BellaBud

My To-Do List

noreply@blogger.com (Crissa) — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 12:24:00 +0000

Today is going to be a very busy day, but I'm going to try and use this as my guide:

Do I Expect Too Much?

noreply@blogger.com (Crissa) — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 09:58:00 +0000

I think I do. I mean, I guess I do. I ask myself this question often and when I do, it always brings me to this quote...

After reading that, I can say that I definitely do. I don't know why because I frequently end up getting disappointed. Yep. I sure do. You see, I am a "giver". I'm generous, sometimes to a fault {how is that even possible?}. It's just what I do.

The logical part of me tries to block out any expectations. By doing this, I can protect myself, but still give as much as I can, within reason and depending on the relationship. Sometimes, the selfish side of me expects someone to do more than they did, but I try to remember that they are playing by their rules. That, my friends, is not always so easy [sigh...]. So I continue to be a work in progress.

Show appreciation,

One of Those Days...

noreply@blogger.com (Crissa) — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 00:05:00 +0000

We've all had 'em and I'm pretty certain, we all hate 'em. Today was just "one of those days". I couldn't seem to get ahead, catch a break, or even eat dinner. Some days my life is so crazy that I feel like I can't catch my breath. Here I sit, in the middle of checking work e-mail, preparing for a huge Thirty-One meeting on Saturday, closing a Thirty-One party, and bagging a previous hostess' Thirty-One order, Oh and blogging. What?!

I'm happy to report that my kiddos have both been to their practices, eaten dinner, done their homework and are now preparing for bedtime. I'm not so happy to report that I can hear both the washer and dryer going right now, and I'm sure I'll one of them will buzz any minute now to remind me that the laundry needs tended to {when doesn't it?}...

While it may seem like I'm complaining ~ I prefer to think of it as "venting" and venting helps me breathe better. The truth is, I like to be busy. I have to be busy. I need to be busy. I've been blessed in so many ways and I am thankful that I am able to do "all" that I do because I've come to realize that:

Just Breathe,

So What! Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Crissa) — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 11:35:00 +0000

Alright, let's do this! I love blogging on Wednesdays, Shannon at Life After I "Dew" makes it soooo easy for her groupies. This week, I am saying So What! if:

I take a ridiculous amount of sleeping photos of my 9-year old son. I love love love pictures of sleeping children and even though he's growing up {way too fast}, I can't get enough of these pics!

I didn't realize the awesomeness that is Shakira, before she joined "The Voice" I mean I know like two songs of hers (yes, she does have more than just "Hips Don't Lie"), but never realized how cool she was.
If all the boys on "The Voice" have a huge crush on Shakira, she's waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay nicer than Dirty X-tina and she's gorgeous.
It only took my best friend 2 1/2 years to host a Thirty-One party for me. She's doing it now and that's all that matters. She's going to freak when she sees how much free stuff she'll walk away with.
If my FedEx drives hates me because of yesterday's delivery. I'm just spreading the love that is Thirty-One. It's what I do :)

If it bugs me when people print and/or post blurry pictures. I mean, why? In this age of digital cameras and iPhones, it's not like you can't tell it's blurry. Point, Shoot and Try Again.
I tuned into the ACM Awards on Sunday night, for one reason and one reason only (and it sure isn't because I like Country Music). See photo below {enough said}.

I tried Spotify and I already ditched it. I hate the nasty green logo [there I said it]. Seriously, I like things to be aesthetically pleasing and seeing that big green dot on all of my devices made me slightly uncomfortable.
I dumped Spotify...I still have an extensive iTunes library, Pandora, Grooveshark and Sirius XM on all of my devices. All of which have much better logos.

That's all I have to say about that this week. Tune in tomorrow for something that's NOT So What! Wednesday.

Happy "Over the Hump" Day,

So What! Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Crissa) — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 10:15:00 +0000

Exciting things are happening over here at BellaBud today! So What! you say?...well of course you do because it's So What! Wednesday. Today I am saying So What! if:

I am Over the Moon about my pretty new blog design! I heart it. A huge thank you to my dear sweet cyber love, Emily at Blogaholic Designs. She is AH-Mazing!
I stayed up until the wee hours of the morning trying to figure out the nonsense that is the soon-to-be defunct Google Friend Connect.
I'm still trying to figure out the Google + Followers link. Good Lord, The Google is taking over the world and quite possibly our identities! WTH?
I still didn't figure out the Google + Followers shiz...for another day I guess.
I obsess and I mean obsess over John Mayer. It's no secret, I mean it's in my Bio for goodness sake.
I ordered my tickets to see John Mayer in Cleveland one minute after they went on sale last Friday.
I ordered my tickets to see John Mayer in Pittsburgh one minute after they went on sale last Saturday.

My mom doesn't "get" why I would buy tickets to see John Mayer in two different venues in the same month. Um because "I'm obsessed with John Mayer."
My kids are off school this week and my son texts me all day long with pictures and links of Wrestler Action figures that he wants. He's nine and completely obsessed with WWE. I'm really not sure where he gets that obsessive personality from ;).
I finally watched the movie 'Pitch Perfect' and I loved it. Where were the acapella singing groups when I was in college? I would have totally auditioned...

I totally overindulged in everything that was completely BAD for me over the past week. Bad as in candy, sugar, bread, donuts! I'm sick about it too. But there is a method to my madness...the Biggest Loser contest starts at work on Friday and I'm trying to get it all in beforehand. Mission accomplished. {sigh}
This blog is a work in progress. So much I want to do, to add, to say. Stay tuned my little "Buds"!

What are you saying So What! to this week? Visit Life After I "Dew" and dish. It's good for the soul.

Happy "Over the Hump" Day,

My Kindness Threshold

noreply@blogger.com (Crissa) — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 03:14:00 +0000

It's about to get real. Seriously. I think I've reached my "kindness threshold". Who would have ever thought that was possible? By all accounts, I am a very tolerant person [or at least I think I am] but the last week or so has certainly taken its toll on my patience. Buttons are being pushed, people and I am becoming rather irritated.

I won't go into the specifics, but let's just say that I am seriously tired of being taken advantage of. There I said it. It seems that in almost every facet of my life these days, I am being tested. As with everything that is me --- I care too much. It's who I am and it's what I do, and I am convinced that it's my biggest downfall. That care and compassion should not, however, be mistaken for weakness. Yes, I am kind but I am not weak {two totally different things}.

I gain my strength by learning from my mistakes. I trust freely, I care deeply and I give considerably. Those three attributes are what makes me who I am, but when you take advantage of any of them or all of them, then I'm going to have something to say about that.

You many not want to hear what I have to say, but I'm going to say it anyway {I'm Italian. I speak my mind}. So today, I think I'm going to "say what I need to say" to those who need to hear it.

Be kind~not weak,

Be Nice.

noreply@blogger.com (Crissa) — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 11:00:00 +0000

I'm going old school on my peeps today. Back to the basics, if you will.

Listen, it's like your momma always told you, "if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all." Plain and simple. Without going into details, I'm just going to say that if you are the type of person that has to pick on someone else just to make yourself feel better - then shame on you.

I'm a very observant person and I see and hear things and I take it all in {and then turn around and blog it all out}. Seriously though, I'm a firm believer in karma and I think it should be expected that if you treat people mean or disrespectful - you're going to get it back. Maybe not today, but it's coming for you. I'm just sayin.

I've had a few conversations with friends this week about this very same thing and it makes me so angry. "Simply Being Nice" is something that I preach to my children all the time and I'm proud to say that they even go so far as to, step in and stick up for friends that are being teased or picked on. It's common sense really..

Just Be Nice,

So What! Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Crissa) — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 11:12:00 +0000

Back for another week of So What! Wednesday? Thanks for stopping by! This week, I am saying So What! if:

I am overly excited about a new blog design! I feel like a kid on Christmas Eve...waiting for the big reveal. I am working with my dear, sweet cyber friend Emily over at Blogaholic Designs on a fresh, new, pretty design.
I haven't turned on the news in like three weeks. Seriously, I've been listening to music every morning instead of my normal early local news and then the Today Show. I can't even have it on for more than five minutes at a time without having to mute it so my 9 year old doesn't hear something inappropriate or traumatizing.
I use four different mascaras on my eyelashes...I have yet to find one that does all that I require for fab lashes.
I eat the same thing for breakfast everyday. Everyday. One hard-boiled egg and 2 turkey sausage patties. Can you say "creature of habit"?
I enjoyed the Kid's Choice Awards just as much as my kids did. Seriously loved it and cast my own votes in each category.

I think Kristen Stewart is one of the worst actresses on the planet. Zero personality and awkwardly uncomfortable in her own skin.
Have not even begun to prepare for our trip to Chicago to spend Easter with my sister and we're leaving tomorrow {freak out moment happening right now}.
I am still recovering from the Kid Rock Concert on Monday night. I never quite catch up on my zzzzzzzzzz's.
I'm going to b!tch about Facebook again. REALLY with the "Rate these Places", "Close Friend Suggestions", and "Suggested Posts"? I'm pretty confident that I can pick and choose who and what I want to follow based on my own personal preferences. Thanks, but no thanks, Facebook.
I am not watching Dancing with the Stars for the first time EVER because I want to focus solely on "The Voice". I love that show and am so happy with the addition of Shakira and Usher, this season too!

I'm blogging when I should be in bed trying to catch up on those zzzzzzzzzzzzzz's that evade me.

Well, that's all she wrote. Dish your So Whats! over at Life After I "Dew". You'll be glad you did.

Happy "Over the Hump" Day,

Don't Judge

noreply@blogger.com (Crissa) — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 12:18:00 +0000

Ha! I say this for two reasons...well, one because you shouldn't judge. And two because sometimes, you'd be surprised at the outcome.

So, I'm not really a big Kid Rock fan {I reserve all of my ridiculous musician-obsession for my heart, John Mayer} however, my husband's friend asked us to go see Kid Rock with him on MONDAY night [yes, a Monday night]. At first I did my usual 'eye roll' {insert judgement here} but then I got to thinking... My sister is a ridiculously huge Kid Rock fan and my BFF's have all seen him in concert. Everyone had the same sentiment, Kid Rock puts on a great show.

Hmmm, what else do I have to do on a Monday night? "I'm in!" At the last minute, we found out we had an extra ticket so we started making calls. Dana? Beth? Rae Ann? First come, first served. Rae Ann was the winner! As it turns out though, WE ALL WON.

First of all, Kid Rock truly does put on a great show - a fantastic, high-energy show. I was impressed! Second, Rae Ann was definitely worth the price of admission. You see, she LOVES Rock n' Roll. Actually, it's been her mantra for years. Anyone who knows her, knows she will scream, shout, dance and steal your tambourine if you let her.

We had an awesome time last night and I'm glad I set my judgement aside and rocked it out! Here are some pictures from our view.

Rock and Roll,

Palm Sunday Reflecting

noreply@blogger.com (Crissa) — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 13:44:00 +0000

It's no secret that I sell and I absolutely adore Thirty-One Gifts. Well did you know that the company’s name comes from Proverbs 31, which celebrates hard-working women who are compassionate, gracious and inspiring to their families and the people around them?

That's truly one of my favorite things about Thirty-One Gifts. Today, being Palm Sunday seemed like a good day to reflect on that.

Happy Sunday,

So What! Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Crissa) — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 11:19:00 +0000

So What! Wednesday, already? Sure is. Today I'm saying So What! if:

I don't put up Easter decorations. I really don't have many anyway, but I don't because we spend Easter in Chicago with my sister and we don't really do much entertaining this time of year.
I think it's RUDE with a capital 'R' that my brother-in-law's wife invited family over for Easter dinner from 6:00-8:00 p.m. with a hard "BOOT out the door" at 8:00 p.m. Because, and I quote "we don't want people here all night." Um yeah...I feel so welcomed. We didn't receive that invite because as I mentioned, we'll be out of town. It's a good thing too. Let's just leave it at that.
I think it's dumb to invite people over for Easter Dinner at 6:00 p.m. I mean what are they supposed to do all day until then? We eat early on Sundays and on Holidays in our family, so to me, 6:00 p.m. on a holiday is well...coffee and dessert. Maybe that's just me.
I haven't hopped on the Candy Crush bandwagon. I may be missing out, I'm not sure. I have definitely received my fair share of invites to play over the last week. I hear it's addiciting and let's face it friends...one thing I.do.not.need is another addiction. To my family friends who play it and love it - crush on!

I've decided to stay with Blogger as my blogging platform. I'm just getting my groove back and I don't want to take time to learn something new and what appears to be a little less user friendly.
The kids and I drove 50 minutes to Pittsburgh on Sunday to shop for clothing at some of the same stores we have in my home town. There is no sales tax on clothing in Pennsylvania and girlfriend had 40% off Friends and Family at the Gap. Score! Besides, my little man is growing fast and basically needed a whole new spring/summer wardrobe. Totally worth the drive.
If I spent hours [and I mean hours] organizing my YouTube channel, yesterday. Since Google seems to be taking over the world, YouTube is incorporated into my Google Profile and things needed to be cleaned up and organized. My OCD tendencies get the best of me in every facet of my life. Even YouTube...check out my channel here [it's a work in progress].

If you have something you are saying So What! to...dish over at Life After I "Dew", you'll be glad you did.

Happy "Over the Hump" Day,

Follow Along

noreply@blogger.com (Crissa) — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 18:38:00 +0000

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Security Blanket

noreply@blogger.com (Crissa) — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 09:56:00 +0000

Well, today I start my week out with a dead laptop. WTH! Yes, my laptop decided to bite the dust on Saturday and I am beside myself, to say the very least. Now, I AM fortunate because I do have an iPad and a work laptop (which I had to go fetch AT WORK on Sunday). BUT, my personal laptop is my security blanket. My husband calls my iPhone my "binky", so I'm pretttty sure my laptop is my "security blanket". Judging by the Wikipedia definition {a security blanket is an item used to provide psychological comfort}, I would say that reference is spot-on!

Funny thing is [well not really] I was going to start looking for a new laptop last week because we have plans for my ~~old~~ bit-the-dust laptop. Well, fast forward to Sunday and BOOM! Time to start shopping for a new laptop stat. So, that's just what I did and I've decided on an HP Envy. It's all cued up and ready for me to:

I'll be back in business soon, very soon - I hope. Now let's just pray my data is recoverable (God knows I back that puppy up for days). BTW, it pays to work for an IT company and have Computer Geniuses at your pretty-polished fingertips! ;)

Make Monday Matter,

Silent Sunday

noreply@blogger.com (Crissa) — Sun, 17 Mar 2013 15:09:00 +0000

Currently...

noreply@blogger.com (Crissa) — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 10:04:00 +0000

Currently I am...

Listening to: Phillip Phillps, The World from the Side of the Moon. Seriously, one of my favorite CDs evah! I have never even watched American Idol, but I am a huge Phillip2 fan. I'm always shuffling between Phillip2 and my boys Mumford & Sons. I love their Grammy award album of the year, Babel. Love. Love. Love. 'nuff said.

Watching: Nothing really. I haven't watched much TV in months, with the exception of Full House reruns with the kiddos. If I'm lucky I'll catch a few episodes of Castle each month. That show seriously is one of my absolute favs.

Reading: Teach Yourself WordPress in 10 Minutes. Exciting, I know. I'm debating whether to move my blog to WordPress or to stay here on good old Blogger. Currently the book is not swaying me in one direction or the other. [fellow bloggers...thoughts??] Oh and I'm reading my favorite blogs, daily...Life After I "Dew", First Name Smith, WobiSobi and A Pretty Penny - total awesomeness.

Melting Over: The fact that my daughter got a lead role in her Performing Art School's first Theater Production. I am so proud of her! Oh and I'm kinda melting over this picture of my little man sleeping in the car. I LOVE sleeping children pics!

Annoyed by: FACEBOOK. Crazy posts in my news feed, pictures of battered animals, airing of dirty laundry, group messages. Uggggghhh. I'm also annoyed by the fact that my beloved iPhone just randomly powers itself off. Luckily I'm all over my phone and I notice it pretty quickly {crisis averted}.

Wearing: Wedge Heels, Tom's on the weekend, and my favorite Gap jeans whenever I possibly can.

Shopping for: A new black watch. Like I need another watch, I know. I actually do though. A black watch would complete my collection.

Excited About: Officially winning Thirty-One's Leadership Incentive Trip to the Hard Rock Casino and Resort in the Dominican Republic! I will be heading there in September of this year and couldn't be more excited. So blessed!

Obsessed with: Taking pictures with my iPhone and of course...Instagram. OMG. Seriously, obsessed. I love it. Come follow me here.

Laughing at: Kristen from First Name Smith's hilarious posts about Kim Kardashian. Let's just say, she doesn't mince words. I heart Kristen! Oh AND this video of my sister-in-law and I during what should have been an instructional video on how to do beach waves in my hair. Bahahaha...Apparently she just watched the movie 21 Jump Street.

That's a wrap,

So What! Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Crissa) — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 09:48:00 +0000

Welcome to another week of So What! Wednesday. I missed last week, so I have some making up to do. This week, I am saying So What if:

I am sick of Facebook, like seriously sick of it. It used to be filled with updates from friends and pictures of their kids, but now it's a great big sounding board {aka bitchfest} and a landing page for creepy pictures. Some days I wonder why I bother.
I won't give up Facebook because I do like staying connected to my family, my close friends and my Thirty-One business (guess that's why I bother).
I feel bad when I "leave a group conversation" on Facebook. I respond, and then I leave - it's what I do. I don't mean to be rude, but I just don't appreciate my inbox getting filled up with a ton of responses from people I don't even know.
My daughter and her friend spoke in British accents all weekend long and.I.joined.them {so hard not to}. I swear - I just love the sound of a British accent.

I am currently blogging, working my Thirty-One business, and updating quotes for my day job all at the same time. That's actually a record for me because 'two things at a time' is usually my limit, but girlfriend is in the zone!
I can't seem to place a Thirty-One party order for a hostess without adding something for myself. Really people...you have no idea how much Thirty-One I own and it's NEVER enough. I just added this awesome new Inside-Out Bag to my collection (1/2 off this month - how could I pass it up?)

I actually teared up last night missing my sweet little buddy, Darwin (refer to Monday's post). Why am I such a sap?? But I mean seriously, look at the cuteness that is his face.

My son and I think we are cutting albums when we are driving in the car. We blast the radio and sing all the top hits like it's our job! He really makes me proud because he knows every word to every top 20 hit of today [uh, like mother like son].

Well friends, that's all she wrote. Head over to :Life After I "Dew" and tell us what you're saying So What! to this week.

Happy "Over the Hump" Day,

Perfectly Petless :(

noreply@blogger.com (Crissa) — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 10:09:00 +0000

For the first time in 13 years, I am completely petless and it sucks. As many of you know, I lost my beloved Lab, Remi in August of 2012 and have really never gotten over her being gone. I miss her face every day.

We also ~~have~~ had a pet Guinea Pig, Darwin. Cutest little face you ever did see. I had to say goodbye Darwin over the weekend...he went to live with a new family. Long story short, his presence in our house was wreaking havoc on my husband's allergies and asthma. The final straw (literally) came when he had a full blown asthma attack last Wednesday, after he unknowingly came into contact with the hay we feed Darwin. So, yeah...time to go, little buddy...

Luckily, I have a friend who was happy to take Darwin and give him a new home, complete with three little kids who will love and enjoy him. {sniff sniff} I took my last trip to the Pet Store on Friday to pick up a few things to send Darwin off with. I literally cried walking through the aisles of Petsmart thinking that I had no reason to go back after that trip.

So, what is it about pets that we grow so attached to them.?? I believe it's their sweet innocence and loyal companionship. They're just happy to have you around and other than food and companionship, they really don't expect much more from their humans.

“Our perfect companions never have fewer than four feet.”

― Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette

Hug your pet(s),

So What! Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Crissa) — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 10:45:00 +0000

Hello friends and welcome to another week of So What! Wednesday. {Do you like Shannon's new SWW logo? I dig it!} This week I am saying So What! if:

Today is my birthday. Really. It's not a big deal anymore. Don't get me wrong, I'm grateful for every birthday I get to celebrate, it's just that they're not as fun at my age.
My mom still makes my favorite meal on my birthday, even at my age. Still makes me feel like a kid!
I have a hard time accepting gifts. I'm a "giver" ~ I love giving gifts, but accepting them is a different story. I AM TOTALLY GRATEFUL, please don't get me wrong, it just makes me uncomfortable.
I ate Tortilla chips and fresh salsa for dinner two days in row last week.
I secretly love our little Guinea Pig, Darwin. He really is the cutest little thing and he's pretty low maintenance, except for the cage cleaning [which I dislike very much].

I am obsessed with my best friends. We call ourselves the 'Fab Five' {lately, 'The Wolfpack'} and we are all very unique in our own way and pretty damn hilarious when we are all together.

I demanded that my friends all brought their matching initial cups to our overnight getaway, last weekend. Simply for photos opps! {what's wrong with me? ;)}

What are you saying So What to this week? We'd love to know...head on over to Life After I "Dew" and dish it out.

Happy "My Birthday" Day,

{too cute!} tuesday

noreply@blogger.com (Crissa) — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 11:00:00 +0000

Well, if you know anything about me, you know that I'm a sucker for anything cute {and pink}. So when I saw this adorable button on Instagram last night, it caught my attention. I decided to grab it and join new friends, Kenzie and Megan for a little {too cute!} tuesday.

I just had to share this birthday card I got from one of my very best friends this week. It is really 'spot on' for us because it sums up our "coffee talk" perfectly!

Also, {too cute!} this week, is this picture I found on Thirty-One Gifts Facebook Page of this adorable office with some of our new organizing products in the "Your Way Collection".

One more thing that I found to be {too cute!} this week was this quote. It's pretty self-explanatory.

What's too cute in your world? Link up with Kenzie and Megan and let us know.

Share the love,

Fab Fridays

noreply@blogger.com (Crissa) — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 11:00:00 +0000

So, today I am going to try something new. I'm joining Laura at The Everyday Joys for a little "Fab Fridays". The purpose of Fab Fridays is to remember the positive things of your past week (or lately). I'm going to recall the fab things that happened this week, last month, today, or possibly two minutes ago - just as long as their FAB.

Today I want to talk about these fab things...

My kids! Yep, Bella & Ethan...they are pretty much FAB every day of the week. Funniest kids I have ever met. For real.

I actually posted on my blog four straight days in a row this week. That's huge, people. I'm getting my groove back. {yay me!}

I hosted an awesome Thirty-One Meeting today with over 60 inspired women last Saturday. What an amazing company. I'm incredibly blessed to be a part of it.
We celebrated my hubby's birthday this week, complete with his favorite meal [um, made by his mom], a red-velvet cake and a new watch.
Today I am taking a half a day of work and heading to a little overnight get away with my 4 Fab Besties!
Tonight my 4 Fab Besties and I will be pre-celebrating my birthday. {can I get a Woot Woot!}

What's FAB in your world?

TGIFabF!

Who You Calling Crazy?

noreply@blogger.com (Crissa) — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 03:05:00 +0000

I don't know why it is, but when a guy, any guy, calls a woman "crazy" it's like putting a match to a stick of dynamite. BOOM! I know it's not just me who feels like this. Am I right? {I already know I am.} If a woman has a bad day or is stressed out and perhaps a little outspoken - it doesn't mean she's crazy. It means she may be having a bad day or ummmm, she's stressed out.

Geez...why do guys always know how to push the wrong buttons? Joke or no joke, there are just certain monikers you DON'T use on women and CRAZY is at the top of that list, fellas. So, if there are any guys reading my blog today - you're welcome.

I just had to get that off of my chest. I feel better now.

Off my soapbox,

So What! Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Crissa) — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 12:11:00 +0000

It's Wednesday...welcome back for more SoWhat! Wednesday. This week I am saying So What! If:

- I am not a big fan of Group Messages on Facebook. Actually, I'm not a fan at all. I really dislike getting responses for days from people I don't even know. [If you are a group message Facebooker, here's a hint: copy & paste]
- I am completely over seeing pictures of abused animals on Facebook. I can't even look at the pictures and it drives me nuts that people feel the need to post these horrifying images to try and get you to "support their cause".
- I changed my Facebook cover to a picture of Mumford & Sons. I seriously love this band and I have a tendency to obsess over things that I love. {'tis what I do}

- I paid my son .50 cents to be in bed by 8:58 last night. Mama knows best and my boy needs his sleep, so he asked me if I'd give him .50 cents if he was in bed by 8:58. For Ethan it was "easy money".
- I stuck my headphones on at 9:30 last night and got lost in my Josh Baze playlist for 2 hours. Sometimes, I just want to shut out the world around me and listen to something a little "out of my norm."

- I have a tendency to complain a little more on "So What! Wednesday" - I try to keep this blog positive, but I'm only human and sometimes I just need to vent.
- I post a lot of pictures on Instagram. Isn't that what you're supposed to do? I know I have an Instagram addiction and I'm totally fine with it. You know what they say...Admitting. Is. The. First. Step.

Want to share your "So Whats"? Well, then head on over to Life After I "Dew" and link up.

Happy "Over the Hump" Day,

February Self-Esteem Boost

noreply@blogger.com (Crissa) — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 12:39:00 +0000

Did you know that February Is Boost Your Self-Esteem Month? Yep, sure is. Self-esteem is what a person thinks of themselves internally. In this fast-paced society that we live in, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and run down. However, no matter what life brings your way, it is important to find the positive in everything you do. It is also important to acknowledge and accept your strengths and weaknesses. [That's the not-so-easy part].

Being the mother of an 'almost' teenage daughter, this is a ~~big~~ huge deal for me. I want my daughter to be proud of who she is and to never feel like she to has compromise that in order "to fit in". For the most part, my daughter is all sorts of amazing when it comes to being "her own person." She takes pride in being an individual and being just a little "different" than everyone else. She has lots of friends and really doesn't belong to any "clicks" at school. She is very accepting of everyone, no matter what their differences, and that makes me so proud.

Click here to Give Inspiration!

Tying in nicely with "Boost Your Self Esteem Month" is Thirty-One Gives' new national mission partner, Girl Talk, a nonprofit organization dedicated to building self-esteem in middle school girls through its mentoring program. I am so grateful to be a part of the Thirty-One Gives family, as we are

Proudly empowering girls across the country!

Be Yourself,

Coulda, Shoulda, Woulda...

noreply@blogger.com (Crissa) — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 11:03:00 +0000

Ahhhhh the dreaded Coulda, Shoulda, Woulda...simple translation "REGRET". For the most part, I've always tried to live my life with no regrets. It isn't easy though, sometimes I make bad decisions because I feel like it's right at the time. Is it? Well, I guess the answer should be "yes". OR at least I try to tell myself that it is "right".

It's such an unsettling feeling when you walk away from a situation, think it through and then say "I coulda done this." "I shoulda done that." If only I woulda..." Because it provides no solution to an actual problem. In reality though, I guess that's how we learn and grow. Sometimes its a painful lesson, but as the saying goes "no pain, no gain." I don't have any profound advice or answers on how to get through it, but I do agree that you have to let go of the "coulda, shoulda, woulda", buckle up and keep going. Sometimes that means finding a new direction and if that's the case, so be it. Just drive more carefully next time.

Totally off topic...I sometimes think I'm Carrie Bradshaw over here, tapping away at my keyboard. God I miss that show.

Keep Going,

*A special thanks and shout out to my friend Deanna at Stilettos and Sweats, I borrowed this picture from her Facebook Fan Page.

So What! Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Crissa) — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 10:28:00 +0000

So much to say...so little I should ;) Today is Wednesday already. This week is flying by (thank God!), and today I am saying "So What" if:

I've been up since 3:00 a.m. - I went to bed at 9:00, so I actually got one more hour than my standard (and not nearly enough) five hours of sleep. [insert yawn here]
It's Ash Wednesday and I will be dawning a large black spot on my forehead all day. I'm Catholic, I get ashes on Ash Wednesday...prrrrrretty sure I'm not alone.
At least three people today, will stop me to tell me I have dirt on my forehead. [refer to previous bullet point]
Tomorrow is Valentine's Day and it just happens to be the start of Lent...well not really SO What!, I love candy and I won't be able to eat any of the traditional sweet Valentine treats.
If I loathe when people say ValentiMes Day. This is a big one, people - it drives me nuts! It's ValentiNe's day, named after St. Valentine. If you don't believe me, click here.

The "Hub" and I don't really celebrate Valentine's Day. We both have birthdays in February, so "we're good." We celebrate for the kiddos instead.
I'm still talking about how totally Ahmaze the Grammy's were! See yesterday's post for more details.
I'm eyeing up, yet another watch. It's this sweet little Baby G by Casio. Again...with my watch obsession.

What are you saying So What! to this week? Pop on over to visit my friend, Shannon at Life After I "Dew" and dish.

Happy "Over the Hump" Day,