Weekly Wishes #8

Greetings!

Its that time again for weekly wishes! Did you set any goals for last week? If so, how did they go? Are you just joining me? Let me explain what happens for Weekly Wishes..

The Happenings: You share your weekly, monthly, or yearly goals/wishes/achievements and you get to be a part of this big group of people that are doing the same thing. Yay! Wanna join in? Check out The Nectar Collective.

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Well friends I don't know about you, but I'm off to a stellar start for the week. Not for any particular reason. I just feel good, rested, and in a fairly cheerful mood! Well no, I take that back... I'm really geeked, because although it seemed like it took foreverrrrrrrrrr, I finally have my new domain name up and running!!! (Thank to hubby to be!) YAY! I was Life Happens and now I'm A. Sparkle Says! Go ahead and take a look at the address bar and you'll see it. :) I'm chair dancing as we speak.. So without further ado..

Last Weeks Wishes

* No meat for one week - I did it!! I really really did it! This is a total big deal for me. Never did I think I could go even one day without meat and I did a week! I learned a big lesson in doing this that I didn't expect at all. It's like facing a fear and ripping it to shreds! It feels damn good I tell ya! More info on the next blog post about this.

* Focus on Etsy shop - Totally did this one too. I've rearranged and set things up the way I need them and I'm ready to start setting up sales with coupon codes. Anyone else ready for Mother's Day? Oddly enough, I now have been commissioned to make two sets of hats ands baby booties. I'm excited to get started. More updates to come on this later as well. 


This Weeks Wishes


* Start the Purge Process - For whatever reason I've felt the need to look through my stuff and get rid of all the things I don't need. I'm feeling a little cramped and that makes me anxious, so it's time to get this done. I'll start with at least 5 things, but the overall goal is to get rid of at least 100 items.


* Revamp the blog - I'd really like to find another template and change up some of my pages. So be on the look out for a new look. :)


* Weight Train & Exercise - I gotta put this one back on the list since I've fallen off. It seems like everyone around me is losing weight and getting in shape. It's mosdef time for me to get back on my grind, especially since Summer is fast approaching.



Welp, that's it friends! What are your wishes and goals this week? :)

Ciao! 



Weekend Rambles..

Greetings weekenders!

 

Have you been enjoying your weekend as much as I've enjoyed mine? If you read yesterday's post, then you know that I went to a festival! The weather was so beautiful and warm that I wore my favorite sundress that happens to be strapless. I did however have a denim jacket with me to fight off the morning chill. 

I went to an Arab festival, where there were arts and crafts,  a flag ceremony, various food tents with heavenly smells wafting from them and boths selling artisan crafts. 

I bought this necklace that I love! I immediately put it on even though I was already wearing a necklace. 

On to ramblings shall we? :)

* As a kid I used to loathe Sunday mornings! Unlike the excitement that Saturday brought, Sunday would just be boring boring boring like a sad little shriveled hot dog just laying all plain on a stale bun. Now that I'm older I cherish them. They bring a quietness that no other day provides and it allows me to recharge and be mentally prepared to go out and fight another day. 

* Do you ever pick back up things you used to do when you were younger? I used to read a lot of R. L. Stein books when I was a teen.  I was thinking of trying out reading another book like that.  Maybe a Steven King book.. 

* Is it just me or do you feel like you're at the grocery store at least 3-4 days out of the week?!?  I always seem to forget something when I go to the store. It's a shame really because I bother to make a list and everything! 

* Why is Mexican food so good? Even Tex-Mex is the bombdiggity. Just sayin'.

* I'm thinking that pretty soon I'm going to get off my ass and change up this blogs look and actually use the domain name I paid for!  Where do you have your site hosted? Is it user friendly? I need some help here friends! 

* I am SO IN LOVE with this song right now! 

Alright friends, that's it for me. What's on your mind today? 

Ciao! 

The Saturday Short..

Greetings friends! 

The Boo and I are out and about early today. Had a waffle or two at a 'new' place in midtown.. The morning is loving us with its sunrays and joy. The kind of morning where you ride with all the windows down and can't believe life is so good.

We're off to a festival now, which I'm sure will be filled with smiling crowds,  laughter,  and mysterious crafts that I will be tempted to buy.  I love a good festival, don't you? I have such good memories in my childhood of going to them.

What are you doing today?

Ciao!

Food Adventure #32

Greetings friends! 

I must admit something... Although I've eaten at and experienced the goodness of Waffle House, I've never had Huddle House. This past weekend though, I had the opportunity to give it a go! Oddly enough, I've really only seen Huddle House when driving to the North (and when I say north I mean Illinois, Indiana, or Ohio, because they're north of me) but to my surprise they serve 'Southern' food.  

I'm quite the breakfast addict, and I'd always heard that Huddle House was just like Waffle House, but better, so I was curious to see how they stacked up against each other. 

I got the smothered southern breakfast of sorts. Can't remember the official name at the moment, but it was a biscuit topped with sausage, hash browns, scrambled eggs, cheese, and white sausage gravy. Er... The gravy was white. Not the sausage. ;) I don't really mess with white gravy too tough, but I felt like living life on the edge that day and figured why not? 

Looks pretty good, right? The biscuit alone was glorious, so I was very happy with my choice. The Boo's breakfast involved a waffle, so I was anxious to see how it tasted. Now.. I used to be a sceptic about how good the Waffle House waffle really is. That is until I tried it and realized that NOBODY can beat the yummy gloriousness that is the Waffle House waffle. I'm sad to report that the Huddle House waffle wasn't even in the running. There was no yummy goodness to be found and the waffle was cold. I may as well have been eating a hotel continental breakfast waffle that had the taste level slightly above cardboard... Okay maybe I exaggerate a little here, but it just wasn't good. Lol. 

My smothered biscuit part was pretty awesome though. I was kind impressed at the extensive menu that Huddle House had, but for now Waffle House still lives as number one in my heart! 

Who do you like better? Let me know.. :)

Ciao! 

Weekly Wishes: 7th Edition

Greetings!

Its that time again for weekly wishes! Did you set any goals for last week? If so, how did they go? Are you just joining me? Let me explain what happens for Weekly Wishes..

The Happenings: You share your weekly, monthly, or yearly goals/wishes/achievements and you get to be a part of this big group of people that are doing the same thing. Yay! Wanna join in? Check out The Nectar Collective.

_____________________________________

Last Weeks Wishes

• Become a vegetarian - (for one week) I was a little hasty when I put this on the list. I really meant it to be for this weeks wishes. So, you know what that means... You'll see it below. However the goal last week was to do a practice run and prepare two meatless meals which I did end up doing. The Boo and I made pizza and spaghetti. I was really surprised at how I didn't miss the meat that much!! I kinda did on the spaghetti, but it wasn't too too bad.

•  Finish reading The Body Book - I was a little ambitious here! I still have quite a bit to read. I must have thought I was going to spend every waking minute reading it and of course that just didn't happen. Speaking of which.. I need a vacation. :) So let's call this a half done, because I did read it, I just didn't finish it.

• List an item on eBay - Yeah well... no this didn't get done either danggit! I haven't the foggiest as to why I can't seem to do this!?! I just have to set a time to get it done and just do it! Sigh..

This Weeks Wishes

• Become a Veggie Queen - Obviously being a vegetarian for one week was going to be put back on the list, but let's add that I'm going to kick ass doing it and not cheat in a moment of weakness!! :)

• Focus on my Etsy shop - The poor thing has been neglected for a while now, especially since we are getting into the warmer months. I need to rearrange, add, take away, & promote! This will all be done while attempting to watch some TV in the process. Ha!

To be honest with you, I feel like these two things are so big within themselves that this is quite enough to try and accomplish. Wish me luck! I have the feeling that I'm going to need it!

Ciao!

Weekend Rambles..

Greetings!
 

I hope everyone has had a great weekend and Happy Easter (if you celebrate it). I'm thinking this will be a fun installment to my weekly posts. A way to share random thoughts in my head and just a free way to write with no structure whatsoever really. And so...

• I used to love Easter when I was a kid! I think it and Christmas were right there on the same level. I would wake up every Easter and there would be a brand spanking new colorful basket filled with shiny wrapped, yummy filled chocolate eggs and other assorted candies and my brand new bunny for the year! Oh how I loved my bunnies! Even after I knew the Easter bunny wasn't real I still wanted a basket. Ha!
• I'm here to tell you car naps save lives! Sometimes when I'm really tired at work, I'll take a power nap in the car on my fifteen min break. There is a lead up to the nap of course. First you get the not so good, cup of coffee from the breakroom and the caffeine helps for a while, but not all morning. Then the bobbing and weaving starts. You're physically typing and you catch your eyes opening back up, because you didn't know they were closed in the first place. So you straighten up and adjust yourself in your seat and say, 'Ok! I must stay awake..' Then despite what you've just told yourself and your body, you start to slide right back down onto that slippery little slope to sleepsville and then it's like, 'Oh forget it!!!' So you get up from your desk, drag yourself to the car, set the alarm on your phone, and in no time you've fallen asleep. Then after you wake up, you feel like you just slept in the car for the last five hours, because you feel that rested. I'm here to tell you it's happened man... after a nap I feel so refreshed that I don't feel the need to harm the nearest person anymore. :)
• If I was a man and had to dress in suits I would be the most snazzy thing out there! Have you seen all the new 'acceptable' colors that are in style now for men? I would wear a three piece suit everyday, with  a tie or an even more fun bowtie, and some Cole Haan shoes to match! Whaaaa? I'd be fly e-v-e-r-y-d-a-y. I keep trying to get The Boo to wear a bowtie, but he just won't do it! Is it wrong that I try to vicariously dress him through my style?
• Speaking of menswear.. Dare I say, I somewhat miss fashion in the 90's where you could roll out of the house and be dressed like a man, and it's considered androgynous and not something else.
• I may start writing a bunch of short stories in the near future. Do you read short stories? I always like the books that have story stories from different authors?

That's it for my ramblings today! What you do have on your mind? Tell me, I'd like to know!

Ciao!

The Saturday Short

Greetings!! 

I thought I'd share a short post today about my Saturday adventures with you. Currently I'm sitting in one of many dazzling Starbucks and sipping on a skinny vanilla latte, with sprinkles of vanilla, cinnamon,  and chocolate. Sounds good, no? 

I'm not sure what it is about Starbucks, but whenever I'm in one it makes me feel uber chic. I don't care if I look grimy or if I'm in name brand clothes, the feeling is always the same. 

I sitting back people watching and talking with you friends. Later on I'll go to the mall and probably buy something I don't need, but will absolutely love. 

What are you up to today? 

Ciao! 

The Taboo Conversation..

Greetings!
 

I'm just going to dive right in here to this subject matter, for the most part. I've been chewing on whether I really wanted to write a post about this or not since it's such a sensitive subject and often times people get offended easily. It's been weighing on my mind and so here we are my friends at the very first religion post (and probably the last) that I've ever done. So without further ado...

I am of the opinion that you should never talk about religion (or politics) at work. Are there not wars on the very subject..? Yet, almost on a weekly basis something is said about religion at my job. This week the subject came up through a conversation about Oprah of all people. I love Oprah. Oprah is awesome. I feel like she interrupts her guests a little too much, but I still love her nonetheless. No one is perfect after all. ;o)

So my fellow co-struggler said that he didn't like Oprah because of her religious views and that she wasn't a Christian. Now, I've watched enough Oprah shows to know that she is indeed a Christian and has respect for all faiths no matter if she agrees with them or not. This co-struggler (let's call him Bob) stated that Oprah believes that all faiths really are just worshiping the same God, but may call him by a different name. So in other words Allah of the Islamic faith and God of the Christian faith are one in the same, the religious texts are just different. Bob goes further to say that Oprah likes to pick and choose what she likes from Christianity and basically makes up her own religion. Therefore.... because she believes this way, she cannot call herself a Christian. Oh... and let's not forget that Bob is of the opinion that if you're not Christian then you're kinda not gonna make it through the pearly gates and into the land of milk and honey otherwise known as Heaven.

The thing that bothered me about this whole little tirade was that he was very quick to judge someone because of their beliefs and say that they're not a Christian because of x, y, & z. So wouldn't that be the same thing as going to church every Sunday, yet not living Christ like because you aren't treating people like you would want to be treated? How is that being a Christian? (according to the rules of Bob) Who is Bob to tell someone if they are Christian or not?

My purpose with this post is to simply see what your views are my friends. Do you agree with how Bob thinks or do you disagree? It is my understanding that what makes someone a Christian is the fact that they believe in and follow the teachings of Christ. Nothing more, nothing less. That's why they call it Christianity and not something else. ;o) Also, do you too believe as Bob does that only the people belonging to your religion will go to Heaven (or whatever term your faith has)?

My Opinion: I don't agree with Bob. One's faith, spirituality, or the lack thereof is something that I consider a personal thing. It's a journey that only you can travel, even though there will always be outside influences. I don't believe in judging people, plain and simple. You also shouldn't spew things as fact if you don't know for sure. It has been my experience that the people that are the loudest in saying someone else is wrong in what they believe are the ones that are the most insecure in their faith/spirituality. Although I don’t agree with Bob, if he chooses to practice his Christianity a certain way, I respect his right to do so, just like I would expect someone to respect mine.

Am I asking you to share something personal by stating your opinion? I sure am. Why? Because I'm downright curious to see what others think in this matter. It doesn't matter to me what your opinion is, just as long as you are sharing what is true to you. The only other request I have is to respect the opinion of other commenters.

Ciao!

Weekly Wishes: The 6th

Greetings!

Its that time again for weekly wishes! Did you set any goals for last week? If so, how did they go? Are you just joining me? Let me explain what happens for Weekly Wishes..

The Happenings: You share your weekly, monthly, or yearly goals/wishes/achievements and you get to be a part of this big group of people that are doing the same thing. Yay! Wanna join in? Check out The Nectar Collective.

___________________________________

Last Weeks Wishes

• Exercise, Clean, & write letters - The only one that I really did was exercise. The way I figure it is, exercise was the most important of all of these so it's still a win! 
• Prepare lunches the night before - er no..  This didn't get done. I think mainly because I just went home for lunch everyday. That and the fact that I had to do a retail store visit for my job and that one day of standing up all.day.long. made we tired for the rest of the week. I was so not thinking about making lunches.. 
• Cut out fast food - Hahaha.. Yeah no.. I had fast food at least three times last week and twice on one day (i.e. the day of the retail store visit ) It's just so convenient sometimes, especially when you're already tired. I will do better. 

This Weeks Wishes 

• Become a vegetarian - For one week anyway! Haha!  In an effort to be more healthy and to shock my body,  I'm not going to eat any meat all week long! This is a big deal coming from someone who is carnivorous! I could eat nothing but meat and cheese all day long if I had my way, so this will be a stretch for me.

•  Finish reading The Body Book - I actually love reading this book and have just put it down recently to get some other things accomplished in my free time. It has a lot of good information so I'm anxious to finish it and then go back it to for references.

• List at least one item for sale on eBay - I have an old phone I can sell that would make decent money. I really need to start saving more so this would be a great jolt to what I already have.

Alright friends, I hope everyone has a great week!

Ciao!

Weekend Rambles..

Greetings Friends!
 

I haven't done a random thoughts post in at least two years now, so I thought it was time. That and I suppose I have a lot going on in my brain that needs to come out. :)

• Sometimes I really love just being at home and not watching any television! It's so peaceful. I can actually think and sort out all of the jumbles of thoughts in my head. I also like the fact that I get stuff done, because let's be honest.. Once you start watching TV it's just a nonstop love affair.

• Is it just me to do you feel the need to whip out your camera every five seconds to take pictures of all of the blooms that are popping out right now? Why can't blooms just stay all through summer?

• A lot of my thoughts have been career minded as of late. I'm 32 (33 on May 29, Happy Birthday to me!) and thinking it's time to really do something to take me to that next level. Maybe it's because I'm in my thirties that I'm feeling this way or maybe it's just the fact that I want to feel like I'm doing something productive. I don't know..

• I really want to get rid of some things I'm not using right now. I also don't want to do it because then I have to take all that crap to Goodwill. I'd feel bad about just throwing it away. I hate to be wasteful.

• Wastefulness also extends to the fact that I hate running water while brushing one's teeth the whole time, because it's a waste of a natural resources. Oddly enough on the other side of the coin, I have no problem with running continuous water for a shower.. Ha ha! Twisted I know.

• Last but not least, I read an awesome blog post today and in the comments the writer said, 'Jump and your wings will open.' Whaaaaa? I loved that. So in other words, take the leap and you will succeed! This quote came right on time. But isn't that how things also seems to happen?

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That's it for now my friends! Have a lovely weekend!

Ciao!



Weekly Wishes #5

Greetings!

Its that time again for weekly wishes! Did you set any goals for last week? If so, how did they go? Are you just joining me? Let me explain what happens for Weekly Wishes..

The Happenings: You share your weekly, monthly, or yearly goals/wishes/achievements and you get to be a part of this big group of people that are doing the same thing. Yay! Wanna join in? Check out The Nectar Collective.

________________________________________________________________

Last Weeks Wishes


1. Exercise! (yes again!) - I did it!! I worked out three times this week and now I feel sore, shaky, and it hard to walk down stairs. Who am I kidding... it's hard to walk at all!! Lol. 
It's a good thing though. :)

2. Spring Clean - This was halfway done. I got something's cleaned and others are still seeking attention. I'll give this one another go.

3. Letter writing - started writing a letter that I haven't finished yet. Maybe I'll get to it this evening?



This Weeks Wishes

1. I still want to exercise, clean, & finish my letters and all that jazz, so let's just roll this into one.

2. Prepare my lunches the night before - It will just make life a lot more simple in the mornings if I do this. I absolutely hate being late for work, so this will minimize rushing.(which I don't like either)

3. Cut out fast food - In order to lose the 10 lbs I want by the end of the month I can't eat this stuff. To be honest, the fast food restaurants near me aren't very good, so no point in wasting money that way.

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So that's it kiddies! What are your wishes for this week?

Ciao!

Weekend Adventures: The Car Show

Greetings!

Last weekend me and The Boo got up early and scurried on downtown to The Atlanta International Car Show. I have very fond memories of going to car shows when I was younger. There would always be fun booths to look at, shiny cars to sit in, and people from all over to look at. Never a dull moment really and it kept my young mind occupied. I hadn't been to a car show of any kind since then (probably age 10) and so I was very excited to go to one as an adult!

I didn't expect to see classic cars there, and I was surprised to see some old NYC and Atlanta police cars as well as the car from the Andy Griffith Show! It was pretty cool seeing the NYC police car. It was like being able to see the something up close an personal that you've only seen on TV.

Now, the best car there is one that I have coveted since I was three years if age and I saw that Barbie could have one too. Except I'll take mine in yellow! It is my favorite color after all. :)

Yes! The 2014 Corvette Stingray!! I salivate....

I don't remember there being so many people going to a car show before, but there were a butt load at this one! Some cars (such as the Corvette & the Camaro) had so many people gathered around that you had to stand in line just to sit in the car and even when it was your turn, people were halfway rushing you to get out! :)

All in all we had a lot of fun and I for one look forward to going back again next year!

Hope you had a great weekend!



Ciao!

What do You Want to be When You Grown Up?

Greetings...

As of late, I've been really thinking about what it is that I'd like to do with my life and what I'd like to accomplish. When you're a kid, people always ask you what you want to be when you grow up. I've known since I was five that I wanted to be an artist. It was always my first love. I was good at it, it made me feel great, and it was fun.

I didn't understand at the time why I would always get that funny look from adults when I said I wanted to be an artist or have a job in a creative field. While they would gush all over my peers for wanting to be lawyers or doctors, I was left standing there baffled as to why they weren't excited for me too! I understand now that I would get those looks, because in their head they were saying "You poor delusional child. You will never make any money doing that. You need a 'real job' dear." 

Not being interested in anything else I decided to follow my dreams and I set out to be an art major in college and earned my degree. Now I am a paper pusher by day and an all around creative artist person by night, because let's face the facts: Everyone needs a steady paycheck.

When you're in school and have the opportunity to do internships, that's great and gives you a leg up. But what about the adults wanting to make a career change and pursue what they really love? How do you break into the game?

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The question that I pose to you dear friends is: Do you think it's better to train/go to school for something that will make you money and you will possibly hate......?

 Or

Pursue something you love and are passionate about, with the possibility of not making much money at it??


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Some people argue that you should go for the career that makes you money, because more than likely you'll hate your job anyway. They figure if you couldn't make money as let's say a singer, then you'll have to have a job nevertheless. May as well be one that pays well.

The other side of this is why not pursue what you love? I don't know about you, but if I was doing what I loved, I wouldn't mind working 24/7 to get the job done!

 Are you doing what you love? Did you pursue something you never liked, but it pays well? Share your opinion and your story! I'm curious. ;o)

Ciao!