New years eve party of one.

Every year I do something ridiculously fun with friends and loved ones to ring in the new year.

In the last few years I have thrown a party at my house, was on bourbon street in new Orleans, and last year I was in San Diego with some of my most favorite people.

For this year I have been thinking about either:

(a). wearing an obnoxiously sparkly dress and going out with friends

(b). staying in relaxing at home.

So, I am so excited to announce I have finalized my plans for the new year....

drum roll please.......................

i will be -

Ordering take-out. Drinking (lots of) champagne. Wearing Cute pjs. Watching rented movies. Homemade Popcorn. My favorite 4 dogs around me.

And my most favorite part – doing this by myself.

I feel it’s only fitting to have a wonderful night staying in to start the new year off right.

and boy how i need a good year.

call me crazy, but i am PUMPED. wouldn't have it any other way.

happy new year to everyone!

need YOUR help!


i folks! okay so here's the deal.
i need your help!
if you read my blog and aren't an "official" follower - PLEASE follow!
i signed up for a contest to win a BLOG makeover (with my ideas) and i reaaaaalllly want to win!!!

please post this on your friends of friends of friends of family of cousins of siblings of parents emails, blogs, facebook, myspace, etc. etc. maybe just attach my blog link and tell those people "please follow her" i would REALLY appreciate it!

SO, you get the gist!

if i get so many followers within the time frame (i think it's a month? but details to come soon!) THEN i win a FREE blog makeover (which actually benefits you as my reader) SO PLEASE actually follow my blog! (go to the right of this screen and click follow then the instructions will guide you!)

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE! i know some of you read my blog who don't "follow officially" which is AWESOME!! buuuuut now i need you to follow!!!

thanks a million! will keep you posted on the contest as i get more info!!!!!!


XOXO.
j.

new year. new list.

here you are - my official list of 2010 resolutions. i'm planning on tacking this up somewhere that i will see it every day.


- send birthday cards
- floss everyday
- finish craft projects i want to do
- learn about different cultures
- throw a party
- meet new people
- run 4 times a week
- read more
- take the word "like" and "literally" out of my vocabulary
- have more "me" days


i have big things planned for you, 2010.

XO.
j.

not me monday (on tuesday)

here you go!

all the things i did not do this week....

I did not love spending 4 days at home with my favorite people.

I did not love watching the oddo’s open Christmas gifts,

even though it was a short visit, I love that family.

I did not love mini reunion night with bella vista friends

I did not love seeing my brother and mom’s face opening gifts.

I did not love getting the best present ever from my brother. Dad would be SO proud.

I did not love driving back to sac town with mixed cds, brother, and making good time in traffic.

I did not love feeling better after my 4 day cleanse.

I did not love Christmas eve band sesh and catch phrase.

I did not love receiving $150 in starbucks cards. Uhhhh pumped.

I did not love starting to plan for the world cup in south Africa.

I did not love seeing my brother in my mom’s sweater for xmas.

He won the ugly sweater contest that just the two of us were playing.

I did not love seeing up in the air with amber. that george clooney man, he's sexy.

I did not love getting a SPA DAY gift card. Ohhhhhhhhh can’t wait!

I did not love wrapping 46247 presents, all cutely bowed and name tagged.

I did not love making my new year resolution list for 2010 (stay tuned....)

I definitely did not love counting down to the new year, thank god 2009 is almost over.

My last not me Monday for 2009.

New year next Monday. New beginnings.

Bring it on 2010.

What’s your not me Monday.

It’s SO much cheaper than therapy.

from our family to yours.

happy holidays everyone!

ps. how awesome is my brother's (aka my mom's) sweater??
and yes, he wore that all day on Christmas.

the cutest business cards to date.

i love how this card is very "me"
fun. crafty. different. not too serious. loving.

i just L-O-V-E my new business cards.
XOXO

not me monday.

here we go!
all the things i did not do this week!
i did not love finishing my christmas shopping a week early, and i definitely did not love sending cute packages in the mail.
i did not love meeting & hanging out with ashley olsen, justin bartha, and scott speedman. gosh, i love people.
i did not love getting a fun little tinsel in my hair from B.
i did not love sushi & movie night. i just love me some good sushi.
i did not love getting my to die for business cards in the mail (pics coming soon!)
i did not love running on the beach during the sunset near my house. i love mb.
i do not love being sore.
i did not love hollywood after hours and cute photo booths.
i did not love hanging out with my lil sis lupe, and surprising her with a little something special.
i did not love getting cute holiday labels from melinda.
i did not love my new favorite place in venice - cows end.
i did not love starting my 4 day cleanse.
i did not love that i might be going to england soon! yes please!!!
i did not love hearing me & dad's song on the radio right when i was thinking about him.
i did not love finding a nail in my tire. ohhhh wait. this really wasn't fun.
i did not love booking my facial with my favorite gal priscilla over the holidays.
i did not love watching elf every night while falling asleep.
i did not love our LBC girls reunion over delicious food, wine, and laughter.

post your not me mondays!
it's so much cheaper than therapy.

dear santa,

Christmas is in a week. Can you make sure you visit heaven and give my dad the biggest hug from us. we miss him too much. i am sure the feast he will serve will bring you comfort, a full belly, and lots of good memories. make sure you treasure these moments. i am so glad i did.

i have been crying more than usual again. maybe it's because of the holiday season? or maybe it's because sometimes life isn't fair. i forget sometimes it is okay to feel sad, it's normal. i just wish i could say hello and check in with him.

please make sure my mom and brother are taken care of in 2010. they really deserve it. it's been a tough year for all of us, the worst year in fact. i would really appreciate a good 2010. we need it. I count my blessings everyday, and i am so thankful for who i am and what i offer to the world.

i just ask you take good care of my family. that's all i want. and make sure my dad is okay and happy. i don't need anything but this. thank you santa, i will make sure the milk and cookies are by the fireplace. they will be delicious.

merry early christmas,

jen

fun photo friday.

isn't my mom stunning?
i just love her.

have you told your mom you loved her today?

let it snow.

i just got these major cute cards!!!
my favorite creative friend elizabeth sent them my way....
ohhhhhhhhh excited to send them out!
thanks e!

XO
j.

photo of the day.

was sorting through my pictures on my laptop and came across this photo.
Meghann's bridal shower in fair oaks.
also known as NMG.

conquered las vegas.

me, alie jo, and aubs.
a few of my favorites :)

not me monday!

here you go!
all the things i did not do this week - and boy it was NOT busy!

i did not love picking alie jo up from LAX to enjoy a few great days together.
i did not love taking all 4 doggies to the dog park while it started to pour rain (in LA - crazy right?)
i did not love the cast and crew on rules of engagement and meeting: david spade, jamie pressley, kurt russel, and a few others ;)
i did not love spending a night with good friends from nor cal over wine, pasta, and good convos (thanks carly marie!)
i did not love packing up for 4 days of AMAZING-NESS in vegas!
i did not love laughing my butt off all weekend long with good friends.
i did not love watching the beautiful bride Laura walk down the aisle to my best guy friend mr. cronin. congrats you two!
i did not love seeing my mom with a bronze tan from hawaii and laughing with her all weekend long.
i did not love getting all my christmas shopping done ;)
i did not love the season finale of glee. so sad about the hiatus.
i did not love realizing Christmas is next week.
i do not love getting big news! (i will share wednesday!)
i did not love my new ugg boots from my momma for christmas....she must have read my blog:)
i did not love getting all of the gingerbread recipes together. baking this week!
i did not love my mani/pedi pre vegas sesh. oh wait, i ruined them all before i got on the plane.
i did not love losing my money gambling but did love michelle winning $500
i did not love dance parties with auby & my dance off... which ended with a fist bump. duh.
i did not love hanging out with all of laura's besties from CO... gosh i love them.
i did not love my silver sparkly dress and matching chandelier necklace.

post your not me mondays!
it's so much cheaper than therapy.

VIVA LAS VEGAS.

i will be MIA for a few days....
heading to Las Vegas for a friends wedding.
if i do not return, my hand is still stuck on the slots!

it's the simple things.

it's the simple things in life that make a difference.
my girlfriend amber got me these major cute polaroid notes.
20 different notecards and envelopes.
they are so stinkin cute.

thanks amber - i love them!

XO

not me monday.

here you go!
all the things i did not do this week.
i did not love the world cup draw - and the bracket the USA will dominate.
i did not love my brother's holiday christmas party in dana point.
i did not love spending a night with my high school lovies...
wine, good food, and good friends.
i did not love making another batch of my favorite granola bars.
i did not love Taylor Lautner with his shirt off in new moon.
i did not love spending some quality time with my bestie; too much chipotle.
i did not love sleepovers with college buddies & catching up over dinner.
i did not love wine night with my new friends in venice.
i did not love the crazy holiday shoppers at target - oh wait, AWFUL.
i did not love hearing about my mom's vacay in hawaii, gosh i am so happy for her.
i did not love my brother's cute little attire - dad would be impressed.
i did not love the biggest loser - ohhhhh finale soo soo soon!
i did not love friends marathon day while working - gotta love those dvds.
i did not love a good cry with friends, and swapping stories on how great my dad is.
i did not love the movie UP! what a cute movie!
i did not love running with the dogs to clear my head.
i did not love holiday decorating, shopping, baking, and holiday music 24/7.
gosh i love december.


post your not me mondays!
it's so much cheaper than therapy.

XO.

you look kinda cute.....

my brother and me at his company holiday party.
isn't his attire just the best.
love him.

fun photo friday.

gotta love this man.
cracks me up everytime!!


happy friday!
XO

december to-do's.




nothing get's me going more than a list of to-do's.
(color coded & cute of course).
my decmeber list is oh so long.
(and some goals for the month added as well)

-send out 200 thank you's (this could take a while, a very emotional while).
-run. a lot.
-get my chrsitmas decorations up before christmas
-finish my room
-cut back on starbucks & diet cokes
-make cute handmade stockings
-enjoy the moment i am in
-work hard everyday, knowing i am making a difference


XO

dear santa,

in case you are having a hard time deciding what to bring me, i thought i would give you a few suggestions. plus, i'm pretty sure my mom & brother read my blog, so maybe they will get some ideas too.


1. uggs. i have them in black - and i wear them all the time. however, i would also like them in this cute color as well.

2. running shoes. i am just digging this color.

3. starbucks gift card. let's be honest, i got $100 last year from dad, and well... it lasted a month. you can never go wrong with a starbucks gift card (no matter the amount).

well santa, hopefully this helps. thanks for listening.
happy happy holidays!
jen

happy December.

which means:

baking for the next 31 days.
decorating the Christmas tree, mantel, stockings and the house!
ordering peppermint mocha's from the buck.
listening to holiday music 24/7.
making cute cards.
seeing Santa lots & lots.
neighborhood Christmas parties.
making New Years Eve plans.
wrapping presents.
bring gifts to the needy.
host a Christmas dinner party.
putting out milk & cookies for Santa and his arrival.
nightly movies around the fire place.
Christmas sugar cookies.
red nail polish.
making a list of 2010 resolutions.
driving around to check out the neighbors lights.
comfy socks with ridiculous bells on them.
hot chocolate with marshmellows.
building gingerbread houses.
Christmas caroling.



dang, i love December.
XOXO
j.