TGBTL: Lessons Learned.

Happy Wednesday, friends :)

Every Wednesday I link up with Lauren & Hayley for Girl Between the Lines. Although I am sad its the last week. I've greatly enjoyed this link up. I'll be sad to take the reminder off my calendar.

Today's prompt is: Tell us a lesson you wish you had learned sooner in life. Looking back, what do you see now you wished someone had told you before?

When I was growing up, I watched girls get either totes crazy or overly emotional for a guy. It felt like if they didn't fall in love with guys like Zach Morris from Saved by the Bell or Sabrina's boyfriend from Sabrina, the Teenage Witch that they had to change themselves entirely [to meet the right guy].

When I say entirely - I feel like they had to go overboard like starving themselves, finding new friends altogether or wearing too much makeup.

Sorry, ladies. This is NOT an attractive look for anyone.

 

I told myself that I wouldn't fall for this Venus fly trap of lies when I started dating guys. I could protect myself. But lo & behold - not the hand I was dealt.

I will say that God definitely protected myself and my heart from going too extreme. Sure, I experimented with hair color, what clothes I wore and makeup I liked - but I didn't just settle with just anyone. Or make choices to jeopardize my future.

I did meet a few guys who changed my life - in good/bad ways. *Names have been changed.*

1) Aiden - Taught me that I am good, no I am awesome whether or not I am a Wii bowling star or if I talk on my phone too much. His opinion was just that - an opinion.

2) Derrick - Taught me that I am definitely worthy to love. I am important and just how vital trust/honesty values are in relationships. Lastly, just because I am not the same person I was initially, that change is inevitable. In my case - a positive one.

3) Chris - (my husband). He teaches me daily that by taking a chance and giving someone the benefit of a doubt can lead you on the best romantic adventure of your life. It's okay to be yourself even if they're totally different from you but loves you all the same.

I feel like this was something I've been wanting to write. I am definitely going to expand on this topic in my book.
Moral of the story: Ladies, rest assured that boys suck and they will make you pissed off whether you're twelve or forty five. But the right boy will make it all worth it!

Thanks for stopping by! ~ Jessica

TGBTL: Blogging keeps me sane.

Happy Wednesday, y'all. Hope your week has started off with a bang. Or that it's going well. For those of you just stopping by my blog - WELCOME! I'm so glad you're here. Today, & every Wednesday - I link up with Hayley & Lauren for this awesome link up. I encourage you to participate if your heart so desires.

 

This week's linkup is: Why do you blog? Tell us what got you started, what keeps you going, or where you want to go! This is your chance to tell us why you invest your time here day in and day out!

I am a visual person so for me to process - I have to see it myself. Let's go!

 

1. When I was a sophomore in high school, I signed up and took a Creative Writing course as an elective class & LOVED every minute. So many memories flooded my head that I was able to share and it was so therapeutic in those not so enjoyable high school years - that I realized how much I truly love writing. Blogging keeps me sane, I say it a lot but it's very true.  

What got me started two years ago, I was flipping through old journals and realized that I needed a creative outlet. Writing unleashes a part of me that I keep very private (to a degree!) It helps me process and appreciate the memories and experiences that I've witnessed firsthand. I am not blessed with talents like both my SIL's have with painting or drawing. It's come up a lot but I am working on my first book to encourage and inspire both tweens/teen girls & heck even ladies my age.

 

 

Lastly - I blog because it's my gift, my voice and my outlet. It can help twist a seemingly rough day into a much more positive one from taking time to process and write everything out. This is a gift I received from my dad, who is a great writer. I was blessed to appreciate writing memories and just keeping stories upfront. This is also a great skill and talent I plan to instill and develop in my own children so they're able to inspire themselves & their future selves.

 

Thank you for stopping by! ~ Jessica

TGBTL: Why I'd loooove to lunch w/ Kristen Wiig

Happy Wednesday, loves! :)

For those of you just stopping by my blog - WELCOME! Every week - I get excited for another week of my weekly linkup with the ladies of #GirlBetweentheLines . This week is about who I'd have lunch with of my fave celebrity/blogger/etc. (Disclaimer: I've been sick this week so this is late getting posted!)

& because she is so hilarious. & I looooved her on SNL as Gilly, Penelope, Sue, & all the crazy characters she came up with. & because she wrote and starred in my favorite movie everrrr: Bridesmaids: I would looove the opportunity to lunch with Kristen Wiig. I feel it'd be funny and she'd be really personable & sarcastic. Because this is how I know her. 

Honestly - she is the funniest lady I know. When I found out that she was young Lucille in Arrested Development - she was made for that role - and she would be in Anchorman 2 - makes me even more excited to see the movie or show. I am not a crazy person that would send her letters or freak her out -- but if the opportunity presented itself for me to have lunch w/ her - I'd gladly take it!! Her skills literally make me laugh til I cry. Heck, I saw Bridesmaids (for the third time on my honeymoon!)

Hope you are having a great week. My sis in law is here from Missouri for the whole week & it's been fantastic having her here. Excited for when she & the fam move here! :) 

TGBTL Week 11: Fave Five for Pinterest.*

  

Happy Wednesday, loves. 

Every week I link up with two fantastic ladies, Hayley & Lauren for the 'Girl Between the Lines' link up and each week the prompts sometimes put my house in a type of disarray but in a fun way to find the perfect photo or add on for my blog.

This week's prompt is: Share your 5 favorite pins from Pinterest & to share a link to my boards.

Confession - Pinterest used to be my favorite way to spend my evening. Maybe it will again but I honestly forget about it for awhile and then find my way back eventually. When you look at my boards - there are main topics I look for: The Office, DIY Projects/House decor, Favorite shows & Foodie ideas. 

 

Well allow me to elaborate on why these 5 are my favorites.

1) Be-you-tiful: Last year, my baby sis turned 13. She starts high school this August & I feel like this is a great reminder for her because sometimes she doesn't always feel pretty because of those mean ladies that go to school with her. I am hoping to make her this for her birthday/congrats you're a high schooler now!

2)  Two is Better than One. Not only was this my first dance at my wedding by Taylor Swift & Boys Like Girls - find it on YouTube - but it is perfect to put in my living room. Going to save up for this because my artistic skills would be two stick people & no where close to this one's smashing talent.

3) The Office is one of my favorites especially this scene with one of Jim's better pranks on Dwight. 

{Bears, Beets, Battlestar Galatica.}

4) Gilmore Girls! I love LOVE love this show. This show got me through high school and I absolutely love the relationships highlighted on this show. {Especially those centered with Kirk or Paris!}

5. My household is a Disney household. We love Disney. & I love decorating. I think this year I am going to put this on our porch for when kids come by trick or treating. So cute & super easy! 

These are only five pins that I love. Feel free to follow me on Pinterest here. Take Care ~ Jessica 

TGBTL: Fave photo.

Happy Wednesday, loves. 

Today is my last day at home before returning to work from having surgery.

Every week I post and link up with two fantastic ladies, Hayley & Lauren for Girl Between the Lines. Last week I went pretty topic heavy with my free week of no prompt & wrote about something I am pretty passionate about. I feel like women need to be inspired to not only be their best but to overcome their past and their fears. Every woman has a story and experiences that deserve to be in the spotlight. Technology helps us accomplish big things in society but sometimes it has the impression on women that we need to change ourselves - and match the mold that celebrities are expected to maintain and uphold. This is a post that I want to expand on and will be included in my book - if you're interested in sharing your story, I'd love to hear from you.

This week for my link up - the prompt is to share my favorite photo and the story behind it. 

These are very recent pictures that I wanted to share that are easily my new pictures. These are from my work Christmas party in December. I usually invite and share the party festivities with my parents. This year my company decided to make pictures even more entertaining. My husband & I smiled big together & then had a group shot. The latter shot made me giggle when I see it because we have this vibe that we're dancing - gettin our moves on. 

I absolutely love my family and the time I spend with them. These pictures showcase my hard work to lose weight. When I was at the party, you couldn't wipe the smile and overall happiness off my face for anything. I am so happy and I love pictures of me when I can't help but smile because I know that I am over the moon happy. Goosebumps.

Thanks for stopping by. Here is some encouragement for YOU!

TGBTL: Dear Women, you're beautiful. Your size doesn't define you.

Happy Wednesday, loves. 

Today on my weekly Girl Between the Lines linkup - its a free week with no prompt. Lately in my thoughts outside of work, life, my blog - I have just been using all my free time to work on my book. I thought this would be a great time to recruit those interested in sharing their experiences or thoughts for it. 

Right now - my big chapter that I am working on has to do with self image and self confidence. Myself, I am a bigger girl. I always have been and in the past year have really been working hard to change my outlook on food. Food used to be my comfort. If I had a bad day, I ate. If I had a good day, I ate. This is no longer the case but I understand that there are many women who still associate food with feelings. My main motivation behind this book is that I would like to encourage girls who don't fit under the mold that America puts on women to be a certain weight, a certain size and overall a certain type of woman. 

This doesn't apply to women who sign up to be models, or in a career like acting that you have to maintain a certain shape or health level. These women are you and me. We're wives, mothers, daughters, sisters, friends, and at the end of the day - women who all have feelings and emotions. 

This is something I am writing about in a current chapter but not something I have blogged about. 

When I was in college, I actually spent time researching this because in my opinion, it continues to get out of hand whether its a celebrity or just an average Jane. There are quite a few things that I have noticed that have started to happen.

1) Little girls are starting to become more insecure early: I can relate because when I was in third grade, I started wearing a training bra. My body developed really, really early. When I was little like that, it was a curse but God had His reasons when He created me the way He did. Little girls start feeling self conscious and feel the need to experiment with makeup way too early and it doesn't help that little girls are just way meaner these days.

2) Teenagers feel this pressure on a minute to minute basis (in my opinion). My teen years were hard. I cannot imagine being a teen in our society today. I pray for these girls hourly. Girls are just plain mean and we hear alot more about bullying whether online or in person with the amount of girls who commit suicide over comments or boys. Secondly, teens feel the need to starve themselves to fit into these clothes or for the popularity factor & be considered cool.

I am a big One Tree Hill fan. Season 7, Sophia Bush's character, Brooke Davis who runs a clothing store on the show 'Clothes over Bros' and in their fashion show made the 'Zero is not a size' campaign. Luckily, this didn't just stay on TV - Sophia made a point of this and how important it is that we don't have to be a size zero to be beautiful. Aeropostale had been making shirts for girls/women to encourage starvation and I am so glad there are actors like Sophia Bush out there. I miss seeing her on OTH but women are beautiful and size has nothing to do with it. This whole case will be written more in my book but if you'd like to read more about it - click here. 

3) College ladies or adult women feel this pressure also minute to minute. Makeup, perfect bodies, and the extremes that they go to - plastic surgery, eating disorders, being obsessed to be thin instead of fit and healthy. I mean look at the magazine covers with the constant use of Photoshop - the desire for perfection and not having any blemishes shown to the public just makes you look less human. I have dark circles, a few pimples here and there but overall I don't feel like I need to change my body to be a perfect woman. 

If you have experience in any of this, and would like the opportunity to possibly be included in my book, feel free to email me directly at jessica_whitney@hotmail.com. We can make it anonymous or you can get your story out there in this chapter. Whether its your feelings about this topic, your firsthand experience or how your perspective has changed your mindset. All women are beautiful and deserve to feel this way all the time despite their weight, size or hair color. 

TGBTL Week 8: All Grown Up

Happy Wednesday, loves & for those of you stopping by my blog - welcome. Today & every Wednesday, I linkup with two fantastic ladies - Hayley & Lauren for the Girl Between the Lines linkup.

Today's topic is: We're all grown up but how did we turn out based on what we wanted (back in the day)?

When I was a little girl, I used to lay awake at night and wonder what I would be like in my teens and on. I loved playing house with my dolls or by myself - and I knew even then that someday I'd be married, with kids of my own & with my own place. I was all excited to look through my papers from back in zee day but I quickly realized that they're in a bin that is not easily accessible. So I found what I could and it still made me laugh at how cute I was.

Here are some highlights of my childhood - when I was six, I was obsessed with Ariel & the Little Mermaid - in fact that was my birthday as shown below. Complete with my mom's talented sewing to make my dress all Ariel and those were all the gifts - I was convinced greatly that I would become a mermaid. That changed later on when I wanted to be a teacher.

I've kept that love of Little Mermaid alive - though. That was my favorite birthday present last year.

I found this gem above and I personally think it is super cute & made me laugh a few times. A few other of my favorite things were 'Mall Madness' , "Full House & Boy Meets World" and those addictive Mary Kate & Ashley videos - that I still own somewhere.

All in all - I feel like there were some ups & downs in my life, a few regrets that are out of my control but I am the absolute happiest with my life now that if any thing happened differently when I was little - I may or may not have ended up where I am.

There is probably more I could add but this one is sick & needs to hit the hay before I crash. Thanks for popping by! - J

TGBTL Week #7: Tangible Pride & Joy.

**Disclaimer: This post was intended for Wednesday but due to being sick & technical issues - it just didn't happen. But wanted to get it out there because its a great prompt to share.**

Happy Wednesday, loves. It's been a long week thus far & its only going to continue. Definitely doesn't help that its 25 degrees in Florida & the wind is killer. For those of you just stopping by my blog - WELCOME. Every Wednesday I link up w/ other fantastic women for the 'Girl Between the Lines' goodness. This week we are sharing our most tangible items we hold dearest.

Last week I was trying to find my item for last week's linkup. What I found besides it is something I hold even closer to my heart. I've kept most of the letters from my grandparents since I was a little girl. I am very close to my family. My phone is dead & I am not able to take a picture at this time but just know there is a plethora. All my grandparents on my dad's side have all passed on and I am the absolutest closest to them. I think what makes these notes extremely special to me is that because when I was younger - I used to live closer (distance wise) to my extended family. When my dad was transferred down to Florida, I've missed going to our family get together's, Christmases & Thanksgiving dinners annually. By reading these notes, it not only brought a tear to my eye but a warm feeling in my heart because I am blessed to have the most incredible family in the world.

Along with these letters, I also have a few handmade items from my grandma who went to be with the Lord in 1997 from breast cancer. She was a very beautiful woman, talented in many areas. Two of these items deserve a picture - which I will update gladly this weekend. My family gave me one of my grandma's paintings and a mini wooden horse that she hand painted. My house looks brighter knowing that my grandma's beautiful painting has added richness that you can't get elsewhere.

You stay classy & thanks for stopping by! 

TGBTL Week #6: Best Advice

Happy Wednesday, loves. For all of you just stopping by - welcome. I'm super glad you're here. Today & every Wednesday, I link up with Hayley & Lauren for the Girl Between the Lines. Been meeting some fantastic new friends & I enjoy reading their posts every week. If you'd like to join, feel free to click HERE for more info.

Today's prompt: Best Advice I've ever received.

I've been fairly blessed to have some people in my life who are full of wisdom and don't mind sharing. That said, I am going to share two great examples of advice/wisdom shared. The first is from my wedding. For my guestbook, I asked my guests to share wisdom with us - I found that most of them stuck with 'Don't go to bed angry!' Kind of wish I had gotten more variety but I still enjoyed reading them. (Side note: My mom is a talented woman, she took everything from my wedding & made it into a scrapbook - it's one of those things I'll cherish forever.)**

On the same level of greatness - the morning I was walking to graduate college {May 2, 2009} - my dad hand wrote me a letter that he had written specifically for my big day. He reminded me that I am set apart. He reminds me daily of advice that is incredible. Every time I read this letter to this day, my eyes well up with tears because his writing and his encouragement just get me through those hard moments. Here is a snapshot for you but just know that its one of those items you get in life that you will never part with. I plan on re-enacting it with my kids one day when they've graduated college & hopefully they will keep this up in the future.

Thanks for stopping by! You stay classy. 

SO WHAT, WEDNESDAY!

Hey loves. Happy Wednesday to each of you. Today I am linking up with Shannon over at 'Life after I Dew' for the oh so fun 'So What Wednesday' linkup. (It's one of my favorites). Glad you're here!

This week, I am saying SO WHAT if:

1) I'm addicted to Tijuana Flats, I stood in line last night at one of the absolute craziest locations for 30 min + & I ordered online. But all that waiting was worth it - I am always sad when my tacos are gone.

2) Yesterday was my cheat day for my working out. I really wanted to get back on the elliptical because I love it and consider myself addicted but just couldn't. So I treated myself to Chick-Fil-A for lunch & took a night off working out but hey, I work out 6 days a week so I deserved it.

3) Originally I was gungho about ordering 4 boxes of Girl Scout cookies but I didn't want to back slide on my motivation and weight loss so I cut my order down by 50%. I feel pretty proud.

4) Last night I was on a mission for my Girl Between the Lines linkup (I never miss this linkup on Wednesdays- check back later for my post) and ended up spending an hour being nostalgic going through childhood pics/sentiments. Time well spent.

5) No shame here. I watched & enjoyed 3 hours of Community episodes last night while catching up with Blacklist too. Thank you, Hulu subscription.

6) Finally starting to work on ideas and write my book again. Yesterday I had overwhelming inspiration at work, right before I left - I wrote down what felt like infinite ideas to brainstorm on including a new chapter I hadn't even thought of. Those 5 minutes I scribbled down ideas and just went with the motivation.

7) I peruse Groupon after work for a few hours here and there, sometimes trying to find ideas for gifts, creative date nights but I'm only successful 5% of the time. 

Thanks for stopping by. You stay, classy! 

TGBTL Week #5. Admiring his perseverance.

Hey loves! For those of you just stopping by - welcome. Glad you stopped by. Today & every Wednesday, I am linking up for TGBTL with Lauren & Hayley.

Today's prompt is: Tell us about a trait you admire in someone you look up to & why.

I have to agree with Lauren, that its hard to just pick one because those closest to me are all pretty flipping amazing in their own way. That being said, there's one big quality that always speaks volumes to me in my dad - that of his perseverance. My whole life, he has consistently shown and taught me to appreciate working hard to achieve my goals, small or big. He is just always persistent and has perseverance in every area of his life. I feel like this has passed down to me in mostly every area of my life. Sometimes its paid off in a positive way and sometimes, not so much. But its taught me to be stronger.

My dad was taught from day one to not ever expect anything from anyone. He had some amazing mentors & family to give these important lessons. When he was a small child, he faced devastation. He lost his right eye at the age of 5 over something not in his control. From then on, he marched to the beat of his own drum. He didn't use this setback to hold himself back- he still achieved greatness. He played football throughout high school & college. He graduated with his Bachelors Degree from Defiance University. He worked hard to earn a top notch executive position at his work. He married my mom & because of their choices together created a powerful legacy for myself & my siblings. He has persevered through everything thrown at him and its only made him come out strong on the other side.

He's an excellent role model and I can't wait for the day when I have kids so they can learn from his example as well. He's blessed my life more than I could ever imagine.

He was super proud to accompany me to my company Christmas party too.*

Again, thanks for stopping by & you stay classy. I've been working hard on my goals for this month which you can check out here! I am super glad its Wednesday, and ready for Disney on Friday night :)  - Jessica

TGBTL Week #4.

Happy New Year, loves! Excited for the linkup to be back, I felt like something was missing from my day & when the calendar reminder came on my phone last night - I smiled with pangs of bittersweet feeling, knowing that it was Christmas and that there would be no link up. Anywho, we're back, its a new year & back to linking up. This year - I've adopted the word 'transparency' in terms of how I view the next 365 days that have a purpose in line. I have a Biggest Loser amt of weight to lose to be ready for Baby #1. I have theme park passes & I am all about enjoying the adventures I seek out or find myself in.

2014 Adventures thus far:
Visited & enjoyed Epcot & MGM with my hubs.

Soaking up the rainy day that Orlando has by cuddling w/ my pups.
Tomorrow after the dentist: Animal Kingdom & Magic Kingdom w/ a showing of Anchorman 2.
& the list goes on.

Here's to the unforgettable adventures in 2014 for each of us.

You stay classy & thanks for stopping by. - Jessica

TGBTL Week #3: My (fave) Go-to Recipe!

 

Happy Wednesday, friends! Absolutely loving these link ups & getting to spend time making new friends. For those who just stopped by my blog - welcome, glad you're here. Every Wednesday, I link up with Hayley & Lauren for 'The Girl Between the Lines' linkup. If you want to share or need more info on this fantastic linkup, go here!

Today's prompt is: What is my go-to meal?

I love cooking and I discovered this recipe while I was a Pampered Chef consultant. For those who are unclear of what Pampered Chef is - its amazing cookware. It's pricey but worth it for those who love cooking/baking :)

Anywho - the story behind this recipe is that since I have a late shift every week - I was getting frustrated because I'd get home and not feel like I had any good substance meals for my husband & I. I still get frustrated from time to time since that hasn't changed but I am addicted to this recipe & it's worth the time prepping/cooking because you can tweak it as much as you want. For example: I love pepperoni & mushrooms - and because this is individualized to a degree - if I wanted to add that in on mine -- I could & it would be a fantastic win-win.

Now that I've written a mini novel as my back story, my go to recipe is Pizza Sliders.
[Set your oven to 415 & your timer for 11 minutes.]

Ingredients: 1 bowl (I use my batter bowl), 1 packet of yeast. 1 tsp sugar. 1 c warm water*Also - pizza sauce, shredded cheese, optional toppings. & Pam spray. 

NOTE: I've found that it's easier to prep the dough the night before & keep it chilled. Much easier to work with and takes most of the work away for dinner. (Win win!)

• Empty the yeast into your bowl with the sugar & water. *NOTE: It's vital that the water is a good balance of warm & not too hot. If its too hot - I've found that it makes everything complicated)*
  
• Mix everything, set a timer for 10-11 minutes. I look for a bubble-sh form so I know everything is good.
  After the 10 minutes -in the same bowl, add 2-2 1/2 c. of bread flour, 2 Tbs of olive oil, dash of salt. Mix up, but don't over mix! Flour counter top. Roll out dough. Cut out individual circles/or whatever cutter you have on hand.

 

** Fill in each space of your brownie pan, w/ a spray of Pam & a circle of dough so it should resemble something like this. (Put a spoonful of pizza sauce in there as illustrated on the left).*

Put as much or little of shredded cheese/pepperoni as you'd like on each piece. 

& then you will have this amazingness waiting for you!

This recipe is so popular in my household that I sometimes double the batch if I want to have more on hand or if its a busy week so that its a quick & easy meal. It's a favorite with my husband too. :)

TGBTL Week #2: Favorite Holiday things

To be honest, I've been excited to share since last week's post. For those who are just stopping by my blog - welcome. Each Wednesday, I am posting in 'The Girl Between the Lines' linkup started by two ladies that I am excited to get to know more. Check out more information here if you'd like to join us today or each week! Today's prompt is my favorite holiday things which I do not mind sharing at all. :) There are quite a few of them so I will try to pick my absolute favorites so you're not reading a riveting post as long as War & Peace.

My first one to share of favorite holiday gifts is the time with my family. Now that I am married with a little family of my own and living on my own - I don't feel like I see my family enough. Granted my mom is my best friend & they live 30 minutes away but still - I absolutely love that as long as I can remember - the holidays bring my family together each year. When I am with them on Christmas Day, we have our traditions that we've always had - the sibling picture in front of the Christmas tree, my mom makes cinnamon rolls, mini ones to resemble a Christmas tree & before any gifts are opened - we dive into our stockings. :) This year feels just as special because of the recent loss in my family. A week ago, 12/5, my great grandma who was 98 years young went to be with Jesus. I gratefully got to be with family last week in Ohio to celebrate her, her incredible legacy and the fact that she's reunited with her Creator for eternity. :)

Secondly, I love to use this time to reflect on what God has blessed me with this year, in the good and bad. I feel that so many attempt those 'New Year' resolutions to try to change something about themselves -- these 'resolution' ideas only last until March, maybe. I like to sit and reflect with a cup of hot chocolate/mini marshmallows on top and appreciate what I've gleaned from this year. I've never had a year that was absolutely perfect  or that I got exactly what I wanted. My parents taught me while growing up to appreciate everything, whether good or bad. I really do appreciate the life that I have because it feels like something in my life is always changing, and sometimes I don't even notice it until months down the road. I would say that this year - I appreciate the relationships in my life - with my husband, my family, my friends - because when I need them, they're always on hand to support me.

While I could list many more -- I am going to end it with simply decorating inside & out for Christmas. I get so excited for the day after Thanksgiving because its when we pull out our tree, ornaments, lights, garland, the masses of wrapping paper & all those gifts that I already bought -- next year I am waiting longer to buy Christmas gifts. But it truly is my favorite time because C & I usually do the decorating first around the house - this year we put up garland around the house, bought extra Glade scents so we can walk in our house & smell pine trees & really feel more Christmas-y. Since we live in Florida, we don't get to enjoy snow or cold weather - we just get 365 days of humidity and killer heat. It's nice for beach days but not so much on Christmas day. Doesn't make it feel like Christmas when its 85 & you're all sweaty ;) I digress. My husband knows & appreciates that whenever we go on vacation -- I save to buy an ornament as a keepsake of our trip. We have an ornament from the Alamo from our honeymoon to the Riverwalk/San Antonio, TX. We have two 'first home' ones from my parents & grandparents when we closed on our house in 2011. This year we are adding the one from the Bahamas & one from our cruise ship. There are tons of ornaments from my childhood on my tree and I just love to remember the memories each Christmas.

Hope you've had a great week thus far, I had today off with my hubs. Thank God for nice weather & Universal passes. :)

Be blessed. -- Jessica

TGBTL Week #1: Photo & 3 Things.

Hello Wednesday! This has been an emotionally rough week for my family & I. Still waiting to see how the events will unfold but if you will just keep all of us in your prayers & thoughts for the time being -- I do greatly appreciate it.

Ever since I saw that Lauren was starting this new linkup - I was really excited. I keep trying to do the Hi Five for Friday link up & one day I might but right now - not happening. I also make it move to do So What Wednesday because it gives the middle of the week an edge. So, I've successfully added a few permanent calendar events to my phone to help me remember these linkups. Anywho - I'll save you the rambling because that's a gift for my husband.

Today I am going to share a picture with y'all of me with three of my favorite things about myself. At first this was a challenge but I consider myself a creative lady -- so here goes it.

The three things I absolutely LOVE about myself:

1) I married the best fit for myself. He is taking this picture that describe the following two things but my husband really is the cheese to my macaroni. He takes care of me, he always knows what to say when I need a laugh and he gives the best hugs.

2) I looooove Tijuana Flats & their Taco Tuesdaze which I took part in last night. That is my saving grace every other week. I also treated myself to some queso which is like liquid crack. It's just that good. I am trying really hard to lose the weight I need to but Tijuana Flats is my biggest indulgence.


3) I love date nights (or in this case - date lunches) with my husband that end up or involve Tijuana Flats in some case. My husband & I both work pretty hard during the week, and this year we graduated with our Master's degrees so now that we have our nights back -- its nice to be able to spend time together after 2+ years of just giving each other high fives before we went to sleep. We now have a date night every week except for this week which is sad.

That will do it for me this week. Look forward to hopping around and getting to know y'all on my lunch break. For those ladies who don't know and blog but want to meet other bloggers --- feel free to join the Girl Between the Lines linkup over at Lauren's blog. Thanks for stopping by. You stay classy, planet earth :)