Happy July 4th!!!

I absolutely LOVE the 4th of JULY! It's one of my favorite holidays!!
I'm looking forward to a lonng weekend of beautiful weather and spending time with some fabulous people! Life is GOOD!




HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!!!!

Photo by:
DECLAN MCCULLAGH PHOTOGRAPHY

Bar Etiquette

Ok people...
I've worked in a restaurant a long time. Have I outgrown it? Absolutely!
Do I find it extremely difficult not to speak rudely to obnoxiously rude people? YES!
I think it is sooo hysterical how many completely disrespectful people I run in to on a daily basis because of my evening work environment. I never knew there were so many unhappy/mean people out there. I don't know... maybe the economy has gotten them all flustered and angry... or perhaps its the freakishly humid weather we've been having... or maybe they were just never taught manners.

Regardless, it has taught me a lesson. I know that no matter what I'm going through, obviously someone has got it worse, because I can still muster the energy and enthusiasm to respond to a stranger at a bar or dinner table even if I've had the worst day ever. OR if I can't find the strength to be a decent human being… guess what? I go home.

I have to giggle at the people I walk up to and say
"Good evening, how are you two doing tonight?"
and I get the response...
"Iced tea & Miller Lite."

Really? I know you're thirsty, but come on. I usually just laugh and say to myself... "that good huh?"

I also enjoy the older ladies sitting at the bar who completely and deliberately ignore the first two attempts I make to refill the empty wine glasses they are clutching, yet they almost scream at me to fill it up 5 minutes later when they've taken a break from gossiping.

Or how about the guy who taps on his half full beer glass when he is 2 feet from me. What does that mean? You have half a beer...? Is there something wrong with it? Do you want me to get you a new glass? Millions of possible answers, but if he had just said "May I please have the check?" because he was TOTALLY in ear-shot… It would not have taken the 5 minute discussion on why I should have understood the tapping on the half empty beer glass.

People like to make up their own sign language in bars... How about the guy who does a swirl in the air with his finger signaling that that "swirl" represents the whole group. Well to me, a finger swirling in the air means another round... but to him it meant "wrap it up... close the check..?"
Bottom line, let's keep the signals, hand gestures and interpretive dance at home while you're playing charades.

Or, the obnoxious bar regular: Okay, so this regular comes in the bar at least 3-4 times per week. He’s generally a good guy, probably in his late 60’s, who keeps to himself, UNTIL he runs into women who sit next to him or pick up conversation with him. First of all, he orders all the drinks for the women, but does not want to pay for them. He tries to show that “people know him at the bar… because he’s such a good patron”. If you order a drink for someone from me… guess what… it’s going on YOUR tab. I do this because he goes out of his way to interrupt me taking an order from another bar patron just so he looks like a big-shot in front of a girl. The first few times, I said in front of him and the girls… “These going on your tab?” He would studder and eventually agrees because he was embarrassed, but he would always complain after the girls left and try to get out of paying for their drinks. SO ANNOYING! He also brings a coupon every time he comes in, (not that that is a bad thing, I love coupons)… but he always tries to change the coupons in for something else, or get something else for free… and that’s annoying. Not to mention… every.single.time I card someone at the bar, he asks “Erin, why didn’t you card me??” It takes a good amount of stregnth for me not to say "I didn't card you because you are old enough to be my grandpa..."

I am realizing that of all the posts I've ever put up, this is the only semi-negative one. But its kind of entertain though right? At least I hope!

It’s just what goes on in restaurants all over the place, and I think people should be more conscience that the bartenders and servers are human beings too just trying to make money to pay their bills just like every other person on the planet.

Happy Wednesday! I’ll be at Bonefish tonight if anyone wants to test my patience! HAHAHA




P.S. Please comment if you read... I'm starting to think no one is reading this stuff... :-(

Supersition

I'm a superstitious person... and I've decided that when we buy our first house... I'm going to get this and nail is right over the front door, so I can see it every morning on the way out... I love it!





You can find this at
www.happycreations.com.au/products.html

...along with many other adorable items! (Would someone please teach me how to add a hyperlink?! It never works when I try)

Lulu Snap & Me

You all know that we put Minnie down this past spring, and although it’s been tough getting used to her not being around... I've found comfort in an unlikely place.

My sister decided to put her house on the market a month or so ago, and she didn't want her cats running around under the feet of potential buyers, so we agreed to watch them for a few months. To be honest, I wasn't interested in getting another animal...at least not right away, and I had a little animosity for other cats... because they aren't "my girl".

Needless to say, we've been watching Peanut Butter and Lulu Snap for my sister, and although I resented them at first, (I dare you to judge me)... I've fallen head over heels for Lulu. She is nothing like Minnie, which is a good thing, but I thought it would be hard getting used to a new cat personality.

I know that those of you out there who have lost a pet understand what it's like coming home knowing that they aren't there anymore... and for a little while, I kind of avoided being home. But for the first time in a while I'm excited to come home to see Lulu! Sometimes I even miss her. Hahaha you don't have to tell me, I'm a freak... I know. But I've found such comfort in her psychotic personality. She purrs louder than any other cat I've known. So loud, it's sometimes annoying because I can't sleep when she’s near me. Haha.

She has been such a little angel is disguise!



I get distracted by the day-to-day hussle and bussle of work... but it's nice to sit back and think about what small things in my life bring me joy. It helps the attitude department for sure! Not a sermon...just a thought! :) :)


Happy Monday Bloggers!!

June 9th Birthdays!!

Happy Birthday to my favorites today!!

My sister turns 28 today!! Happpy Birthday Kimber!! I love you!
XoXo!



&&&


Happy Birthday to my little muffin AUSTIN JACOB! The handsome son of my girl Meagan! I am in shock that he is 3 years old today! Can't wait to see you at your birthday party this weekend little man!

Saving $$$

I'm learning how to save money! I plan on finding cute tidbit articles in the future and blogging about how to be savvier when shopping!

I'm learning how to save and acknowledge ever penny I spend. It adds up so fast!
I'm learning some fun tools and techniques to avoid overspending or making unnecessary purchases. From going to the grocery store, to learning DIY projects at home.

Prime example:
I really enjoy Target. It is like therapy, but if I am not prepared when I go in there, not only will I spend 1-2 hours of my time, but I will also spend $100-$200 dollars of my hard earned cash! RIDICULOUS! UNNECESSARY!

This past weekend, I needed to make a run for the essentials. Toothpaste, paper towel, shampoo/conditioner... the works...

My first lesson:

PREPARE!

Every time you think of something that you need, such as a household item- write it down. By writing things down as you need them, you won't make up items in your head that you need at the last minute. Because let's face it. It's fun to spend money, even if it is on cleaning products. Keep a notepad in your purse or on your fridge. ("Erin Baggerly TO-DO" lists available upon request) :)


I said to myself "self, how can we save time and money?" I saw an article on planning your route in the store and items to be purchased. I always make a list. But sometimes I can't help but have a wondering eye, and purchase things I just don't need.

My second lesson:

STICK TO YOUR LIST!


Don't stray from your list. Stores are set-up to attract the eye and bait you into making purchases that you didn't plan for. Every store is a business. Keep that in mind. If you see something that you want, do some research on it. There are many stores that offer a price match guarantee.

My third lesson:

COUUUUPONS!

I took my regular list, and did some research online. I went through all of Target's specials online and printed out at least $17 worth of coupons!!!

We arrived at Target. I knew where everything was that we were getting, how much it cost and what items were on sale.
I'm not kidding; we were done in 13 minutes. We were done so fast, and had accomplished everything on our list!
It took me a total of 9 minutes online to look up the coupons I wanted and print them out. That's a total of 22 minutes for preparations and shopping. The best part? I shaved 21% off the bottom line!! Just by using the coupons I printed out and knowing what was already on sale!
It felt even better than spending a ton of cash. Everything we need for under $60 and NOTHING that we didn't need. That is the lesson I'm learning now.
What DON'T you absolutely need? TAKE IT OUT OF YOUR CART!! It is defiantly a challenge, but you will see the dollars stay in the bank and it is so rewarding :)

I will be sharing more savvy money saving tips as I come across them!

Happy shopping! && SAVING!