My Peace Love Life

My Weekend Getaway to Beautiful Hocking Hills

1/26/2021

After all the craziness of last year, I was ready to get away, be away from civilization and all human beings, indulge in some inner reflection, and just relax and be happy!

So what did I do? I booked a secluded cabin in the woods from Air BnB, packed up my car, grabbed my dog, and took off for the weekend! The only plan? Do some soul searching, spend time with Rocco, and BE HAPPY!

My Air BnB was a gorgeous little cabin that was nestled in the woods, away from civilization, but only miles away from all the caves and hiking paths.

It included a beautiful wood burning fireplace that I made great use of (is there a better place to sit and contemplate life than in front of a blazing fire? I think not!), an adorable little bedroom with a super comfy bed, and an outdoor hot tub that I made even better use of!

While on my journey of inner reflection and practicing some serious self care, I made sure I had the most wonderful food and drinks available! Vegan cheese with crusty bread, and a freshly made salad complete with homemade croutons, and some pink champagne, started my Friday night out right!

Saturday night I made the most delicious fresh pasta sauce from scratch, with red wine in it (and on the side of course!).

And all the hot black coffee every morning!

What's a trip to Hocking Hills without some hiking and adventuring?!
The cold did not deter us from having the most amazing hiking experience (hello 18 degrees!). As long as we kept moving the cold didn't get to us. For two hours we hiked lots of different trails and saw so much!

Rocco had the absolute time of his life! He was running around, jumping up on everything, and exploring everything he could! He was definitely in his element.

Spending time alone in Mother Nature is a terrific way to reconnect to self, and it was exactly what I needed.

While on my weekend getaway to beautiful Hocking Hills, I had a lot of time to think, meditate, and to also clear my mind and just be. When you do all of this, it opens you up to receiving messages you need to hear, and give you insight into things you don't normally think about, because we are always so busy filling our lives with distractions, that we don't have time to hear it. I had a lot of great realizations and thoughts that I am keeping private, but the main one, is that I am happy! I felt truly happy, for the first time in a while.
Yes, my mind might still tell me that I am a failure and a quitter, but it's kind of hard to listen to that when you are feeling this happy! I know there is still hard times ahead, and I will still have times of feeling overwhelmingly sad, but it is so much easier to get through all of that when you know that your life is headed in the right direction, and you are HAPPY!

Be sure to follow my Instagram for more pictures, and as usual, I will be writing lots more blog posts about my time at Hocking Hills!
Until next time!

Peace Love and Hocking Hills
Jess <3

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Why 2021 Will Not be a "New Year New Me"

12/31/2020

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I have been blogging since May of 2012. And in all that time I have never missed posting a blog post every single month. Until October and November of this year.
So that should say a lot about how out of sorts I have been these last couple months.
Out of sorts is actually putting it very nicely.
(Read all about what's been going on if you haven't already)
I have pretty much been a train wreck these last two months. July through October I was in a bit of denial, plus just really happy to be back in Ohio, and really excited about my new job.
But reality hit hard in November as shock and denial wore off and gave way to pain and guilt, and I experienced burnout, exhaustion, and depression like I never had before.

From 4 weeks ago via my Instagram;
So I definitely wore my bathrobe to church today ?
Today was the first day I left the house since Monday. I have been sick (not the covid, I got tested!), knocked completely on my butt since Monday, barely leaving my bed.
My body just crashed.
I have been experiencing some major burnout from work (already)- working 13+ hour days, plus a 1 hour drive each way, at a job that is already completely emotionally and mentally draining.
Not to mention everything that has been going on in my personal life, I'm not gonna lie, it's been tough.
And I like to act like I have everything together, and that I'm doing fine.
But I was getting real close to a nervous breakdown, and so huge shoutout to my wise and wonderful body for just saying, "Nope! We're shutting this down! Go relax and get your head on straight!"
I know it's a long journey, but I have amazing people (and Rocco) by my side, helping hold me up, even on my worst days, and reminding me that I am stronger than I think.
So here I am, feeling a little better, a little more rested, and a little more at peace.
4w

So why is 2021 not going to be a "New Year New Me?"
So glad you asked!

As this terrible year ends and another approaches, I know that unlike in Cinderella, the chiming of midnight will not bring with it any changes. I know that I will need to continue on same as I have in the last couple months, pressing on through the struggle and the pain.

For this new year, unlike most years, I do not have a grand list of goals that I would like to accomplish. Instead;

*I have one big goal (stay tuned).
*Two trips I would like to take (one is the trip with Rocco that I just booked yesterday).
*I want to be more positive (I have been a complete Negative Nancy the past couple months, and I know I need to stop feeling sorry for myself).
*And finally, to heal.
I know healing takes time, and that also there is no timetable. So I am going to focus this year on myself, and allow myself the time and space to feel everything I need to feel, and to heal.

So in 2021 it is not going to be a "New Year New Me." It is going to be the same strong woman who has held it together (barely), and struggled, and pushed forward, and started her life over from scratch. She is already stronger today than she was five months ago, and I am so proud, and so excited.

I am also reading over a blog post I wrote in December 2016 when I had another bad year.
How to Move Past a Bad Year, and Look Forward to a New One.
I highly recommend reading it.

So whatever your New Year's plans are (you already know mine), be good to yourself, and be good to others.

Peace Love and New Year Same (Strong) Me
Jess <3

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11 Unique Things to Do in Ohio in the Fall

9/26/2020

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11 Unique Things to Do in Ohio in the Fall

I am a true Ohio-an. Born and raised in Northern Ohio!
While true that I have left it a lot to go explore, and at times live in different places around this incredible world, I always end up back here.
There is just some kind of a pull, an invisible almost magnetic draw, that ensures I will always return to Ohio.
My family is definitely a huge part of it! My immediate family, as well as my huge extended family that I seem to run into anytime I leave the house.
But there is something else, something I have only begun to realize as I got older and spent more time away. Ohio is a very special place, and now that I am back for good, I want to share with everyone why Ohio is so amazing, and tell you all the great places and experiences that can be found here!

Today I will be talking about Ohio in the Fall, because having spent the last 3 falls in the South, I am even more excited about being back in Ohio during my favorite season!
I personally think that Ohio is the absolute perfect place to spend your Fall, whether visiting for a short time, or if you live here!
There is something just perfect about Ohio in the Fall, a combination of the leaves changing, the absolutely perfect Fall weather, the abundance of Fall activities, and a feeling in the air that you just can't describe.
So here are the 11 coolest most unique things you can do in Ohio in the Fall!

1. Get scared shi*less at the Mansfield Reformatory.
The Mansfield Reformatory is so freakin' cool I don't even know where to start! It is a historic prison that you can take a tour of, or just wander around at your own pace. And Shawshank Redemption was filmed here, so it's a must-visit just because of this! Because of how haunted it is, they also have a haunted house here, paranormal explorations, and you can even spend the night locked in a cell! Read about my time at The Reformatory.
Where it's located; Mansfield, Ohio

2. Experience the craziest little bookstore you will ever see.
A1 bookstore is a tiny, crowded, insane little bookstore located inside A1 Towing, on the little backstreets of Navarre, Ohio. It is definitely an experience! Spend hours digging through towering piles of books and crammed bookshelves, to find that perfect book to cuddle up with in front of a roaring fireplace, cup of hot chocolate in hand (am I the only one who just got super excited thinking about this?!).
This little place is so off the grid, they do not have a website, so just plug the address in your GPS and have a fun little road trip!
6067 Navarre Rd, SW, Canton, OH 44706
(330)477-0908
Where it's located at; Navarre, Ohio (I know the address says Canton, but I consider it Navarre :P).

3. Visit Mohican State Park.
With it being the "Canoe capital of Ohio" Mohican State Park is most popular during the summer months, but it definitely has a lot to offer during the Fall months as well! Zip lining, horse back riding, camping, and cabin rentals, just to name a few! The gorge is also an amazingly beautiful thing to see! Or just go for a drive, and witness the splendor of an entire forest's leaves changing color.
Where it's located at; Loudonville, Ohio.

4. Get lost in a corn maze/Get scared in a corn maze.
With Ohio being a very agricultural place, not only is it gorgeous in the Fall, but all those corn fields make for some excellent corn mazes! We have an abundance of family friendly corn mazes, and also haunted corn mazes! Let me tell you, if you've never been to a haunted corn maze, it is a Fall Bucket List must!
Since we have such a large plethora of corn mazes, here is a site that you can search by location for corn mazes, both haunted and not.
Where it's located; All over Ohio.

5. Eat a cinnamon roll the size of your face at the Cinnamon Face Place.
Ok, it's not really called the Cinnamon Face Place, but that's what we used to call it back in the day! I didn't even know the actual name of this place and had to look it up today for this article hahaha.
Simply Cinnamon prides itself on having huge cinnamon rolls, and at only $3.25 a pop, these face-sized babies complete with a flavored latte will not disappoint your basic Fall instincts.
Where it's located; Bolivar, Ohio.

6. Visit the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
While not a football fan, I do know that football and Fall go hand in hand, and what better way to celebrate Fall than to visit the Football Hall of Fame!
I've only visited here once. I helped set up the event space for when Dan Marino came, and that was super cool, because I am not a football fan, but I am an Ace Ventura fan! It was a very cool space, and I definitely recommend it for football fans. Book your tour at the Football Hall of Fame.
Where it's located; Canton, Ohio.

7. Visit the Wayne County Fair.
Since the Wayne County Fair is Ohio's foremost agricultural fair, it makes for a really cool Fall activity. Fair food and 4-H projects, what can be better?! Check out all the scheduled events happening at the Wayne County Fair.
Where it's located; Wooster, Ohio.

8. Take a lantern ghost tour of Zoar.
Zoar is a small community of less than 200 people, founded over 200 years ago. It is rumored to be quite haunted, and having worked at a restaurant there, I can confirm such rumors are true! Although I wanted to, I never went on the lantern ghost tour because I would get out of work too late, but am looking forward to joining this year! While you're there, be sure to eat at The Firehouse Grille, where I used to work at. It is super haunted! And while you're there, ask if the hotel in the same building is open to the public. It wasn't when I worked there, but I got to crash there on Halloween night after our Halloween party, and had quite the haunted experience!

9. Drink a hot coffee and eat an adorable Fall themed homemade pastry at McB Cafe-Cup of Joy.
I am writing this post from my comfortable corner table, and as I'm lazily watching the locals sit and relax in this absolutely adorable and cozy little cafe, I have no trouble believing their motto that "It is all about community." I am imploring you this Fall to ditch the 'Bucks, and spend your coffee money at local owned cafes that have ten times the character, and are supporting other local small businesses, and the community. Like McB Cafe.
Where it's located; Brewster, Ohio.

10. Catch a once in a lifetime interactive performance of The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
Watching a live performance of The Rocky Horror Picture Show should be on your Bucket List anyways, so while you are living it up in Ohio for Fall, you must see it at The Canton Palace Theatre! The Historic Canton Palace Theatre is completely breathtaking-it's worth a trip there just to see the gorgeous interior! The annual Rocky Horror Picture Show showings occur every October for Halloween, and includes live actors on stage acting along with the movie being projected on the screen, complete with prop bags and lots of interaction! It is a can't miss! Get your tickets now!
Where it's located; Canton, Ohio.

11. Visit the Factory of Terror Haunted House.
While I may be a bit biased (I worked here for several years), saying that the Factory of Terror is a three time world record winner speaks for itself! This one of a kind Haunted House is more than a mile long, and consists of five crazy unique attractions. These include an insane mirror maze, multiple completely different themed houses, and even a bar! You can't miss the Factory of Terror during Fall time in Ohio. Read my article I wrote about working at the Factory of Terror.
Where it's located; Canton, Ohio.

So be sure to plan some fun activities in Ohio this Fall!

Peace Love and Ohio in the Fall
Jess <3

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Under $20 Summer Wardrobe Thrift Store Haul!

8/18/2020

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Under $20 Summer Wardrobe Thrift Store Haul!

As you can tell from my social media, I have been a busy beaver these last couple weeks! If you haven't yet, read my post about July 2020, one of the craziest months of my entire life. Since returning to Ohio, I have been having an incredible time-back road cruising, lots of family time, going to flea markets, game nights, drinking coffee in the back yard with the family and the pups, and last but not least, thrift store shopping!
I have told you before about the thrift store right by my parent's house, which I consider to be the greatest thrift store in the world, and so of course me and my mom had to go there and go crazy!
I ended up spending a grand total of $17.04, and for that, I got 2 books, a soap dish, and 8 pieces of clothing! Yeah, I was pretty happy!
Check out my video to see all 8 of these pieces, as well as the 5 complete (adorable) summer outfits I made with them!

Now here are some pictures of my completed looks, along with all the deets.

The first outfit details;
Betty Boop shirt by No Fear- $.50
Skirt by Zanana Premium - $2.50

This insanely cute and funky purse is by Betsey Johnson- $2.50

The second, and super chill outfit;
Recycle Today for Tomorrow by Cold Crush - $.50
Shorts by Eye Candy - $3.00

Swimsuit by DKNY- $1.75
Jean shorts from Rue 21- $3.00

This dress....
By Nanette- $6.00
OBSESSED.

Thank you for checking this out!
I really hope it inspired you.
Because I believe that shopping at thrift stores is a very important way to not only save money (which is pretty obvious!), but to help greatly reduce our carbon footprint! The majority of the fashion industry (though some are making strides), is not very sustainable, or eco-friendly, and thrifting is a super exciting way to have a great wardrobe without supporting the brands that are doing harm to our environment.
And ya'll know how I feel about saving money (stop wasting your precious money buying ridiculously overpriced clothes! Ok rant over).
So start shopping for your next seasonal wardrobe at your local thrift store! Fall here we come!

P.S. Be sure to follow me on Instagram for more pictures!

Peace Love and Wardrobe Haul
Jess <3

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Coffee Break Retro Style-90's Frosted Lips Complete Look!

8/10/2020

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Coffee Break Retro Style-90's Frosted Lips Complete Look!

Welcome back to Coffee Break Retro Style- retro styles that are so quick and easy, you can do them during your coffee break!
With this series I want to help people incorporate retro looks into their every day life-regardless of the amount of time they have to get ready!

Just in case you missed my first Coffee Break Retro Style Blog Post.

In this second video in the Coffee Break Retro Style series, I am going to share with you a complete look. I show you how to do a quick curled retro bang, bold brows, and wings, and a 90's style frosted lip. All in less than 10 minutes!!!
Check it out below, and don't forget to subscribe while you're there :)

What do you think?! I absolutely love this completed look!
The lips are one of my daily go-to's.

You can check out some products above, but here is the list of products used in the video;

Hairspray- Freeze It
Eyeliner- Wet n Wild
Lipliner- Willow by Wet n Wild's coloricon
Lipgloss- Ice Queen by JOAH

Find the rest of my Coffee Break Retro Style Series.

I hope this gave you some retro style inspiration! If it did please give it a thumbs up and a quick follow! If you try out any of the Coffee Break Retro Style looks, use the hashtag #coffeebreakretrostyle on Instagram, and I will give you a shoutout on my 'gram! <3

Peace Love and Coffee Break Retro Style
Jess <3

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July 2020

7/28/2020

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So!
It has been a while! Both on here and social media, on all of which I have been unusually quiet over the past month and a half.
I took a little hiatus from social media starting June 18th, and really enjoyed it as my last month in Atlanta quickly came to an end.
I was not anticipating staying off of social media for as long as I did, but then lots of things began happening, very quickly, and I found myself a bit overwhelmed with life, and just needing a bit of solitude and self care. So I stayed quiet, letting myself feel what I needed to feel, and doing what I needed to re-connect with myself.
Now I am here to share with all of you, what has been happening in my life in July 2020.

The first day of July 2020 started out with a bang, being my last day at my leasing consultant job. It was a whirlwind of a last day, and I was very sad to say goodbye to my wonderful coworkers.

The craziness got kicked up a notch two days later, when in the early morning of the 3rd, Nick was involved in a shooting. Those of you who follow him on Instagram probably saw him post about it. He was riding in our neighbor's car when someone opened up 6 rounds into the passenger side and rear window. A bullet grazed our neighbor in the back, and Nick miraculously did not get hit at all.

The week of the 5th was our last full week in Atlanta, so it consisted of trying to hang out with as many people as we could, and getting the apartment packed up and cleaned.
On the 13th I had a wonderful picnic in the park consisting of sake and Chinese dumplings, potstickers, and eggplants with one of my dearest friends. It was a wonderful time, and the perfect way for us to say goodbye.

And then on the 14th, two days before we were going to leave, Nick told me that he is not coming back to Ohio with me.
I was devastated.
And shocked.
He is doing really great with his career and feels like he is so close to accomplishing what he wants, and is finally where he wants to be, after over a decade of tattooing. If he quits now and moves back to Ohio, he will never know how far he could have got in his career. We had also been fighting for a while, and he told me that he wants us to both take this time and figure out what makes us happy.
Last week he began his one year lease at his new home in Georgia.
I still have a bit of whiplash- it all happened so suddenly, and I am still stunned and confused.

So on the morning of the 16th, running on emotions, a bit of excitement, a whole lot of apprehension, and a grand total of 7 hours of sleep for the last two days combined, I hopped up into a 16 foot box truck, said a tearful goodbye to my love, and I began on the long journey with no one but my faithful dog at my side.
The trip back to Ohio took 12 hours, with the only stops being for gas, and bathroom breaks for me and Rocco. It was exhausting, terrifying (I've never driven a box truck before!), and a bit empowering.

It's been twelve days since I left for Ohio.
I have not cried once since the morning that I left. Considering I cry regularly at commercials, I believe it's because I am still in a bit of shock. I am also not exactly 100% sure what is happening, I have kept very busy since getting back to Ohio, and I have been feeling so many emotions that range from anger to happiness, and everything in-between.

I have spent my week here unpacking, putting my room together, spending lots of time with Rocco trying to make sure he is adjusting, listening to vinyl with my brother, helping out around the house, talking with my mom, hugging my dad, reading books over morning coffee in the sunroom with the dogs, and just having an all around amazing time. I even got to visit Lake Buckhorn for a day and go boating, tubing (yeah that's me, don't mind my face!), swimming, and spend some time with extended family.
Being here has been good for my soul.
So good.

I do realize that I am in a very unique season of my life.
I am basically starting over, and there is a large amount of uncertainty;
I have decided to retire from waitressing, and have no idea what I want to do instead.
I have no car.
I am 33 years old, back living with my parents.
I am not living with my husband-we're not even in the same state-and I have no idea what is going to happen between us.
And surprisingly, I'm not freaking out.
I am instead choosing to look at this time as an exciting season for me to start fresh, and do whatever it is my heart desires (but I am sure some freaking out will happen once the dust has settled)!

Thank you so truly much for all the support I have received from those of you who know what has been going on, and even those of you who didn't!
All your kind words and concern has meant more than you could ever know.

Be sure to follow me on Instagram to keep up with my daily life as I have a blast getting situated back in the country, and try to sort my life out! See you soon!

Peace Love and the July 2020
Jess <3

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Coffee Break Retro Style Vlog Series- Basic Retro Makeup

6/12/2020

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Coffee Break Retro Style Vlog Series- Basic Retro Makeup

So I have finally started a vlog series!!!
If you follow my Instagram you've probably heard me talking about it a lot lately.
I have done some videos here and there over the years, but now I have started my very own vlog series, called Coffee Break Retro Style!

I love retro and pinup style, but unless I'm doing a photoshoot or it's a special occasion, I just can not be bothered to spend more than 10 minutes getting ready. I want my retro style to be showcased on the daily, but I am not putting my hair in a full curl set, or wearing false eyelashes to go to work.
So this series is all about retro hair, makeup, and style that you can do in 10 minutes or less-so quick and easy you can do it on your coffee break!

Here I have for you my first Coffee Break Retro Style video!
In this video I show you how to do my basic retro style makeup look that I use on a daily basis. Winged eyeliner and red lips-it is so quick and simple, but it is such an iconic retro look that you can do on a daily basis-it goes with anything!

Find some of the products I used here.

I will be posting vlogs from this series every Monday, so be sure to go to my YouTube channel and subscribe so you don't miss a video!

Or sign up for my mailing list to be notified of new Coffee Break Retro Style vlogs, blog posts, and fun merchandise.

Here are just some examples of me wearing this basic retro makeup look.
How perfect is it?!

Coffee Break Retro Style-Basic Retro Makeup

I hope you have enjoyed this first video and are ready for the rest of the series!
I am so excited to be sharing with you how you can look your best retro self, and then use all the free time you will have, to go out and do great things!

Get my Beginner's Wanderlust Lightroom Preset Pack for free with Kindle Unlimited!

Peace Love and Coffee Break Retro Style
Jess <3

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10 Lessons We Should Learn from COVID-19

5/24/2020

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10 Lessons We Should Learn from COVID-19

With now being a historic time in this world's history, I have been doing some contemplation and evaluation. I think that this pandemic should be learned from. I think that having gone through something like this, we should all come through the other side with a few lessons learned, and a new way of looking at things.
Let's see what can be learned from COVID-19...

1. Plan all you want, but sometimes things are just beyond your control.
I am looking directly at myself in the mirror with this one! I am a known control freak. I at all times have not only my 10 year plan and my 5 year plan, but my 1 year plan, and my 3 month plan, and a to do list for everything I need to do and want to accomplish every single day of the week! But with a virus impacting the entire earth, and a quarantine suddenly mandated, I had to put all my plans on hold (along with the rest of the world). This was a great reminder for me that yes, I can plan a lot of things in my life, but there are always going to be curve balls that will be thrown...and I need to be ok with this! And I really think I am...

2. We really need to focus on what is important; family and health.
It usually takes something big to make you really stop and think about what is important to you. Don't miss this opportunity to look at the big picture, and remember what really matters.

3. Take time to slow down.
We are all just sooooooo busy anymore, myself included, that this was a great time to just sloooooow doooown...
This was a great reminder that we need to take it easy every once in a while! We can not just keep going going going at the crazy pace we are, nonstop, constantly stressed, worried, and over-worked! Didn't you enjoy even just a little bit of quarantine? Suddenly spending lots of time with people that you hardly saw before (before quarantine, my husband and I didn't have a single day off together! The only time we saw each other was the once a week trip to the grocery store together after work, and maybe I would be awake when he got home some nights!), getting to sleep in, wear pajamas all day, eat cereal for supper, drink before noon, you know, actually relax and enjoy life! Once this is all over, we need to try and fit some of this relaxing and enjoying back into our busy schedules.

4. Have an emergency fund.
I personally think the single biggest lesson we can learn from COVID-19 is the importance of having an emergency fund! I know that people did receive stimulus checks, unemployment, and all that sort of thing, but can you imagine how less stressful these past 3 months would have been if you would have had 3 months worth of living expenses sitting in the bank?!
Ask any financially savvy person, and they will tell you that an emergency fund is essential. They usually say 3-6 months of living expenses is what you should have squirreled away. And it's not hard to do! I had saved up 3 month's personal living expenses about half a year before it all hit the fan, and I am completely beyond grateful that I did! Because of COVID-19 I lost one of my jobs, but it was not a big deal! I paid all of April through June's rent (yes I paid June's rent early!), and bought groceries for March-May using my emergency fund! I truly don't know what I would have done without my emergency fund.
So once this is all over, sit down and figure out what 3-6 months expenses are, and then start stashing away! You never know when the next rainy day will hit, but you will be prepared.

5. Mother Nature is really in charge. Respect her and her awesome-ness.
Us humans may think that we are top dog and we rule all, but COVID taught us otherwise. Mother Nature is awesome. She has the power to bring the entire planet to its knees.
So show a little respect eh?

6. With humans out of the way, the earth can, and will heal itself.
I know I'm not the only one who has watched in awe as Mother Nature has begun to heal herself- people in India seeing the Himalayas for the first time in decades as lockdown eases air pollution, and the crazy decrease of air pollution in China, amongst other places.
So when this is all over, why don't we stay out of her way a little more; work from home a couple days a week (we now know that lots of us can!), stay in one weekend a month, offset your emissions, and give Mother Nature the love and respect she deserves.

7. Getting back to simpler times is not a bad thing.
You don't have to be a character in a Laura Ingalls Wilder novel, but staying at home for a couple months has shown us that getting back to simpler times is not only awesome, but essential! Whether simpler times to you means when you were a kid in the 80's and 90's and played all day (with no cell phones!), learning basic 50's housewife skills, or living in Little House on the Prairie, in order to move forward, we must look back.

8. We need to find some hobbies that do not involve going out.
From the number of memes I saw about it, during quarantine I think people were starting to realize that they needed to acquire a hobby that does not involve going out and spending money! Whether it was a serious thought or just a joke, it is true!
We all need to find hobbies that not only make us happy, but enrich our lives, and make us a more fun and interesting person! Anyone can go out 3 times a week to drink margaritas, but can everyone play an accordion? Point proven!
Pick up a hobby that brings you happiness; Sew, craft, crochet, learn to play an instrument, start a blog, garden, cook, learn a new language, become a puzzle fiend, read, extravagantly decorate your house, write the next great American novel!
The possibilities are truly endless, and eternally rewarding.

9. Quarantine can help bring out the truth-are you really happy?
During quarantine we all saw everyone complaining about being stuck at home. Most were just jokes and memes to distract us from the scary things happening all around us, but there were people who were absolutely miserable being at home. Some of them are the same people that you used to see constantly complaining about work, and working only for the weekend. And now here they are, a (possibly paid) vacation from work, complaining about how bored and miserable they are being at home. If that was you, take time to re-evaluate your life. What will it take to make you happy? If you are truly miserable at your job, what would you like to do instead? If being at home was a real bummer, why is that-is it dirty and uncomfortable? Do you dislike your neighbors or roommate? Are you lonely? Are you bored? Get off your butt and clean your house top to bottom, hire a professional decorator who can turn it into your dream home, get a new roommate, move, get a dog, pick up a hobby, whatever it takes for you to finally be happy!
This is your wake up call!
And it only took a pandemic to get your attention :)

10. Time is not what is holding us back from doing what we want.
We humans always seem to blame time for all our problems. And while time can be a real son of a gun, we can't pretend, and blame it for this, any longer.
"If I only had the time, I would"... write that book, clean the house, start eating healthier, learn to play the piano, get back into shape, write that letter, and a thousand other things. I know this is something we all say, but now that we have found time (and lots of it), have you actually done any of the things you have spent years been blaming Father time for not doing? If not, dig until you get to the bottom of it.

Until next time my friends, stay safe out there, take these lessons to heart, and live your best life <3

Peace Love and COVID-19
Jess <3

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100 Things to Do in Quarantine

4/6/2020

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Ok I get it, everyone is going absolutely crazy during quarantine.
But what I don't get is why?
(Except for you people with kids, I get that).
I do get that this is a scary, uncertain, confusing, and stressful time. So why add on to all of that boredom.
Plus how can you be bored when there are just so many wonderful and exciting things that you could be doing!
I can not believe the amount of people who do nothing but complain about work, and as soon as work is canceled and they are allowed to remain home, they do nothing but complain about that.
If you can't relax/ have fun/ do some thinking/ get things done while at your home, then you are doing it wrong!
So take a look at my list of 100 things to do in quarantine, and try and make the best of this time- use it for self improvement, have fun, and relax.

1. Do a no spend month. If this is not the perfect time for a no spend month, then there isn't one. Make a game of it and involve everyone in your house. Once this is all over, you can continue doing a no spend month a couple times a year.
2. Play board games.
3. Write letters.
4. Make phone calls.
5. Volunteer at a local animal shelter (check with local laws and the shelter first).
6. Learn a language.
7. Do a deep clean of your entire house; scrub the walls, dust the vents, scrub the toilet, the works.
8. Exercise!
9. Garden.

10. Adopt an animal. Check with local shelters, but I know that some have waived adoption fees. Plus, this is the most perfect time to welcome a new critter into your home since you will be around a lot to help potty train, and get the little guy used to the family.
11. Find out your geneology.
12. Do all those projects around your house that you say you will do "someday". Well guess what, someday is here! Let's get to it!
13. Journal.
14. Write a song.
15. Have an at home spa day. There are plenty of inexpensive ways you can pamper yourself at home.
16. Give your pet an at home spa day.
17. Play hide and go seek.
18. Paint.
19. Print out all those pictures on your phone and make a photo album.

20. Read a book (or 10). See my list of must-read books.
21. Purge your inbox.
22. Facetime wine time with friends.
23. Read an 'Idiot's Guide' book about something you've always wanted to learn.
24. Invest in the stock market. Use my link
http://join.robinhood.com/jessicl208
to sign up for Robinhood [which is the app I use for investing] and we both get a free stock!).
25. Clean out the garage.
26. Teach an old dog new tricks.
27. Check your smoke detector batteries.
28. Delete all those out of focus and blurry photos, and text threads on your phone.
29. Make a pile of stuff to donate (though be warned, I know that some [I'm not sure about all] thrift stores aren't taking donations right now, so the pile may have to sit in a corner for a while).

30. Meditate.
31. Build a fort in your living room. Our neighbors did this, and it was too cute of them!
32. Scrapbook.
33. Give your pet your full attention, and lots of love.
34. Drink lots of water. I know that time is a big factor why I don't usually drink enough water. When I'm at work I don't have time to be nonstop chugging water, not to mention jogging off to the bathroom every 20 minutes! So while you're in quarantine this is a great time to be drinking all the water. It's so good for you!
35. Read blogs (hint hint, I have 8 years worth of posts on here!). I also have a list of my favorite blogs on the bottom of my right-hand sidebar.
36. Do daily affirmations.
37. Have a dance party.
38. Write poetry.
39. Hacky sack.

40. Make a Bucket List.
41. Read my Bucket List.
42. Cross things off your Bucket List.
43. Start a blog.
44. Deep clean your car.
45. Bake.
46. Get crafty; sew, knit, crochet.
47. Practice doing your makeup.
48. De-clutter the house.
49. Ponder the meaning of life.

50. Move your t.v onto the front porch for a day.
51. Watch that series or trilogy you've been wanting to. We're making our way through Harry Potter.
52. Create a financial plan for when this is all over.
53. Clean out your fridge.
54. Deep clean your freezer.

55. Start a side hustle on Fiverr.
56. Write and self-publish a book on Amazon.
57. Find new music to listen to.
58. Organize your house. Ensure that everything has a place.
59. Take pictures. Flowers, your dog, yourself, food, anything!

60. Start planning your next vacation. This gets you thinking about better times ahead, it gives you hope, and it is just plain fun!
61. Start doing research for your dream job. If you're not in the career or job you want, take this very unique time to figure it out!
62. Decorate a room. Get creative. Make your home a place you like being in.
63. Make a budget
64. Spend all day in bed. Cuddle, eat, be lazy, enjoy.

65. Finally begin your zero waste journey.
66. Stream your video games on Mixer.
67. Play an instrument and sing along.
68. Take a relaxing bath. I take one every single week and it is pure magic.
69. Learn to juggle.

70. Learn to play an instrument. Learning a new instrument takes a lot of time, so you will be plenty busy for a while. I taught myself guitar by looking up chords online. So until you can get to a lesson, that will have to do (plus I'm sure there are plenty of online lessons).
71. Practice doing your hair. Try fun new styles.
72. Cook.
73. Sit on your porch with a drink in hand and act like you're on the vacation that you are.
74. Take turns giving each other massages.

75. Make a jewelry stand from toilet paper tubes.
76. Make a decoupage notebook.
77. Create your own fashion statement.
78. Do a big beautiful puzzle.
79. Turn old pants into shorts.

80. Step up your Instagram game.
81. Grow out your hair. Been putting off growing out those bangs/your bob/that bad haircut because of the dreaded awkward stage? Do it now! Who's going to judge you? Your dog?
82. Make your own world changing plan.
83. Have a picnic in your living room.
84. Build a massive something with Legos/blocks. I'm talking about an entire village taking up an entire room in your house!

85. Grow green onions on your windowsill. These little guys are so easy to grow and fun to watch!
86. Do a deep clean of your closet. Anything that you are unsure of, put aside, and do a fashion show in your living room to see if it really looks and feels good!
87. Figure out your next tattoo.
88. Start planning your Halloween costume.
89. Make some comforting and delicious ice cream hot chocolate. It is perfect for curling up with on the couch!

90. Make bubble tea! Yummmmm!
91. Watch all the animals at the Georgia Aquarium! They have live videos streaming from every part of the aquarium and it is way too cute!!! Penguins, whale sharks, puffins, otters, sea lions, belugas, they have it all! I used to volunteer at the Georgia Aquarium and it is a wonderful organization, go check them out!
92. Start making some homemade Christmas gifts.
93. Read all about my life. Hey, if you're bored, why not!
94. Make indoor s'mores.

95. Appoint yourself Queen for the day, and throw yourself a ridiculous medieval themed party.
96. Do yoga. Clear your mind and free your body.
97. Do a detox.
98. Finally break free from the fear that is holding you back.
99. Find some inner peace. Once you do that, you won't always have to be running around distracting yourself from your thoughts.

100. Figure out what your Dream Life looks like.
We have been given an amazing opportunity to slow down and have some alone time with our thoughts. Definitely do some fun things during this time, but please do not miss out on this opportunity to sit in the stillness and ask yourself some real questions. I definitely recommend my book, "Creating Your Dream Life; a Road Map" to assist you in this oh so important task. In my book I ask you all the questions that you need to answer in order to figure out and live your Dream Life. Your future self thanks you for taking this step.

Thank you so much for reading!
I really hope you got something out of this post and can stop worrying, and start living.
Please share around so we can all begin to live our best lives during this difficult time.

Peace Love and Quarantine
Jess <3

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Beginner's Wanderlust Lightroom Preset Pack

4/2/2020

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Beginner's Wanderlust Lightroom Preset Pack

Wanna know my secret to a great Instagram?
Presets!
Obviously you need good pictures and it doesn't hurt to have well thought out captions, but in order to have a beautiful IG feed, you must use presets! Even the most gorgeous picture can use a little boost! Presets have been a game changer for me, particularly with my travel pictures, so I wanted to create a beautiful preset pack that has all the basics you need for your photo collection while traveling the world (or just living your best everyday life)!
This preset pack is super easy to set up, with no complicated downloads necessary (I hate those!). The only download you will need to do is to download the Lightroom app so you can start editing!

Original

Selfie Queen

"Now why do I need 6 different presets?" You might be asking. Well, there are a couple different reasons for that, and here they are;
1. A preset that looks absolutely amazing on one picture may look not so amazing on another.
2. Pictures tell a story, and it's nice to have options for the mood you want your story to convey.
3. The subject of your photo. I have a beautiful "Sunrise Dream" preset, that looks absolutely stunning when used on a picture of a sunrise or sunset, but doesn't usually work too well on other pictures.
4. I have all 6 presets saved, and whenever I want to edit a photo I try on all 6 and see which one I like best! Some pictures, all 6 presets will look bomb on, and I will have the hardest time trying to decide, and others only one will look good.

Do I have your interest? Well let me introduce you to the 6 amazing presets that make up my "Wanderlust Beginner's Lightroom Preset Pack"!!!
They are;

Selfie Queen

Beach Therapy

Luck of the Draw

Little Boost

Retro Love

Sunrise Dream

Original

Selfie Queen

Beach Therapy

Luck of the Draw

Little Boost

Retro Love

and

Sunrise Dream

Selfie Queen

This one, obviously, is great for selfies and any other picture that has a person in it. It is great to soften and lighten up any picture.

Beach Therapy

If you love the beach, this will be your favorite preset! Don't you hate when you take a picture of the ocean and the picture just can't do justice to all those majestic blues you see in real life? Well this preset captures all those vivid ocean colors and makes you feel like you're back at the beach!

Luck of the Draw

Luck of the Draw preset adds just a little bit extra to your photos...and you never know what you're gonna get!

Little Boost

This is a fun little preset for when you want to add just a little boost to any picture.

Retro Love

I love this filter so much that I have to hold myself back from using it on every picture, because it just looks so good on every single picture! Maybe it's because I just love retro things!

Sunrise Dream

As the name suggests, this preset is best used for pictures of the sunrise, and also the sunset. It also can work on pictures that are kind of flat and need brightening up.

Selfie Queen

Beach Therapy

Luck of the Draw

Little Boost

Retro Love

Sunrise Dream

Original

See what I mean? These presets are complete game-changers! They take pictures that are nice, and turn them into amazing, professional looking Instagram pictures!
As you can see, all six of these presets can be used for a number of different pictures with different subjects and backgrounds.
And not to mention, with a number of different devices!
The pictures in this post have been taken with an Iphone, Go Pro, Android, and our digital camera!

This Preset Pack is available only on Amazon, for only $9.99! Or, get it for FREE if you have Kindle Unlimited! Yes FREE!!! Go check it out now!
This is the perfect time to go through all your old travel pictures and breathe new life into them with these super fun and unique presets!

Follow me on Instagram to keep up with my travels and daily life, and see all of my presets in action!
Use the hashtag #mypeacelovelifepresets to show off your very own pictures that were made using this preset pack (I would love to see them, and feature them on my stories!), and see all the beautiful pictures made with these presets, from all over the world!

Peace Love and Presets
Jess <3

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Beginner's Wanderlust Lightroom Preset Pack

Selfie Queen

Beach Therapy

Luck of the Draw

Little Boost

Retro Love

Sunrise Dream

I'm Jessica!

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-Well Being Secrets
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Selfie Queen

Beach Therapy

Luck of the Draw

Little Boost

Retro Love

Sunrise Dream

I'm Jessica!

​---Popular Posts---

Categories

Archives

Blogs I Love!-Well Being Secrets-Like a Local Travel-Salt Sand and Smoothies​-The Wanderer's Chronicles-The Wanderlust Bug-Pamela Kurt-Stevie on the Move-Travlinmad-Green Issues​-Travel Alphas​-The Haunted Housewife-The Sacred Middle​

---Popular Posts---

Blogs I Love!
-Well Being Secrets
-Like a Local Travel
-Salt Sand and Smoothies
-The Wanderer's Chronicles
-The Wanderlust Bug
-Pamela Kurt
-Stevie on the Move
-Travlinmad
-Green Issues
-Travel Alphas
-The Haunted Housewife
-The Sacred Middle