Bulletproof.

Life really works in mysterious ways. I'm seeing things in a new perspective and I can't decide if it's good or bad. I've been doing very well as of late, got promoted, bought a new Lexus, business boomed with my photography, and I opened an online store so you can conveniently order every basic necessity and have it delivered to your door. So now I must question myself as to why this just doesn't seem to cut it. 

How can someone so young but so successful feel as if there has got to be more to life? This my friends is what my post is all about. 

I don't care if you live down the street from me or across the world, everyone at some point will feel this way. It's a catch 22, you think when you finally achieve the goals you've set you'll feel so amazing. That is, until you get there. Now you've set even higher goals because the ones you made before are already attained and it just goes on and on in a cycle. I am here to say I am ending this cycle. We as people need time to stop and really take in the things that happen in life. If we don't do this we lose gratitude and appreciation for the small things that really matter.

"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it." - Ferris Bueller. 

That being said, I am here to stop and look around. I can honestly say I am happy with life and focused on just myself for now :) I hope you guys can too!

Take a break, relax, drink a tea, do what you want to do instead of what you have to do for once. The only thing you have to do in life is die, the rest is up to you. 

Beautiful girl from my photo shoot last weekend

Love&Light. 

1. 
   

Update - I miss you all dearly.

Hey guys :)

It's been awhile, too long I must say. 

I wanted to catch you all up on life, mine of course! I also hope to hear from all of you lovelies!

So, some is still the same :)

Same man, same house (although moving next month), same old job too but the good news is I got promoted! Things are going fairly well if I must admit but we can get down to the nitty gritty later on :)

As some of you know I am a wedding photographer, the season has already begun! I am swamped, but I have decided I want to take the time and really focus on blogging. I love having an outlet to vent on and not be judged :)

BIG NEWS! 

I opened my very own online store :)

I have to say it's pretty fabulous haha! Shipping all over North America as well 

If any of you want to check it out, its full of basic needs from toilet paper, body wash, lotions, toothpaste to dog food haha! Literally everything that Target and Walmart sell, I do too! The bonus is that I ship it right to your door :)

You ladies will love the makeup line, it's called Artistry! Similar to Estee Lauder in quality, and its an awesome product, I definitely abide by it now haha! 

This all being said, since I love you guys so much I would like to give you 15% off, so if you decide to check it out and fall in love with anything let me know before you check out and I will apply the discount :)

www.mystoreyourdoor.com

And of course a photo because I know how much you guys love my work :) 

Sarah & Josh Engagement session 

Love&Light 

Jessica <3

My trip to the ER.

Happy Hump Day!

Not too much to report today, just a sore little girl today haha!

A few weeks ago when I was MIA from the blogging world, I got really sick.

Cramps like no tomorrow focusing in on my right hip. It was horrible, I spent 2 days in the ER and they thought my appendix was going to burst. Thankfully it did not, I had to go through ultrasounds, CT scans, Pelvic exams, and all sorts of stuff. It was horrendous to say the least.I was bed ridden for 5 days, on percocets and Tylenol 3's ah awful! So how did things turn out? Well..... they couldn't figure it out. They're "best guess" is a uterine infection so that's what they treated me for (and pain) It all went away but now it sort of creeps up on me, just not as bad. I am hoping this ordeal is done with!

So as promised I will still be posting my workout from the previous night :)

Last night was arms! I also did some core/abs but had a tough time due to my side hurting...

Also! If anyone here has myfitnesspal add me! @mzjessicaxo

XOXO J.

Dear 15 year old me:

Dear 15 year old Jessica: 

You are smart, beautiful, and you have so much to look forward to. 

Life is short, don't let it pass you by. Slow down, stop taking the fast lane and be ware of your surroundings. Not everyone is good. You need to stop thinking people are like this. I know you need to learn the hard way, so learn the lesson the first time. Please don't let people take advantage of you, treat them as they treat you and stop trying to please everyone.

Junior high wasn't that fun, hell it was a battle and a half, You got through it, you can get through the last few years too. You're not going to be perfect at every subject. you will fight with friends, and there will be some nasty rumours spread about you. Get over it, the world is not going to end just relax. If you need to punch that girl in the face, I give you full permission. 

Slow down. Think about what you really want in life before you jump into any big commitments. I know you want this right now, but maybe don't rush it. You won't regret your decision, just learn every lesson you can while you have the opportunity. 

Things are going to go really really good for a few years, watch out though. It may all seem like its coming up roses, don't forget to watch for thorns. Be prepared for the worst.You will have it all, and you will lose it all. When you reach that breaking point, smile. You're going to have to put on this "smile" for a few years. Yes, years. Start from square one, work your way up and before you know it you will be back on your feet. 

These are the years when you will realize your true colors as well as your true friends. Watch, learn, listen, and experience all that you can so you can make your judgements correctly. No one told you how rough these years were going to be, and no one will truly understand. Don't blame people for not understanding and not knowing how to help you. They really don't get it, and they aren't going to. 

It's going to seem like the world is ending, nothing is going right and you're completely lost. That's okay. Take time for yourself, relax and think before you act. It's going to take time to get to where you want to be. 

You will get there though, I promise.

Friends. Chose them wisely. The ones you think you should keep are not the ones you need to. If someone does you wrong, forgive them, if they do you wrong again, forget them. End of story, stop giving in. 

Stop chasing boys, let them chase you. I'll let you in on a little secret.... Don't be upset with the first few that don't go so well, they didn't treat you right. There is a man out there for you. He is very special, and amazing and you need to realize this when you run into him. Give him a chance. He will come into your life when you don't expect it, and about the same time you think you're good all on your own. He will make it better. 

All those stupid jobs, those will get better too. You'll settle down with a career you love. Be creative, you always were artistic. This will help you in the future immensely. Pick up the camera!!! You need to do this. Must do. 

Dear 15 year old Jessica. Have fun, laugh, love, stay up too late, and enjoy the best parts of being young. You have the rest of your life to grow up. 

Ps. Here's me when I was 15.... 

Oh too funny hahaha!

Love love love 

J.

Dedicated to D

Happy Wednesday fellow Bloggettes!

I hope you are all having a fabulous week, we're closer to the weekend now!

For this post, I wanted to dedicate it to the love of my life D. 

Just a few days before he left for Europe!

So those of you who follow my blog on the regular know that D has been in Croatia since June 19....

This has been very difficult for both of us, and I have tried to occupy my time with work while he's been away. Things have been good, we talk regularly and skype at least once a week. We're nearing the end of his long trip! 15 sleeps to be exact haha! I am more than ecstatic to see him. The last week has been the hardest, he's been busy, I've been at weddings and working, and we really hadn't gotten a lot of time to talk. That is, until last night. We had an amazing skype date! We shared our feelings and love for one another and I feel much better now. It's hard when someone you love is across the world, somewhere you're never been and you don't know what it's like there. 

Before he left, we spent every day together. Literally. I used to go to his house for lunch when he worked at night, and if he didn't work I was with him after I was done at my job. The photo above was taken on his "Pre-Birthday trip" that I booked for us before he left. (his birthday was 5 days after he left) I took him to Invermere, British Columbia, rented us a beautiful condo in a resort (So fancy the mirrors in the bathroom had tv's in them!) we explored, went for dinner, enjoyed each others company and some drinks, and had a great weekend! It was a great trip to spend time together before he left :)

Regardless, I love D with all my heart and soul. Distance is such a small thing when someone means so much. I cannot wait for his return! I've planned my outfit already haha!  

Don't measure the distance, measure my love. 

Friday's Letters & More

As if we didn't know it was Friday..... So thankful today is here!

Not many of you know this yet, but my best friend moved 9 hours away this week. Needless to say, it's been a long hard week. So there may start to be more and more posts, as clearly I am lost without her haha and finding myself bored! 

Dear BFF: I miss you, I love you but I know you need to do this for you, and for that I am very proud of you.

Dear Spin Class: We have a love/hate relationship today. Great workout, but my butt bones hurt soo bad. 

Dear Friday: Glad you're here, but sad I work tomorrow

Dear Clean Diet: I adore you. Best thing I could have ever done for my body

Dear Boys: Why do you all come around at the same time? I'm lonely one week, and all of a sudden you're all playing this chasing game... is there some sort of meeting/group I need to be aware of?

Dear women at the gym: STOP looking at me, STOP trying to copy my workouts. If you want help ASK. I'd rather show you how to do something right with the appropriate weights, than watch you struggle trying to lift what I do. You're not superwoman, relax! (But I of course am superwoman haha)

Dear unemployed people in my city: You should not be without work right now. I work a full time job, own a company and some how managed to get offered 2 jobs this week.... One at a restaurant and one at a gym. Get off your couch! 

Thank you fellow bloggers for following me, I love you all dearly 

<3 Jessica 

Friday's Letters

The weekend is hours away! I can't wait! 

Today has been splendid already as I got a nice bonus at work :)

May have to do a little shopping this weekend hehe! 

I love Fridays for obvious reasons, but also because I love Friday's Letters with Ashley at Adventures of Newlyweds

Dear Tanning Salon; I know you're bad for me but you just feel so dang nice and I love not being pasty.

Dear Ma & Pa; I'm glad you made it home from Mexico safe and sound! I'm looking forward to our Sunday dinner at your place this weekend.

Dear Toyota Driver; The roads are slushy, no need to drive halfway on the shoulder and hydroplane every vehicle passing you. Do you even have a license?

Dear Girls/Old friends; You deleted me off of facebook, talk poorly about me but when you run into me in a tanning salon you act all nice? Hmmm I hope you didn't see my judging eyes. I will admit, you looked better on facebook/30lbs slimmer. Shitty deal yo! 

Dear Coffee; I love you with all my heart and soul, but I have a feeling this may be the end of our love. You're oh so sweet and such a delight, but my behind does not need to get any bigger.

Dear Quarterly Bonus; I LOVE YOU! I got half today, and I will receive the other half next pay day. My Visa is looking pretty good, we may be able to treat ourselves to something nice :)

Dear N; Thanks for the dinner dates, tanning, slurpees, laughs, and randomness this week. I love ya!

Dear "Boy"; You've been gone since Wednesday, I miss you secretly. When you come home please take me out :) (I'm way too excited about you, and I'm more than likely setting myself up for disappointment, I know)

Dear Ego; Why are you being so retarded when it comes to boys?! Put that "tough girl, I don't take shit from nobody" attitude back on!!!

Dear Followers; When I get to 100....it's giveaway time!! I love you all so much :)

<3 Jessica

Words of wisdom

Ladies, We are ALL guilty of this!

Stop for a moment when someone's got you down and think about it. 

If you stop worrying about what other people think, you will live a far better life and it will be filled with things and people you love.

<3 

I'm it again!

Thank you to Ess @ This is Ess

I have been tagged again! This time, I'm not going to tag you fellow bloggers but I will however answer the questions she asked! So here it goes!

1. What is your favourite fruit juice? 

Peach five alive!

2. How long has it been since you last shaved your legs?

2 Days and I already hate it! I HATE body hair but I refuse to shave my legs everyday when no one else will ever know (except you guys now haha)

3. If I was stuck on an island ... (finish this sentence)

I would throw one hell of a party, even if it was just for me and Wilson... ahaha

4. What is the one thing you can never leave the house without?

My Blackberry. I am addicted and I will admit it now.

5. What are your three biggest pet peeves?

People who chew with their mouths open and people that complain about their weight and do nothing about it.

6. What was the pit and peak of your day?

It's early here, but the pit will be driving for an hour after work to get to the gym, and the peak will be after I'm done there!

7. How many pairs of shoes do you own?

umm... over 300... I know, its a problem. Let's pretend I never told you and we won't speak of it again!

8. When and why did you start your blog?

Not too long ago actually. I started it so I could get stuff off my chest, not be judged, and so I could follow all the blogs I love.

9. Would you rather kiss Lil' Wayne for 10 seconds or hold a snake for 10 seconds?

I would definitely kiss Lil' Wayne! Hands down, I'm not touching a snake.

10. Who is your favourite person in the whole wide world?

Myself? Is that conceited? All joking aside it's my mama! I love her.

11. Are you a coffee or tea person?

Tea! Steeped tea 2 milk, 2 sweeteners! (Feel free to bring me one haha)

So there ya have it Ess! Hope you liked my answers :) 

Journey Forward {6}

So today I decided to Link- up with Chelsea from Life is a Sunset

The link-up this week is about what we do to unwind/recharge.

I think this is a great idea, it's so hard to find the time to unwind and just relax sometimes.

So what do I do to unwind?

1. Starbucks. I love coffee (always non fat haha) and I like the atmosphere in Starbucks, so often times when I need a break from the outside world I head over for a coffee with my laptop. I usually just look at old pictures or blog about life! (and read all your pretty blogs!)

2. Sweat pants! Every girl has that "go-to" pair of pants! Mine are from Arizona State University. I didn't go there but I have a house in Phoenix and I bought them down there. I always feel chilled out when I have those babies on. 

3. My laptop. I know it's silly but I would be lost without it. When I want to relax I find time to sit down and read things that interest me online. Your blogs are one of the things I enjoy doing.

Now if it would just be acceptable to wear my sweats in starbucks I would be set! 

What do you guys do to unwind?

xxx Jessica 

Changes!

Good Morning fellow bloggers! 

Happy Wednesday, Hump Day, Middle of the week!

Today I thought I would blog about changes! 

I tend not to get TOO personal on here, but when I really got down to thinking about why I didn't have a valid reason. Now that's not to say I'll be giving you guys my phone number and address haha! 

Regardless, there are a few things you guys don't know about me... 

1. I got married when I was 18 

2. His family was famous....Famous in Calgary any ways.

3. I got divorced when I was 19

4. I've struggled to get back on my feet since then

Long story short. We were together for 5 years, and when it was over, I was left with nothing. 

When I say nothing, I mean literally the shirt on my back. 

For a few years I bounced between jobs, and boyfriends (If you even want to call them that, most were awful!)

Now, I've found myself with a good career, lots of positive things, and lots of goals and aspirations! 

If it weren't for a select few, I would have been terribly lost. For those people, I am forever grateful.

It's situations like this that really make you realize who your true friends are. Believe it or not, most "friends" from back then are LONG gone, and I wish them all the best, but have no interest in keeping in touch. 

So! Now that you've all been clued in... 

The changes! 

My body is one of course, but it's always changing! In a good way!

I may be relocating... within my city of course. Closer to work, and well living like a princess. 

We will see if all my plans go through or not! 

This plan also includes a fur baby!! So I'm really hoping it all goes well!

2012 just might be a great year for me! 

I hope you all enjoy your day, and I look forward to reading all about your changes!

Hugs & Kisses from Canada

xxx Jessica

Positive outlook; Positive outcome.

Good Morning my Loves.

I hope you are all enjoying your Thursday! We are one day closer to Friday, which is pretty much the weekend!

Today I wanted to write about being positive. So many of us take things in life for granted when we really shouldn't. I'm not saying I'm a saint by any means, but I do feel like often times we lose sight of the things that truly matter. Life isn't about the places we go, it's about the road we take to get there. It's a journey, not a destination. 

If you see things in a positive way, you will get a positive outcome. Whether it comes as a lesson, or something else it will be positive. Even things that don't appear positive can be learning experiences.  If you look at things in a negative manner, they will be negative. Negative thoughts, lead to negative actions, and those actions soon become outcomes, which will in turn lead to a lifestyle. Live in the now!

Everything I do, I enjoy. If I don't enjoy something, I find a way to make it better, or a positive experience at the least. I work hard, but I love what I do, and I wouldn't trade any of it for the world. It gets tough, and there are most certainly days, that I want to give up and do something else. Those are the days I stop and think to myself what I would be doing if I didn't have my job, or my family, or any of the things that matter to me. I wouldn't be in a very good place at all. 

I am very grateful for the things that I have in my life, I've worked very hard to get to where I am, and I will continue to work hard for all my days to come. All you can do is try, the fear of failure is greater than failure itself. If you keep that mindset all the time, you really have nothing to be afraid of. 

I think the happiest of people don't necessarily have everything, they just make the best of everything they have. 

Take 5 minutes today and think about the things in life that truly mean the most to you. If these things are people, make sure you take the time to acknowledge that they mean so much to you. You never know what tomorrow will bring, so it's better to let someone know how much you care, before you don't have that option anymore. 

These are the things I appreciate;

1. My family (my parents and brother mean the world to me)

2. My close friends

3. My job (without it, I couldn't lead the lifestyle I do)

4. God (he may not know it, but I appreciate everything he does for me)

5. Karma; This one always comes around, I've learned this one first hand.

Happy Thursday Ladies!

Much Love 

Jessica

A day in the life.

Hello my Lovelies! 

For today's blog I decided to track everything I do on a regular day (well a work day that is)

I never realized how structured my days actually were until this morning.

6:15 am - Alarm goes off, time to get up!

6:30 am - All showered, doing make up

6:45 am - Hair, and clothes

7:00 am - Vitamins, supplements, and breakfast-to-go (shake!)

7:05 am - Off to work I go 

8:00 am - Officially "on the clock"

10:00 am - Hungry already, snack time (protein bar, banana, yogurt, something to fill me up)

12:00 pm - 1:00pm - Lunch!

2:00 pm - Snack time yet again haha!

5:00 pm - Off work and on the way to the gym 

6:00 pm - 8:00pm - Gym time! (yes it actually takes me an HOUR to get to the gym)

8:15 pm - Dinner! (making and eating)

9:00 pm - 10:00 pm - Photo editing, and surfing the net 

10:00 pm - Bed!

Wow. Until I wrote this I guess I never realized how boring my day to day life actually is haha! 

The occasional time, I have something else to accomplish after work, but for the most part that is how my days go. I've been training for a fitness competition so I suppose this is about normal. I try not to consume alcohol unless it's a special occasion (although Cancun will be a different story haha)

What do your days look like? Are they as boring and structured as mine?

Smooches!

Jessica 

Photography;

Life is like photography; we use the negatives to develop

Those are my words to live by (also on the back of my business cards)

I've always had a knack for photos, I'm not too sure how it came about, but I have always loved them

I think photography is a way of life, with photos you can capture moments in time that you will never get back. 

It has a way of touching, feeling, and capturing moments long after people are gone, and long after the memories fade. It's a passion for me, and that's why I'd love to share it with you girls :)

This is from one of the weddings I had last year, and yes that is a real frog!

We found him in the grass and I had an impromptu idea for a fun photo.

One of my favorite pictures :)

I have a wedding booked this weekend, so I will be sure to show you guys a few photos next week!

xxx Jessica  

Life; It goes on

Everything happens for a reason. 

If this is so true, then I would absolutely die to figure out what the reasoning is behind this. 

I won't go into too much detail, or mention names for that matter.

I just feel betrayed, like you picked her over me. 

Your best friend, over someone that has hurt you in the past and will most certainly hurt you again. 

Why you place the blame on me, when you know it isn't my fault. 

Why you let her control your emotions and your actions, but still talk to me to reassure yourself. 

This is all a big news flash. 

I'm one to stand my own ground, say what I feel, and do what I feel is right. 

If cutting you out is what's best, that is what I will do. 

I won't let you bring me down with you. 

I will however be there. I will be there when she breaks your heart, like she has before. 

I will be there when you don't know where else to turn, or what else to do.

Until then, I won't be around.

I can't watch you do this to yourself, all I can do is wait for you to realize you're doing it. 

I will be there. That's what real friends are for. Even though right now, you aren't one.

I will be. 

Je t'aime 

Just me xxx!

Just incase you guys are wondering what I look like :)

xxx Jessica

Welcome to my world!

Thanks for coming to visit my blog! I know this is the first post, so I will use it to tell you a bit about myself :)

Usually I will post on here about fashion, music, working out, recipes, tons of stuff, but this entry is dedicated to letting you know about me!

Well for starters I work in the automotive industry (not a girlie job at all!) but I love it! I also own a photography company, and photograph a lot of weddings each year. Both jobs are passions and I wouldn't trade it for the world!

Unless you know me well, you probably won't know that I LOVE football, the american kind! Superbowl is one of my favorite days of the year! I also love to ride my dirtbike, I go out camping and riding a lot in the summer!

I am an avid gym fan, I work out 6 days a week, eat very clean, and I always think about what I'm putting into my body. I haven't always been like this, but it was a lifestyle change I made and I have been very happy about it every since.

I have a slight obsession with skulls and cheetah print! I have no idea where it came from, but I love them both!

I travel a lot! I try and go on 3 vacations a year! So far I have been to every state (except Hawaii), every province east and west of Alberta (where I live) and Mexico (many times)

So this is me, this is my story! Not all glitz and glam, but I love it!


xxx Jessica