Celebrating January's M I L E S T O N E S .

Hey y'all. This first month in 2015 has been incredible satiating for me in terms of weight loss.

When The Biggest Loser first came on TV back in the day, I was in my sophomore year of college. I had definitely put on the 'Freshman 15' and then some. I knew I needed to lose weight and it's been a challenge since I was thirteen to be perfectly transparent. I couldn't just leave college mid semester if they selected me for the show to workout and lose the weight. But the concept of the Biggest Loser (as it applies to weight loss) is something that I am always thinking about - and I am on my way.

My goal in January was to kick start my weight loss again (after the holidays) but to be consistent. My biggest struggle is that I have a sweet tooth. All month long - I have been working really hard to kick out the junk that I used to treat myself to at anytime. The first to go really has been Starbucks. Anyone that knows me can tell you that I help keep Starbucks in business. After years of having fraps, I finally transitioned over to iced lattes and iced coffees to salvage my day's calorie intake. I love my Starbucks, I won't be shy about that. But I just can't have it at the frequency I'd love to or else I will never reach my goal. So in my mind: Weight Goal > Starbucks. 

This month I achieved my goals:
*I am consistently working out daily.
*I am planning my meals, staying accountable to MyFitnessPal, even on days when I have chocolate.
*I come home after work, lounge for a bit and get right into the working out, because I want too.
*I am part of the JessicaSmithTV workout community, finishing challenges and pushing myself.
*I have been training for this 5K on Valentine's Day & I am really excited to run it.

& I lost 7.2 lbs this month! That is huge for me. What a way to kick the year off with a bang. :)

I am pretty confident that February will be another awesome month for weight loss efforts! Xo.

Why setting G O A L S matters.

11pm where I live and I am inspired to write. Not the best timing considering I can't wait to hit the sack. But for the past 2 1/2 weeks - I am filled with absolute JOY! I am noticing it seeping in every area of my life because of one reason: GOALS.

Why are goals important? What important purpose do they serve?

These are questions I used to ponder last year. I've been on this weight loss journey for almost 3 years. It embarrasses me that in that time - I am not even close to my weight goal. But I was reminded of this important crucial reminder: 'Rome was NOT built in a day!' But I keep with it. I keep taking step after step and keep looking forward to the day I've been waiting for since I was a teenager. But I feel great because that day is slowing comin' around the mountain & here's why:

G O A L S.

There's that word again, y'all. After the holidays, I made the goal of not letting myself slip up to where I had. I gained 9 pounds during the holidays. I gave into the junk that I tried not getting in. But I am stronger, I feel it, more than ever. I do my research before I go out to eat. I look at every factor. I make deliberate choices. And I've set my goals.

So far this month - I've lost 5 lbs! I am so happy with this but I know its only a scratch on the surface, as I am still losing the holiday weight. I knew and have been working hard so as not to let that think it would be sticking around in my life. & it's NOT!

Here's a snapshot of the G O A L S I have made for myself.

* Last month - I promised myself & my parents that in Feb 2015 we'd be running a 5K together. This is my first 5K that I am training for. It's been rough at times going on longer distance runs but every time I finish my training session - I feel great. I feel empowered. I feel like those lies that I used to believe that I couldn't be a runner -- simply disappear. My first 5K is on Valentine's Day, I am running it with my parents & I couldn't be more excited!!! 

* I am going on vacay in the next few months, one is a staycation with my inlaws staying at my second home, Disney & the other is our 3rd Disney cruise! I really wanted to enjoy both so I've been working hard for the goal of losing 30 lbs by the latter. I am 5lbs down, so 25 lbs in a few months is definitely doable!

* My 4th wedding anniversary is in June. I want to lose 50 lbs. I want to celebrate the best day of my life with my best friend & feel great, while looking fabulous.

* This 5K is February is only a stepping stone. I want to do more races. I want to do a 10K in these next few months! I am going to keep training at night and working hard to run the entire 10k!

* Finishing my book. It's been a project that I keep claiming to work on. But I need to stop and just finish writing it.

* Work on my prototypes to start my new business. (Keeping the details a secret for now until it gets going but I am trying to involve my friends to incorporate them into parts of it. I am excited, regardless of how it goes!)

SO - why are G O A L S important? Because they help reach a milestone, short and simple. You put forth your hard work, dedication and you work at it, day and night. It becomes your biggest priority! Working out is different this time. I have big plans - I want to celebrate my life as the best version of myself. This is a lifestyle choice for me. I have no regrets and am not losing momentum any time soon.

Thanks for stopping by. & I hope this post gives you encouragement in the G O A L S you have in your life!
Tomorrow is Thursday, so the weekend is coming back!! :) :)

Weekend Reflections..

2015 is my year. 

- I celebrated my 4th workiversary on Monday with my company. That is a milestone as when I first started this job, I didn't like it. But I've grown a lot in my positions and I really feel like after this time that I've come full circle. I've made some good friends, shared some great memories and I am really optimistic about the opportunities that are waiting for me.

- I am finally back to working out, consistently. My goal is to ring in my 30th in October - weighing a lot less, closer to my goal weight and knowing that I worked hard physically to get there. My 30th era is coming and I am excited - so much to look forward to - having a family, vacations - paying off student loans and seeing what is on the other side. My 20's have mostly been good to me - but I am ready to bring in a new chapter. & yes, I am already planning my big celebration to be something great & memorable.

- Tonight I caught up with my good friend over Starbucks and it was refreshing to be able to share the passion we each for being crafty together. I've known this friend for almost 10 years - this July and it's crazy to think how each of us has grown, matured and embraced live in our own individual ways. This is a milestone friendship with this one. She was one of my Maid of Honors, and has been my best friend for 10 years. I don't really use that term anymore  because my husband is my best friend but paired with four others - she also holds that title :)  2015 is going to be our year collectively as we find ourselves doing what we love to do.

- Tonight before my friend date - I picked up my order from Home Depot and I slightly laughed. Usually I don't shop at Home Depot like I do Target. But last week - I had some extra money and wanted to invest in my home, never a bad idea - and bought some new towel bars for my bathroom - that looked classy, and ones that Ron Burgundy would be proud of. I walked in the store, with my cute leggings and my favorite Vera Bradley bag and prob looked like a fish outta water..

- Back to the working out obsession in my life. I can tell that this is back to being a priority. I've watched the junk I put in my body, when I get home from work - the very FIRST thing I want to do is work out and I just feel great after a good workout. I saw a basket of Cadbury Creme Eggs, and while they were tempting -- I took a picture of them but didn't even pick one up to entertain the thought. I got my goals and I am not afraid to work out hard now to look good later.

- Gilmore Girls marathons rock my face off. This show saved my life during high school and I love how the stories of the characters are invested in my life. I always pride the fact that I am as sarcastic as Lorelai. But when Luke + Lorelai broke up - I had tears in my eyes. This show is the bees knees, y'all. & I thank God that it's on Netflix :)

So I challenge each of you - pick SOMETHING or two that you want to learn how to do it and accomplish it. For the longest time, I lived in fear about my chest size and running. This year I taking up these 5 things to the best of my ability and I know the hard work/effort will pay off in the end. What is YOUR something??

1) Running at my comfortable pace.

2) Sewing 

3) Crocheting

4) Knitting

5) Finishing my book to get published!

So - cheers to you + I for the year ahead. Big plans for me and I am thrilled for each of them. First things first - getting the rest I need to work out, to be able to lose the weight, to wear the dress on the beach. So, goodnight + thank you for stopping by. Enjoy your Sunday. <3 - Jessica

A D V E N T U R E S.

Hello! Happy New Year. Hope 2015 has started off well for you. Thankfully I've been on vacation this whole week to usher in the New Year w/my best half. :)

We spent our NYE at home, surrounded by 4Rivers BBQ. That was our last big indulge of the year because I am still committed to my #operationpinkbikini goal this year. I gained a few extra pounds and that isn't sticking around. My hubster is also determined to support me this year by him getting fit too. Another good thing that happened on NYE was that I was able to see a good friend of mine that I haven't seen since my wedding day. So catching up over Starbucks, yes please! Feels great to have coffee with friends.

Chris + I ended 2014 on NYE by working out! What a great way to end the year. He was on the elliptical and I was doing a mix of Zumba Core + starting my JessicaSmithTV DVD's. Burned some calories. Which helped me keep the flame to get fit/healthy this coming year. Even when I don't want to - I am VOWING to DO SOMETHING. Everyday. Slowly & surely - I am training for my first 5K that I will be able to run/walk. Hooray. :)

Yesterday - I was able to invest in our home with some extra $$. Our home is definitely a first home with it's own list of fixer upper qualities. Every time we run into an issue - we immediately remember this. So, thankfully Home Depot will be helping us start off our New Year with the first home project - replacing our bathroom towel bars. Thank you Jesus, the other ones are just too dingy & cheap. Lo + behold - not doing favors for ANYONE!

So for 2015 - I am claiming the word A D V E N T U R E S. 

Which this weekend - we will be back to hanging out at Disney. Ohh, the perks of living in Central Florida. :) 

Jan 5th has  2 big adventures - I am celebrating my 4th year @ my company! Another A D V E N T U R E awaits to hit year 5.

& this is my Papa's birthday. Another one spent in HEAVEN. 

CHEERS to A D V E N T U R E S. This year is a milestone one for me. I turn 30! & I am going to work hard to look good. 

Ps. I've been following her YouTube channel for a few months because of my love of ballet + Ballet kickboxing. Starting Monday - JessicaSmithTV will be starting the #FITIN15 challenge. I love her workouts. Try them out HERE! 

My goal for this blog is to be MORE consistent. Posting way more. Meeting new friends. in 2015. 

So I hope you will sit, stay awhile + say HELLO. :) 

 

Merry Christmas + Happy New Year//What I've been up too.

Hello friends + other bloggers who stumble upon my page of the internet: 

I didn't mean to take a break off the blog - it just got SO crazy for me in November with being out of town for Thanksgiving with my inlaws, then my husband's grandma passed unexpectedly, and then Christmas happened (my favorite day).. But now I am on vacation + approaching my workiversary (#4) at my company so I have time to breathe & reminisce.

Thought I'd say HELLO! & share a little bit of the past 6 weeks what #therobinson household has been doing. :)

From top to bottom - Dec 2nd - we saw the Candelight Processional @ Epcot with Neil Patrick Harris. He is fantastic :)

Before this happened - on my roadtrip to the Midwest for Turkey Day - we stopped by my old childhood home in Tennessee. Actually made me tear up after 17 years since we moved + all the memories that flooded in. I got to introduce my husband to a small part of my childhood. :)

Below, a selfie with my mom + sistas before Christmas shopping. Love this picture of us! <3

Below this, posing with my mom before my work Christmas party @ Universal Citywalk!

Lastly, Christmas has always been my favorite day to celebrate. This year marked our 6th Christmas together & regardless I love getting to do life with this guy - sharing moments and adventures :) This was us at my parents on Christmas in front of the tree. :)

  

 

Without further ado -- Merry Christmas + Happy New Year!
                                              Are you excited as me for what 2015 brings? I've started making some plans:

- Getting back into church

-Disney passes renewed//Working hard on the weight loss train!

- Feb 2015 - My niece arrives!! 

-February 14th - been training for my second 5K with my parents :) 

-March 15 - Celebrating my best half's birthday <3

This is just a snapshot of my year. What about you? I hope that this New Year brings you opportunities to do something great - whether its a promotion or a chance to do something great/different. :)  2015 is the year when I start a new era - I turn 30 in October! Been working hard + picking up the pace to lose weight/be proud of the moments to come in this year until my big celebration.

One of the big ways I started doing that is by babysitting to pay down student loans. I am going to continue this process to help make small dents. I am praying for opportunities to find more families or positions to give me a boost.

I hope you enjoy these next few last moments of 2014. :) I am definitely going to refocus attention back on here.  :)

Perceptions don't HAVE to define you. #DearWomen

Yay for Mondays. This is a short work week for me and I am excited to get Thanksgiving started. :) Not sure if you've been there lately but Target is decked out for Christmas and I love it. There is so much I want to buy - my husband practically can't leave me alone in the store because I could easily be found with two carts brimming. ;)

But today, ladies, I want to encourage you by letting you know that:

#1) People have opinions + they are entitled to them. 

#2) You may not always like or enjoy these opinions. 

#3) NO MATTER WHAT - if their opinions are about you --

 they DO NOT have to define you in any way, shape or form. 

This weekend, while my husband was at the dentist, I was stocking up on BOGO's at Publix. I don't go there often & every store is laid out differently, so I will be that person who appears to be having a full blown convo out loud trying to figure out where they put different items. I was walking down the main aisle in the back at the same time this woman walked by me, looked me in the eyes and called me a 'stripper.' 

Now, at the time I was a tad offended because this was a random stranger. Long ago, this type of event happened all the time but its been 2 years since and it made me sad that someone would say that period, and to a person they don't know. But later on - it made me laugh. I let it roll of my back and I said a prayer to God thanking Him for knowing my worth + identity in Him is completely different and awesome.

Just because this woman decided to make her opinion of me known - doesn't mean I let it impact my life for the long term. What she said has no long term dent on me or who I am. 

I didn't have the best time in high school or middle school. I was bullied alot. People said and did lots of horrible things to me which hurt for a long time. After I while, I honestly got to the point where I was just like - this isn't doing anything for me to hold on to what they think of me - that is just THEIR opinion of me, their perception but it was FALSE. 

While I wish they had chosen to get to know me - that was what they wrote in my yearbook every year for 6+ years " dear jessie, it was great getting to know you this year"- they didn't know me and enjoyed making me feel uncomfortable about things out of my control that I couldn't change. 

Maybe you've been in my shoes, whether you were 13 or 33. Maybe it's someone at work who likes to stir up catty drama with you. Maybe its a mom at your son/daughter's school. Maybe it's someone whose been your friend for years and something happened. Regardless of the situation, I pray that you will know your worth. 

Whatever anyone says that isn't true - just take a note from Taylor Swift + SHAKE IT OFF! Don't let lies or footholds in your life from other situations hold any meaning - they have none. You're incredible + created by Jesus who loves you just the way you are. 

Hope you have an incredible week! ~ Jessica

Weekend Roundup.

So, hello again. I took a few weeks off to refresh and focus on circumstances that needed my attention. In return - I feel brighter, happier and ready to get back to what I was doing on here - meeting new friends (which is harder than I thought) + being transparent about myself in hopes of inspiring one person in the world .. or two ;)

So let's catch up on me from the past few weeks.

- Family: Chris + I don't really go on specific date nights all the time. It's a luxury kind of thing and when it happens - it's marvelous. We go out during the week after work and that's kind of our 'us' time. But this week - we changed it up - we tried out a new burger joint here in Winter Park, FL - Shake Shack. It's a burger joint from New York + it's super fresh and oh so deeelish. Everything is fresh and made to order. Every bite of my hamburger was incredible. Plus, the bacon on it - that was a bonus. :) Have a peek & try to not salivate..

- Family, round 2: My mom is one of my best friends. She has been active/fit her entire life and it shows - she is awesome. Recently, she became a certified personal trainer + I am her first client. We've been working out together for a month strengthening me and helping me get back on track with the fitness. 

I tried going it alone for 2 years to lose weight and I did lose 40 lbs but after the weight crept back up - I turned to the expert and let her in to help. I am proud to say I've lost 4 lbs this month we've worked together. & I am excited for the transformation that's begun.. :) So much that paired with my new IPhone - I bought myself a new gift to treat myself. 

This new pink purse from Kohl's is my first treat of many to keep working hard, to keep pushing hard + over time I will see the weight fall off. It's a fantastic feeling so far + I am excited to accomplish my first bigger goal in the coming months!  

I guess its a blessing my in-laws don't really do dessert so for Thanksgiving - I'll be making my mom's homemade mashed potatoes. I made them myself the first time tonight + I hit a pot o' gold. :) 

I must say that while I did catch up on Scandal this weekend -- I got some good cleaning around the house - cleaning out drawers, we can see our kitchen table again + its a good feeling goin into the week that the kitchen/living room is all clean. Laundry is done. Groceries are bought. It's gonna be a good week - excited for our upcoming time off + Thanksgiving overall. & Amazon's Black Friday deals. :) :)

What a great weekend! <3 Thanks for stopping by. I hope you'll stop by tomorrow for my series on Mondays where my goal is to overcome Monday blues while inspiring + encouraging anyone who stops over. I'll be talking about perceptions from others.