Essentialy the Essentials

Essentials: 

What you need for when you need it

I collected a list of things a young lady should have in her possession. 

1. Chap stick, Not only does it make your lips look good, 

its good for them. 

2. Lint roller, trust me your outfit can go up a few notches just be keeping it lint free. 

3. Coconut Oil, this has way to many uses for you not to have it. Skin, Hair, nails its good for everything, 

You can even cook with it!

4. Sunglasses, Not only a trendy tool but helpful in keeping you from getting squinting lines.

5. A messenger bag.

Trust me you will appreciate when you can throw everything in and it fits. Try for one with an over-the-shoulder strap. 

6. Band aids. Just trust me :) and you will have room in your giant messenger bag. 

If you have a car, you might want to pack a car bag with the following.

1. First Aid kit

2 . Flip flops or flats (extra shoes are really handy or footy) 

3. Tissues and Asprin

4. Pen and Paper

5. Hair stuff: ties, pins, hairspray, brush

6. Extra clothes. Something simple like shorts and a T-shirt is always good. Also throw in some extra underwear. 

7. Scissors and tape

8. Water bottles

9. Snack that won't go bad (granola bars)

10. Playing Cards 

11. Nail file and clippers

12. Pepper Spray

13. Pocket Knife (I have 5 brothers)

14. Gum or mints

15. I believe every car should have silverware. 

Plastic is fine but napkins and either some forks or spoons. 

(Its easier to eat pasta with a spoon than soup with a fork)

By -J what are your essentials?

These were submitted by my good friend:

Masseuse

Facialist (is that a thing)

Pen that looks like a camera

Heeleys

Belly button ring

Kitten

YouTube Videos of the day.

Who doesn't love YouTube.

You look up a music video and 4 hours later, 

You know how to 

change a tire, 

talk to a giraffe, 

reorganize everything in your house, 

DIY everything in your house,

recycle everything in your house, 

and so much more.

But I decided to gather some of my favorite YouTube videos

From Music to Comedy here are some of my favorites.

 7 second challenge with Miranda Sings and Zoella

This will knock your socks off, also check out both of these ladies they are fantastic

There is also this show called Improvaganza

 and there are like 40 episodes and its a comedy show and its fantastic. (might be a little mature for under 16)

I am currently in love with Once Upon a Time 

and so when I heard Colin was in a music video I had to watch it. I was not disappointed.

The Words by Christina Perri 

Also my new "jam" as my friend and I like to call them is 

Shut up and Dance

The music video is really strange but I love the song.

Okay these guys are the best 10 minute comedians. 

Actually they are just two guys that started a Youtube show but they are extremely funny.

Good Mythical Morning

I guess I can't really explain why kid voices on adults are funny but if you haven't seen Kid Snippets you are missing out. And this one is my favorite, probably because I've been in dance class for years and even tried teaching. 

Dance Class

Miranda Sings, Mamrie Hart, Zoella, Jenna Marbles, Rhett and Link, Grace Helbig, and so many more..

Seriously Youtube is the best!

By -J

What are your favorite things to watch?

Black and Brown, Yes or No?

One of the greatest debates.

Can I wear black and brown together?

Okay so it might not be a huge dilemma to other people but I'm constantly trying to figure it out. 

I like to think I'm fashion conscious, 
but I'm mostly aware of what looks good on me. 

I don't have a fantastic body,I'm working on that, 
but I do like to think I dress appropriately for it. 

Anyway back to the original question.
 I 'm sitting at work in a dark green dress with a thin dark brown belt at the waist and a black cardigan. 

So I ask again, can I wear black and brown together?

My general rule because I looovveee black clothes

 (not sure why but I tend to buy a lot of black)

is to avoid black and brown for the simple idea that some shades don't look good together. 

I tend to only wear a dark brown with a solid black. 

I avoid tan and black just as a personal preference.

And as an avid grey lover, 
seriously my closet is really dark, 

I shy away from grey and brown. 

Here are some pictures from Polyvore to illustrate my ramblings. 

So do you agree?

By -J

You did good.

I'm writting on a Sunday although I might way to press publish. Today I just feel content with everything. 

I'm sitting on a swing outside at my sisters house watching her dog listening to a bee buzz by and leaving are falling like rain. The sun is hot and bright and I am wishing for summer at the beach. 

I wanted to share all this with you because I feel as though sometimes we forget the good. We forget to share the days where we feel good. Not hurried, not behind, not rushing or to busy to stop and breath, let alone think. 

I think we forget to share the days where our laziness is justified. Because we worked hard, we met our deadlines, we payed our dues, we spent the time doing the nesscesary  to enjoy the easy days. 

We rush through the bad hoping to arrive at a good 

but at the same time we find ourselves consumed with doing nothing. But we can't ever turn it all off, can we? 

We can always think of "something" to do but we need those moments where there is nothing but us. 

We need moments to say "hey self, you did good" 

Remind yourself that you see the hard work you do,

 the hours you spend, the energy given to others. 

You might believe that it doesn't matter or that you don't need the praise but be proud of yourself, of your work. 

I'm sitting on a swing enjoying the most beautiful day in weeks, and I'm telling myself, 

You did good. 

You handled "that" well

You "looked" fantastic 

You "encouraged" them perfectly

You did good. 

If you don't feel like you need to tell yourself 

I'll speak for you....

YOU did good. 

Or maybe you feel like you didn't do good. 

Well there is always next week. 

To my love BuzzFeed,

This week has been major cra cra as I try and finish up some online classes that should have been done already. Should we refer to the procrastination blog post now or later?

Anyway I felt bad about not posting but was super excited to see over 100 pages views in my first month of blogging! 

Yay! thanks to any and everyone who even clicked and looked, you made my January. 

Now since I don't have a fantastic, totally awesome and slightly sarcastic blog post I decided t0 just share my love of Buzzfeed. 

If you do not know this amazing thing you are on my list. 

This can't even be called a website its more like the entire wonderfullness of the internet in one amazing company. They do articles and gif lists and videos and quizzes and so many things I can't even count. They are amazing and my absolute dream job in another life would be working for them or just watching people work for them because I'm pretty sure that would be just as entertaining. 

Anyway Buzzfeed is kind of known for their quizzes and I decided to round up some of my favorites for you to try out. 

Which Oscar Nominee are you?

And if you don't know what the Oscars are refer to my post Award Shows Explained. 

Can you Identify a chip Flavor just by looking at it?

This is fantastic because the chip ID committee is hiring!

(not a real thing;)

And anything that has to do with Disney or Mean Girls Buzzfeed has that covered!

How Many Of These Lesser-Known Animated Disney Movies Have You Seen?

Can you make fetch happen?

They even challenge you to be better!

Check out BuzzFeed Quizzes

And let me know your results on Twitter or Instagram

@By_J.Blogger

@ByJ.blogger

Its been a tough day

It's one of those interesting days.

You have a plan but it just doesn't go your way. 

Through a series of events I'm working on Friday and then headed to dinner at the beach with my sister/GALentine. 

Its days like today where I feel

rushed and behind on everything,

 that I always look for a little bit of encouragement. 

So from me to you, 

You CAN do it.

It's tough, its long, its a lonely road sometimes

 but its a road we have to travel. 

Don't drag your heels because 

A. it will take longer and you will be miserable longer and 

B. Your heels are much to pretty to be dragged.

Now some inspiration pictures and quotes.

 This is a good reminder of the power of positive thinking.
My day was fine until I remembered the mountain of things I was going to get done.

 I have to remember my mission. 
To put myself aside and be there for others.
To help others.

Sometimes the best way to start over is to be relax and take a deep breathe. 

I can do and I will do it.

I hope you all have a fantastic 

GALentines and Valentines day. 

By -J

Online Shopping!

I love to online shop. 

I don't usually buy anything because I am a very picky 

person and I know what will look good on me. 

But it's still fun to look :)

As much as I love it there are a few snags....

Like...

Free shipping is fantastic but do you notice you always have to spend $50

Or this 

You would think I could at least remember it but I feel like that would be way to dangerous. 

This one always makes me laugh...

#poorgirlproblems #studentproblems #firstworldproblems

Or when you do decide you can spend some $$$ you can't decide what to buy!

Poor Amazon workers:(

But on the bright side there are stores out there that sell these..

French fry leggings. 

Thank you internet!

Head over to Pinterest to see my board on

Online Shopping tips and sites!

I found most of them on Pinterest but they seem like good ideas ;)

By -J

Favorite place to online shop?

Award Shows Explained

Are you lost when it comes to Award Shows?

Emmy, Grammy, Tony, Oscar, Golden Globe?

Are these terms foreign and confusing?

These is a breakdown of the more popular award shows. 

So 2015 Kicked off with the Golden Globes

Golden Globe

This award show is one big party. Actors and movie people literally get together to award each other and party.

Usually hosted by comedians this Award show is one of the better ones.  With categories including movies and TV shows this is my favorite show. 

These are some of my favorites looks from 2015

Next you have to Screen Actors Guild Awards or better known as the SAG awards and they are not all the popular but its fun to look at the results the next day. 
They award the best of film and television. 

You have the BAFTA awards which honestly is new to be but a lot of British actors are there so I recommend at least looking into it.  

Now we have the Grammy Awards. I don't care so much about this award show because it has a lot of musical performances and I'm not really into Pop or Rap or Miley Cyrus. 
Basically a lot of musicians at a concert for other famous musicians. 
And Kanye does something stupid every time. 

That brings us to the Academy Awards or what I like to call The Oscars.
Heads up if you do not thank the Academy whoever they are you will be banned for life.   
This show is fun even if Neil Patrick Harris is the host again. 
This show is for the best in Movies, Directors, Scores and other technical terms that are so boring there is an 
un-televised event for those winners. 
This show is actually not bad to watch. 

Next are the Tony awards. I LOVE this one because its for the best on stage. For actors, for musicals and plays and costumes! and they even preview some of the shows that win. I love Broadway so this is my favorite award show. Not a lot of household names but the music is fantastic.  

Lastly, We have the Emmy Awards. These are for excellence in Television so if you are a TV buff mostly your shows will be nominated. This is a fun show to watch. 

But my favorite way to watch any award show is to record it and watch it alone so I can fast forward commercials and acceptance speeches. It ridiculous but its me. 

Also fun fact if you win a Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony 
you are an EGOT and only 12 people have won this. 
One of whom is Audrey Hepburn.
By -J
Which award show do you watch and which do you skip? 

Bridal Shower Do's and Do Not's

I recently went to a bridal shower (like 2 hours ago)

and just a few things stuck in my mind. 

So I decided to make a list of Do's and Don'ts. 

Do. Wear something comfy. If are wearing heels it might be better to stick to pants than a short dress. Games can have you up and down and you don't want to flash anyone.

Don't. Do not buy a gift that will sit in the attic. Invest in a something they will use. Pinterest has fantastic ideas on how to wrap adorable baking, cooking and linen gifts. 
Do. Participate. She invited you make an effort to join in, play the games even if they are crazy. 
Don't. Be expected to be invited to the wedding. The bridal shower is easier to be apart of and you may not have made the cut for the wedding. Smile, nod and wish them a very happy day. 
Do. Offer to help clean up. Unless the event is catered and hosted by a club. Offer to help clean, pack up, or carry. 
Don't be caught by the camera. Uncomfortable clothes, go to the bathroom to fix. At showers the camera is always watching be mindful of this. Sit up tall and always have a old rant look. 
Do. Wish the bride the perfect day. 
Ask for a picture if you are close. It will be special for her. 
It's about the Bride don't forget to make her feel special. 
By -J 
Any scary Shower stories? 

Galentines Day

Thank You Amy Poehler!

Thanks to the fantastic show Parks and Recreation we have this wonderful holiday called 

Galentines Day!

In the show nutty but lovable Leslie Knope ( Amy Poehler) invented a holiday to celebrate the girlfriends in her life. February 14th may be for romantic love but February 13th is a day for your gals. Gather the ladies cause its a day to celebrate. 

It really should be celebrated nationally but I know for a fact fans of the show celebrate this special day all over. 

I have 5 sisters and 5 nieces and some good friends that will be getting a gift from me. 

I really wanted to plan a party but unfortunately its been crazy. 

Last year, my first Galentines I simply put together some flower arrangements for my Gals but this year I wanted to do something extra special. 

(Can you tell I'm single?) 

For my very best friend I bought Amy Poehler's new book available on Amazon. 

I'm still looking for my favorite sister 

(shh don't tell the other ones I have a favorite)

And for my other older sisters and nieces

 I'm going to do a gift basket. 

Sparkling Grape Juice with Raspberries 

Bubble bath or Bath Bombs 

Balloons (you can't have a party without balloons)

Cookies

Chocolate

Candy

Flowers

and a handmade card. 

In the words of Nick Offerman "If you love someone make them a card"

I haven't decided how I'm going to wrap it all or if I'm putting it in a basket. 

I'll post pictures when they are ready in the mean time check out my Pinterest board t get ideas. Its not too late to have a party!

Pinterest-Galentines Day

By -J

Have you ever heard of Galentines Day?

Even I can cook this!

Turns out I can cook!

 I didn't post yesterday because I was trying to make stew which turned into hamburger hobo stew. And I'll explain in a minute.  

First, my family has been super busy and my mom has decided that she doesn't want to make a big meal if no one is going to be home so dinner the past couple of months has been easy to make stuff or cereal, lots and lots of cereal. 

Second, I've been doing to grocery shopping lately to because my mom doesn't really like to go out. (This came about mostly because my mom doesn't want to do things)

Third, I don't have a vast knowledge or a ton of time to invest in cooking or finding recipes. So I've been putting off actually making things. 

So, I decided it was time to get a schedule together for the family meals. I really wanted to use the crock pot because of time and energy and I made a fabulous chicken and dumplings last week from this recipe : Chicken and Dumplings

It was fantastic and super easy!

So this week I wanted to try a stew recipe. I found one on Pinterest and made a shopping list but turns out I have maxed out the grocery budget for the month and have to wait a few more days to resupply. 

So this was made with food I already had. Hence the hobo part. 

When I was younger my family had a massive New Years Eve bon fire party and the invite was bring a chair and a can of food. My mom would make this huge pot of "stew" and every can brought no matter what it was (as long as it was meant for humans, don't get me started on the year someone brought cat food) it goes into the pot, then we wash out the cans and eat from them. I don't know how it started but it was awesome. 

Except for the year someone brought peaches that was just nasty!

Anyway back to the point. 

I didn't have stew meat so my sister recommended The Pioneer Woman's Hamburger Soup 

I used most of her recipe while I added a few things. 

I had to feed 6 people so I doubled most of the recipe for left overs. 

But here are some pictures 

My veggies. I added rutabaga because it needed to be cooked.

Personally I don't care for it but it was okay

 Warning Picture of raw meat. (why do people post these)

And the Finished product. 

It was delish!

 I also made some biscuits from Serious Eats

Drop Biscuits

I don't have a picture because they ate them so fast. 

And that's my story of how I decided I could cook. 

These blogger ladies make it so easy and helpful!

By -J

What are your favorite recipes?