166:365

Hoodie by Ralph Lauren, jeans by Anoname, boots by Aldo.

The opening ceremonies is one of my favorite parts of the Olympics. It's a moment in time that captures unity, country pride, the essence of beauty in artistic performance, and like music, it brings the people together. I honestly don't think there's another event that can compete. 

Throughout the event, I noticed a few different things. First of all, the use of suspended horses, factory parts, islands, a little girl (I would have been so scared!), and snowflakes was quite a creative use of space. Second of all, the choreographed dance between ballet, 50's dancing, and rigid modern dancing demonstrated a unique representation of Russia's history (some major events omitted). Lastly, I don't always say this in regards to opera, but I was truly captivated by the woman singing opera. Her voice penetrated the air and projected the music that weaved this world's hearts together, joining them for 2 weeks of oneness.

Cheers to the beginning of competition of the elite, deserving athletes of the world. And cheers to the hard work and dedication each and every athlete has devoted over the last four years to arrive at excellence. 

Jennica

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 Scarf from T.J.MAXX, vest by Heritage 1981, jeans by Rock & Republic, booties by Report.

In honor of the Olympics kicking off, I thought I would take this opportunity to share about my own Olympic experience via an article I wrote in my brother and sister-in-law's wedding newsletter, reading material for the attendees.

The Olympic Dream

Growing up my family always watched the Olympics on TV, and I began to dream, “setting my standards high.”  When I grew up, I didn't necessarily care about competing in the Olympics, I just wanted to go to the Olympics.  I never could have imagined the role Timon was going to play in that dream by moving to China.  When we found out the 2008 Summer Olympics were going to be in Beijing, Timon and I began to scheme about going together.  

I finally bought a ticket and flew out on August 8, 2008.  The first event we attended was Team Handball.  First of all, who knew team handball was anything more than a game I played in middle school PE, and second there isn't a US team.  Maybe there is a chance for Timon and I to compete in the Olympics after all.  After that we attended boxing, women’s soccer semi-finals (US beat Japan!), women’s basketball semi-finals (Dwayne Wade sat right in front of us and gave us a head nod), tennis, women's beach volleyball gold medal match, and last but certainly not least track finals.  

Before track finals, I had already joined Timon and Kristina for their one-month anniversary dinner and spent some quality time getting to know Kristina (instantly approved!).  We decided that in order to represent our country well at track finals, we needed to sport our US colors and flail a giant American flag.  Part of our attire included tights.  Red and blue tights.  And Kristina and I weren't the only ones wearing them...  So after getting dressed in red, white and blue from head to toe, including Kristina's and my nails, we headed to the Bird's Nest!  

I have to admit the three of us were awe struck as we stood in between the Bird's Nest and The Cube hearing people speaking multiple languages and representing the beauty and diversity of many countries.  It was by far the most magical experience of them all.  When we finally found our seats it was hard to believe that we were sitting across the track from the flames that we watched from afar on the television so many times during our childhood.  With cameras flashing, athletes competing to reach their dreams, and us right in the middle of it all, we were having the time of our lives.

We had the opportunity to see many significant events that night.  Brian Clay finished his decathlon that night to take the gold, and Usane Bolt and his team broke the world record in the 4X100 meter relay!  Timon, Kristina and I were jumping up and down and screaming so loud as Usane's team broke into their celebration dance right below us on the track!  Our hearts were pounding, and the deafening sound of the crowd was a moment never to be forgotten.  Throughout the rest of the night the three of us were gripping the flag, jumping up and down in our red, white and blue, and cheering for our country. 

By the end of the track meet, the Australian pole vaulter was attempting his last jumps to break the Olympic record.  We relocated to get a better view, and sure enough it was worth it, as he is now the Olympic Record holder!  After his celebration, a high-lights video was shown, recapping the glorious moments of the evening, including Clay, Bolt and the pole vaulter.  However, the most exciting clip of the video was when we saw ourselves for about two-point-five seconds on the jumbo-tron, jumping up and down in our sweatbands and tights and holding our giant American Flag!  It was the perfect ending to a perfect night and I will always cherish the special memories that Kristina, Timon and I experienced that day.

USA!!

Jennica

PS~I heart snow days!!!

164:365

Vest by Nike, vintage sweater, jeans by Seven for All Mankind, boots by Report.

My good friend Courtney is celebrating 365 days of sobriety today and in honor of her, her strength, and seeking God in the hardest thing she has ever done, I would like to recognize her by sharing her blog post on this significant day.

XOXO

Jennica

163:365

Blouse by Wilster, jeans by H&M, booties from Italy.

People have been asking for my stuffed mushroom recipe so I thought I would post my invented concoction. My cooking tends to be a little more haphazard and spontaneous, but when I come up with something on the high end of the nom-nom-nom scale, I might as well share it.  It will help me remember it too!

Ingredients

• 18-20 mushrooms
• 2 chicken apple sausages, sliced into rounds
• 1/2 cup quinoi (more or less depending on preference)
• 1/2 of an onion, diced
• 2 peppers, diced
• 1 or 2 cloves of garlic, pressed
• 1 inch length of ginger
• 1 container of goat cheese (or feta!)

Directions

1. Saute onions with olive oil
2. Add peppers, pressed garlic, pressed ginger, and sausage
3. Saute ingredients until browned
4. Add cooked quinoi and goat cheese (If you stop right here before adding the goat cheese, this is delicious too, and leave the mushrooms for another meal!)
5. Mix thoroughly
6. Break off stems of mushrooms and wash thoroughly
7. If you diced your ingredients finely enough, then you can simply put them in the mushrooms. I used a Ninja to mince everything, and then placed a small dollop in each one.
8. Spread evenly on a cookie tray and bake in the oven at 400 degrees for approximately 20 minutes. For the last few minutes turn the broiler on to add a crispy finish to the top.
9. Let cool for 5 minutes
10. Savor. Enjoy!

XOXO

Jennica

162:365

Sweater by Saltaire, leggings by B.P., boots by Loeffler Randall.

Be your own greatest rival.

Jennica

161:365

Jacket from China, tank by Joie, jeans by Anoname, kicks by Nike.

With hundreds of people in attendance, the nation watched as Punxsatawney Phil stepped out into the crisp morning air to check out his shadow. Sometimes no news is better than bad news - I'm pretty sure I don't need six more weeks of guaranteed winter.

On to domination- This goes down in history as one of the most fun Super Bowl experiences I've had. Starting the day out with some munchies and moving onto the stuffed mushrooms and a giant bowl of skittles, there was plenty of goodies to snack on throughout the game. Watching the game with four guys - diehard for the Seahawks - I wasn't sure what to expect. I also wasn't sure what to expect between the Broncos (a great reputation) and the Seahawks (up and coming). I soon found out that the evening would involve lots of skittles showers, chest bumps, intentional lean-and-farts, couch dog piles, and a five man dance party that lasted easily a couple hours after the game ("It's a boy dance party!" ~SNL). Starting the game off with points scored 12 seconds into the game, and starting the second half off with a touchdown 12 seconds into the half, there's no denying that between the 12th man and the Seahawks jerseys, no one was going to shut us down.

Cheers to a great win, a great season, a great team, and the 12th man.

Jennica

PS~I made the cookies I posted about on Saturday and they definitely received mixed reviews...I have to say, I think I'm going to try a new recipe next time. If you know of a fantabulous snickerdoodle recipe, please leave the link in the comment section below!! Thx;)

160:365

Top by Lily White, skinnies by Pilcro (Anthropologie), booties by Report.

So as the world knows, the much-anticipated Super Bowl is just hours away. With thousands of the 12th Man sending the Hawks off in style, all skittles on the west coast sold out for days, Special Edition Skittles Seahawks cakes selling for $1000, and the 12th Man hearts beating just a little bit faster, fans everywhere are preparing for the big day. Though I can't say I can compete with the Seahawks cake, I'm venturing out to try a new recipe of my favorite cookies in the whole wide world. Snickerdoodles. Though my friend Chelsea is tough competition when it comes to snickerdoodles. I'm going to attempt to bypass her elite cookie-baking status with this recipe. With over 3,500 reviews and a 4.5 star status, I have high hopes of the results for these melt-in-your-mouth delights!

I know we've all set our health goals for the new year, but you should probably buckle just once in celebration of the Super Bowl!!

XOXO,

Jennica