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! 

Not so GLEE ful.

By now, everyone has heard about the tragic death of Cory Monteith a mere 3 days ago.  My reaction, being that of a non celebrity influence, felt like I had been punched in the stomach repeatedly. Let me explain.

This post is about to get real based on the passing of Finn Hudson, aka Cory. Please don't read this as I am some kind of an obsessed fan.  That is not me whatsoever. I am one of the millions of Gleek fans that like most of the world are simply shocked by this news. Cory was one of my absolute favorite characters on Glee and it just feels like since I woke up Sunday morning to find out that he had passed away, that I lost a dear friend. Now since we found out that he had a drug problem, that's not up to me to judge because at the end of the day, he was a human being that just happened to make a fatal mistake.

I think the reason that this passing of Cory has hit me harder than I thought is that when I found out Sunday morning like the rest of the world, I cried. I truly felt like a friend was lost and one of the best. I'm proud to say that I've watched GLEE since the beginning because this show has impacted my life.

Allow me to explain and share a part of my past. When I grew up, even in elementary school, I was bullied. I did not look like the other girls in my class. I was taller, and by the 4th grade I was the only girl that I knew of that developed quite prematurely --- in 4th grade. I have never been a popular girl and I will not lie to you --- I struggled with that for a longer time than anyone would ever want to admit. I didn't have sky high confidence like I told myself I did. That being said. -- Shows like GLEE, Movies like The Princess Diaries were written for girls like me. They gave me motivation, inspiration and encouragement when I needed it most.  People disagree with me when I say this but Taylor Swift's earlier songs were ones I wish I had been able to write and ones that I relate to most because that's what I dealt with and faced alot.

I realize that when GLEE appeared on our TV's in 2009, I was 23. You might be thinking that's kind of older to be struggling with self confidence issues. I will say that I greatly appreciated the stories and the songs that the show has continued to share. The big reason that GLEE and this whole passing of Cory has pulled on my heart strings is that this show roots for the underdog just like that of The Princess Diaries. Characters from both were almost non-existent to the world around them but to that character having an opportunity be thrown to them where they can showcase their talents and finally be recognized for the true rockstars we've known they were this whole time --- THAT is why I appreciate GLEE so much.

Especially in a society where kids are having to grow up so much faster than when I was growing up. Kids these days who are 5 today, feel like with the media pressures from every angle may as well dress, talk, act like they're 18 tomorrow. Shows like GLEE are perfect for every young kid because of the underlying messages that kids need to understand with their own eyes and ears. *DISCLAIMER: Not every scene or relationship on this show is appropriate for all ages of children.*

With all of this said -- take a moment to hug everyone around you a little tighter today. You never know when your moment will come. #carpediem

&& lastly, I will miss you Finn this fall. Thank you for 4 wonderful seasons of GLEE where you taught us all to have faith in ourselves and faith in each other in spite of what makes us different.. #RIPCoryMonteith

Celebrations of all sorts

Happy early 4th of July :)

Sitting here watching America's Got Talent -- makes me feel inspired to work on me and my best talents which I feel is writing & being that of a rockstar wife. (Among other talents).

I felt like I'd do this post, which I am going to start doing every year to re-introduce myself and my blog from this slice of the internet to those who stop by and hear my voice. I think its important to know yourself and what makes you tick.

Hi, I'm Jessica! I became a wife when I met my husband online four years ago, and we just celebrated our 2nd wedding anniversary. As you can tell we LOVE Disney, and each other. Right now we are working hard on ourselves before we start our family but right now we're also happy with our two dogs: Coco, Schnauzer mix & Lucy, purebred Beagle. We're big on celebrating birthdays in our house, traditions we'll carry on with our kids.  

They sure do make our lives enjoyable & they're just two cuties. 

A few other facts about me:

-I'm a first time aunt to a handsome little boy, Zachary.

- I recently just graduated with my Master's degree :)

- C & I bought our beautiful first house 6 mos after we married. 

-  I'm currently on my own Biggest Loser journey to lose the rest by Dec/Jan.

- I love to quote Bridesmaids. 'I got the first watch!' 

- Tijuana Flats, OMG, I could eat there every day. It's the cheese to my macaroni. <3

- I love taking pictures & browsing Pinterest.

- I love adventures especially w/ C :)

- I'm a Christian & reminded daily that my Savior loves me for exactly who He created me to be, & not of what the world may see me as. Big difference!

Hope you have a happy 4th of July, we're having a BBQ w/ friends + family to celebrate our Master's degrees  :) & FREEDOM!! Best of both worlds :) 

Hope you'll stay awhile ---- J.

AMDRO Power assistance//BzzAgent (Review)

Hello..

I keep saying I need to blog but then it just doesn't happen. Not enough hours in the day.

As usual, I am posting tonight for the sole purpose of reviewing another milestone product in my life. Now, since becoming a homeowner, my husband has usually taken over as doing everything associated with our yard.

UNTIL my BzzKit arrived with my AMDRO system. (*cue wide eyes with a big smile*)

I've excitedly used it multiple times since where I live, the bugs are in high gear and its worked in all areas: seeing improvement on less guests in my home from the outside, outside activity and overall a beautiful lawn.

I am usually always at work so I've only noticed the results on the weekends when I am not rushing out the door. My husband & I both agree its a great product that has shown our home a lot of growth. It's even introduced us to neighbors who haven't talked to us before- wondering why our yard looks so good. Lots of good bzz here with our AMDRO system.




I'm a happy camper and I hope you'll trust out this system for your lawn care/pest control needs :)

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

Lysol Touch of Foam/BzzAgent

Hi everyone! Just wanting to put my own Bzz on a product that I've been so blessed to try for FREE!

Lysol Touch of Foam is one of the best soaps out there because you can feel the thick moist cloud of soap on your hand & how well it works. I've always stocked up on Bath and Body Works foamy anti bacterial soaps but this brand has always done a great job. Plus the scent is great for a home, it's been a hit in my house and I think if you gave it a shot- you'd be fairly impressed on how clean and smooth your hands feel. We've put a bottle in our kitchen, and other bathrooms as well as sharing the greatness with family and friends. Try it out, you'll be impressed as well.

Interested in trying out products and voicing your opinion? Sign up to be a BzzAgent today! (www.bzzagent.com)

fab friday

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Thank God its FRIDAY & I get paid today. I will start off this post saying while this isn't fab, I did get sick on Wednesday. So my memory is suffering but I wanted to prevail and post today as I missed two weeks unintentionally. Sad face.

Today I want to talk about these FAB things:

• The biggest FAB thing that happened this week: I OFFICIALLY finished my Master's on Tuesday!! Ended up graduating with a 3.8 which is terrific, and I can't wait to celebrate big time when my husband finishes his Master's at the end of June. Definitely can't wait to get my degree but more so for the bigger & better things.

• Another FAB thing that happened: more dates, mostly impromptu with my husband to the beach. Lately we've gone in the afternoon/early evening and even though I am sick with a nasty cold, I am hoping we can go tomorrow since we are off Monday (long weekend!) It pays to live by the beach!

• Last FAB thing to mention, now that my Master's is complete, I can get back on track with losing weight. Plus its totally motivating that I'll be able to reunite with Lowe's, Michael's, Jo Ann's to get started on those house projects!

• One more-- I am starting my last month of doing Pampered Chef in May & I am definitely ending with a bang. I have my Help Whip Cancer fundraiser all month long and will be having 2 different shows. I am excited to finish this, it was fun but just hasn't panned out for me.