Motivational Monday!

Monday, we meet again!

I hope everyone had a great weekend

and are all in holiday spirit!

I know many people are coming close to their holiday vacations,

remember that you can handle whatever happens this week

and next week's before the holiday break.

You are in the home stretch :)

Have a great week!

XO, J

Football Sunday!

Football is my favorite sport,

I love the food, the atmosphere, the screaming at the tv, the game, etc.

One of my friends usually does the hosting when it comes to big games

so I asked her opinion on my some football food essentials.

Together we decided these for the items you absolutely need to have;

- chips + dips

- wings

- mac + cheese

- sloppy joes

- pepperoni bake (find it below)

- soda

- beer (my favorite beer below)

Beer;

- My Love: Angry Orchard with a shot of Fireball

(perfect for the fall but I drink it year round ;P)

Pepperoni Bake;

-I have to give this credit to a user on Pinterest,

I did not make this up, but it is officially a favorite.

Spray inside of the crockpot with cooking spray.

get 1 can of Pillsbury Grands biscuits,

cut them up into small squares, layer the bottom of the crockpot.

cut 1/2 cup of pepperoni slices into halves, layer them on top of the biscuits .

take 1 jar of pizza sauce and dump inside crockpot.

add 1 cup shredded cheese and another 1/2 cup pepperoni slices on top of the pizza sauce.

place a paper-towel over the crockpot under the glass cover

put it on high for 1.5 hours or until the biscuits are fully cooked.

I know not everyone is as football crazed as me,

but next time your significant other wants to have people over

and you think "what am I going to feed these people?"

You have some ideas :)

xo, j 

Motivational Monday

Happy Monday! :)

I had a nice relaxing weekend,

I hope you all did too!

I have written before about traveling

and how I personally think it is so important

so every time I find a quote about travel,

I use it.

Investing in yourself is a must!

(Even if it does not involve traveling.)

But investing in travel is awesome.

I hope you all get a chance to invest in travel,

some of you may be doing that soon for the holidays!

I hope you all have a great week and get some traveling ideas flowing :)

xo, j

Motivational Monday

Happy Monday!

I hope everyone had a great long weekend and holiday!

It was very nice having my husband home for 4 days in a row :)

But, Monday is back and December is here!

I hope you all are people you would enjoy meeting,

and if you feel like you may not be,

tomorrow is always a new day!

I hope you all have a great week :)

XO, J

Motivational Monday

Monday, we meet again!

I hope you all had a great weekend and are ready for a short week ;P

Some motivation to get you through this week,

be different, stand out, don't follow a flock!

Happy a great short week and a happy holiday!

XO, J

Motivational Monday

 

Happy Monday!

I travel this week to my new home!

Traveling is by far the best thing I have ever done.

Before, I was stuck in my ways, I would always talk about vacation

but never really went on one.

Until recent years, I started exploring and I can't stop now.

But with the tragedies that happened this weekend,

it makes us fearful and sad.

Try to keep traveling, exploring, and doing new things

you will never regret it.

 

 

XO, J

Motivational Monday

 

Happy Monday!

In a previous Monday post,

I talked about how time is extremely important.

I love quotes about time because I feel many people take time for granted.

Time is free but you can never get it back.

Have a good week :)

 

XO, J

Long Distance Relationships

Since March, my husband I have only spent 35 days together.

At first, he was in boot camp, we saw each other for 4 days graduation weekend.

After boot, he was in training school for roughly 4 months,

we saw each other for 7 days in July

(when we got married!), thanks to the holiday!

When he was done in training school,

he got to come home and then we drove together to his first operational base.

We were together that time for 24 days.

Being separated is hard, but it could be worse.

Thankfully, the only time I didn't get to have constant contact was during boot camp.

The snail mail killed me, but it was over before I knew it.

Sometimes people ask me "how is married life",
I don't really know since we haven't been together for long to experience it.

Or people will ask "is it weird to not see each other",

well obviously it's weird,

imagine not seeing your spouse every day after knowing them for 11+ years and dating for 2.

Usually, I just make a joke about it to make the conversation less weird.

Some of the things that have made it work for us but not may work for others are;

(everyone is different)

- Facetime at least once a week, we would make up a time that was good for both of us, sometimes it would be Saturday at 1PM and the next week it may be Sunday at 4PM.

- Text each other as often as possible even if it is just a quick "good morning".

- Keep each other in the loop of what is going on in your lives, my husband would always let me know when he was having a test so I would text him "good luck today" or "how was your test?" and vice versa.

- Call each other a couple times a week, texting is not the same as having a one on one conversation.

- I sent my husband a care package full of candy for Father's Day from our dog and he sent me flowers for our "month-versary", it doesn't have to be extravagant or expensive, but it reminds them that you are thinking of them while being miles apart.

- Set those count downs! Reminding each other "25 days til we see each other!" can make you both excited.

Hopefully some of these tips help anyone who is in a long distance relationship.

Or someone who knows they will be in one soon.

Just remember, it will be over before you know it, I know it sounds insane but it will.

And, always keep in contact!

XO, J

Motivational Monday!

 

Happy Monday!

I hope you all had a fun Halloween :)

 

My big move is in 16 days,

I spent my weekend packing.

 

I told my husband the worst part about moving

is that you can't take your friends with you.

All of my friends have been my friends for at least

9+ years, they're my tribe.

 

Appreciating the people who have stuck it out with you

is one of the most important things you can do for your friendship.

I advise loving your tribe hard :) <3

 

XO, J

 

 

Motivational Monday

 

Happy Monday!

I had a great weekend, I hope you all did too!

But Monday means back to business

So HUSTLE ;P

 

XO, J

Motivational Monday

 

Happy Monday!

I think Mandy Hale is spot on with this one!

Yes, we are all busy,

we run around 24|7 like chickens without heads.

But when someone or something is important to you,

you will find a way.

So being too busy can't always be your excuse ;)

Have a good week!

 

xo, j

Motivational Monday

It is Monday and a long weekend (for some of us!)

I am currently traveling, I am in Illinois at a rest spot

and I did not want to be late on my Motivational Monday post .... again.

I use to be a big collector of "things"

but as time has gone on, I have realized how great it is

to be a collector of "moments"

especially being on the road right now.

I know we can get caught up collecting "things"

but honestly, the "moments" are worth it so much more. 

I hope you all have a great week and collect some moments!

xo, j

Calling all DIY brides/grooms

This past weekend, it was our ceremony here at home,

(We "eloped" in Texas in July)

and there were some things I learned from working in the wedding industry

for the past year and half that you can absolutely DIY

and then there are some things you just can not DIY.

Warning: if you are crafty, you will succeed on your first try,

if you are not crafty, do not get discouraged, it may take a try or two!!

Here is my list and explanations; 

DIY

Invitations- there are so many websites that you can use to make invitations, you can get fancy on Zazzle or keep it low key at Walmart

Place cards- once again, you can use a website like Zazzle for your paper place cards or you can think out of the box, some ideas I have seen are mason jars, calligraphy on mirrors, names on mini pumpkins, etc

Centerpieces- depending on what you would like as your centerpiece, some pretty cool DIY ones I have seen are books stacked on top of each other with a small vase and a fake flower, lanterns with LED candles and tree stumps, engagement photos in elegant frames, etc

Flowers- this isn't a completely DIY task but you can buy already made bouquets at Michael's craft store all you have to do is rewrap it to have the nice ribbon on it (if that is what you would like)

Favors- edible favors are in right now, which is really simple because you can order large amounts of candy online, buy some vases and some candy bags and that is all, but I have seen other cute ideas such as jars of honey that had a sticker with the bride and groom's name, s'mores, mason jars with stickers or cake inside or coffee beans, caramel in a mason jar with an apple, small frames if you have a photo booth, etc

Aisle Runner- you can buy a 100 foot aisle runner and petals at Michael's craft store, and you can design it yourself, the picture above is my aisle runner, I bought the runner at Michael's and I used a hot glue gun and glued some photo copies of our boot camp letters

DIYNOTS

Transportation- it is just too difficult and there are too many logistics to get you and your whole bridal party to all the places you need to be on the day of

Photography- you do not want to be taking your wedding pictures, that is a 100% no!

Cake (unless you are a baker)- if you are not a baker, there is no way you will have time or the patience to make a cake a day or two before the big day

Food & beverage- I have been to weddings when they have provided the food, but the bride and groom did not make the food, reliable family members did; mother, sister, grandmother, etc.

Decorate venue- this can happen, but it is just too hectic the day of, you have makeup, hair, photos to be taking beforehand and this can just add unnecessary stress, if the venue lets you decorate the night before and you are persistent on doing it yourself, then by all means, do it

There are so many options and ideas available on Google, Etsy, and the most obvious, Pinterest.

But try to keep your ideas aligned,

if you have found a centerpiece you like, find 2-3 pictures of that centerpiece,

figure out how you may make it (or if you choose to pay someone)

and then move on.

I have realized that a person can get carried away on the internet, finding ideas they love

and then the ideas are all over the place.

Hopefully, this was helpful to some of you!

If anyone has any other DIY tips for weddings, let me know! :)

XO, J

Motivational Tuesday?

Hello everyone!

I know I am a day late on the motivational Monday,

this previous week and weekend were very hectic,

my husband finally came home from tech school in Texas

so we have been super busy getting ready for our PCS.

Over the past weekend,

we had our ceremony here at home with our close family & friends,

I found this cute little quote and sent it out to everyone yesterday

basically for being a part of our day.

It really is the smallest things that go deep and touch our hearts,

sometimes we overlook that because our lives can get so hectic.

I hope everyone has a great week & I promise next week,

Motivational Monday will be on Monday ;)

XO, J

Fall Drinks!

 

Fall is here in full spin!

My favorite season :)

I have been busy going out and trying all the new fall drinks,

I can't help myself :P

Some of my favorites are;

 

- Dunkin Donuts: pumpkin spice with 1 pump of caramel coffee

- Starbucks: vanilla chai latte with 2 pumps pumpkin

- Starbucks: graham latte

(new to their menu & I love it!)

- Marylou's: pumpkin pie coffee

- Shipyard beer: pumpkin

(my best friend says if you mix shipyard & angry orchard its thee best!!)

- Fresh farm apple cider

(I can drink this year round)

 

If you have any others, let me know,

I am obsessed with anything fall related!

 

xo, j

Motivational Monday!

 

Happy Monday!

I hope you all had a fabulous weekend :)

Monday is a perfect time

to get rid of some weight you have been carrying.

Letting go is always a learning process

but it feels great once it is over and done with.

I hope you all have a great week!

 

XO, J

Motivational Monday!

 

It's Monday!

I hope you all have a great Monday and a great week

Make sure you have a grateful heart everyday

Positivity is the key :)

 

XO, J

Surviving Bootcamp!

It's Friday!

In the Air Force, that means it is graduation day for boot camp!

Boot camp is tough. Literally.

I'm talking more so for the significant others

the ones who are waiting for the call, waiting for the letters, writing everyday.

The best advice I can give anyone is to keep yourself busy

The busier you are, the faster the days go by.

Personally, I signed up for the gym and I went almost everyday.

I wrote a letter everyday, even if I didn't receive one.

Go out with your friends or family as much as possible,

even if you just go over their house, sitting at home does you no good!

I made a journal for my husband, it really took up a lot of time

And I gave it to him graduation weekend.

I put pictures, quotes, song lyrics, count downs, little letters,

I had close friends and family also write a little letter in there,

His nephews' handprints, my handprint, and Kiza's paw print.

I can not stress enough to keep the letters positive.

If I felt down, I wrote about it in the journal not in a letter!

Don't think he/she doesn't want to write to you,

He/she probably doesn't have time.

Every military training instructor (MTI) is different and everyone has a different experience.

Also, you have to take the mail into consideration.

Since I live up north there was 6 days of in transit between where I live and San Antonio.

Keep the letters appropriate,

plain white envelopes, no stickers or glitter or anything that can fall off and potentially make a mess.

All in all, it feels like an eternity before you get a call or a letter

but graduation weekend will come before you know it

and trust me, you will enjoy graduation weekend!

XO, J

Motivational Monday!

Happy Monday!

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!

Personally, I had a pretty good weekend :)

As always, here is the motivation for the week!

I firmly believe in this.

Do not let people, money, and/or the past control you.

All 3 can do a number on your peace of mind if you let them.

Remember, you control you and your happiness, always!

Have a great week :) <3

XO, J

College!

Yesterday was my last first day of school

After this semester at JWU I will officially have a Bachelors Degree

It feels so good!!

So since my first day was yesterday,

I saw a lot of girls with their end of summer / beginning of fall style

I also saw a lot of freshman just looking down right lost....

I wanted to share my thoughts on my fall essentials and on my campus tips.

A few of my fall must haves:

New bag

New water bottle

Fall boots

Red lipstick

Yogas

These items are useful every fall, they aren't based upon "trends"!

A few of my new to campus tips:

Always email the professor ahead of time about your books 

(it can save you some serious money!)

Read the syllabus

(you will learn facts like if your final is online or open book!)

Pack snacks and water

(breaks are usually only 15 minutes if you have back to back classes)

Ask for help!

(do not walk around afraid to ask for help, you will waste your whole day)

Figure out your "style" of learning

(printing the powerpoint, bringing your laptop, handwritten notes)

Go to class!

(nothing is worse than skipping and missing a quiz)

Always have a few extra dollars on you

(you may have to pay for parking or coffee or a ticket to an event on campus)

I know these tips may seem like something you heard from orientation

but didn't think much about. 

Well, from a senior's point of view, think about them.

You will be surprised ;)

Here's to a great semester!

XO, J

Motivational Monday!

Happy Monday!

Not only do I not have to work today due to the holiday,

I also do not work tomorrow since it is my last first day of school!

I can relate to today's motivational Monday because I didn't rush my education

It has taken me 5 years to complete my degree,

2.5 years was spent on my Associates degree

2.5 years was spent on my Bachelors degree

I didn't rush because I was not sure what I wanted to do when I "grew up"

And once I figured that out,

I refused to settle until I got into the school that would get me there.

Sometimes in life, you just have to find the pace that works best for you :)

I hope you all have had a wonderful long weekend and have a great 4 day week!

xo, J

Flower Tricks

Hello!

Today I received some flowers from the hubby and

I wanted to share my flower tricks with everyone.

I have found that these little tricks can make the flowers last longer,

My last batch of flowers that my husband got me lasted a little under a month.

I cut my flowers at an angle and I line the flowers up with the vase to make sure they will fit

(Roses need to be cut under water, the whole stem has to under the water)

I put 1 whole packet of the flower food in with the water for the first day

Every day after the first day, I add a small amount of water

Every other day after the first day, I completely dump the water,

Add new water and new flower food

Everyone loves a little flower delivery, why not make the flowers last? :)

xo, J

"Summer" Treats!

This summer I recently formed an obsession for treats that had both blueberry & lemonade.

My “summer” drink was blueberry lemonade

And my “summer” treat was blueberry lemon cupcakes.

(I put quotes because it doesn’t necessarily have to be summer to make it!)

The Blueberry Lemonade

It is extremely refreshing and it doesn’t take long to make

(I personally love when stuff doesn’t take too long to make…)

It is currently my “go to” juice :)

Ingredients:

truvia sugar, blueberries, lemon, water

Recipe:

combine 1/2 cup sugar and 1 cup water into a saucepan, put the stove on medium heat until sugar melts, once sugar is melted add 1 cup blueberries into the saucepan and put stove on high until it starts to boil.

while waiting for it to boil, squeeze 1 lemon into your juice container

when blueberries are done boiling, strain them into your juice container and add 5 cups sparking water

stir altogether and let cool!

Blueberry Lemon Cupcakes

My friend is a baker and she was making a cake for someone

And I was like “wow that sounds so good”

Then she showed me the finished product and I was determined to try it

I convinced her to make me a couple cupcakes just to try

They are so good, it is unbelievable.

I do not have the recipe because I personally do not make them

But I’m sure Pinterest could help you out :)

What is a treat you’ve recently fell in love with this summer?

XO, J