Farewell to a grand Hollywood icon.

As many mourn the loss of an iconic Hollywood actress, we remember the grandiose and regal Elizabeth Taylor. A classic beauty on the silver screen, her many movies have been deemed classics.

palzoo.net

In one of my favorite movies, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Elizabeth takes the role of Maggie, a dramatic and very desperate wife to an alcohol driven ex football star. In this film, Elizabeth shows her dynamic and very passionate acting. "What is the victory of a cat on a hot tin roof?" "Just staying on it I guess, long as she can." Paul Newman and Ms. Taylor have been considered two of the most beautiful people to couple up on screen.

theweddingtiara.com

Elizabeth Taylor will be greatly missed by all the world. Farewell, to an elegant and beyond stunning lady.


I believe in mind over matter and doing anything you set your mind on.
-Elizabeth Taylor

Too Cute Not To Post...

I talked to a dear friend of mine after I posted my last blog about smoothies. She said the cutest thing to me...
"I love reading your blog! And I was thinking about protein shakes after I read it...You know what I want to find, Jane?"
"What's that?"
"Someone to share my protein shakes with, cause you know how you always have too much left over? Well I need a boyfriend who will drink the rest that's in the blender."
Isn't she adorable? But it's so true...we both need to find a guy we can drink our smoothies with!

Glamour.com

Who needs JJ?

Don't get me wrong, I love me some Jamba Juice, but my budget doesn't allow for a daily trip to my favorite smoothie shack. No worries, I have fallen in love with making my own protein shakes!

Chocolate covered strawberries, anyone?

This healthy little snack is a great meal replacement and can give you some benefits that will make your hard workouts even more rewarding! So go ahead, break out your blender, mix in some yummy fruits, and toss a scoop of your favorite protein powder in!

Play Ball!

When I think back to my childhood I remember lots of dance competitions and even more baseball games. Whether it was all-star games in the summer or high school double headers, I spent countless hours sitting next to my mom cheering on my two favorite guys!
The fondest of memories even consist of the special times the five of us would pile into the big, black burby and head to watch our favorite pro teams play at the BOB, now Chase Field.
So imagine my excitement when my brother invited me to catch a spring training game with some friends!

We spent the night sitting out on the lawn, where we laughed at the younger kids rolling down the grassy hill, reminiscing about the times we did the same thing!

Baseball will always hold a special place in my heart, because it will forever remind me of my loving family that I have been blessed with!

Setbacks.

We all have them. Those little obstacles that we face every now and then. The ones that throw our "plans" off track. Screw us over, until we're sitting there asking ourselves, "what the hell happened? I thought I had life figured out, and now this. I have no clue what I'm doing."
They can come as often as once a week...whether it's a difficulty at work, a friendship that has distanced itself, or personal goals that seem farther away then they did the day before. We discourage ourselves by these struggles, instead of looking them dead on and seeing them as they really are. A test; one that we must pass to strengthen our desire to achieve what we truly want.  They must be looked at as a blessing in disguise. A lesson we learn in order to correct our mistakes, and become more aware of the warning signs that lead us to the toughest of questions; is this what I really want?
You already know the answer, your heart has always known. Instead of running for protection, to safety...handle the problem then and there and stop the anxiety before it ever gets the chance to eat away at you.

Singing In The Rain...

This mellow and cloudy weather has convinced me that I need to make a date with my couch.  I will spend the day wrapped in blankets watching all of my favorites. Breakfast at Tiffany's, Pretty in Pink, Can't Buy Me Love, The Breakfast Club, and the best musical...Singing In The Rain. This movie could fit perfectly with the rain outside.

IMDb.com

Gene Kelly, is one of the most handsome men of all time! His personality that shines through on the screen is one of iconic proportion.

In one of his most well-known musicals of all time, Gene Kelly, Donald O'Connor, and Debbie Reynolds are truly one of the most dynamic trios to ever hit the screen.  The classic songs, fun acting, and wonderful dance scenes are just what I need on a day like this.

When friends become family.

Okay, so maybe two of them are my brothers, but tonight I enjoyed a delicious Sunday dinner with a new family.  A few of my brothers' oldest friends came to visit, they spent the weekend taking in some baseball, and enjoying the gorgeous Phoenix weather. Rena brought her beautiful baby girl down and baby gear filled the boy's very bachelor-like pad.
This evening, my brothers and their bud, Pierre (who is like a brother to me), took to the grill and q'd up some delicious bbq chicken, potatoes, and veggies.

Our wonderful feast even consisted of still-in-the-box heated, apple pie a la mode! The always entertaining Brit, made some yummy chocolate covered strawberries. Or cherries in Michael Ray's case...

Dinner tonight was full of laughter, good food, and even better company!! Now that we're grown, our Sunday dinners may not always consist of blood relation; but sometimes our nights are filled with more love then we could ever ask for!

I just haven't met you yet...

I used to be the girl who always wanted to be in a relationship, I was never happy alone and single.
This past October, I said goodbye to a great guy, to stand on my own for a while. It hasn't necessarily been the easiest of times; but, being single has made me realize that a relationship is about a happiness you share with someone else, not a happiness you find in someone else.
One afternoon, I came across a tweet on my timeline that read, "Girls, don't sit there and be sad that you're single. At this very moment, God is looking down at you and saying, 'I'm saving this girl for someone special.'"
It really hit me in the heart. We all have to stop feeling sorry for ourselves for the relationships that never worked out, and start preparing ourselves for the one relationship that will truly change our lives.
So I know my perfect prince charming is out there, I just haven't met him yet.

Sweetest of Dreams.

My mom always told me that if I went to sleep with my bed messy and my room disastrous, I would have horrible nightmares and wouldn't get a restful nights sleep.
Well....I guess she was kinda right. Nothing beats a hot shower and climbing into your nice, clean sheets; after you spent the night working up a sweat on the cleaning spree of the season.

Martha Stewart

Sleep well my darlings. Sweetest of dreams.

Gleeks Rejoice!

Tuesday night all of our dreams came true! Kurt and Blaine finally kissed, a moment we have all been waiting for. And how awesome was their duet to one of my favorites, Candles by Hey Monday? They are without a doubt the cutest couple on that show!
But that wasn't even the best moment of the night....
When the New Directions went to Regionals, we all knew this was their time to take it home. Opting to sing original songs that came from their heart, we were all left with goosebumps and a giant smile on our faces. 
Loser Like Me, is an anthem every person is able to relate too; not just the unpopular glee kids at McKinley High.
Watch the clip and other full episodes here!
Bravo Glee! Sing on, and continue rocking our Tuesday nights!

Marry Me.

I can't get enough of this song, and I cry, happy tears, every time I watch this video. One day, we will all find the one we've always been looking for.

I have loved Train ever since I first heard Drops of Jupiter. These guys are fantastic; and their songs are great to lift the spirits, and sing along to!

God is Real.

Nothing makes me happier than to express my love for our Savior, Jesus Christ, in any way possible. While surfing the internet this evening, I came across this lovely website. Agape Attire.
I met Ross, a former member of the band Confide, last summer at Warped Tour here in the valley. Being a Christian rock group, I was inspired by their talent and enthusiasm to spread the Gospel to everyone at their shows. So when I discovered that him and his wife, Celina, had started a clothing line with major credit to our Lord, I was more then excited!
I love all of their stuff, and will continue to check back to pick up some of their latest merch. Check out my recent purchase and more!

Agape Attire

"We started this clothing brand with a mission to spread the love, hope and glory of Jesus Christ."

Fear not.

"The greatest barrier to success is the fear of failure." -Sven Goran Erikkson.
Many times we sit back and allow an opportunity to pass us by. For fear of failure and change, we deny ourselves the opportunity to experience life in all it's glory. The relationships we could form, and the memories we could make, are simply dismissed by our own insecurities. Our lives are ours for the taking. We decide the paths we choose. 
You have been given the challenge to take every moment and make it one you will cherish for a lifetime. Whether these choices be life changing, or stupid mistakes, look back on your life and say, "I can't believe I did that," rather than, "I can't believe I didn't do that."
"Each time we face our fear, we gain strength, courage, and confidence in the doing."

Joyfully blessed.

There are many nights I lay in bed feeling truly blessed, and tonight was no different. Celebrating my 6,935 day here on Earth was such a beautiful experience. I spent the morning drinking coffee and talking with my gorgeous mother! I love every second I get to spend with my mama, she is my rock and my best friend!

My two older brothers have always been the coolest boys I know, but the last year or so, we have all really bonded! So dinner this evening was nothing short of wonderful! We went to my favorite restaurant, Olive Garden, which made me extra happy! After the meal ended, our waiter brought out the cutest little cake with a single pink candle on it. I felt like a little girl again, blowing out my candle and making wishes for my wildest dreams to come true. Unfortunately, the cake was so yummy that I wasn't able to capture a picture of it.
However, I did get a picture of this little beauty....

My lovely roommates definitely know me all too well! A great game of Scattegories, in which I dominated, and laughter was the icing on the cake to a fantastic day! I am so grateful for all of the wonderful people God has blessed me with. I enjoyed reading all of your thoughtful birthday wishes via phone, Facebook, email, and Twitter. Thank you for making my day so very special. I love you all! <3

A day of birth..

TN Something Special Cakes

 Yup, it's true. Baby Jane's growing up.Today is my 19th birthday! Even though 19 isn't that exciting of a year, I'm still gonna enjoy my day : ) I mean, it only comes once a year where the day is all about you!
I am extremely grateful to have my family here to help me celebrate. Every year my dad tells me my favorite story of the day I was born, after having two boys, my dad finally got his "little girl." He was so excited, he wore a bright pink shirt to the hospital!<3
So here's to a wonderful day, and another year of joy, happiness, and life's lessons!

Follow your dreams.

As I was driving home from my weekly dance class, I looked up at the moon and guess what it was doing? Smiling at me. Yup, it was.

Okay, so it's really called a crescent moon; but, I like to look at it as the world smiling down at me for following my dreams.
All through my childhood and while I was in high school, I danced six days a week, sometimes up to six and a half hours a day. Not only was it a normal, day-to-day thing, it was also a strong passion of mine. Something I loved to do!
When I graduated from high school, I said farewell to my high school dance line, and my loving studio. I wanted to experience life and face challenges. Unfortunately, I thought dancing wasn't part of this "dream." Fast forward a year, and I found that this fire inside wouldn't burn out. I needed to dance, for my own sanity! I did my "homework" and found an amazing studio just down the road from my house. It has been wonderful getting back into dance shape. I still have quite a ways to go; but if I give my all in every class, I will be back to where I wanna be in no time!

Take care of your body,

it's the only place you have to live -Jim Rohn.

I've done it. I have committed myself to taking better care of my body. This past year has been quite the whirlwind. Living on my own has been quite the adventure; I have learned so much about myself and my place in this world. I have had some low times, and some glorious times. I have made the best of friends, and gotten extremely close to those I pray will stay with me throughout my lifetime.
Through these amazing 15 months, I have gained more knowledge, respect, and love for the life I have been given; however, I have "gained" more then I would have liked too.
So with motivation to reach dreams I have fantasized about since I was a little girl, I am on track to getting a healthy, sexy, and strong body!

Shape.com

With the help of Shape Magazine, some really great friends to keep me motivated, and my eye on the prize, I plan to continue sharing my journey with all of you! Who knows, we may even inspire each other along the way!

Baby, why fit in when you were born to stand out!

There is nothing more gratifying then being there for a friend who needs good advice. I always feel honored that they trust our friendship enough to turn to me, when they need answers to life's tough questions.

Earlier tonight, I had the priviledge of talking to two of my dear friends. These sweet girls live back home, and are still facing the daily challenges of high school. While one turned to me asking questions about my choice to graduate from high school early. The other lovely lady had problems feeling like she belonged there. She used words such as "wall flower", and referred to herself as being too small for such a big world. There is nothing more heartbreaking then to hear one of the most fantastic girls this world has yet to meet, put herself on such a miniscule scale.
Like my good friend, I believe we are all here to make an impact. Through the people we meet, we are given the option to touch their lives and better ourselves. Every new face, and every new experience is a tool we must use to make a difference. We are all destined for greatness, and we must never stop pushing ourselves and those around us to find the peace that this world so desperately needs.
So I leave you with this, my dear friends...speak only with the softest of tongues, for the words you mutter today, are the actions we face tomorrow. -jes

I should not have poured wine in my cereal this morning...

spoken by the hilarious Tina Fey. I have grown up watching Saturday Night Live, and finding it on Netflix has been the greatest thing. Not only does it have the most recent shows, which has been great since I don't have cable, but it has every episode!

The funniest comedians have graced the extremely entertaining SNL stage, and the hottest "in-the-moment" stars have hosted. It's been the perfect combination of pop culture over the years.
Here is a list of some of my favorite skits. I hope you all enjoy the many laughs the cast has brought America over the last 36 years.
The Blues Brothers Starring Dan Ackroyd and John Belushi; January 17, 1976
James Brown Celebrity Hot Tub Party Starring Eddie Murphy; November 5, 1983
Church Chat Starring Dana Carvey; October 11, 1986
Wayne's World Another Dana Carvey skit with Mike Meyers; February 18, 1989 (Wayne's World...post for another time.)
Chippendale's Audition Starring Patrick Swayze and Chris Farley; October 27, 1990 These two boys are dear to my heart. Tommy Boy and Dirty Dancing are two of my all time favorite movies. I can recite every line from them, and they are frequently used in my "guess what movie" quoting sesh. 
The Hanukkah Song Starring Adam Sandler; December 3, 1994 When you think of iconic skits, how can you not think of this one!? Baby Adam and his brilliant impromptu songwriting.
The Barry Gibb Talk Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and Justin Timberlake; October 11, 2003
Sarah Palin interview with Katie Couric Starring Tina Fey and Amy Pohler; September 27, 2008
Monologue Song Starring Taylor Swift; November 7, 2009
Dusty Muffin Starring Betty White; May 8, 2010 I love little miss thang! She has such a charismatic personality, and her comedic timing is spot on.

I've been bit by the L-bug...

and I don't mean Love.

I don't get sick that often, in fact I tend to do everything in my power to not catch the germs my lovely friends pass around. However, the last few days I've been feeling kind of under the weather. Yesterday, I woke up with the nastiest cough, which is unusual, because I never get a cough. It was rather productive so even though it was slightly annoying, it was something I could handle. 

Fast forward to this morning, and there I was laying in bed wrapped in blankets.  Living on my own, I'm kind of a big sissy when it comes to being sick.  But honestly, who doesn't want their mother's kiss or your daddy to bring you back Sprite and Gatorade from his trips "to town." After gathering the strength to escape from bed, (I know it sounds rather dramatic) I went to the Urgent Care down the street from my apartment complex.  Every test came back negative, which is a definitely good sign. However, I have swelling of my lymph nodes and an acute case of laryngitis.  Nothing serious, but I still feel like crud. 

The doctor prescribed rest and an increase of fluids. What I heard? Tea drinking and spending the day in bed watching Molly Ringwald, in classic John Hughes' movies.

This may not be the best I've felt, but this has definitely been the most relaxed I've felt.

The interweb and good people.

Like many of the other 6 + billion people in this world, I use the internet every single day.  From checking social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter, to reading daily news on The Huffington Post and MSNBC, and even my guiltiest pleasures such as The Queen of Media himself, Perez Hilton, and Cosmopolitan Magazine. I am always on my computer checking to see what's good in the world!

Through the fun and exciting site of Twitter, I came across this little beauty. Shine or set. The creator of this darling blog would be Ms. Brianna Sky. We have recently become Twitter friends, and it's safe to say I have a new internet site to check on the daily. She writes about everything from fashion, work and living a healthy lifestyle, to her social and personal life. Brianna is an inspiration and a truly breathtaking individual. Her positivity is contagious and her blog will definitely bring smiles to all it's readers.
Shine on, doll. You are a wonder!

Do what you love.

Moving down to the valley has been a wonderful, scary, exciting, devastating, miraculous journey so far. I have been down here a little over a year, and I have gone through every emotion possible. I knew life was hard, but never quite expected it to be this tough. But as the saying goes.."the adventure is in the journey, not the final destination."

Being on my own, I have challenged myself to do everything I have always wanted to do. Living in fear of what people think doesn't hurt anybody but yourself. A few weeks after moving out of my parents house, I made a list of everything I have always wanted to do. Good, bad, or indifferent...if my heart desires it I'm gonna go after it. This list consisted of everything from small gestures to big outlandish ideas. It is a private list, because when you keep things to yourself the joy you get after accomplishing them, is beyond amazing!

However I decided to go public with one of the items on my list...
One morning, I was sitting on my bed playing the guitar. <--a dream of mine, since I was a little girl. (I'm not any good, and I don't plan on taking it anywhere..but with the help of youtube.com and the thoughts in my head, I have started writing my own music.) I thought it would be fun to take an artistic picture with my guitar.
Scared of how people would react about me posting it on networking sites such as Facebook..I sought out advice from a dear friend of mine who has always encouraged me to play the guitar and stay true to who I was deep down. He asked, "if you care about it, then why care what other people think?" 
So with the confidence to put it up, I did. It wasn't long until an ex of mine commented on it..his words brought me to tears. Stunned at how hateful his words were, I text my buddy, he replied with a simple "as far as he knows! techniqually you are a guitar player : )"
And it's true, not everybody knows everything about a person. Not everybody knows all about me. There is a lot that I keep private, I have learned over the last three years that the only person you can truly trust is yourself. So instead of pleasing everybody else..make the only person that really matters happy, yourself.

So I will continue to mark off things from my list. And I will keep teaching myself how to play the guitar, despite the rude remarks that the world has to say.
Because all I can do is stay true to myself. And keeping doing whatever it is I find intriguing.