Renewal

It has been a while but it feels good to be back! Do you ever have those times when you want to write and blog? You really have a drive and determination to stay up with it, produce some good content and it is fulfilling in a way? Well I hit a major wall around May and I struggled to get through it I honestly felt like I was writing 'mucho blah blah blah' as my husband says and there was a lack of substance. So I decided to step back and let it be for a while until I was really compelled to write or at least share daily or weekly happenings. It has been a few days and I have wanted to get back at the computer to start up again but I waited. I have been thinking about all of the things that I want to document and share and post about so I decided it was a good time! It has been a busy summer that includes Paris (!!!!!!), a big ol' surprise visit home to see our friends and family, and the arrival of our puppies from the U.S. So now I actually feel like I have some things to share and write about that have some meaning. I am also looking at my last week of vacation before back to work (No!!!!!) but it is okay. I am still searching for someone to give Just Call Me Sparkles a big old make over but I have a few prospects so hopefully one of them will be my knight in shining HTML and I think that will be a big encouragement as well. I just need some new.  So what better way to get back at it than to participate in a little link up :)

1. I am looking forward to getting back to school. Say Whaaa????  I know, I know. It may or may not have something to do with the bag full of new school supplies that I am going to take with me ;-)

2. This ankle. For the love of all that is holy, this ankle. So back in May/June I really hurt it (again) and I finally went to the doctor to see if there was anything that could be done. I prayed for them to say no boot, and no surgery and they said neither of those! Hooray - or so I thought. You see I would rather have that than some BS physio therapy that was a complete joke. I mean it felt better and I thought that I was getting some range of motion back. I was almost able to walk correctly again, mind you that I finished PT in July before we left for Paris. However there is a persistent soreness/ache that just doesn't quit. Today walking I stepped down on it while walking Princeton and bam... we are back at square one. Over it doesn't even fully express the level of WTF that I am feeling. I need to find a new doctor.

3. Netflix. 

I love you Netflix.

We just finished watching the entire series of Sons of Anarchy. Late but whatevs. SO GOOD! I never thought that I would be into the show but I now understand the times I would text friends that were highly into the show and they wouldn't answer. Totally get it now. 

4. I'm going to write it and everyone in the UAE will say duh, but this heat! I mean, I have never, ever felt anything like it. You pray the breeze not to blow because it is so hot. The heat just envelopes you as soon as you leave the comfort of the antarctic that is known as our apartment. At a scorching 115-120 (with the wind and heat index even more!) there really is no reason to go outside unless there is an emergency or... no, there is not reason. I now understand why delivery is everything here. Everything. And worth every penny might I add. 

5. I rekindled my love of make up while back home. I had a major make up obsession that I really tried to get in check when I left the U.S. but who the heck was I kidding? I went a wee bit nuts in Sephora and Ulta back home. We have Sephora don't get me wrong but it is just different back home. They have everything whereas many of the items that you see on Vloggers and Youtube channels are not here yet. #Annoying so I went ahead and stepped back into that obsession and I'll have that in one of my upcoming post.

6. SnapChat. I really feel like Snapchat has stepped up the game of so many bloggers & vloggers. I, for one, love that I can go on and keep up with my favorite bloggers on the day to day in a real way that isn't just a picture. I follow tons of people from Instagram and I have to say it is quickly becoming my #2 for social media. I mean I could NEVER betray my beloved Instagram which is holding steady at #1 but Facebook for me is slipping into that 3rd rank because all the political propaganda and experts on everything has me like ...

Make sure you go link up.

I'm out.

Friday Favorites :)

Hooray for Friday, which is really Saturday, but that is a whole other confusing story. So I am linking up today for my Friday fav's so let's do this, shall we?

My new little car - isn't she darling? I am stoked to have a way around this emirate now! Most of all - I am thankful for no more cabs!

*name to be announced when I figure one out

This is my niece Bella. She is the funniest and most expressive doggie ever. She likes her mommy to send me snapchats..often.  They always make me smile. She is currently spending a lot of time with her cousins before they come to Abu Dhabi.

My baby boy Princeton. He is such a smoochy face! I miss him so much & I cannot wait until he gets a stamp on his doggie passport and gets here!

Some of my favorite sights of the week

Aldar HQ building. The first circular Skyscraper. It is huge & really pretty. I can also see it from my new prospective apartment in Al Raha Gardens.

My School! 

Who knew they even still had these? 

The roof in the Aloft hotel.

Myself and a former teacher at my school back home who got here in August. I will tell you that Brunches here in Abu Dhabi are unbelievable. Food & drinks for hours!

Abu Dhabi sunsets can't be beat. 

Things that made me laugh this week

Yep. All day. 

Go find this list on Spotify - I died. 

Hope you wrap up the week, enjoy some Christmas shopping or whatever festivities you might be partaking in and have a great weekend :) 

Go and visit some other great blogs in this weeks link ups!

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!

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

Confessions of a slack ass blogger

Forgive me blog world for I have sinned, it has been 10 days since my last post...Yeah, it has been over ten days, oppsie. I mean seriously, how is a girl supposed to work, keep up a house, write a dissertation all the while remaining socially in touch with friends and family AND maintaining fabulous status? #thestruggleisreal

So when I signed into Bloglovin to just read a little this evening, I immediately felt super guilty. Not because I have all these followers that are depending on my next written word {bless your heart if you are..} but because I really want to blog for me. Annnnddddd... I've done some cool stuff the past 10 days. So I'll cover some of those events in my confessions for the week. 

:: yeah, the gym... Wtf is that? I am not sure what my issue is, I was so pumped before. But I did commit with my girl to get my ass there everyone morning at 5a.m. {kill me} starting April 1. So for now, bring me another cappuccino!

           

:: I am so over this dissertation bullshit. I feel like if I'm not being jerked around by some facet of this god forsaken process, my day just isn't complete. I mean hell, I am paying for this crap... WHO DOES THIS?!?!?  Dear sweet baby Jesus, please let me make it to the end... 

                                

:: I need a blog redesign, but I am lacking time and creative abilities -- any suggestions?

:: My dogs have been a special kind of pain in the asses lately, it's like they are conspiring against me to see who can make me crack my head open first in this house by constantly being under me feet. #furmommaslosetheirshittoo

:: I am currently trying to plan out blog post for future ideas and such, what are your creative inspirations? 

:: I am SUPER excited about my upcoming giveaway, so be sure to check back! 

:: I did the Electrodash 5K last Friday night. Ok, it was more of 3.8K because me and my friend may have taken one {or 2} short cuts. The 5K itself was ok, very Rave oriented, with everything glowing, loud electronic music, etc. But it was on a Friday night, after my first week back to work after spring break. Yeah, I probably should have consulted my calendar before booking that baby.

                                        

         

:: my hubs and I celebrated our 7 year anniversary on the 24th! We had a fabulous dinner at Flemings, aka The more $$ than sense restaurant. While the food was amazing, and we received some $$ off due to my husband working for the same overall company, it was just SO over priced. That Chocolate Lava Cake though....

:: I have started my Spring cleaning!! YES! And it will be almost alllllll done by this Friday! Yes, be jealous. 

Ok, so this is 10 days in a small little nutshell with a cute little link up. I found the blog Vodka & Soda through my reading, clicking & Blog surfing. I love when that happens!  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 :) 

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!