25 Questions Before 2014 - Part 1&2

So I am a little late on this... Blame it on traveling to Canada for work yesterday so I am going to do Day 1 & 2 of this link up today - I think this is really fun and a great way to look back on your year and even more look forward to the new year and what you want to accomplish ...

1. What am I most proud of this year?
My Career. I have come along way in the last 12 months professionally. I have learned more here than I ever thought. I hate my job some days but most days I love it! Working for a start up can be incredibly stressful and can tear you down, but the rewards are worth it!

2. How can I become a better _____________?
Me? I need to focus on being heatlhy in 2014, not random months of health kicks but a consistant work out and YF schedule. I feel better and look better when I do this.. So in 2014 i need to limit the cupcakes LOL.

3. Where am I feeling stuck?
Love Life. Boys are so... ugh. But everything happens for a reason right? We will see.

4. Where do I need to allow myself grace?
Everywhere - I am really hard on myself sometimes and I need to give me a break - be the best person, friend, employee, and whatever else... hopefully then it will all fall into place.

5. Am I passionate about my career?
Yes and No. I enver thought I would care so much about cups and packaging but this is my life now. I am passionate about seeing this company grow and learning more to make it a better place to work and thrive.

6. What lessons have I learned?
Grace, Humility, and to surrender to god. I want to keep believing that everything happens for a reason and work hard to make myself happy.

7. What did my finances look like?
Eh... I need to stop shopping so much. My number 1 New Year's Resolution is to save money - big time!

8. How did I spend my free time?
With Friends and Family - I am super happy with that

9. How well did I take care of my body, mind, and soul?
Spinning, Running, and Spending time with loved ones - all good for the soul ;)

10. How have I been open-minded?
No, and this is something I need to work on and I am going to.... try.. promise.

11. When did I feel most creatively inspired?
While Blogging... I am so happy to have picked this up again, I love this space and I am excited for my 2014 blog goals :)

12. What projects have I completed?
Lots of DIY pinterest stuff.. but nothing too exciting

13. How have I procrastinated?
Work out routines... money saving..

14. In what ways can I re-structure my time?
Plan better

15. How have I allowed fear of failure to hold me back?
Yes, this is something else I need to work on for 2014... lots of goals.... stay tuned.

Sunday Social 12-15-2013

It's Sunday and I am pumped about it!! Usually I hate Sundays because they mean work is coming but this week is the week before Christmas so I am happy happy happy! I also get to go to Toronto tomorrow for work which is always more fun than going into the office!!

Holiday Social Sundays make me smile ... lets go!

1. What is your favorite Holiday Movies/TV Specials?
I am obsessed with ABC Family's 25 Days of Christmas, anything played here works for me.. Elf, Holiday in Handcuffs, The Santa Claus.. Movie Marathon anyone??

2nd time I talked about this in my blog this week - total obsession.

2. Do you do any volunteering during the holidays if so what? If not what would you do?
I recently became in charge of a charity at work - We work with Ronald McDonald House in Milwaukee and I am in charge of our toy drive this year.. I cannot wait for the big drop off! Those kids melt my heart and I cannot wait to make their holidays a little better!

Check it out here - and feel free to donate ;)

3. What is your favorite toy received as a child for the holidays?
Molly - My American Girl Doll. Best Gift Ever.

4. What was your must have item in high school for the holidays?
Cell Phone to keep up with friends. Since we weren't seeing each other everyday... and this was before Facebook (IM SO OLD).. we texted Christmas gifts, what we were doing, and anything and everything!

5. What do you do on Christmas Eve? If you are Jewish what does your family do for Hanukkah?
Christmas Eve is spent with my Mom's side of the family. Every year is different but we always have a blast!! Gift exchanges, Trivia games, and Just Dance tournaments. I cannot wait for this year :)

Enjoy some football - and everything else Sundays are made for :)

<3 Jilly Anne

Happy Freaking Friday

We made it! Through 5 days of work ... frigid temperatures (at least here in WI)... and waking up early!! Woo Hoo - hey sometimes it's the little things...

5 great things that got me through this week :)

Chicago - 45 \ Dallas - 28

Chicago Bears domination over the Cowboys this past Monday - This was great, not if only we can keep the momentum going - playoffs here we come! 

The twins went and saw Santa Claus for the 1st time this week and their mom sent us this pic - looks like they were thrilled. I told her to send it to Ellen ASAP. She loves this stuff!

My Mom dropped off these ornaments for me. She has been collecting them for years and now I get to put them on my tree!! I love looking at the old ones and remembering when she bought them!

25 Days of Christmas has been so on point lately. Holiday In Handcuffs, Baby Daddy Christmas Special, and Elf - It doesn't get much better. What did I watch before December?

Tonight is Holiday Happy Hour at work - Just have to get through 8 hours and then I get to go out and have some much deserved drinks with some fun ppl from work.

As a quick add on.. Look at this puppy  below.. he is at the local animal shelter and I WANT him. I Imagine him being adorable and I will name him Sam and he will go on walks with me.... and then my adult brain says "you are never home" - "dogs are too expensive" ... blah blah

Look at that face.. I cant even.. Santa?

#backthatchristmasazzup

Have a great weekend Y'all!!!

<3 Jilly Anne

A Dream Come True... Kinda

Ladies.. My Dream has kind of come true. You know when you read Cosmo they have that quick quiz that celebs fill out.. well Erin @ Two Thirds Hazel has made this a reality with the Blogmopolitan Quiz! So I took some time, and cute font, and filled it out. I always wanted to be a celeb and I think this is as close as I am going to get. Enjoy!

Hope you ladies are having a wonderful day - It's almost Friday right??!! Can I get an Amen!!!

 

<3 Jilly Anne

*The Cutest Christmas Cards of All*

Since its December, I officially have my Christmas pants on – yes I do have Christmas tree pants (see picture below – and yes I love them), but that’s not the point – I am ready to do everything and anything that has to do with this most magical time of year.

 I love everything about it; Christmas Movies (Elf, duh!), Hot Cocoa, Sparkly Lights, Decorations and ice skating (in adorable winter hats and gloves of course)

With the holidays around the corner one of my most favorite things is receiving Christmas cards in the mail with pictures and stories of family & friends and how they spent 2013! In the past I have always been reluctant to send out Christmas cards because they have this terrible stigma for being for the typical family of 4 or newly married couple – well ladies... this could not be further from the truth!!

Just because I am single (yes my Mother reminds me of this quite a lot.. thanks Mom) doesn’t mean I didn’t have an amazing 2013 and I want to share it with everyone, including my favorite readers! Single ladies unite – you know we have some good pictures and even better stories ;)

I mean I take enough adorable pics all year, I pick the cutest of all Christmas cards with some blips of exciting things I’ve done this year and BAM – Christmas cards for everyone!

Now, to find the perfect card…. Oh wait... I already did… Insert Tiny Prints!!!

Seriously you guys, they cards are so freaking cute! And there are SPARKLES... take a look at some of my favorites below:

I love the use of Christmas carol lyrics in the card, and the snow border

Here come the sparkles!!! I cannot even - with polka dots, i die!!

Chevron - best pattern ever, oh and glitter... It doesn't get much better!

And finally shapes - I love the scallop shape of this card!!
The little gold polka dots make it look so classy and chic!

I cannot just pick one! I want them all. They are so cute, I think they would make the front of the fridge to everyone I send them to!!

Now it's your turn to check them out online, Cutest Christmas Cards of ALL TIME!!!!

Also check out thier pinterest boards - such good stuff... and even more than just holiday stuff!

Merry Christmas & Fa La La La

<3 Jilly Anne

Christmas Kiddos

Christmas has been my favorite holiday since I can remember - The traditions, the lights, the family time, and the presents, and even now, I still act like a child every Christmas morning. Up at 6am, sneaking a peak at the tree, and sorting stocking goodies before my parents wake up.

Now that I am older I still spend Christmas Eve at my parents, waking up without my brothers and them would just be weird and until I have my own family, I am sticking to traditions. 

Now don't get me wrong, I know that Jesus is the reason for the season, but I love some good Christmas present surprises! Here are a few of my favorite:

* Barbie Camper - seriously #1 on my Christmas list and I was too excited when I opened it. Now looking at it, it looks cheap and boring - but when I was 8.. It was amazing!

* Easy Bake Oven - every body wanted this and I got it. Longest cook time on a brownie even but I loved making them!

* American Girl Doll - BEST PRESENT EVER! I wanted Molly because she had glasses and so did I - when I got her I think I cried - especially after my brother drew X's on her feet with permanant maker, but that's a story for another time.

Now a days my presents are more expensive and I get less of them, but honestly my favorite part is the memories I make with my family during the holidays. Someone always does something crazy - usually during our annual Just Dance competition and we just all have a blast together :)

 I mean just check out the video... amazing skills my dad has right?

Hope you all have a very Happy Holiday season :)

<3 Jilly Anne

Snow. City. Weekend. Shenanigans.

Good Morning Ladies & Happy Monday - we are 2 weeks out from Christmas, can you believe it - and that mean Holiday fun is starting and weekends are busy with all things fabulous!! This weekend was no different, I crammed a lot of stuff in these 2 days and I loved every minute of it! When you have bad work weeks - you need great weekends to make everything better! And after 2 days of fun and relaxation with friends I am ready for another week.

Lots of pictures coming your way so lets do this!!

That's right - Saturday morning - up and out the door before 6am

Santa Hustle 5k Here I Come!

My road trip buddies down to Chicago - I love these faces!

 3 degrees outside and lots of people dressed as Santa ready to run
#tisthefreakingseason

Sara, Me, and babies - quick stop for a picture by the lake.

 Selfie while running - cute right?
#no
#smallesthatever

After the race, we headed to Navy Pier for drank and after run party

Harry Carey Frosted Snowman

Rum and other things - delicious!!

One more pic from the track - hell yes I will run to the finish line for him!!

FAST FORWARD a few hours (and a nap later).... Up to Milwaukee

Second City travel group at Milwaukee Performing Arts Center - HILARIOUS.

Jen and I had such a blast!!

 Sunday Morning Snow - looks gorgeous over the city :)

Brunch at Cafe Benelux in Milwaukee

Mimosas & Starbucks - happy girl!

Next Stop: Milwaukee Public Market - just the cutest place ever

Wine, Fresh Foods, Shopping - I can't wait to go back!

Milwaukee is about 30 minutes from my house, but today due to all the snow and road conditions it took 2 hours! There was a 60 car pile up on the tollway and we were all diverted on to frontage roads, I was so happy to make it home safe that it was worth a slow ride.

So there we go, the fastest run down of a crazy busy fantastic weekend :)

The snow is still falling which looks really peaceful from my room - I am not looking forward to getting up and heading to work - but alas Monday is here. Have a wonderful week y'all!!

<3 Jilly Anne