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! 

Five on Friday! :) :)

I am a little late on this but Happy Friday! I am blessed to work for an university that recognizes the hard work and service of the students who are veterans. Growing up, I never understood what Memorial Day really was. I knew it was military related but since being promoted to my military team, I've gotten to learn first-hand exactly the sacrifices that these men and women have endured. Being in the military is a real deal - you have a LOT of responsibilities, sometimes on very little sleep -- but at the end of the day, you are keeping all of us safe. Today at our Memorial Day ceremony, our keynote speaker mentioned what his version of what a veteran is -- it was roughly a billion degrees outside but from what I remember - People sleep quietly while the men and women are standing outside their door keeping the peace. Something to that effect. I was thrilled that I got to enjoy Chickfila & Jeremiah's Ice while downing bottles of water. Turns out I also got a tad sunburned, which is going to be a super fun tan. Alright - time to celebrate my week and be glad it's the weekend.

1. I think the best part of the week is that my baby seester finished her last day of finals for middle school. She's officially a FRESHMAN in high school! #classof2019 Goodness, I am slightly feeling pretty old. :) :) (far right - this is an older pic).

2) I have absolutely fallen in love with the flavor of anything and everything Birthday Cake. It comes in m&m's, ice cream. It's an incredibly rich flavor. I had some iice cream just now because that goes perfectly with my Scandal marathon and I licked the bowl like my pups would. 

3) Tomorrow is a busy day. My hubs is going to the dentist, I am finally going to Goodwill and donating EVERYTHING that I've been wanting to donate for the past few YEARS. I keep saying I am going, but then I don't and its just accumulated. I don't mean to insult or make fun of people who are on the show 'Hoarders'. But I kind of feel like all this stuff is quickly heading in that direction. Another awesome fact is that I get to go on a mini golf double date with my hubs, my bestie and her mister.. Yay for Groupons & Taco date :) :)

4) This week I took a hard look at my #weightloss goals and came up with a new workout routine. It was hard, sweaty and I downed an entire bottle of smartwater in a short time span. I tell you what - the guy who does Zumba Expert level resembles Channing Tatum in Magic Mike. & Jillian Michaels after those 40 minutes? Brutal! 

But worth it. Just reminded to take it day by day. :)

5. I think the best part of my entire week is this week was crossing off a lot of little to - do's on the bigger to-do list. I watched the next big talent win the title of "The Voice" this week. We've been working on painting the room that will be for our future babies. It's the planner in us. It helps keep the dream real that this condition of mine after I lose all the weight for my #BiggestLoser moment hopefully by next fall -- won't give us any issues trying to start our family. 

This week had its ups and downs but all in all - its important to keep the spirit and momentum up as high as possible. I need to keep working out, even on days when I want to crawl up and keep my dreams on top of my sweet tooth. I worked hard and while tonight's reward was ice cream and a Scandal marathon --  Mind you, this is just a pep talk for myself but sometimes I need to be transparent and honest about my goals instead of keeping them on Post-It Notes.

Off to measure for new shelves while keeping on with this Scandal marathon! I'm thinking since tomorrow in Central Florida will be 96 degrees - I will need to get my hands on Publix Sweet Tea! :) 

Thanks for stopping by & I'll see you back here tomorrow! You stay classy, planet Earth ;)  ~ J

February Goals.

Happy Friday, loves :)

I think this is a new tradition - to find some pretty fantastic laughs to start off my weekend. Because these are all attitudes or thoughts that have crossed my mind today.

But in other news - my biggest highlight of the week: Paid off my highest unsub loan.  (Sallie Mae screwed me in the process so its not totes gone - super thrilled for that $1.53 payment next month!)

Tomorrow is February 1st. That is insane! I wanted to go ahead and get my February goals out there so that I can start off the month strong. 

February 2014 Goals:

1) Exercise + Great choices daily = Lower size! (Counting down til cruise)

2) Drink more water daily.

3) Monitor my 'Treat Yo Self' days better.

4) Experiment in kitchen more.

5) Be on the lookout for DIY projects that are realistic & affordable. 

I am excited about these simpler goals. I feel like February will be a great month even when my Girl Scout cookies arrive. I really wanted to weigh less for our Disney cruise in March but I still have 6 weeks to make a dent. YAY. Happy Friday! - Jessica

Finish the Sentence with Holly & Jake

 
Woot. I am on a blogging spree today. I found this linkup while browsing other blogs and because I feel like a chatty Cathy today - I need something to take the edge off. If you are just stopping by my blog - welcome. This is my first successful attempt at this linkup & I've officially made a reminder on my phone to make this a consistent date. (I have to plan ahead or I will feel like this):

1. My favorite Christmas was the first one I had when I was dating my now-husband, Chris. I had just moved halfway across the country two and a half months prior - and met his family all at once. I wasn't expecting much from them since they didn't know me but it made me so happy when I got quite a few presents under the tree from my future in-laws because they wanted too. Extra bonuses for me :)

2. The worst Christmas I had was probably when I was in my first year of college. At the time, I went to school out of state so when I returned for a month- I was in that weird limbo/transition state. I just felt like I didn't belong being home. (Glad that feeling is gone!)*

3. That one gift that made me scratch my head and say, "Hmmmm" was when my grandparents gave me an emergency car kit. Still unsure of the logic there - I mean I get the safety logic but wasn't too thrilled to be seventeen and get a car emergency kit. #awkward

4. One year I made an effort to stay up late and help my mom with wrapping gifts, adjust stockings & it made us even closer since she had so much to get done.

5. I think the worst gift to give is a gift card. Especially to a place I never go too. It's quick but pretty meaningless unless you're just at a complete lost - then why not, send a text & get ideas. *I over analyzed that.*

6. At Christmastime I typically pretty chill. I am a bargain hunter & get great deals. So I feel pretty good, I just have to remind myself to watch the sugar intake & not indulge TOO much.*

7. Typically, family Christmas is with my husband & my parents/siblings. The real chaos comes when my in-laws move here next Christmas. 

8. If I could change one thing about the Holiday season, I wouldn't. Goes to fast as is.

9. It is so hard to buy for my brother. He is very picky & I never know if he will like my gifts unless I get really lucky. Like last year with the TMNT pajama pants @ Tarjay. That was golden.

10. My favorite Christmas tradition is watching Charlie Brown Christmas while making Christmas cookies.

11. Santa, baby, bring me an entire new wardrobe, courtesy of Kohl's. That's not too hard is it ;)

Be blessed! - Jessica

Weekend Tidbits.

Welp, we made it through another week, congrats. I don't know about you but I couldn't be happier. There were points this week I didn't know if I'd make it in one piece. Part of my transition to a new team has left me turning into a 99 year old woman -- falling asleep at 8:30. Yiiikes. That was different yet serendipidity? Yeah.

I felt the need to update but I don't really have anything big to update. Just a few random things.

One of the ladies I work with do Transformations - a type of physician supervised weight loss. I am debating about if I can with my condition and if its worth it. I've heard great things about women who've kept it off but I am eager to get other perspectives. I've tried my share of diets -- Weight Watchers, South Beach, Atkins, but the bottom line is -- none of these are magic - they won't let you lose the weight overnight just like you didn't gain the weight in 5 seconds. That is what I need to decide to do.

I am loving that the holidays are right around the corner. I got my Starbucks holiday drink on last weekend even the day of my best friend's wedding. Which, she looked gorgeous & I am so happy for her. Here are a few shots of me & her --

I was lucky enough to celebrate the wedding with two of our friends. The three of us kept the others sane. It was an interesting wedding especially when my friend Katty G caught the bouquet that night again. She caught it at my wedding so I loved it so its a new tradition in a way. But it was great fun to celebrate my bestie and her mister. :) Plus it allowed my mister & I to get a picture together. YAY. We looked schnazzy. :)

Today was probably the best day ever. I am going to get back on track with my squat challenge. Kind of fell off the wagon and rolled around in the mud -- basically just forgot to stay on it. But today I belted out N*Sync on the way into work -- we're talking classic hits like 'Bye, Bye, Bye' & 'It's gonna be meeee!' lol. That will get a smile on my face pulling into work on a Friday. I also made a student loan payment. Been working hard to have a bit extra. It may sound off to others but I honestly am ready to just make more payments. I am actually looking forward to being in repayment.  & then I got this awesome email from Laura over @ The Every Day Joys (if you're not following her blog, well I'm scratching my head as she is fantastic!) -- I won the Hunger Games giveaway on my blog. When I told my husband he was surprised as I just got into this movie series recently. But hey, it always feels nice to win a giveaway. :)

I had to make a sad decision today. I have been obsessed with deals on Moolala lately (kind of like a Groupon that pays you for every deal you buy) - I ordered 5 canvasses and I just kept running into sizing snags. They were going to revolutionize our living room - make it more homey feeling -- but alas, I had to get a refund. So I am bummed but still on the look out for great canvas deals. 

It's been one full week since joining my new team at work & I love it. It will take time to make friends with all the new people but I am loving the non stress and the energy I have. I got home tonight - got laundry going, got the dishes going, made dinner. I think at one point I looked at my husband like 'we can throw a newborn in this -- I got my A game on' Something of that nature. Plus tonight - in other randomness - I was able to buy my dogs' Christmas gifts - basically cutesy treats. They wont really care as they have a ton laying around our house but I am excited to give them the treats.  Essentially I am all done with Christmas shopping in terms of gifts minus my husband. This will happen next week with the incredible Amazon sale. Cannot wait to get some good deals - I am taking part in Target's black friday sale but I have some items I have been saving for. 

Hope you enjoyed my weekend tidbits. I will most likely think of many many more. 

#doSOMETHING

HOORAY! The thing I love best about fall, honestly is  the fact that its about the best four months of the year. I love it because of the not so good reasons -- seasonal drinks @ Starbucks which I only indulge in twice, really make those cals worth it! I love the cooler weather which in FL it does happen -- when you're lucky ;) & its just that time of getting your family together because you just can and that makes me excited. There are many other reasons but I just finished working out 10 min ago so I am trying to keep this brief. (My mind works best after I work out in terms of blogging, kind of like when I used to have a planner & would cross off my to-do list).

So, the title of this post is #doSOMETHING which is my two day old fitness goal that I've challenged myself to. As much as I want to start our family -- I have to get my healthy, fit self back. Not just for my condition but because I just feel sooo good when I carve out the time for my best version of me. My challenge is basically that I want to stop making excuses (I'm too tired, takes too long, etc..) and just workout. All of September, I'm challenging myself to 30 min minimum. October 1st increases to 40 minutes. & so on.

Tonight I also did something great -- I re-faced MyFitnessPal. I held myself accountable and entered in all of my food/cardio/ab work and hopefully in 5 weeks -- I will be where they estimate. Secondly, I partnered with IdealShape for their 12 week challenge. This will help keep me focused, motivated and on track. Sometimes you just need a friend or a hundred ones who are on the course with you to keep you reminded of your goals and where YOU want to be.

Lastly, I just want to say a big THANK YOU to my amazing parents. I joke with them that I've definitely grown up when it comes to what I want for my birthday. When I was little - annually I'd ask for unrealistic gifts -- like a pony. My mom would smile but it never went that far.  But this year they surprised me with an early birthday gift -- new AMAZING running shoes from Saucony. We're talking hot pink shoes that just by looking at them -- fill me with JOY! This way I will be able to start walking/jogging and eventually break the I can't run chain -- and be a runner. I'd love to run a 10K next year and some day a half marathon.

My pretty new shoes! 

Other items I am interested in that my husband vaguely mentions he'll be taking care of -- 

the new Little Mermaid 3D & well my  birthday will be a Disney Cruise! 

I challenge you to make yourself a #doSOMETHING challenge even if its not related to fitness, maybe to spend less time on technology, take a hiatus from Twitter or Facebook or just find something you need to get done more. Either way, be BLESSED. -- J

Motivated & back on track.

Hello, lovelies!
Hope your week has started off much less stressful than mine. All I will say is I am glad tomorrow is Thursday. I feel like this work week has dragged on much slower than any other.

However -- I will say that I am finally getting back on track with my weight loss. Been blog-hopping per se to find different ways people are losing weight -- let's be honest, Pinterest gives me ideas but it also provides procrastination and zaps my time in other areas: Holidays, Home Decor, DIY projects and sometimes Food ;) So -- I'm back to Just Dance 4 and really excited to be off my plateau to lose 10% of my weight which is 24 lbs by Sept 30th. I've felt super motivated since being more intentional about my food choices, and holding myself accountable -- which is key for me.

3 reasons I've re-discovered my motivation is:

#1 & #2 are happening together -- the first is my BIG #28th birthday, which my husband makes fun of me because I get more excited about my birthday than most 5 year olds at Chuckie Cheese's :) This picture is of a previous birthday but it's a motivated picture because I want to be back at this weight by my 29th!

Secondly-- my husband & I are taking my birthday//much needed vacation to go on our first Disney cruise to the Bahamas :) We got a sneak peek of the ship last year. 

We had just a GREAT time on our first cruise for my last birthday that I cannot wait for 3 uninterrupted days with my husband and all things Disney! :)

Lastly, my bestie gets married in less than 3 months from now. That is insane how time has flown by. I cannot wait to watch her get married to her mister. Cannot wait to get my dress shopping on at Ross in November!

There you have it -- I'm back on track & it's been enjoyable thus far. Today at the office I got two compliments from coworkers which honestly made my day. It's great to be told how great you look after months of hard work & sacrifices. Plus with my hypothyroidism -- its not coming off the fastest but its coming off. 

Any tips or ideas are greatly appreciated. Time for #AGT! 

Weight loss re-vamped

Hellooooo again!

I'm back after an unexpected hiatus :)

As mentioned on my Facebook, I re-vamped my weight loss journey. I want to be completely candid *to a degree* since this available on the internet but I don't everyone to know my business.

Last April I decided that I wanted to take the reins of my life back and lose weight. Fast forward to May 2013, I've successfully lost 40 lbs.

When I first started, I essentially had a 'Biggest Loser' weight loss journey to begin- to lose essentially a person's weight. I still have quite a bit left to go but now that my knee is not hurting anymore-- I am officially using BodyRock.TV as my workout regimen for the most part.

I've been killing myself, adding stress *therefore gaining a few lbs* by trying to lose weight and haven't really put in the work for it. SO I am starting over, its the start of something new (as a HSM fan, I had to say it!).

I am challenging myself for the next 6 mos to the end of the year to lose the rest of my weight. I know its not going to be easy but here is my story for those who graciously tell me that I don't really have that much to lose. *THANK YOU TO ALL OF YOU!*

For the past 16 1/2 years, I have been carrying around all this extra weight. When my grandmother passed away from breast cancer, I was devastated as that was the biggest loss in my life. I didn't grieve in a healthy way and so all of my grief and emotions about her loss led me to food, I turned food into comfort and that's not healthy. I gained over the years too much weight and it breaks my heart to see pictures of me because deep down that's not who I am. The outer shell of myself has been weighed down (no pun intended) for all these years and I am tired of it. I want to have children sooner than later but I need to be healthy not only for myself but so that I am giving my future babies the most healthiest mother and most healthiest chance for a good life. 

So for the next three months I am challenging myself to really hold myself accountable of the food I eat, the choices I make to workout and how hard I want to be a healthier, fit version of myself. I've been on this journey for over a year and once I am back on track consistently, I am the happiest version of myself that everyone seems to notice. So, I invite you to stick around and to cheer me on as I lose this weight. I encourage you if you are thinking of shedding some pounds to go for it, it truly makes a difference in a variety of areas: you sleep better, you have more energy, you're not as stressed, you just enjoy life more when you're trying to work hard for something you want. Hard work pays off and I hope you'll stick around.

PART 2
The other news that I didn't share on Facebook & let's be frank, I don't think I want to share anymore on Facebook other than occasional updates because it just feels too crammed in and I don't feel like people respect me on there when I am sharing a huge part of me. So, from here on out- my updates, my check-ins, my pictures of progress will be on here.  Because I enjoy writing, so it makes it easier to transition into my other news.

I have a Kindle, which isn't news. Something that Amazon offers is the opportunity to independently publish with them. As in, ever since I was 16, I've wanted to write and publish my first book.- its been in the top 5 on my Bucket List. So, I am working on and developing my book which its main purpose and goal is to encourage women of all ages. Probably leaning more towards demographically 13-49, but you never know. Even if its not a bestseller in New York, this is my dream to publish my writing and I am really excited for the opportunity. I am still like I said developing my book and just started but as I have updates, I will be posting them here too.

Well, this one is going to enjoy watching more Bones *I'm addicted to this show!* & my workout on before the night ends. Tomorrow is the series finale of The Office, I've watched it since Day 1 so I know tomorrow night, I will be crying... in a good way. :)

Have a blessed night, and thanks in advance for your support and encouragement! :) ~Jessica

2013 Ultimate Blog Party

Last year when I started blogging for real, I had just missed this awesome event and wrote it down so that I did it this year. Only a tad bit late for my first Ultimate Blog Party :)

Hi, party people! I'm Jessica, and these are a snapshots of me. Up there, I am celebrating with my family for my sister's championship basketball game in Feb '13 and then below with my husband -- we met and have a common LOVE of Disney :) 

My husband and I met online when he worked at Disney four years ago, and got married June 18th, 2011 :) Right now we are getting in shape until God blesses us with our first baby- very excited for that moment! (*This is my favorite engagement picture, technically- there are a few others..*)

I'm work full-time and am in the last 16 days of finishing my Master's degree. I also am an Independent Consultant with Pampered Chef which I greatly enjoy. I also enjoy concerts. coffee, music, Jesus (he's my favorite), DIY projects (thanks to Pinterest), cooking/baking and being an OCD planner. 

On my blog, if you stop by, you'll find a lot of pictures, some daily life grind, and every Friday, I link up to Laura @ Everyday Joy's Fab Friday which is celebrating the good in your life and not the bad. It's my favorite post of the week besides when I give my updates regarding my weight loss journey. I've lost 42 lbs since last year and I have about many more left. I also enjoy sharing Pampered Chef specials and occasional reviews of products since I am a BzzAgent. 

Hope you'll stick around & I'm excited to meet new friends :) 

-Jessica

You can also find me at:

Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram | Bloglovin

fab friday!

After 2 weeks of not being able to link up, I'm BAAAACK for fab friday & this lady is happy!

Today I want to talk about these FAB things:
1) I lost about 5-6 lbs this month, gave myself a new weight goal (minus 15) by May 1st.

2) I met my goal for March for Pampered Chef (2 shows submitted) + I get all Help Whip Cancer products free :) (Perfect for my Help Whip Cancer all of May!)

3) I am in the last few weeks of my last MBA course and I have a perfect A.

4) Last week, I applied to work part time at 4Rivers in the Sweet Shop so hopefully I'll hear back soon.

5) This weekend is Easter & I am finally letting myself have Cadbury Eggs. Favorite candy ever and I stayed strong, buying some tonight :)

6) This weekend I am taking a much deserved break from school, for at least tomorrow. I am getting lots of house cleaning and reorganizing done since the Home Decor on Pinterest have given me new ideas. My husband = not too excited as me. Pshh. What a typical dude.

7) Part of my graduation for getting my Master's in less than a month, wheeee. is that I am getting a cupcake (portion control) and a bonus: All American Rejects at Universal Orlando. Love that I'll be there :D

8) Finally doing my hair this weekend-- kiiind of tired of people's comments that I have  gray hair. Yeahhh, not supposed to tell a lady about that to her face, weirdos. 

Have a wonderful Easter weekend :)  ~Jessica

fab friday!

Today I want to talk about these FAB things: 1. It's Friday! Been a rough week so I need the weekend badly.
2. I'm officially a nerd & almost 3 weeks ahead in my class. I really don't LOVE it but I want it over with. 3. Next Friday, is not only my husband's birthday BUT we're taking a half day! Celebrating him getting older to head to Universal & 4Rivers for dinner. Yum cannot wait. 4. Last weekend I did my first 5k in awhile, and my knee didn't blow up or hurt at all. It's a belated Fab :)  5. My actual staycation is coming up real in 10 days & it's actually a motivator to clean. Double FAB! 6. While its been a rough week with school & my job, I managed to lose 1.5 lbs this week :)  Hope you have a FAB weekend :) ~ Jessica

I am...

I got this post idea from my friend, Laura over @ The Every Day Joys. Sometimes its nice to share thoughts and feelings without writing a novel. Yeah, kind of in a funk today.

I AM...

• Frustrated at myself because I haven't worked out in 2 days, granted its that week that even if you do workout- its not really going to make a difference because I'm crampy, bloated and overall just feeling gross. I haven't been cheating really at all- but I just wish I had more energy after work. 

• Very thankful that I start my LAST MBA course tomorrow. Where has the time gone? It feels like 3 years ago when I took my MBA course and was wondering what I had gotten myself into. Lo & beyond, its about time to make my grad cupcakes and plan our celebration dinner w/ fam & friends :) YAY.

• Happy that I get a NEW phone on Thursday. I'm kinda sad already about wiping my IPhone clean but I'm ready to save $ by switching. Plus by dropping my contract, we save $50/mth to afford our Disney passes. So happy I live by Mickey :)

•  Exasperated with things I cannot change or control. I work really hard @ my job and I am just frustrated as I would really like to advance & I wish i could have an opportunity to do so. Instead I'm stuck working with immature people who bring their own issues on.

Happy tomorrow is Wednesday, meaning that my 5k is 3 days away :) YAY!

Already cannot wait for FAB Friday! ~Jessica

30 Things (pt 3)

Happy Sunday! Our plans were to originally spend time with family today but timing changed a bit. Last night I made my mom a cookie cake for her belated birthday party today :) She's not expecting it and I love surprising her this way for lunch!

Maybe two weeks ago, I wrote the original post of 30 Things and today I'll be continuing it with #15-21.

15) Describe when you knew your spouse was the one or when you fell in love: When I met Chris, he was literally weeks away from being done with the Disney College Program and we met on a Christian dating site. He told me that he'd be returning to finish up his last semester at college in KS in a month but that'd didn't matter to me. We got to know each other, talked every day and our first date was at Disney (perks of living in FL & he got in free) park-hopping with a few friends. There was just something about him that I caught early on. He has these amazing blue eyes and a smile that can make your knees buckle right away. But the chemistry we had from early on- I was immensely blessed I found someone this amazing- I had just graduated college 2-3 months prior. The day he left- he met my mom/sister for the first time and just being with him- I wasn't sure if I could handle months away until he came back. I drove him to the airport and when we kissed, it felt like part of me had disappeared. Two months later, I celebrated my birthday & moved half way across the country to be with him. The rest is history.

16) What are your 5 greatest accomplishments?

Graduating with my Bachelor's in May '09.

Getting married in June 2011.

Buying our first house in Dec '11.

Paid off our car loan 18 mos early in 2012. 

Graduating with my Master's in April '13.

17) What is thing you wish the most you were great at? Art. I draw stick figures, I try to get inspired when I'm @ JoAnn's or Michaels and look at all the different areas of art but I'm just not blessed to be talented like my sis in law who is an amazing artist.

18) What do you think your spouse loves most about you?

He's told me before & there's a long list but at the top- its a 50/50 thing with my big brown eyes and my smile. There's no clear winner between the two. 

19) How did you feel when you became a parent? This will be answered hopefully Spring 2014. Until then, I have two dogs and that's the closest I am to a parent. When we got our first, Coco- I wanted to make sure that I did everything I could to keep her healthy and safe, but enjoying life (as much as a dog can).

20) Describe 3 significant memories from your childhood. The first would be when my grandma passed away when I was 11 from a long battle with breast cancer. She & I were very, very close so her death really impacted me. I remember saying goodbye and   it just hurt for a very, very, very long time. The second was when my sister was born when I was 14. I remember holding her for the first time and just excited to see who she'd become. Update: She's almost a teenager! The third would be: too painful to talk about, sorry. Just know that bullying is real and it does impact people's lives and mentality. 

21) Describe your relationship with your parents. Welp, I know that if It was 10 years ago, I'd be 17 and I'd give a typical answer. Thankfully its 2013, I'm 27 and those past days are very much behind us. My parents and I are very, very close now which I am so so SO thankful and happy for. I enjoy spending time with my family and I know that my best interest is always on their minds. We've come a long way & I know they've always got my back. 

Hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend. Now that my knee isn't bothering me, time to work out. I have my first 5k this coming Saturday and I really want to do well :) My LAST MBA class starts Wednesday, praise the Lord!  ~Jessica

Fab Friday!

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

1. I lost 2 lbs this week even though I barely dipped into my Girl Scout cookies.

2. Since I couldn't be with my mom on her birthday this week, I decided to celebrate her 29th  making this collage of us over the years. We're so cute!

3.  Maybe no one will find this FAB but I do. I'm baking my mom something awesome for a belated birthday party and of all the amazing desserts Pinterest tempted me with-- I stayed strong in my goals to lose weight.

4. I had an unofficial marathon of Arrested Development & New Girl this week. Best ending to a few nights, justified.

5. I got FREE Skinny Cow ice creams for stocking up on my lunch last week. Over half the box left remain & I shared with my husband. Double fab.

6. Our tax refund will be here hopefully Monday. So excited to pay off 1-2 student loans :) 

7. At my work desk, I've already printed out April and actively counting down til I get done w/ school. 

8. Almost the weekend! Possibly time for Universal or maybe the beach? Love living in Flordeeda. 

Your turn! Head on over to Laura's blog & link up with her to share your FAB news from this week!! 

                                                        ~Jessica

So WHAT Wednesday

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

• I haven't worked out intensely like I was. I just deep cleaned part of my house that needed it for 2.5 hours tonight. 
• I've already helped myself to half a sleeve of Thin Mints, they freeze really well and 4 Thin Mints= 1 serving. Justified? You better believe it.
• I come home and slip into my comfy pj pants, life is more comfortable to pay bills, do homework and clean my house than having to do more laundry for a few hours.
• I've been specifically researching the perfect desserts on Pinterest, I fully plan on making My Top 5 whether if it goes on my 'while I'm pregnant' board, my general foodie board or if its just saved on my desktop. None of you may ever know.
• I haven't been the most 'productive' for the past 2 weeks but I am about to start my LAST grad class and if its below sitting in a tub full of scissors than the next 2 months will LITERALLY be a blast.

~Jessica

FAB FRIDAY!!

This week I want to talk about these FAB things: 

1. I've lost another 2.4 lbs this week & I'm hoping for another 6 before the end of the month :) 

2. I'm getting close to a year since I decided to lose the weight & with the exception of today -- I've worked hard. I'm hoping to be down 50 lbs after a year of working hard. I'm about 14 pounds away. :)

3.My Bangin' Chicken sauce from Tijuana Flats makes any iffy dish AMAZING. 

4. I decided to be a great wife last night & bake cookies for my husband's potluck: White Chocolate Chip cookies. Bonus- I made too many so I still get to enjoy some. 

5. because I submitted 2 shows last month for the salesathon-- I got the new stone for Pampered Chef, a new cookbook & the new rub for FREE :)

6. For Valentine's day- my husband surprised me by getting 4Rivers BBQ (only in FL- a hot spot).