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. 

Why it's important to go off the grid. #dearladies

Happy Monday, friends. Today I am sharing another post in my #dearladies series which happens EVERY single Monday for the sole purpose of not letting the joy of Monday shake us, as well as inspiring + encouraging women.

Maybe you can empathize or possibly relate with me on this one. Social media is a powerful tool for businesses and for you + me in our everyday lives. It captures our weekends, memories we don't want to forget and well our blogs (if you so happen to have one.)  But sometimes it gets to be too much to keep up with. It is constant. It is always refreshed and sometimes you go on there for a few minutes but before you know it - you get distracted. You could end up spending hours or all day on the social media sites. Don't you miss the 90's when we didn't have this much technology that sometimes clogs up our lives too much?

When did you first get into social media? Did you get into it because you had heard about it from a friend?  I heard about Facebook when I was attending college locally. I would see other students log in, and due to my non existent car situation (I rode the bus everywhere), I would people watch and see these people's lives become consumed by a website. (Please note: This was my first impression of this website - in 2006.)

I don't want to come off seeming that technology hasn't changed my life for the better. When I moved around a bunch, I didn't have any way to keep in touch with friends/family other than traditional snail mail. Which when you're seven - you're not exactly breaking bank at all to pay for postage or know where your friends live - in the 90's. When I was older, it enabled me a way to look for jobs after high school/college/grad school, to find my first apartment and eventually to meet my husband.

But when does it become too much? The answer to that is up to you, my friend. For me personally, I have a personal preference of when I go on certain sites. I use some to post my blog links. I use one for pictures. I use this site for my blogs. I check email. But I've dialed my use of technology back. I refuse to let it consume my life. I changed the setting on my phone to where I don't want notification of when I get messages/anything on my sites so that I feel like my phone is blowing up constantly or my life is interrupted by non essential things. I also don't use it if I am at date night or with family.

So I've come to the realization or the epiphany that while there are some pretty cool items out there - I am perfectly okay with going off the grid mostly (internet/techy speaking). There are days when I keep my phone on vibrate in my room and I don't bother with it. I will listen to my Pandora and just start writing or watch Netflix but there is just so much more to life than watching social media like a hawk.


Spend time with family/friends. Go to a coffee shop, the beach, theme park, etc. Scrapbook. This weekend I went off the grid completely. I literally deep cleaned my kitchen for 3 hours. Pulling our pans/pots and the like out of cabinets, cleaning the cabinets & sanitizing while finally organizing everything. I slept better and I couldn't care less what was happening on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or anything because my kitchen looked great and that was the big important part to me.

How has technology changed your life? Do you have days or time blocked out to go off the grid? Thanks for stopping by. Hope your Monday is going well. :) ~ Jessica

Best Therapy is Free.

Hooray for the weekend, y'all. I found out today the million dollar answer that my sis in law will be having a baby girl in February. Her brother is adorbs and I know this one will be spoiled by me - gladly & loudly :)

I really really enjoy Saturdays that involve all of the following: sampling delish foods @ Sam's Club, Starbucks/Target combination to redeem my free birthday concoction of my choosing. I also indulged slightly for one of their not so healthy chocolate chip cookies. But the most therapeutic part of my day? Cleaning. The type of cleaning that never appealed to me until now. I took all of my pans, dishes, pots, out of every nook/cranny in my kitchen. I proceeded to wipe down the entire space with my handy disinfectant wipes and then proceed to put the pans/pots/jazz in its rightful places. But the beauty of this cleaning spree is that it allowed me organize. It allowed me to escape and put my focus into finding the right fit for my pots/pans. Best 3 hours of my weekend!

After the hubs & I finished our hard work, he surprised me by treating us to ChickFilA for dinner. We don't usually get to treat ourselves here but because it's THAT delectable and crave worthy - I got to experience their chicken noodle soup & lemonade again. After I had surgery in February, that soup was golden for me. I love it. & I got their 2015 cowlendar. $7! It's a fun way to support the company (that I used to work for) and the delish food... Hooray for 2015 :)

The best part about my Sunday thus far besides this gorgeous weather in FL - is that I put my crockpot to work this morning. One of my all time fave recipe that I found online is Spicy Garlic Lime Chicken. I've never made it in a crockpot before but so far - my kitchen smells incredibly good. I didn't have all the spices needed but combining cayenne, pepper, garlic and thyme + chicken + crockpot for 8 hours = DELISH. :) Thank God for Sam's Club prices on chicken. Dinner is done and this means more time for family, Once Upon A Time and working on my book while watching Gilmore Girls too. :) Happy wife,  happy life indeed.

Thanks for stopping by. Tomorrow is my 4th post in my #dearladies series mean to inspire and encourage everyone that stops by blog. One day - maybe it will be a viral linkup - but for now - its just my voice and I trying to change the mindset for a good week on a Monday. No case of the Mondays for this one! :) Enjoy the rest of your weekend, Xo. ~ Jessica

TGIF - Oh hey, Friday! :)

Happy Friday! Today I am already smiling because these pictures are relevant already  :) I am linking up with some fantastic ladies today to celebrate my week.

                 

1) I celebrated my birthday two weeks ago but I didn't get to celebrate with everyone - so this week the wonderful ladies that I worked with everyday for 3 years + I had Tijuana Flats together. I was promoted a year ago so I miss seeing them and talking to them and the fun on the team. Definitely going to enjoy this new tradition here and there with some good friends.

2) Today is Friday and I've already gotten some of my housework done that usually consumes my weekend. These items on my weekend to do list will be replaced but this means I will be sleeping better and more time with my mister. Hooray!

3) We picked up our car on Tuesday morning since our car accident last week & it looks incredible. Our bumper was replaced and our front lights. Feel like I am driving a brand new car. :)

4) I got back to working out this week, tomorrow will be my third day. Been back to keeping myself accountable with my food diary app, MyFitnessPal & challenging myself to drink mostly water + eating way less sugar.

5) I've already completed my Christmas shopping for my family - thanks to incredible sales. The bags starting appearing at my front door and I love taking all of the items out, and getting super excited. All of these items are taking up residence in my closet for another month but I love what I found for my whole family. I used Ebates to get cash back on all of my purchases and will be getting money back in a few weeks.

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you enjoy yourself in all that you do. I hope you will stop by on Monday for another post from my #dearladies series for inspiration & encouragement.

Why society's input doesn't matter. #dearladies

Hello, thanks for stopping by. Today is Monday so this means - another post in the #dearladies series - which every post on Mondays are for inspiring & encouraging every woman who reads my blog.

Everyday upon waking up - us ladies are bombarded with WHAT society demands us to be - from the brands of makeup/clothes, the type of car we drive, what we eat, who our friends are and how it is implied we have ZERO imput or freedom to be ourselves.

To which I say, LIARS! I also say (from a mountain): NO! 

The beautiful part of living in America period equals FREEDOM for individuality. Another part is that what society wants - no one really cares. Society wants -- no one really cares what they think. Sometimes it's implied we do in TV shows, news, magazines to be 'politically correct' but not really.

    

The truth is, as long as we're adults, we go to work & pay our bills so that we're the BEST responsible version of ourselves, it really doesn't matter if you rock 3 hair colors or combat boots with shorts. (I'd recommend not wearing to most interviews - but my two cents here).

Each of us living in a country where freedom is promised is allowed to express our individuality!

Plus, as Christian women - we have free will and opportunity to be ourselves because when God created EACH of us - He knit us together individually within our mothers. He created us in His image. 

Whether or not you're religious - know that God made us individually. We each have our talents, skills and qualities that make us "US." He didn't make and create us with a 'one size fits all approach." He created each of us with an open invitation to know and appreciate what makes us special. Sooo if you are like me and you fit into the following categories:

You love Target/Starbucks especially when they're combined simultaneously.

Really appreciate Netflix.

Slightly sarcastic at all times.

Love to coupon.

Could live at Target 365. 

But hey if you don't - more power to you! 

Remember: Everyone tries be like everyone else. Don't fall short and be in that crowd. Be you and no one else, they're all taken. And know that you're ABSOLUTELY beautiful and whenever society tries to give their unsolicited opinion, try these 3 ideas:

1. Laugh loudly! (if in public - you may get a few crazy looks but I say, go for it. I do it often!
2. I'm a Hilary Duff fan so why not do a crazy dance! haha (Video here)
3. Keep on being YOU! Find a way to appreciate this truth. Shop online. Take time to indulge yourself. 

Regardless what makes you shine and sparkle -- point blank: Whether or not you fit into society's standards, society doesn't apply to yours. In any way shape or form. This topic will be included heavier in my book that I am writing but I wanted to share what was on my heart now about this topic. :)

Thanks for stopping by. Tomorrow is a prime vital date in the history of my husband & I. Tomorrow I'll be reminscing from 5 years ago and why this date is forever etched into my mind/heart <3

~ Jessica

Oh, Hey Friday! {Weekend Edition!}

Happy Friday, y'all!

Today I am joining up with September Farm + The Farmer's Wife for another 'Oh Hey, Friday!' {Weekend Edition!}

It's Friday and honestly what's been going through my mind is this lyric from N*Sync! "Just got paid & it's Friday night." You know the teen in you is singing these lyrics loud & proud, ladies :) 

Okay. First I want to celebrate + share the top 5 moments of my (long) week:

1.  I just finished my Christmas shopping for my family tonight with the exception of a Starbucks gift card that is yet to be ordered. Not going to lie - I did sneak in a few items for myself including this gem because I heart Disney!

2. All of my Christmas shopping + online shopping lately has gone through Ebates first. They give you cash back on your purchases and after x amt - you get a nice, fat check! That kind of helps soften the blow! 

3. As I am sure you read yesterday + today, I am too blessed to be stressed from the result of my car accident on Wednesday - car is already in the shop + I have fallen in love with my rental. My car will get fixed and hopefully less idiots will be out driving while I am trying to get to work. Ahh, probably not but I can hope, right? 

4. I didn't have the chance to get Starbucks on my birthday like usual but thanks to my mom + Target coupons + having the day off to take care of my car situation - I treated myself to a Salted Caramel Mocha and it made me pretty happy. I think the whole time Chris was watching the clock but I was happy to get a Starbucks/Target trip today. 

5. Tomorrow night after work I get to celebrate some of the birthday swag I got & cash in on my free Coldstone ice cream with my best friend! Hooray for girl time + Birthday cake ice cream :) #bestiedates 

All in all - it's Friday//Payday. The weekend is here - date night tomorrow with Chris + relaxing at home//wife duties. 

Thanks for stopping by. I'll see you Monday for my next #dearladies post to encourage & inspire :)  Xo ~ Jessica