Just the Facts

So I accidentally published this last Wednesday. Or rather I forgot this was Ashley scheduled and published something else. I hate when I do that. It's rare, but it happens. 

I’m still using the “blog crutches” to work my way towards getting back into the swing of things around here. It’s times like this that I miss my old job. I could blog for 8 hours straight – reading, writing, drafting. It was glorious. I was, in essence, getting paid to blog and life was good. In reality my bank account wasn’t good so I left to pursue more. And I got it. But then blogging took a back seat. Like, the backseat of a stretch hummer.

Today’s crutch comes from Erin and it’s a fun way for me to hit you with some about me knowledge.

Something I will...

Refuse to do for the rest of my life: work in fast food. Never done it, never will do it. I’ll go back to being a slave to retail before that ever happens.

Always do forever: be my own person. I'm not one to be swayed by the masses. 

Something I think is...

Certifiably disgusting: people who abuse animals. There are just no words for the type of punishment and retaliation they deserve.

Absolutely amazing: people who open their homes, lives, and heart to either become a foster parent or adopt a child. It takes truly special people to take on that role. My grandmother fostered for 30 years. When she passed in 2002 some of the kids she fostered came. No words.

A compliment I’ve been given that’s made me...

Feel on top of the world: “Happy mother’s day. She's not your baby but you love her like she is. Thank you for being the best BFF”.

Pretty upset: I haven't received any backhanded compliments lately, and none that I've ever let get to me. 

A name I...

Hate: Michelle. If that’s your name then I’m happy for you. Personally, I hate it. Why? Because people are morons and the scenario usually plays out like this:

Them: Michael.

Me: Yup, that’s me.

T: {looking questioningly at paper, then look back to me} Michelle?

M: 

Love: Charlie... for a girl. Or Billy, or... any standard guy’s name for a chick.

Something people say about me that I...

Know is entirely false: I honestly can’t answer this one. I’m sure people talk shit about me, but to their credit {?}, they do a good job of keeping it behind my back.

Think is on point: that I’m a bitch. It’s not that they’re right or wrong; it’s just how I come across. I like to observe my surroundings and take in everything going on around me. Done may perceive this as being judgey but I'm an observer, and I’m not one for sugar coating. You want my opinion, be prepared for an honest answer.  

A taste I...

Can’t stand: onions. Just no. I’m very slowly adapting to red onions in salad but we’re talking about maybe 6 slivers. They’re disgusting things... but apparently they’re good for your blood? I don’t know.

Can’t get enough of: salted caramel. It doesn’t matter if it’s hot chocolate, coffee, ice cream, granola bars, chocolate, etc. If it has a salty-sweet flavor I’m getting it.

A song I always...

turn off immediately: I Will Remember You by Sarah McLachlan. I just can't.

belt out the lyrics to: I Wanna Dance With Somebody by Whitney

Animal I...

fear: I don't fear any animal. Truly.

need in your life right this instant: all the strays. I'd rescue every last one of them if I could.

Something I...

will never eat: Sauerkraut. The smell alone makes me want to vomit.

would eat for every meal if I were given the chance: french fries... no pizza. No... tacos. Can I just have all the food?

To enhance my looks I...

would love to, but would probably never resort to: having the girls lifted. Gravity isn't cool and I just want them to be like, Hey! instead of just, hi.

just stick to: washing my face. Ha. No really, I usually leave the house bare faced because I'm too lazy to take the time for even a "5 minute face" {there's no such thing}.

Now that you all know a little more about me, let's hear it. What's something I should {or can} know about you?

Death by Cough

It's that time of the month again. Time to start fresh with hopes and goals of not being the best biggest procrastinator in New Jersey.

Before I get into that let me just say that this cold I had/have is straight from hell. I am still congested and I am still coughing. At this rate I'm going to have six pack abs purely from all the coughing I've been doing. WHY WON'T IT STOP!?

February did a number on me. Yesterday I just felt completely run down. Not tired, but lethargic. I have zero energy but want to eat everything. Salad? As my niece would say "leaves? yuck!" {as a side note, when I was home last month I kept her busy by having her help me make a salad... while I'm cutting cucumbers she was throwing my spinach, leaf by leaf, in the garbage!} Anything carby and cheesy, more please! I feel completely unbalanced lately. 

I have my bridesmaid fitting tonight... can we all cross our fingers that it fits the way it did in November? Thank God for Sara Blakely {creator of Spanx}! On the plus side, it's simple and oh so pretty. It's in the teal color. I like that the coverlet is removable because I prefer strapless. Not counting today, 26 more days!

As far as my goals, they're all over the map this month. 

* Work on the illusive "5 minute face". I get up early enough {most days} so there's no reason why I can't make myself look a little more presentable every morning instead of walking out looking like my 12 year old self. 

* No fried food. This was my non-Catholic "let's participate in Lent" plan but seeing as how I have no idea when Lent started or when it ends, let's just say that this is my goal for the month of March.

* Finish 1 new book. I've been horrible about reading lately and I really want to knock out a lot of these books that have been sitting on my shelf for years.

* Work on my fitness. I've totally fallen off the motivation train and hitched a ride on the 'do it because you have to' wagon. Of course this makes it feel like a chore. And no one likes chores.

Annnd I'm off to continue expelling my lungs... or to work. Whichever sounds less painful. 

Refresh Yourself Part 2

A few weeks ago I posted an unboxing video when I got my Influenster Refresh Vox Box. I promised to do a review of all the products, and I've finally got around to using everything.

Skinny Girl Tasty Nutrition Bar. 

I ate the first one the day after I got it. I was surprised by how good it was. So when it was time to buy some snacks for my #607 trip last weekend I didn't hesitate to grab one. This time it was Chocolate Peanut Butter with Sea Salt. It was even better. These will be bought on the regular now. #SkinnygirlXinfluenster

Orgain Nutrition Shake: 

I picked up my free Orgain shake at Whole Foods last week and because I knew I'd like it, I also bought one. The vanilla was delicious. 

I used mine in the shake I made, but I drank some on its own and it was really very good. They're $3.99 each at Whole Foods, which is more than I think they're worth. Still, I'll pick one up every now and then. #OrgainWellness

CoverGirl UltraSmooth Foundation: 

I got this in classic tan.  My confidence for this wasn't too high since whenever I get foundation samples they're always too light. The first time I used it all my doubts immediately went out the window. It went on super smooth and provided great coverage without making me feel like I was caked in makeup. The rubber applicator was different but I really liked it and felt it worked great. Costing only $12-16.99, it's a product that delivers without breaking the bank. #UltraSmooth

Beanitos Chips: 

I was really excited to give these a try but had no idea what to expect. I had never even heard of them. Turns out I absolutely love them. They're such a great alternative to potato chips. They  have the flavor and crunch but I know I'm not consuming a ton of empty calories and fat. The chips are made from beans so I know I'm snacking but still getting in some protein and fiber. They're also non-GMO and gluten free. #allthatinabagofchips

Montagne Jeunesse Face Masques: 

I don't know what it is but I a sucker for face masks. I want to believe they're working to tighten, clarify, smooth, soothe, or do whatever ornery number of things you can buy them for. 

This mask claimed to be deep cleansing and I feel it did cleanse but it left my face feeling dried out. Another downfall... it smells like I soaked my face in dishwater. On the plus side, it did peel off easy as it said it would but overall, I wouldn't buy/use this again.  

Dentek Floss Picks: 

I've previously bought and used the flossers. They work great so I was excited to see a product that I already make an effort to use {see video...} If you're interested use code INFLSV15 to save 15% off your first order of $20+. Even better, you'll get free shipping!  #goflossyourself 

L'Occitane Shea Butter Comforting Cream: 

If I'm being honest I'll admit that I'm kind of hoarding this little pot of love. It's so rich and soft and it smells delicious. I just want it to last forever. I know, I know, go buy some. I would, and perhaps will, it's just that this semi-spending freeze is taking the wind out of my sails. I've been using it strictly around my cuticles since my hands have taken a major beating this winter. 

Listerine PocketPaks:

These little things have been around a few years and I really don't know anyone who hasn't tried them yet. I love them. It's a great little burst of fresh breath when you otherwise don't have time to brush or rinse. Admittedly, I never buy them though but it's probably time I start putting my money strips where my mouth is. 

That's everything! Did you receive the Refresh Vox Box? What did you think of the products? 

Spilling my Lungs... err Guts

This is the cold that doesn't end. I just keep coughing and coughing my friend... Seriously, it won't stop. There's nothing to even cough up. It's like I'm coughing up air. Just making myself sound more and more hoarse. I'm over it and it's annoying now. I take that back. It was annoying on Saturday when I spent $36 at Rite Aid on cold supplies.  

+ Sunday night I watched the Oscars... for the first {and last} time ever. It's just sooo not for me. My thoughts though:

NPH in his underwear was worth it. Robin Roberts, Lupita Nyong'o, Rosamund Pike, Anna Kendrick, and Zoe Saldana all had gorgeous dresses. I hope Crissy Tiegen got waxed before wearing that dress. 

+ I can’t wait for March to be over. Not because April means vacation but because I feel like I’ve been hemorrhaging money these past 2 months.

+ February was such a waste for me. I feel like I did nothing productive.

+ I have my bridesmaid fitting next Monday and I’m worried it won’t fit. I weigh the same amount I did at the end of December {post holiday gorging} so I really shouldn’t worry... but you never know. I have a little more than a month {31 days to be exact} to stop procrastinating and start eating better... for multiple reasons.

+ I’m not content in my job. I wrote a long draft about this months ago and just filed it away as cathartic writing but everyday that I sit at my desk the feelings of boredom and discontent increase.

 + Student loans are the devil. If you're in college. Do yourself a favor and just stop going. {I kid.... kind of} The interest on this one loan is a major bitch. It accumulates roughly $80/month in interest. Yeah, my monthly payment of $113 is really going to make a difference. Dear Sallie Mae.... fuck off. 

And on that surly note, I'm outta here. Because I can't stop coughing. If you need me I'll be the one in the corner drunk off Robitussin. 

 

Procrastination All -Star

It’s no secret that this blog has been neglected. It’s not that I’m hanging up the towel; it’s more that I’ve never been an excellent storyteller. I like facts. I like reality to be black and white. So if there’s nothing going on I have a hard time making the mundane sound exciting... although, I did have some back and forth with some bitch in Staten Island last weekend.

So today’s prompts are courtesy of Alyssa.

Reading = According to Goodreads I’m reading India’s Summer and The Girl on the Train. In reality, I’ve been reading a whole lot of nothing. I was tearing up the pages in January and then I just stopped. My problem is that when I look at my to-be-read list, it’s a little akin to this...

  

Writing = I’ve been journaling a lot lately. Usually I reserve it for when I’m stressed or angry but more and more I find myself writing just to write. Writing to get thoughts out, writing to have positive pages outweigh the angry ones, writing lists, and goals and plans.

Listening to = Spotify like it’s my job. My favorite playlists? Diner Jukebox, because I’m obsessed with the oldies. Jock Jams, to power through those gym sessions and my DMB list because it includes every song they have available on Spotify.

Wishing = that time would slow down just a little bit. The next 4 months are packed with events and I want more time to save money, plan, and prepare for the upcoming dinner party, bachelorette party, wedding, vacation, and graduation that I have on deck. I just wanna be like, hey life,

Watching = nothing. Okay, not really, but I am so behind on TV that it’s a joke. Scandal? Still haven’t watched the last 3 episodes from before the mid-season break. Friends? Still haven’t finished Season 6. Modern Family? Need to go pick up Season 4 from the library.

Loving = That the sun is still up when I leave work at 5pm. Seriously. It’s magical.

That’s everything in a nutshell. What’s going on with you? What are you loving/reading/listening to, etc.? I’m nosy like that.

Aruba, Jamaica...

I’ve been keeping quiet about some plans I’ve had for quite a while. Mainly because at the time it all came up it was a year away from actually happening. Now that we’re almost there, I feel like I can brag talk about it.

In April I’m going on my first real vacation.

I’ve taken trips down the shore, visited family in Georgia or Virginia, and spent drunken weekends in Boston. But none of those are real vacations.

No. This time, in 59 short days, K and I are hopping on a plane with our snazzy new passports and we’re heading to Jamaica for the week.

The ‘rents will be hitting the 20 year mark this April and to celebrate they’re doing a vow renewal ceremony in Jamaica, which is their favorite vacation spot. I was fully planning on going home to spend a fun-filled week with Little Miss but then they dropped the confetti and told me that K and I were coming with them.

I’m getting the opportunity to cross off several items from the 101 in 1001 list, which is always awesome. This will be my first time leaving the country. K too. Sad, I know.

I’m planning on heading to Dunn’s Falls to hike to the top and over to Rick's Cafe in Negril to {maybe} jump off the cliffs. I’m a little nervous about the second one. I’m not afraid of heights but 25’ is a long way down! The one thing I'm really looking forward to? Taking some yoga classes! Yoga on the beach - I'm certain I'll pass out from pure bliss. 

I can't wait to have all the food and drink all the poolside drinks. As much as I want to "relax" I also want to pack as many activities as I can into these 7 sun-soaked days. 

Have you ever been? Is there something you suggest doing?

Refresh Yourself | Part 1

It may be Monday but it's technically my Sunday and I'm still in the tundra. Seriously, this is what I've been dealing with. I'm looking forward to going home to 15 degrees. #Sad

Today we're keeping things simple with a vlog. Some time ago I signed up to be an Influenster member. It's been worth it since Day 1. This is the third... maybe fourth, VoxBox I've received since joining. 

Have a look at the unboxing video I made for the Refresh VoxBox. No really, I put extra work into this one. And it's less than 4 minutes long. 

If you didn't watch {judging you}.  Later I'll post a review of the products and let you know what I thought about everything. 

Are you an Influenster?

Love and Other Things

I've been looking forward to this weekend for quite a while. Three day weekend #2! Also, hooray for Friday the 13th.

More than that, I'm going home tonight. I'm going to see if I can leave work a little early since I need to be at Port Authority for a 6:15 bus. Wish me luck...

As usual it's a packed weekend. Saturday Mom and I have appointments to donate blood {hopefully}, then I need to see if I can get lucky and find fuchsia shoes for the wedding next month, Sunday I have a kids party to go to for a friend of mine and Little Miss gets to come with. It's probably the first kid's party I'm truly excited for. Most of the time I go to them and I'm all... 

If you know me them you know I don't really care for Valentine's Day. Not because I'm bitter, I just think it's stupid. K and I did go to dinner Wednesday night though, since I was going to be away. And I am participating in the latest Blogmopolitan quiz. Take a look at my answers. What about you??

Most important, today is kind of a special day. Without it, I wouldn't be here. No, it's not my birthday... it's Mom's! Happy ___th birthday! LUB!!!