Product of the 80's

Hooray for Wednesday! Hooray for only one more work day! I look forward to Weds. {obvi} because during summer the week ends on Thursday, as it should every single week. I mean is it really necessary to work 5 eight hour days? How about we go to 4 eight hour days and call it a work week, shall we? Well, technically they are 10 hour work days. Psshhh, okay.  I digress. So yes, a little extra pep in my step this morning. So since it is best day of the week #1 followed closely by Friday and Saturday - best days #2 and #3 respectively, let's hop around some bloggy blogs, do some confessin' and spill what you're loving right now. Oh yea, and make some friends.

I confess that I am pretty irritated with the fact that I cannot get to Vodka and Soda's blog at work. If I want to read on my lunch, I should be able too. This stupid #$%^& web-blocker. I mean our tech has this on lockdown mode for real... absolutely ridiculous.

   
I confess that I am JAMMING out to an amazing array of the 80's on Songza this morning. Currently we (Trina and I) are singing along to "What a Feeling" ....and you hear the office doors begin to close. Okay, maybe I didn't warm up my singing voice this am. My Bad.

I confess that this summer went by WAY to quick and I did not get to finish a lot of my bucket list. I guess maybe I should have called it the F - it list.

I confess that I am OBSESSED with my EC planners. Yeah, that is plural - teacher one and personal one. #dontjudgeme

I confess that I was super excited about my Samsung 5s but I MISS my iPhone. I refuse to say that it is too technologically advanced for me, but I do miss the simplicity of the iPhone. Guess I'll have to get the new iPhone 6. Oh damn...

I confess that I am LOVING my new short hair! Yes, I know I committed to not cutting it this year, but it was looking kind of ratty and it wasn't very healthy. I made it seven months, it was almost to the middle of my back. Sad face... but it is so much easier.

I confess also that I love headbands - a cutesy twist & a great cover for hair that is unruly. P.S. Does anyone know of any good headbands for working out that don't slip off? All that I have bought are a  #fail.

I confess that I am LOVING  Orange Theory Fitness. It is kind of sick in a way because I know I am going to go in, feel like I'm gonna be sick but it is nice to be pushed and motivated. AND complete the workout, even when I was totally ready to walk out. Good burn last night = a little over 500 calories. #win

Oh.. Madonna just came on - I confess I am gonna go dance around the office. Don't forget to link up!

Link up Fun

Hey loves... been a crazy busy ending to last week and this week started Spring Break which was OH.SO.NEEDED!  So I'm back and it is always a fabulous day to do some linking up and make some new friends :)

Today I am saying so what to several things such as

= So what if I am still in my pajamas at 2:28pm, its Spring Break Beeetoches!!
= So what if I plan on staying in my house a llllllllllll Spring Break, or at least until maybe Friday, then the Shenanigans for the weekend begin.

 = So what if I just totally screwed myself by calling out my dissertation chair for her inadequacies. I mean how are you going to tell me on the deadline day (TODAY) that oh by the way, you were in the wrong unit for 15 weeks...whoopise!!  Um, no... #lostmyshit All I know, someone better make it right because I have a very extensive repertoire of complaining, whining, and writing seething emails. 

= So what if I am between about 5 sites I may want to use to redesign this bloggy blog. I like what I did here, but I am thinking that I might want a different, more polished look. Read: I need this shit to look professional. 

= So what if I am ready to throw this iPhone across the room. It won't send any messages through iMessage. It goes to send, then says unsent and I have to send it as a text. Isn't this shit bag phone smart enough to just send it as a text...

= So what if maybe I am annoyed and need to take a nap. I can't sleep Spring Break away.. I mean I might miss something on Pinterest or Facebook

Speaking of Facebook, I posted this little Ad on my Jamberry Facebook page. Check if out and if you are interested, hit me up! It might make my mood a little bit better. 

For more info, shoot me an email justcallmesparkles at gmail :)

Don't forget to show some love to me and to my linky friends! 

Laters,

Inspiration Monday: Financial Strides with YNAB

Hey Y'all!! I'm linking up with these fabulous blogs this week to jump back into the blog world ;-) Check out these super cute blogs that are jam-packed with fabulous recipes, activities, crafts, etc. 

So like most people, I am excited about Christmas coming up but I can't lie... it always causes a bit of stress because while my hubs and I have decent jobs - it always feels like we are stretching the dollars even farther than we normally do. We've had several conversations lately that usually include the catch phrase "We work too hard to live this frugal". Now, I love me some coupons, lets not get that twisted. I will hold up a line while I go through my binder. Go ahead with your dirty looks... nothing feels better than feeling like you totally made Publix your bitch. 

So I decided that I wanted to make a budget.

Pretty much my thought in regards to budgets. I don't even keep a checkbook register. I have the mobile app that I check like 459 times a day. Whatevs... So I begin searching for something that I can actually use, understand, and hopefully rope my husband into using as well. (HAHAHAHAHA).

While Quicken was an option in my head, the new versions are a no-go for this Mac girl so I moved on sadly to find something else. Mint... ehh, I like to put things in my check register (when I use one) so I can see from what check things get paid. I don't like waiting until after stuff as already hit the bank account which is what Mint does. That does not work for this girl. 

So I searched...and searched...and searched... (really, this was a bit much) and I found an app on the Apple Store, "You need a budget" aka YNAB. I did some reading, watching some videos and I decided that it was pretty user friendly. However, the price tag at $59.99 held me back a bit. I mean for someone who is trying to formulate a way to save, the last thing I want to do is dish out $60 bucks on a "maybe I'll use it". So I hopped over to the website & downloaded a 34 day free trial.

So far so good. It did take a little bit to set up & get the info. rolling but I love that you can set up the budget to give every dollar a job whether it is paying something off or sending it to saving or heck even starting to plan for things you know are coming up later in the year, like these damn Vet appointments that leave me broke as a joke after. I set up a few "payables" that will set aside money for those upcoming things to help either off-set the cost or complete have it ready to be paid when the time comes... hello car registrations, 2 in the same month after no pay for 2 months from summer. Yep, that sucks every year.

So I am going to give this a whirl... poor timing perhaps as here comes fat boy and all his jolly, gift-giving goodness. But I figure its better to start now to maybe keep a better handle on crazy spending. Since we operate in a cash only world (no credit cards, none, not even one)...our pennies count. So here is to 34 days of trying to become more budget aware. Wish me luck!

Boots and Beads

Ahoy Mateys!!!

For those of you that are wondering why the pirate introduction - it is officially parade season!! I am part of a fabulous pirate krewe and we do several local parades including the Gasparilla Pirate Invasion in which thousands of "pirates" take over the city of Tampa to pillage and plunder. We have parades, 5K's, and several other events that go on and Gasparilla Season starts in January officially but this weekend we have our first parade of the season, The Veterans Day Parade which is just south of us in Ruskin. Nice little parade, throw some beads & honor those who have fought for our freedom to have such celebrations and all of the other fabulous stuff we have to celebrate. We also visit the VA Hospital and the spinal injury unit which is sometimes difficult because several of the patients are just young boys. Its heartbreaking but I love to go in and bring a smile to their face.

So for this #backthatazzup link up - I figured some parade music would be fitting to start off my weekend.
A little Wobble to get the groove going... Not sure what it is about this song, but I can totally have this on repeat all day. Have you thanked a Veteran? Well if not.. hello?! What are you waiting for? You've got all weekend to recognize someone that has given their life to the service of this fine country. I would like to say a huge "Thank You!!" to all those that are serving, have served, and those who are currently serving. A special dedication for Vet's day with some of my favorite "All-American" songs :) 

The Collective - Link up

I'm linking up with Peacoats & Plaid again to meet up with some other bloggers and gain a bit more of a following. Ever feel like your blogging to yourself!?! Well.. Go link up and get yourself some followers! Also, check out the Peacoats & Plaid blog. It has quickly climbed to the top of my reading list! 

5 on Friday

I am Linking Up with Darci over at The Good Life blog for a 5 on Friday. I can't tell you how cute her blog is, and her little one is a doll as well! I may be jealous of her super cute Halloween deco. & cute gifts she has posted right now as well. I am really pumped about the time I have been able to spend reading and exploring blogs this week. I have found some real gems. Go over and follow her blog, I am sure you won't be disappointed & of course while you are there, LINK UP!

1. Thank goodness we finally enjoyed a touch of fall this morning!! I was super excited to get in the car and see a nice crisp 64 degrees! Granted it shot up to mid-80's like a bottle rocket but I will totally accept 80's over high 90's ANYDAY! Best part of all.. low to no humidity. Yes, I had straight hair today!

2. Still loving my roses from my hubs this week. They are beautiful & make me smile. They make me smile even more because he used my wine craft as a case. HA!

3. I mean it doesn't get much funnier than this. This would be Vera. She is such a pistol, very vocal and in desperate need of a hair cut (that is coming later this evening). She looks a hot mess, but she loves her Skull & Crossbone hat. She is gonna be a punk rocker for Halloween I believe. She is a big time daddys girl even though she is my dog. But a Diva nonetheless. 

4. Speaking of Diva's... Yea, I know of a few people who this sign could apply to, including yours truly. I mean if an adjustment is needed then so be it. But those who try to wear the tiara but can't fulfill the job - just got ahead and step off. #igotthis  Perhaps I should have some wine this evening ;-) ...its been a long week!

5. Drumroll please.... I am super excited to say that I am going back to visit my favorite city in a few weeks. The opportunity presented it self & my hubs was supportive so..... I am heading to....

New York City!!!!!!!

I cannot wait! I am so pumped about this trip. Just a short little weekend, but I am a-okay with that. Get some shopping in for Christmas, see some sights. Woot Woot!! I'll try not to be obnoxious about it, but I make no promises. #sorrynotsorry

That my 5 on Friday! Go link up and share your 5! In true gossip girl fashion, XOXO

Social Blog Hop

I'm linking up with Peacoats & Plaid for the Social Hop. I have really been wanting to gain some  some blogger friends  of course some followers (I kinda feel like I'm talking to myself here) but have really been unsure as to how this is really done. So I will try this social Blog Hop and see how I can connect. Thanks Bre at Peacoats & Plaid. Don't forget to go follow her! I really enjoy her blog. It is a mix of family, personal, creating.. I love blogs that are a great mix.