So What, Wednesday! :)

1. I should be embarrassed to be seen in public with this massive bun on top of my head from this morning. I felt pretty stylish at work.
2. I've watched One Tree Hill on Netflix for the past 3 days & I'm not ashamed. 
3. I made brownies last night & they've disappeared. In fact, I had a brownie for breakfast. At least they're gone & my weight loss can continue.
4. Despite #3, my hubby is making us turkey bacon for dinner. Fave meal hands down.
5. The number one reason my printer runs out of ink: coupons. That night is tonight!
6. We're not trying for our first baby til this fall but my Amazon baby registry is all updated per ideas I found on Pinterest.
7. With #6 in mind, I'm shopping the big baby sale at Target daily. I think I just like adding items to my cart.
8. While at work today, I made a pre-baby bucket & that kept me occupied for 7 hours. 

Mind overload.

Today wasn't my best day but thankfully I'm feeling better than when I got home from work last night.

I think I am going to start opening up my posts with encouraging scripture (to help keep me positive) & quote of someone whose achieved greatness. I feel like its helpful to share other perspective as no matter how bad my day is or whatever my thought process is--  it's important to be positive.

So, ever since I was in high school, one of my favorite verses in the world has been Proverbs 16:3.

Put God in charge of your work & what you have planned will take place. (The Message)

Sooo.. My mind has been feeling a bit of overload lately. So, I am just gonna unpack my head and talk through it all.

First, my husband feels I am starting to hoard. A few weeks ago, my parents brought some more of my stuff over to our house so that I could go through it and decide if I wanted it. One of those items was one of my favorite items from childhood: my dollhouse that I got as a little girl. When I grew up, I wanted to keep it and give it to my future daughters. This morning, my husband reminded me that most kids want new stuff and won't care about sentimental things. So, now I am torn what to do. Any ideas would be great.

Secondly, I am thankful for my job but its not what I went to college for. I realize that unless your a teacher, doctor, lawyer, etc-- that you could be in this boat too. Everywhere around me people in my life are working at something they are somewhat passionate about. I am passionate about writing but my day job is verifying/packaging financial aid. Don't get me wrong, I am grateful (especially in this economy) to have a job. But I just wish I was in a job that made me feel like I am accomplishing something big. April 2013 is when I graduate with my Master's & I just want to use it to be the best version of myself.

Thirdly, a few years ago, I had an accident at WalMart that involved slipping in a puddle and slamming my head against a door in the frozen food section. I also hurt my knee in the process, and every once in awhile, the pain comes back. This week its back when I am trying to wrap up my January with a big amt of pounds lost.

Fourthly-  Since my husband & I have seriously started talking about trying for our first baby, it just so happens my alternative home, Target is having their baby clearance sale & I'm also keeping Craigslist/garage sales on my mind. This is my first kid & since I've had hypothyroidism my whole life, I am just trying to stay positive and know that my first baby is going to come and change my life. I'm sure this is nervous for a 20 something lady to be nervous but I'm just ready to have a baby but to get pregnant, I have to be the best version of myself & finally lose the weight I've dealt with since I was 11.

On top of these 4 big things on my mind comes the typical thoughts of ... 'boy, my house feels really messy!' 'Boy, I am so ready to be healthy.' I've never been a runner but I am determined to change that. I am tired of telling myself I can't. March 2nd, I am changing that. I am running the Central Florida Children's 5k that my dad so graciously registered me for.

That's not all, I am determined to start training and working up to a 15 minute mile to run with my family at the OUC Half Marathon in Downtown Orlando this December.. :) & then Jan 2014- my first Color Run with my best friends.

So, I felt I wanted to encourage myself knowing that I am not gonna tell myself - I can't run and that I am going to be the best version of myself. I am going to jog/run in 3 runs. & I am going to lose the remaining 85 lbs by my birthday on 10/3.

Hope you all have an incredible week. Any tips or suggestions, feel free to send them my way.

Say hello, will ya?

1. Blogs I visit daily.  The Everyday Joys. Honey, I Shrunk the Mom. 

2. Are you on Instagram? Yes, I am! jessheartschris618 ;) 

3. Can we find you on Pinterest? What's your Pinterest address, and what can we expect to see you pinning most? (recipes, DIY projects, home decor, etc.) You can find me HERE!! -- I love pinning food, DIY projects, home decor & ideas for my future kids :) It's gotten to the point where my husband looks over & is like 'oh you're on Pinterest...still?' It's an addiction. 

4. What are your favorite blog link-ups to participate in? (weekly link-ups other bloggers have...any number will do...please link us to them!) Random Wednesday & definitely Fab Friday

5. Why do you blog? I blog because I LOVE to write & clear my head. I think its fun to meet new friends and have an healthy blog/something of your own to share. 

6. Tell us one random fact about yourself.

I was a 2005 Miss South Carolina finalist.

FAB FRIDAY! :)

Today I want to talk about these FAB things:

-I worked out EVERY DAY this week even when I didn't want to. Starting to change my workouts up from Zumba to regular dancing.

-This is a weekly fab item but I got to enjoy Taco Tuesday @ Tijuana Flats. & then enjoy the season finale of Parenthood. One of my FAVE shows on right now, it must be renewed.

-I am still two weeks ahead in my class & been halfway with my final paper for a month. Just need to finish it up.

-I am noticing my clothes feeling looser & I cannot wait to fit into the next size.

-I've submitted over $1100 in sales this month for Pampered Chef & will soon close another on Saturday which means FREE Spring products for my biz. Taking a sabbatical until April :)

~Jessica

[Longer weekend] Wanted.

So, I sit here watching 'Once Upon A Time' & my mind is spinning. I've had a weekend that has seemed to zip by and since I don't have MLK day off, I wish I did.

Let's see Saturday, I tagged along with my family to SeaWorld since they got a few extra passes for my husband & I. We got there & surprise! Our passes were actually FREE Fun Cards aka- basically many more FREE trips to SeaWorld until the end of 2013 :) YAY, many next trips are in the works.

I also got my share of workouts this week- approx 6 times of intense Zumba sessions/walking done. My first 5k for #operationbikini is Saturday, March 2 at Cru (ironically where my Dad works & he's paying for my reg fee). This week, I lost 2 lbs, would've been more but my dogs have been suffering from fleas :( & they bit me up to make my ankles swollen so I gained some un-fab water weight. Swelling has gone down but my month weight loss total is 6 pounds.

Only 84 remain to be at my goal for #operationredbikini :) :)

Last night I was so tired since riding a jerky ride at SeaWorld and screaming kids that I felt pretty sick. Got our laundry outta the way & kitchen cleaning craze. & I usually don't drink but I had my Malibu rum w/pineapple juice. Delish.

Today was one of those days where I feel I need another Sunday to recuperate from today. I had a Pampered Chef party and it went soooo well, but I was on my feet for about 4 hours straight & then grocery shopping. .

I do feel celebratory though. 2013 is a 10 year milestone for one of my very good friends, Katty G. I met her in youth group my senior year of high school, shockingly so long ago. We hit it off right away and our friendship has continually grown to be even stronger since then. She was also a bridesmaid in my wedding, and a great friend to have. She is (besides my parents) the longest friend I have known in life. Isn't that a great feeling to know someone in your life for a decade.

Hope you have a terrific week! ~Jessica

Whew.

I'm so glad tonight is Saturday because if it was a Monday, i wouldn't be mentally okay with that. So, I had a great show tonight for Pampered Chef & I booked another party! My host is also getting a lot of outside orders so it will end up great. Hers is a fundraiser & . I don't think people realize how much work goes into a show for the host but also for the consultant. You have to set up your demo table, pre-make some dishes for faster expediting, and get ready to be on your feet for hours. I love it but boy does it feel like my feet may fall off soon.

After a long day like this-- I needed to clear my head and make a post. *Disclaimer: Random posting.*

Friday- I had my dentist appt & while I thought it was just a cavity it could also turn into a root canal depending on how my tooth reacts to the filling itself . So please pray that I just need a filling as a root canal/crown is too expensive & time consuming. Not the best news but thankful I have the dentist I do.

2nd weigh in of the year: Lost 4 lbs this week :) MyFitnessPal gladly told me I've lost 36 pounds since starting my weight loss journey in April 2012. Hoping to have lost a great amount by then :)

When my husband & I are at home on the weekends (or mutual days off): we love to kick back & watch some movies. This weekend so far: Happy Gilmore *love this movie*, Vegas Vacation, Wayne's World & currently Longest Yard.

Friday before my dentist appointment: I received a (rather misleading) email from Sallie-Mae that 'Congratulations your loans are paid in FULL!' Now, I got excited as if you think grad school is cheap, you're kidding yourself. I got a lil excited but then I realized that they send you an official congrats email when you pay off one loan or all of them. The loan in question? I paid off an unsub loan, yay. Amount: $126.11! Woot ;) I feel accomplished there. But one less loan to worry about.

But all in all today was a great day, I got to sleep in, got to cuddle with my doggies, relax with my man & enjoy a day, partly full with Pampered Chef/making triple layered brownies.

Excited for tomorrow- with coupons in the newspaper, yep I'm a coupon clipper & I love it. Supposedly my 'rest' day for working out but I will probably end up getting back in with Zumba.

& I finally plan on watching Parenthood & Scandal's episodes :) YAY. Love these two shows.

Hope you have a great rest of your weekend/see you next week :) ~Jessica

FAB Friday!

Time for another FAB FRIDAY :) Favorite post of the week. Today I want to talk about these fab things...
-I'm 2 weeks ahead in my current course. Gooo me!!  & I have an A :)
-Thanks to 3 days of 75 min Zumba sessions & downing water like a fish, I lost another  4 pounds.
{This month's total:  8  pounds}
-Saturday is my FIRST Pampered Chef show for January & it's a chocolate party. We'll be making triple layer brownies. I'm also bringing a brownie trifle & s'mores cookies. Can't wait to hopefully get more parties booked!
-Today I ended up having the day off (unfortunately for the dentist) but I'm being paid regardless.
-Since I've gotten back on track with working out, I have much more energy to tackle cleaning my house more often.
Hope you all had a great week!  Time to make my brownie trifle & s'mores cookies before my appt.
Blessings, Jessica

So What! Wednesday...

This week I'm saying SO WHAT IF...

1. I'm in the midst of losing weight but I love looking at Pinterest's food & drink section.
2. I had 3 skinny cows today, but I did 85 minutes of Zumba after work. Booyah!
3. I have an unofficial marathon of 'Hart of Dixie' & Parenthood on weekends,
4. I hate driving in Orlando traffic so much that I wish I could do that 'Bruce Almighty' effect would he divided the traffic into two-- especially on late nights.
5. I quote more Family Guy lines than I ever did before I met my hubby.
6. I love shopping in the maternity section of stores because the clothes look cuter than what I can fit into. Why not, it's cozier.
7. I already made my baby registry on Amazon & love to re-do it every couple of months. Still a year away from trying for baby #1.
8. I use Ebates to do my shopping at times just to make a 5 cent contribution to the check I will get. I live on the edge.

**For those who are unaware of what a Skinny Cow is- it's an amazing way to enjoy chocolate while losing weight!**

Skinny Cow <3

#operationredbikini

So, this morning- I did my first weigh in of the year. I lost 4 pounds this week :)

I'm pretty excited. I absolutely love knowing the weight is starting to come off, I was getting a tad nervous.

Definitely encouraged to keep it going especially because now I need to lose 86 pounds to be done (until I get pregnant). A lot of people have asked why I am aiming towards such a big number.

Let me answer that question as honestly as possible.

#1) I have struggled with weight since I was 11. I had a pretty unhealthy relationship with food in that I used it to hide my feelings or struggles in high school. I didn't have the best experience in high school, was bullied throughout middle school and some of high school. So, now I am changing my outlook on food and how many portions I have.

#2) I've seen the number on the scale & while I don't let it define who I am because its just a number; it does have a say in the sense of what size I am currently wearing AS OPPOSED TO the size I am aiming for-- size 8/9 :)

#3) As much as I would love to take a few months off & be on Biggest Loser-- I don't have the paid time off or the means to live on a ranch with Jillian Michaels. She'd be a bit too much to deal with 24/7.

So there you have it- I'm working my tush off to lose 86 more pounds because I need to be fit & healthy :)

& in other news...

-Usually I'm an overachiever with hw for school but trying to drum up motivation for my final paper wasn't there. However, I had to be at work 2 hours early today so I was able to get 4 pages done. YAY for being a month ahead.

-Tonight my husband & I had an impromptu date night. Nice to talk to him w/ great food & not w/ our two dogs watching/begging for food. Just saying, it was nice to shake things up.

-I met with my host after work today. We talked about the show next Saturday & I'm pretty psyched. I love being a Pampered Chef consultant. :)

Hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend! Here's to another great wk towards #operationredbikini :)

Fab Friday

Today I want to talk about these fab things....
-It's Friday, Friday! Sorry I got the annoying Rebecca Black song in my head tonight. After a week off for the holidays, this week dragged on but I made it to FRIDAY/PAYDAY!! :) -Textbroker is a website that  gives the chance for aspiring writers (like ME!) to be paid/get published.  I wrote an article & it was accepted, so I'm on my way!
-I graduate with my Master's in 3 1/2 months. This lady is THRILLED. -I have been working out steadily for 2.5 weeks & can already see a difference. I used to haaaate drinking water & now I crave it all the time.  -I've rediscovered my love of Skinny Cow. Perfect way to enjoy chocolate at 110 calories. -Next weekend I have 3 weeks in a row of Pampered Chef parties so I'm thrilled. I love doing these parties! -Tomorrow is my 2 year milestone of having my current job; glad my raise kicks in soon. Hope you have a great weekend! -Jessica

Happy 2013!

Happy 2013! Hope you enjoyed celebrating the end of 2012 while bringing in the start of 2013. I chilled at home with my dogs and my husband.  We watched 'Ugly Betty', thank youuuu Hulu for most of the night. We caught the ball dropping in Times Square on TV which is my husband's big tradition. We had our kiss at midnight, toasted with Martenelli's Sparkling cider (by far the best) & hit the hay. My neighbors on the left partied a bit too much until after 1AM (they had the cops called on them by someone in our neighborhood-- thank you to whoever you were).

My parents showed up last night and treated us to dinner at Boston Market. So delish and nice to have an unexpected dinner. Moments after getting back, my best friend and her new fiance showed up. They got engaged Sunday and I was so excited to see her ring & her & him. They're so cute. Can't wait for our double dinner date next weekend! :)

Now that January 1st is here- I am really motivated to get the weight loss goin'. I may have over celebrated today with truffles but I am ready to get my 'Biggest Loser' weight loss back on track. I took a short break for the holidays and I feel so gross. Time to get back on track. So excited. In preparation of being a size 8, I started a wish list of items I'd like to get clothes wise. For a years now, my parents have gifted me at Christmas and Birthdays for new (work) clothes. This fall, I will be taking advantage of those past gifts from my parents. I've reminded my mom a few times and she already can't wait. Neither can I.

Never been one to think politics all the time but I just realized that my first paycheck of 2013 is a lot smaller than I thought. Stupid fiscal cliff has taken more out of my paycheck & caused our budget to be cut more. Ugh. Not thrilled.

This also has caused me to worry about my Pampered Chef biz. I just started in October and with these new cuts in my budget, I am just trying to stay positive. I'm aiming to keep it open based on more hosts for parties. My one year anniversary as a consultant is next Halloween, and I know I have a wedding shower booked this fall for my best friend :) YAY. I'm also a bridesmaid in her wedding this fall, so that's definitely EXTRA motivation for me to lose ALL my weight this year. I'm already 32 lbs down. I'll be sharing pics as I lose the weight to keep my momentum going.

For those who are thinking about losing some weight- feel free to consider these ideas:
1) Use MyFitnessPal on your phone/computer to track your food. My mom gave me this idea. I didn't do it before but I've used it since April '12 when I wanted to be more serious about weight loss. It's been instrumental in my first 32 lbs of weight loss. It's free and so easy. Good to have accountability.

2) Drink more water. I've held myself to a new standard this time. I only let myself drink water during the week and if I need flavor- I add a squirt or two of Mio, water enhancer. I drink about 4-5 cups a day & it truly helps me glow.

3) Rotate your workout regimen. My big goal is to stay active whether continuing to master Zumba, Just Dance 4, (3 or 2). Cleaning. Walking my dogs. Starting to bring a pedometer by walking/jogging w/ my pups. & hopefully soon--running.

My goal is to lose all the weight by October 2013. It would be great to lose the weight before my 28th birthday on 10/3 but if not, its okay.

By losing this weight will give me a chance to wear a size, I've never been.

Apt 9/Kohl's jeans.

Love this bathing suit from Apt 9/Kohl's.