5 Years.

Dearest Joel,

Thank you for standing by my side all these years. Cheers to us and for many more to come. I love you.

Always,
Jenn.

If money grew on trees tonight...

I'd buy a 2010 Dodge Challenger SRT8 RWD in Bright Silver Metallic tomorrow. (6 speed manual transmission of course.)

I would then customize it with a wide body kit,  throw on another layer of clear coat, find some deep dish rims,  update the sound system, and then go cruising down PCH while drowning out the world to Robin Thicke's amazing voice and lyrics.

Heaven. 

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On a side note, Eminem ft. Rihanna's "Love The Way You Lie" video is simply stunning. Maybe because I'm in love with Megan Fox.

Loving Yourself + Easy A.

It's been awhile since I've seen a good movie but Easy A definitely made my day.  The synopsis goes something like this: A smart, witty high school girl gets caught lying she lost her virginity and rolls with it as rumors fly. She pretends to do various things with guys in order to boost her & their reputations at school in exchange for money until one day, things go too far. Her life slowly starts to resemble Hester from The Scarlet Letter (which ironically they are studying in school) and she realizes that she must figure out how to clean up the mess and gain her good reputation back.

I don't know about the rest of you, but I could definitely relate to how Olive (Emma Stone) feels in the movie. High school was not one of my most memorable moments and was definitely hard on me socially & mentally due to what people said and thought about me. Kids are mean to each other and never think that what they say could hurt someone else, let alone what is said through the rumor mill. I'd imagine high school is that much harder for kids today with things like facebook, myspace, texts & whatnot so I admire how Olive from this movie took charge of the situation and just believed in herself and rolled with it.

These days, I'm satisfied with who i've become. I know what I like, what makes me happy and must credit Joel (and Jasmine) for standing by me through these years. We'll be celebrating our 5 year anniversary next weekend and it amazes me how our time together has passed so quickly. He has helped me learn to love who I am and to stand up for what I believe in and to be grateful for what we have.  So enough about me, go see Easy A as it's a wonderful romantic comedy about life as a high school student that will definitely bring back memories.

35 Lessons in 35 Years

I  stumbled upon this interesting post about 35 lessons in 35 years and completely agree with all of them. What are some life lessons you have learned? I'll post mine this weekend.

OMG! Grosgrain is giving away a SILHOUETTE MACHINE!

So I've been addicted to Grosgrain's blog for awhile now and can't get enough of her creations on her site.  I have something amazing to share, she is giving away a SILHOUETTE MACHINE!! Do you know how expensive one of those things are? They are $299! You can make amazing etched glass products, vinyl transfer, stickers, cutouts & TONS more. I want one... I hope I win!

How To Be Alone

I stumbled upon this video from Design Mom and found it artsy, touching & true. The hand drawn pictures & words are beautiful and make this feel so... relatable...What do you think?

love + UP

I just stumbled upon a couple who based their engagement photo shoot on their favorite movie UP. If you haven't seen it - GO SEE IT! It's such a cute movie and almost made me cry... Jasmine loves it too and shouts "GLOBOS!" every time she sees the balloons. NOW GO SEE IT!

P.S. This couple & photographer are such a great match & the photoset is just STUNNING. Go see the rest of this engagement photoshoot as well as their wedding photos (also based on the movie). I promise you won't be disappointed. 

(credits go to her & www.wildflowersphotos)

Love & Hugs

Being a mother means making sacrifices and trying to create a better life for your child. At least that's what it means to me. I made a trek home to see baby for the weekend and it's definitely helped me cope with some things on my mind.  

I've come accept that:

1. I should not feel guilty for wanting the best for my child, even if it means she will be away from me. She has amazing grandparents that love her and have the luxury of watching and playing with her 24/7.  If she was to live with me, I would only see her for a couple of hours each day and it would not always be quality time. I'll live with her one day though. 

2. I should enjoy every waking moment with her. Even if that means I am bleary eyed at 2 in the morning, telling her that everything is ok. Life is too short to not be enjoyed. 

3. Every child develops differently. Even if she does not speak yet, she will catch on quick and learn to babble and mimic anything and everything I do. That includes swearing so I need to be careful. Haha.

4. Money comes and goes but time cannot be repeated. Stress a little on money but don't let it affect everything you do. 

5. Actions speak louder than words. I need to do just that.

Adventure File #2:: Ventura, CA

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Place //  Ventura, CA

What // Jeff & Alisa's wedding. Good people. Good times.

Located // A church. A reception. Cafe Noveau.

When // August 7, 2010

This past weekend was simply wonderful.  I wish Jeff and Alisa the best in their new lives together and thank them for inviting us to a beautiful and intimate wedding. 

Jeff & Alisa.

The First Dance.

The Cake. (It tasted AMAZING!)

The Boys.

Alex & the beautiful Vera.

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Delicious brunch at the quaint & cozy Cafe Noveau. We went there Saturday AND Sunday because it was soo good. GO THERE! The food is awesome and the owner (Curly mustache man??) rocks.

Jimmy & Dori. Photography & life extraordinaires!

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&more.

Silly sign. I didn't see any trolls that day...

I am extremely fortunate to be acquainted with these inspiring and incredible people in my life and thank them all for an unforgettable weekend. Have a wonderful rest of the week!