did you know The meaning for each fold of our Flag – 13 Folds; 13 Colonies:
“The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.”
“The second fold is a symbol of our belief in the eternal life.”
“The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veteran departing our ranks who gave a portion of life for the defense of our country to attain a peace throughout the world.”
“The fourth fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in times of war for His divine guidance.”
“The fifth fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, “Our country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong.”
“The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
“The seventh fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.”
“The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered in to the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor mother, for whom it flies on Mother’s Day.”
“The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood; for it has been through their faith, love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great have been molded.”
“The tenth fold is a tribute to father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born.”
“The eleventh fold, in the eyes of a Hebrew citizen, represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon, and glorifies, in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.”
“The twelfth fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son, and Holy Ghost.”
“When the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, “In God we Trust.”
HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY! LET’S KEEP AMERICA STRONG AND FREE
If you are looking to purchase a new flag be sure to check out our American Flags for sale. We carry only flags made to the flag manufacturers of America guidelines to ensure that from top to bottom our flags are 100% made in the USA.
![image002[1]](https://www.aflag.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/image0021.jpg)
![image004[1]](https://www.aflag.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/image0041.jpg)
![image008[1]](https://www.aflag.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/image0081.jpg)
![image020[2]](https://www.aflag.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/image0202.jpg)
