Best.Friday.Ever.

Where the heck did November and December go? I blinked and boom!! 7 days till Christmas.
I am not complaining one bit though! Happy Friday, friends! Lt's get to my favorites for this week.


1. Blog, Life, Menu planners from Yellow Bliss Road To be completely honest, I am unsure how I stumbled upon the site. Probably a Pinterest session gone completely right but I do love a good planner. I have tried them all and I just can't seem to find the absolute perfect one. I love these planner for a few reasons. 1. Affordable 2. Digital Download and 3. SUPER cute! I am still deciding on my design. Which one would you choose??

*Image is from Yellow Bliss Road

2.  This cozy angel wrap from Home Shopping Network. I can't even put into words the level of LOVE for this gift. I bought them for my mom and sisters for Thanksmas and my mom happened to buy me one! Granted I cannot use mine year round but these desert nights lately have been the perfect time to get cozy with this. Perfect price point and shipping guaranteed for Christmas. It is a great gift or a nice little to me, from me gift #treatyoself

3. Speaking of being able to cozy up with my Angel wrap, I will vote the weather lately in the Dhabs as a favorite. Mid to high 50's at night time. Yassss!!! 

4.  Since fireplaces are not really a fixture in the homes here. 

5. It is that glorious time of year that all teachers long for.. Winter Break! Or Christmas Break as I call it.  I have big plans since I am not traveling anywhere; I brought work home to do. But in reality..

Have a great last weekend shopping before the big day! Don't forget to link up.

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!

Fashionably Late

As many times as I wrote this post in my head yesterday, it just never made to the keyboard. You know you love me <3

// Can we talk about the fact that almost everyone in my group got their plane ticket on Thursday.... except me and a few other ladies. I have really tried to be positive, upbeat, but that was like getting kicked. I am happy for my groupies that have their ticket {maybe a little sideeye going on here} but I wanna travel with them. So here is to hoping that I get my ticket on Sunday or Monday or Tuesday. I am flexible like that. I will say that this happening has mde me extremely anxious and everytime I hear my mail chime on my iPhone I practically jump out of my skin. Lucky for me, I set a special tone to that email so now no more running to the phone. Who am I kidding, I am carrying my phone around with me like a newborn...

//Did I mention that the leave date on those gorgeous tickets is Thanksgiving Day?! God has a funny way of keeping me from all that glorious food that I really shouldn't consume in mass quantities. He is a real jokester, he is.

//All I can do is dream about emails.

//All I can do is dream that I get emails that say the plane is full and I have to wait longer.

//At least I am {restlessly} sleeping, right?

My brain sounds like an awesome place to be right now, doesn't it? I am kind of disappointed with myself because I have no been a spazz this entire process and now I am entering looney bin world. I pride myself on not being an anxious person and being pretty chill but yesterday was horrible. I felt anxious, sick, depressed, tired, and just blah. I know this process is like this and I felt pretty well prepared to take it on so maybe I am just being too hard on myself for one bad day. I am determined to not do any repeats of that...because honestly, that just sucked.

Weekending

I think that well spent part is really up for debate. Do I believe that a day spent with Hulu, America's Next Top Model and my pups is a well spent day? Abso-freaking-lutely. Then again it is not like I am doing a whole lot these days but blogging, browsing Pinterest or Instagram, or watching T.V. The weekend really was a great one though because as nice as it is to be off everyday, my friends are not. You always forget that caveat when you are lounging around on your week days off. You are the only one lounging. Lame. 

So in my weekending, Friday was one of my better thought out days. Living about 20 miles from where I am used too I have found that it is necessary to make the most out of the trip so I am not driving back and forth along the interstate multiple times a week for one or two things. So I knew that I needed a new pair of jeans, so I decided to make an evening of the trip and have dinner with a friend then ice cream with another. It is all about spending time wisely and food + ice cream  = time well spent to me. 

Saturday was a fabulous day of more not so big plans. My sister and I went and indulged in severely needed pedicures, then took another trip to the mall so she could spend her Charming Charley's gift card. I was pretty proud of the fact that I purchased nothing.  #povertyNovember  I should have planned this move out of the country long ago, it would have curbed my shopping bug. Yeah, probably not. 

Sunday - well as stated above, I was pretty useless to the world around me as I did absolutely nothing. I did shower (you're welcome) but that is about all my day consisted of. I did forget how much I used to enjoy ANTM and to see that they are on cycle 21 on Hulu I know I have catching up to do. However, I will have more than enough time once I get across the ocean so I need to save some up. Speaking of across the ocean, I have passed security so I am just waiting for my visa!! Hooray! So now I am entering the just wait period when I am checking my email like a crazy person 32 times a days because the ticket could just slip in there at any given time. 

Living on the edge as usual,

Linking up with these beauties - make sure to check them out!

Dreams and VPN's

Confession: Last night was the first night that I dreamed of finally boarding my plane and making it to Abu Dhabi. I am kind of surprised that my overworked mind had not played this scenario out prior to now. I am actually pretty proud of the fact that I haven't gone in to full-blown, ugly cry freak out yet. But then again, that just isn't me. I am so thankful for this opportunity. I know that many cannot even fathom doing something as big as this. I think it is such an amazing gateway to such bigger things. I cannot wait to experience the culture and the lifestyle differences. Oh hey, tangent.. let's re-rail this post, shall we. 

In my dream, Abu Dhabi is horrible. I landed in the middle of the desert with nothing in sight and no idea of what I was supposed to do. I was all alone with no one. It was like I was transported to the middle of the desert and just kind of left. Obvi that is not going to happen because we will land at an actual airport. Much to my dismay in said dream, I had also forgotten to download the VPN on my laptop. The things that take priority in my little life, right? Nevermind that I didn't have directions, suitcases, or a place to live but sonofa if I didn't forget to download the VPN before leaving. I remember in my dream being very mad at myself. So I guess I will put that on my short list of BIG things to do. I am sure that this dream is a spin off effect from the placement news I received the other day about my school. I will be in an all girls High School in Abu Dhabi City. I am so thrilled with my placement that I cannot even begin to say. I definitely hoped to be placed near the city and I am happy with high school since it is what I am used to now after being in high school the last four years. 

**email check break** As per usual, SQUIRREL!! I was writing then got a notification from my email that has a special tone for important emails, like from my rep. that is in charge of my visa. Yep, well that went off, my heart dropped as usual and there is was. I had passed security and I am just waiting on my visa. My proposed leave date is two weeks, if not sooner. Right, smack dab during the middle of Thanksgiving week. That should go over like a fart in a space suit with my mom. Can't wait to break this news... oh wait, yes I can! 

So two weeks -- what would you do in the last two weeks before you left the country? I guess this calls for a list.  I am going to jam out and link out with Helene for the #SOTWW. Have I mentioned that I love her blog? Please do yourself a favor & check that business out. I have a list to make. I'll be jamming to one of my favorites..

Friday Favorites

Happy Friday, Friends! 

Well you see I have been on a perpetual weekend since October 3 so really today is not like a big end to my week of working because yep, haven't done that since October 3 either. I know, I know what a bad problem to have right? Well I have been working it has either been packing, cleaning, organizing, arranging, throwing crap out or tending to other things that I have needed to get done for a while. But that whole work thing just gets in the way and before you know it, you've spent a month "off work" but working even harder than you would have had you just went ahead and clocked in for the day. Irony at its finest. 

So before we get the weekend started (and I continue said perpetual weekend) here are some of current favorite things:

Yes, crocs. I know they are pretty hideous. Yet, when you have to take four dogs outside every 23 minutes because someone sound the damn alarm there is a squirrel in the yard again they are quite convenient. I also happen to think that they are pretty darn comfy since all flat shoes kill my lower back. So I may be without dignity, but my feet are not swollen or uncomfortable #sorrynotsorry 

I saw this picture while trolling through Pinterest and I was like, "Man, that would be really cool to do someday"...um, hello - that someday is coming pretty damn quickly. Idiot. 

Again, trolling Pinterest on my perpetual holiday and I am having thoughts of printing this e-card to give out while I am in line at stores. I freaking hate when people do that. I mean I would like to run from your wretched breath and most likely screaming child because you've been texting and not paying attention to them on your three hour venture to target and they are now not only tired but hungry as fugg. For the life of me back it up, sista. 

I always love Fall. In Florida, we really don't get much a Fall experience. It is hot, hot, hot, then BAM, 58 degrees, then back to hot. So I have always wanted to live somewhere that I can see the change of leaves, the crisp touch the air and actually have a reason to wear one of my 78 scarves. Yep, Abu Dhabi won't offer any of that. Moving Fail.

What Abu Dhabi will offer is this breath-taking view. I mean while it is a world away, I cannot wait to take in sights like this. Can I puuuuullleaseee get my ticket soon?

However, while I am waiting for said ticket - can someone make this for me? Directions are here.  Isn't that nice, I even provide directions for no additional fee. Friend of the year right here. I love love love the stenciled leaves. Makes me miss my Halloween coffee mug with candy corns that I have glued together at least 3 times and is packed lovingly into my POD that is on its own adventure into the wilds of the Tampa/Pinellas area. 

I have definitely learned this over the past two months. With moving and all that crap you really do find out who your friends are. I have redesigned my time to those who mean the most and those who actually try to connect with me. I spent a lot of time at first trying to make people be happy and accomodate people to meet up, have dinner, drinks, etc. It took one person saying to me, No, those people should be seeking you out - YOU are the one that is moving and has an overflowing plate. She was absolutely correct. It is funny the change of surroundings once I took on this mindset. 

This made me laugh for so many reasons. 

1. that puppy's face is darling. 

2. My dogs, while they have adjusted well to our new co-habitation, do have the tendency to be assholes. I thought this might be a nice alternative to the crate as timeout. 

3. I remembered Princeton, the Sharpei, is 39 pounds. I would need a crane to get him in this. 

4. I laughed because I thought this might be the perfect Christmas present for my hubby!! I'm sure he would not see the amusement. 

Hope everyone has a great weekend. I am working on being more organized with the blog and brainstorming some post. What do you use for inspiration?

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!

Blogtober :Day 4

So as I was catching up on my reading of blogs earlier today, I came across this fantastic idea by Helene of Helene in Between and Taylor of The Daily Tay. Since I am no longer working and desperately wanting to get back on the blog wagon prior to my departure I thought this would be a great idea to get my mind back on track. It might also be an outlet since my day to day human interaction is going to be quite low which means I will also increase conversations with Princeton, Weezy, and Vera and while they are stellar listeners they give little to no good advise. Rotten Dogs.

So here it is Day 4 of the Blogtober14 challenge & it is my favorite post on Instagram. Dang, lets start with difficult right out the gate. I have a lot of favorites on my IG (@justcallmesparkles) but I think that this one can be labeled as a favorite: 

One of the only pictures that I could get these rascals to stand still for long enough to get picture. There may have been french fries in my hand. I am not above bribing.

I loved today's prompt as I am always a fan of a little trip down memory lane. Looking forward to posting again tomorrow!