Nothing Nice to Say?

Then say nothing.  How many of your moms told you that growing up?  Well that's the theme for my Wednesday.  I like to share happiness and laughter through BellaBud, so when I wasn't "feeling it" today, I decided to say nothing.  Then a loyal follower asked me "where's your 'SO WHAT! Wednesday' post? I must say that I was flattered that she follows me regularly enough to notice that I didn't post one.  I felt bad telling her that I wasn't up to posting anything today because I didn't feel very happy.


Well, I'm feeling better now, so today's post might be late, but SO WHAT!  What did you say SO WHAT! to today?

Speak kindly,
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No Such Thing as Perfect

I have a very wise friend who reminds me over and over again that "there is no such thing as perfect."  Why does she do that?  Because I (like many others) put so much pressure on myself to do everything right and to fit the mold of the "perfect" daughter, wife, mother, friend, employee (you get the picture).  But by whose definition??

Merriam-Webster defines Perfect as being totally without fault or defect: FLAWLESS.  Seriously, friends, who do you know that actually fits that bill?  Totally without fault or flawless?  I'm pretty certain the answer is no one.  I have to constantly remind myself of this when I look at the lives of my "seemingly perfect" friends or of people I admire.  Everyone has their faults, or as I like to refer to them as imperfections.  That's OK because that's what make us who we are.

Putting pressure on myself to be like someone else who I view as "being perfect" or as "having the perfect life" is ...well, it's exhausting.  It's makes me tired and it short changes all of the wonderful things that I have going on in my life.  My life is far from perfect, but it is fun and happy and my family is healthy.  Isn't that what it's all about?  I believe the answer is yes!
So the next time you are feeling less than perfect, focus on what is good in your life and count your blessings.

Be who you are,
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Sunday Funday

Sunday was my "funday" - my "I didn't have to run day".  We did however take the kids to the festival at our church and I took my new camera for a spin.  I still have a lot to learn but I got a few good shots that captured the essence of the night.







The rides and the games haven't changed much since I was a kid and as you can see, Fair Food was a big part of the fun for everyone. 

Make Monday Matter,
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Date Night

Hello Friends,

Are you enjoying your weekend?  Hope it's been fun for you and your family.  Last night was an Ah-Mazingly fun date night with my hubby.  We went to a surprise 40th Birthday party for one of his good friends and we laughed until our stomachs hurt.  It was just what we needed!

There is no such cozy combination as man and wife.  ~Menander

Have a fun Sunday,
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So Random Saturday

Random is a funny word, but I like it.  The World English Dictionary defines the word random as 'lacking any definite plan or prearranged order; haphazard:  a random selection'.  Yep! that about sums up my plans for this Saturday.

This Saturday began for me at 3:45 a.m. when my son woke me up saying the infamous "Mommy, I can't sleep".   So I make my way down the hall still sleeping and stumbling behind him in the dark to re-tuck him in and he's back to sleep before I hit the doorway.  Me, on the other hand?  No such luck.  I tossed and turned for 20 minutes and decided to take my overactive brain to the office to start blogging and paying bills.

My real day will begin with a 10:00 a.m. graduation party for my neighbor.  Yes I said 10:00 a.m. graduation party.  I am actually looking forward to it because I love breakfast and it's a nice family outing for all of us.  It's also a break from our Spring Soccer Saturday norm.


Then it's off to find a new wedding band for my hubby.  Not because he lost his or doesn't like it, but he's a little bit of a "fashionistO" and he's looking for something a little more hip like this Tungsten band. 


We will end our day with a date night at our favorite Mexican restaurant to celebrate a good friend's 40th birthday. 

What are you doing today? 

 Enjoy Your Saturday,
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Breaking the Ice

Today is my first installment of:
Perfectly imperfect Jenn


1)  Tell one thing many people don't know about you:
Adam Sandler kissed me back in my college days!  Can you tell I went to college in the late 80's?


2)  If you had to change your first name, what would you change it to?
I like my first name.  My real name is actually 'Clarissa' but I go by Crissa and I like it - so it's a keeper.

3)  What are your three favorite songs at the moment?
- The Show Goes On by Lupe Fiasco
- I Remember Me by Jennifer Hudson
- Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.) by Katy Perry

4)  List three goals on your life's to-do list:
- Pay off debt
- Travel to Italy with my family
- Learn to cook like my Italian Grandmother

5)  What is one of your favorite quotes?
I LOVE a good quote.  For a list of them, go here
At the moment, this one seems to be my fav!


6)  Fill in the blank:  If I had an extra 10 dollars to spend...I would buy _______________?
A Dunkin Donuts gift card, that would cover three of my five Iced Latte Lites next week!

7)  What is your birthdate?
February 27th

8)  Do you have a hidden talent?  If so what is it?
I don't believe so.

9)  What do you think of when you hear the word blue?
My son's cool bedroom

10) Finish this thought:  I need...
To win the lottery - seriously.

How's that for a little randomness on a Friday?

Smile,
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Hello Gorgeous!

I opened a package I ordered from Mary Kay and this made me smile.  Great way to start my Friday!

Have a beautiful day,
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Say It Isn't So...

What do you do when someone you look up to lets you down?  That's a question I have been asking myself a lot lately.  You see I have been dealing with three such disappointments all within the same 30-day span.  It really has been hard for me to see three people that I have admired, fall from grace. 

The first was a long time business friend and local celebrity that I've known and respected for twenty years.  Just last month he pled guilty to a federal crime that I can't even begin to discuss.  When I heard the news from a mutual friend, it was complete shock and awe.  I couldn't believe my ears, so I googled it, I couldn't believe my eyes and then it became real when I saw it on TV.  It took me a few weeks to shake the overwhelming feeling of disgust, sadness and disappointment.

The second came in the form of the resignation of The Ohio State's beloved head coach of 10 years.  I had the privelege of meeting the coach back in 1999 when we co-hosted a Team Builder for my (then) sales team at his previous University.   I remember listening to him speak with such passion and conviction that I hung on every word he said.  He was so motivating and he made such an impact on me that this 'born and raised Pennsylvania girl' became an Ohio State fan the minute he accepted the job as head coach.  After all was said and done he resigned because he failed to acknowledge that some of his players may have violated NCAA rules.  I know he did the right thing for the school he served so well and I accept his heartfelt apology, but it's still a huge letdown. 

The third is someone that I barely know but have really grown to admire over the past year until I realized that "she's not all that I built her up to be".  Bummer.  Let's just leave it at that.
So what do you do when someone you look up to lets you down?  I've been asking myself that question every day for a month and it finally hit me.  Quite simply you "let it go" and you "move on".  Accepting what has happened doesn’t mean you agree or will continue to allow it to affect you.  It simply means you are ready to move on.

Everyone must deal with disappointment.  Just find someone else to look up to. 

Look on the bright side,
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SO WHAT! Wednesday

It's SO WHAT! Wednesday so join in.  This week I’m saying SO WHAT!:
·         If  I am still so overwhelmed by my new camera that I am going to pack it up and take it right back to Best Buy and pick one up that’s not quite so scary.
·         I went out and purchased my very own copy of Lemonade Mouth on DVD (including digital copy).  And SO WHAT! If I’ve already watched it once and copied onto my iPod and my iPad.  The kids and I just can’t get enough of this movie.
·         If I chucked all of the black leather accessories on my desk at home and traded them in for pink.  I spend a lot of time in my office and it looks so much prettier (and less like my hubby’s desk).
·         If I’ve decided that this allergy season I am only going to say “God Bless You” to my hubby once and then “infinity” when he starts his sneezing rampage after cutting the grass.  He gets the point. 
·         I follow Khloe Kardashian Odom on Twitter, she is hilarious and always very upbeat.
·         If I stopped following Khloe’s big sister, Kim Kardashian’s tweets.
·         If I think it’s absolutely ridiculous that Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries' wedding registry totals $172,000 in luxury housewares.  Seriously, is this necessary, Kim?  You have a net worth of $35 million.  Tsk tsk tsk!

What are you saying SO WHAT! to?
Happy “Over the Hump” Day,
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Say What You Need to Say...

It's no secret to anyone who knows me (or to any of you who just started following my blog) that I have a little obsession with John Mayer.  I think he is an amazingly talented musician, singer, songwriter, and guitarist.  I love his voice and his lyrics.

One of my favorite songs of his is "Say What You Need to Say" (one of many).  It was a song made popular in the movie "The Bucket List" and then also in the 2010 version of "The Karate Kid". 
Over the last two years, that song has been a personal mantra of mine.  You see, I don't believe in beating around the bush or tip toeing around issues.  If you have a problem with someone, you should address it and move on.  It's better for your stress level and for your relationships. 

Honestly, I've always been the type of person who says what I need to say, but as I get older I have really made an effort to speak my mind and address my feelings as the need arises.  The difference between now and then is that I think the issue through and approach the confrontation/resolution with much more finesse.  I look at both sides and I speak with sincerity and kindness (and sometimes a little bit of sarcastic humor if you're my BFF).

In my constant search for inspiring quotes, I stumbled upon this one "Say What You Mean, Mean What You Say, but Don't Say it Mean".  If you break it down, quite simply it makes a lot of sense.  Words can hurt, people don't like to hear when they are being judged or looked at in a negative light, so say what you mean and know you can't take it back. 

My friend confided in me recently about something her husband of many years said to her in the midst of him having a bad day.  What he said was so terribly hurtful that she felt completely sad and worthless.  The next day he apologized, but the words resonated with her in a way that she couldn't shake.  I saw the sadness in her eyes and it made me think...if he would have just said what was bothering him, which coincidentally had nothing to do with her, she would have never had to feel that pain. 

So remember the next time something is bothering you, say what you mean and mean what you say but please don't say it mean.

Be Kind,
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So Appreciated

Who doesn't like to hear these words?  I know I do.  But as our lives take on the chaos of each day, do we ever take the time to say this four syllable word ~ appreciate?  I really try to make a conscious effort to let family, friends, aquaintances, and especially my children know when I appreciate something they've done.

I have a customer at my job who deals with the daily stress of being an IT Manager for a large company.  She had been bombarding me with requests, changes, updates and e-mails for a few weeks.  I didn't mind because that's my job and her requests turn into sales which, in turn become commission in my paycheck.  I kept up with the requests and just as we were nearing her final purchasing decision, in her last e-mail she wrote "I appreciate you."  I can't begin to describe how it made me feel.  She's the customer, she's under pressure, she's in charge and she took the time to tell me that she appreciated me.  I made sure I told her how much those three words meant to me and that I appreciated her too.  It was a great feeling that I carried with me all day long.

Showing appreciation doesn't have to be anything elaborate.  I'm not talking about thank you cards or gifts, I'm simply referring to acknowledgement.  Acknowledging that someone has done something good or nice for you feeds the soul.  It makes people happy and it really isn't that hard.  It's a lesson my mom taught me and a lesson I started teaching my kids at a very young age.

Tell someone you appreciate them today.  It will go a long way ~ I promise.

With gratitude,
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Father's Day Gift Guide

It's the Friday before Father's Day!  Have you purchase your purchased that something special for your father or the father of your children?  If not, here are a few suggestions:
  • A Classic Tee from Sportiqe, like the one Mark Wahlberg is wearing


Sportiqe Apparel Company offers a brand of casual fashion t-shirts and are licensed with the NBA, NCAA, and ESPN.  Grab your Dallas Mavericks t-shirt while you can!


Speaking of Mark Wahlberg.  This movie is HI-LARIOUS!  My husband and I can't get enough of this movie.  If you are a Will Ferrell fan you will want to add this to your collection, even if you aren't, you will still want to add this to your DVD/Blu-Ray collection.
This light scent will become an easy, breezy favorite.  It blends Bergamot and hints of Cotton Flower to create a fresh and simple scent that captures the appeal of an iconic tee.  Mmmmmmm (I'd suggest this for the father of your children, not so much your own father).

If he has an iPhone, iPod, iPad or all three you can't go wrong here.  Seriously, you can purchase $15, $50 or something in between.  He can buy music, movies, or apps.

Gift recipients receive 12 bottles of premium microbrews (4 different kinds) every month from award-winning breweries nationwide. Free shipping and instant gift messages with all orders.
If Dad's game doesn't earn his son's respect, this cap will. The Puma 210 Fitted Monoline Cap is worn by PGA TOUR Rookie of the Year, Rickie Fowler.

Well, that's all I have ~ good luck.  I'm sure whatever you chose will be appreciated. 

Sending out the love to my husband and my dad this Father's Day!

Happy Friday,
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Crazy Train

I woke up at 4:00 a.m. today with the chorus to Crazy Train racing through my head faster than a speeding bullet and more powerful than a locomotive.  "I'm going off the rails on a crazy train, I'm going off the rails on a crazy train."  Why?  That's a great question.  I'm guessing it's because I'm going off the rails on crazy train.  Too many things, not enough time.


I don't pretend to be superwomen, I just have a tendency to follow my passion and take on too much responsibility.  I introduced my blog to my friends on Facebook yesterday and got lots of great feedback.  Some very sweet comments that I very much appreciated.  There were two comments that resonated with me. 1) "Your time management skills must be over the top" and 2) "Do you stay up 24/7 doing all this?" 

So it got me thinking...as women and as moms so many of us tend to spread ourselves too thin. I do do do until I physically can't do anymore.  That's not the right way to do things, I know, but it works for me OR does it?  I'm pretty sure it doesn't.  I love all the things I do; being a wife, a mom, a hard worker, a blogger, etc.  All these things don't make me Superwoman or anymore special than you.  They make me, well "me."  I think that balance is the key ~ I'm trying to find that balance.

 
"Women need real moments of solitude and self-reflection to balance out how much of ourselves we give away."  - Barbara DeAngelis

 Stay balanced,
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SO WHAT! Wednesday




It's SO WHAT! Wednesday and this week I'm linking up and I’m saying SO WHAT!:
·         If I am still giddy over my feature on Blogaholic, a new Social Network for Bloggers.  I was seriously speechless when reading it.
·         If my kids “graffiti up” my driveway like a New York City Subway Station with bright colored sidewalk chalk.  We love to see them being creative and having fun.
·         If my kids play on my husband’s Bass boat (parked in our driveway), in their Halloween costumes in the middle of spring.  Refer to “graffiti” post.
·         If I watched the Disney Movie, Lemonade Mouth for the sixth time last night.  I love the music!

·         If I watched the Disney Movie, Miss Manhattan on Monday night and loved it.  Something about a Disney movie or two or three a week, that's good for your soul (and it's great family time with the kiddos).

·         I’m a little lot intimidated by my new Sony NEX-3 camera that I took it out of the box and charged the battery on Sunday and haven’t touched it since.  It’s going to take more than point and shoot with this little monster.

·         If I swore I wouldn't log into BellaBud all day because I had tons of work to do, but have been on it three times already this morning.  Good Blogger/Bad Worker?? 
·         If I’m running out of things to say, this blogging stuff takes a lot of me.  Whew...
Happy “Over the Hump” Day,
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Me Speechless?

Who would have ever thought?  No one who knows me, I can tell you that for sure!  I am honored and appreciative of my new blogger friend, Emily for choosing me to be her very first "Featured Blogaholic" on Blogaholic, her brand new Social Network for Bloggers.


As a new blogger, finding your audience is a top priority and that's the reason that I joined Blogaholic three days after it launched.  After spending 20 minutes on the site, I realized I was in store for so much more than just gaining new followers.  As I try to find my voice in the blogging world, I have been able to utilize resources, have discussions, meet interesting people, and compare stories with others bloggers like me.  It's been a great experience so far and I'm looking forward to growing with the Blogaholic network.

To learn more about BellaBud and me ~ follow along and check out my Blogaholic Feature!

Thanks, Emily!  I'm super flattered.

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Just Another Manic Monday....

If you're old enough to remember singing the song "Manic Monday" by the Bangles while driving to High School with your armful of rubber bracelets, then you are a child of the 80's.  This song is definitely one of my favorites from 1986 and it seems to have become a personal theme song, every Monday.  I love the lyrics and have a tendency to sing them on the top of my lungs while rushing out the door each week.  This has always been my favorite verse:

"It's just another manic Monday
I wish it was Sunday
'Cause that's my funday
My I don't have to runday
It's just another manic Monday"

Sunday, Funday, I don't have to run day?  Oh not anymore my friends!  We are all so busy that although it may be a fun day, it's certainly not an "I don't have to run day".  Why is that?  We're just too busy being busy (at least I know I am).  Although, Sunday is STILL and ALWAYS will be my Family Day, I am going to try and make a conscious effort to not run so much and to actually relish it more.

For a little nostalgia and break from today's mania, watch this video (love it)!



Make the most of your Monday!
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Let's Get Social Sunday Blog Hop


I'm enjoying all of my new blogging friends and getting social this Sunday.  I found this blog hop today and some really great new blogs to follow (doesn't their button look cute on my site?).

Have a great Sunday,
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