Pet Peeves

My top 10 Pet Peeves

Yeah, I am pretty sure that this will be easy since lately I have wanted to high-five more than one person in the face with a chair lately. Sorry...that is the packing/moving stress talking...maybe. Or my lack of tolerance for annoying people and stupid shit.

1.  Text back that say "K". So I text you a full sentence, or hell, maybe a phrase or statement and you can only muster a "k" in return. Oh Alright.

2. Teenagers that talk super loud and say completely inappropriate things just to get attention. Seriously, why are kids so damn attention hungry. Oh wait, they don't have always have positive role models at home. It is still a pet peeve #sorrynotsorry

3. Vague, Ambiguous statuses on Facebook. I mean just post, "Please come to my pity party" because that is all that people do that crap for.

4. The invasion of the snow birds into Florida at this time of the year. Seriously.

5. Screaming kids in Target. I get that kids have melt downs, and I understand that it is hard for parents. However, it is my sanctuary - please give that kid a candy bar or take 'em home.

6. When your standing next to someone and someone else walks up and wedges themselves in-between you.  #rude

7. When people tell me, "You're not a mom, you wouldn't understand"

8. When my wi-fi won't connect. I.can't.even.

9. When the packing tape gets stuck on the tape gun. @#$%^&

10. The gas light in my car. Bitch comes on at every single inopportune time.

Don't forget to link up with Liz @ Fitness Blondie & check out some of the awesome bloggers that are linked up. I have found some awesome blogs via this link up!

Want to participate in the last few days of #Blogtober14,  click on the pic below!

Summer Link up

Oh HEY!!

Summer Break is the best.time.ever. Yeah I know.. most of y'all are working and I'm over here just wanting to work on my tan ...

I wanted to do this great little link up that I came across this morning as I was sipping my coffee and planning my post for the week. No worries, the winner of the giveaway will be announced later today in a different post. Yep, I'm gonna make ya wait - but hey, you're blog will get a shout out later. #winning in more ways than one!


Don't forget to check out Amy @ The Crazy Wise Woman. I just found her blog and I'm loving it so before to send some love and of course, link up!

The one thing I am most looking forward to this summer is getting this arse back to the gym and on a plan that I let go the last few months of school. Today is my first day of 21 days of no cheating. Look for that post later today ;)

The most annoying person I know is I don't know if I have any annoying people in my life currently. I just kinda phase them out because I have no time for people who piss me off.

I would like to meet people for a healthy lunch, or perhaps a gym session...volunteers? 

After a long day, there is nothing better than peace and quiet, a tanning session & then putting some comfy clothes on.

The most embarrassing summer work uniform I ever had to wear was none! I've been fortunate in the work uniform department. I mean I rocked the shit out of that Walmart vest back in the day.

When I hear my alarm clock go off, I find that ol' snooze button. However, for this week and next - ain't no alarm bustin' up my sleep!

My favorite form of summer exercise is I would say none because that is where I am most comfortable, but I do love some boxing and I am excited to be going back now that I am all healed and ready to kick some ass.

When the ice cream truck comes I always ask for the screwball! 

The oldest article of summer clothing I own is probably my bathing suit cover up & bathing suit. I bought it before our honeymoon - 7 years strong! 

My favorite summer outdoor activity is swimming. It is too damn hot to just sit outside and feel like you're suffocating.

My favorite thing to grill is I don't grill. You see a frog has taken up residence somewhere in the area of the grill; therefore putting said grill in my off limits zone. But my hubby makes awesome burgers and hotdogs; I love both equally.

The worst summer date/romance I had was a blind date I went on with this guy I met online. (Don't judge me). He was smart, funny, and extremely good looking. However, he was a total ass and rude to the waitress which being a bartender/waitress at the time I was not having. I got up in the middle of the meal and said - you're a real asshole and I can't be seen with someone as rude and demeaning as you. Followed by the epic walk out of the restaurant leaving him at the table. 

My favorite summer drink is either a frozen margarita or a corona with lime...yumm!!!  I will be subbing water with lime over the next 21 days and pretending it is a fabulous corona.

There are times when I just wish summer would ease up on the freaking heat. I mean I get summer, heat, sun..but hell.. 98 degrees + 1,000 humidity... #calmthefuckdown 

The best song on the radio right now is Iggy's Fancy

Jimmy Buffett supplies fabulous karaoke for summer time.

My best summer vacation ever was  when my husband and I went to Key West for almost a week. It was hot as hell but we had a blast ride around the island on mopeds.

After I’m done reading/commenting here I am going to plan some more blog post and clean meals for the week and start drinking this water... ughh..

It's not summer until I see someone complain that they can't wait to send their kids back to school (which happened about 12 hours into summer, day 1) :)

Link Ups and a Giveaway

Well we can't let Wednesday get away without participating in some of my Fav link ups now can we?? Let's not forget my giveaway that is in full swing right now as well :)

In addition to the Hump Day link up by the ever motivating Liz over at Fitness Blondie

I will also be linking up with Covered in Glitter and Glue

Both great blogs you should definitely add to your reading list. 

So here is what I am loving on this fine Wednesday..

// I am stoked that this is the last working Wednesday for me! 

It is basically the last day of work eve for me since tomorrow we close down shop for my little 6 weeks off. Thank you sweet baby Jesus, because sista needs a break. 

// Additionally, I am excited about Wine Wednesday - I do believe that a glass is in order. 

// Pumped to be hosting a Giveaway with my dear sister Lindsay, from Just Keep Teaching. I mean who doesn't like free stuff especially when its cute decorating stuff, some free Jamberry Nails, and a gift certificate to TPT. Does it get better? I hope you are getting your entires!! If not, you're missing the boat

a Rafflecopter giveaway

10 Reasons I love Blogging

Today as I am browsing my feed via Bloglovin, I saw that Endlessly Beloved is hosting a great little link up about Blogging. It definitely jumped out at me because since I am still in rookie phase, I have lots to say about blogging and what it is doing and what I project it can do for me. So here it is.. my 10 favorite things about blogging.

1. An outlet. Blogging has provided me such an avenue to say the outlandish things that pop into my head. Being in a professional position within education, I am holding my tongue on the regular. All day, every day. Yet, I can come home and write to my hearts content even though I have to keep it vague but it really allows me to get things out there and frankly, just laugh at it. Most people think what educators do is a breeze but then they hear my stories. Honey, I can't make this stuff up!

2. Great People. I have stumbled upon some amazing, fun, witty, and down-right good people via blogging. Granted I have never had a face to face but there are some cool chicks out there and usually, they are always great for a laugh.

3. Endless inspiration. from writing, to crafting, to just reading some through provoking post. Blogs really give some excellent inspiration in all facets of life.

4. I love to see pictures. I like to see different places, outfits, creation, ideas, trips, etc. So when I find a blog, I automatically look for pictures. I love that people feel so open to share different things because otherwise many of the treasures out there I would never have the opportunity to experience.

5. Connection. There are so many people out there that are just like you. Blogging has given me a space to find these people that I might not have the chance to meet. Geographically there are great people everywhere and blogging is a huge avenue to explore that.

6. Social Media. I am an avid user and lover of social media and blogging just fits right in. I remember seeing a status update on Facebook "Your status shouldn't be a mini-blog" and I thought damn, isn't that the truth. Hence the start of this blogging journey.

7. Accountability. I find that if I am writing about my goals (I haven't cut my hair yet this year!!) or weight loss {move along.. nothing to see here..} I find that I feel compelled to be honest and truthful when sharing. So what I haven't lost weight, or maybe I want to share that I kicked booty in the gym this week. It keeps me on track, for the most part, and I am not flooding my Facebook.

8. It is mine. Okay, maybe that seems a bit trite but I like that I can control the look, design, feel, content, and sharing of this little space in the blogosphere.

9. Writing for fun. I am an Ed.D. student so this definitely gives me an avenue to write for fun. Maybe ramble... we will go with write ;)

10. So much out there. If you need it, there is a blog about it. It is like Google, but better!

Make sure you link up!! I cannot wait to read your 10 reasons you love blogging!

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 :) 

So What Wednesday Link up

 

This week I am saying SO WHAT if:

1. I post like 17 Blog post today. I am finally feeling better and I do what I want.

2. It is almost this coming weekend and I am still crafting my weekend recap of last weekend :) I had a great time and purposefully took pictures with the intention of blogging. So it may be late but it will happen.. so just read it.

3. I have been sitting on my chapter two of my dissertation for about a week now. I have some easy revisions to make, but frankly, I just don't feel like it. #nothebossofme

4. There are dishes in the sink that definitely need to be done.. *cough cough* I feel sick again....

5. I have made it through this sickness by surviving on BC power, Z-Pack, Strawberry-Watermelon Gatorade, and Strawberry flavored fruit snacks. 

6. I have missed the last two days of work and I know that there is crap stacked up waiting for my return... ugh!

7. I leave for NYC next Friday, who needs to pack or wash clean clothes.

8. My trainer has texted me the boxing schedule twice this week..does he not realize I was at deaths door step the last few days?! I mean seriously. 

I love this weekly link with up Shannon over at Life After I Dew, it is one of my favorite blogs to stalk  follow. You should definitely head over if you haven't already!

So what are you saying so what to??

#BackThatAzzUp

So in my reading around blogs I stumbled upon I Wore Yoga Pants by Whitney & I have to say that I think I fell in blog love! I adore blogs that are written in a personal, real tone and that convey who the writer is and you get a feel for the writer not just words on the screen. So after reading several post, and feeling like I was having a conversation with her, I can STRONGLY recommend that you follow her! I know I am.. and by the way she has a great link up that I can fully support because we all know I am a fan of my Friday Morning (or anytime really) booty shaking mix to end off the week & she host the #backthatazzup Friday. Aside from a stellar music link up... did you notice the hashtag? #mykindagal

I do love me some Macklemore. Great for house cleaning motivation, and driving a little over that speed limit ;-)

And still my absolute favorite song from this summer and my L.A. trip...

So I know that there is PLENTY of controversy about Ms. Miley, but I'll admit - I like her. Catchy songs, a voice that I like, plus I totally can belt her stuff in the car, shower, while cleaning.. You get the hint. So I was over on I wore yoga pants to work by Whitney (which is an awesome blog btw) and caught this little gem that I had missed. Well if you haven't viewed this version of We Can't Stop with The Roots & Jimmy Fallon... you definitely should!