What does Pneumonia rhyme with?

Well, I don’t know and I don’t really care!! But I do know that my flu turned into pneumonia and it’s not fun. I’ve been sick for over a week, only being able to lie on the couch.

So what’s a girl to do???

magazines+chick flicks of course!!  

Movies I’ve watched while sick…

• Becoming Jane – hated it
• Four Christmases – loved it
• Hitch – loved it
• How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days – loved it

Four Christmases, Hitch, and How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days all were FABULOUS!

The downside of getting sick (well, one of them!) is that I missed 4 out of 5 days of Drivers Ed and I’m not sure when I’m going to get it done, which is causing some major stress. But, I’m very lucky because my parents are willing to pay for private Drivers Ed if need be! My parents want me to get my permit asap, so they are willing to do anything. So, it’s all going to work out. God’s got everything under control 🙂

I received this fabulous award from the ever so lovely Heather of Health, Happiness, and Hope!

I feel so honored! Thanks so much, babe! If you haven’t already checked out her blog, you MUST! I love Heather!

I’m supposed to share 7 facts about myself… 

1. I have two younger brothers and no sisters. People often think this would be a drag, but I love them both! Although I would love a sister too 🙂
2. My room (this year) will be Christmas all year round! It’s already a little bit decorated, but I plan on making it more Christmas-y when I feel better!
3. When I grow up, I want to be a physical therapist
4. I want to become a certified yoga teacher by the time I’m in college
5. For my birthday in a few months, I want my cartilage pierced
6. I have not missed playing basketball these last couple weeks over my break, I don’t love playing anymore (did I ever?)—but more on that in another post!
7. I don’t really love cake, I’d much rather have pie! And donuts? Ick! I don’t get it with them. Unless they are completely homemade and GOOD! Not from Dunkin Donuts 😉

I plan on switching up my blog theme and updating my blog’s about page.

I want to say a big hello to new readers! I’m very excited to get new readers—love them!

I’ve made the decision to post every 3 days. I can do every other, but I feel so behind on commenting all the time—which is my favorite thing, so every three should work great! Of course, if I have a good topic and time, I might post every other! Just gotta go with the flow!

Well…my dad just called and he wants to take me to Best Buy! This should be interesting. Off to bundle up with my northface and Uggs!

Verse of the Day: Psalm 31:24

Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord!

❤ jess

xoxo

I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas!

But my dream was not fulfilled!

Thank you for all the very sweet comments regarding my Christmas Flu! It hit full force late afternoon yesterday (Christmas Day) but I had been okay while opening presents.

Christmas Day Recap

I woke up around 8:30 and after hanging around for a bit, I got to opening my stocking. It’s tradition that we always open stockings before presents. My mom Santa did a FABULOUS job with mine!

 

 

A Nalgene Water Bottle (BPA free), polka dotted little umbrella, dark chocolate, J wallet, soap, vitamin lip balm, pink fuzzy socks, and a little snowflake mirror. Thanks Santa!

Now onto the gifts!

UGGS from Santa!!!!

You like my Santa-Rudolph-abominable snowman Pj’s!?! They are from my mom on Christmas Eve–family tradition! A new PURSE! Love it! From Grandma—she has the best gifts—goes overboard 🙂

Purple on the inside=love 

Money and a gift card from Aunts and Uncles

Scarves Galore! I am obsessed with this scarf! I think it’s hammer tooth!? Is that correct?

Jean Jacket Cute new outfit (long sweater+leggings) 

New North Face!

And some of the sweetest gifts of all Christmas…gifts from my brothers!

Justin got me an adorable candy cane necklace and a purple hat he bought from the school 🙂   

Jake got me some very pretty earrings that I needed for my second hole!  

Earrings and a Necklace from Khol’s!     I am going to have to cut this post short—I’m off to watch a movie with my mom! To be specific—Hitch! She says it’s hilarious, but I’ve never seen it before!

Verse of the Day (found here) Luke 2:14

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”

❤ jess

xoxo

It’s the Christmas Flu! BOO!

Merry Christmas all! My body succumbed to the FLU this holiday season. But today I’m feeling better and was able to enjoy the Christmas festivities 🙂

I’ve missed y’all SO MUCH! I’m sorry I was gone for so long, but I was too sick to post or take pictures.

I’m so excited to be backkkk! I will have a Christmas post up soon!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

❤ jess

xoxo

Early to Bed, Early to Rise

That’s how my break will be for five days! I have Drivers Ed starting tomorrow. Oh well, I will survive!

I’m actually not feeling very well! Which is a HUGE letdown. I am freezing and tired. I’ve had a headache for like two months, off and on. It came back with a vengeance today! Not fun! But I’m drinking orange juice, eating clementines, and trying to eat very healthily to ward off anything I may be fighting. Pray that I get better 🙂 

The highlight of today’s photographed meals

Has anyone heard of almond brittle? If you haven’t and have not tried any, YOU MUST! It’s ten times better than peanut butter. Delicious!

I somehow managed to have a fabulous workout!! I don’t know how, but I guess it’s because I always feel better while working it out!

• stationary bike warm up
• Ab Work
  • 4:00+minutes of plank work: 30 second side plank on each side, then 30 second regular plank, repeated…a lot 🙂
  • 2 sets of 15 reverse crunches
  • 2 sets of 10 leg lifts (with straight legs)
  • 2 sets of 40 bicycle crunches
  • 2 sets of 10 on each side side plank hip drops
  • 2 sets of 10 of regular plank drops (each hip rotating to the ground)
  • 1 minute plank with bosu ball
  • 1 minute plank with medicine ball
  • 3 sets of 10 on this machine…
    • 

  Captain’s Chair Leg Raise (source here)

• Leg Work:
  • • Leg Extension: 2 sets of 10 (130 pounds), 2 sets of 10 on each leg (60 pounds)
    • Hamstring: 5 sets of 10 (80 pounds)
    • Leg Curl: 3 sets of 10 (55 pounds)
    • Calves: 3 sets of 20,15, and 15 (175 pounds)
    • Hip Adduction: 8 sets of 10 (155 pounds)
    • Hip Abduction: 8 sets of 10 (155 pounds)
    • 100 second wall squat
    • 3 sets of 15 wall squats with exercise ball against wall
    • wide leg squats: 3 sets of 10
• 10 minutes elliptical+10 minutes stationary bike
• foam roller+stretching

It was a great workout, especially my ab workout!

I LOVE this week’s exercises. I wish every week worked out like this!

• Sunday: yoga
• Monday: strength+cardio
• Tuesday: yoga
• Wednesday: strength+cardio
• Thursday: yoga
• Friday: Off? Yoga?
• Saturday: strength+cardio

K, I must go to bed! I will leave you with this lovely Christmas verse!

Luke 2:14

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Goodnight all!

❤ jess

xoxo

P.S Keep Heather in your prayers as she goes into surgery tomorrow!! Love you Heather!

In the Christmas Spirit

Hey girls!! Sorry there was no post last night—I was having a sleepover with the bestie! I had a lot of fun. We watched Criminal Minds. Super creepy!

I have lots to say so let’s do the number thing 😉

1. Anyone agree with me that there are TOO MANY cologne/perfume commercials on lately? It’s crazzzyyyy!

2. My family and I went to the Blind Side and I can honestly say that it is now in my top three favorite movies. I’m not a crier, but I do cry sometimes. Let me tell you, I had tears streaming down the majority of the movie. My brother did too, but he won’t admit it. 😉 If you have the opportunity, you should DEFINITELY go see it. It changed my perspectives and made me want to adopt someone off the streets!

3. SNOW! It has been snowing here, not a lot and not very sticky, but it’s sooo nice to see the snowflakes. I just love snow!

4. Christmas Treats! My house has an abundance of Christmas treats! My mom got a lot of treats and gifts from her job, including chocolate covered blueberries, almond/peanut brittle, and EXTRA dark chocolate. Ummm…YES!! I love taking little bits of it all. I don’t like having a lot of one thing. I’m a taster! 🙂 I love my variety! chocolate covered blueberries, granny smith apple, and organic peanut butter 

 

5. SCHOOL IS DONEEE! Praise the Lord!! I finished strong and I think I did very well on all my final tests. I am excelling in Biology and last quarter I ended with an overall average of 103.7. I LOVE Biology. I’m great with invertebrates, but I enjoy humans more. The brain is HARD!

6. Christmas is in full swing! And I am loving every minute of it. Here are a very more Christmas pics!  

  7. Drivers Ed. I am in Drivers Ed the 22+23 and the 28,29, and 30th. I’m not exactly looking forward to the 30 hours, but I am glad I am getting it done!!

8. My Christmas wish list! I’m sure you all want to know!

• UGGS!
• North Face
• Manduka ProLite Yoga Mat
• Purse+Wallet
• yoga clothes/workout clothes
• other unnecessary things 😉 Like dark chocolate and cute dishes! I take that back, those things are totally necessary!

I am such a blogger! Yoga mat, workout clothes, and UGGS. 🙂 We bloggers have great style!

9. FOOD! I’ve been enjoying some very delicious foods lately!

    

     Organic spinach+feta pizza! Today’s Eats!

Breakfast: Cinnamon oatmeal with 1/2 a banana, topped with a 100% whole grain apple cinnamon muffin, and organic peanut butter…SO GOOD!   Lunch #1: grilled sharp cheddar cheese sandwich and a couple clementines!    Secret Santa Loving!

10. Exercise! I’ve been loving the gym and yoga lately, per usual. I have had some fantastic workouts! Check out my exercise sidebar (at the bottom of this blog) for what I’ve been doing. Today’s exercise routine…as well as I can remember it! It was a long one.

• Stationary bike warm up!
• Leg Work:
• Leg Extension: 2 sets of 10 (130 pounds), 1 set of 10 on each leg (50 pounds)
• Hamstring: 5 sets of 10 (80 pounds)
• Leg Curl: 3 sets of 10 (55 pounds)
• Calves: 1 set of 15 (both legs) (175 pounds), 2 sets of 15 on each leg (90 pounds)
• Hip Adduction: 8 sets of 10 (155 pounds)
• Hip Abduction: 8 sets of 10 (155 pounds)
• 2 minute wall squat (thighs burninggg!)
• 3 sets of 15 wall squats with exercise ball against wall
• wide leg squats: 3 sets of 10
• Ab Work:
• Plank Work for 4:00 (mixture of high/low planks and side planks)
• Russian Twists for 1 minute
• Side Plank Dips—2 sets of 10 on each side
• pilates exercise
• another exercise machine for abs…don’t know the name!!
• 20 minutes on the elliptical
• 20-ish minutes of stretching
• foam rolling
• My IT bands have REALLY been bothering me. They are so tight! So I am making sure to focus on using the foam roller every day this break.

Great workout!

(Christmas) Verse of the Day: Luke 1:14

And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth.

Okay, guys! I think that’s enough of a post 😉

Merry Christmas! Love you allllll!

❤ jess

xoxo

Can I do it?

Okay. I have 15 minutes to do this post. Think I can do it?

Let’s see!

I am happy to announce that my week has definitely calmed down. I have some very gracious teachers (and some not so gracious ones ) that are not giving us scheduled quizzes. My tests got moved around so this makes for a much more enjoyable and non-stressful last week.

I am SO happy and joyous with the Holiday spirit. Whether it’s the dark chocolate or the fact that Christmas (eve) is nine days away, I am just overflowing with JOY.

Speaking of Dark Chocolate…I recently tried this! Loveee it! Neat taste of mint, too! Great with peanut butter, duhhh! 

What to do with dark chocolate? Put it in some pb and jelly oatmeal, of course! ;)     Monday mornings are made better with Greek Yogurt Messes!!

I guess my camera ate the “messy” pictures? Sorry!

What other photos can I get rid of

Pei Wei leftovers (LOVE that place. Their brown rice option is SO great!) Banana oatmeal with dark chocolate cranberries, coconut, and peanut butter! Glorious! 

That’s all for now folks 😀

(Christmas) Verse of the Day: Luke 2:11

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the LORD.

Currently obsessed with this song! Not a great video though!

Have a great week! Wish me luck on my Latin test and Biology Midterm!

P.S Went to yoga tonight and BOY was it amazing. I am just in love with yoga, it really is my saving grace. The class was perfect tonight. Lots of opening through the torso and hips, beautiful really!!

Love you all!
❤ jess

xoxo

12 Days?! Merrry Christmasss!

Hello All! I hope everyone is having a fabulous week!

WOW. It’s been a crazy day! Woke up, went to church, did nursery, then came home and cleaned this house like a mad woman! I did two bathrooms+the kitchen. My family did the rest, and boy is it nice to have a really clean house! Feels a ton better! Our bathroom has never looked so good 😉

After cleaning, I was off to a wonderful yoga class! It was the perfect balance between challenging and relaxing. I was this close to falling asleep in savasana!

I am very happy to say that I am done with my Christmas shopping! Money is spent, (some) gifts are wrapped, and I am glad to no longer have to dish out a bunch of money. Actually, I did not spent insane amounts of money. I am extremely weary of money spending, as I am saving for a car, but I am no Scrooge.

• Dad: DONE
• Mom: DONE (and wrapped)
• Brother #1: DONE (and wrapped!)
• Brother #2: DONE (and wrapped!)
• Cousins: DONE
• Friends: have the supplies, just have to MAKE them and arrange them!

We still have things to buy for my mom and dad from my parents and kids, but as far as just from me/brothers to parents, I am done. YAY! It feels SO good!

Post-shopping, I got a non-fat gingerbread latte from Starbucks! Love that kind!

Yesterday I was lucky to not eat one, but TWO meals out of a jar.

First up we have the ever so delicious oats in a jar. Dark chocolate-banana oatmeal topped with a few dark choc. chips in a trader joe’s peanut butter jar to be exact! (Wow, that’s a mouthful. Literally!)    Jar number two was a Maranatha almond butter jar, but it was not filled with oatmeal, instead it was filled with sweet potato+cinnamon. Delightfulll! Y’all must try it!  As I mentioned last night, I went to a college basketball game yesterday with the boyfriend as an early Christmas present! And wow, they were great seats! Thanks, Z!

Upon arriving home, I inhaled politely ate some leftover stir fry veggies. I just cannot get enough veggies in me lately! Sweet potato loving at its finest! (aka today’s lunch!)

  And more sweet potato loving…  This morning’s breakfast was pretty rocking, to say the least 😉

Two pieces of cinnamon raisin Ezekiel 4:9 bread, one topped with peanut butter and banana, and the other topped with peanut butter and pumpkin butter! Orange juice on the side!      One of tonight’s eats! (a little buy from Wally World Wal-Mart)

I definitely liked this bar, as I do love all Laras, but this was not my favorite kind!   Today has been quite the day, as mentioned. My week is crazy, so I’ve spent a good 2-3 hours working on schoolwork. My mind is focused on Christmas, not school. Here is how my week looks! Friday: “Dear Lord, let there be nothing due on the last day before Christmas Break. Amen.”

We can do it! Or for you college kids who are out for break, I’m insanely jealous.

Thank you for all the wonderful comments on my two last posts! I love you all!

I am about to call the boy and then get things in order for school tomorrow! My class is doing Secret Santa and I got some awesome little gifts!

Verse of the Day: Isaiah 7:14
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

I love verses about Christmas!

Have a wonderful night, loves! Y’all are the besttt!

❤ jess

xoxo

Bad Blogger and Feeling Guilty!

Hello All! I wanted to stop in and apologize for being such a bad blogger! I’m not yet caught up on commenting and my posting has been sporadic!

I went to a basketball game tonight with the boy and had a lot of fun!

Sorry again! I’m looking forward to Christmas break where I can be a good little blogger 🙂

❤ jess

xoxo

Just One of Those Days

Hey all! I was planning on writing and posting, obviously, that exercise post, but after the day I had, I do not have the energy or the patience.

I hope you all had a great day! I, as you can see, did not. It’s not that it was allll bad, but some people are definitely driving me crazy. Whether it is teachers who expect us to know too much or kids who just need to grow up, I just want to skip high school and go to college. I feel a lot older than my classmates about 85% of the time. VERY annoying. I am the girl who everyone likes, which can be a lot to handle. I am the girl with the 4.2 GPA and who people can get upset with for doing well on a hard test. I am the girl with the boyfriend who has been captain of the basketball team. That’s ME. And yeah, at times, it can get to be a lot.

I am just stressedddd! Not necessarily about school, just LIFE. I am feeling a lot of pressure. Pressure to play basketball, pressure to get straight A+’s, pressure to be ME.

Anyways…Let’s get on to the FOOD 😀

This morning’s breakfast=breakfast of champions!

 

  Two organic blueberry waffles, one topped with organic blueberry yogurt, blueberries, and banana, the other topped with TJ’s peanut butter, and on the side the remaining blueberry yogurt with banana, blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries. Yeah, it was INCREDIBLE.

Two awesome components of last night’s dinner—I was in the mood for veggies. Especially broc+peas. Each was topped with parm and s+p. And yes, I love ketchup with my broc. Don’t hate!

How about a delightful Greek yogurt mess to end things off?

• Greek Yogurt (Don’t remember the kind—Oikos, I think!)
• Warm Cinnamon Heart 2 Heart
• Raspberries
• bananas
• blueberries
• blackberries
• peanut butter

  

Currently watching Glee, and WOW—> AMAZING. 🙂 Hilarioussss!

Christmas Verse of the Day: Luke 2:14

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Have a fabulous Thursday!!

❤ jess

xoxo

P.S I know I have been a very bad blogger commenting wise and I will catch up!! Thanks for understanding!

In the Christmas Spirit!

Hello all! Hope everyone has had a fabulous weekend!

In my house, this weekend was deemed Christmas Decorating Weekend. My house is now filled with Santa’s, Stars, Baby Jesus’,  a tree, super CUTE Christmas dishes, a nativity, and numerous and abounding other Christmas Decorations! I thought I’d show you some of my favorite decorations! (In no particular order)

The mantle, one of the most important features!! We are actually missing a stocking here…for the doggy, of course 😉

  Christmas pillows are MUST.  

He is the reason for the Season!  

We’ve had this for as long as I can remember!

Please excuse the poor quality of the above photo—not the best lighting!        But with Christmas decorations come Christmas plates! Hence these delicious meals served on adorable plates!

A Chicken and Mushroom dish with a side of a sweet potato seasoned with seasoning salt, garlic powder, and cinnamon

    Peanut butter and banana in a flat out with oranges and the remaining banana, with a side of all natural veggie chips  And lastly a snack plate! With pretzels+hummus, a string cheese, and apple slices! Delightful!    

To clarify something, no I do not get my permit then my license in five days—I wish! I get my permit then my license one year later! 🙂

With all this Christmas hubbub going on, it’s VERY easy to lose sight of the REAL meaning of Christmas—the birth of Jesus, my Lord and Savior. With all the gift buying, money spending, and baking it’s not hard to lose focus. So it’s good to remember why Christmas is celebrated in the first place 🙂

I am SO not in the school—mood. I am in a Christmas mood! I am not slacking off of school, but I’m definitely not very focused. 9.5 days until I’m FREE for TWO weekssss! Yesss!

Off to study a little biology then hit the hay!

I really hope you all like the new theme I picked out especially for the Christmas/Winter Season! If you are curious how to add snow flurries to your wordpress blog, simply visit appearance—extras!

(I plan on doing Christmas verses from now—>Christmas!)

Verse of the Day: Philippians 4:13

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me! (Yes, you can even make it through the hectic holiday season!)

❤ jess

xoxo

P.S My physical therapy post/exercise post will come soon! It might not happen till this weekend, as it will take more thought than my normal posting! Thanks for understanding!