tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50661214485557559632024-03-19T00:57:25.132-04:00World According to Shiarandomness at it's finest!!!Mellissa "Shia" Rondinellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864921922986355253noreply@blogger.comBlogger789125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5066121448555755963.post-84891231617257299302016-12-30T09:00:00.000-05:002016-12-30T09:00:06.536-05:00Friday Letters<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Dear Blog, </b>I can't believe this is my one and only post for 2016. I would say I promise to visit you more next year but I hate to make promises I might not keep. I can't believe I started this in 2009. Does anyone even read anything over 160 characters anymore?</div>
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<b>Dear 2016, </b>This year has been an adventure. There were some good times and some bad times. We lost some amazing people on the journey, but their memories will live on forever. </div>
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<b>Dear Vegetarians, </b>When this posts I will be at <b>369 days</b> being meat free! For the most part, it was easy and fun. There were some hard times like when I kept having dreams about ham sandwiches and Chick-fil-a chicken nuggets. I am proud to be a member of the no meat club and I look forward to another year of eating meat free. I have definitely grown to love foods I would have never eaten in the past.</div>
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<b>Dear Vices, </b>Since I started my vegetarianism technically in 2015 (December 27th to be exact). The actual vice I gave up in 2016 was caffeine. Yep you read that correctly ... no more coffee well occasion decaf but very rare. Giving up caffeine was definitely rough in the beginning. I recommend starting it on a weekend so you can just take out your withdrawals on your loved ones. No one wants to get fired for 1) crashing and passing out on your keyboard or 2) being so irritated from the massive headache that you tell your boss exactly where he can get those copies he needs. So my next vice to eliminate is .... <b>SUGAR!</b></div>
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<b>Dear Sugar, </b>You are evil. Why can't sugar be like flour and therefore brown sugar is healthier for you? It always seems like you plan your sneak attack/world domination for this time of year. I mean really on what normal day of the week would I have eaten chocolate fudge, chocolate caramel brownie and a chocolate truffle all in the same morning? NONE! I am on to this game you have with the new year. Get us hooked, have us gain weight and then new year's guilt making us have all those resolutions. My goal (not calling it resolution ... hello trying to break this evil duo) is to be sugar-free at the end of 2017. Seriously, if I can do no meat for a year (plus) then come on I can def do no sugar. Also, when I say sugar we all know what I am talking about candy, cakes, cookies, etc. You know all that yummy evil stuff. I'm not saying oh not eating an apple because it has natural sugar. Come on - it's not apples making your waistline get bigger. It's sugar and fat because what's sugars bff? BUTTER! Seriously though, what's the number for Sugar Addicts Anonymous? </div>
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<i>Side note - </i>when I started my vegetarianism I did a lot of research to make sure I was eating the right stuff and getting enough protein and all the vitamins I need. One of the funniest things I read was that you should eat fruit as a sugar snack. For example, instead of eating a cookie you eat fruit and are just as happy. I thought this was a crazy idea. How can fruit substitute actual snacks? Well I guess we will find out soon. If there is anyone out there (hello hellllooo hellllooooo <i>blog echo</i>) that wants to hear about my journey to giving up sugar or any information I've gathered on being vegetarian let me know. I could be persuaded to do some posts.</div>
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<b>Dear New Year, </b>Okay fine you got me, my New Year's Resolution is to give up sugar. Also, fine I will admit that I am actually looking forward to having something new to focus on. Does that mean I can technically keep eating sweets until the 1st? That's the deal right? I mean because I do have some cookies on my desk that I want to eat once my sugar high drops.</div>
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<b>Dear 2017,</b> I feel like 2016 hasn't really given you the best starting off point. It totally set you up for some hard times to come. Hopefully, we can all weather the storm and remember that <b>unity</b> is what helps us make it through. Can we all agree that we want America to be great? Can we all work TOGETHER to make it great? Also, the more we fight and are angry at each other the less we can call America great. I mean who thinks it is great to be surrounded by a bunch of grouchy assholes all the time? Whether it be one side or another, we have to start being nicer to each other as a collective whole. We naturally pick sides because that's one of the great characteristics of being American. We have the right to do so. However, just because we pick our side doesn't mean everyone picks it. You know ... that's their right. So let's all just work together to be more accepting and caring for America as a whole. One side says make America great again and the other side says we are all ready great. How about we meet in the middle and become <b>GREATER! </b> </div>
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Mellissa "Shia" Rondinellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864921922986355253noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5066121448555755963.post-40033834559825879162015-12-09T12:23:00.002-05:002015-12-09T12:26:10.088-05:00Be Positive!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So we all know someone that is overly negative and heck sometimes on the worst day we might be that person, but I am here to tell you that you can honestly help yourself to feel better by thinking positive. </div>
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For the most part I would describe myself as a problem solver. However, there are those times when something just gets under my skin and I can't see my way to solving it and therefore negativity brews. </div>
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A few months ago, my grandmother passed away unexpectedly and I had to go up north for the funeral. My emotions were threefold: (1) Sadness - from losing my grandmother and seeing my grandfather grief; (2) Anger - my sister and I got into a huge fight before we left on our road trip north; (3) Disappointment - I just became overly fed up with the family drama; mainly my thoughts on my relationships with my sisters. So of course, once I got home it all seemed to boil over inside all at once.</div>
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My first thought was to problem solve. So I went to my trusty friend google and started typing in random searches. Initially, two things occurred. I found countless articles about forgiveness and blah blah blah. Really? My thoughts ... sure I can forgive and then forgive again the next time and forgive again the next time, but really?? - I didn't remember googling "how to be a doormat" so needless to say that was unhelpful. Then, I legitimately contemplated therapy but honestly my feeling was that I didn't have the strength or the want to catch someone up on the issue. Step two, I started looking for self help books. Surely there is one out there entitled, "How to Deal with your Sisters that even in their 30s are still your Bratty Little Sisters" - no such luck. However, I did find <a href="http://www.janicekaplan.com/books-2/the-gratitude-diaries/" target="_blank"><i>The Gratitude Diaries</i>, by Janice Kaplan</a> and this book helped me start my journey into positive thinking.</div>
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Spoiler alert but the overall message of the book is to find something positive in every day. It can be ANYTHING. Also, keep a gratitude diary. This is where I initially got hung up. Diary? Oh I need a pretty one? Etc. Then I thought okay one more thing to lug around and or have to remember to do every night when I get home. Ugh no. So we all know how much I love my friend google and chrome so I searched through the chrome apps and found <a href="https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/journey-diary-journal/jlncjaehedpdoinepaejmlpbmdkgmpog?hl=en-US" target="_blank">Journey</a>. It's a pretty basic journaling app.</div>
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On October 20th, I started my journal. I decided that mornings were the best time for me. Recap anything bothering me from the night before (you know any of the stuff keeping me up at night or causing me to toss and turn) and start the day off with some positive thoughts. It helps me get that "thing" bothering me out of the forefront of my mind by addressing it and then moving on to happier thoughts. </div>
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My first day had 7 positive items. The items range from loving my new shorter hair to feeling grateful for my husband. Also, #7 being props to myself for getting to #7 right out of the gate. There are some days when it can seem hard to find something positive (this is also addressed in the book) but even the littlest thing counts. For example, one day one of my positive thoughts was leaving the house on time and not having to deal with all the stress that comes from running late. The point is your positive thought(s) don't have to be earth shattering stuff it just something positive that puts a pep in your step. If and when I get to a complete loss of something positive ... I'll leave the app up and think about it. Something will come to you, sometimes it's just hard to pull something out of thin air and it not feel demanding ... THINK OF SOMETHING POSITIVE NOW!!!</div>
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So once I got the journaling down, I have started implementing the positive thoughts into real life action so that when something bad happens the negative doesn't knee-jerk out. (again discussed in the book) This is the hardest part. C'mon - there are just moments when we all get mad and/or are in a bad mood. Which is completely okay. It's not about suppressing that or making yourself feel bad for having feelings about whatever bothering you. The positive is going to help you move past it, not instantly in some cases but to where it's not overly consuming. </div>
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Here's a generic example, recently out shopping I had horrible customer service. Two employees at said store were completely rude to almost down right hateful. Instead of getting mad or being rude in return I just thought to myself stay positive. At that moment, it might have been through gritted teeth but I made it out of the store with my purchase and without surrendering to their level of hostility. In the past, it would have put a damper on my day, plus don't get me wrong I was upset when it was happening. However to move past it, I just reminded myself that (1) the store was busy and who knows what those customer service people had endured before me (um no NOT black friday but still), (2) inside my actual world - these people don't exist (of course they exist but up until this moment I had no knowledge of that existence). I don't know them and will probably never see them again so why let them have so much power to be able to affect me this much. (3) Laugh it off - literally. I can find the humor in practically everything so it's time to start putting that to use in annoying moments. (4) Think about how great the actual day has been and not to focus on that 5 or 10 mins.</div>
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All in all, I am a work in progress, it's only been under two months, but I can tell I have made some progress (note the positive thought). It will take time to build up to being at a place of always looking on the bright side. Also, it's totally okay if you have to just start off with reminding yourself each time ... STAY POSITIVE!</div>
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So even though my sisters will probably never change, I am changing my internal thoughts by trying to focus on positives rather than being engulfed by negatives that I can do nothing about. Believe me positive thoughts aren't the magic solution to all your problems. It's not as if everything bad just disappears, but the positive thoughts keep you sane. So in a sense it is being able to see this is crap but this is good and to be happy for the good so that the crap doesn't take over.</div>
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So what's your positive thought for today?</div>
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<br />Mellissa "Shia" Rondinellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864921922986355253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5066121448555755963.post-66721293154841017862015-10-07T09:26:00.002-04:002015-10-07T09:27:01.629-04:00Purple Hair<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I keep having dreams where I have dyed my hair purple, violet, or gray with a hint of violet. The main issue in my dream is always ... will I be able to wear this to work? So I had a great idea - why not create a pic of myself with purple hair and see how it looks ... well? Now with my choppy short hair - don't I just look so millennial?<br />
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So with all the fab hair colors out there now ... can the corporate world just grow up and get it?</div>
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Oh wait ... I think we have BIGGER issues that society can't even handle ... so I guess we are a LONG way away from purple hair being accepted in a corporate world. Maybe once all those baby boomers aren't in charge anymore {pondering those zen thoughts ahhhhh} ... can't wait for that era!!</div>
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So what do you think?</div>
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Purple Hair? </div>
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Mellissa "Shia" Rondinellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864921922986355253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5066121448555755963.post-43898858651931504332015-06-18T09:55:00.002-04:002015-06-18T09:56:10.263-04:00Pool Side Essentials<div style="text-align: center;">
To see my pool side essentials ... check out my new blog ... <a href="http://bestsisterlyadvice.blogspot.com/2015/06/pool-side-essentials_54.html" target="_blank">HERE!</a></div>
Mellissa "Shia" Rondinellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864921922986355253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5066121448555755963.post-56926271733300564372015-06-12T09:26:00.004-04:002015-06-12T09:27:00.762-04:00Hello Strangers ... <div style="text-align: justify;">
So I've done it ... I have a new blog! It's looks a lot like home [this blog] right now. But, I am working on it. Meanwhile, I posted a cute Friday Letters post, so please check it out ... </div>
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<a href="http://bestsisterlyadvice.blogspot.com/">http://bestsisterlyadvice.blogspot.com/</a></div>
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Mellissa "Shia" Rondinellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864921922986355253noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5066121448555755963.post-27837366014151077782015-04-06T11:11:00.001-04:002015-04-06T11:13:46.492-04:00It's Okay Thursday/Hello Monday #5<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTOFgeXbUfddDSVZ5o22TT4_fmhne06_LXy6JaBhPDjqZQc4P1S0WYFymleCYhQ6vCMk2eV8MjU_jIAMBJoKPGGnIvn0ImSIk4lnKQ_Vw5uQnu__tPXeiXIrrqX_681e1t-bi_iO7OU7o/s1600/c600x608.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTOFgeXbUfddDSVZ5o22TT4_fmhne06_LXy6JaBhPDjqZQc4P1S0WYFymleCYhQ6vCMk2eV8MjU_jIAMBJoKPGGnIvn0ImSIk4lnKQ_Vw5uQnu__tPXeiXIrrqX_681e1t-bi_iO7OU7o/s1600/c600x608.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
... to be so productive that you "forget" to blog!<br />
<br />
... to have tire issues on April Fool's Day and have to preface every text with ... this is NOT an April Fool's joke.<br />
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... to buy 11 items from the dollar days area at Target in an effort to get organized. {<i>hmmmm ... maybe a good idea for a blog post.</i>}<br />
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... to forget to finish this post!<br />
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<div class="Paragraph SCX110177914" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;" xml:lang="EN-US">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="TextRun SCX110177914" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; background-color: transparent; color: #b30d84; font-family: SJHatsAndShoes, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Hello Monday</span><span class="EOP SCX110177914" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: SJHatsAndShoes, sans-serif; line-height: 26px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span><span class="TextRun SCX110177914" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; background-color: transparent; color: #b30d84; font-family: SJHatsAndShoes, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">#5</span><span class="EOP SCX110177914" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: SJHatsAndShoes, sans-serif; line-height: 26px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
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It is truly amazing how much better my makeup and hair look on the weekend.<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 8px;"> </span></div>
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So if you have never tried Starbucks Via Iced Coffee - I highly recommend.<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 8px;"> </span></span></div>
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So I just watched <i>Into the Woods </i>over the weekend. </div>
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Why did the music sound EXACTLY like <i>Sweeney Todd?</i></div>
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Seriously I even googled that sh!t and came up with nothing.</div>
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Why is it on weekends I am all about managing my down time </div>
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like it was my last meal or something. Um no, I cannot do XYZ, </div>
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that is a total lack of consideration to my weekend of staying at </div>
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home and doing nothing for 48 hours straight. </div>
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How are you doing today?</div>
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Mellissa "Shia" Rondinellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864921922986355253noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5066121448555755963.post-40034662401155561942015-03-09T09:22:00.001-04:002015-03-09T09:22:26.461-04:00Hello Monday #4<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1sr1RWEKkZLGpsJdKnmwfVQLFBIc8doZkqCpDCu5nqGdUhz20qqBWkuFjlYDZfWLEi3xjJBYaebeoVo8JECfpQvFcRRmGSd4zrTExV-M6qA22wzeG0gPd41je4lay_Tl1B3FpS7RJcPM/s1600/1331403014588_4800616.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1sr1RWEKkZLGpsJdKnmwfVQLFBIc8doZkqCpDCu5nqGdUhz20qqBWkuFjlYDZfWLEi3xjJBYaebeoVo8JECfpQvFcRRmGSd4zrTExV-M6qA22wzeG0gPd41je4lay_Tl1B3FpS7RJcPM/s1600/1331403014588_4800616.png" height="280" width="400" /></a></div>
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Even though it is just as annoying as reminding me to change the clock, I have to say it just once. UGH! I HATE THE TIME CHANGE!!!! Also, I am going to step up on my soapbox for just a second. So, if I am supposed to limit my electronic device usage at night to sleep better. [In case you have been living under a rock - electronic devices emit a blue light that mimics sunlight and therefore keeps us awake because our internal clock doesn't get to wind down.] Than why the heck should I change my clock so that when I get up in the morning it is COMPLETE DARKNESS [when it should be light out to wake me up] and stays DAYLIGHT LONGER in the evening [when I am supposed to be naturally gearing down to go to sleep]? THAT MAKES NO SENSE! </div>
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Okay enough complaining for today ... frankly I am too tired to continue.</div>
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I hope everyone has a great Monday!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge88lR1FO_toVtDIeMSfhcMfhmcOvbvGU2CQqWXNbeW1kTxU3O9gp-G34siiycd3CHng3t6y33eyZyn91TD4w9cvT-aIizXiB07nZnhcCWnEPRvyJsMKebGRRRTnnkURINz-sZhMuS6Pw/s1600/Shia+sign+off.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge88lR1FO_toVtDIeMSfhcMfhmcOvbvGU2CQqWXNbeW1kTxU3O9gp-G34siiycd3CHng3t6y33eyZyn91TD4w9cvT-aIizXiB07nZnhcCWnEPRvyJsMKebGRRRTnnkURINz-sZhMuS6Pw/s1600/Shia+sign+off.gif" /></a></div>
Mellissa "Shia" Rondinellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864921922986355253noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5066121448555755963.post-41092938697346061852015-02-13T10:49:00.000-05:002015-02-13T10:50:06.553-05:00Happy Valentine's Day!<div style="text-align: center;">
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Happy Valentine's Day!</div>
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I hope you all have a lovely V Day tomorrow!!</div>
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Mellissa "Shia" Rondinellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864921922986355253noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5066121448555755963.post-67328605823759006062015-02-12T12:30:00.000-05:002015-08-24T16:26:10.983-04:00It's Okay Thursday ... <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTOFgeXbUfddDSVZ5o22TT4_fmhne06_LXy6JaBhPDjqZQc4P1S0WYFymleCYhQ6vCMk2eV8MjU_jIAMBJoKPGGnIvn0ImSIk4lnKQ_Vw5uQnu__tPXeiXIrrqX_681e1t-bi_iO7OU7o/s1600/c600x608.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTOFgeXbUfddDSVZ5o22TT4_fmhne06_LXy6JaBhPDjqZQc4P1S0WYFymleCYhQ6vCMk2eV8MjU_jIAMBJoKPGGnIvn0ImSIk4lnKQ_Vw5uQnu__tPXeiXIrrqX_681e1t-bi_iO7OU7o/s1600/c600x608.jpg" /></a></div>
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... to not care about 50 Shades of Grey movie, book, etc. (gray/grey ... whichever)<br />
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... to just breakdown in the middle of the freeway and not move your car - yep just abandon it during morning rush hour ... yep totally great plan! GRRRRR<br />
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... that I am super excited to see the girls this weekend - haven't seen those little munchkins in awhile and the oldest one ... is always busy! Hello - your Aunt needs you more than your little friends. <br />
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... that I am counting down for the weekend - THREE DAY WEEKEND ~ WOOHOO!!!! Paul says, "What elementary school holiday do I have off now?" PRESIDENTS DAY {insert image of me doing the cabbage patch and running man ... yep my dancing skillz are THAT good}<br />
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... to wear your hair in a bun everyday. Yep folks, it's called the snooze button, my dear old friend.<br />
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... to want Spring/Summer to get here just so my skin won't be so dry. AHHHH! I can't take it anymore. Does any face moisturizer actually work?<br />
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... to FINALLY break out the sewing kit to fix the sleeve of my sweater. Seriously it had been ripped down the seam at the wrist for practically the entire time I have had it (years) and today I just said screw it ... I'm attempting to sew this back together and .... looks perfect! TAKE THAT home economic teacher that doubted my sewing skillz!</div>
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What's okay with you today?</div>
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Mellissa "Shia" Rondinellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864921922986355253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5066121448555755963.post-19526149709207339272015-02-09T10:14:00.000-05:002015-02-09T10:14:01.167-05:00Do or Don't: Bobby Pin Overload<div style="text-align: center;">
I recently saw an article about unique ways of wearing bobby pins, <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/hair/tools-techniques/bobby-pin-hairstyles/bobby-pins-v-formation-hair" target="_blank">{click here for more styles}</a></div>
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I thought this one was ridiculous.</div>
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It literally looks as if she decided to just wear the whole pack.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp_8-ESX0suFaJ3UsHNmTPzyVsxDMo1yqHkUK1QHJJ0xOUGmULk_yInuZ7duSTkNnxYA9z_QTlLrxUebRqIYiULf1GCQ8xSEDRT_Yg26gwMByUotZZEV9QShSdkQl_nkYPT6sR0ehSQFs/s1600/v-formation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp_8-ESX0suFaJ3UsHNmTPzyVsxDMo1yqHkUK1QHJJ0xOUGmULk_yInuZ7duSTkNnxYA9z_QTlLrxUebRqIYiULf1GCQ8xSEDRT_Yg26gwMByUotZZEV9QShSdkQl_nkYPT6sR0ehSQFs/s1600/v-formation.jpg" height="400" width="335" /></a></div>
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However, this one I thought was sort of cute.</div>
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Then last night I was watching Girls on HBO and saw Shoshanna rocking it.</div>
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What do you think ... Do or Don't?</div>
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Mellissa "Shia" Rondinellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864921922986355253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5066121448555755963.post-76711237118553849522015-02-06T11:12:00.000-05:002015-02-06T11:12:38.725-05:00Friday Letters<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWU4BW-PuWW4VaDpRatfyLQXzZHgfbiF8iHUXNqJLTW2xbDzlv7WYsGVyazldfHwczFdWqeWyUorFbgr0bfquZvURtugUdBhuB7SMSKT2Rp8bGxC_XBNPIHnx4KieusMBh4TOCBJpj9zc/s1600/il_430xN.86297614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWU4BW-PuWW4VaDpRatfyLQXzZHgfbiF8iHUXNqJLTW2xbDzlv7WYsGVyazldfHwczFdWqeWyUorFbgr0bfquZvURtugUdBhuB7SMSKT2Rp8bGxC_XBNPIHnx4KieusMBh4TOCBJpj9zc/s1600/il_430xN.86297614.jpg" /></a></div>
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<strong>Dear Friday,</strong> thank you for FINALLY showing up! <strong>Dear Weather, </strong>please pick a side - cold or hot - and stick with it. <strong>Dear New Purse,</strong> I promise to fill you up this weekend so you can make your proud debut. <strong>Dear Unknown Numbers Calling My Cell Phone,</strong> Stop! STOP CALLING ME! Obviously you are no one I need to talk to because you NEVER leave a message! <strong>Dear Gmail,</strong> When I unsubscribe to junk mail and then flag it as spam when I keep receiving it - FLAG IT AS SPAM! <strong>Dear Inbox,</strong> You thought you had the best of me, but now who's winning - this girl - only 12 flagged emails needing action ... boo yeah! <strong>Dear Mr. Sandman,</strong> thank you for a lovely week of going to bed early/on time. I feel so rested. <strong>Dear neighborhood children,</strong> Don't leave your bike in the middle of the road - need I really say more? <strong>Dear Starbucks,</strong> Please impliment drive-thrus at all locations AND work out getting that two lane system that McDonalds has ... STAT! <strong>Dear Nosey People,</strong> STOP BEING NOSEY! Do you! I'm good. <strong>Dear attitude,</strong> we had some problems this week - you thought you were going to get me down but I overcame with the help of SLEEP! <strong>Dear Friday Fancies,</strong> sorry needed a break. <strong>Dear Readers, </strong>thank you for all your support and have a great weekend!!</div>
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Mellissa "Shia" Rondinellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864921922986355253noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5066121448555755963.post-85817659707186517442015-02-05T11:08:00.000-05:002015-02-05T11:08:45.580-05:00It's Okay Thursday .... <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTOFgeXbUfddDSVZ5o22TT4_fmhne06_LXy6JaBhPDjqZQc4P1S0WYFymleCYhQ6vCMk2eV8MjU_jIAMBJoKPGGnIvn0ImSIk4lnKQ_Vw5uQnu__tPXeiXIrrqX_681e1t-bi_iO7OU7o/s1600/c600x608.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTOFgeXbUfddDSVZ5o22TT4_fmhne06_LXy6JaBhPDjqZQc4P1S0WYFymleCYhQ6vCMk2eV8MjU_jIAMBJoKPGGnIvn0ImSIk4lnKQ_Vw5uQnu__tPXeiXIrrqX_681e1t-bi_iO7OU7o/s1600/c600x608.jpg" /></a></div>
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... to wonder why the heck Friday is taking so long to get here.</div>
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... to have had a miserable week but to just be glad that it's almost over.</div>
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... to go to sleep at 9:30 every night but still hitting the snooze button ... yep 8 plus hours of sleep each night is sometimes needed.</div>
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... to still stick my fingers in my ears and yell LA LA LA LA LA when anyone mentions the superbowl (LALALALALALALA).</div>
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... that I have been totally lacking on my blog, time management log, you know practically everything not necessary to my day to day needs. Sometimes we just need a break and less to care about.</div>
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... to get mad when my Iced drink from Starbucks seems to be more ICE than DRINK. GRRRR!</div>
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What's okay with you today?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge88lR1FO_toVtDIeMSfhcMfhmcOvbvGU2CQqWXNbeW1kTxU3O9gp-G34siiycd3CHng3t6y33eyZyn91TD4w9cvT-aIizXiB07nZnhcCWnEPRvyJsMKebGRRRTnnkURINz-sZhMuS6Pw/s1600/Shia+sign+off.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge88lR1FO_toVtDIeMSfhcMfhmcOvbvGU2CQqWXNbeW1kTxU3O9gp-G34siiycd3CHng3t6y33eyZyn91TD4w9cvT-aIizXiB07nZnhcCWnEPRvyJsMKebGRRRTnnkURINz-sZhMuS6Pw/s1600/Shia+sign+off.gif" /></a></div>
Mellissa "Shia" Rondinellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864921922986355253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5066121448555755963.post-32531619917504367102015-02-02T10:22:00.002-05:002015-02-02T10:22:56.642-05:00Hello Monday #3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So to be completely honest - today I am NOT feeling awesome. I got barely enough sleep last night to function today and I've already drank a cup of coffee and now I am drinking a caffeine filled soda ... yes it is as bad as it sounds and I just don't care. I don't care that it is groundhog's day ... I don't care! I've been trying to pull myself out of this funk this morning but ... I just keep ending up right at this point. So I guess I am just going to sit here and be miserable because that's all I can do at the moment. </div>
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I guess sometimes we all just have those days where we are grouchy. I am just choosing to accept the fact that nothing short of a time machine will make me less grouchy today. </div>
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Okay so stepping out of my Oscar the Grouch mode for a second - let me just give you a heads up to two upcoming product reviews. Why upcoming? Well I've only tried them once so far and I want test them again before so I can give more thoughts. Also, I don't think I have ever mentioned this, but any product I review is just something I bought and tried and I just share my thoughts. I don't have anyone sending me free stuff to plug.</div>
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To end on a cheerful note, Paul and I went out to dinner for my birthday on Saturday (to my favorite restaurant) and we actually did a little shopping. He bought me a new purse for my birthday ... </div>
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<img height="400" src="http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTYwMFgxMjAw/z/mPEAAOSw2XFUdzEl/$_35.JPG" width="300" /></div>
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{Guess Tonga}</div>
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I love it but I haven't put my stuff in it yet, and it's really rainy today so I am glad I haven't.</div>
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As for my time management, I was really bad last week at keeping track; however, since I've been making changes for about a month some of the stuff has started to become second nature. You know like packing my lunch and surprisingly going to bed by at least 10:30. (well not last night but let's not getting into what kept me tossing and turning) However, things I do need to continue to work on are (i) picking out my outfit the night before, (ii) making a realistic to do list of the things I want to accomplish each week and (iii) staying on track with my caffeine intake (well obviously not TODAY).</div>
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Oh and small victory for me I'd like to share ... so I had $5 in rewards from Staples. So I went in with nothing per say to buy and ALMOST bought a cute notebook to turn into a planner and .... I PUT IT BACK! I thought about it and thought about it and then I have come to the conclusion that I am really loving my current planner setup in OneNote and why start over with a planner and let's face it I am actually USING the online set up whereas most of the time I never use the cute planner. So instead I purchased some great pens because in all honesty I could find anything else to buy. </div>
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So how are you feeling on this <strike>HORRIBLE</strike> Monday?</div>
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Mellissa "Shia" Rondinellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864921922986355253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5066121448555755963.post-34440375970120581482015-01-30T08:00:00.000-05:002015-01-30T08:00:02.966-05:00Friday Fancies: Baby It's Cold Outside...<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://email.polyvore.com/wf/click?upn=QgrohgbOzjQBbQ0eJSslk0osecXvvsGDaSAq-2FpUUcKw-2FPEcnl4qXjaZKoCh2pVFK-2FGuGgA4DSCkkIulxAOgbVVIXYJQ58seTODU3KlPSJogmTENgPIXJlAjAGcVeVP0i_kMAYNhY4JslRBQpwxNp6YQLxRMMhNcEpQbK5YROob5RK5uWyacB91BA18-2FX5fh2cjna4yZ8cD-2BfPFbOHgo-2B9G8LlppMnVSxW0SfbJdFCeRgb9Dbqtgr3MdmTE6OpZ-2BOLFKJ4JSoTpNcp-2Fvfpe1IbJkBHaW7HqbQWDUwaUcHgPe-2B2QrPFEUDw-2BKVRw39pSbC-2B3zut464nF2PYydLGekn0E-2F6iEusEr-2FZ6tCfjmMhNpCL7invADDIqYkI5AdfMYAmy" style="border: 0px currentColor; color: #333333; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank" title="Baby It's Cold Outside"><img alt="Baby It's Cold Outside" class="CToWUd" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEg5raiQd1C8_pBlkgU3jGkQGcz5NXE5U_jSSGIExpScGohw9_HLqWAjD2TFmaR6P-iIEU-3aHU84mM48irvph3o6jgFglLPx0oTTRowkc-5ESFjA1b3Gdd24DUGkn7UXP2j5gjRfQbndTQU4BTuwtFvx59wDGFWQ5oldwQC-3W3M8APUOr-6KsVHgwCXcN4EwgB1XRJr_Vbc_I=s0-d-e1-ft" style="border: 0px currentColor; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; min-height: auto; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" title="Baby It's Cold Outside" /></a></div>
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Since this weekend is going to be a chilly one, I thought I would just post how I plan to kick it around my house. I know some of you are going to be in MUCH colder areas so I recommend that we all stay in and get cozy!</div>
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What do you think?</div>
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Mellissa "Shia" Rondinellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864921922986355253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5066121448555755963.post-72657305589870677132015-01-29T08:07:00.002-05:002015-01-29T08:07:56.442-05:00It's Okay Thrusday!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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... to skip a day of blogging ... yep totally okay.</div>
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... to be excited for the Super Bowl ... GO SEAHAWKS!!!</div>
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... to secretly think that Russell Wilson can't be that nice.</div>
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... to wonder why the heck Friday isn't here yet. Seriously, what is taking her so long!?!?</div>
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... that my 8 year old niece has a "cooler" phone than me.</div>
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... to still say cooler ... right?</div>
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... to take a break from drinking nothing but water - sometimes you need some flavor ... oh and caffeine!</div>
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... to walk outside and think ... <strong>FINALLY</strong> Floridians have the right to say in a whiny voice ... <em>it's cold outside ... wahhhhh! </em>(Currently 33 degrees)</div>
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... to want Starbucks but drive right on past because the drive thru line is too long.</div>
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What's okay with you today?</div>
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<br />Mellissa "Shia" Rondinellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864921922986355253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5066121448555755963.post-55520764661429496602015-01-27T08:43:00.000-05:002015-01-27T08:43:20.157-05:00Happy Birthday to Me!<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="279" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/22/6b/88/226b8872c2b12c4ef6a9aa19fbe42b64.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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Thank you to all of you that read my blog and have stuck with me through all these years!</div>
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Mellissa "Shia" Rondinellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864921922986355253noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5066121448555755963.post-70583502377508841492015-01-26T11:54:00.001-05:002015-01-26T11:54:24.678-05:00Hello Monday #2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So it's Monday, our favorite day of the week … am I right? <br /><br />I thought this Monday I would share a glimpse into the madness of how I am trying to keep myself accountable for my time management since it could probably be dubbed my New Year's Resolution at this point. In the past, when I decided to manage my money, I literally posted my purchases each day on my blog to stay accountable. If I spent money on ANYTHING it was written down. Since Paul and I use our credit card for EVERYTHING I then went through the statement and made categories. Bills, Gas, Groceries, etc. This helped me see where I was wasting money. So then I gave myself a budget. When starting off, I kept track of my spending money to the penny. I tried my hardest not to go over my budget. After awhile, I got the hang of it and really essentially saved a bunch of money. {To see some related posts click on the MONEY label.} </div>
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<br />So now I need to and have incorporated this into my time management. So I started with writing everything down for each day and creating a checklist of things that I need to accomplish each day/night. Here is a sample of what I strive for every day/night, this is my permanent list: </div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX215860109" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: "Segoe UI",Tahoma,Verdana,"Sans-Serif"; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-left: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US">
<span class="TextRun SCX215860109" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: "SJHatsAndShoes",Sans-Serif; font-size: 16pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24px; text-decoration: none;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX215860109" style="background-color: inherit;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX215860109" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: "Segoe UI",Tahoma,Verdana,"Sans-Serif"; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-left: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US">
<span class="TextRun SCX215860109" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: "SJHatsAndShoes",Sans-Serif; font-size: 16pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24px; text-decoration: none;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX215860109" style="background-color: inherit;">(X) </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX215860109" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: "SJHatsAndShoes",Sans-Serif; font-size: 16pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24px; text-decoration: none;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX215860109" style="background-color: inherit;">Packed Lunch</span></span><span class="EOP SCX215860109" style="font-family: "SJHatsAndShoes",Sans-Serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 24px;"> </span></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX215860109" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: "Segoe UI",Tahoma,Verdana,"Sans-Serif"; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-left: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US">
<span class="TextRun SCX215860109" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: "SJHatsAndShoes",Sans-Serif; font-size: 16pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24px; text-decoration: none;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX215860109" style="background-color: inherit;">(X) Blog Post</span></span><span class="EOP SCX215860109" style="font-family: "SJHatsAndShoes",Sans-Serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 24px;"> </span></div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCX215860109" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: "Segoe UI",Tahoma,Verdana,"Sans-Serif"; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US">
<span class="TextRun SCX215860109" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: "SJHatsAndShoes",Sans-Serif; font-size: 16pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24px; text-decoration: none;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX215860109" style="background-color: inherit;">(X) Go to bed on time (10/10:30) </span></span><span class="EOP SCX215860109" style="font-family: "SJHatsAndShoes",Sans-Serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 24px;"> </span></div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCX215860109" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: "Segoe UI",Tahoma,Verdana,"Sans-Serif"; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US">
<span class="TextRun SCX215860109" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: "SJHatsAndShoes",Sans-Serif; font-size: 16pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24px; text-decoration: none;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX215860109" style="background-color: inherit;">(X) OFTD</span></span><span class="EOP SCX215860109" style="font-family: "SJHatsAndShoes",Sans-Serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 24px;"> </span></div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCX215860109" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: "Segoe UI",Tahoma,Verdana,"Sans-Serif"; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US">
<span class="TextRun SCX215860109" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: "SJHatsAndShoes",Sans-Serif; font-size: 16pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24px; text-decoration: none;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX215860109" style="background-color: inherit;">(X) Drink 8 glasses of water</span></span><span class="EOP SCX215860109" style="font-family: "SJHatsAndShoes",Sans-Serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 24px;"> </span></div>
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Also, I'll add things I want to accomplish that day and if I don't get them done … I add it to the next day's list as well. Here are some examples: <br />
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<span class="TextRun Strikethrough SCX215860109" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: "SJHatsAndShoes",Sans-Serif; font-size: 16pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24px; text-decoration: line-through;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX215860109" style="background-color: inherit;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX215860109" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: "Segoe UI",Tahoma,Verdana,"Sans-Serif"; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US">
<span class="TextRun Strikethrough SCX215860109" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: "SJHatsAndShoes",Sans-Serif; font-size: 16pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24px; text-decoration: line-through;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX215860109" style="background-color: inherit;">() Organize coupons</span></span><span class="EOP SCX215860109" style="font-family: "SJHatsAndShoes",Sans-Serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 24px;"> </span></div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCX215860109" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: "Segoe UI",Tahoma,Verdana,"Sans-Serif"; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US">
<span class="TextRun SCX215860109" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: "SJHatsAndShoes",Sans-Serif; font-size: 16pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24px; text-decoration: none;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX215860109" style="background-color: inherit;">(X) Find book at library</span></span><span class="EOP SCX215860109" style="font-family: "SJHatsAndShoes",Sans-Serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 24px;"> </span></div>
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<br />Not only do I keep track with my check list. I also make notes regarding how my day went with regards to accomplishing those tasks. I created a color scale. Each item I write down is ranked by: <br /><br /> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX215860109" style="margin-left: 24px;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX215860109" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: "Segoe UI",Tahoma,Verdana,"Sans-Serif"; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US">
<span class="TextRun SCX215860109" style="background-color: transparent; color: #7030a0; font-family: "SJHatsAndShoes",Sans-Serif; font-size: 16pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; text-decoration: none;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX215860109" style="background-color: inherit;"> Purple - Keep up the good work!</span></span><span class="EOP SCX215860109" style="font-family: "SJHatsAndShoes",Sans-Serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 24px;"> </span></div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCX215860109" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: "Segoe UI",Tahoma,Verdana,"Sans-Serif"; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US">
<span class="TextRun SCX215860109" style="background-color: transparent; color: #0070c0; font-family: "SJHatsAndShoes",Sans-Serif; font-size: 16pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; text-decoration: none;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX215860109" style="background-color: inherit;"> Blue - Somewhat successful </span></span><span class="EOP SCX215860109" style="font-family: "SJHatsAndShoes",Sans-Serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 24px;"> </span></div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCX215860109" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: "Segoe UI",Tahoma,Verdana,"Sans-Serif"; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US">
<span class="TextRun SCX215860109" style="background-color: transparent; color: #f79646; font-family: "SJHatsAndShoes",Sans-Serif; font-size: 16pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; text-decoration: none;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX215860109" style="background-color: inherit;"> Orange - needs work </span></span><span class="EOP SCX215860109" style="font-family: "SJHatsAndShoes",Sans-Serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 24px;"> </span></div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCX215860109" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: "Segoe UI",Tahoma,Verdana,"Sans-Serif"; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US">
<span class="TextRun SCX215860109" style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-family: "SJHatsAndShoes",Sans-Serif; font-size: 16pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; text-decoration: none;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX215860109" style="background-color: inherit;"> Red - FIX - ISSUE</span></span><span class="EOP SCX215860109" style="font-family: "SJHatsAndShoes",Sans-Serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 24px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX215860109" style="color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX215860109" style="background-color: inherit;"></span></span><span class="EOP SCX215860109" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px;"> </span></div>
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<br />The color code makes it easy to see what I need to work on because let's face it - everyday isn't going to be all purple and blue. I think I've only had one day so far that was … lol. Recently, when I had a three day weekend, I made a long to do list and nearly accomplished it all. VICTORY!<br /><br /> So far I can say that I am seeing progress in my time management and that even though everything isn't 100% everyday - writing it down definitely helps me stay accountable. Also, I feel less pressure to get EVERYTHING done on one day. When I have everything mapped out for the week, I know I have enough time to do the things I want to get done. </div>
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<br />So how are you doing on your resolutions?</div>
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Mellissa "Shia" Rondinellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864921922986355253noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5066121448555755963.post-57271592584076945352015-01-23T11:49:00.000-05:002015-01-23T11:49:57.599-05:00Friday Fancies: Trip to the DMV<a href="http://email.polyvore.com/wf/click?upn=QgrohgbOzjQBbQ0eJSslk78ib1On-2FPj9cAYUtlBX-2F8H3uMmYk3J7B2sB9NCwQjCukyNE8k8TnUWNNRbIN2a1od9cspryCyWbh4Gl8jxwf7M-3D_kMAYNhY4JslRBQpwxNp6YQLxRMMhNcEpQbK5YROob5SuW30YK5TQ6oa3WmAjuCiw9qcMIz-2BFIavYWqSfirbMP8zrKUDS14zDWez8diN30UlnT9EbMeTI25r4O8DyiyS5WTVaek4sKIifBG0LPXhMX3ZlQsTwZDpH3QMLWkLWq1XHMnBRZ7-2Fyyq-2B2K6gE5kjIMYwxqouNZJnLX39crLMeQYf3NMQhPPwFvlwrenWK5k4Y8S24a6SazmSFq7aBaBJe" style="border: 0px currentColor; color: #333333; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank" title="Let's Go to the DMV"><img alt="Let's Go to the DMV" class="CToWUd" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEhVXb2vcIuxE3zUmH2WYxQY1KIriDuOtwj5dXjUcFlYJgUlolObwjHwlGRMeE8sQphh-9UT8euyotDH_JtMcU0bJxGDTH6sNmQidaj4I02MSuqvZXhLi6dLZlvfd_uMfUwFGtiy661o406tgUXtEXCrzIPgaM6mDpVA55SgI9RKIDf3iNUAKTob8-gfN91CL8dTHJQAJN6VHtk=s0-d-e1-ft" style="border: 0px currentColor; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; min-height: auto; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; width: 100%;" title="Let's Go to the DMV" width="600" /></a><br />
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Thanks to the fact I needed to have a vision test done - apparently you can only renew online so many times BEFORE you have to prove you can see. So here is the gist of what I wore to have my license photo taken. I'm a firm believer in ... don't show too much skin because then it just turns out looking all weird in that dreaded photo. Also, wear a dark or black top. This will help make the contrast of your head and your body show up under that bright flash. Some extras: I brought a magazine to read but I walked right in ... thank you DMV gods. Also, I rewarded myself with my FREE birthday drink from Starbucks. I got a Venti Iced Decaf Soy Caramel Macchito Upside Down (not quite represented by the photo above but again you get the gist). Isn't that a crazy long request?!? I have to repeat it to myself in like about a million times so I don't forget one of the words.</div>
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<img height="237" src="http://cdn.someecards.com/someecards/filestorage/starbucks-drink-order-reminders-ecard-someecards.jpg" width="425" /></div>
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Happy Friday and I hope everyone has a great weekend!</div>
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Mellissa "Shia" Rondinellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864921922986355253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5066121448555755963.post-86831150177963119392015-01-22T11:32:00.001-05:002015-01-22T11:32:37.337-05:00It's Okay Thursday ...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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... to wake up on Thursday super excited that Friday is tomorrow! </div>
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... to have no opinion about deflated balls ... GO SEAHAWKS!</div>
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... to take splenda from Starbucks ... I mean chances are that splenda will go into their product so it's totally legit ... right?</div>
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... to get mad when your parking spot in the garage/parking lot is taken ~ no assigned spots but C'MON I park there EVERYDAY!</div>
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... to already be counting down to the next 3 day weekend.</div>
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... to just realize that I need to renew my license ... dang birthday coming up!</div>
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... not understand why I actually have to go to DMV - online renewal can only be done so many times? WHAT!?!?</div>
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... to then wonder if my outfit and hair are acceptable for my new license photo ... LOL</div>
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<img height="279" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/c1/dc/f2/c1dcf20a1201757bef3e6327688b2861.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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What's okay with you today?</div>
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Mellissa "Shia" Rondinellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864921922986355253noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5066121448555755963.post-35863275011825400452015-01-21T09:00:00.000-05:002015-01-21T09:00:04.565-05:00Do or Don't: European Kitchen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Americans are all about big kitchens, stainless steel appliances and granite countertops, but why? Could we embrace the European take on kitchens and still function? Granted, I am with you 100% on the size of the refrigerator but honestly ... do we need tons of cabinets and an abundance of countertops? I'm all about my home being mine ~ my style and my likes ~ I could totally see Paul and I taking a nontraditional take on a kitchen. I honestly don't even like granite ... I know GASP! </div>
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As along as the kitchen is functional, chic is totally acceptable in my book ... what do you think?</div>
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Mellissa "Shia" Rondinellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864921922986355253noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5066121448555755963.post-36860136683990843662015-01-20T09:00:00.000-05:002015-01-20T09:00:01.933-05:00Pack Your Lunch<div class="Paragraph SCX222238265" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: "Segoe UI",Tahoma,Verdana,"Sans-Serif"; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US">
<span class="TextRun SCX222238265" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "SJHatsAndShoes",Sans-Serif; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 30px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX222238265" style="background-color: inherit;"><img height="279" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/2a/4b/10/2a4b10392dbaeb04e981430449bbb849.jpg" width="400" /></span></span></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX222238265" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: "Segoe UI",Tahoma,Verdana,"Sans-Serif"; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-left: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US">
<span class="TextRun SCX222238265" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "SJHatsAndShoes",Sans-Serif; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 30px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX222238265" style="background-color: inherit;">When planning to pack my lunch, I turn to my trustworthy friend Google to find some ideas - only to be put off by the complicated looking bento boxed lunches. Sure this all looks great and I would love someone to pack me one of those healthy and perfect looking lunches, but let's face reality ~ I'm the one packing it and chances of it coming any close to one of those is slim to none. </span></span></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX222238265" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: "Segoe UI",Tahoma,Verdana,"Sans-Serif"; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-left: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US">
<span class="TextRun SCX222238265" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "SJHatsAndShoes",Sans-Serif; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 30px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX222238265" style="background-color: inherit;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX222238265" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: "Segoe UI",Tahoma,Verdana,"Sans-Serif"; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-left: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US">
<span class="TextRun SCX222238265" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "SJHatsAndShoes",Sans-Serif; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 30px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX222238265" style="background-color: inherit;"></span></span><span class="TextRun SCX222238265" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "SJHatsAndShoes",Sans-Serif; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 30px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX222238265" style="background-color: inherit;">Of course, p</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX222238265" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "SJHatsAndShoes",Sans-Serif; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 30px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX222238265" style="background-color: inherit;">acking your lunch is healthier for you than fast food options but it is also cheaper than buying lunch everyday. So packing is a double winner in my book. So how can I get this rolling?</span></span><span class="EOP SCX222238265" style="font-family: "SJHatsAndShoes",Sans-Serif; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 30px;"> </span></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX222238265" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: "Segoe UI",Tahoma,Verdana,"Sans-Serif"; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-left: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US">
<span class="EOP SCX222238265" style="font-family: "SJHatsAndShoes",Sans-Serif; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 30px;"></span> </div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX222238265" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: "Segoe UI",Tahoma,Verdana,"Sans-Serif"; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-left: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US">
<span class="EOP SCX222238265" style="font-family: "SJHatsAndShoes",Sans-Serif; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 30px;"></span><span class="TextRun SCX222238265" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "SJHatsAndShoes",Sans-Serif; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 30px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX222238265" style="background-color: inherit;">First, set a goal of how many days a week you want to pack your lunch. I set my goal for 4 days a week with Fridays open to have lunch with friends since there is always someone wanting to meet up for a chat and a bite to eat. Last week was my first successful week - I packed Monday - Thursday and had a great lunch on Friday with a group of friends. Also, since I hadn't purchased a lunch all week I didn't really mind that Friday I splurged a little. </span></span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX222238265" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "SJHatsAndShoes",Sans-Serif; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 30px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX222238265" style="background-color: inherit;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX222238265" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: "Segoe UI",Tahoma,Verdana,"Sans-Serif"; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-left: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US">
<span class="TextRun SCX222238265" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "SJHatsAndShoes",Sans-Serif; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 30px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX222238265" style="background-color: inherit;"></span></span><span class="TextRun SCX222238265" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "SJHatsAndShoes",Sans-Serif; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 30px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX222238265" style="background-color: inherit;">Second, figure out the best packable lunch for you. So, what the heck should you pack? My tip is to figure out a lunch that is easy to make and that takes no real thought or effort once you get all your goods for packing. I'm all about throw in the bag options. During my grocery shopping, I just went back to basics. So I need a sandwich, side, fruit/veg and maybe a treat. Seems simple enough … right?</span></span><span class="EOP SCX222238265" style="font-family: "SJHatsAndShoes",Sans-Serif; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 30px;"> </span></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX222238265" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: "Segoe UI",Tahoma,Verdana,"Sans-Serif"; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-left: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US">
<span class="EOP SCX222238265" style="font-family: "SJHatsAndShoes",Sans-Serif; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 30px;"></span> </div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX222238265" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: "Segoe UI",Tahoma,Verdana,"Sans-Serif"; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-left: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US">
<span class="EOP SCX222238265" style="font-family: "SJHatsAndShoes",Sans-Serif; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 30px;"></span><span class="TextRun SCX222238265" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "SJHatsAndShoes",Sans-Serif; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 30px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX222238265" style="background-color: inherit;">The sandwich: this can be your Achilles heel or easy … I prefer easy. I don't necessarily have somewhere cold to store my food until I plan to eat it therefore complicated sandwiches are out for me. Also, I can't say I want to spend thirty </span><span class="SpellingError SCX222238265" style="background-color: inherit;">mins</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCX222238265" style="background-color: inherit;"> or so making my lunch everyday so I opted for peanut butter & jelly. The good 'ole PB&J. It's really something that I never get tired of - I never look at my sandwich and think … man I don't want this today. It's filling and easy. </span></span></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX222238265" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: "Segoe UI",Tahoma,Verdana,"Sans-Serif"; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-left: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US">
<span class="TextRun SCX222238265" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "SJHatsAndShoes",Sans-Serif; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 30px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX222238265" style="background-color: inherit;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX222238265" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: "Segoe UI",Tahoma,Verdana,"Sans-Serif"; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-left: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US">
<span class="TextRun SCX222238265" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "SJHatsAndShoes",Sans-Serif; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 30px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX222238265" style="background-color: inherit;"></span></span><span class="TextRun SCX222238265" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "SJHatsAndShoes",Sans-Serif; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 30px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX222238265" style="background-color: inherit;">The side: There is a whole world of options. Last week, I bought a bag of pretzels and kept filling up my sandwich bag each night. It just took a matter of seconds to replenish. Sure you can buy all the prepackaged foods but I think throwing some in a sandwich baggie is not that time consuming. Yogurt is also another good option as a side - but again don't want to have to worry about keeping it cold.</span></span></div>
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<span class="EOP SCX222238265" style="font-family: "SJHatsAndShoes",Sans-Serif; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 30px;"></span> </div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX222238265" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: "Segoe UI",Tahoma,Verdana,"Sans-Serif"; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-left: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US">
<span class="EOP SCX222238265" style="font-family: "SJHatsAndShoes",Sans-Serif; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 30px;"></span><span class="TextRun SCX222238265" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "SJHatsAndShoes",Sans-Serif; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 30px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX222238265" style="background-color: inherit;">The fruit/veg: Again, you can go the hard way or the easy way. The hard way is when people buy a bunch of something chop it all up etc. Again, I just pick something that doesn't have to stay cold. Banana, apple, pear, etc. I'm not to fond of oranges as a lunch option because I don't want to deal with the peeling and oranges in my opinion are better when cold. </span></span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX222238265" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "SJHatsAndShoes",Sans-Serif; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 30px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX222238265" style="background-color: inherit;">The treat: Currently this spot is being occupied by a Nutragrain bar. But, you can pick anything you want. What's something you can throw into your bag that will make this plain Jane lunch feel a little more bareable day to day? Also, pick something that you won't snack on outside of lunch - you know late night when you are watching tv you don't want to eat up all your lunch supplies.</span></span></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX222238265" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: "Segoe UI",Tahoma,Verdana,"Sans-Serif"; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-left: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US">
<span class="TextRun SCX222238265" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "SJHatsAndShoes",Sans-Serif; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 30px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX222238265" style="background-color: inherit;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX222238265" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: "Segoe UI",Tahoma,Verdana,"Sans-Serif"; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-left: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US">
<span class="TextRun SCX222238265" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "SJHatsAndShoes",Sans-Serif; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 30px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX222238265" style="background-color: inherit;"></span></span><span class="TextRun SCX222238265" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "SJHatsAndShoes",Sans-Serif; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 30px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX222238265" style="background-color: inherit;">This is what works for me. But, if you have leftovers and like to pack those … go for it! Salads are also a great lunch option but again I don't really want to have to worry about my stuff staying cold. All in all - keep it simple and enjoy your day off to splurge.</span></span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX222238265" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "SJHatsAndShoes",Sans-Serif; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 30px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX222238265" style="background-color: inherit;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX222238265" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: "Segoe UI",Tahoma,Verdana,"Sans-Serif"; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US">
<span class="TextRun SCX222238265" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "SJHatsAndShoes",Sans-Serif; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 30px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX222238265" style="background-color: inherit;"></span></span><span class="TextRun SCX222238265" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "SJHatsAndShoes",Sans-Serif; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 30px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX222238265" style="background-color: inherit;">What's your go to pack lunch?</span></span><span class="EOP SCX222238265" style="font-family: "SJHatsAndShoes",Sans-Serif; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 30px;"> </span></div>
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Mellissa "Shia" Rondinellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864921922986355253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5066121448555755963.post-34452438356745081122015-01-16T08:00:00.000-05:002015-01-16T08:00:04.794-05:00Friday Fancies: Cute & Cozy Sweaters<div style="text-align: center;">
So I got this idea from <a href="http://www.littleluxurylist.com/2015/01/fashion-highlight-heart-sweaters.html" target="_blank">little luxury lists</a> ...</div>
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<a href="http://email.polyvore.com/wf/click?upn=QgrohgbOzjQBbQ0eJSslky2nbUn6r-2FdjQ-2FoRTinzObJbju4wcPoYMAFNJnVRImhuugFHSOTQTf5zDLHY33JOH4gNcRUh-2BGPrd5tGSgVUL3A-3D_kMAYNhY4JslRBQpwxNp6YQLxRMMhNcEpQbK5YROob5QsmCdzyHEpZJlsBU2AL39qaQeeawCyDRhZ61ZkXFapY0SHYFT4YbI98Qeqy8V-2B8isUL0KDsPfxcnnBAwBgUdP219QgjT6XQ-2FpaaqJPd6He-2F2yjTQVRYOtFZlcB5dwF7XWTJzBKnta-2B0LT1-2Ft6l19BkkAJtHQNk4FvpUQctWFYyFmIPv39e1hazIt3CBqWh-2Byv50UZGnv5RzANkD7tJr5OE" style="border: 0px currentColor; color: #333333; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank" title="Cute & Cozy"><img alt="Cute & Cozy" class="CToWUd" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEifVuorTrUqK8G33mlcUVB7TFOtbVlT2gmw_vfjARtAvTA691V6PAamO2KZCHXwMPwDY5VacmUYjplOYsEjZs0HZGz6j8dFKDn3atyWUdx_jKz3nE88tGjXq4kN8Dg_CxQ2bYPD8xSgripbIH2Dqtajvo9nZFOdH3Y_l6SyNnl-rjKYmUBzdQtgiN4rl7tzBtMq3xRSljfr5Po=s0-d-e1-ft" style="border: 0px currentColor; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; min-height: auto; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; width: 100%;" title="Cute & Cozy" width="600" /></a></div>
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Since we are all probably tired of wearing sweaters {some more than others}, </div>
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I thought I would post some cute ones that can cheer us up from the winter blues. </div>
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How cute are those elbow pads?</div>
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Mellissa "Shia" Rondinellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864921922986355253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5066121448555755963.post-58420674482650264852015-01-15T08:11:00.000-05:002015-01-15T08:11:21.557-05:00It's Okay Thursday!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTOFgeXbUfddDSVZ5o22TT4_fmhne06_LXy6JaBhPDjqZQc4P1S0WYFymleCYhQ6vCMk2eV8MjU_jIAMBJoKPGGnIvn0ImSIk4lnKQ_Vw5uQnu__tPXeiXIrrqX_681e1t-bi_iO7OU7o/s1600/c600x608.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTOFgeXbUfddDSVZ5o22TT4_fmhne06_LXy6JaBhPDjqZQc4P1S0WYFymleCYhQ6vCMk2eV8MjU_jIAMBJoKPGGnIvn0ImSIk4lnKQ_Vw5uQnu__tPXeiXIrrqX_681e1t-bi_iO7OU7o/s1600/c600x608.jpg" /></a></div>
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... to look for the cheapest gas even now when gas is cheap! Seriously what is it about my exit that needs to be 10 cents more per gallon?</div>
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... to have a bed time ... yes I am an adult but I need to go to sleep when it is time to go to sleep!</div>
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... to wear your hair in a pony tail everyday this week ~ it's raining folks ... why even try to pretend my hair will stay presentable without putting it up?</div>
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... to realize that everything I complain about can be summed up with #firstworldproblems or #FLproblems.</div>
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... to be currently addicted to NPR. Hello RARELY any commercials and I am learning stuff everyday.</div>
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... to feel smarter for listening to NPR ... LOL.</div>
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... to start sentences with the phrase ... so I heard on NPR ...</div>
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... to give eye rolls ... yep you thought I couldn't see you.</div>
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... to look at your nails and think about using a nail file but it not happening ... jagged is fashionable ... right? {okay maybe not}</div>
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... that my husband knows exactly how long we have been together and I am ALWAYS wrong. Seriously, even recently when I was like okay I have this down ... nope still wrong! I can never remember how old my dog is either because it's hard to remember a time before her ~ so I told Paul that he's like the dog now ~ I can't remember a time before him. {insert ahhhhh} Okay so FOR the record ... we met March 2, 2008 (ok so I just had to check my blog for the day - why can I never remember this??) Seriously, I have a yearly reminder that pops up in my phone and when I see the calendar near the end of Feb I will think ... what do I have scheduled for the 2nd? True story ... EVERY year ... LOL. We married September 20, 2012 ... okay that I def remember! </div>
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Mellissa "Shia" Rondinellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864921922986355253noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5066121448555755963.post-865835338542754212015-01-14T08:45:00.002-05:002015-01-14T23:13:22.456-05:00Crap Products and Tried & True Swaps ...<div style="text-align: justify;">
So since I have been couponing I have tried out a bunch of products that I have found deals to make them cheap and/or FREE. Here are some products that aren't even worth free ...</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMbi2eIQ_2_gRHS89dFZvjqJueKdl0iO-AG9T7NcrInWX8gBxhOxpWnM53leLgpS74-dlkvCQAP5mIeZ5tzqCpHJIR2kizY8B5JlMNgdJed2h6jVETF0YJW1LlshRobtHWXRDgSkYYFlk/s1600/crap.png" /><br />
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The Oral B battery operated toothbrush only rotates on one section of the toothbrush head; however, when you push down to brush your teeth the force stops it from rotating so at that point it is just making a loud buzzing noise with no actual results. Also, if you push down softer - it just sprays toothpaste all over your mirror - NO FUN! </div>
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The Colgate toothbrush with whitening pen is good in theory; however, the toothbrush is too bulky because the whitening pen is stored inside the base of the toothbrush, so you can't store it in a normal toothbrush holder and then it just lies around on the counter or in a drawer ... YUCK! As for the whitening pen, I will say it works "a little" - if you put it on your teeth and try not to close your mouth it whitens - there is nothing holding to your teeth. It is good for a quick touch up but it's not portable because essentially the top to the pen is the toothbrush and believe me you don't want to be lugging that massive thing around with you all day.</div>
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Gillette Venus Spa Breeze Razors are horrible. {I gave the other razor head to my sister to try ~ she had the same results.} Basically, the outer foaming/shaving cream area does not work. It doesn't lather up ~ it just becomes gooey. Also that extra stuff area makes it impossible to get the razor on your skin without pushing down and then knicking/cutting yourself to death. PASS!</div>
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Crest 3D White has a money back guarantee but just skip it. It's a great toothpaste but doesn't really make that much of a difference with whitening. </div>
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Caress Daily Silk Body Wash (Silky Orange Blossom) doesn't really make your skin feel any softer after use. I had two bottles of this stuff. I used practically the whole bottle felt no results on my skin and gave the other bottle to my sister to try. She had the same results - no silky feeling. Also, I picked this scent because it was the least offensive one they made. This scent isn't really that appealing either. So again ... PASS!!</div>
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So here are some swaps that definitely work well {which I have also gotten on a deal for cheap and/or free}!</div>
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Colgate 360 toothbrush is awesome ~ the toothbrush head is perfect size for my teeth and it cleans great. It also has a tongue scrapper on the back; but, I cannot even do that {too much gag reflex ... LOL}.</div>
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Arm & Hammer Whitening Booster Gel ~ this stuff is amazing! You have to use it with toothpaste because it has no actual teeth cleaning function it is just for whitening. Also, I tried it on its own and it tastes HORRIBLE so def use some toothpaste. What I also like about the Colgate 360 toothbrush is that the toothbrush head is big enough for this whitening gel and toothpaste. The whitening is amazing ... you can tell a major difference after one use. The box states to use once a day but if your teeth are not sensitive I think you could probably get away with using it twice a day.</div>
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Crest Complete with Scope ~ average toothpaste but I love this container. It works well to apply a thin coat of toothpaste beside a thin coat of the whitening booster. So if you want to try the booster just get a toothpaste in this container - I think Colgate uses this bottle as well. So just get whatever normal toothpaste you like.</div>
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Schick Hydro Silk ~ I got one of these in a Birchbox once and LOVED IT. This is the best razor! The Hydro area really works ~ you can shave with just water knick free. Also the area lasts and the razor itself does not get dull quickly. </div>
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Softsoap Citrus Splash & Berry Fusion Body Wash ~ I love Softsoap products. They have tons of different scents and they even have creamy body washes. This one smells great and the exfoliating beads help to get your skin clean and soft. </div>
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What's one product you deem as crappy and what do you recommend instead?</div>
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Downton Abbey is one of my favorite shows and Joanne Froggatt plays one of my favorite characters. </div>
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Congrats to hear on her Golden Globe!<br />
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Do you watch Downton and who's your favorite character?</div>
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Mellissa "Shia" Rondinellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864921922986355253noreply@blogger.com2