New Years Prep

This whole week I've been blessed to have off work, which I needed a few days to sleep in without an alarm set and no plans to just relax & have time to work out.

Now, its Saturday and I am enjoying more time to make my house pretty. Last night @ 12am- it was discovered this pretty face had peed on our bed & we had to do emergency laundry with our sheets/blankets.

Don't be fooled by her big brown eyes

But I wanted to take a moment to recap on 2012 since celebrating New Years is in 3 days! 

Celebrated 1 year at my job & moved into our first house on 1/1/12.

Celebrated my mom's 50th birthday by throwing her a surprise party with family/friends.  

She doesn't look a day over 28.

With my momma & the homemade birthday cake I made her.

With my sister in law & my beautiful mama.

Celebrated my husband's bday. His gift: Ron Swanson (Parks & Rec) bobblehead in Mar.

Happy Birthday! Loves 4Rivers BBQ to celebrate with.

Spent time with my in-laws over their spring break/enjoyed Disney Vacation club villa. 

Celebrated one of my good friends birthdays.

Helped my husband when he had his wisdom teeth surgery done. 

Celebrated first year of marriage, yay us! 

6.18.11 

Celebrated 4th of July by flying out to Missouri to spend time w/ my husband's family for the holiday. Got to reminisce with him about his childhood, go to fave places of his that he grew up at and spend time with family.

Another celebration by then was that I had lost 30 lbs by this time!  YAY :)

Celebrated my dad's birthday.

Celebrated my birthday on our first cruise to the Bahamas! I also signed on as a Pampered Chef consultant on Halloween.

First night of dinner.

Elegant night for dinner.

Celebrated our first Thanksgiving in our house. Stayed behind and enjoyed a dinner at Boston Market.

Celebrated our first Christmas in our house. Put our tree up and enjoyed the day with my fam.

Our Christmas Tree

Work Christmas party 12.16.12.

W/ my mom at our Christmas party. 12.16.12

Now we're about to bring in 2013 & I couldn't be more excited. Here's a list of things I'm determined to do: 

1) Will be running 2 races w/ family: Winter Park 10k & OUC Half Marathon. :)

2) Will be working hard to lose my Biggest Loser weight. 

3)  Spending more time being active.

4) Taking more time to keep our house looking great.

5) Giving my Pampered Chef biz my full focus.

Have a very Happy New Year! See you in 2013 :) -Jessica

Fab Friday

                                        Today I want to talk about these fab things...

-Yesterday my husband & I took down Christmas, putting our ornaments, tree back in the boxes, and it made me a little sad. I love Christmas, and decorating my house. But now I can focus making my wreaths for different seasons to come- new traditions- like Valentine's Day, Easter, 4th of July, Fall & Christmas. Pinterest really gave me some good ideas about these, so excited to try them out.

-Only a few more weeks left in my current class, spent this week off work getting as far ahead as possible. Then starting in Feb '13, one LAST class to do (& its a snooze) but then I will have my Master's at the end of April '13! YAY, finally!

- I've been back on track with losing weight for over a week now & I really love it. Back to working out like a beast (especially since my husband got me Zumba for Christmas! That will be kicking my butt in a good way.) & drinking only water during the week.

-I am all about remembering special dates for my family. I know when my dogs' birthdays are, first milestones and on 12/30- is 1 year since we bought our first home. That will be a much easier/relaxing day than when it happened! I love my house and making it look good. 

- My Pampered Chef business has really taken off, I have 3 parties scheduled for January and praying for more bookings. (If anyone is interested, feel free to contact me: jessica.pchef@hotmail.com) 

This was my first FAB Friday post & I'm gonna make sure its an every week post now. 

Your turn! What's FAB in your world lately? 

-

Update.

So, for some odd reason, I love the word 'update.' I think it's so refreshing when used in a good way with close friends like tonight. I just got back from having coffee & time with two good gals. It was nice to catch up after Christmas & having a fairly productive day myself.  These two girls can easily get my spirits up and vice versa. Plus, my friend got me Christmas gifts that I wasn't planning on getting-- and I gave them some homemade cookies.

But like anyone knows, I LOVE Target. Like love, and according to my MIL- I remind her of that crazy, fanatic shopper from last year's Black Friday commercials with the over the top outfits, as seen below.

I mean to be fair, if I could-- I would LOVE to run through Target in a classy red tracksuit. That is how much I absolutely LOVE TARGET. I mean, I get excited when I shop there with my RedCard to save my 5%, errm, yeah. Moving on.

My Christmas was amazing and I feel like this year in light of all that happened @ Sandy Hook, I really appreciated it even more. I kissed my cute nephew as much as possible and just hugged my family members all day long. I cannot imagine how hard waking up to ppen presents were for the families who lost their family because of that monster. My heart was praying and keeping them close in my heart.

So- another part of my year was that I became a Pampered Chef consultant on Halloween. I'm off to a grrreat start and have 4 shows booked for January. Hopefully I will get a few more from each and be on my way as I am still prayerfully wondering how long that will be a part of my life. So, we'll see in 2013.

Another few things I am looking forward to in 2013 is losing all my weight. I'm down to 90 lbs to go and I am dedicating '13 to losing the weight.  I also will have my Master's in April so I am really psyched to have that done.

I really also want to get back into blogging daily or more than I have. But tomorrow is my last day off before going back to work for 4 hrs Monday. At least its a short week ahead :)  Happy Friday'/weekend!! :)

It's OK, Thursday.

It's OK...

.. when I wake up, my FAVORITE day has arrived: Friday! Love them paired with a pay day but hey, I'll take it...

... to feel encouraged. One of my hosts (I'm a Pampered Chef consultant) is up to $375 in her show(s). I was a little nervous but thankfully the orders are coming in. Plus because of her party, I booked another party!

...to feel thrilled. A week from last night, I will be enjoying vacation/Thanksgiving &  even better- making new traditions for Turkey Day since we became homeowners last Dec.

... to feel relieved. I found GREAT Christmas deals for most of my family. After tomorrow- I will have my sister, dad, nephew and mom all done. This just leaves my husband's plethora and my sis in law and its not even Black Friday yet! 

,,, to feel nervous. On 11/25 I will be doing my own FIRST cooking show since joining Pampered Chef as a consultant on 10/31. Never done this kind of thing before where I talk about the products while I make the food. So this will be interested. BUT- the ladies coming- all know me for the most part, so I'm reassuring that Jesus will not let me fail but will give my mom & I great success. She's hosting me :)

..to feel creative. I've decided I want to join the crafty women in my family who can serve others by sewing, crocheting. All I know how to do thus far in a crafty sense is scrap-booking  a tiny bit of knitting and baking deliciousness. (All of which my mama taught me).

& that's a wrap. A wonderful weekend ahead :) 

Changes a' comin

Lately, I've been thinking of what to do after I earn my Master's degree. I graduate mid April and I cannot wait. I'm so excited to have that time back that has been spent studying, researching, writing papers. Hours and hours spent while losing sleep. At the same time, I really want to be able to use my Master's to be able to make a better name for myself. For the past several months, I have been waiting for the perfect time to become a Pampered Chef consultant under a family friend who is a Director. I realize she has made this her big success and she's been able to succeed in so many ways, but I want this to be my success.

I mean, I realize its sales and people get so iffy around people who sell stuff to them. But I can't help notice the many benefits it would give my husband and I as we start nearing towards starting our own family. I mean for one, it would enable me to work when I want & be my own boss. It would enable me to not be tied down to a 9-5 job, and spend time with my kids as they grow up. I would be able to network, meet new people and creating new experiences for them which combines my passion for baking and creating relationships with others.

Breast cancer is something I fight for, with those I have lost who battled it in my life.
Being a part of a company who fights alongside is a win.

How cool to be a part of a business that is centered on creating experiences and building
relationships with others?

11 Questions

Amazing how Pinterest can lead you in all sorts of directions, but I found this blog called Maybe Matilda and I've found all sorts of new projects to try, especially in the areas of crocheting & sewing. Most all of the women in my family can do one or another and the effort/passion combination gives you some pretty awesome results to use most anywhere like your house, your children, spouse, gifts, and the list just goes on and on.

I was reading Rachel's blog and since I am just coming back from an unexpected 2.5 month blogging hiatus and on top of that, my blog is in its early days where I don't have many blog friends, I thought I'd be candid and answer these questions that Rachel had used on her page. So, here goes nothin' right? Indeed.

1. Since I admitted my celebrity crushes, past and present . . . go ahead and name one (or two, or three) of yours. Male or female. Heaven knows I have plenty of each. 

Well, let's see. My close friends would never let me forget my big crush (more like I wish you'd marry me kind of crush) on Zac Efron. When I was in my teens, I loved the show 'Boy Meets World' and found the official fan page for Ben Savage and distinctly remember leaving a message like- I really like you, won't you be mine. Yeah, he never got back to me. Which side note: I recently showed my younger sisters an episode of 'Boy Meets World' and they were so bored/uninterested that when I went out of the room for a nanosecond, they turned the channel! Lets see, another person I had the hots for was Freddy on iCarly, another one my close friends teased me about, like it was ever going to happen. Last one, the Hanson bros, specifically Zac. 

2. What’s your favorite book?

For the past few years (thanks to my aunt Kerri) I've been reading this series by James Patterson that I'm probably going to restart with. I say years because I'm to cheap to just buy the books and I read so fast that I couldn't justify that purchase to my husband now. So, its been like 5 years, not done and I wish I could just spend hours reading at Barnes & Noble which was my favorite part of college. No shame there.

3. What are your 5 favorite TV shows?

First, I have to pay homage to my all favorite show: One Tree Hill. It ended last year and I just loved it but Thank God for Hulu and Netflix. My next ones are a bit of a tie as I love them lots but can't put one above the other: NCIS & Law & Order: SVU. I've watched both for years and love the chemistry between characters. Next, definitely Once Upon A Time. Definitely a show that my husband and I watch together. I love how they spin classic fairy tale characters into real life character tales. Great season so far. Parks and Rec on NBC always cracks me up. The last 3 are all favorites and divided equally: Bob's Burgers, New Girl and The Office. 

4. Guilty pleasure?

I love watching Teen Mom 1 & 2. Don't quite know why but I have my faves like Maci, Catelynn, Leah & Kailyn. I'm glad I made the choices I did when I was a teen but these girls have earned my respect for being teen moms. 

5. Any goals you’re currently working on?

I have been losing weight since April, kind of hit a few plateaus so I am trying to get back into it as hard as I was.  So far I'm 30 pounds down and I still have quite a bit to go. It's a two fold plan: to be healthy and fit, and to start a family. I'm also getting back into blogging as I love to write. I wish I could have published my book that I wrote for teen girls but that's become more of a journal for me to see where I've come from and confidence boosting. More goals including: finding more ways to decorate my new home. Moved in 10 1/2 months ago but still in the process of making it ours. And lastly, cooking/baking, sewing and crocheting. The last two are largely done by the women on my side of family and I'm excited to join the ranks.

6. A trend or style you've wanted to try, but been scared to?

Most of my family members love to run. But with my body shape (I've got a bigger chest than most women), and I don''t love my immediate neighbors, I'm afraid I'd feel dorky. So, I'm still iffy.

7. A skill you’d love to learn?

As mentioned in #5, two skills are: sewing and crocheting. My mom is going to teach me crocheting soon as I saw the baby blanket that Rachel made for her son and I want to have that blanket for when we have kids (in the next year or so). When I was growing up, my mom made me so many clothes through sewing, I'd love to be able to keep up that tradition for my future daughters or my close friends' future daughters. 

8. If you had a day to yourself with unlimited money to spend and no obligations, what would you do?

I'd pay off my mortgage, all our student loans, buy a new car and have a nice big dinner with good friends. That'd be one of the best days of my life.

9. A person (living or dead) you’d love to meet?

Reese Witherspoon. 

10. If you weren’t doing the career you’re doing now (being a stay-at-home mom counts as a career), what would you want to be doing instead?

Either an elementary teacher or a school counselor. 

11. What are the names you want/wanted to give your kids until your meanie-pants spouse vetoed them? For a girl- Isabella. Boy- Troy.  

It's OK, Thursday..

IT's OK...

... to be happy. 7 weeks from now, I'll be 27 and going to the Bahamas w/ my husband :) A getaway from Orlando is what I need now.

... to feel relieved, tomorrow is finally FRIDAY! This week has seemed to drag on like molasses.

... to love my planner, its pink :) Gets my job and helps me stay on track...

--- to be excited about starting a family. We are a good chunk into starting to save. We really want to pay our hospital bills outright (after insurance is applied). Definitely a motivator to drink more water and ignore the chocolate (as best as possible).

--- to feel accomplished. I have been on top of my class this term. I have a perfect A and I'm actually like 2 weeks ahead of my class. :)

--- to feel somewhat stressed. Work is killing me mentally right now and I don't really feel appreciated. That's all I'm going to say but just frustrated. 

... to feel happy again :) One of my very good friends and her husband just had their new baby girl two days ago. She is so gorgeous and i cannot wait to meet her. Perfect reason to visit them :)

... to feel motivated. 7 weeks til my birthday and plenty of time to lose another 15-20 lbs. It's very doable. 45 minutes of intense cardio, followed by 20 minutes of Jillian Michaels for abs. I'm ready.  Plus I dislike being 'in between sizes' of pants. Soooo close to getting into a new size. Time to push myself there.

... to be content. My little sister just started middle school and each day I email her, lifting her up and encouraging her w/ scripture, pictures, and truths. I want her to take this new chapter down and come out even stronger on the other side. 

& that's a wrap. Glad I got my thoughts out. Excited to see my baby nephew this weekend!! xO. 

Sick day.

This weekend was not fun, in fact if the rating was sitting in a tub of scissors -- it was by far horrendous.

• Got rudely cussed out for no reason by customers at Taco Bell
• Stomach flu bug started late yesterday and still won't go away :/
•  Stressed/Burned out/Overwhelmed from my daily grind
•  Have had a migraine ALL day and needing suggestions on how to get rid of it.

Love me some Andy Samberg/SNL :)

.... && in a nice upbeat way...

1) Just so happened that my hubby is off work today & Tues so I'm glad he was here to take care of me a bit longer ;) He's nice to cuddle up with and I got extra kisses from my pups.

2) Was nice to be able to take a few naps today while I was home && Netflix is great for sick days.

4) Thanks to Pinterest & my laptop, I was able to be comfy in bed while working ahead to re figure my Amazon Baby Registry. ;) We're hoping to start our family next year and my hubbs will vouch that I love babies + shopping so shopping for our future baby is nothing I will put up a fight on. I found a site through Pinterest that helped me figure out exactly what I need to register for. :) 

&& now Pinterest has helped re-motivate me so I can feel a bit motivated to go back to work.

Terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day.

The title of this book perfectly captures my day. It was terrible, horrible, no good, and very bad for many reasons. 

My work has been very stressful and its just starting to get even more stressful to the point that certain people's behaviors put me in tears twice :(

Before I even left work, my headache got so bad that I got really dizzy and felt like my head would explode. 

Then I come home and find out that somehow my crockpot dinner idea got overcooked and uneatable :/

So, I've decided to visit my go to site, Pinterest for all things entertaining before doing hw & working out.

Things I'm excited for:

1) BAHAMAS!! Headed to Nassau in October w/ my hubbs. 

First time taking a cruise and with all the insane stress of class and work, we both need a vacation away from FL for the weekend.

2)  Bridesmaids sequel :) Loved the first movie. Kristin Wiig is one of those few talented actresses (loved her on SNL) that make me laugh so hard that peeing my pants is a possibility with the characters she plays. Baha cannot wait.

3) Watermelon limeade. Sounds amazing :) I love, love, love experimenting with different drinks and I hope the drink is as good as this picture makes it to be.

4) Having cake period. I know it sounds contradictory since I'm losing weight but still -- chocolate + cake = illegal ;) Plus anytime I see a picture of chocolate cake it reminds me of the song my sibs and I sing for my mom as her chocolate cake easily beats anyone including Buddy from Cake Boss. *I love Cake Boss, I want to have a cake from them--- but dissing my mom's cooking would be a idiotic thing to do.*

5) Having my own baby. Baha its still a year away until we start that journey for our family but I saw this picture of a cute baby yawning and it just makes me say 'Aww' by default. Seriously, I love their little cute faces especially when they yawn-- just the cutest sight to me.

I hope y'all had a much better day than me (though I will say the highlight was getting to spend my lunch hour with my hubby at Firehouse, mmmm!)

Tomorrow is FRIDAY!! Thank you Jesus.

17 days.

It takes 17 days to make something an every day habit. Seventeen.

Tonight I completed my first day (in a few days) of working out. I haven't really felt as motivated until now. Given that I turn 27 in 2 mos from Friday (whoa!) -- I'm more than motivated to try my absolute hardest, giving 1500% to lose between 18-20 lbs. I have an doctor's appt on my birthday and he's really been vocal of support for my weight loss. 

So, I'm excited for September 1st-- to check in on my progress... I'm getting over my fear of having a scale in my bathroom... 

So -- I'm thinking of a few ideas for my birthday... since we'll be cruising the day before-- I'm debating where or how to indulge for my pre birthday celebration thanks to the lovely Pinterest :)

Idea 1: 

My nickname isn't Dimple but I like the idea :)

This is all I got so far... :) 

August. ideas.

So-- August is about to be all sorts of chaotic stress with work & my class (only 3 left til I have my Master's degree!) So I've decided to take it upon myself to make a few goals worth pushing myself for.

1) Last month-- I stepped my workout  up quite a few notches-- and now I'm gonna keep it up. I'm gonna start running, really push myself to do it. Right now its more of a jog/walk gig but gotta start somewhere before you are a straight runner. After all, I found this on Pinterest giving 15 highlights of running:

2) I enjoy laughing and I enjoy most if not all -- quotes by Dwight Schrute. In fact, here's a starter. He really does have the best lines....

3) Time w/ my husband not talking about work or classes will be the best time ever.

Plus, 10 days after our class ends, its time for our next vacation/my 27th bday/& our first cruise to the Bahamas! :) Never done one before but I'm quite excited... definitely a motivator to lose my next 20 lbs.

4) Need to stop drinking soda again... & drink more water... :)

5) Plus September makes me happy for many things specifically -- less killer heat, cute clothes && FALL weather :) I love Fall....


6) 146 days til Christmas :) Woot. Which means theirs 152 days left in the year. I've lost 27 lbs thus far and I'm hoping by the end of the year to have lost 30 more :)

How cool would it be to say I lost almost 60 lbs in a year.

Bring it on, August. I'm ready... & am excited to share updates :) :)

It's OK, Thursday

Crazy, how I went two weeks without blogging, I knew there was something missing but I never got more than 10 minutes to myself during that time. So, without more hesitation for myself--  here it goes.

IT'S OK:

... to feel sad and reflective. Last week (almost at this time), an evil and sick man decided to kill 12 people and wound 60 others at a Batman screening in Aurora, CO. I've been keeping up with the story and its hard to see people having to say their goodbyes to family members stolen from them in a heartbeat. I've been noticing the wounded give interviews and how this tragedy has given some a new light without focusing on who did it. 

.. to feel motivated. I just recently started kicking my weight loss (which had hit a plateau) up a notch. So far. I've done it once but its gonna happen more than that--  i meet my dad at the nearby high school football field/track and we run steps/jog and walk the track. I love it and its gonna expedite the weight loss again! Size 9 I'm coming!  Something I'm excited for at size 9 is this outfit (one of many): 

... to be excited. Next fall, we're hoping to get pregnant. We've been searching Craigslist for good deals on a travel system to build up the big ticket items on what our baby will need. We lucked out and found a year old Safety 1st stroller/carseat/double bases and a cradle swing for a HUGE fraction of the retail cost :) Big blessing. While its navy, and we wanted neutral -- a newborn wont know the difference.

.. to save. Babies aren't cheap and we've revamped our budget to include saving for babies. :) I'm excited that its finally something on the horizon in the next 18 mos.

.. to feel a tad frustrated. Over the past few days, Chickfila has been in the news about the views on gay marriage. Unfortunately, I've had to hear this a bit at work but I'm a Christian and I don't support gay marriage. So its frustrating to see people bash the restaurant for their Christian principles. I love gay people because God wants me to love all people like He loved us but its not something I'm going to support.

But on that note, FRIDAY is almost here. :) :) Good NIGHT!

It's OK Thursday

I got this idea from Laura over at Between the Lines who does this each week and I'm thinking I'm gonna start this on a weekly basis!  :) 

ITS OK...

.... to be pretty PSYCHED since my husband & I decided to pay our car off entirely tonight :) It was a few years early but its a great great feeling to be done making car payments..

.... to feel relieved that tomorrow's Friday! It's been a crazy short week since returning from vacation on Monday night. 

...to look at Craigslist specifically All for Sale  section to see if there are any good deals for baby items. A year from now, we want to be pregnant so why not? Maybe I'll find a good deal on a travel system :)

...to feel like all my hard work is gonna pay off in the end (Wayne's World quote). In a week, I will finish another class for my Master's and then I only have 4 more before I'm DONE :) then i can relax every night.. .

...to celebrate. I've been at my job for over 18 mos now, and its still the longest job I've held. While it gets to me at points, and I don't like putting kids in debt for college -- its where God has me for now. He has the best timing. Period.

...to definitely love finding recipes and new ideas on Pinterest way more than time on Facebook.

...to get excited that there's only 3 mos left before my birthday cruise to the Bahamas & hopefully another 20-22 lbs lighter.

... to want to clean. I hate when my house gets so cluttered that part of my weekend is spent just making it all shiny and pretty again..

These are only a few things that I'm saying "I'm OK" too.  What are you saying I'm OK too?? 

Hello world! :)

There's something pretty fantastic about starting a new blog.
I feel like this is my space to be honest and me.


Right now, I'm in my own Biggest Loser to lose all the weight I've carried around for the past 15 years.


 I'm months away from turning 27 years old and the whole reason I wanted to lose this weight was because I'm so tired of people making catty judgments about my outward appearance. Women touching (yes, touching & I'm not making this up) my stomach asking when I'm pregnant. People not taking me seriously because of my chest size. I'm tired of being afraid of the scale. Of having to shop from the back of the rack. For holding back MY future. I am already 22 lbs down in about 8 weeks. I feel incredible. This is only the beginning though. 


When I started I had 120 lbs to lose, and now I have less than 100.  That is a big topic in my life because when I lose this weight-- and I do mean ALL of it-- it will be the biggest chapter I can close. I can get on to living life-- starting a family, and facing other fears-- clothes shopping, buying the cute bras at Victoria's Secret and finally buying a bikini for the very first time ever.

My hubby & I <3
(Fave) Engagement pic, 2010 

A little about me besides the weight loss...
My name is Jessica
I'm a newlywed (first married anniversary is next week :)
I am a new homeowner
I work at a private university
I have an amazing husband/best friend.
& two fur children (for now)
In April '13- I will have my Master's! Woot :)
I love photography & Target.
Starbucks iced caramel latte is my weakness <3
I love writing and prayerfully would love to publish my inspirational book for teen girls (one day).
I'm a Southern girl who LOVES sweet tea.
I'm a first time aunt.
My favorite job thus far was Bath & Body Works


First post on my new blog: check :) Writing at night & burning candles are my stress relievers (on top of working out). My job is so crazy right now that I needed this. You won't believe how this will help me sleep more soundly. My thoughts are out of my head and I'm free to crash. Beautiful.


You stay classy and thanks for stopping by, Xo,