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Sweatshirt by Rendered Printing, jeans by Vince, kicks by Nike.

During class today, I was talking to my students about how it's important to take ownership of their own educations. I can provide instruction, and make things interesting for them, but in the end, they have to choose to learn. Obviously every student learns in different ways and that's a whole different discussion, but the fact that if they kick back and relax, they're not going to get the same education as if they put 100% into everything they do whether it's an extremely engaging activity or worksheet practice.

I see this also applying to adults. We get out of it what we put into it. It doesn't matter what it is we're attempting - a college degree, a career, a change in career, making a relationship work, raising your kids...whatever we put into it is ultimately what we get out of it.

So I challenge you, whatever your endeavors, to give 100%, even when it's hard.

Jennica

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Button up by Guess, belt by Gap, jeans by Joe's Jeans, heels by Jessica Simpson.

One of the assignments my students are working on involve identifying character traits in the main character in the story. I provided a list of about 50 character traits for students to use as a resource. While looking more closely at them, it was interesting to talk to the students about how people can have good and bad character traits. We also talked about how it's important to identify our bad character traits and be intentional about changing them.

In the end what counts is who we are as people and not our outer shell, aka - our reputation.

Food for thought,

Jennica

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Vintage blazer by Spellbound by Ricardo, top by Will Smith, leggings by B.P., boots by Loeffler Randall.

The other day a friend was inquiring, "How long exactly does it take to do everything for your blog every night?!" Which got me to thinking, I had guesses but no actual time. So tonight was the night - I timed it, and am timing it as we speak, so I guess it depends on how long winded I am...

Though not ideal, I have the frame of my backdrop up in my room, and the lighting kit stands up but tucked in a corner. Which means all I have to do is attach the umbrellas, lay down the white sheet on the floor, set up my tripod and self-timer away! As of tonight, that process took me ten minutes. 

I then go down to my computer, upload the images, edit them with my editing software, export them to the appropriate file, email them to myself so that I can use a photo collage app on my phone, email it back, and then upload it to my blog...Whew! That parts actually pretty annoying... But it ends up taking me about ten minutes to do all that.

THEN, it depends on how long-winded I am. AKA, last nights blog took a little bit longer, but typically if I know what I'm going to write about, it takes about ten minutes.

THEN, I post to Facebook.

All in all, I would say from start to finish, (Shiny Object Syndrome accounted for) I'm wrappin' it up in less than an hour, sometimes even 30 minutes. Not bad for everything that I just spouted off, eh? Considering how much time one typically spends on a computer or watching TV, everyone has time for a fashion blog! ;)

Ciao for now!

Jennica

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Jacket by Levis, top by MOD Lusive, jeans by Seven for All Mankind, booties by Trouve.

My Grandma turned 85 years old recently and to celebrate the occasion, I brought her cupcakes tonight. But not just any cupcakes. Recommended by my friend Emily, I bought a Groupon for a quaint little bakery in Old Town Sherwood called Sweet Story Bakery. As I stepped into the shop today, other than dodging small children debatably in need of sedatives from the excitement of cupcakes, candy, and delightfully frosted cookies, my mouth began to slowly drip from anticipation of a sugary sweet. The glass cases were filled with gooey goodness, staring back at me, straight into my soul. After mopping up the drool from the floor, I chose speckle-frosted oreo, sweet salted caramel, crunchy butter finger, and luscious raspberry cream cupcakes, the frosting ever-so-perfectly placed. Though I wanted to devour every last crumb and not leave any for Grandma (she would never know!!), I gathered strength, tied the tiffany blue ribbon that wrapped the brown box even tighter and went on my way, leaving the non-sedated children behind.

Once I arrived at the Friendsview Manner, Grandma was eagerly awaiting me in the Manner lobby. After hugs and hellos, she linked her arm in mine and joyfully guided us to the dining room. Apparently Tuesdays and Thursdays are special nights because I got to check off items from a menu and was ever--so-graciously served by the kitchen staff! It was lovely to chat with a table chalk full of wise souls and the dinner wasn't too bad either. :)

During our table conversation, I learned that tonight was a George Fox Women's game, challenging their rival - the Linfield Wildcats. Grandma said they put it up on the big screen downstairs and I couldn't help but stay to help cheer on the Bruins with my Grandma. Being the first ones downstairs to ensure a good seat, and so other residents wouldn't high-jack the TV to watch the President's State of the Union Address, we made good use of our twenty minutes by arranging the furniture for better viewing and had great conversation. Slowly but surely the residents trickled in and the game began. With dozers, nose blowers, people attempting to whisper by cupping their hand to their neighbor and yelling, things being repeated to the same person in the double digits, toupees, innocent christian-like jokes about the other team, and Grandma by my side, I'm quite confident this was one of the most fun times I've had watching a basketball game to date.

Cheers to 85 well-lived years Grandma. You may be short, but your love and compassion for others is truly a slam dunk.

Jennica

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Top by Trouve, sweater by Matthews - New York, leggings by B.P., boots by Cole Haan.

After work I stopped by Target to get a tub for organizational purposes. All my tubs for organization are from there so they stack easily and all look the same (for my own OCD purposes). When I was checking out, the cashier with a surprised voice stated, "Wow you sure are getting out with the bare minimum!" At first I wasn't sure why it was such a big deal that I was leaving with only a measly tub. But then I realized that I'm pretty sure I've never made it out of Target with only one item. Talk about the easiest place for impulse buys galore! 

To say the least, it was an empowering moment walking out of Target, tub in hand, cash in my pocket. Before you go into a store, have a list. If you think you might want to stumble across something fun and unique, then set a budget for yourself. "OK, so I have $50 to spend on this list of items. If I come across anything fun, it needs to stay under $20." Obviously you can't do that every time, because you'd be broke very quickly. But nonetheless, process your intentions before entering a store. You'll spend less time in there, less money, and you'll have less stuff to manage!

Toodles,

Jennica

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Hat by Forever 21, sweater by Gap, scarf by Old Navy, jeans by Joe's Jeans, boots from Target.

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Sweater by Mossimo, jeans by Anoname, heels by Vince, scarf refashioned from a dress.

I swear every time I buy a Groupon, I don't use it until right before it's going to expire or I miss the date it expires and then only have the value of what I actually paid. Today was not going to be one of those days. In an attempt to beat the expiration date, my boyfriend, Megan, Lindsay and I headed out to Ardiri Winery in the boondocks, also known as Cornelius. With a view of Mount hood and earth toned hills rolling beyond the horizon, the beat of my heart slowed, I soaked in the sun (and the heat from the fire place...) and embraced this simple momentary getaway. Pleasantly surprised - Lindsay brought guacamole (Jennica Crack), torilla chips, pineapple, and pretzels and single-handedly changed my life. Catching up on life couldn't have been more delightful! I'm so thankful for friends and a boyfriend who are willing to be spontaneous and adventurous at any given time.

To top the day off, my mom and I took a painting class from Vine Gogh Artist Bar! Below is a pic of the final product. Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought that my mom and I would be painting on canvas, elbow to elbow, but it's one of our favorite hobbies to share together!

XOXO,

Jennica