~ Holidays in Pictures ~

Wow, what an incredible Christmas this year was! Time with family and friends, great food (way too much food actually!) and incredible celebrations wrapped up just yesterday with the last and final Christmas celebration.  Tomorrow we start celebrating the New Year with laid back family time at our house and an annual family reunion on New Year's Day at a second cousin's home just about 20 minutes away. 

I hope that you all have had wonderful holiday celebrations of your own!  I will leave you with a few pics from some celebrating at our home.

This is a classic Jessy (me!:) laugh - and the reason I know I need to replace all my mercury with white fillings :)

My precious 22 month old baby girl, Gabrielle....I could kiss her all day long!

  With my gorgeous husband on Christmas Eve (the first family/friends Christmas gathering at our home this year).  

My Christmas eve attire: Michael Kors red rhinestone embelished sweater / Gold sparkle scarf via TJ Maxx / Gap Long and Lean 1969 Flare Jeans (not pictured)/ Invicta square Angel diamond stainless steel chronograph watch (Buy it here now at 86% off!!)

Gabby with her sweet little Ballerina outfit on (a gift from Grandma Jeannie - my mother-in-law :)

Our breakfast room window seat with holly berry wreath - love watching the first snow fall from this spot!

 Front porch and walk as the first snow of the Christmas season began to fall.

 Our hearth room decorated for Christmas :)

 My "Jesus is the Gift" lantern - I got the idea from posts I saw on Pinterest. Used what I already had on hand to come up with my own holiday version. 

Working on my "canvas wall" going up the stairwell. I took these pics with my phone in low lighting so they aren't great, but I will update when I have more of the canvas prints hung and can take the shots with my SLR camera. I wanted to include the railing in the Christmas post - wrapped in greenery, holly, lights and ribbon :)

 Our mischievous Elf on a Shelf, Snow Flake, found his way all around the new house this year. He liked the window seat spot, as well ;)

My "O Holy Night" burlap canvas - LOVE this. I think I just may have to leave it up year round. Perfect match to my decor and the message is wonderful of course! 

 My little girl enjoying her first snow fall!

Christmas present to myself - I updated my bedding with a set I had been watching for months. I figured since I still wanted it after so long and now could get 20% off I should just go for it. So glad that I did.....love it :) (Find it at Bed, Bath and Beyond)

XO

Jessy 

Cyber Monday and Traveling update!

Hi! 

I am updating from the road as we travel back from our annual Thanksgiving migration down south to spend time with the family in Tampa, FL. It was a wonderful time as always. While it was only about 25 degrees and snowing in Cincinnati we were hanging out on the beach or playing at Busch Gardens in 70 degree weather in Florida. It was a good time to be there weather wise! 

So since I was taking a 14 hour road trip to see the family comfort was the most important factor in these outfits. Our trip was really broken up since we actually stopped at 3 different places for a day or two here and there before reaching our final destination. It also required that I be able to take off layers and slip on different shoes, etc. as the temps warmed up. 

 Express Zelda Barely Bootcut Jeans (here) / Mossimo wedges from Target (old) / Cowl neck oversized Cashmere sweater via TJ Maxx / Emma Fox Cambridge Satchel  (similar here and MK version here) 

 "Shiva" tunic in Charcoal via Athleta (now on SALE here!) / Express classic black leggings / Vest via Target (old) / Sweater Infinity Scarf via Victoria's Secret (free with sweater purchase) / Hunter Tall Classic rainboots in black (website here) 

Mossimo pullover sweater via Target (Cyber Monday Sale!) / A.N.A. skinny Jeans via JC Penney (old) / Madden Girl boots (old) / Infinity Scarf via Target (old)

*Not pictured above is this perfect light weight (but so warm!) tunic length parka from North Face that I brought along - here. *Offered for 2 day free shipping on TNF website now for Cyber Monday. (pic from web)
"Osito Parka"

We will be home in the next few hours and while the temps keep dropping the closer to home we get I am still warmed at the thought of seeing our house, our neighborhood, our dog, our friends, etc. It always feels amazing to arrive back home :)  The best part about coming home from this trip every year is that as soon as we arrive it's time to go get our tree and start decorating for Christmas - my very favorite time of year. 

I hope that you all had wonderful Thanksgiving with your families and ate way too much (but oh so good!) food - I know that I sure did!

Before I go I would like to share some of my favorite Cyber Monday deals that I am enjoying from my laptop on the road - Enjoy!

Athleta: "CYBER20" - Extra 20% off all sale items and 20% off all winter (LOVE this top!)

Express: 40% off EVERYTHING + Free Shipping (BEST leggings ever!)

J.Crew: "MONDAY" - 30% off Online AND In stores + Free Shipping (Love this tee!)

Grandin Road ( I LOVE this catalog for really unique quality gifts :): "CYBER2013" - 25% site wide + Free Shipping (Just ordered one of these for starters!)

XO

Jessy 

If the Cape Fits......

I have to admit that I LOVE wearing capes/ponchos in the Fall as much as I love wearing maxi-dresses in the summer. They are a staple for me and I have them in many different colors and styles. I am sure if you look at this blog again this fall you will be more, but for today I have pics of a few that I have been enjoying so far.

Above: Carolyn Taylor Cable Knit Poncho via TJ Maxx (old) similar here and here / Denim button down shirt via Old Navy (old - similar here) / Leggings via Express (here) / Zara Riding boots (old) 

Above: Kate Landry navy blue cape/poncho via Dillard's (here) / ING stripe tunic via Dillard's (similar here in chevron print) / HUE jeggings via Macy's (old) / Old Navy red flats (here) / Emma Fox satchel via TJ Maxx (find similar here and here)

 Above: Steve Madden Poncho ( I LOVE this cape - my fav ever :) in grey here / Express black leggings (here) / Express leopard infinity scarf (here) / Athleta Shiva tunic in nightshade purple (here) / Madden Girl boots (old) / Emma Fox satchel-

.

I hope that you all had a wonderful weekend and a great start to the next week! 

XO 

Jessy 

Trying to catch up!

It's been a while!  I just can not seem to catch up around here and honestly this blog always gets pushed to the back burner. I have so much fun doing this, but my need for sleep often overrules - LOL :) 

Oh well.....here is a bit of what I have been wearing lately.

 Above: Nine West bag (sold out) / Tory Burch Peep Toe Wedge Espadrilles (no longer available) / I.N.C. pleated skirt (old) / Mossimo Sweatshirt via Target (last season) / Scarf via TJ Maxx / Stella & Dot Rebel pendant / Stella & Dot Renegade Bracelet / Michael Kors Watch

Express Stella Slim Flare Jean (here) / Banana Republic leopard print calf hair peep toe pumps (sold out - similar here) / Steve Madden fringe bag ( old - similar here or here) / Blazer from TJ Maxx (old)/ Michael Kors watch / Misc jewelry from boutiques

Above: Michael Kors Trench (sold out everywhere I could find but possibly here and similar here) / Joe Fresh print dress via JCP (sold out but similar here) / Banana republic nude pumps (similar here) / Blazer from TJ Maxx (old) / Stella & Dot Renegade bracelet / Michael Kors goldtone watch / Stella & Dot Rebel Pendant 

**Pair of tiny little gold tone feet on my lapel - received this evening while attending St. Elizabeth's Women's Center Annual banquet. Represents one of the many lives saved by this incredible organization who strives to educate women about the lives of their unborn babies and end abortions. This is the "sister" organization to where I work as a women's counselor. Very near and dear to my heart!

 Calvin Kline Floral Print Sundress (old) / Max Studio 100% cashmere cardigan  (similar here and I LOVE this one!)/ Infinity Scarf from local boutique / Silver ballet flats (old)

Well, that is all for now. I hope to be back sooner than later and look forward to taking a few minutes now to check out all the lovely blog posts you have all updated recently! 

XO

Jessy 

Weekend of Dresses

It has been super dry here and Friday night the heavens opened up! We have certainly made up for all the rain we haven't been getting in the last month or so. Time to break out the Hunters for my afternoon appointments :)

Joe Fresh dress via JCPenney (no longer available) / Old Navy Jean Jacket (here) / Hunter rain boots - original (here) / Michael Kors watch / Tiffany & Co. heart charm bracelet / Nine West bag (sold out - see others here)

Saturday was "date night" with my husband.  We went out to dinner to a place downtown called 360.  It is at the top of a hotel and it slowly revolves so that it goes completely around the top in 1 hour giving you amazing views of the downtown skyline, the river, the stadiums and the hills of Ohio and Kentucky river valley. It was so nice since we got there about 20 minutes before sunset and finished up our very relaxing visit by enjoying the city all lit up and even a fireworks show in the distance over the river banks.

  Banana Republic Dress (no longer available) / Steve Madden Leather moto Jacket (old - love this option) / Banana Republic Peep Toe Leopard pumps (similar here) / Stella & Dot Rebel Pendant / Braided gold tone bracelet via JewelMint

And Sunday was a much more relaxed but very crisp day (a PERFECT fall day!) so boots and jean jacket again were again the uniform paired with today's dress.

Madden Girl boots (old) / Old Navy Jean Jacket (here) / Dress via Macy's (old)
(I totally forgot to put on jewelry until rigth before I walked out the door so it's not pictured here - sorry! ;)

 

Okay, so I know these were all from last weekend...sorry! It's been a VERY busy week. 

I hope that everyone is starting to enjoy a little "fall-like" weather in your part of the country.If you enjoy it as much as I do, that is!  

XO

Jessy 

Kate Spade

A little Kate Spade goes along way........

 BTW: I am soooo sorry for the dirty mirror. I have no idea what is on the mirror, but venture to say my 18 month old daughter who loves to play in mommy's closet is responsible.  I will grab the Windex and clean this up now - sorry!

Kate Spade "Constance" sweater dress (Nordstrom's  - very limited supplies) / Mossimo wedges via Target (old) / Infinity scarf via local boutique / Michael Kors watch

Hi All~

I hope that you all are having an incredible week so far!  I am having a great week and wearing this Kate Spade jewel tone dress today made me feel so feminine and lovely.  Isn't it funny how a piece of clothing can lighten our step and brighten our mood?  That isn't just me is it?!  

To top it all off who is having a 2 day 75% off sale?? KATE SPADE - no kidding :) 

You can check out the sale here! 

So many lovely pieces on sale it's hard to pick just one!! 

Happy Wednesday Lovelies :)

XO

Jessy

A walk, a concert and OOTD

What an incredible weekend - and incredibly busy for sure!  What else is new for this family? LOL We started off Friday with some of our great friends from high school and their kids coming over and hanging out. It was such a gorgeous night and we were able to enjoy a bonfire - even making smores for all of the kids (and maybe a couple for the adults! :)

Saturday morning was the Walk For Life event put on by the organization that I am a Client Educator/Counselor for, PregnancyCare of Cincinnati.  If you saw Friday's post then you know that I had not one but 2 speeches that I had been asked to give at that event. Well, I did it and I think it went great!  The most rewarding part was all of the people that came up to me during the event to tell me how much they enjoyed my speech and personal story. Even with tears in their eyes - that was powerful and humbling!  Amazing morning with my family and supporting this amazing ministry!

My youngest son posing for a quick picture with me after the first speech and my finishing the 5k :)

Tenth Avenue North performing!

We wrapped up the weekend by going to see the Christian pop band Tenth Avenue North perform. What a great concert!  Full of lots of young people and youth in the community - all raising their hands and worshiping God as Tenth Avenue North performed. It was amazing! 

During the concert my youngest son, Parker (pictured with me at the race above) says, "Thanks for taking me here tonight mom. I really like this concert!" - it was the first concert he has ever attended at just 7 years old. These are the moments that makes a momma's heart swell!

And finally, I do have an outfit post from this weekend for you. Our mornings have been starting out pretty chilly (mid-50's) and then warming up nicely to high 70's so this outfit was perfect. 

Cardigan: via Target Mossimo (old) / American Eagle peep toe wedges (old) / J. Crew Linen City mini skirt (purchase here) / Forever 21 Polka Dot top (old) / Michael Kors Blair watch (here) / Tiffany & Co. Heart tag charm bracelet (here) / Turquoise and silver ring from boutique (similar here)

Happy Monday everyone!

XO

Jessy 

SOOOO Nervous!

Happy Friday Everyone :)

  We have finally gotten some amazing fall like weather here in Cincinnati after weeks of high high humidity and heat - yuk!  Big fluffy white clouds in the sky, gorgeous sunshine, a light breeze and a high of 70 degrees - YES!!!! 

Above: Fold over top Maxi-Skirt via Target (old - similar here) / Open Weave Sweater via TJ Maxx / Cami via Target (old) /  Michael Kors Blair watch (here) / Pearl and Shell necklace (old)

Above: A.N.A capri via JC Penney (old) / INC tunic (gift from a friend!) / BCBG wedge sandals via DSW (old) / Stella & Dot Renegade bracelet / Michael Kors Runway watch (here)

Today I wanted to share with you 2 outfits from this week. One from just 2 days ago when it was 92 degrees and then one from today for the 70 degree weather - oh, nothing like going back and forth from summer to fall day to day. I am sure we will have many more hot days before Autumn truly sets in around here. I am trying to enjoy the final days of my summer wardrobe while I can :)

 

Okay, so now to get to the title of this post - SOOOO nervous! Well, here is why: I am a Client Educator/Counselor at PregnancyCare of Cincinnati and tomorrow is our Annual "Walk for Life" event.  I was asked to address the crowd 2 separate times tomorrow...once before the 5k and once just before lunch a couple of hours later. I don't have to speak for long (only  about 10 minutes each time), but I am so nervous nonetheless!  I am not a "public speaker". I would greatly appreciate as many wonderful thoughts and prayers that you can send my way. I just want to accurately depict PCC to everyone at the event, that I don't shake while I am talking and that I say some things that would move people to want to donate or volunteer in order to help this amazing organization to reach more women and more babies in need. Thank you all so much in advance!

I hope you all enjoy your weekend!

XO

Jessy