Dear Ladies, WE are good enough!

Happy Saturday! Honestly, I have been thinking about this post for months on end. I've been hearing a lot and reading alot of news where it feels like it keeps circling back to women questioning their worth whether its in a relationship, lack of self confidence, or both. To that I say, I've been in your shoes.

Let's take a beautiful walk down memory lane, shall we?

Long ago, when I was a teen, I was in the same boat as these women. Even on my best days, I didn't feel confident. I knew that being raised in the church and by my awesome family, that I was loved and capable of anything I set my mind too. It's a tad bit different when you don't believe that yourself. I used to memorize scripture passages for the sole purpose of encouragement. To this day, that comes in handy on a bad day. But I could quote those passages with my eyes closed & in my sleep. But did they encourage me deep down and make me feel like I was Miss Confident? Not all the time.

I realize that every lady is different. Everyone has had different circumstances in their lives, they've made the choices that has shaped and transformed them into who they are TODAY. I get it, I do because again, I am in the same boat and can relate. Every choice, thought, smile/frown, what I say has a positive or negative reaction that will have a long term effect on my life whether or not I recognize it.

But we as women need to stop either playing the victim card or trying to hide from being the confident, charming, awesome, talented women we are every second of the day. Regardless if we're not living up to our true potential or we're in the process of doing so, we have to stop letting other people dictate our joy and living our lives.

I know its easier said than done to stick up a few quotes and instantly force people to believe in themselves but at the same time, I love finding quotes to inspire & encourage. This is my mantra in life & it is the sole purpose of the book I've been writing to publish women at any stage of their lives.

So, ladies. Regardless if you're single, dating, been married for twenty years - each one of is incredibly awesome in our own distinctive way. Take time to know yourself and read up on what God thinks of you because regardless of what others see, He created you + looks at your heart, not on the materialistic things everyone else does. Be positive.. and like my dad told me growing up, 'Dream Big :)' You are meant for greatness even if you don't see it.

Thanks for stopping by. Enjoy your weekend. Time to spend time with my favorite at my home away from home.. :) **

                         

                          

              

Oh, hey Friday!!//Birthday week countdown. :)

Why, hello! Today I am linking up with some other awesome ladies like myself to celebrate our week. I particularly had a great week that I am about to dive into and share my top 5 reasons why this week rocked my face off. 

But first. This about sums it up. ;)

1. I chopped off my hair this week and I love it.

Lighter, new and different for FALL. :)

& my husband liked it too!

 

2. Surprised my husband with a Starbucks BOGO yesterday. Made my night better too ;)

                                                        

 

3.  I won a giveaway with my friend's blog last week.

& won this beautiful vintage PEACE necklace. It's now a fun staple to wear. 

Check out my friend's blog at Nerd in the City!

4. My birthday gifts have arrived. 

Six months ago, the complete set of Gilmore Girls series on Amazon. (Coming to Netflix - 10/1!)

& he surprised me with letting me order my new KitchenAid mixer (I thought it was a Christmas gift or later).. which arrived yesterday too :) Will definitely look as beautiful in my kitchen too.

    5. My shows: Parenthood, Scandal & Bones are back on. There are many more I watch - but this motivates me to hit the eliptical/Hulu soon :)                                                       

 I have a busy weekend ahead. Working followed by Disney & Del Taco with my favorite. 

Thanks for stopping by :)

 

Without my FAMILY, I wouldn't be ME.

Hello friends. Happy first day of the best time of year: FALL! Those who know me hear this phrase essentially everyday from September til December. Since I live in Central Florida where FALL weather sadly is non-existent - I live vicariously through my friends instagram/facebook/pictures where they get to enjoy the leaves changing, the cooler weather, etc.
I am originally from up North and I always loved the beginning of fall - sunsets were prettier, leaves changed colors, and well because my birthday is in the fall. ;) So those who get to enjoy FALL for what it really is outside FL - ENJOY IT. :)

I discovered the TimeHop App on accident earlier this year and I am so glad I found it. It reminds me of moments that I have almost forgotten and most, if not all, put a smile on my face and give me goosebumps. Something along these lines.

Today, this picture was waiting for me inside the app. & it definitely gave me a smile/goosebump combo right away.

This picture (taken by my Mom) is in the fall of 2009. This particular year was blessed heavily in my family for a plethora of reasons:
1) March 2009 - My Papa (Dad's Dad) passed away unexpectedly. It was a dark time for me but while I miss him daily - he is in eternity, waiting for everyone and I can't wait to see him again.

2) May 2009 - I graduated college. While we were in the heat of the recession, I didn't land a job or face any prospects. Good thing God is at the helm of my plans and steers me in the direction He wants for me which was coming weeks later by introducing the love of my life.

3) July 2009 - I met my now husband, Chris online and we fell in love. He was moving back west at the end of the summer. When he did and I had to say goodbye, a part of my heart got on that plane.

4) October 2009 - I moved halfway across the country to Kansas to be with the man I loved. This was the first time in my entire life I took such a risk but when you know that you're supposed to be with them -- you just kind of make some decisions and take some risks on the fly. We have a love story that will be one to tell the grandkids.

THIS PHOTO was taken in the summer of 2009, maybe early fall 2009. 

 I had lost weight - a good amount. I felt really good. I was getting ready to start another chapter and this picture reminds me who has my back, who I have in my corner. My family has always been special and very close knit to me. Especially extended family. No matter what chapter I am beginning, am in the middle of or just ended, I can always rest assured knowing my family is in my corner and has helped transform me into who I am today. Each of them have special roles individually but when we're all together - you can't put a price on that. The love we have for each other and love we share as a family is an unbreakable bond. Without them, my extended family & in-laws - I wouldn't be who I am today. I wouldn't be growing or know what its like to be strong/resilient in tough times. I wouldn't know how to love, or know what love is without the Godly examples I grew up with my great grandparents, my grandparents or my parents. I wouldn't understand what the big life lessons are and why its important to beat to the drum of your own beat. These beautiful people are my family and I couldn't be happier or feel more complete. :)

Why Frozen's 'Let It Go' & Taylor Swift's 'Shake It Off' is Greater than or Equal to my Past.

Hey friends. Bet you weren't thinking that could even be an analogy or a math problem. I've been thinking lately how much I love both of these songs and why combined they don't just appeal to kids. If you think about the lyrics and while they're fun to belt out too -- they can be applied to your life!

 

I am a Taylor Swift + Frozen fan. That may make me totally unpopular but I really refuse to care. 

How do these songs relate to my life in any way? 

1) Both of these songs provide fresh perspective when I think about my past: relationships gone wrong with guys and friends, my not so pleasant experience in middle or high school. My teen years. There are many experiences I am not fond of and don't remember fondly but these songs literally help me remember to 'Let it Go because ALL of that is in my PAST.' No longer important to my life.

2) Keeps me focused on ME & my goals. These songs help me remember that taking a glimpse into my past even in the smallest window - is pointless and does absolutely nothing to edify me. Satan tries to use it as a foothold in my life because I was skinnier in that time period. This is why I enjoy creating scrapbooks with my mom & printing out canvasses of those real happy moments. It's my way of remembering my past but only the highlights and focusing on these.

3) Puts a smile on my face. Like I said - I am a Taylor Swift fan + a Frozen fan. I am already saving up and counting down to buy Taylor's new album. Hooray for Target exclusives. 

4) Reminds me of where I come from but not where I am staying at. These songs keep me motivated and encouraged that regardless of what happened years ago do not matter. Parts of my past did help mold me into who I am today, specifically some individuals more than others. But those times taught me who I am and what is important to me in the long term. All those years that I hated myself and I hated being bullied -- only made me stronger. Music became my alliance against them. Jesus helped me forgive, let it go and move on. {Not all of my past is negative or bad - but there are bigger chunks that I wish I could've avoided}.*

Regardless of what is in your past, I hope these songs can inspire and encourage you in some way as well. While they were meant for kids initially - I love finding music that I can enjoy and apply it to my life. So I wish to thank Taylor Swift + the songwriters of 'Frozen' who changed my life & put a smile on my face. I wish I could meet all of them, its on my bucket list. <3

Thanks for stopping by. ~ Jessica

Oh hey, Friday!

Hello again! Thank God for Friday linkups, eh? Today I wanted to share my 5 best parts of this week with y'all. I greatly enjoyed having a short week and kind of wish that was a regular occurrence!  I have a somewhat busy weekend planned, lots of sleep and fierce cleaning.

Here is the highlights of my week to share with you.

1) Monday was incredible to be paid to enjoy a day off with my family, enjoying burgers and an afternoon to relax without anything work related. Snagged a picture with my mama - who made her incredible blueberry pie! My barre workouts are kicking me into better shape already - I look better in this picture than I have previously.

2) When I was a little girl - I did ballet/tap & jazz. It was the best, actually the ABSOLUTE best part of my childhood. I found THIS YouTube channel from JessicaSmithTV ( JessicaSmithTV - Kickboxing + Ballet workout! )who has a ton of FREE workouts like HIIT, Kickboxing, Ballet/barre, Kickboxing + Ballet (insane workout), toning & the list continues. She also has a ton of prenatal/postnatal workouts. Been using her videos for a week and I absolutely LOVE them - already noticing a difference.

3) I worked last Saturday which counted as Overtime pay and got to start my workday off with Dunkin Donut's sweet tea. Best part of my really long day + Mellow Mushroom pizza.

4) This is a last week #tbt by now but last week I paid off one of my student loans in full!!  I am really excited to get that oh so ecstatic letter from Sallie Mae congratulating me. Hooray. It feels incredible to be one step closer to being done with student loan repayment. 

5) This goes hand in hand with #4 - but I've started applying to babysitting gigs and part time jobs so as to help me make extra larger loan payments when I can - it will take a while but thank God - He lined up one tomorrow night. This could lead to future babysitting gigs and future families to help me get closer. 

All in all - its FRIDAY! I am excited for my weekend of sleeping in and cleaning house pretty fiercely. :) 

Thanks for stopping by! 

//Currently.Lately.Soon//

//Currently//

Tonight I decided that I was going to stop making excuses and work out. Part of my childhood that I miss dearly was taking ballet/tap & jazz classes along with gymnastics. I miss my ballerina days, putting on my tutu, tights, and losing myself in song while dancing my heart out. Tonight I found a YouTube channel that I love on Barre workouts. I will feel this tomorrow but I can't wait to do it again!

I scored a free photo book with Shutterfly and while I love scrapbooking - I can't seem to find time to do that with my mom so I am digitally remembering our Disney cruise in March this way. This way by our next one, I will be all caught up to scrapbook that one.

Photographs & collage frames are incredulously becoming part of my life. I have a growing wish list on Amazon for ones that I want to add to my hallway.

Baking is my life. In the past ten days - I've added quite a few tools to my collection. & that wish list is also growing. YAY.

Our next vacation isn't for a few months but I am pretty much already kind of adding to our existing plans. Planning gets me excited.

I've a lot of sweet tea tonight and I am totes okay with this fact.

//Lately//

I haven't really worked out. I kept making excuses but as of tonight - I am stopping that trend and getting back on the right track. I have a lot of big events coming up.. like my birthday, being an aunt again, and the holidays. I want to go shopping again and feel good.

I've been really stressed at work, its been really busy and overwhelming. I kept telling myself that I wanted to have an outlet or three to take my mind off it. I think these outlets are: baking, making collages, and working out.

I really enjoy cleaning. I am like a fierce cleaner lately - its therapeutic.

I did a little early Christmas shopping - took advantage of pretty freaking sweet sale and scored somethin for me too that was unexpected.

//Soon//

This week I have an endocrinologist appointment and I am pretty sure it may not go in my favor. Thankfully Carlos is all about self improvement and making strides.

I get to pay off one of my loans entirely this week. Take that loan debt!

All my fall shows come back on in a month: Parenthood, Scandal, Bob's Burgers, Bones, Blacklist & that beautiful list goes on..

I am going to start the Squat September challenge paired with Barre + Frisky Fall Challenge with Tone It Up.  I'd like to have nice birthday pictures, fall pictures and later - Christmas pictures that look dazzling after all my hard work!

Fall goodness is arriving soon -- cooler weather, the holidays, my birthday.. all the beautiful joyness!

//etc//

I am really excited about what is going on now, to come and possibly in the next five minutes. I've been working on a post that may not happen til Thursday but its in the sake of encouraging and inspiring.

As always, thanks for stopping by! Thank God tomorrow is Wednesday :)

//August Weekend Update//

I didn't expect to take a month hiatus from blogging because its my creative outlet but after I returned from vacation - it just kind of happened. I was wrestling internally if it was something I wanted to keep doing or if I wanted to pull the plug - and here I am. I think if I stopped - it wouldn't be permanent because I enjoy it. I may never have a huge audience but if I impact the life of one person for the better - I am happy. 

So. lately on my mind - I've been bitten or re-bitten by my true passion. When my mom graduated with her Master's last month - I baked her a graduation cake to celebrate with family. I realized that is my biggest passion in life besides scrapbooking, if I could open my own bakery - and get my book published through Amazon - than I will feel accomplished. For now - my kitchen is my "bakery" but I will never stop finding more kitchen tools to get my hands on for practice. 

Here is what I've been up to this month in no particular order. :) 

I bought this set of 3 mini springform pans from Target and I love it. I am planning on using them in a few weeks when I get my ladies together for some cheesecake. Then to celebrate my Dad/SIL's birthdays I am making us all individual cakes with these. I like to partake in the calories and my dad doesn't. 

I also have my eyes on a few more baking tools - new pans, cookie cutters - this excites me. :) 

This summer I really wanted to work on my house on the inside - which we have. I always seem to catch the sales at Target when I want something and I came across these collage frames that just look fantastic. I basically fell in love with them - I bought a second last weekend and am planning how to use it. The first captured our adventures so well - make them look really snazzy. 

I am a Taylor Swift fan. If you see me on the way to work - I am usually belting out one of her songs in the car with a big smile on my face. I was pretty psyched last week when she announced her new album and I absolutely love her new single 'Shake It Off' .. Probably because I relate to the underlining message - forget the haters & enjoy who you are! That's me everyday. :) I am in the process of pre-ordering the deluxe version at Target! 

Yesterday I spent the day at my parents house. It was nice to relax while simultaneously being welcomed. I helped my mom organize and clean out the office. I helped my nephew read his book about trucks. I watched HGTV with my favorite pup. My mom and i made plans for my birthday. My sister welcomed me with a big hug when I arrived. I haven't seen them in a while so it was nice to have a fun day with them while helping them. 

Last weekend my fam and I celebrated my mom's new Master's degree. I made a cake and we celebrated the graduate. Before my sistas and I were cheesin together. We love to have our own Photoshoots. 

My birthday is in a little over a month away and I am excited. It's my last birthday in my twenties. It's going to be a great year for many reasons:

1) Sometime in the year I am going to hit my weight loss goal.

2. I will hit 4 years at my job.

3. I will celebrate our 4th wedding anniversary.

4. I will celebrate being an aunt for the second time!

5. I will be going on another Disney cruise. 

Thanks for stopping by. Glad to be back on my blog. 

~ jessica