The Best Day of My Life | Blogtember Challenge

When I saw today's prompt, I had a hard time choosing a day to write about. I've had many great days, but which would be the best? Some of my favorite days have been at the beach, at a concert, traveling, or even just the simple days that are made up of coffee, books, and music.

But I have to say that the place I am the happiest is Disney World, so my trips there probably make up the best days of my life. I love how you can be a kid again, without judgement. I feel like I can do anything, be anyone, and go anywhere when I'm at Disney and I LOVE it.

 What's been your best day?

Obsession | Blogtember Challenge

Today's prompt is to write about a recent obsession. My current obsession is one that is fun and actually beneficial! Best of all, it's free.

Highbrow.

Highbrow is a free e-mail course on many different subjects. You take one course at a time, each are 10-day programs and they send you about 5 minutes worth of information daily for those 10 days. It's such a quick and easy way to expand your knowledge. I was browsing through all the categories and different courses and there are tons of them I want to do. For example, the topics minimalism, super foods, influential women in history, and a brief history of medicine. These are just a few of the many they offer! I highly recommend checking their website out at http://gohighbrow.com

By the way, Highbrow isn't paying me to write about it or anything. I'm just sharing it with you guys because I enjoy it. I've been doing Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover so I'm all about discovering things that are helpful and FREE.

What's your current obsession?

The Real Me vs. Online Me | Blogtember Challenge

Today's Blogtember prompt: Discussing the difference between who I am online and who I am in "real life".

Although my tumblr is full of only positive posts and happy things, my life is obviously not only comprised of happy moments. I think that's true of most people. I don't choose to, as they say, air out my dirty laundry online. I really only share funny things, happy things, or fun adventures on my Facebook.

I think my blog is definitely a more honest look at my life than the other forms of social media. I may blog about loneliness or certain struggles that I'm going through but I very rarely, if ever, post about those struggles on anything else. I will complain about them in person but I've reached a point in life where I am pretty content with things and my complaining has really decreased, for which I'm sure many people are thankful.

I'm, as I've mentioned countless times, an introvert. Online me can read blogs and communicate with my internet friends all day. Real me doesn't want to communicate with people all day. Social settings exhaust me. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy them. But a lot of times, I just want to drink my coffee at home with music and my laptop. I have no problem talking to people online and I think that's because you have time. You can think up a proper response. The other person isn't just staring at you, waiting for the next thing you have to say. I find that kinda scary at times.

I am definitely more free to discuss my faith, my interests, and my likes on the internet than in real life. It's funny because I have many great friends that I've met through blogging and we share so many interests. Most of my "real friends" and I have nothing in common. It's really stinking hard to meet people with common interests here in Alabama! As I mentioned in my previous post, none of my friends share my musical taste...well, they don't share many of my other tastes either. I do have one good close friend that I am beyond thankful to have. She even appreciates classic movies and it's really, really hard to find that! But my other friends feel more like acquaintances to me.

Well. This post made me rather depressed. Haha.

What about you? Do you feel like your online persona matches the real you?

Books that Have Impacted Me | Blogtember Challenge

I love to read. Reading can take you anywhere, to any time, and you can be anyone. There's something so comforting about being in the presence of many books. I love it. Here are 5 books that have impacted me in some way:

5. Not a Fan by Kyle Idleman

This book really challenged me to become a follower of Christ, rather than just a fan. It really inspired my walk with Jesus to be deeper and more real than what it was before. 

4. Facing your Giants by Max Lucado

This was the first of Lucado's books that I read. I loved how he connected the problems we face to the the story of David and Goliath. It was a very interesting study on the story of David. After reading this, I was immediately a fan of Max Lucado and have been one ever since.

3. Just Like Jesus by Max Lucado

Another of Lucado's books makes the list. This book shares more insight on how we as Christians should reflect Christ in all that we do. The book really changes your perspective and helps us to see how we should live. No one can be perfect like Jesus but this book is a great guide on how to imitate His actions.

2. The Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling

I read Harry Potter when I was in college, so obviously, I was a bit behind most people. But I credit this series with my love for reading. Before it, I hadn't read anything aside from assigned readings for school work. This series completely changed my ideas about reading. I became Sirius-ly (I'm sorry, I had to) attached to the characters, the locations, and the story itself. Not gonna lie, I was pretty bummed when it was over. I'm glad that this franchise has sooo many fans and that we keep the stories alive. 

1. Just Don't Fall by Josh Sundquist

I. love. this. book.

It's the story of Josh Sundquist, famous motivational speaker and youtube star, and his battle with childhood cancer. I'm not going to give any spoilers, but this book will have you laughing at times and crying at others. It's a must read. There are times the book is a little too honest but it's one of my absolute favorite books for sure. I highly recommend it!!

Which books have impacted your life?

My Inspiration | Blogtember

all images were found on tumblr. 

I am finally at a place in my life where I am happy and content with where I am. It's taken me 24 years to realize things don't always go as expected but sometimes, that's okay! My tumblr feed is full of inspiring quotes and images, but I really love the one of the hot air balloon above.

"Blue skies are calling, so get yourself outside." I love it. Being outside in nature is one of my biggest inspirations. There's just something about being alone with the Lord in the world He created that brings a closeness to Him that is unparalleled by anything else.

I'm inspired by floral prints. And want to hang a jazillion of them in my room.

Who doesn't need to be reminded to spread a little happiness now and then? 

Does anyone else gain inspiration from coffee or is it just me?

What inspires you?

Currently: September | Blogtember Challenge

Anticipating...Being debt free. I've got a little while to go, but it's going to be worth it! If I keep this snowball method and credit card free stuff going, I will be out of this mess by next summer. I can do it!
Cooking...I've tried 2 new recipes this month so far. Lasagna and chicken scampi. I'd never attempted to fry chicken before but wow. It must be an art. Let's just say the scampi was almost vegetarian.
Enjoying...Spotify. And that is finally fall! Fall is my favorite season (as I mentioned before) and I just love everything about it. (Although the 90 degree days are starting to get on my nerves just a tad. And the humidity...darn this humidity...)
Feeling...Worn out. I don't feel like I've rested at all this week. I'm in a wedding today so there's been a lot going on for that and then my mom is in the hospital now. There's just been some stress.
Learning...to say "no". I'm always afraid of hurting someone's feelings, but sometimes you have to worry about your own feelings.
Listening...Brand New by Ben Rector and thanks to spotify I just discovered Green River Ordinance and am loving them so far!

Reading...Life is Beautiful by Sarah M. Johnson and A Bride in the Bargain by Deanne Gist.

Wanting...I've already indulged myself in one PSL this fall and it was well worth the wait. I want to learn a good recipe for making them at home because $5 for a cup of coffee is definitely not something I'm willing to fork out every day.
Watching...Firefly and The Ultimate Guide to the Presidents. Oh yes...and Cheers season 8. Haha.

What are you guys loving this month?

Friday Night | Blogtember

Today's prompt is to write about what I would do if I decided to stay home on a Friday evening. Well...let's just be honest. I, more often than not, choose to spend my Friday nights at home. My idea of fun is not sitting at a table for one in an extremely crowded restaurant surrounded by couples on dates or any of the other typical "Friday night festivities". I do love to attend concerts on Friday nights here and there, but most of the time, my Friday night goes like this:

Try a new recipe for dinner.
Clean up the kitchen.
Relax a little before going for a walk/run.
Shower.
Watch netflix.
Read.
Bed.

Haha. I'm sorry this isn't more exciting!

What exciting things would you do at home?

The Bucket List | Blogtember Challenge

I love lists. Especially lists of goals...like my 101 in 1,001 days list or my bucket list. So naturally, I was really stoked when today's prompt was to share 10 things from my bucket list with you guys! Most of my bucket list is focused on traveling, but there are a few things that aren't. Here's a little mix.

1. Go to Disney Land. I've been to Disney World twice in the past year. And yes, I LOVE it. I'm crazy about all things Disney (not so much the channel though...)

2. Eat at one of Bobby Flay's restaurants. He's my favorite on the Food Network and I'd love to try HIS food.

3. Completely pay off my credit cards. I'm not in as much debt as many people, but I've got way more than I want. I am doing the Total Money Makeover right now, so I may be getting closer to reaching this goal!

4. Go on a cruise. I've been wanting to do this forever. As soon as my debt is paid off, I'm gonna treat myself. (lol, by piling more debt...)

5. Visit a castle. I feel like this is self explanatory. I visited the Biltmore and loved it soo much. I want to visit a castle somewhere in Europe!

6. Visit all 50 states. This is all I've done so far. Ahem...we've got a ways to go.


7. Start a new tradition with my family. (Family of the future, of course.)

8. Visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Because what nerd wouldn't have this on their list?

9. Ride in a hot air balloon. But I'd likely be terrified. I'm scared of heights. But hey, I still wanna do this.

10. Photograph Paris in black and white. Ahh, such a dream of mine.

What's on your bucket list?

Dear Sixteen Year Old Jessica | Blogtember Challenge

Dear sixteen year old Jessica,

Twenty four year old Jessica here, wanting to lend you a few pointers on how to handle this crazy world you are in. I'd like to say things are looking good! Your cool makeup and clothes are TOTALLY winning [guy in the youth group whose identity is hidden for his protection]'s heart. You're doing fabulous. But I can't say that. You see, I lived through those days. And it may seem like a long shot now, but one day, he will mean nothing to you. You will have gone literally years without seeing him! It's sad, but it's true. So I really wish you would stop focusing your attention on him and find other things to do. Consume your time with hobbies! (You may be pretty good at photography, if ya wanna give it a try...just saying...)

If you would just take a step back from trying to impress boys and realize how awesome YOU are, this whole teenage experience would be soo much more enjoyable for you. 

Please, please, please stop caring what people say. [High school bully whose identity is hidden for her protection]'s harsh, cruel words mean nothing. Yeah, she's incredibly mean and the insults she makes hurt. They leave a mark on you for sure, but after 11th grade, you won't see her for years. You will see her after you graduate college and she will be working at Dollar General. True story. (Nothing against Dollar General employees. She just constantly insisted how far her life would go and how far mine wouldn't.) So please, don't listen to her and let her mean comments infiltrate your thoughts. You are so much better than that.

Well, I've lived through it...and I know that you chose to stay wrapped up in the "I'm going to be alone forever." mindset for quite a while. But at around 23, you will become a much more confident person and the little ol glass is gonna start looking a lot more full! 

You may not believe this, but you are going to go on to compete in 5k races!! Pretty crazy since at this point in time, the most active thing you do is complain when you get up to change channels since the remote is probably not working. Yep, I remember those days. Those universal remotes were a pain, huh? 

You are going to do some pretty exciting things, go on some really fun trips, and have some incredible adventures! You're also going to meet some fascinating people along the way.

My biggest word of advice: Don't be so concerned with what others think about you (especially boys...I know it's a struggle for you.) You are a great person and you are going to make it through. 

-Older (and a little bit wiser) Jessica

What would you tell the sixteen year old version of yourself?

My Favorite Season | Blogtember Challenge

My favorite season is absolutely autumn. I love everything about it. All the beautiful colors, all the scarves and boots finally making their debuts, all the delicious warm drinks, pumpkin flavored everything, and all the dark but beautiful nights.

I have lots of wonderful memories from the falls of my youth. (Wow, did I just say that? How old am I?!) Camping in the fall was one of my very favorites! I also loved to rake leaves and make them into shapes. My sister and I actually designed floor plans out of fallen leaves. We would create entire roads and neighborhoods! Church fall festivals were always a blast. The excitement of the upcoming holidays and planning for them always starts in the fall and it's such a fun feeling. For a kid anyway. As an adult it gets increasingly more stressful...but I digress.

My lovely friend Victoria summed up fall rather nicely on her blog. I absolutely agree with her that fall is a season for hope to be renewed! It's just a great time to pick back up your goals that you may have left behind in the summer and start afresh!

I'm getting so excited for autumn, especially after looking through pinterest for these photos. Thank goodness it's just around the corner!

I think Anne Shirley said it best in Anne of Green Gables:

"I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers." 

What's your favorite season? 

Behind the Name | Blogtember Challenge

If you know me from my other blog, you know it was Over Thinking. I blogged there for 6 whole years. Sheesh, that's a long time. That name came from the obvious...I used that space to ramble about my issues, situations that were usually "over thought".

I'm still an over thinker-very much so. But it just felt like a negative thing to be branding my blog in that way. So I wanted a change. I also wanted to kind of shift my focus. My blog is still a lifestyle blog but my lifestyle has changed a lot since 2009. I am trying to use more natural products, to cut out the harsh toxins and chemicals and I'm definitely moving towards a minimalist lifestyle, so I wanted something that went along with that.

So Living is Simple was born. I feel like life itself can be a simple thing but we make it a crazy, chaotic mess. I just want to use this blog to get back to the basics and work towards a healthier, happier lifestyle!

What about you? What is your blog name and story?

My Style | Blogtember Challenge

I'm really awkward when it comes to discussing fashion. It's not that I hate it. On the contrary, I'm a big fan of style! I'm just weird when I try to talk about it. So here goes nothing...Haha. I'm a simple person. So as expected, my wardrobe is simple. I don't mean that in a minimalist sense, although I do want to get there. I definitely love the idea of a capsule wardrobe and want to create one in the near future.

I just mean I'm all about simple patterns and solids...nothing too funky. I do like some funky patterns and bold colors, but that's not really me. So when I describe my wardrobe, classic simplicity comes to mind. I'm all about polka dots, stripes, and minimal patterns. Aside from that, it's mostly solids. I especially love blazers!

My biggest inspiration is definitely Kate Middleton. I love just about everything she wears and my fashion board on Pinterest is mostly made up of her. I've noticed a common trend along my pins: they usually include a big purse. I don't usually carry large bags, but apparently I really like them. Hmmm.

Here are a few of  the looks I've pinned that I'd love to replicate!

How do you describe your style?