Sparkles and ATX

Summer is here, and it’s sizzling in Texas, which means lots of pool days ahead. My pool bag is packed with all my summer essentials, and here are a few of my favorites.

☀️® Strawberry Orange Soda: Exclusive to Walmart, for the perfect poolside beverage (gotta stay hydrated)

☀️ Aluminum Free Clear Solid Deodorant - Sparkling Citrus: providing All-day freshness so I feel my best self all day (even in this Texas heat).

☀️ hydrating SPF to block that intense Texas sun and keep me getting a nice tan (Instead of a nasty burn).

☀️ hair gel and serum to transform my pool hair, help with all the flyaways, and simultaneously strengthen it with peppermint and rosemary oils.

☀️ “Such a Bad Influence” by Olivia Muenster and “Siri, Who am I?” By Sam Tschida, Make the perfect poolside reads. (Add to that summer reading list).

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By now you have seen at least one of the many bright pink food trucks all over Austin, but did you know ZIKI now has over over 10 locations spanning from Georgetown to Dripping Springs. ZIKI is a Greek-Mexican food truck known for its fresh, safe ingredients. No vegetable oils or soy; they use grass-fed butter, pasteurized eggs, and locally sourced organic veggies. Recently launched in Austin, they plan to expand statewide.

When I am in a hurry but want something I know will nourish my body, I always run to ZIKI, and with their convenient app, I can order ahead so I don't have to wait in this heat.

• ZIKI Bites: (My absolute favorite) Three crispy spanakopita bites filled with feta, secret cheeses, and spinach.

• Iced Berry Green Tea: ( So refreshing) Unsweetened green tea infused with fresh organic blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries. No sugar added.

• Pork Zurrito: Crispy flour tortilla with sweet & tangy pork, yellow rice, avocado jalapeño ZIKI sauce, crumbled feta, garlic sauce, grilled corn, cilantro cabbage slaw, pico de gallo.

• Gyro Beef BowlL Wholesome grain bowl with gyro beef, yellow rice, classic ZIKI sauce, whipped feta, fajitas, pico de gallo, cilantro cabbage slaw, crispy chickpeas. Gluten-free.

So if you haven’t already been won over by the deliciousness that is ZIKI, check them out and let me know what you think!

🍽️ Revamped and Ready to Sizzle! 🥩 Acre 41, Austin's only Contemporary Steakhouse in the Campus District, has just unveiled its mouthwatering new menu. Indulge in USDA signature cuts, from tender filets to juicy New York strips, and prepare your taste buds for an extraordinary culinary experience that goes the "extra acre."

                                 

🇺🇸 Happy 4th of July! Today, as we come together to celebrate the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, let us remember that the journey toward true freedom and equality has been a complex and ongoing struggle. While we honor the historical milestones that have shaped our nation, it is important to acknowledge that not all groups have had equal opportunities or access to the freedoms we hold dear.

This timeline offers a glimpse into the strides we have made, but it also underscores the work that remains. Even in 2023, women, people with disabilities, people of color, the LGBTQIA+ community, and many other minorities still face barriers to freedom and equality. We must continue to fight for justice, inclusivity, and the rights of all individuals to ensure we live in an America where everyone has equal access to liberties and opportunities.

Summer is officially here, which means all the summer fun. I am ready to hit the road from pool days, days on the lake, staycations, and all the adventures in between. 

Now that I'm all set for some summer fun, I am packing up My must-have summer bag, the Weekender Travel Bag. With plenty of room for all my essentials, it has a convenient front zip compartment and many pockets. It's carry-on compliant and even has a trolley sleeve for easy handling.

For snacks and drinks, the patriotic cooler bag from Vera Bradley is a winner, fitting up to 21 cans and featuring a removable liner for easy cleaning.

It is Hot, I mean sweltering, here in Texas, so having a quality Sunscreen is so important. SPF 50 is my skin's savior, protecting it from UV and antioxidant rays. It's zinc and paraben-free, leaving my skin hydrated.    

For thigh rubbing discomfort in the sun, I rely on Monistat Care Chafing Relief Powder Gel—non-greasy and long-lasting.
To cleanse after a hot day, I choose Monistat Maintain Feminine Cleanser with Boric Acid—fragrance-free and pH-balancing for freshness and hygiene.

On any summer adventure, I always have a great read from “The Camp" by is a thrilling homage to slasher movies. "The Other Mistress" by is a seductive tale of betrayal and revenge with a diverse cast. And "The Last Sinner" by features two detectives solving crimes in New Orleans.

What are your beach bag must haves? Remember the link in the bio for more about all these summer essentials.

Happy Father's Day to the fearless, unwavering, and brilliant man who taught me to be my own person. Growing up, I often got into trouble for speaking my mind., I'll never forget the parent-teacher conference when my dad came back beaming because my third-grade teacher, Mr. Curry, praised my independent thinking. It was a moment that encapsulated my dad's ultimate aspiration for me. Whether challenging me to calculate grocery bills mentally or teaching me to navigate our way home, he consistently emphasized the value of my strength and independence as a woman. I'm incredibly blessed to call the outspoken, vibrant, brilliant, and kind Bob Iannaccone, my father; well, let's be honest… I still call him Daddy Bob.

June has officially arrived, and with it comes Pride Month🏳️‍🌈. As a cisgender heterosexual individual, I am learning that being an ally to the LGBTQIA+ community involves more than simply expressing support. It involves consistent action, growth, understanding, and learning. We can all play a crucial role in creating a safer, more inclusive environment for everyone.

Here are some ways we can cultivate allyship:

1. Educate Yourself: Understanding the diverse identities, terminologies, and issues within the LGBTQIA+ community is essential. This knowledge will foster deeper empathy and help us use correct language.

2. Listen and Validate: We must actively listen to the stories, experiences, and perspectives of LGBTQIA+ individuals without judgment. Validate their feelings and experiences, acknowledging their struggles and resilience.

3. Speak Up, Not Over: Use your privilege to challenge homophobia, transphobia, biphobia, and any form of discrimination, but always remember not to speak over the community members. Amplify their voices without taking up their space.

4. Recognize and Check Your Privilege: Reflect on how your cisgender and heterosexual identity has shaped your experiences and perspectives. Understand that this privilege often shields you from certain hardships faced by the LGBTQIA+ community. Use this privilege to support, rather than undermine, the community's struggles.

5. Advocate for Inclusion and Equality: Support policies and organizations that promote LGBTQIA+ rights. Make your spaces more inclusive and welcoming.

6. Apologize When You Make Mistakes: Nobody's Perfect. If you make a mistake, apologize, learn from it, and strive to do better.

7. Support LGBTQIA+ Art, Business, and Media: From purchasing from LGBTQIA+-owned businesses to promoting LGBTQIA+ artists and media, your support can make a huge difference.

Remember, allyship is not a label but a lifelong commitment to supporting others. It requires constant learning, unlearning, and relearning. Let's strive to be better allies and foster a more inclusive world for everyone.

Tag your favorite LGBTQIA+ artists, organizations, and small business below!

As we wrap up National Mental Health Month, let's spotlight the incredible non-profit BLOOM. Dedicated to empowering young girls against bullying and fostering emotional resilience, Bloom transforms lives, turning seeds of self-doubt into blossoming leaders. In an era where reactionary measures are standard, Bloom's mission stands out - creating a nurturing environment where girls can face challenges, grow, and navigate their experiences.

At Bloom, licensed therapists join hands with caregivers and the girls to address bullying's impact, cultivating emotional intelligence and resilience. The goal? Helping girls thrive and 'bloom' with unshakable confidence. Together with Bloom, I'm committed to raising awareness about the pressing issue of bullying amongst our youth.

Here's a throwback to simpler times - my Myspace era! It's hard to comprehend the pressures today's teens face in this TikTok world of 2023.

So, what wisdom would I pass on to my middle-school self?

Marisa, the world is far grander than you can imagine. You're going to meet incredible people and visit places beyond your wildest dreams. You won't become a doctor, and Sam won't be your Prince Charming. But guess what? You'll touch the lives of children with disabilities just as you've always dreamt of. You'll fall in love and realize that there are people who genuinely love, see, and know you. Amidst life's trials and tribulations, never let the world dim your sparkle, keep sparkling and having God-sized dreams.

Swipe through to see Middleschool Marisa, and make sure you go follow to learn more about all the amazing work they are doing!