Over the past year, I have had a lot of people ask why I stopped writing my blog.I didn’t really have a great reason so I would give some quippy answer or the typical “I’m just sooo busy” excuse but I recently gave it some thought.Why would I stop something that I enjoyed doing so much?
Reason Number 1:
I am an incredibly lazy person.I wish I could blame this on my insane schedule (which is valid), but I certainly have time for other things I like.Unfortunately what I like more than all other things is laying in bed watching tv.There have been multiple times that I have rescheduled my Drybar appointments because I just didn’t see myself getting there before 4 pm.This laziness leads to my second reason.
Reason Number 2:
I have also gotten incredibly lazy about my skincare and makeup routines (gasp!).Words I could never imagine myself saying 2 years ago.I have caught myself using makeup wipes, something I never would have done unless I was desperate.This lack of motivation led me down a path of self-doubt.“What do I have to write about?”“Why would anyone care what I think, I don’t even wash my face anymore?” etc.
Reason Number 3:
One of the biggest reasons for my slow down was welcoming a new member to my family, my dog Bentley.While everyone loves their dog, my love for Bentley is unreal. I felt he was so cute that everyone else needed to recognize his adorableness too and started down the black hole of being an Instafamous Dog Momager.I was quickly connecting with other dog parents across the country and before I knew it he had nearly 13,000 followers and I had stopped washing my face.
All of this changed in February when my mom was diagnosed with a blood cancer known as MDS (Myelodysplastic syndromes) and I haven’t taken a picture of Bentley since.My poor fur baby doesn’t get to go on our weekly photo shoots and life as we knew it has changed.
No makeup and crazy hair for my mom’s first day of chemo
This is all to say that I am back.The product whore that I once was is still here, my obsessions have just taken on some additional forms.While my lipstick drawer is still spilling over and I still become overly infatuated with new mascaras and serums, I also throw myself into many other things as well.I hope you stick around, but if not, I totally get it!
My previous gift guide (click here if you missed it) included the perfect gifts for all of the hair, skincare and makeup enthusiasts in your life, but what about everyone else? Below are my top ten gift ideas that (almost) anyone would love to receive!
Hunter Boot Socks — I love my Hunter boots, but what i love even more are the socks that you can buy to wear with them. They are made specifically to wear with your boots, fit comfortably inside and keep your feet perfectly toasty! They come in a variety of colors and styles. I love pairing my cream sweater socks with my red boots!
Lulu Guinness Umbrella — This is one of those items that I never wanted to purchase for myself, but once I finally did I loved it. It is adorable, easily fits two people and doesn’t turn inside out when it’s windy. These umbrellas are such conversation pieces, people always ask where I found it and how they can get their hands on one! If you don’t find one you like on their website, head to Amazon and Ebay for even more choices!
Ugg Slippers — I was slow to jump on the Ugg slipper bandwagon. There were two main reasons for this: 1. As their name implies, they are ugly and 2. I really like slippers that cover my ankle (due to various ankle injuries, I am basically a robot and have various bits of metal in there that don’t respond well to the cold). I finally gave in and purchased some this Fall and realized what an idiot I was, these things are incredibly comfortable and super warm. There so many styles, there is certainly a pair for everyone on your list!
Starbucks Tumblers/Mugs — Earlier this fall, I became obsessed with the new Starbucks Dot Collection tumblers. I rarely drink hot coffee, and somehow ended up with 5 tumblers and a coffee cup. They are super cute and selling out fast.
Novelty Flash Drive — I am a firm believer in making even the most boring items (i.e. flash drives) exciting. Last year I needed a new flash drive for school, so while avoiding some homework I had to finish I decided to do some online shopping. It was at this time that I came across a USB that looked like a piece of sushi. I obviously had to have it. If sushi isn’t your thing, Amazon and Ebay have tons of options more your style!
Hulu Subscription — If you read my Thanksgiving post (if you didn’t, click here), you know that I am thankful for Hulu. Let’s be honest, Hulu is Netflix’s redheaded step child, but it is awesome. With Hulu, you are able to catch up, commercial free, on current seasons of your favorite shows. It’s one of those gifts that you can totally live without, but why would you want to?
Touchscreen Gloves — One of my favorite Winter fashion accessories are gloves. For some reason, they make me feel as though I am in a snowy wonderland, rather than Texas. Like most people, I have a smart phone which makes gloves a burden. Last year I finally purchased some tech gloves, which allow you to use your phone while also keeping your hands warm! These are a must for anyone with smart phone!
Cashmere Throw — My mom is an incredible gift giver (and an even better stocking stuffer). Many years ago, she saw on the Today show that cashmere blankets are an incredible gift for the travelers in your life, so she purchased some for our family members. The Today Show was right, they do make fantastic presents and wayfair.com has a bunch on sale right now!
Kendra Scott Earrings — Much like the Ugg slippers, I was slow to jump on the Kendra Scott bandwagon. The main reason was that I didn’t want to have accessories that everyone else had, but I have found some seriously cute items that not many other people have. My current faves are these ear cuffs, which come in multiple colors!
Why Not Me? by Mindy Kaling — I have a not so secret obsession with Mindy Kaling. Not only is The Mindy Project one of my favorite shows, I loved her last book (Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?) and couldn’t wait for her latest to be released. As expected, I loved it. Personally, I purchased the audiobook and listened while driving to and from work and school. This book actually made me look forward to my commute, rather than dread it like most days!
That completes my 2015 Gift Guide. Stay tuned for my personal wish list. Happy Holidays (shopping)!
During November my social media is constantly inundated with daily adorations.People share each day one thing they are thankful for.I always think this is lame because by the time Thanksgiving rolls around, they have run out of things they are truly thankful for and share really weird things, I mean who cares?So instead of participating in this tired ritual I channeled my inner David Letterman and came up with my Top 10 Reasons I am Thankful — 2015!This may get a little long and mushy, but I will only do it once a year so whatever.
My parents — Okay I know a lot of people start with their parents because everyone’s parents do so much for them.Mine do as well, they are the best and I couldn’t imagine getting through this thing called life without them.That’s not why I am thankful though.My parents are the type of people everyone needs in their life.They are my loudest cheerleaders, staunchest supporters and always have my back (even the few times I may have been in the wrong).Nobody could ask for better squad members than Plano John and Kit Kat.My mom has this insane quality of reprimanding me while at the same time plotting the demise of those who wronged me; she still harbors resentment towards a girl who was mean to me in high school (15 years ago). My dad, who most of the time I think tunes me out, shocks me with what all he knows about me.After telling him that a friend wants to dress up as Taylor Swift for Halloween, he shows up four days later with “the perfect gun holster” for her costume.All in all, they are awesome.
My Brother — While many people would lump “family” into one, my brother totally deserves a special shout out.Red is by far the most influential person in my life, which is not easy for someone who only speaks 5 words.Every major decision I have made can some how be traced back to this guy.Without him I would not have the heart, patience or compassion that I do.Sure, I have to lock up my toilet paper, but every sibling relationship has their issues.(Of note: my brother has autism which explains the lack of conversation skills and my need to walk around my house with a key around my neck).
Jaime — Everyone needs a ride or die chick in their life, not just rappers, and Jaime is mine.Jaime is one of those people that always has a plan for a good time.While almost everyone loves going to a movie, she finds ways to make even the most boring movie an “event” with wardrobes, props and tons of pictures.She is more than just a fun time though, she is an incredible listener, finds ways to fix the unfixable and is truly one of the strongest people I know; just don’t cross her.Just for the record, she is completely exhausting but I suppose in the long run, she is totally worth it.
A PROPer Valentine’s Day 2015
The H Team —One of the highlights of my job (more to come on that) is the fact that I get to meet and know so many amazing people. While I have become close with many people at the ECEC, nobody is more special to me than my favorite 5 year old, Harper. First off, Harper is awesome. She is clever, exuberant, seriously funny and has the sweetest soul you can ever have the privilege of getting to know. When I met Harper she was 18 months old and walking across a table like it was her personal catwalk. I knew I loved her instantly. Little did I know, more than three years later I would be picking her up from kindergarten and listening to her read to me. She loves life and makes everything fun and exciting. While she loves all things girly, she is also creative and loves building and learning. Although I would love to take credit for this (I was an amazing Mini Tot teacher after all), Harper has an incredible family. Her parents have infused her life with love, encouragement and opportunities to learn, explore and create. Sure, they are busy (we are talking serious power couple here), but they ensure she is surrounded by people who love and support her. They have allowed me to become such an integral part of her life, simply because she loves me. They always include me in her special events (birthdays, graduations, random Valentine soirées) because they recognize she would want me there. While this may not seem like that big of a deal, it really is. Simply put, Harper (and her family) are awesome.
Harper drew us BFF necklaces
ECEC — Before I worked at the ECEC I was homeschooling a girl with autism and I was miserable.One day while venting to a friend of mine over sushi, she mentioned the school she was working at was looking for a few staff members.I applied instantly and was fortunate enough to be hired a few weeks later.I know many people claim to love their job, but I REALLY do.Not only did the ECEC lead me to Harper, it is a genuinely great place to work.Everyday I get to come to work, see some of my best friends, play and snuggle with young children and help families find ways to best meet the various needs of their children.I can’t really ask for more than that.
Nicki Minaj — Okay this might seem kind of random, but bear with me.This summer I my Uncle Bill passed away.I am not going to pretend that we had the relationship where we talked everyday, we didn’t.We had the type of relationship where every time Apple released it’s new line of iPhones, we would text back and forth about whether or not we just HAD to have it (we almost always did).It worked for us and I always loved him.He passed away suddenly in July and my dad and I went to Chicago to start the never ending task of dealing with his estate.“Hey Mama” by Nicki Minaj and David Guetta was the song of the summer and each time it came on the radio, I would turn it up and tell my dad how much I loved it (again, my dad is awesome for simply letting this happen over and over again).On my last night in Chicago, I was looking through his computer and realized that he had purchased “Hey Mama”.Hidden in the various 80’s country songs he had in his library was this little gem.I wish I knew what lead him to buy this and I think about it a lot.Now, every time I hear this song, I get an instant smile on my face.For that reason, I will forever be thankful to Nicki Minaj.
Hulu Commercial Free Plan — I am an incredibly busy person.I have a full time job, hang out with Harper at least two nights a week, and I am enrolled in a full time Ph.D program.Because of this, I love mindless TV.I love just vegging out in bed with shows I don’t need to think about, which is why I was devastated this summer when my favorite show, The Mindy Project was cancelled.I was nearly inconsolable for the 48 hours it took for Hulu to announce they had picked it up.I quickly subscribed and discovered that they air commercials (I hate commercials with a passion).This was made even worse when I realized I couldn’t even fast forward through them.I was miserable watching these shows, unable to fast forward and worried that I was going to have to cancel my subscription and lose Mindy.Shortly after subscribing Hulu announced acommercial free plan and it is amazing.It allows me to catch up on so many of my favorite shows (including General Hospital) without being interrupted with pesky commercials to fast forward through.It is the best $3 I spend each month.
My Competitive Spirit — As I mentioned, I am working on my Ph.D.I am, without a doubt, the worst doctoral student.I really hate going to class, and would always rather read about new eyeshadow pallets and Korean skin care than evidence based teaching practices.The only thing that keeps me going down this Ph.D path is the fact that I am incredibly competitive and want to be the first one of my (real world) friends with this degree.My competitiveness also makes it nearly impossible for me to quit things, no matter how hard they are!
Ulta Rewards— Obviously, I write a beauty blog and I can not let Thanksgiving go by without being thankful for something cosmetics related.I am obsessed with Ulta’s Rewards program.If I’m totally honest, Sephora carries way more brands and items that I love, but I rarely shop there.Instead, I shop almost exclusively at Ulta, checking my app each day to see if there are bonus offers to activate and hoard points so that I can purchase big ticket items like my Clarisonic Opal and T3 Interchangeable Styling Wands at hugely discounted prices.Seriously, start investing in the Ulta Rewards program!
This #Basic Life — I can’t lie, I have an awesome life.Sure, I have my problems, everyone does but I am also blessed with incredible people and opportunities.My family is wonderful and make my life better in more ways than I will ever share with them.I have fantastic friends who like to do lame things, such as seasonally appropriatephoto shoots in pumpkin patches, tulip farms and bluebonnet fields (just to name a few).I have an awesome job (or two, or three) and actually get paid to hang out with some of my favorite people and do fun things!I don’t think I could ask for any more than that!!!
**Bonus thank you to my friend Jennifer who is the biggest supporter of my blog.She is the one who hounded me until I finally resumed writing and proof reads each and every blog I publish (except this one).She never gets the thank you she deserves, but I am truly grateful!
Jessica's Gone Viral 