One Lovely Blog {Blog Award}

Hey y'all,

Sara from Sara Smiles, who I originally met via the internet way back when I was in college and had a Tumblr, was so sweet to nominate me for the One Lovely Blog Award. These posts are so fun to mix it up and you really get to know the person behind the blog.

How this whole thing works:  I answer the questions Sara left for me, then I nominate some of my favorite blogs. They then answer the questions I leave below!

1. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
Europe. I loved living there and there are so many places I still want to explore like Denmark, Rome, Portugal, etc. I have never really been an island person even though I love the beach, it must be my pale, sunburn prone skin but I love the cultures and history of the various nations of Europe.

via

2. What is your favorite season?

Spring! Next favorite would have to be fall but except for a lot of rain and my allergies I think Spring is perfect. You get to wear your sandals and sundresses without the 100 degree heat!

3. If you had to be stranded on a deserted island with one person who would you want that one person to be?
Hmm, this one is pretty tough. As far as having people to hang out with until we are rescued I would probably say either my bestie, aMl, my best guy friend TS, or my Mom. If we are talking about surviving on the island hands down my Dad. He would be able to hunt and fish for food, perform medical procedures if we get hurt, and I am sure he could have us out of there in no time.

4. Did you have a favorite toy as a child?
I had a doll called "Special Dolly" that I took every where as a child. She was essentially my security blanket. Apart from that I loved my American Girl Doll Molly.

Special Dolly was a Fisher Price Puffalump

5. When you have 30 minutes of free-time, how do you pass the time?

Reading a book or cruising through my social media to check on everything.

6. What is your favorite book of all time?
It would probably be a tie between Mansfield Park and Ella Enchanted. I know they are so different but I read both of them almost every year and the stories never get old. I also love Acheron and Persuasion.

7.  If you could have any superpower what would you pick?
Not flying. I hate heights. I would probably want the invisibility cloak from Harry Potter. Sometimes you just want to disappear for a while.

8. What is one of your life goals?
To become a Mom.

9. What song would you sing at Karaoke night?
I love musicals so probably anything from the Wicked or Legally Blonde the Musical soundtracks. I also am currently loving the History of Wrong Guys from Kinky Boots. I also tend to belt out T.Swift, Spice Girls, and Disney music. I mean, we don't have to win Karaoke, right?

 10. Do you have any pet peeves?

I think some of my biggest pet peeves occur when I'm driving. I have a bit of road rage sometimes.

11. Why did you begin blogging?
I started blogging after creating a Tumblr. My first blog documented a lot of my senior year of college. I loved the creative outlet when I was writing so many papers and there is such a wonderful community you establish when you begin to blog.

I nominate:
A Little Seersucker Sass
Chelsea of Girl Growing Up
Ryann of Meet the McCalls
Lindsey of Prescription for Preppy
Allie of Alexandra Bee Blog
C of The Portuguese Prepster
Ashley of According to Ashley
Chesson of A Southern Twenty-Five
Emily of Emily's Bright Life

Here are my questions for you:

1. Who are your style inspirations?
2. Name 5 things in your bag apart from your keys, wallet and phone.
3. What is one book you recommend to friends?
4. If you could be an extra in a TV show or movie what show would you select?
5. Did you make a bracket this year for the NCAA tournament? If yes who are/were your Final Four?
6. What's your go to recipe when you have no idea what to make for dinner?
7. Favorite song of the moment?
8. Favorite item in your closet right now?
9. What are you looking forward to most this summer?
10. Favorite blog posts to write?

Life Lately: Family Loss, A Birthday, Shopping & More

Hey y'all,

I'm sorry to go missing again for a while but it was due to the loss of my Grandfather Wednesday night. I needed to spend some time with my family especially my grandmother. After spending time grieving Wednesday I was luckily able to see my best friend for her birthday (and my half-birthday) since she was down for the day from DC and apartment hunting for her adventures as a TFA teacher for the next two years.

aMl, my Mom, and I last summer.

So for her 22nd birthday/graduation I got her (and myself) the updated version of the BFF necklace. Enter Kate Spade's Bridesmaids Idiom Bangle in gold. With the outside stating "birds of a feather, two of a kind, perfect pair, partners in crime, peas in a pod, and sidekicks" it was the perfect present and whenever I look at it it reminds me of our great relationship and seven years of friendship!

My "This is the year" in silver from Christmas from my parents  and "Best Friends Ever" in gold Idiom Bangles

This past weekend was also the worst weekend in retail in the state of NC--TAX FREE WEEKEND. While it is nice to not have tax on school supplies and clothing right before school starts, those of us who work in retail have Black Friday like days all weekend (Yes I worked all three days). I did take advantage of the no-tax though by purchasing a pair of my favorite Jeggings (Target's Mossimo Denim Legging is what it says this year, last year it just said legging) which I love since they have real pockets, button and zipper so not your typical legging.

My Favorite Jeggings

I also scored a few pairs of Nike Tempos (Norts) since Dick Sporting Goods had a buy one get one half off and I even found some on clearance.

On clearance for $24

 So I think you now understand while I have been MIA.


While I was spending time with my family I was nominated for the Liebster Award by Michelle and Melanie.  This is actually my 4th and 5th time being nominated for this award which you can read all my random facts here and here so I figured I would just answer the questions they posed me.

Questions from Michelle:

1. How many siblings do you have and where do you fall in the lineup?
I have 3 siblings. Two sisters and a brother. I am #3 of the 4.

Baby Sister, kDi and I

The girls. Baby sister kDi and older sister SDe at my English Dept. Graduation.

My brother (the oldest of us) and I after main Graduation

2. What is your job/what is your career goal?
I currently work in retail at my former summer job but I am searching for a job in either higher education administration or art museum administration. 

3. What is your favorite thing to do on a Friday night?
I love a good night in watching Say Yes to the Dress, a romantic comedy and a run to grab frozen yogurt with my friends. I also love a good night out at a bar talking and dancing mixed in with those nights in. I haven't had a lot of time fun now that I am back in my hometown but maybe sometime soon I will be moving out and finding some fun.

4. Do you have any secret talents?
I don't think so. I read pretty fast, played clarinet from 6th-12th grade, paint watercolors, and danced ballet from the age of 2-10.

5. What is your favorite TV show?
This is so hard since I am a TV junkie. Some of my favorites are the Vampire Diaries, Private Practice, Suits, Castle, New Girl, Modern Family, Cougar Town, Hart of Dixie and many more.

6. Who is your favorite band/artist?

I am a huge country music fan. Some of my favorite songs right now are:

Kenny Chesney "Come Over"

Luke Bryan "Drunk on You"

Big and Rich "That's Why I Pray"
The Band Perry "Postcards from Paris"

Gloriana "(Kissed You) Goodnight"

6. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
This is really hard considering I have loved living in Europe. However, I love the South and being close to my parents so I would probably say a large city in the South like Dallas, Atlanta, Charleston, etc.

7. What is your favorite event to watch in the Olympics this year?
I love Swimming since I was a competitive swimmer when I was little and only stopped in middle school since I stopped loving the pressure. My other favorite events are gymnastics and diving.

8. What is the number one thing on your bucket list?
Another hard question. You can read my 30 before 30 list here. But probably my biggest thing would be to fall in love, get married and become a mom.

9. Is there anything you are deathly afraid of?

I have a fear of heights and refused to go to the top of the Eiffel Tower but other than that my biggest fear would be getting cancer since I know it runs in my family.

10. Do you play any instruments?

I played the clarinet throughout middle school and high school but haven't played it since. I also can play the piano a bit and sing. My entire family (apart from my mom are musically inclined. It's a trait of my Dad's side)

11. What is one book you would recommend?
Hardest question ever as an English major. 

I did just finish The Selection by Kiera Cass. Here is the Goodread's description:  For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in the palace and compete for the heart of the gorgeous Prince Maxon.
But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.
Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself- and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined 
In my opinion it is similar to the Hunger Games Triology with the dystopian society with a mix of the Bachelor finding a love amidst a large group of women. Two of my favorite quotes from the novel are "...true love is usually the most inconvenient kind" and "no, I'm not choosing him or you. I'm choosing me."

Questions from Melanie:

1. What is your favorite cereal?

I am not a huge cereal person but when I do eat it my top cereals would be Berry Berry Kix, Reduced Sugar Frosted Flakes, and Cocoa Krispies. I was never allowed to have cereal with marshmallows or lots of sugar when I was young and since that I love less sweet cereals.

2. What did you want to be when you grew up?

When I was really young I thought I was going to be a teacher. In High School and half of college I was thinking of becoming a book editor. But now I am back to loving the arts and education in an administrative perspective.

3. If money, education, or conditions were no object, what career would you want to have?

A stay at home mom. Really. My mom stayed home with us and I loved it. Other great careers would be wedding/event planning, charity coordinator, museum curator, and so much more. 

4. Who is your celebrity crush?

I did a post on my top celebrity crushes HERE (photos included ;) )

5. What store is your favorite?

I love small boutiques like Vestique, mixed with Target, LOFT, Marshalls, J.Crew, T.J. Maxx, Old Navy, and Nordstroms. 

6. If you could only eat one animal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

7. What season is your favorite and why?

Fall and Spring are tied. I love the weather of both of them and the clothing of scarves, cardigans and boots in the fall and sundresses in the spring. 

8. Where do you want to retire?

No idea. That is a long, long way away.

9. What is your favorite scent?

My favorite perfumes are Kate Spade Twirl, Coach Poppy, Ralph Lauren Romance, and Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy.

10. What app is your favorite?

I don't have a smart phone. GASP. My parents are anti-smart phone for their children (especially my mom, she is of the opinion that a phone is a phone and my Dad loves technology and has an iPhone but doesn't have a ton of apps.)

11. What is your dream car?

Audi TT or BMW 5 series sedan.

Thank you Melanie and Michelle! Since I have been awarded the blog award already and multiple times I decided not to nominate other bloggers but feel free to check out these wonderful bloggers!

I'm planning on keeping up with posts for the rest of the week including my 100 followers giveaway later this week!

Peace and Blessings,

jDl

Blog Award: The Liebster Award.

Hey y'all,

Sorry I have been MIA due to working all weekend but there was a nice surprise that on Saturday I was nominated by two lovely bloggers, Kentucky Belle in the Making and Ally of Sunny Sweetheart , for the Liebster Blog Award. The award focuses on upcoming bloggers who have less than 200 followers since the word Liebster from German means sweetest, kindest, nicest, dearest, beloved, lovely, kind, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing and welcome. Thank you so much for the warm welcome to the blogger world. I still can't believe that I am on my third month on this blog of my life and adventures after graduation. This is actually the second time I recieved this award, to see my first post click HERE.

Now as with all blog awards there are a few rules. So here they are:

1. Each person must post 11 things about themselves.
2. Answer the questions the tagger has set for you and create 11 questions for the people you have tagged to answer.
3. Choose people five people to pass the award onto and link them in your post.
4. Inform those individuals of their award.
5. No tag backs!

11 Facts about me. For more information check out my About Me section.

1. I didn't have my first kiss until I was 21 and I still have never had a boyfriend. While I waited until I was kissed I always felt strange that I missed a hurdle most people get over in middle school but it ended up being the perfect thing and was right for me.
2. I have never been to Disneyworld. Only Disneyland.
3. I hate cooked vegetables. I really only love corn and green beans. The rest of them are a no go. I think its a consistency issue which causes me to be a super picky eater.
4. I burn really easily. This morning I went for a 25 minute run and came back pink/. :( Blame my Irish heritage.
5. I drive a 2004 blue Pontiac GrandAm named Bloo.
6. I cry really easily. People my call it over emotional but it is my normal. A sweet movie, book, commercial, youtube video hand me the tissues. Since I probably will be balling my eyes out.
7. If you give me the choice of the beach or the mountains I will always say beach. The mountains are fun in the fall but I love the beach year round, especially chilly spring days.
8. My favorite Disney movie is Beauty and the Beast and I can quote the entire thing. I also think I am a lot like Belle (huge fan of reading, speak French, want adventure, and love to care for others.)
9. I currently have 10 books checked out from the library and this is normal for me. I hate not having a huge stack of books waiting for me.
10. I own no clothing from Lilly Pulitzer (shocking I know) but I don't have the budget for her pieces right now. I am a bargain shopper and maybe in the future I will add a few things into my closet.
11. I never remember my dreams. Seriously, I think I have remembered about 11 over my 22 years. I am also a dead sleepers so I don't know if that factors in.

Ally of Sunny Sweetheart's Questions

1. Why do you blog?

I began blogging as a procrastination tool for school my Junior year of college by starting my Tumblr. I began the companion blog the start of my Senior year of college as a collection of memories and an extension of my  Tumblr sensibilities. I began this blog though as a new start to record my life, loves, and thoughts as I transition from college to life in the "real world."

2. What is the last song you listened to?

Luke Bryan's I Don't Want This Night to End.

3. What is your favorite social network (Facebook, Blogger, Twitter, etc.)?

Hmmm. This one is hard. I love looking at everyone's photos on Facebook but as far as keeping up with friends I mainly check out Twitter. I do love the blog community on Blogger though. If you can't tell I am pretty indecisive. 

4. Favorite childhood memory?

I had a really happy childhood. I loved taking ballet classes and all of the performances. I also loved swim lessons and just hanging out having sleepovers. I can't really pinpoint a specific memory since I don't remember any bad ones. I did love spending the night at SeaWorld San Antonio. The Academically Gifted kids at my elementary school got to spend the night there. We dissected small sharks in groups, touched dolphins and went to the top of the shark tank. It was pretty cool as a 4th grader. 

5. What makes you smile?

Lots of things: children, kindness, my friends, my sorority sisters, my family, a good deal. 

6. Favorite spring/summer 2012 trend or fall/winter 2012-2013 trends?

I am loving all of the bright colors this summer and the large statement jewelry. 

7. What pets (if any) have you had in your life so far?

2 major pets. A golden retriever named Whiskey when I was really little and then a German Shepherd/Chow Mix named Quincey who just passed away this past spring after 13 years. I have also had a couple different fish including the beta fish Henry Edward Beta and Philip Radish(my Big gave me Radish and it's family tradition to give fish with vegetable names).

8. Favorite hair tool or product?

I love my ghd straightener. Seriously it is the best for my curly hair. Product wise I switch up things a lot since I get bored. I would love recommendations.

9. Do you prefer e-books or regular books?

REGULAR. I don't have an e-reader but I have struggled with this question a lot especially as an English major. You can read all about it here.

10. What ingredients make your perfect sandwich?

White bread, ham, turkey, bacon, american cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, red onion, and mayo. Completely unhealthy but so delicious. 

11. What sports or activities, if any, did you do/currently do in high school?

I swam on the swim team in middle school but swim team in high school practiced at 5am and I love my sleep. Plus I hated it being so competitive, I love to swim, not to shave time off my records. I did play clarinet in the marching band though for all four years. Other activities: National Honors Society, French Club, French National Honors Society, Academy of Scholars, Mu Alpha Theta (Math National Honors Society), Total Image. Volunteering with my church as the nursery and Pre-K teacher for Sunday school. Over involved kid right here.

Kentucky Belle in the Making's Questions

1.) Why did you start blogging?

I answered this question above so I will go with why I love bloggging. I love the outlet to get my thoughts out, I love the community and the amazing women I have "met," I love learning about people's struggles and joys and knowing that everyone truly cares and respects each other. The other day I had an amazing comment about how I am an inspiration. Y'all that made my day. Little old me inspiring someone else that I had never met. That is powerful.

2.) All time favorite song?

Hmm. I am a music junkie. I love really old country music so I would probably go with something like Check Yes or No by George Strait or John Michael Mongomery's I Can Love You Like That.

3.) What do you do to relax?

Bake, read, take a bubble bath, clean, listen to music. Pretty simple things. It is mainly focusing on something else outside of my life that helps me relax.

4.) Would you rather plan out a trip or go spur of the moment?

I am a big planner so plan out the trip. It also helps me pack since I know what to expect, yet I do love having some spontaneous aspects. Plan the big things and then just enjoy.

5.)Boots or heels?

Hmmm. It really depends on the occasion. You are more likely to find me in a pair of riding boots but for special occasions heels all the way.

6.)What's the most unique thing about you?

This question is really hard to me. Maybe I will come up with an answer but for now I am leaving this one blank.

7.)Are you extremely tech savvy or do you struggle?

Decently tech-savy. I wouldn't say I am an expert and if you ask me to do things on a Mac I might be a bit confused but with daily life and applications I am a-okay!

8.) Do you quote Mean Girls?

Sometimes. It is not in my top 10 movies but some quotes are just so memorable. I am more likely quoting Disney movies though.

9.) Do you have bad habits?

I pick at my nail polish. I hate to fold laundry/put it away, or put away dishes. I have a short temper with my sister especially when it comes to manners and being considerate since I know she knows better from living together. I guess that is good for now.

10.) What is something you are extremely proud of?

Hmmm. Probably my degrees. I worked really hard for my high school diploma graduating in the top 10 out of 400 kids at my school. And at Carolina I graduated with a GPA above 3.0 which is a great accomplish coming from one of the hardest public schools in that nation (yes we make the list of the most stressful colleges every year, but I wouldn't have it any other way.)

11.) Do you keep up with the news? Celebrity, political, or both?

I typically keep up with the news when I am home. When I was in college though I barely kept up but I try to have a bit of knowledge of politics, celebrity and local news.

Questions for my recipients:

1. If you could meet one blogger and one celebrity in real life who would you want to meet?

2. If you had access to a time machine where and when would you go?

3. If you were a kitchen appliance what would you be?

4. What fortune would you want from a fortune cookie?

5. What is your favorite book?

6. What song describes you?

7. Favorite candy?

8. Favorite movie you have seen recently?

9. Dream job?

10. Beach or Mountains

11. If you had 1,000 what would you do with it?

I nominate:

Emily of Blue Dog Belle

Stephanie of The Midwest Prep

Emily of Kentucky Belle

Katherine of Southern Royalty

Life in the Sweet Virginia Breeze

Emily of Everything EDK

One Lovely Blog Award

Hey y'all,

I was so surprised this weekend to hear that Nina of The Proper Lady bestowed upon me the lovely blog award "One Lovely Blog." I love the advice on Nina's blog about everything from sports to sisterhood to pursuing guys all while maintaining the class and manners of a lady. As a girl that loved Jordan Christy's book How to Be a Hepburn in a Hilton World: The Art of Living with Style, Class and Grace, Nina's blog continues on a daily dose of modern etiquette for the current proper lady. As the second blog award since I started this little blog a mere two months ago I was surprised and honored with the title. THANK YOU NINA!

As always with a blog award there are a few rules of acceptance:

• Thank the person who nominated you and link the blog back to them in your post.
• Share 7 things about yourself
• Nominate 15 or so bloggers you admire
• Contact those chosen bloggers to let them know of their honor.

Let's get started:

7 Things About Jessica (or jDl)
1. I have never broken, sprained, or fractured a bone in my body!

2. I hate coffee. I only drink hot chocolate or tea when I go to a coffee shop. I did survive college without coffee and relied on soda instead. Now I am trying to break that habit and only drink water, tea, or juice.

3.I got my first cavity at 16 and was upset! I still haven't gotten one since.

4. I'm allergic to benzoyl peroxide (the powerful chemical in acne fighting). I break out in hives so no Proactiv for me.

5. My favorite food is beef stroganoff and not the kind from Hamburger Helper but the one my Momma makes. It is sooooo good!

6.I love to go grocery shopping. It's strange I know but I love going with a list, looking at all the products and planning on cooking/baking yummy food. It is great. Not a chore for me.

7. I have a mild obsession with scarves. I have at least 10 ranging from light summer ones to heavy ones for the winter. I have solid and patterned pashminas and they are nicely folded in a basket in my room.

Some Blogs I currently Fancy (in no particular order):

• Jenna of Leggings Love
• Ali of Monogrammed Scrubs and Stings of Pearls
• Sarah of shorelines and sunshine
• sSe of Seersuckered Sailor
• Emily of The Good Life
• Miss Southern Prep
• Caitlin C. of Southern Curls & Pearls
• Ashley of Loving Life and Lilly
• Christine of A Midwest Collegiate
• Turtles and Pearls
• The Pink And Green Prep
• Prep In Your Step
• just peachy
• Forever in Pearls
• Kentucky Belle
• Simply Sarah
• Seersucker & Sweet Tea
• The Carolina Prep (she is just getting started but I love a fellow North Carolinian!)

There are so many blogs I follow and I even have a daily reads tab on the top of my blog if you are searching for some more daily reads!

Peace and Blessings,

jDl

Liebster Award!

The Liebster Blog Award is for bloggers with 200 or less followers

Hey y'all,

Yesterday I was blessed to receive a comment from sSe of Seersuckered Sailor that she very graciously gave me the Liebster Blog Award. This is my first award on my new blog and I am so honored that she thought of me as a new "up and coming blog." So let's get started sharing the love right back.

The Rules.

1. Choose 5 up and coming blogs to give the award to
2. Show your thanks to the blogger who gave you the award by linking back to them.
3. Post the award on your blog
4. List the blogs you have awarded with their links, and leave a comment notifying them
5. Share random facts about yourself

The Award Winners

Jen of Food, Love and Life she is so sweet and her Tumblr is amazing as well.

Madilene Lake of Classy Collegiate

Hannah of Grace Lamb also a sweet Tumblr friend.

Southern Bug a fellow North Carolinian!

Abby of Style Princess

Random Facts

1. I have naturally curly hair but I very rarely wear it that way since it looks really fluffy/frizzy. I get it from my Daddy's side of the family.

Bid Day Fall 2011(it rained on us)

Formal Spring 2011 (rainy afternoon) my date and I

2. I lived in Wurzburg, Germany for three years and ever since then I have been trying to find a way back to Europe!

via

via

3.I HAVE TWINS! (Sorority littles that is!)

My Phi Beta Chi Family at Formal 2012
My grandlittle, KMB, my little, MKG, me, my little KBB, and my other grandlittle, SCG

KBB's side

MKG's side

4. I am obsessed with country music and love driving around my hometown with the window down blaring some Jason Aldean or Martina McBride.

5. I share a room back home with my baby sister, kDi. We are really close and I love that she goes to college at NCState since it meant she could come visit UNC a lot.

She came to Formal 2011 as one of my roommates date.

Celebrating her 19th birthday this fall.

6. I have never sprained, bruised, fractured or broken a bone in my body! GO ME!

7. I love to swim and am blessed that my parents have a pool so that is where I spend the majority of my days off at during the summer.

8. I love shopping at Marshalls. Just this week I found the Lilly Pulitzer fragrances Squeeze and Beachy for $15 for 3.4oz each! 

 

9. I was in my high school marching band all four years! WOOHOO! It was a lot of fun and yes I am still a bit of a band nerd in my heart. 

10. I am obsessed with nail polish and I have over 35 polishes in my current collection. You can bet everyone loves when I invite them over for movie nights and painting nails. 

Peace and Blessings,

jDl