What happens during this time of a “New Normal” … and well, crime? Due to “social distancing”, curfews and self quarantines, what does our day to day life look like in the midst of a Covid-19 pandemic and how to avoid becoming a victim.
Are you noticing a Fear of lawlessness… This is why many are becoming first time gun owners.
I’m sure you’ve been inundated with constant updates about the Coronavirus (Covid-19).
We are living in uncertain times. For many the reality of trying to keep our families and homes safe from any looters, break ins, violence or chaos may be more daunting than the fear of the virus. As our daily life structure seems to change everyday, I believe the concern over Martial Law is top of mind more now than ever in our lifetime!
People are scared and this is a wake up call for many about just how “prepared” do you need to be? So, what can we do to become prepared and staying safe?As a member of the concealed carry parliament, first I recommend that keep calm and keep our eyes open – be observant and watchful.
Remember that “panic” behavior is very contagious! Did you buy toilet paper because there seemed to be a run on it?… me too 🙂
And with “panic” behavior, you’re going to see more of a survival of the fittest play out all around you if you haven’t already… This may be a mix of FOMO (fear of missing out) or instinct. Whatever it is, this is translating to large number of gun sales, waiting lines, and a shortage of ammo.
Why? Many people are waking up to the fear that our government won’t, isn’t , or can’t protect you. Are you concerned with how to defend your family?
The silver lining in this scenario, eyes are being opened for the first time and perhaps your friends philosophy about gun control are changing. This epidemic is opening eyes to the power, freedom and importance of our Second Amendment and why it’s so very important to protect it. Get and stay involved with your local elections. Let’s use this opportunity for protecting ourselves, growing number of gun owners; NOT Reducing our Rights.
Do you have a plan? A plan in case of home a invasion? Do the kids know what to do, where to go (hide) until there is a “safe word”? What about a flashlight, cell phone, self defense tool? Do you need a bug out / bug in bag?
… And, what about your finances? Check out this information on preparing your finances for emergencies.
Are
you seeing a spike in crime in your area? In my area via Nextdoor
Neighbor app, groceries being stolen off of front porches, and Amazon
packages. There are shortages of grocery stores, medical supplies, gun
ranges being broken into. Cities are going on lock down. Things are
serious and you need to take what action you can to stay safe and
protect your family.
Here’s some survival skills information, and with kids being home now it’s important to make sure they know Eddie Eagle (children’s gun safety).
It”s our hope during this time, you are able to connect with your
child in a new way or better than before. We are all so very busy and
it’s challenging to balance all of life’s obstacles.
As a Damsel in Defense independent Pro, we have a series of Safe Hearts books that help you talk to your kids about their “personal space”. These story books helps in communicating with your children so they understand what ‘looks’ one way, may feel very differently internally. The perpetrator isn’t a stranger anymore, but is typically someone the child knows. Did you realize 70% of sexual assaults occur before the age of 17?
Concealed
carry does change your lifestyle and your wardrobe! That’s why at
Incognito Wear IX, we’ve got what you need! We’ve solved your “dressing
dilemmas”. Our clothes save you valuable time getting dressed. You know
you’ll look great, feel confident. You’ll feel more empowered to be
armed knowing you’re incognito.
Shop our Made in America Concealed Carry Clothing for women at IncognitoWearIX.com. We have bellyband holsters for both men and women, accessories and jewelry to complete your gun chic look!
I don’t know where you live but for us here in Georgia, this winter was not typical. That makes me happy and I’m not complaining about this year’s cold weather. Spring / Summer makes a happy place for me 🙂
I know for me and I bet you as well, warmer weather can be more of a dressing dilemma when it comes to concealed carry. Besides dealing with the heat, Lighter weight fabrics and less layers are big culprits to this dilemma.
So, are you are excited about spring or dreading it? We’re giving you some of the ideal colors to shop for this spring / summer season to have you looking you’re best and some tips to stay cool while carrying.
Here’s a verbal explanation of what this spring’s color palette is about – “Displaying an element of natural sophistication and versatility, this season’s core hues serve as singular color statements or as a foundation for playful color contrasts”.
My interpretation is more solid colors (or small prints) and adding a punch of color accents.
Look for these colors to be blooming this Spring
One bold pop of color this spring is called ‘Flamed Scarlet’ and is a bit of an orange-red color. We feel you’ll be right in style with our red Lion+Lamb. We use a soft, stretch knit with 3/4 sleeves, which is perfect length to cover part of your arms but not too hot. Look to pair and contrast this Flamed Scarlet with blues to greens and yellow colors.
The coral pink in our floral Lion tank is right on que for a warm, welcoming embrace to warmer weather and the soft yellow background invites complete happiness ? of the upcoming season. Our “Lion” tank top is a lightweight fabric and layered with a cotton button up shirt. Wear it either with a few bottom buttons buttoned or tie up the ends to create fullness around your firearm. Of course, when the temperatures rise, roll up the sleeves. I love this look with cropped khaki pants. Stay cool with cotton or linen fabrics.
Floral Lion tank top, special opening for firearm, holsters, pink, peach, green, spring
You’ll see plenty of coral and Biscay green elements very soon if not already. These colors are especially pleasant together.
Fashion Week
Deep Navy and white are pretty universal color staples and are going to be more front and center this spring season. It’s a classic. You will see a come back of the suit look and more blazers, although they’ll be boxy than tailored styling. This is a nice look for the office, teachers, churches and working professionals who carry concealed firearms for personal safety. Look for linen jackets, chambray and cottons that speak of spring. Easter will be upon us soon.
This silvery gray color with a touch of taupe, is timeless and expresses strength and matches the feeling and message of our gray Lion + Lamb, the original crossover concealment top. Don’t be fooled by the others. Because of LION + LAMB is two pieces, you can use a white shirt holster or our 505 Tank Top Holster and carry under the arm with the LAMB outer wrap. Another way to be totally chic and armed.
Spring Neutrals for 2020
Of course, whatever color is your favorite, it’s sure to go perfectly with your firearm! So wear what makes you happy. Remember to stay away from tight fitting and clingy tops.
We want you to feel confident in what you wear and help you ease your morning routine by providing clothing that you’ll look and feel great in and know you can be armed. Our garments give your wardrobe staples without the worry of your firearm printing through your clothing.
Our garments are Made in America and are lightweight fabrics. Remember ,the use of prints, stripes, and floral works well in disguising your firearm. Look for added features like knots and pleats to help minimize printing of your firearm. We have several flowy tunic tops with details that will give you confidence of keeping your firearm undercover.
Be armed, be fashionable and be Incognito! Now, Hello Spring!
Jan
P.S. We’re launch our Incognito Wear IX YouTube Channel- Please subscribe and share.
Printing 101? What does it mean “to
print”? If you’re new to concealed carry or shooting, this may be a new
term to you.
It’s not about graphics or
marketing; rather, it’s about a lack of print. When you concealed carry
you do not want to print.
The whole idea behind concealing a
firearm has many facets. You may NOT want
to be singled out or become a target.
The topic alone or word “firearm”
can bring a hurricane of opinions. That’s why the concept of printing – making
sure the firearm silhouette isn’t visible to others – is so important. This one
concern alone can cause so much fear it can paralyze you in your concealed
carry journey.
I get that it’s scary – terrifying,
in fact, to consider walking around with a loaded firearm on your body and more
so if you have small children who want mommy to pick them up and hold them.
We understand a firearm can be a
deadly weapon and why firearm safety is so strongly enforced. There are two
main ideas to focus on with concealed carrying. One, finger discipline (keeping
your finger off the trigger). Second, muzzle control/direction (never point the
gun at anything you’re not willing to destroy).
This reason alone, is why you don’t
want to constantly fiddle with your set up – your rig, holster, gun, belt, or
tug at your shirt or clothing. But, let’s face it, we’ve all done it. This act
of tugging on your top, adjusting your holster or gun position can bring
attention that you don’t want.
Knowing how to dress around this
life saving tool is a journey of its own. Concealed carry does change your
wardrobe, so, yes, it’s possible you have a closet with nothing to wear.
But don’t despair! Incognito Wear
IX has your back! Our
clothing will remove the stress of trying to find something to wear so
you can be armed and incognito.
After the decision to carry on your
body, you’ll need to determine what position is most comfortable for you.
Everyone is different. I’m barely over 5 feet tall with an average build.
I like to appendix carry. This is the easiest way for me to conceal my
firearm. And, as a woman, my weight fluctuates so sometimes I prefer my right/strong
side and sometimes my left/weak side.
Carrying on my side, at a three o’clock
position (or strong side) makes me look wider and shows the gun frame more.
This isn’t comfortable for me or my hips .
I don’t endorse the small of the
back carry for several reasons. One, it’s a bit of a reach and a little harder
to get to quickly. Second, I saw the following first-hand during a training
class. Mr. Sketchy Bad-Guy gives you a push you weren’t expecting, you lose
your balance and fall. There you are, the gun stuck between your back and the
ground. Landing on a firearm and your spine only needs to happen one time, and
you’ll always remember the experience.
I haven’t tried the flash bang
holster which allows a woman to carry beneath her breast. The holster attaches
to your bra, which might work well if you happen to be “blessed”. I’ve heard
stories of discharges when drawing (which is more of a yank down out of the
holster).
This would be my least desired
position to carry. I know some women love this but it’s just not for me. And
that’s ok! We all have different tastes and different bodies.
Finding out what works for you and
your body is what’s important. We want to make this part of your morning
routine, part of getting dressed, with your firearm added as your last
accessory.
Now you look great and are ready to
face the day and defend your life!
Great job!
If you don’t think you’re quite
there, begin carrying your unloaded firearm around your home. Ask someone you
trust if they can tell whether you’re carrying your pistol. The more you do
this, the more you will build your confidence and become accustomed to how your
holster feels.
The last point I’d like to leave you with is to just try it and begin the process.
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February is the Month of Love. What about self-love?
We are all
so busy with life that it’s easy to forget to take time to breathe. I found
this article to share with you and encourage you to love your life and others.
Be your
best each and every day! Learn to protect your life and your loved ones.
I have
found that shooting and being able to concealed carry gives me self-confidence
and courage. The simple fact that I have a way to defend myself is empowering.
I am here
for a reason; I am worthy; I am valuable; my life matters and so does yours!
Isn’t it time we live like it?!
Below is Katherine Hurst’s excerpt on “How To Love Yourself And Be Confident With These 15 Self-Love Tips“
Improve your life with The Law of Attraction say Katherine Hurst.
“This may seem more important to some than others, but self-love is one of the best things you can do for yourself.”
“This may
seem more important to some than others, but self-love is one of the best
things you can do for yourself.”
“Being in love with
yourself provides you with self-confidence,
self-worth and it will generally help you feel more positive. You may also find
that it is easier for you to fall in love once you have learned to love
yourself first.”
“If you can learn to love yourself, you will
be much happier and will learn how to best take care of yourself. When you are
truly in love with yourself and happy, you should stop comparing yourself to
others so much and should find yourself more confident, not worrying as much
about what others think.”
“This may seem more important to some than others, but self-love is one of the best things you can do for yourself.”
“Being in love with yourself provides you with self-confidence, self-worth and it will generally help you feel more positive. You may also find that it is easier for you to fall in love once you have learned to love yourself first.”
“If you can learn to love yourself, you will be much happier and will learn how to best take care of yourself. When you are truly in love with yourself and happy, you should stop comparing yourself to others so much and should find yourself more confident, not worrying as much about what others think.”
WHAT ?! It’s expired?! Do you need to renew your concealed carry license or perhaps even a driver’s license? Let me make a suggestion, Don’t wait till the last minute! (We’ll outline the process if you’re applying for your first CCWP (Concealed Carry Weapons Permit).
Do you know when your license expires? Any license for that
matter, whether it’s your drivers’ license, concealed carry weapons permit, fishing
and hunting, or maybe even a membership to your favorite destination.
I have noticed for one, that the older I become, the faster
the years go by. In fact, it’s nearly the second month of a new decade – Already!
I remember thinking 2020 is SO FAR AWAY. Well, honey, it’s
here now. What that mean means for me is renewing my drivers license and
concealed carry permit. We all get busy and life happens. It’s easy to get de-railed
and sidetracked with those well-meaning items on your To-Do List.
These, however, are definitely two items you don’t want to
wait till the last minute to renew.
Here, in Georgia for my driver’s license renewal requires
getting a list of supporting documents together BEFORE going to the DDS (Dept.
of Driver Services, formerly known as the DMV -Dept. of Motor Vehicles). These
items MUST be presented in order to renew your license. You need one of the
documents for each of category:
To show WHO you are: Certified US birth
certificate; valid US Passport; or Certificate of Naturalization
SSN: Social Security card; W-2 form; Paystub
with last 4 (SSN)
To show WHERE you live: Utility bill; band
statement; Lease/Mortgage statement
In Georgia, you can get a driver license for a period of ten
years, it’s might slip your mind when it is actually time to renew.
In my opinion, equally as important (as driver’s license) is
your concealed carry license. Some might argue that it is more important than
being able to drive. Your life is worth fighting for and saving.
In Georgia, my concealed carry weapons permit (as it’s
called) is valid for a period of five years.
There many names for a permit to conceal a firearm as well
as abbreviations. Some of the most common ones are below; although you may see
any variety or configuration of these words.
CCW = Carrying a Concealed Weapon CC
= Concealed Carry
The guidelines are a bit different for everyone, depending
on where you live, but here’s some of the basics. Generally, the process is the
same for renewing as it is for applying for your first concealed carry license.
First off, the obvious – you must be of age, not a felon, domicile in the county
of the facility (you can’t go to one county’s probate court when you live in
another). Many facilities require cash only, so call your local (County
probate) court and they’ll be happy to let you know what’s required.
So, we’ve established meet the guidelines to enact your Second Amendment right to bear arms.
File your application at a county probate court*.
Some states require you compete a training class (some sort of a basic handgun safety
class)prior to your application and you will need proof of completion to show
the courts. Your probate court will list the acceptable documents, if required.
Expect to pay an application fee. Once you’ve answered all the questions, you’ll
get a Law Enforcement Affidavit which you will need to take to the police
department.
If this is a new application for concealed
carry, you will be fingerprinted. This is for the background check. If you’re
renewing your license, they will electronically conduct a background check of your
name via NCIC system. If fingerprints are taken, yes, you pay for that service.
Now you wait…. And wait. There is a timeline guideline,
but in my county it’s questionable if they are successful. So, if you’re inside
of two months of your expiration date, I’d suggest requesting a temporary
license. I don’t trust the government to get issue my license in time and don’t
want to be with a means to protect my life, or others.
Once everything is completed, typically around
six weeks, you’ll receive your concealed carry license. You can either pick up
your CCW license at the courthouse or they can mail it to you. Some facilities
request a self-addressed stamp envelope to do this. *if your county requires a
SASE, leave it at probate court with your application.
Now you know what to expect, don’t forget to take your (valid)
photo ID.
Welcome to the concealed carry parliament! (Incognito
Wear IX animal totem is an owl; a group of owls is called a parliament).
Remember to train and practice. Practice builds confidence and muscle memory. If you ever need to use your firearm, you want your body to know what to do. See our past blog where we list some women only resources.
It’s a new year and you’ve decided to be responsible – responsible for your life and your safety. You’ve decided the fear of losing life is greater than the fear of learning how to shoot a firearm- safely and to learn about firearms in general. Let me congratulate you again on this big step! Please know you are not alone in this journey. There are several resources out there, no matter where you are on the journey. We are always learning new skills and perfecting old ones. Were you using the excuse that ‘my husband is my protector’ – “he’ll save me”. When I started leaving the house before him going to an office in a remote business complex, he said it’s time I learned how to shoot and carry (a gun)… for MY own SAFETY!
At this point in my life, my kids were out of the house, but I can assure you that if they were younger and at home, knowing what I know now, I’d learned how to shoot much earlier than I did. Thank goodness for my husband’s suggestion and encouragement! Is your significant other ‘pushing’ (i.e. encouraging) you to carry?
One other excuse we may tell ourselves is, that I don’t live or go to bad area(s) of town. Has this thought kept you from learning to shoot? Do you really think for one minute, that there isn’t a bad area of town, anywhere? Unfortunately, I have to say “Not in this day and age”. That may have been true once upon a time, but sadly, it ain’t the truth no more. Unfortunately, the news has a revolving headline of bad, evil people doing bad, evil acts everywhere… even in church (White Settlement, Tx).
The point being is that your odds aren’t zero (of something happening to you or someone you know). Isn’t it better to be prepared; have a plan and a means in which to protect yourself no matter where you go or live? This doesn’t mean you have to choose a firearm for protection. There are other non-lethal options, but you should learn how to use whatever device you pick. Some of these non-lethal tools might be a striking tool/pen, pepper spray, stun gun, or a taser (check with state laws as taser guns aren’t legal in every state).
It is a fact that you are responsible for every bullet that leaves your muzzle and I can understand that is a scary thought should you actually have to draw your weapon as a defense and the fear that you might not hit your target. No matter if you believe your husband is a better shot, when it comes to stress (unless training under stress) we really don’t know how we’ll respond. With some forethought, planning and even training, if both you are armed, you both are able to defend. You double your powers of observation, information processing and defense. Don’t fall into this thinking: “What are the chances that….and I don’t want to live/think being paranoid.”It is practical, intelligent and necessary to consider that bad things might happen. In fact, many use Coopers color system of awareness. Think about how you plan for emergencies in other areas of your life. These days no one leaves home without their cell phone, why? Ok, so you don’t want to miss any news but isn’t it also for safety? In case of flat tire, you get lost or a true emergency. Think of it this way, you don’t expect to have a kitchen fire but I bet you have a fire extinguisher nearby so why not apply this same reasoning to yourself and your safety?
Resources: Women’s Concealed Carry Alliance, A Girl and A Gun, The Well-Armed Woman, and your local range
