New Season

If I have said it once, I have said it multiple times before....I think I am back after an unintentional blogger break. Life has been pretty crazy since July of 2017 and it has been NONSTOP! This new season of my life is exciting, thrilling and I am  jumping into the unknown with two feet. I never thought in a million years that all of this would be happening all at once, but you know #life.

I think after mulling it over for a few weeks, I have outgrown this blog, Everyday Jersey Girl. This was me but I am in a new and exciting season of my life.  I think I need something that is in line with my new season and all the newness happening. You can follow my adventures at Wonder and Joy.

Hope to see you over at Wonder and Joy!

Half Year Update and Welcome back

Hi Everyone!! 

Remember that time I said I would come back to blogging (here, here, here, here and here). 🤦Yikes, I've said that a lot in the past. Life always gets in the way and blogging falls to the back burner; which sucks but what can you do?

Well, I am back, for now, and I am excited to share my journey and life with you all!

I figured the best way to jump back into blogging again with a half year update! Can you believe its almost August already?

I have had a crazy year so far! 

To update you on my health issues, I have finally found a medicine that has been working with me for the past few months. It has been such a relief to feel good each and every day I wake up. I have been able to keep up a busy social/work schedule and I couldn't be happier.  I'm very thankful I was able to find a doctor who actually listened to me and wanted to find what was best for me.

Work has been busy all year and I love it! It makes my day go by so much quicker! Each day in the office is a new adventure.

Random things I find in and around work.

I am still going to my trainer. We have been doing lots of outdoor workouts which have been my favorite! I have a beautiful park by me and its great to see so many people take advantage of it. The other day we did a pool workout-- I didn't think it was going to be that hard but it was quite a workout. The resistance from the water was an added bonus. After the workout, I felt great!

My trainer and I (After a run, of course!)

I have also started training to run a 5K at the end of the summer. The recreation department in my town started a Couch to 5K group. I am currently on week 5! I will be posting more about this later in the week.

My 4th of July run!

My parents and I have been on a few adventures and they have been great! Mama loves selfies (and also Snapchat!) We have taken part in a lot of Rotary events and we've gone out for Easter and Father's Day too!

my whole life.

I joined the Rotary Club in my town (officially) back in December. I always knew i wanted to ‘make a difference’ but i didn't know how. When i saw my Rotary Club had evening clubs, I thought that would be perfect for me. Rotary historically has always had day meetings which would have been hard for me to commit to since I don't work in town. The Satellite club was created specifically because so many people couldn't make the weekly meeting during the day. Rotary has really impacted my life and made me the person I am today, even after only 6 months! I have participated in many fundraisers and activities with the Rotarians- Its been a great way to meet people and help out.

My Rotary Sponsor, my parents, & the Club President at my Induction

I participated in the student version of Rotary called Interact when I was in high school. It was such a fulfilling experience- I loved it. I had the opportunity to take part in RYLA- Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (Academy). To say that RYLA changed my life is an understatement. (If you went to RYLA, you totally would understand what I am saying). This year, as a Rotarian, I had the privilege to go back to RYLA for the closing ceremonies. To say the least, the magic is still there 12 years later! It was awe inspiring to see the kids and how excited they were for completing this crazy 4 day leadership amp. I remember how excited I was back then and how I couldn't stop talking about it! I got to see some old friends- I haven't connected with these people in 12 years! It was an amazing experience.

RYLA brings back so many magical memories

As you know, I have been taking a photo of the day since 2011 (give or take an 8 month break) It is a nice way to sort of ‘journal’ my days. I like looking back on a certain day to see what I have taken a photo of. Its neat to see what I was doing and what I was seeing. One of my favorite photos taken recently is below. I was driving by the bay and the dreamy colored sky was just too perfect to keep driving by. The cattails were an added bonus that I love.

Dreamy sky and cattails

I pray this post is the oomph I need to get back into blogging. I really missed it. #truestory

Don’t forget to check my Instagram @everydayjerseygirl for updates and fun things.

Ps.  Thanks for reading!

Back at it again

Hi Hi Hi!!! Hello Blogsphere.... I have missed you all dearly!

It's November and after a long break--- I think I am ready to jump back into the blogging world. I know I briefly blogged for a little in September with Bailey's Blogtember challenges but I really want to blog more intentionally and have this act as my journal of some sorts--- a place to keep memories and experiences.

I guess its only proper if I fill you in on what I have been up to the past few months. I think the best way is through photos; I love capturing everyday moments, things that excite me or  I think are beautiful. Snapshots of everyday life that I want to remember.

 everyday life

courtroom / best message ever / grilling in the rain / neon

office styling / flamingos / bunnies / patterns

sweet surprises / target for the win / office snow / new art friend

 

 creativity 

drips and drops / flowers/ dots

pineapple / flamingos/ mermaid

 

Selfies

after the dentist / 42 balloons in my car / Dylan Scott

B&N / Sporting Goods Store / Elevator

Colorful Skies

Big moon / sunset / Island Heights

Seaside Bridge / Point Pleasant / Back Bays

Morning Runs / Latitudes / Day

Water Street views 

Toms River Dining

  

The past few months have been rough but I have always loved looking back on my camera roll and seeing the images I capture. Life isn't always perfect but I always try to look for the good in each day. 

I found this quote really inspiring, just at the perfect moment when I needed it . I hope this can help someone going through a rough time.

My intention for this month is to blog more and to enjoy it. I am excited to try to share more this month. Stay tune for my November Goals.

 

Life Lately

This is so true!

Hi all! I know I have been quite silent on the blog for the past couple of weeks. First of all, I wanted to let all my readers know I love that all of you take time out of your day to read my blog, you have no idea how much that means to me.

I have been dealing with a lot of health issues the past couple of months (actually years but in more recent months, its gotten worse) and its been A LOT keeping up with work and just living my life. With that being said, some things have been neglected especially this blog. I don't have the energy at the end of the day to write. It's sad that it has come to this but I need to take care of my health first and everything else comes next that.

I've decided I need to take a break from blogging and Everyday Jersey Girl. I am hopeful when my health returns back to normal, I will be back to writing again.  I just ask my readers to send good vibes, love and prayers. I would really appreciate that!

I can't wait to write again when I am feeling better!

Boys Make Passes at Girls in Glasses

I have recently gone back to wearing glasses. I was having some problems with my eyes and I figured this was a great time to give my eyes a break from my contacts. I picked out some new frames- the glasses I was wearing mostly at night, I've had those for over 4 years! I was really excited to pick out my new glasses and it got me thinking- I've been wearing glasses since I was 4 years old ( 24 years!!!) and I remember how excited I used to get when I got to pick out new glasses.

Source

I found some old photos of me in glasses over the years. My taste in glasses has certainly changed over the years and I  laugh at some of my choices I made.

 

 ((( Are you loving my fanny pack and humongous bow in my hair? and yes my hair was blondish brown back in college))

 As you can see, I went from many different styles and sometimes colors. I never really loved glasses growing up but I knew I had to have them to see. As I have gotten older, I have truly appreciated glasses for less of something I had to wear and more for a fashion accessory.

I spent almost a year trying to find the perfect pair of glasses . Here are two of the runners up.

I liked both of these, but I wasn't in LOVE with them. I loved the color in the top pair but I wasn't sold yet.The bottom pair, I liked the shape but I thought were too dark and a little too big for me.

I finally found the perfect pair that fit me perfectly in the perfect color. I wanted to get away from the solid black frames and go more towards tortoise shell blend. I am so happy to finally find something I feel that is grown up and fashionable.

 These are Kate Spade and I just loved the surprise details in these glasses. From the teal on the inside on the arms; the fun colored case and the quote "boys make passes at girls in glasses" hidden on the inside of the arm, makes this such a fun pair!

An even more exciting I found a pair of sunglasses that I liked (actually LOVED) and wanted to wear. Since my prescription is so high and I tend to like BIGGER sunglasses, it was a challenge to find something that would not show the frames out of the sides- BUT i found the perfect pair for me.

These are Tiffany's sunglasses- the arms are the signature Tiffany blue and  on the side there is a key. Such small details but they make all the difference.  Even the box was a signature Tiffany's box which made them even more special!

I felt instantly comfortable in these and I saw myself wearing these ALOT! Feeling comfortable when you wear something makes all the difference. It doesn't matter if its clothing, shoes, accessories- if you are not comfortable in it, don't wear it . These glasses don't remind me of when I was a kid, I am actually excited to wear these glasses.

So my journey to find new glasses (and sunglasses) was successful and I hope I won't have to go looking for new glasses for a while!

Do you wear glasses?

What I'm up to

Happy Sunday, y'all. 

I haven't done one of these in a long time.

For some reason, this photo is making me laugh out loud this week.

Making: banana bread  
Drinking:  lemonade
Reading:  Career of Evil by Robert Galbraith
Wanting: warm spring days
Looking: forward to wearing my spring dresses
Playing: two dots
Wasting: time
Wishing: that is won't snow today
Enjoying: my new organized closet
Waiting: for Nestor's wedding
Liking:  all of the flowers blooming
Wondering: about the future
Loving:  life
Hoping: for a quick week
Marveling: at the new blooms popping up in the garden
Needing:  sunshine
Smelling: morning chill essential oils
Wearing:  spring colors
Noticing:  how messy my desk gets in just one day
Knowing: how many steps I take in a day is pretty neat!
Thinking: about future blog posts
Bookmarking:  yoga workouts and spring fashion 
  Opening: my eyes
Giggling: at the world
Feeling: amazing

How are you currently feeling?

April Goals brings....

Happy April! April, you came at just the perfect time and I am so excited to see what adventures await me this month!

Here are my goals for the month:

What are you trying to accomplish this month?

Goal Review

This month.....whew... for once, I am happy a month is over. This month was rough for me and I am happy for a fresh start tomorrow with April. I always have high hopes and excitement for an upcoming month.

My goals that I.....

Completed:

-Having better Posture// this was a goal I worked on daily- if I felt myself slumping over or slouching, I would immediately sit straighter. I feel as if my back feels better after a long day and I feel taller (just a teeny bit!)

-Creating a more organized closet// this was a long but fun project that I am happy it is over. You can read all about my messy closet and the transformation here.

-1000 minute exercise challenge// 1,200 minutes were done through 3 yoga classes, 1 training class and a spin class each week.  I felt amazing after each workout.  I am going to continue with this intense schedule next month too. ( I honestly didn't think I completed this goal until I tallied up the days and numbers!)

Attempted:

-1/2 hour of studying each day// this was hard finding a time I can sit for a little to read my notes or review a chapter out of the review book. I was able to complete only a few hours of studying. I will work on this next month too.

-Home Binder Organization//I didn't get to print anything out or actually fill out the paperwork but I did start to research what to put into the binder and how to organize it. I will work on this next month too!

No Attempt:

-Paint More// I can't even say I thought about picking up a paint brush. I didn't have time ( I know priorities but it was a crazy busy month!) April might be better for me to paint and I am looking forward to it.


What goals did you complete this month?

White Rabbit!

Happy March!! I hope this month holds good vibes, fun adventures and amazing things for you. Here are my goals for this month.

What are you hoping to accomplish this month?

February Goal Review

I cannot believe its the end of February already. This month flew by just like January! I think I did I pretty good with my goals for February, it was a short month but I think I made the most out of it. Here are my goals for February:

Use my Erin Condren Planner more Efficiently/// completed /// Every night right before I went to bed, I wrote a little synopsis of what happened during the day, the outfit I wore and anything else important that happened. I sometimes kept track of what I accomplished-task wise, during the day. I kept track of my exercise too. I think I did a pretty good job of using it this month. I hope to keep this up next month.

Exercise ½ the month /// completed /// I exercised 15 out of 29 days which for you math genius out there, that is 51% of the month! Morning yoga twice a week, Thursday training and Saturday morning classes helped me accomplish this goal. I always felt great after exercising and I felt like I always wanted to do better in the next session.

#GraceNotPerfection/// completed i think /// This was more of an abstract goal rather than concrete goal. I wanted to be not so consumed with the fact I was always try to everything so perfectly. Its my type A personality that always pushes me to do everything that is on my to do list (perfectly) and not leave anything unfinished. This was a tough one for me accomplish. I think I will continue this goal next month too.

Limit Candy and Sweets/// completed /// when I set this goal at the end of January, I had NO idea how I was going to complete it. I love candy and sweets and I could say I was obsessed- it was bad! So when Lent rolled around I decided to give up candy and cookies. (Read that post here) Giving up candy and cookies for Lent made this goal a breeze. I did have some candy (sweethearts!) for Valentines day but other than that, I kept up with this goal! I am actually proud of myself and it made me rethink why I was eating so much candy (hint: its mostly boredom!)

It was a great month for my goals, it was an across the board COMPLETION! I am very proud of myself and how I was creative in completing these goals. In a few days, I will be sharing my March goals!

Did you complete your goals for the month?

Be Still My Heart: February Goals

I thought about my February goals for a while and I think I came up with a list of things that are meaningful yet something I actually want to accomplish. Each of these goals were picked intentionally and for a specific reason.

Use my Erin Condren Planner more Efficiently// I bought this back in August and for the most part, I use it to keep track of my life. Last month, I don't think I used it at all. I want to incorporate my blog planning (for both Everyday Jersey Girl and for Snkr_Post) and also keep track what  I wear each day.

Exercise 1/2 the month// This is a continuing goal for me, I love that I have been seeing results from the past couple of months of training and yoga. I plan to work out at least 14 days this month.

#Gracenotperfection// I see this hashtag all over the internet and I decided to research it and I found that this is exactly what I need. I put so much pressure on myself to get things done and to be perfect. I need to remember that I can't always do everything I planned but I can try my hardest to gracefully complete as much as I can.

Limit candy and sweets// It's no secret that I am a huge candy addict. I have little  no will power when it comes to sweets. I would like to keep better control of this. Any one got any ideas how to do that?

Well, I am excited about my goals for this month and I cannot wait to see what the month holds for me!

What are your goals for the month?

#blizzard2016

I was pretty excited for #blizzard2016 and to get "Snowed In" with Eric. 

This is just a fun little recap of my wonderfully simple and fun weekend.

I arrived to Eric's on Friday night after work and I was greeted by a delicious dinner that he made for me (along with some help from Nonno's.) I was so hungry and so excited to kick off our snowed in weekend. Dinner was promptly eaten and atlas,  no photos had the opportunity to be taken. We settled in to watch some of the The Affair.  Eric got me hooked on this show and we have been binge watching it each time we are together. (if you aren't watching this,  check it out,  there are so many twists and turns and suspense!! So so good!!) After only watching it for an hour,  I promptly fell asleep as the snow started to fall. I went to bed praying that the power would stay on and we wouldn't get too much snow. (I guess getting one of the prayers answered is better than none.)

We awoke Saturday to A LOT of snow (approximately 13 inches, with a total of 24 inches!). It was so beautiful to see everything pristine and perfect. This is my favorite time right after a snowstorm. Eric set out early to get a head start on this shoveling business. I was the cheerleader on the inside with Penelope.  She was very curious about the snow since she's a tropical climate bird,  she's never seen snow and she quickly made an assumption that she doesn't like it. I watched as the boys shoveled the snow. They did quick work clearing the front steps, sidewalk, driveway and the sidewalk by the street. The snow looked heavy & wet and it seemed to be never ending on Saturday. After the boys came in,  I made them cinnamon vanilla French toast. (recipe to follow!! ) We settled down for a relaxing afternoon of cake making, watching The Departed (as usual I fell asleep within an hour only seeing the beginning and the end of the movie) and then I started dinner.

For dinner, I made turkey tenderloins in orange juice along with rice and green beans. This was the first time I was making dinner for 3 other people. I was a little nervous but excited. I've seen mama make this a bunch of times and I knew this would be a simple dinner for me to prepare. It was a perfect dinner after a long day of shoveling. The boys smelled the food and got very excited. They set the table while I finished up the dinner. Everything, miraculously, came out perfect and at the same time. We all sat down at the table, popped a bottle of blueberry champagne and dug into the food. I assumed from the silence at the meal, the boys loved it and THEY DID! They even went back for seconds. We ate, laughed, had a great meal. They all raved how good it was! I was so proud of myself for making a great meal. We ate cake for dessert and played Clue. It was a perfect ending to a snowy Saturday. Eric and I watched more of the Affair and after one episode we decided to put on our favorite family- the Belcher's of Bob's Burgers. I had such a great snow day and I couldn't wait until tomorrow.

I slept in on Sunday and I awoke to 8 more inches of snow that had fallen throughout the night. I don't know if it was the fact I've been inside since Friday or my five year old self was eager to go out and play, I got dressed in my snow gear and dragged Eric outside to shovel. The boys laughed at how eager I was to go out and shovel. ( I don't have any photos of me actually shoveling but I swear I did!) Thank goodness the snow was light and fluffy, I could actually lift it. I didn't unleash my inner child until both Eric and I got to the driveway. This snow was not the perfect 'snowball' texture but I still made it work. Eric quickly retaliated and it ended up in a full out snowball fight. I favored the 'premade' snowballs from the plow and Eric opted for taking a shovelfuls and tossing them my way. I tried my hardest to tackle Eric but Eric always ended up tackling me. Between our tackles and the flying snowballs- we got the driveway shoveled and cleared the entrance to the driveway.  The snowplow made literally a 3 foot wall blocking our driveway! We cleared off the cars and then took a walk down the street to see how the streets were. Everything looked so pretty and picturesque.

After our walk, the boys were making Brunch and we all ate together. I ventured out to see how the streets were. I took it slow and steady and Lux (the Elentra) did great. After a quick stop at Walmart, I headed back home for the football games, studying and dinner. We ended the night watching The Affair before promptly falling asleep. 

I had the best snowed-in weekend. We ate (A LOT), laughed (A LOT) and shoveled (A LOT) of snow. I think this was a great first snow weekend and I hate to say this, This weekend kinda makes me wish for more snow.

How do you spend your snowed in weekend?