Seven Style Notes

Pain, Purpose, and Sometimes God Surprises You

2011-09-24T23:31:00.001-04:00

Bit of Humor to begin: Sometimes, I wish Dr. House could diagnose my medical issues...

You know. Without being super-mean about it. (I love this cartoon.)

Just like that.

Just like that, everything changed.

About six weeks ago, the pain began. I remember it, the moment something began to feel off. It was an ordinary morning. I woke up, and my back hurt a whole lot. It was a deep ache across my shoulders and most of my lower back. It hurt to move, too. This had never happened. I thought I had slept funny and, in essence, shrugged it off. But a couple days later, it was worse; extending into my low back and right side. Even laying down hurt--the pressure on these strange sore spots made it impossible to get comfortable. I could barely sleep. I knew something was wrong.

I got a quick doctor's appointment for the next day. Unfortunately, not with my regular doctor. The woman that examined me clearly did not know what the issue was, and told me it was most likely sciatica. Sciatica. Obviously, I didn't believe that for a minute. Frustrated, I called back the next day and told them things were getting serious--worse. I was in tears. I wanted them to actually look at the urinalysis the nurse took. Maybe it was a kidney thing, I didn't know. All I knew is that this was not sciatica, and not normal. The nurse told me over the phone that there was a trace of blood in my urine, so my real doctor wanted to start me on an antibiotic and come back in to give another urine sample, so they could perform a complete culture. I did.

The next day... Oh, the pain. I barely slept at all the previous night. I couldn't lay down. I felt like I was in a total trance. And the pain was the worst I'd ever felt. I went to the emergency room. They did blood tests and performed a CT scan looking for a kidney stone. I still had blood in my urine, so the doc really felt that's what it was. The CT scan didn't show anything, but after giving me two full bags of fluid through an IV, he assured me it had most likely been flushed out. He gave me some "Vicodin lite" for the "spasming" I was most likely still experiencing and sent me out the door. Thing is, I just got the feeling this wasn't a kidney stone.

I think we all have a sixth sense--one that knows when something is off. Especially when it comes to our own bodies. I had that. And when the toradol started to wear off from the hospital, I was in worse pain than when I went in. This time, the pain was in the pelvic area. It was crippling, and I was literally in a ball on my bed. It burned and twisted and stabbed. I finally passed out, exhausted. The pain eased up for a few days.

I wrote a post about three weeks ago during this period, explaining my absence from blogging, about the kidney stone. But I never posted it. Call it that sixth sense, I just didn't think that the post would end up being the end of my story. It wasn't.

Five days later, I was back in the ER with the worst leg pain of my life. It ran from my ankles to my groins, a constant, steady ache with stabs that would randomly fire off through my muscles. They gave me another IV, and morphine this time, while taking more tests. The doctor wanted to check for aortic aneurysm and dissection; another CT scan. It came back normal. They sent me on my way... again.

When I got back at home, I laid down to go to sleep. This is where things began to spiral out of control. I was exhausted from the pain, and from spending the previous night in the hospital. I hadn't slept in well over 24 hours. I still couldn't do it. Laying down was pure agony. The pain now extended from my ankles to my lower back, just under my ribcage. It was spreading up my body.

Two hours later, I was back in the ER.

I was pretty beside myself at this point. I saw several doctors, and they assured me that I was not going to die that day (it really felt like I might), despite the obvious pain and emotionally unstable state I was in. They said they've ruled out everything that might be immediately serious, and they were going to admit me to the hospital for the night to keep running tests. From there, it was just a fog of tests, oxycodone and eventually, in bursts, after over 48 hours, sleep.

They released me from the hospital scratching their heads the next morning, after running a gamut of blood tests, ultrasounds, scans. Inadvertently, you find things along the way. Like 1) I am borderline anemic and will probably need iron supplements soon and 2) I have a cyst in my sinuses. But they found nothing that could have caused the pain. They were stumped.

From that point, I would go back to the ER two more times for chest pain, have another CT scan, two more MRIs and an EMG. But I already knew what I had. Ironically, I was basically self-diagnosed.

My dad decided to type in some of my symptoms on WebMD's Symptom Checker after my third trip to emergency, and like the miracle from heaven that it was, fibromyalgia came up. (Although I was thankful, so thankful, my tests were coming up normal, I just needed to know what I was fighting--the not-knowing was the worst.) I read through the major symptoms; there were about 15. I had 14. I started doing more research, and it just sounded exactly like me, what I was feeling, things that I didn't even know where part of the problem. And as it turns out, this has probably been a long time coming.

I had to go through the entire spectrum of testing, but nurses and people I talked to kept saying the same thing from that point on: Fibromyalgia. I started to let it sink in, accept it.

There is no cure, only treatment to control the symptoms. I will probably have flare-ups. I will probably have bad days where I just want to lay in bed. I will probably have better days where the pain is mostly background noise. But there's one thing I know: I don't want this syndrome to define me. I don't want it to stop my life. I won't let it.

I've decided that God has a plan for everything, and I strongly feel that this is His plan for me. Something good is going to come of this. So many people, doctors even, dismiss these symptoms, because there is no life-threatening cause. But, really, there is. Many fibromyalgia victims simply stop living because the pain is so debilitating. So, in essence, this syndrome needs to start being treated like a life-threatening disease. It stops life in its tracks, and I feel so sad about that. I mourn. So, I've decided maybe I can be a voice for chronic pain... for women. Somehow.

Did you know that nine out of 10 fibromyalgia sufferers are women? Women are four times more likely to be diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome? Women are three times more likely to have migraines, many of them chronic? We women feel more pain. But I don't want pain to stop our lives.

Will you do me a favor? Will you say a prayer for all the women, and simply people, who suffer from chronic pain? Please? Pray for strength, for freedom, for life.

Glam•our, n.

2011-09-01T23:10:00.001-04:00

Lots of things can be glamorous.

A runway design can be glamorous. Flipping through September issues all afternoon can be glamorous. Wearing your beat-in old combat boots with a ballerina skirt can be glamorous. Heck, I'm reading a book called The Glamour of Grammar, so I guess punctuation and sentence structure can have some real flair, too.

I don't know what the official definition of glamour is, and I'm not even going to bother looking it up. But since it's a word I keep thinking about, here's what it looks like to me:

Glamour, n. 1. Originality, creativity; beauty--but not necessarily in the conventional sense. 2. Wearing what you want, because you feel good in it. 3. Optimism; leaps of faith. 4. The moment you start enjoying the rain instead of the fact your hair is getting wet. 5. Smiling, and making others smile. 6. Quiet confidence so loud everyone notices--no, that is not an oxymoron.

I think glamour is a lot of things. I think only you can define it. And most importantly, I think all variations have just one common thread: It's real--whatever real means to you.

we heart it

How do you define glamour?

LUSTING: Missoni for Target Lookbook

2011-08-17T18:23:00.001-04:00

First of all, thank you for your concerns and prayers regarding my diagnosis. The outpouring of love and support has been absolutely amazing--more than I could ever ask for. You all are the best, and have lifted my spirits more than you can possibly imagine. I am doing my best to soldier the beginning of this syndrome, which I know will be the worst part. I have to stop jumping at every pang and wondering what's wrong. I'm learning to better trust God's plan for my life, and right there, fibromyalgia has already presented me with a great gift.

Now. Onto more fun-talk.

Kiddos, I am hardly in the state to be bouncing around stores looking for the fall fashion goods (I do it a little anyway, but ssshhhhh), so I am particularly thankful for online shopping and beautiful Lookbooks.

I've been anxiously anticipating Missoni for Target, and the Lookbook finally hit the internet today. I am a big Missoni fan, and as far as mass retail stores go... Well, I basically live at Target. (I mean, I don't even have to leave the store to get my Starbucks fix!!)

Have you seen the Lookbook yet? If not, check it out. Here are a few of my favorite fashion-y things from the collection.

I've got to admit, a lot of the collection is a little too much for my everyday dressing, but I am obsessing over the accessories. Those pumps, that hat and those headscarves need to be mine when the line drops in stores next month.

What do you guys think? Did you guys like what the Missoni for Target collaboration came up with? Spill time.

Miss you all!

xo,
Jenna

P.S.
Also, YourTango is having a giveaway! If you'd like to win a gift pack based on the film One Day, you can enter here. (And I'm reading the book now, so don't spoil anything for me, 'kay!? ;)

Let's Grab Coffee! 5 Things I'm Excited About Right Now.

2011-06-22T13:34:00.000-04:00

One for you, and one for me. :)

Hi y'all!

Did you miss me over the past few days (or, y'know, months)?? I missed you.

T-H-I-S M-U-C-H!!!

I had the pleasure of catching up on many of your blogs (it's a long list, so if I haven't caught you yet, expect a visit in the very near future!), which are all looking pretty darn fabulous. If I do say so myself. I can't wait to get back into the old swing of things. Now, onto the goods of this post.

Well, I've had a few days to let my Seven Style Notes relaunch sink in, and you know what? I. Am. Still. So. Excited. AH!

Part of my return included drawing up an outline of what I wanted to create on the blog, and here's what I came up with. Five things. And I'm really excited about them! (Like, duh. *Points to title of post*)

I'd absolutely love to get some feedback from you guys. Honest, real feedback... totally feel free to tell me if these ideas suck, but do keep in mind this post is called "5 Things I'm Excited About" so try not to absolutely stomp on my poor ego. But still. Be honest.

1. Outfit posts. Here's the thing: I have some great clothes. What style-obsessed gal doesn't? But here's another thing: I don't wear nearly enough of them. Working from home has made me lazy. I need people to keep me accountable, and to make me take fun outfit photos. With, like, fun scenic backgrounds and everything, too. Thus, I will be trying for that once a week, maybe twice if I can scrape together that sort of motivation. Wish me luck.

2. Listicles. I friggin' love listicles! From stuff like "7 Reasons I Miss the '90s" (because I do) to "10 Things You Didn't Know About Moi" (when I'm feeling extra self-centered), expect me to make lists and attempt some some humorous anecdotes. Actually, let's just call them "witty anecdotes." Don't wanna set the bar too high...

3. StyleStuff. I remember way back when, I used to do posts about things that inspired me at any given moment. For example, it might be a ridiculously chic spread in Elle or a trend that I was obsessed with (um, hello: SEQUINS). I really want to get back to that. To StyleStuff. Because I love inspiration. Which leads me to...

4. Life Lessons. I love inspiration, but I also love to inspire. If that's at all possible. Sometimes, I write posts about silly little ideas that pop into my head, but I like the quasi-serious topics, too. Once, I wrote a post about smiling more often, which got a great response. So little, but so important! I learn a little more everyday; about myself, about life, about living. Let's talk about it, and I hope you'll teach me what you learn, too.

5. Community. The goal of SSN, to me, has always been that "community feel." Or, really, just creating an intimate environment where friends can come and talk. I wanted to maintain a blog that felt like an easy conversation, like we were all totally just sitting at a coffee shop and laughing over a cup of joe and some fun chit-chat. Of course, to reach this goal again, I am going to need you. (Yes, YOU.) So, how about it?

Grab your cup of coffee (or, if you're like me, your Starbucks Venti Chai) and let's talk. And have some fun. Like the good ol' days (just BETTER). I can't wait.

Until next time...

xo,

Jenna

P.S.
From now on, the "real" posts begin. See you around!

I'm Baaaaack... And Ready to Explain my Blogship Crisis.

2011-06-18T01:50:00.004-04:00

Me? Fickle? Nahhhh... (OK, fine. It's just part of my charm, though.)

Around February of this year, Seven Style Notes and I got into a major fight. And after a lengthy time without communication and my failed attempt to walk away, I'm throwing in the towel and calling truce.

Here's how it went down, y'all: I was feeling stifled by the content of this site. Fashion? Eh, I just wasn't sure my heart was in it anymore. I was dabbling in career and lifestyle writing, with a little bit of dating stuff on the side. Basically, I wanted to see other blogs... but Seven Style Notes just wasn't having it. So, I plodded along in our blogship, barely posting, and halfheartedly writing the posts that I did pen, until one day, I just gave up.

I walked out on SSN. I packed up my posts and peaced out. I thought it'd be so easy to leave... I mean, I had another cute blog lined up over on WordPress. I was off to bigger and better things. Right?

Oh-oh-oh, NO, lovelies. How quickly I forgot all the good times. Posts like this one, for example, where I expressed my love and devotion for SSN. All the great comments and discussion, all the friends I'd made and the posts I'd shared... gone. My new blog just wasn't what it was cracked up to be. Sure, it was good-looking on the surface, but it was largely shallow. (What had I become?? A superficial blogger???!!!) That's when it hit me: I'd made a mistake. I needed to make it right. So, like you sometimes have to do, I came back with a plan to make it better again... to get back the old me and the old SSN. With a twist, of course.

Today, I am relaunching Seven Style Notes. I gave it a makeover for a fresh start in this new era of our blogship. And although my mood swings might be giving you whiplash by now, I hope you'll give me another chance to get back to my roots, my first love: Style. Flat-out, awesome, inspiring style. What this blog was always supposed to be about.

So, yes. I'm ready to post again, to chat again and to hang out again... really.

Do I regret leaving the blog? Only a little. But mostly, I think it was the right move. Why? Well, I went off looking for a new voice, but found I'd lost my real one. The one I wasn't entirely sure I had to begin with. This one. The one I created right here on SSN. With all of you.

Will you join me for Round Two of Seven Style Notes? I hope so. I've missed you all!

(Oh, yeah. And I think SSN and I are going to have a much better blogship from now on... more to come.)

XO,

Jenna

Instant Replay: My Most Popular Post Of All Time... That You've Probably Never Read.

2011-03-09T01:30:00.004-05:00

Hey readers!

You know when you're proud of something and you really want to share it with the world? That's what this post is all about. I was scrolling through archives and stumbled across this: something I wrote last September on unconventional beauty. I published this back when my blog was itty-bitty, and pretty much no one read it... at the time. Through the magic of Google, it is now my most-viewed post ever. Since most of you probably don't Google my blog or posts, you probably have not read this. Unless you've been along for my blogging adventure since Day 1... Not many of you.

So, I'm replaying it. Because I want to. And it's my blog. And I can. And all that good stuff. And it inspired my post on Smarter.com for today (which I will link when it goes live). UPDATE: You can read more here.

But mostly, I just think its message is as true today as it was back then and will be a hundred years from now. Enjoy.

***

Happy Wednesday, My Beautiful Readers!

There has been something bothering me lately, and I figured I would just get it off my chest. It has to do with beauty. Let me explain.

I am frustrated with the amount of girls who can only point out the negatives in their appearances. The ones who think they're too heavy, too pale, too old, too ________. Feel free to fill in the blank. I bet you know what I'm talking about.

They don't feel beautiful, and it's disheartening. Who decides what's beautiful, anyway? Forget conventional beauty. Let's embrace imperfection, shall we?

The ladies in the pictures above represent the non-ideal. They all have "flaws", but I think those make them interesting. I hope they never change them. Kirsten Dunst has been criticized for her crooked smile. Michelle Williams' pixie-like looks aren't those of a Hollywood prototype. And Kate Bosworth is often forced into contacts so her different-colored eyes don't distract movie-going audiences. Sad!

I love all these oddities! For me, I like to see beauty in flaws. Why? Because I have them.

I own some scars from cleats scratching skin on a softball diamond. I sport healed gashes on my calf from my ankle braces in basketball. I have a scrape across my knuckles from running into a brick wall due to my less-than-graceful tendencies... My hands sweat a little too much. I can never seem to banish all my complexion woes. I have freckling across my nose from too many long days in the sunshine.

And I used to fret over all that. But then it hit me: All of that just means I've lived.

Lately, I've started to realize that there are two choices. Focus on the negative aspects of your appearance, the things you don't love about yourself, and live in this flawed perception, or embrace the flaws and come to the conclusion that you're beautiful. You are beautiful. So am I. So are we all.

I'm choosing to embrace that. I'm getting there.

Today was sort of an epiphany day for me. I feel like I'm becoming the person I was always supposed to be. I feel pretty. I feel confident. And it's not because I don't have problems--I absolutely do. But my flaws are what shape me into the unique person that I am. My flaws have helped me to feel more flawless. I feel empowered, inspired, amazed. My wish for you is to feel this same way.

I promise that if you find your inner-beauty, you'll find your inner-peace.

xo,
J

With Love...

2011-02-26T13:26:00.001-05:00

Here's what I've been thinking about lately. Inspiring things. Hope you've been doing the same. Here's to you and all your dreams...

What inspires you?

God bless.

xo,
Jenna

Best & Worst of NYFW So Far

2011-02-12T12:41:00.002-05:00

Hey lovelies!

Let's talk fashion, y'all.

I do love me some New York Fashion Week. I eagerly await for the runway photos to drop on style.com so I can dissect the best and worst looks of the season to come. And although there's Spring/Summer collections in the fall, I love Fall/Winter collections the best, don't you? There is something to entirely glamorous about the cool weather (even though I hate it right now, because I hate being perpetually cold...blasted 14 degree days...). But anyway. It's just my favorite!!

So I thought, just for fun, I would share the best and worst looks of the shows so far. I love checking out the styles, and I am pretty much mesmerized, but there are a few looks that make me CRINGE. Nobody's perfect, and no collection is perfect either. Whether I loved the show or wasn't a fan, I'm doing a best and worst for each, that way I am not trashing anyone. Because fashion is art, and everyone has different tastes. OK, so that was my little disclaimer. On to the fun stuff!

Let's take some time gazing at the looks for Fall/Winter 2011, shall we? Follow along.

BCBG Max Azria

BEST:

I love the watercolor effect and the boots under a long skirt. I've got to say, that is one of my favorite new trends. Perfect for spring and fall.

WORST:

My biggest problem with this is that it looks like a bathrobe. And I would not wear a bathrobe out of the house. Anyone with me?

Cynthia Rowley

BEST:

Again, long skirt = love. And I think that bluish-green flower detailing is super-pretty.

WORST:

A metallic trash bag and moccasins? Sign me up, baby.

Doo.Ri

BEST:

She looks like the quintessential New York fashionista. In other words, she's rocking all black and she's fabulous.

WORST:

I wish I knew what was going on with the mid-section here. It makes her look wide. And if an outfit makes a size 0 model look wide, we've got probs.

Jason Wu

BEST:

OK, someone needs to stop my maxi-skirt obsession. But, come on. Isn't this look sleek? It's like a mod version of the ball gown.

WORST:

Two words: Hot mess. The granny look is not very cute

Luca Luca

BEST:

This is an outfit I could imagine someone wearing on the job in NYC. It's sophisticated, yet playful. I love the print and the belt. Gorg.

WORST:

Doesn't work. The print clashes with the cool gray palette. And the fur sticking out of the sleeves and such? I don't get it.

Nicole Miller

BEST:

Love the black and creme look, which for me is the epitome of chic. And I love that the boots offset the blouse, so it's subtly sexy, but not overtly so.

WORST:

Too much fur. Too much suede. Just too much.

Peter Som

BEST:

This really works in terms of metallics. The cognac belt and simple black sleeves break up the look and keep it edgy and fresh.

WORST:

The linebacker look. No, no, no.

Rag & Bone

BEST:

I love creme, and the lines of the coat really work. One of the few looks I liked from this collection.

WORST:

Just sloppy. And I have to call them out here, although I may be in the minority. Note to R&B: I feel like I've seen this show before. After being dubbed one of the best last year, I think they tried to recreate the magic, but didn't give us anything new. Disappointment!

What did you guys think of the shows this week? I would love to hear what you all thought were the best and worst looks and collections.

XO,
Jenna

P.S.
The lovely Leigh featured me on her blog, The Liberty Belle! She's just adorable, so hop on over to read my interview and then give her some follow and comment love, 'kay? Have an awesome weekend.

Guest Post Love: Michaela Mixes Design and Fashion. Amazing!

2011-02-02T00:05:00.002-05:00

Jenna's Note: Hey guys! I have a treat for y'all. The adorable, sweet, lovely, incredible Michaela of Michaela Noelle Designs agreed to guest blog for me this week! (Well, we actually swapped. Fun, right?! You can check out my post on her blog today) And I am so excited to feature her here on SSN. She is just a ray of sunshine, and we share so many of the same loves and beliefs. I am so glad she is my friend and that she took time out of her crazy-hectic schedule to share with us. Awesome, right? Check out her fun post here (it is literally the coolest post idea EVER) and then skip on over to her blog and show her some comment and follow love over there. Her blog is the greatest, she is an overall-style addict (like me!), and is an immensely-talented budding interior designer...I can't wait to watch her star soar in the coming years!

Do enjoy this post!

xo,
Jenna

***

Well hello beautiful readers of Seven Style Notes! I'm Michaela from Michaela Noelle Designs and I'm thrilled to be here (:

I adore Jenna and have loved getting to know her in the past few months through blogging. Isn't she the sweetest?!

I'm an interior design major at Seattle Pacific University and simply adore it. I can't wait to do what I love for the rest of my life! Aside from interior design, I also love fashion. Ruffles, bows, flowers, headbands, shoes, dresses and sweaters. LOTS of sweaters, coats, scarves and hats- what can I say? I'm from California and now living in Washington!

Something I find so fun is how fashion and interior design are so closely related. So today, I'll be fusing the ideas of Jenna's fashion blog and my interior design blog together!

Going from right to left, I'm matching the J. Crew Spring Collection to interior spaces.

1. Yellow/Brown

{Elle Decor}

2. Blue/ Cream

{Sarah Richardson}

3. Light Green/ Brown/ Soft Pink

{Lilly Pulitzer}

4. Light Pink/ Dark Pink

{Elle Decor}

5. Orange/ Coral

{House Beautiful}

6. Blush Pink/ Soft Pink

A little bit of neutral:

7. White/ Gray

See? It's fun! The fashion and interior design world's work hard to be cohesive, moving forward together. This year honeysuckle was deemed the "color of the year" by Pantone.

J. Crew already has some darling pieces in this fabulous color. Can't wait to see more fashion and interiors in this fun pink hue!

Thanks for having me today, Jenna! You're such a doll. I look forward to meeting some of your readers!

xoxo,

Michaela

He's Just Not That Into You. Read It. Embrace It's Truth...

2011-01-21T21:33:00.006-05:00

Hello readers,

Ah, life lessons. Sometimes they come on gradually, and sometimes they come on in one quick rush.

In life, you occasionally experience those "ah-ha" moments. The thing over which you are ah-ha-ing might even be something that deep down you knew already, but just didn't really want to believe. Because frankly, it's hard to accept something that you really wish weren't true. You start resisting, looking for loopholes and giving people the "benefit of the doubt." Which isn't always a bad thing--it's just a bad deal for you when it's keeping you from seeing what is practically smacking you between the eyes.

He's Just Not That Into You was like one, big, ugly book of "ah-ha" revelations about dating and relationships. These are things I have always known and believed, but it was nice to be backed up and validated because I see women just not gettin' it all.the.time. Enter the wake-up call of this book. Every woman should read this book in its annoying and infuriating entirety.

After cursing it, getting angry over it, feeling bewildered by it and finally accepting it for what it was--really freakin' TRUE--I was ultimately able to embrace it and share it with other women, like you and me, who need to recognize its important message: That you deserve the best, and that's someone who's totally into you. And that truth is liberating, let me tell you, friends.

In case you are unfamiliar, this book was written (100% seriously...OK, maybe 98% seriously) by a comedian, and the sole male script consultant for Sex and the City, as prompted by his wife and girl friends, with a single goal in mind: To tell women what they should have known already in regards to men. In essence, to state the obvious. We females must seem really silly if we're looking at the contents of this book, but hey--maybe we're just stubborn. (That's my official reasoning.) Let me lay it out there now, in case you haven't read HJNTIY.

If a guy isn't calling you, it's because he's just not that into you. If a guy isn't asking you out, it's because he's just not that into you. If a guy isn't dating you, it's because he's just not that into you. If a guy isn't marrying you, say it with me now, "It's-because-he's-just-not-that-into-you." Now, intelligent, gorgeous, fabulous and intuitive women should know this stuff, right? I mean, if a guy treats you like dirt or like you're "just okay," it's only natural that you should want to kick him to the curb, correct? Of course. But that's not what we do. We make excuses. We tell ourselves lies. We don't think we deserve better, or we assume that said sucky guy is the best there is.

Question: Whoa, when did we all become so desperate? Why can't we just say, "Hm...guess he wasn't that into me--his loss," when a guy doesn't call and then move the heck on? Why can't we just stop enabling poor behavior in relationships??? That's the thing, lovelies. We can. We just have to accept one tiny detail: He's just not that into me.

"Now, Jenna," you might be saying. "All this is just MEAN. Are you seriously saying that a guy would not be that into me? What's wrong with me? THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH ME! Of course he should be into me!" Hmm...how can I break this down effectively? Let me attempt.

1. That's exactly what I'm saying. 2. That's exactly what I'm implying--there is nothing wrong with you, there is something wrong with him, and thus why in the world are you chasing him/pining after him/still with him?! and 3. OK, I lied. There is something wrong with you--you're not seeing your worth and you are wasting your valuable time. That's bananas.

If a guy isn't treating you the way you full-well deserve, then it's because he's just not that into you. Because believe me (or the book), if he was, he would be doing everything in his power to make sure you know just how into you he is.

So sadly (for him), he couldn't be into you. (I know, I know. What IS his problem, right?) But listen up for the good news: He might not be into you, but that's okay because he's totally not worth it. We will never understand that boy's reasoning, so let's not try. Instead embrace it, and stop wasting any more of your precious time.

There's a guy out there who is going to be totally into you. But as long as you're committed to some loser who isn't, you'll never find that guy.

Here's a few things I learned and loved from this book. If this applies to you, great. Nix that guy and move on. If not, share this message with your best friend, sister, cousin, niece--whoever. Because everyone deserves to find that amazing guy who will give back just as much love as she puts out.

Enjoy the quotes below.

xo,

J

P.S.
Read my YourTango article for more in the same vein:
If He Really Wants To Marry You, He'll Put A Ring On It

***

"Men don't forget how much they like you. So put down the phone."

"If you can find him, then he can find you. If he wants to find you, he will."

"I hate to tell you, but that whole 'I don't want to ruin the friendship' excuse is a racket. It works so well because it seems so wise...Unfortunately, in the entire history of mankind, that excuse has never ever been used by someone who actually means it. If we're really excited about someone, we can't stop ourselves — we want more. If we're friends with someone and attracted to them, we're going to want to take it further. And please, don't tell me he's just 'scared.' The only thing he's scared of — and I say this with a lot of love — is how not attracted to you he is."

"You deserve a f---ing phone call."

"Don't get tricked into asking him out. If he likes you, he'll do the asking."

"'Better than nothing' is not good enough for you!"

"I'm not ready. This is the most often used excuse in the world, but it always seems to do the trick. Women love waiting around for men to be ready. You women must enjoy it, because you do it so much of the time."

"No answer is your answer...He might be lying in the hospital with amnesia, but more likely he's just not that into you."

"'Busy is another word for 'a--hole.' And 'a--hole' is another word for the guy you're dating."

"Make a space in your life for the glorious things you deserve."

"Our Super-Good Really Helpful Workbook

Remember in grade school how they told you not to write in your textbooks? Screw that! Grab a pen and list five reasons why you think you have every right or good reason to call him.

Put the book aside and wait an hour. Or at least ten minutes. Then ask yourself: Do I seem pathetic? Do I sound like someone who doesn't trust my own innate hotness? Yes, you do! Now put your dialing finger away, get out of the house, and go find some fun.

P.S.: You just did a workbook exercise about a guy who hasn't even extended to you the energy of a phone call. Why would you want to chase that down?"

Stylish Blogger Award...Who Me?

2011-01-10T13:57:00.000-05:00

Oh for Pete's sake.

I do not deserve an award. I am such a bad blogger! Why are y'all so nice to me?

Two lovely ladies gave me The Stylish Blogger Award, my dear friends Michaela and Nina (whose blogs you totally owe a visit to...). I am honored and humbled. A big thanks to them, as I so admire these girls.

As a part of this, I am supposed to share seven facts about myself. Because I know that you all want to hear those. So I am just going to skip all the introduction-y stuff and just dive right in, 'kay? Good.

1. Growing up, I hated cake. I actually had to acquire a taste for it. How sad is that? I forced myself to consume it enough that I actually grew to like it--why couldn't I have grown to love cauliflower or something? Sheesh.

2. Until I was around ten, I was sure I was going be an Olympic soccer player. Like, as a profession. And then when that dream died, I was sure I would play basketball in the WNBA. I was certain I would be one of those lucky few to play a pro sport. Ha!

3. Getting email is one of my favorite things EVER. Except from businesses who would like me to advertise their store/brand/product for free on my blog and make it sound like it is going to benefit me in someway, but in actuality, it just benefits them. Those emails just make me peeved.

4. I collect books that I don't read. I just like the looks of them. It's not to say that I do not read at all, I just don't have the time to read a fraction of the books I own. They are stored in a library room across the hall from my bedroom. Sometimes I will pull one out and look at the cover and read the summary on the back while I'm waiting for something to print. Then it just goes back on the shelf. I'm totally just teasing the thing by picking it up. Oh, wait--you actually thought I was going to read you? Hilarious!

5. I don't love writing about straight-up fashion nearly as much as I thought I would. Holy cow! Did I just say that on my "fashion blog?!" Why yes, I did. But these are honest facts. And I love fashion, but writing about it is hard sometimes. A lot of the time. For me. I have not a clue if any of you can relate to that.

6. I love the Bible verse John 3:16. It's probably the most well-known and widely cited verse on the planet, but it's simple and sums up everything we need to know about God. Maybe that's why it's so lovely to me. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

7. I love grammar. And I edit my blog posts and emails on average around three times before I post or send them, just to be certain there are no mistakes. However, texting is different. If I don't know you well, or I know you value proper grammar, you'll get a flawlessly written text. If I know you well, or if I know you don't value amazing grammar points, you'll get something totally error-ridden. Just sayin'.

OK, so now I am passing it on to more blogs I love. (If I know you have already received this award, I am not giving it to you again. That does not mean I do not adore you, though! Just that I am too lazy to link anymore blogs. :)

Story of My Life
La Dolce Vita
Statements in Fashion
Dressing Mommy
Taste & Style Files
Justice Pirate
Red Carpet Closet
Dressed Up Alligators
Grit & Glamour
Arash Mazinani
a toast.
Our Love Story in the Making

Happy Monday!

XO,
J

2010: My Year By The Numbers

2010-12-31T11:42:00.010-05:00

Hello my dears!  

Well friends, we have come to the end of 2010. It was quite a ride, and a crazy year. I can't believe how much I have grown in the past twelve months. If you told me last December 31st that in one year blogging and writing and going to school and being super-crazed 24/7, but that wouldn't matter because I would be so in love with where my life was at, I would have laughed. (I might have been pretty darn intrigued, but I would have really doubted all that.) But it's true. Here I am. Doing things I love. Living blessed. And talking to you. Pretty incredible, huh?

In the past year: I graduated high school and started college. I began blogging and founded Seven Style Notes. I broke into the writing world and started a career. I let go of old friends and made new ones. I worked. I cried. I laughed. I lived. I changed. 

I am proud of this year. I am proud of who I am. I am proud of who I have become. I am proud of this little blog--this small project that turned into something so much bigger than I could have imagined. I am proud to share a little piece of myself and my life with you all, my friends. 

For this post, I am reflecting. I thought about it, and here is what I came up with. It's my year by the numbers. And it's interesting to see how far I've come in so short a time. I bet some of you are feeling similarly, too.

I feel as though I've gained so much this past year, none of which I had any idea I'd be so blessed to end up with. And that just makes me excited for 2011. I have no clue what this coming year will hold, but with the right attitude, a lot of hard work, plenty of prayer and a little luck--I'm sure it will be beautiful.

Here's wishing you a wonderful New Year. And thank you for everything. You know what I mean. ;)

God bless.

xo,

Jenna

P.S.
Black Eyed Pea's "The Time" is stuck in my head right now. Which for some reason, feels pretty appropriate. OK, read on now, loves.

 Here I am roughly one year ago...

Jenna's Breakdown:

2010 By The Numbers

Blogging

Months I've been blogging. 

Months Seven Style Notes has been in existence.

Posts on Seven Style Notes.

243: SSN Google followers.

63: SSN Bloglovin' followers.

1,030: Comments on Seven Style Notes.

1,030: Comments I have read and loved.

0: Negative comments to hit Seven Style Notes.

19,751: Page views of Seven Style Notes. 

0: Page views I anticipated by persons other than myself.

Times I almost quit blogging.

Times I'm glad I didn't quit blogging.

Blogging Part Deux: Work 

Sites I've been published on as a freelance writer.

Current number of sites I regularly contribute to as a freelancer.

Sites I love working for on a regular basis.

Legit books I've read since I started working.

Minutes of daily television viewing now that I work. 

1: Minimum times a day I'm excited that I can use work as an excuse to be on the computer.

Emails in my inbox.

Emails I recently deleted.

1: Books I endorsed this year. 

99: Negative comments on a Yahoo! Shine post I wrote that was misinterpreted.

99: Comments that taught to have thick skin.

Jobs I "almost" landed.

Jobs I actually did land. (Proof that persistence pays off.)

0: Regrets I have about my blogging experience. 

Life

Actual years I've been on the planet.

Years it feels like I've been on the planet.

22: Years I wish I had been on the planet. (Don't ask how I came up with this. But I did. And I like 22.)

Tech

2,073: Tweets from @jennabirch.

1,000: About how many of those tweets are for real. (Twitter is really hiccupy.)

170: Twitter followers. (Lucky kids.) 

1: Mac computers I own! :D

3: Phones I went through this year.

School

2: B's I received last semester.

B's I received in the decade prior to last semester.

B's I was bothered by getting last semester. (It's great to do well in school, but sometimes you have to let yourself live too.) 

Estimated times I complained about having to read Herodotus every day last semester. 

Hours of sleep I average per night during school. 

5,930: Words in my Creative Writing short story. That's almost 6,000 words. That I totally made up. Of fiction. Whoa.

2: Essays I was really proud to have written.

Just For Fun

4: Goals I have for this coming year.

2: Goals I would be willing to tell you about. (They're kinda like wishes as in you just don't discuss them.)

72: Probable number of times I listened to T-Swift's album driving to and from school in the past two months.

5: Serious epiphany moments I can remember from the past 12 months. (I know there's more...but these are the ones that came to me.)

3: Weekly Starbucks Chai Tea Lattes.

Small risks I took that I'm happy about.

Small risks I took that I regret. (I will let you figure out the lesson here.) 

1: Nephew who I simply adore.

1: Times I try to count my blessings every single day.

Happy New Year. See you in 2011. :)

...And this is me today. I feel I've grown a lot. For better.

So, 2011. Can't wait to see what you bring...Bring it on.

A Legit Style Post?! Um, Yeah! (Sorta...)

2010-12-27T21:02:00.007-05:00

This look was "Christmas Eve Glamorous."

This was "Christmas Day Low-Key-But-Still-A-Bit-Glam."

And this was basically what I wore for Christmas Eve. More below...

Hello sweet friends!

I hope you all had a beautiful Christmas. I can't wait to hear all about it! I thought I would show you guys my looks for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day ("Like ohmygosh Jenna, an actual style post?!" Heck yeah, lovelies. I actually took legit pictures...too bad you can't see them all. More on that below.)

For Christmas Eve I wore the glam gold and black dress from H&M. It was fun, and this is essentially my outfit. However, I added in black opaque tights and a blazer since it's COLD here and also swapped necklaces for the one in the first picture. (Blogger isn't being all that cooperative this evening though, and these pictures are the only ones I had the patience to upload, so you'll just have to imagine the full ensemble. Sorry!)

You can also see my Christmas Day look above, which I wore for family festivities. I am trying to get back to loose curls for the holidays, as I always feel a little more fabulous with voluminous hair. Can anyone else relate?

Tell me how your holidays were! What did you guys wear? I'm dying to know.

xo,
Jenna

P.S.
Even if it wasn't completely freezing outside, I still would have had to wear tights with this outfit. In my unparalleled gracefulness, I totally slipped on an ice patch and wiped out in my driveway a few days ago. I ate it so hard I was laughing, crying and hyperventilating all at the same time. Now don't get me wrong--the rather ginormous, lovely red gash on my knee is quite hardcore. However, I don't think it would have exactly accessorized this dress to perfection. If you know what I mean.

4 Reasons I Could Never Stop Blogging.

2010-12-18T01:56:00.008-05:00

I've decided to make a more concerted effort to be a dork. I am not nearly dorky enough. Thus, photobooth fun on the Mac! EEEEEK!

Hi friends,

It's been awhile. (Understatement.) I've missed you all. (Understatement.) I am totally due to pen you guys a decent blog post. (UNDERSTATEMENT.)

Now to be honest, sometimes I feel like there are not enough hours in the day to keep up with this blogging thing. I do love it. I absolutely adore it, in fact. But really. Maintaining a personal blog is more time consuming than anyone could have ever made me believe before I began. About four months ago, I started Seven Style Notes (after agonizing over that name for about a zillion years) with this thought:

"Psh...Wellllll, it's not like anyone's actually going to read it."

That's what I assumed, folks. And I began this little blog as my personal fashion diary. And if someone happened to stumble upon it? Well, then they were going to be in for a treat as I would be revealing TONS of juicy secrets and details...Just kidding!...But you get the picture. A big part of me figured zero people would be reading this blog. I was just planning on throwing my thoughts out there in cyberspace simply to amuse myself.

That sounds lame, but I bet at least some of you know what I'm talking about. If not, then just humor me.

And now that I've started, I try to keep up! Not just with posts, but with comments, tweets, emails and a host of other communication methods to keep SSN running. And just to keep in touch with your fabulous selves, of course! It can get a little hectic, no?

It would be easy to throw in the towel. At least, it would seem easy, right? But 'tis not, actually.

I realized recently there is no way I could simply stop blogging. Once you become a blogger, you don't go back. It's like some sort of code or something...hehe...Okay, maybe not a code. But here's why I could never stop. Tell me if I'm wrong.

It's inspirational. Can anyone second that? You guys have such amazing ideas! Sometimes I read what you write and think, "WOW! Why didn't I think of that?!" (Um, obviously because I am not as cool. This I know.) I've even read blog posts that have left me with tears in my eyes. The inspiration is unparalleled and mind-blowing. Amazing.

Blogging is all tech-y and stuff. And I happen to like tech-y stuff. I'm kind of addicted to gadgets and advancing my technological skill set. Because just a few short years ago, I was technologically illiterate. I loved to write, but thought about quitting the newspaper because I couldn't create a page in InDesign to save my life. But through this new bloggy world, all of a sudden I am on board with things like twitter (which I scoffed at in the past), tumblr, formspring and digg. And I even have a Macbook Pro now to continue the tech obsession. I am a changed woman.

Because you cannot just, like uh, abandon your friends. Do I need to elaborate this? Not really. You know how much I love y'all. You must. Every read, comment, tweet and email means the world to me. More than you'll even know. Thank you for being sweet friends!

And finally...I get to tell my story. I sort of came to a realization the other day when I was doing short-story revisions for my CW class. And this is what it was: I write a lot of stories. Like, A TON. About fashion and love. Short fiction, essays, poetry...all pieces with a bit of a story to them. BUT none of them are actually mine. I used to assume they were--I mean, I made them up, I wrote them, I brought them forth out of the vast realms of my mind--but, no. Actually, they don't belong to me.

In journalism, I always heard the phrase, "Everyone has a story, it's your job as the writer to find out what it is." This is true. Everyone does have a story. But, guess what? That story belongs to the subject, not the person concocting it behind the computer screen. Even in fiction or poetry, you are telling someone else's story. You are telling the story of your characters or speaker. Not you. You are simply the vessel.

So, all these stories I write--NOT MINE. I know, appalling truth! I almost freaked at this realization. Why DON'T I get a chance to tell my story?! I deserve a turn! It is only fair!

Then it hit me. Oh, wait...I do tell my story...Oops. And I had a fit and everything.

There is one place where I do actually get to tell my very own story. And that's right here. On this blog. And I sort of love that.

It may be a story that will will never be fully finished; work in progress that will constantly need perfecting. But that's okay, because it's all mine.

So friends, forget about losing me. You're stuck with me and my silly blog for a long time. ;)

xo,
Jenna

P.S.
Tonight's playlist? "The Big Bang" by Rock Mafia, "Stereo Love" by Edward Maya & Vika Jigulina and "1983" by Neon Trees. LOVE.

"6 Obvious Things about Love and Relationships that We Often Forget"

2010-12-10T11:58:00.008-05:00

Hello dear friends,

As those of you who I normally tweet, email or comment with know (like, basically all of you!!), it has been a particularly bad week. I have been far from the blogosphere. Totally M.I.A. Just, poof! GONE. But you can all rest assured that after today I will be able to spend lots of time talking to your lovely selves. Well, really, after the weekend anyway. But we'll just say today because it will make me feel better.

However, I did want to direct all you wonderful people to darling Alisha's blog for a guest post I recently penned. She asked me to talk about love and relationships. Why? Because this girl just got married!! I was like, OH F-I-N-E. What a TOTAL DRAG for me to write about love, RIGHT?! She is off enjoying her honeymoon, so I took over her blog for a day. I had so much fun that I wanted to share. Drop on over and leave some love on my love post, okay? And follow this amazing girl, too. She is such a positive human being, and a great blogger.

So, here it is...

“6 Pretty Obvious Things about Love and Relationships that We Often Forget”

Have a fabulous weekend readers. Much LOVE to you!!

xo,

Jenna

P.S.
In a final bit of news: Wetpaint, the TV-obsessed company for which I work, launched their new sites just this week! I will be breaking down ALL the fashion for American Idol, Kourtney and Kim Take New York, Skins, Bones and Secret Life of the American Teenager. Or for my fashion articles, go here. Do check it out, loves!! ;)

Today's Life Lesson: Time to S-M-I-L-E

2010-12-05T14:27:00.005-05:00

Wow, I am super-pale right now!! Love it...

Sometimes, I am self-conscious about smiling this wide, but for you guys I will!

It's the hair flip, people.

Normal smile. These are nice! Ha!

And me being silly...which is as good as a smile in my book.

Hello readers!

So, I have a teensy little story to share with you all that I promise is relevant to life. However, first I would like to direct you to my wonderful friend Collette's blog Statements in Fashion for my guest post called My Favorite Things: The Fashion Edition. If you miss my fashion-y lists and general nonsense, you can totally find it over there RIGHT NOW! I've been sort of shying away from fashion on this blog, and focusing more on overall style and things I deem stylish. (What authority do I have to deem something stylish? None whatsoever. But I always have an opinion, and since this is my blog, I get to make my very own rules. Cool, huh?)

Thing is, I am almost constantly talking about fashion for work, and there is so much more to say that goes beyond "fashion," and is really about living a more fulfilled life. (Plus, in the interest of being honest, if I have to talk about "frocks", "extras" or "all things chic" anymore than I already do each day, I WILL go insane, which would be a bad deal for everyone. So for more legitimate fashion, see here.) It's about living a stylish life, if you will. I think simple things like laughing at a cheesy joke, having coffee with a good friend, reading a profound book, dancing around for no reason or shopping at your favorite store are all very stylish things. And totally worth talking about. So, hence, I will be doing that.

Today's stylish thing? A smile.

Several weeks ago, I took my car into the dealership because it was making weird noises when I was breaking...and I'm not too keen on losing the almighty power of the break system while I'm going top speed on the highway. Not an ideal scenario. I love my car, but sometimes that sucker throws FITS. So, I was sitting outside on a bench waiting for the repair guy to bring my very disobedient car-child around front.

Not thinking much of it, I was playing around with my phone and I'm pretty sure I let out a big sigh without even realizing it; like it was some sort of catastrophic inconvenience in my day that these lovely people were fixing my break system so that I wouldn't DIE. But, like I have been talking about with other friends in my life, sometimes God has a way to completely snap you back to reality. That's when a perfect stranger laid down a gauntlet of shame. Some man I hardly noticed passed my bench, looked at me and said, "What's the matter, honey? Come on. You need to SMILE!"

Whoa--what?! What do you mean, man? Are you kidding? I am happy as a freakin' clam!....Okay, well, maybe I did have an exasperated expression...maybe I did look a little less than happy. Maybe I wasn't smiling. Yeah, there was really no excuse for it.

I don't smile nearly enough. With all the blessings in my life, you would think I'd have a grin plastered to my face 24/7. But too often I fall into the glass-half-empty trap and fail to see the millions of positives around me. Sometimes, ashamedly, I focus more on what I don't have rather than all the wonderful things that I do have.

Do you smile a lot? Are you filling the world around you with positive energy and making the people around you feel uplifted just being in your presence? If not, I think you should. I'm going to be better about it. You have to give love to get it back, and it's really not that hard.

Just smile.

At a random stranger. At your little brother. At the person you love. Just because God gave you the ability to do so, and gifts that should make you want to. So smile at more people, at everyone, and do it for yourself too. That smile might just make someone's day, but more likely, it will make yours.

xo,

Jenna

7 Things I Am Totally NOT Thankful For.

2010-11-28T23:13:00.014-05:00

Are you thankful? Or actually, NOT thankful?

Well, yours truly is here to tell you what she is definitely NOT thankful for...

Dear readers,

It's the holiday season. We just had Thanksgiving. People are happy. Christmas spirit is just floating all over the place. All is well and good, right?

I keep reading all these blog lists about what everyone is thankful for; I love my family, I love my friends, I love my job, I love my boyfriend, I love my...yada-yada-yada. Well, lovelies. I am going to just lay it out there and say this:

Yeah, RIGHT.

You all are just kidding yourselves. I thought about it and decided Seriously, What the heck do I have to be thankful for, really??? Um, not a lot. OBVIOUSLY. I mean, it's not like ANYTHING good has happened to me lately at all, right?

Exactly. My life sucks.

That's why I figured it would be appropriate to create this new kind of list. I'm breaking the mold, people. I'm just going to be SO SERIOUS and tell it like it is...

"7 Things I Am Totally NOT Thankful For."

1. My parents. It's not as though at any point in my life they have ever fed me, put a roof over my head, paid my tuition, gave me advice, encouraged me or provided ANY assistance to me whatsoever. So, PLEASE. I am so NOT thankful for them. At all.

2. Chai Tea Lattes. Don't even get my started on this. I mean, these little cups of terror don't brighten my day or anything. In fact, I buy them just to torture myself. I am DEFINITELY NOT thankful for them. That is for CERTAIN.

3. My friends. I don't even know why I have them!!! They are super-lame, major bores, and extremely hard to talk to. Oh, and did I mention that they never text, call or get in touch??? Yeah, you basically can't even call them friends. And I am certainly NOT thankful for them.

4. Technology. I don't use this AT ALL. What an inconvenience in my life to even have to bring it up! You all know I do not tweet. I do not use tumblr. I am never on skype. I practically disregard my cell phone. And using technology and social media for career advancement? Ha! That's a good one! Plus, it's not like I am using my laptop right now to create this blog post. I am just seamlessly transferring it from my mind to cyberspace because I am just that cool. Cool, and totally NOT thankful for technology, of course.

5. My work. Why should I be thankful that I can pay my expenses doing something I enjoy??? I mean, I could totally have one of those monotonous jobs that literally make you want to tear the hair out of your scalp they are SO AWESOME. That would be WAY better. So, I am not thankful for that, either. Clearly.

6. My nephew. Do you guys have any idea about babies? All they do is love you unconditionally, make faces that are endlessly fascinating and just sit there being friggin' adorable. I mean, how messed-up is that? It's practically downright destructive to my life. It's not like I even like my nephew. And obviously, it's NOT like I am thankful for him.

7. You guys. Oh, and my blogosphere friends! I saved the ~~best~~ WORST for last. I am pretty much the LEAST thankful for you all. I hate your comments. I hate that you read my writing. I hate the loads of positivity you bring into my life. I hate it all. I am ABSOLUTELY NOT thankful for you...

;)

Now, your turn. What are you NOT thankful for?

xo,
Jenna

P.S.
Yes. I am being 100% sarcastic. I am not a total narcissist, just so we're clear...and so I don't get about a million panicky, emotional, outraged e-mails... :)

Have a beautiful week!

Life Updates! And there are lots...

2010-11-22T13:12:00.007-05:00

Dearest readers,

I have been feeling rather uplifted lately. Things in my life are beginning to take shape, dreams are starting to become realized and the goal I have been aiming toward since, well, FOREVER, is finally becoming clearer at the end of this long road. I am not there yet. I have a long way to go, but I am starting to see it now. It's pretty astounding, but I had to realize some things about myself first.

You know what I realized? You have to figure out who you are. No one can show you. You have to decide what, and who, you want to be. That entails making your own rules. Don't let anyone tell you you can't do something--that you are too young, too old, too green, too strong, too weak, not talented enough, not pretty enough, not intellectual enough, fill in the ________.

I grew up hearing my parents tell me that I could be whatever I wanted to be. Maybe I bought into that, but I think that you have to. Someone is going to have the life you want. Why shouldn't it be you? I hope you think about that, friends. It's changed my outlook quite a bit over the past several weeks.

This past week though, was an absolute whirlwind. I barely remember it all. I sincerely hope I can remember everything I wanted to share with you. But, I will do my best! Let's jump right in, shall we?

First, I had some exciting news last week. If you follow me on twitter, you probably noticed my relative giddiness over the situation (if you are not already, please follow me on twitter...I would adore that!...we can totally tweet-chat, lovelies!). I did not want to post it here, because I didn't want to disrupt my blogger series, so I am posting it now. I was featured as a Best Dressed Reader on Glamour.com's Slaves to Fashion!

Glamour is my all-time favorite magazine. I am obsessed with their blogs. This was a huge treat for me. If you would like to see the actual feature, you can view it here. Also, do check out lovely Kelly's feature as well, found here. She is an amazing fashion blogger too, and inspired me to finally submit for Best Dressed Reader. Hats off to you, Kel.

In other news, I have started two new jobs!! ***Throws confetti***

I now write about love, dating and relationships for YourTango. I work on the site's signature blog, Love Buzz, which covers news, trends and advice on all things love-related. It's such a blast. Now, I adore fashion (you all know that I do...), but it's quite awesome to chat about another topic as well, especially one that is so vital and centric to our lives. It's such a great place, chalked-full of fun reads, I highly recommend checking it out. If you would like to read my stories specifically (I would be mucho honored!!), then you can find them here on my profile.

Need to end an engagement? I gotcha covered with this story! Although I hope you don't, of course...

The other job is a fashion writer for Wetpaint. The site covers loads of TV shows, from Gossip Girl to Glee, The Bachelor to Dancing with the Stars, and they are about to launch several more sites revolving around new shows. I will be providing fashion coverage for the winter television season on the shows Bones, Kourtney and Kim Take New York, Secret Life of the American Teenager, Skins and American Idol. Right now, the sites are still in the development phase as these shows have not yet debuted. They are set to launch in very early December. I will keep you posted as I am informed.

I am greatly looking forward to the holiday season, as it is my favorite time of year. I just have to soldier through tomorrow, and then about another ten days, and finally I will be FREE. Am I excited? No, not at all. Excitement simply does not cover it. I am absolutely off-the-walls ecstatic!

Did I mention that I love Christmas??

I hope you are all having a wonderful time right now. Embrace the wonder of this time of year, and do not let it pass you by. It's very busy. This I know. But DO enjoy Thanksgiving this week, and the Christmas season to come. Take it in like a child again. You'll be revived, refueled and feel so alive.

God bless.

xo,

Jenna

My Five. Thanks for Reading!!

2010-11-21T01:55:00.011-05:00

Name: Jenna
Age: 18
Blog: You’re looking at it ;)
Jenna's Note: Thank you so, so much for reading the blogger series this week. I seriously loved bringing it to you, and I hope you enjoyed it as well. A huge thanks to my guest bloggers Angela, Jenni, Victoria, Whitney and Erika. Wasn't their advice fabulous? I thought so! I am celebrating them with this final post of the series. I am celebrating you, too. I hope you enjoy my turn in the driver's seat with this big topic. To put this in context, five years ago, I was in the midst of my final year of middle school. Wow. I feel young. Ha! I have never really felt my age, but in writing this post, I realized that I really was young once (despite what I always think...!), and had a lot to understand yet. I didn’t have it as figured out as I thought. I still don’t. But I learn something more about myself every day, and I think these five points are as relevant to me now as they would have been at thirteen. Reminders are always, always important, don’t you think?

Enjoy, dear readers. This one's for you.

Introducing...

“5 Things I Wish I Could Have Told Myself About Life 5 Years Ago”

1.You have to find a balance. I have always been that girl who thinks she can do it all. It started in middle school. I was President of the Student Council, leader of pretty much every club they had (heck, I even FOUNDED a few clubs) and a two-sport athlete with big ambitions to play at the next level. I grew up with one of those don’t-tell-me-what-I-can’t-do mentalities. If there was an A to be had, a game to be won, a newspaper to be produced—I wouldn't rest until said goal was achieved, and WATCH OUT, WORLD if you had the sorry notion you were going to stand in my way (Ha!). But by the end of my senior year, I was tapped out. Sure, I had straight-A’s, a plaque on my school's Hall of Fame wall and an editor title, but I wasn’t having any fun. Nothing really matters if you aren’t enjoying your life, loving the little things and taking time for your family, your friends and most importantly, yourself. You have to find that delicate balance that keeps your little world spinning the way it should. I’m getting closer to that balance each day. I wish I would have learned how necessary it is earlier. I might have been a little happier.

2. Wear what you want. I mean that. I hate to admit that there were a lot of times I would look at something on the rack at a store, absolutely itching to wear it, but put it back because I knew I never would. Why? I was riddled with insecurity over clothes. In a sea of Hollister and Abercrombie labels plastered across the fronts of t-shirts, my style was already considered a little bit out-of-place. I didn’t want to make too big a splash for fear of judgment. It was really stupid. Who cares what anyone else thinks about you? Be who you are. Be proud of who you are. Be the person you were always supposed to be. It's silly to try to be someone else. Why would you want to? I mean, you get to be you.

3. Go with your gut. In life, you will have to make plenty of decisions. And when a situation arises with a choice involved, you will almost always have an immediate and distinct reaction. You will feel your gut telling you what you should do. Please, please, please. Listen to what your heart is trying to say. Your mind will attempt to play tricks on you; make you over think things, employ reasoning techniques, even try to talk you down the opposite path. Don’t listen to your head. The mind can come up with the correct answers, but that doesn't mean those answers are right. Sometimes, these things defy logic. That’s what your heart is for; it’s there to speak to you on a deeper level. Go with your gut. You’ll be far wiser for it.

4. Stop worrying. I wish I could appropriately convey how much time I spent worrying throughout middle and high school. I would worry about speeches. I would worry about tests. I would worry about page design for the newspaper. I would worry about finishing homework. I would worry about sports. One time, my good friend and I skipped class (I know, I know. I’m SUCH a rebel!) for the sole purpose of worrying about all the ways our basketball coach could possibly MURDER us at practice later that day after (yet another) five point loss in our game the previous evening. Here is a snippet from our convo:
Me: “Well, she could make us run suicides until we start puking all over the newly finished gym floor…OH NO! Waaaait! She will probably make us do fourth quarter drill!!

*Dun-dun-DUUUN*...cue ominous music.
(NOTE: Fourth quarter drill is the single most difficult basketball drill known to mankind: 4 suicides, 4 zig-zag sets, 4 backward suicides, 4 shuffle sets….4 times over. Basically when you’re done, you are hard-core knocking on death’s door).
Friend: “Jenna, shut up, shut up, shut up! But you’re probably right…what if she extends the practice!? What if we have to do hamburger drill!? What if we DIE!?!?”
Want to know what, guys? We didn’t die. (I know, shocker!) We didn’t even do fourth quarter drill that day. I worried for nothing. In reality, I wasted a whole lot of time worrying for nothing. Thank goodness one day I realized the worrying I was doing just did not help. Ever. I was only perpetuating negativity, and it was the most ridiculous thing I could have done. Why usher in that sort of attitude? Let worry worry about itself. You just live and forget about it. Okay?

5. Rid your life of all toxic energy. Maybe it’s your work. Maybe it’s a friend. Maybe it’s a relationship. It could even be an idea that’s invading your mind and making your world awfully dark. Whatever it is, you need to let that go. I have really been trying to do this in my life. One thing I had to let go of was basketball. I had played it since I was nine, but it was getting to the point where I couldn't remember what it felt like to have fun with the game. I dreaded going every day. I would sometimes come home from practice, go up to my room, and lay on my bed to just cry. I was miserable, making myself physically sick and trudging through life with a storm cloud over my head. It. Is. Not. Worth. It. Let me repeat: IT IS NOT WORTH IT. There is no expectation too great, piece of your life too huge or person too important to endure feeling like a fraction of yourself day in and day out. My senior year, I let go of that negativity. I wish I would have done so way earlier. It was one of the best decisions I have ever made. So I implore you, friends: If there is something like that in your life, stop holding on so tight. It's scary to let it go...at first. But once you make the decision that you deserve better, it becomes all-too-easy. Promise.

Have a gorgeous week, darling readers.

xo,
Jenna

Let's hope I actually follow mine!! All images from Bits of Truth.

Erika from Style Activist

2010-11-20T00:54:00.001-05:00

Name: Erika
Blog: Style Activist
Current Age: 21
Jenna's Note: The final blogger in my series, I am ecstatic to introduce you to Erika. When I first started to blog this past summer, she was the very first person that I met. Boy, am I ever glad that happened! I know we are states apart, but this girl (and her phenomenal blog!) has grown very close to my heart. I truly do consider her a good friend, despite the fact that we have never met in person. But I guess in a way, we meet everyday. It might be over the blogosphere instead of a cup of coffee, but I cherish those moments with her (and soooo many of you) in a similar way. Erika is such an amazing person; so wise beyond her years, kind in ways I wish I was and a gifted writer/blogger. She is just a person you want to know. Someone you are better for knowing. A beautiful soul, indeed. I am waiting patiently to see her star rise, and I hope you'll watch along with me.

I apologize for the tardiness of this post, but I think you'll agree it's one of those occasions where good things come to those who wait. You're going to love this. You will be moved. I know I was. Enjoy ;)

Introducing...

Erika's

"5 Things I Wish I Could Have Told Myself About Life 5 Years Ago"

OK, so 5 years ago I was a mere 16 years old. I was studying for my driver’s test, getting grounded and wearing Gap from head to toe. I have made many painful mistakes since and have learned so much about myself (including how to spice up my wardrobe), and I could never put a price tag on those experiences. While I wish I could have told my angry, rebellious self to calm down, take a breather and listen to the 5 following advices - I know it would have never worked. But that is the beauty of learning, growing and maturing. The fact that I have learned to listen to the smarter suggestions coming from the inside of my head (which I'm sure are questionable) is the reason I am here to share these with you... and of course you don't have to listen to them if you don't wanna. But you should! :)

1. Choose quality over quantity, always.

Just think about the last time you bought something that was seriously shoddy in quality and that fell apart after just a few uses. You totally got pissed and threw that item right out of your closet, right? Right. OK, so this is my theory on choosing friends and people to join your circle of life. I have had so many experiences with buying or investing in “items” (friends) just for quantity and not quality, and it has never ended pretty. The truth is, I have always loved being the center of attention - ever since I was a little girl. I love new people and new environments and being the most out-going gal in the bunch. And I have come to realize in so many ways that truthfully, it doesn’t matter the number of phone numbers I have in my phone, or the number of ladies that I go out with on the weekends; in the end, numbers are empty and don’t provide real happiness. Finding those friends who genuinely cared about me and my life has been the most wonderful thing; these people are my second family. The truth is, we all need a healthy support system, we need positive people in our lives to lift us up when we feel down, or make us smile when we have had an awful day. All of those numbers that you crave so badly won’t be there for you when you and your boyfriend break up, when your family is falling apart or when you’re sick on the couch, not able to go out to some dumb party. Choose your friends wisely, and when you find these friendships of gold, value them, and treat them like you would want to be treated.

2. Love yourself, and don’t ever apologize for being you.

We all receive criticism, whatever, it’s normal. People aren’t always going to like you. And as bad as that sucks to hear: it’s the whole friggin’ truth. Don’t waste your time trying to make everyone love you, because ultimately, this will bring you to compromising who you are. I have written a many blog post talking about this, but I will pull out my soapbox and reiterate, because I do feel so strongly about it. Love who you are, love your inside and outsides. We’re all different, and that is the beauty of diversity and culture, skin color and dialect. Don’t try to fit any mold, no happiness will be found there. And when people want to judge you and tell you that you have this flaw and that flaw, tell them you feel sorry for them, and that you won’t ever stop being you. I have done so much in the past that has compromised who I am inside, who I was meant to be, and in the past year I’ve realized it wasn’t really anyone else’s fault but mine. It was such a difficult realization, and I had some big-time struggles to deal with. But when I finally came-to, I decided to put my best foot forward, and to never stop being me from then on. And now, I absolutely, simply, undeniably refuse to apologize for who I am. If people don’t like who you are, kindly tell them to move on!

3. Think before you speak.

Oh man, this is a big one for me! It’s actually kind of funny the trouble I get into when I have my filter turned off. (Like the other day, I said “that’s what she said...” to my male professor, then quickly ran in the other direction. Yes, I really ran.) One of my best friends, Joy, has taught me this by example. She is so good at holding her tongue and speaking when she finds it absolutely necessary. I, on the other hand, am horrible at this - but we are still working on it ;) I tend to be very blunt with my words, and while some people appreciate my honesty, some people absolutely do not. Learning to be gentle with my dialogue has been quite the challenge for me, but I have found my family and friends very appreciative (I know you guys are chuckling...). The truth is: words can either uplift or destroy and I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to be responsible for ruining someone’s day. A small comment can be really hurtful, and what do I gain if I voice some dumb opinion that no one cares about anyway? And on the contrary, think about kind things that you can say to someone in passing. We never know what someone is dealing with on the inside, and your positive utters can truly produce some sunshine.

4. Be nice.

*Groans. Erika, this is SO elementary!* Hush up and listen for a second! I will make it quick, don’t you fret. Be kind to those you come in contact with. Strangers. Waitresses. People you meet at a random restaurant or social event, wherever. You never know when that next customer at your cash register will notice you for your charming smile and give you a business card for his company that owns one of the biggest clothing lines in America. If you miss this opportunity, you will be kicking yourself for, well, forever!

5. Cherish those closest to you.

This one will bring tears to my eyes. But here it goes...
I don’t usually talk about personally emotional things in general, but for some reason it’s a lot easier for me to tell this to perfect strangers (i.e. the entire blogosphere) and not my closest friends. My Abuelita (grandmother) died when I was in middle school and she was my idol. As a child and young adult, she lived the most back-breaking, dirt poor life I have ever heard of and yet she was always, always filling the house with roaring laughter. She cooked for everyone; no matter the time of the night, she wanted your belly full. She just loved to tell me stories about her life and how she would cook for her whole family at the age of 7; which assuredly included chopping off heads of live chickens, hand-plucking them and roasting them, only to find that there was never enough. There was never really an abundance of anything in her life, except for love. This brings me to say that I wish I could have appreciated her more when I had her around. I wish I would have stayed and sat with her at the kitchen table instead going out to play with stupid boys in the park. I wish I would have taken advantage of every moment I had with her. Because, you see, she was truly the most inspiring woman I have ever met, one day she was here, and the next she was taken by cancer. And I wish I would have told her that I loved her more than I did.
Additionally, I have to say that the closest person to me in my life lost his father at the age of 10. He always says things like “I wish I had more time” and “It isn’t fair that I didn’t get to experience this with him...” I could just wail thinking about the every moment that he craves to have with his father again. So ultimately, I find it so pertinent to tell you that you need to hug your mother and thank your father more, call your brothers and sisters often, tell your best friend why she is so dear to you and smother the babies in your life with endless kisses. Let go of grudges. You never know when your last moment with them will be.

Whitney from A Toast.

2010-11-18T16:54:00.002-05:00

Name: Whitney

Blog: A Toast.

Current Age: 26

Whitney's Note: Five years ago, in the winter of 2005, I was in the middle of my senior year of college in Oklahoma, applying for grad schools in New York and Boston. (Whitney wanted to give y'all some context for this little post. I think it was an awesome idea!!)

Jenna's Note: Whitney is so bubbly and fun! I just adore this girl. She is simply sublime. I love to read all the witty notes and lovely musings on her blog. Things about NYC, vintage Whitney photos and Blah Blah. Okay, if you don't read Whitney, this won't make sense, but TRUST ME, lovelies. It's all hilarious/adorable/awesome/sweet, BUT you'll have to hop over to A Toast. to figure out what the heck I am referring to. Go follower her already! Well, after you read her five things of course! (Which, by the way, are genuine, thoughtful and amazing...just like she is!)

Enjoy!

Introducing...

Whitney's

"5 Things I Wish I Could Have Told Myself About Life 5 Years Ago"

1. If you really, really, really want something, you'll find a way to get it. You just will. But, if you don't get it, it probably wasn't meant to be and you're likely better off without.

2. Your Starbucks purchases will add up - you don't need to buy gourmet coffee every day. No one can actually afford this expense unless they're a celebrity and, even then, it's not very eco-friendly. Treat yourself instead by buying a cute coffee mug.

3. Throw the rules out the window and wear black and brown together. And yes, this also goes for white pants and sandals after Labor Day, too.

4. Empower yourself by learning about personal finances. At the rate in which women are graduating from college and entering the workforce, it's very likely you ladies out there will be your family's breadwinner someday.

5. Don't waste your time on anything that's not divine. This ranges from chocolate (skip the vending machine Twix and hold out for a small bite of Godiva) to the people you surround yourself with (there's no need to hang around anyone who's not bettering your life in an extraordinary way).

Whit and her BFF. Adorbs, right?!

Victoria from Justice Pirate

2010-11-17T14:12:00.002-05:00

Name: Victoria
Current Age: 27

Blog: Justice Pirate

Jenna's Note: Victoria is so full of amazing advice, because she has lived a lot of life! Her honesty, faith, values and willingness to fight for causes she deeply believes in is so inspiring. Listen to her words of wisdom here, and then head over to her personal blog loaded with style, life anecdotes and much more, or her amazing blog Ruby-Eyed Okapi packed with relevant articles about modesty today. She's awesome. Find out why below.

Enjoy!

Introducing...

Victoria's

"5 Things I Wish I Could Have Told Myself About Life 5 Years Ago"

1. That a newlywed woman of a little over a year (or married woman at all) should not hang out alone with the opposite sex unless it is her husband, even if you think there is nothing wrong with it. Too many opportunities come up where "feelings" can confuse people, including yourself. I hung out alone often with a guy friend I had at the time who was all for respecting my marriage, and then he went and kissed me and chaos ensued for about five months after that because he believed he was in love with me, trying to cause me to believe it was mutual and that I should leave my husband for him. Danger zone! Ever since this lesson I never hang out with another guy unless my husband is with me, and is also friends with the guy. Forgiveness is powerful by the way. That's real love. My husband and I have forgiven each other a lot over the past 10 years of our relationship, that's for sure - makes us love each other more and learn to not go back again to our former ways.

2. Well, not quite 5 years ago yet, but come the spring time 5 years ago I wish I knew that one should not eat for two when pregnant. You only need 300 more calories a day and I went on overload and gained too much weight thinking that I was supposed to just eat as much as possible. Once I reached 45 pounds I got my first stretch mark with only 6 weeks left + an extra week from being overdue, you can only imagine what happened the following 15 pounds I gained in that last 7 weeks of my pregnancy. I only gained 30 pounds with my second pregnancy, which is what it should have only been with the first, which would have saved me from a disaster of marks that I'll live with the rest of my life. Yes it was worth giving birth for because I adore my son, but I cry sometimes when I look at my belly and know I could have prevented them (and yes I used plenty of cocoa butter the first time around, no new marks appeared on my body with my second pregnancy without using it).

3. To be more modest. I wore the most immodest clothing freely. It didn't help that because I was married, it made me feel like I was allowed to wear whatever I wanted. Sure that would have been fine in the bedroom alone with my husband, but instead I wore things that should have been for the bedroom only, outside in public. I didn't realize the depth and power that men's lust had. I didn't realize that while I was showing off my little body and getting eyed at by many men, that I was not only in the process of harming my marriage (with what should have been for personal private enjoyment), but harming myself and my spiritual growth. I liked the attention and felt I had power, but the problem was that I had the power to possibly destroy a lot of other marriages or relationships from men who might have had a lust problem or sexual addiction, but I was so in the thought process that it was their fault and not mine, but I was a indeed adding to it. I didn't realize that I was also being an influence on younger people through what I wore, causing people who loved my photography to dress like me who were early high school aged. Yes I learned a valuable lesson and now run Ruby-Eyed Okapi to promote modesty, but it was quite a hard lesson that would have been nice to understand without living through it (it would have been better to live through the example of other people who did what I did instead, or to actually obey my mom when I was a teenager myself and heed her warning). This is also why I wear what I do on my personal blog, to encourage others and show the beauty and importance of modesty!

4. About human trafficking which is modern day slavery through bonded labor, sexual exploitation and prostitution, and coercion or kidnapping. I only learned 3 years ago about the evils of the 32 billion dollar annual industry which is the second highest crime in the world second to drugs, but rarely exposed and talked about in our world. If I had known about the fact that 27 million people are enslaved each year, which 80% are female, 60% of slaves are children (every minute two children are sold into slavery), I would have been more aware of how I was acting, what I was doing, and about what was going on around my own neighborhood or to people I knew that might have been going down the path to get entrapped in slavery. It is my hearts' passion to spread awareness and to hopefully work with victims through this issue. 150,000-300,000 people are enslaved in the U.S. - mostly in massage parlors, strip clubs, and prostitution (and they are drugged, kidnapped, threatened, raped, and then sold for rape for profit, and the average age for such atrocities in the U.S. is 13!). Therefore I have a huge heart for youth ministry as well to protect them from this lifestyle.

5. How badly afflicted and blinded I was by materialism. I used to own so much stuff (so much so that I had giant "memory boxes" I kept crowding my closet up through the time I was 19, yet I still had loadddds of other things), constantly filling my life with it that it pushed me far from God. It became my god/idol. I wish I realized how spoiled and empty I was inside that I felt I needed to have all that I collected or bought all the time to make me happy. It was really foolish. Now I usually sell stuff constantly because I don't want things to have a hold on me again. I want to think more about the people I care about, my family, the victims of oppression in the world, the hungry, the poor. . .it is not worth wanting things for ME ME ME when there are people who have NOTHING at all. It bothers me so much when I see people buying $300 purses when they can get a $15 one and give the rest of that money to someone in need. I can't go around telling people though that they need to get rid of their stuff, because I'll get yelled at and my convictions are usually really strong and I get strict on myself because it gives me a huge freedom to not be held down by it. I just wish they understood that freedom too.

Her yellow dress is awesome, right?

Jenni from Story of My Life

2010-11-16T00:02:00.001-05:00

Name: Jenni

Blog: Story Of My Life

Current Age: 23

Jenna's Note: Guys, I am SO excited to introduce you to my dear friend, Jenni. And don't let her fool you into thinking she isn't just bursting with wisdom. Because she is. I tap into said wisdom on a regular basis. Ha! Jenni is one amazing girl. She gives unparalleled advice, exudes positivity in all situations, is super-intelligent and is as hilarious as they come. Reading her blog is one of the highlights of each day for me. You will adore it. You will adore her. I've only known this girl a short while, but I feel as though I have known her for years. Now, read on already! And then go make friends with her on her incredible blog too! :)

Enjoy!

***

I was so surprised and honored when the lovely Miss Jenna asked me to guest blog for her, and over the past couple weeks, as I have ~~procrastinated~~ thought about what I would write for this post, I have had the privilege of really getting to know her much better. And you know what? I can honestly say that she is one of the coolest and the sweetest and the smartest and the funniest girls I’ve EVER “met!” The readers and friends of this blog are all very lucky to get the occasional peak into this cool chic’s mind!

But let’s get on to the WISDOM. Because I am full of it. Not full of wisdom, just full of it. Which I’m sure is why I was asked to share. So let’s get started.

Introducing...

Jenni's

“5 Things I Wish I Could Have Told Myself About Life 5 Years Ago”

1. The very best way to predict what someone will do in the future is to look at what they’ve done in the past.

My hero Dr. Phil said that, not me (unfortunately). But it’s so very true, and when I heard it for the first time, it really resonated with me. For three and half years, I dated (and part of the time, LIVED WITH) a guy who was ten years older than me, but who just did NOT have it together. I truly loved him, but he was something of a “project” for me. I thought that I could fix him. I thought that I would motivate him to change, to dig himself out from the hole he was buried in (as a result of consistently poor life choices). But as years passed and nothing ever really changed, I had to decide what I wanted the rest of my life to look like. So we broke up. And then I met the man who is now my husband - who has a long track record of kept promises and good, wise choices. Which is why he keeps promises and makes good, wise choices still today – it’s who he is.

You see, a man will not change the core parts of himself for you. He may appear to change at first, but once the newness of your relationship wears off, he will settle back into his old ways unless his conviction to change comes deep from within and is truly and mostly for himself and no one else.

2. Excellence is an achievable goal – perfection is not.

While in college, I stayed really, really busy freaking out about trying to get perfect grades so I could graduate with a perfect GPA so I could someday get a perfect job. And when I fell short of perfection, my world came crashing down around me, and I had to ask myself who exactly I was if I wasn’t perfect. I’ve since found a perfectly acceptable answer to that question, and it is simply that I am someone who strives for excellence in all that I do, but someone who understands my own humanity a little better now. And that we can also miss a lot of life and living along the way if we get too hung up on meeting certain quite possibly unmeetable standards.

3. You absolutely, unequivocally CANNOT please everyone.

I’ve always been the type of person who really desires to please and be liked by everyone. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that to an extent, but one thing I’ve learned lately, especially as I create content for “the public” on my blog, is that there will always be those who dislike you for one reason or another. If you receive criticism, look into yourself and ask if the criticism is based in any reality. If it isn’t, then let it go. Haters always gonna hate. Grow a thicker skin, and move on.

4. There are very few things in life that are truly important.

You really realize this when unexpected accidents claim lives, when diseases like cancer invade and claim peace of mind, when financial struggles set in and threaten security. My stepfather has cancer, and the other day my mom said something that stood out to me. She said that she no longer has the “luxury” to play the games that other couples play or to have the concerns that many normal people have. Many things you thought were important before seem so petty when you’re staring an ugly and merciless disease like cancer in the face every day. When you experience or learn of certain tragedies, it forces you to put things in perspective, and you realize that if you are still breathing, if you still have people to love and who love you, if you still have HOPE, then you still have SO MUCH.

5. The Law of Attraction is a very real and simple force. Learn to use it for your benefit, and watch as your world transforms.

A couple years ago, I read the book The Secret, and I can honestly say that it changed my perception of my world and my power over that world. It’s all about the law of attraction and, while it doesn’t really affiliate with any one religion, it’s still a very spiritual book. The basic premise is that you create your circumstances with your very thoughts and the “frequencies” you send out into the universe. Have you ever come into contact with someone who just seemed to have a bad “aura?” Or how about someone who just radiated life and joy, without even saying a word? The law of attraction has a lot to do with that. Just read the book. I wish I’d read it sooner.

Angela from Everyone Loves Lipstick

2010-11-15T13:21:00.002-05:00

It's Ang!

Name: Angela
Current Age: 30
Blog: Everyone Loves Lipstick
Jenna's Note: Angela was one of my very first blogger-friends, and she is just full of wisdom, wit, charm and life. She just exudes it. I can literally feel her energy bubbling through the computer screen from her blog. It is one of my must-reads. With amazing style photos, fashion happenings from Houston, and the occasional life lesson, Angela will never fail to give you fresh posts each and every time you visit. And what's more, she never fails to make you feel like a friend either.

Enjoy!

Introducing...

Angela's

"5 Things I Wish I Could Have Told Myself About Life 5 Years Ago"

1. You cannot control everything. WOW! So I cannot tell you how many times I have had to learn this lesson over and over again! I know everyone is probably controlling in some way, I know I am! I have realized over the past couple of years not necessarily me trying to control every situation, but I noticed that I was scared to take any risks because I was so incredibly scared of failing. So I just didn’t take any chances at all. So in all reality, failure had control of me. Sometimes you just have to put yourself out there, which is what I have done with my blog. I am also a hairstylist part-time and when I first started doing hair, I would take everything so personally if somebody didn’t like something I did. But I had to realize, not everyone is going to love every single thing I do! I would never learn or grow if that were true! Being in any kind of beauty or fashion industry you have to develop somewhat of a thick skin, but I am still working on that!

2. Forgive others even if you don’t stay friends. I like to think of myself at the ultimate forgiver. I hate to even get mad at people, let alone stay mad for long periods of time. I have learned over the years that staying upset with people over things really only hurt me. Although I have mended most relationships over time, I wish I could say I have mended all of them but I haven’t. But I have forgiven even if I didn’t move on with the friendship. Grudges will eat you alive!

3. Appreciate others for who they are (not everyone is the same, which is what makes the world so interesting!) If I could say one song that I love so much that helps me appreciate this idea it is the song “Different People” by No Doubt. I absolutely love that song and how it teaches us to try to love the difference in people and not hate them for it. I know I sound like a hippie, but I honestly harp on this subject all the time! That is why I want to travel even more and get to really indulge in other cultures and see how others live. (Although I know eating the food might be hard for me, I am SUCH a picky eater!)

4. Networking is KING! I heard this so many times while I was in college. I never really took it seriously, but after blogging and just honestly talking with people, it really has made a difference in my life! I don’t think you have to network only for selfish reasons, but you never know who you might meet and who might be looking for something you can provide or you know someone who can provide it! Never blow anyone off, you never know if you will see them again.

5. There is no time line for life, and you can't plan everything. I know it seems like there are some kind of life rules for when you get married, when you buy a house, when you have kids, but really there are no rules! Everyone's life is different, so don’t rush anything!! It doesn’t matter what age you get married or have kids, do it when you are ready! There are so many wonderful things and places to experience in this beautiful life we have been given, so enjoy them!

I adore this dress!

And so it begins...The Blogger Series is on. Tomorrow.

2010-11-14T23:28:00.005-05:00

I am proud to introduce to you, dear readers, my blogger-series. I think you guys will enjoy it a lot. Not because I invented it (even though that should be reason enough! Ha!...Only kidding), but because I have gathered an awesome group of inspiring girls to lend a little life advice.

You will also get a unique look into their amazing personalities, and believe me, they are AMAZING. I really hope you enjoy these pieces. I know that I did while reading through them!

So now without further ado...

Introducing:

5 Things I Wish I Could Have Told Myself About Life 5 Years Ago

Brought to you by some amazing, incredible bloggers. With intros by me, of course!

And on the last day, you will get my five. It's only fair, right? :)

Until tomorrow, lovely readers!

xo,

Jenna

P.S.

I hope you enjoy my random photos. I didn't have any picture ideas for this, so you get a little glimpse inside my world with these shots. I like to take pictures and play with effects and colors. Can you tell? Ha!