February Goals

I'm not one for New Year's Resolutions but setting goals throughout the year, yup I can handle that. I didn't make any goals for January because I was busy working on finishing up some school business and trying to find a job. All of which are complete.

Yup, got a job. I will be working on med/surg floor in a local hospital. It wasn't the hospital I wanted to work at first but God works in mysterious ways and well who am I to question His will? I've always said that God will place me where he feels I should be. I'm just riding the wave. I'm cool with that plus I finally get to buy any type of scrubs I want. I've been wearing an all white uniform for the past 2 years. I call it the marshmallow suit. No, I'm not sharing pics because I never took a pic in them. Lol. 

Now onto these goals. I was inspired by Little Lovelies by Allison blog post about her 2013 Monthly goals. She was able to accomplish them all. So awesome. 

So I've learned a few thing about goals using SMART goals. We used them in nursing school for patient care goals. They can be used for any goal setting so don't worry. 

Specific: what is it that you want to do? 

Measurable: Put a number on it. How many are you going to do of that specific task? 

Attainable: How will you do it? How are you going to do it? 

Relevant: Can it be done? Is it worth being done? 

Time-Bound: How long will it take to accomplish this goal? When will it be completed by? 

For a patient that is in the hospital we use these goals all the time. Such as The patient will walk in the hallway (Smart) three times (measurable) with assistance (attainable) by the end of the day (time-bound). The goal is relevant. In the hospital we are always working towards independence and getting patients moving. Obviously, if the patient were bed bound this would not be relevant. 

Okay, I'm sure you are done with me being a nerd. Lol. 

My February Goals

1. Study NCLEX material everyday for 5 hours.  I will be taking my boards at the end of the month, this is  my most important goal of February.

2. Go to the gym 4 days a week. I've been sick all week and haven't went in over a week. I'm going to regret it when I go back. 

3. Run 10 miles on the treadmill by the end of the month. I walk a lot but not run. I will be running a 5K in the spring with my nursing school friends. Time to get training. 

4. Do one sewing project by the end of the month. I am dying to do some crafting. Feel guilty because I should be studying. 

5. Spend money on only food, bills and essentials for the month of February. My husband and I made a goal to not spend any money in February that wasn't necessary. We need to pay down some bills.  We want to see how it goes so that we can make bigger impact on decreasing our debt. 

6. Reduce time on the internet to one hour a day by the end of February. I spend way to much time on the internet, specifically Pinterest. 

7. Write two blog posts in the month of February (not including this post). I wish it were more but due to Goal #1 it has to remain small. 

So I think these goals are attainable and can be done. I'll let you all know how they go. Do you make monthly goals? Any tips on any of these goals would be appreciated. Please share! 

 Have a wonderful weekend!! 

Jess

Linking up to:
 

Stuffed Green Bell Pepper Recipe

Hey everyone! I wanted to share a recipe with you.  Last night I made my hubby and I a treat since we are starting our 3 day detox by juicing today.  No solid foods for 3 whole days. EEK!!

Anyway, the stuffed peppers were a hit with my husband. We each had one and couldn't even finish it. I'm saving the other 2 stuffed peppers for a later time by freezing them. This is a great recipe for all those great green peppers that are harvested from the garden. The stuffed peppers freeze well and can be put in a lunch box to defrost for lunch (You would have to microwave to warm up obviously).

 Green Bell Stuffed Peppers

Ingredients: 

• 4 big green bell peppers
• 1 pound of chopped beef or chopped turkey
• 2 cups of Instant Rice (Or whatever rice you would like. I used Minute Rice because of time and laziness)
• 1 chopped onion
• 1 28 oz can of crushed tomatoes
• salt and pepper
• Parmesan cheese or bread crumbs to sprinkle on top. I used cheese. 
• You'll need a frying pan and a baking dish.

Recipe: Make rice and set aside. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Clean pepper and cut across the top of the pepper (Do not throw away top). Remove seeds from pepper.  With the top of the pepper remove the stem and chop up the remaining part of the top of the pepper. Chop up an onion.  Saute chopped pepper and chopped onion until soft. Add in chopped meat and stir together until chopped meat is browned. Add 3/4 of a can of crushed tomato to pan along with the rice. Season with salt and pepper. Saute and stir for 3-4 minutes.  Remove from heat. Take remaining 1/4 of crushed tomato and spread on the bottom of the baking pan. Fill up peppers to the top with the meat and rice.  Sprinkle cheese or bread crumbs on top.  Bake in the oven for 45-50 minutes. Enjoy!! 

To Freeze: Place peppers on a baking sheet and put in freezer. When peppers are frozen put peppers into freezer bag to store in freezer.

Hope you try them out. They were so delicious and filling. Any questions please feel free to leave a comment and I'll get back to you as soon as I can. 

Have a great week,

Jess

 

Working on me.

My stinky sneakers.

You might be wondering why I would post a picture of my sneakers, right? Well, I made a decision to work on me after nursing school. I want to take care of me. I gained some weight while in nursing school but I was overweight to begin with so I can't blame being overweight and unhealthy on nursing school.

Still going with the change mantra for 2013! This pic can be purchased on etsy here.

I have been slowly incorporating a veggies and fruits into my diet. I go to the gym everyday with my daughter (love her because she gives me dirty looks when I complain). My body is in tons of pain. I'm having a love/hate relationship with the pain and the gym. I know that in order for my body to become strong I will have to endure some pain. I love those endorphin's! I feel so energized and my mood is pleasant. My husband loves it. LOL.  I've actually been following a lot of workout plans that are found on Pinterest. Check out my workout board here. I have been doing a lot of exercises I have not done in the past. I am getting off of the treadmill and pumping iron with the boys.

 We plan on buying a juicer this week so we can start to juice fruits and veggies. I'm so excited! If I find any tasty recipes I promise to share them. My husband and I watched two interesting movies on Netflix called Hungry for Change and Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead.  It was rather interesting to learn about  how food works in our bodies and the importance of eating well and exercise. If you have the opportunity to watch either one or both do so. I have an understanding of most of what was discussed in both movies but my husband who is not a diet nut or a nurse does not.  My husband learned about the dangers of diet soda. No matter how much I tell him that it is not calorie free and really not good for him he had to hear it from someone else. My husband is a diabetic and thinks he can drink diet soda and it won't affect his blood glucose. I think he was in denial for a long time. I pray that he makes a commitment to himself to take care of himself too.

Thanks for stopping by. Have a great week! 

Jess

Word of the Year 2013

Last year I assigned the word "check" as the word of the year. I felt that 2012 would be a year of checking things off my list of assignments, clinical days, exams and such in order to reach the end nursing school and to graduate with my BSN and become a nurse. I learned early on in the year how to organize my life using a day planner. It helped me to focus on the tasks that needed to be completed and recognize those sneaky little time wasters that cause me to lose track of time. I learned how to study better too by breaking down my time. I would spend hours reading and not take in any information. I learned how to study efficiently and what I really needed to learn. So let's just say, the check system worked for me. I still use it in everyday life. I'm a list maker. I can't help it. I need to do it.

So what is my word for 2013:

Change

Yup, Change, not money change but a life change.   I will be facing a lot of "change" in my life this year. Sometimes "change" is scary but for me, I'm so used to change that I'm quite comfortable with it and am excited of all the "change" that will be coming my way.

 I will be working as a nurse somewhere soon.  It has been my dream to work as a nurse since I was a young child. I'm so thankful to God that he allowed me the opportunity to go back to school and achieve my education and put me on the path to a new career. I don't have a job yet, I don't know where I will work. I will be applying to hospitals after the New Year. I'm leaving it up to God to where he wants me to be. I have followed his path thus far and he has not steered me wrong.

My daughter will be graduating from high school in the spring and leaving for college in the Fall. I won't say that this has not saddened me because it has. My children are my first priority in life. I feel like I breath because they breath. As scared as I am to let my baby leave the nest it that I know I have done the best that I can as a parent. I, was and still am not a perfect parent but I try to teach my children all that they need to know and still allow them to learn their own lessons. I am confident that I raised a smart young woman that will do wonderful things in her life. She makes me proud everyday. I'm so blessed.

 Oh and let's not forget my life changing decision to take care of me. I need to learn to become healthy and accept the thought of taking care of myself since my career will be about taking care of others and when I'm home I take care of my family. My husband and children gave me a gym membership and fitness classes for Christmas.  How will I ever manage all the big and small changes in my life? I have a feeling a lot of prayers will be done.

Have a safe and Happy New Year!

Many Blessings too!

Jess

Happy New Year!

           Happy New year!

I'm wishing you all a happy and healthy New Year. I hope that you find what you are looking for, rid what holds you down, and find peace in all you do. 

Wishing you many blessings for 2013

Jess

Baking Christmas cookies, there goes my diet

I have been trying to lose some of this unwanted weight I'm carrying. I have decided to lose weight during the Christmas season. Ha! I know better but I'm so tired of being overweight and unhealthy. I have worked on incorporating healthy foods into my diet. So you can only imagine how hard it is when I decided that it was time to make Christmas cookies. I did not go overboard but I did taste test several cookies.

Here is some of the Christmas cookies I baked this holiday season.

Iced Pumpkin Cookies. Recipe found here. These cookies are a hit in  my home. Everyone loves them. Not one cookie is left. 

Okay so these next cookies are dangerously delicious and well are pre-diabetic Paula Deen.

Loaded Oatmeal Cookies from Paula Deen. Get the recipe here.  These are my hubby's favorite cookies. 

I made my own family recipes that have been passed down to me by my mother. I think everyone makes these so I don't mind sharing the recipe. 

Thumbprint Cookies (my favorite)

The recipe is super easy and theses cookies are super delicious. You can use any kind of jelly you would like. This year we use Raspberry (seedless), peach, strawberry blackberry, black cherry, and cherry jelly. Here is  my recipe, Enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 2 cup (4 sticks) of softened butter
• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• 2 egg yolks (hold onto yolks)
• 2 teaspoons of vanilla
• 4 cups of flour
• 2 cups chopped walnuts
• your choice of jelly, blended smooth
• 1/2 cup Confectionery (powdered) sugar

Baking directions:

Preheat overn to 375 F. Put butter and sugar in a bowl and beat with mixer until light and fluffy. Blend in egg and vanilla. Add flour into mix and beat on medium until all blended together. In a separate bowl beat get white to a loose consistency. Form 1 inch balls of dough and roll into egg whites and then into walnuts. Place on baking sheet. With the back of a spoon or with your thumb press gently into the center of the ball. Fill indentation with jelly. Bake 10 to 12 minutes. Place on wire rack to cool. Gently coat with powdered sugar and enjoy.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas! 

Jess

Linking to:

I have a serious addiction to Pinterest

The big P. Yup, I'm a Pinterest addict. I have over 1,800 pins and 35 boards right now and growing. I can't help it. While I was in nursing school I pinned my little heart away. My daughter and I after the holidays will be doing some (as we call them) Pinterest projects.

My favorite pins right now are Christmas pins and as always food pins. Since it is Christmas I want to share some of my favorite Christmas pins. Feel free to follow me on Pinterest. I love it there, I'm sure you do too.

One of my joys before school was card making. I still have so much  paper. It will be fun to do some card making again in the future. To see more of my Christmas Card pins go click here!

A beautiful Christmas Care made by Dawn Easton, TreasureOilerDesignz.blogspot.com

Along, with all the shopping comes the wrapping. I'm so inspired this year to wrap all the gifts beautifully. I'll probably be the only one to appreciate it but as long as I'm happy, who cares right? To see more gift wrapping pins click here.

Beautiful gift wrapping from Alissa at 33Shadesofgreen@blogspot.com

You have to put those presents under the tree. How about this beauty? 

Yeah, I agree she's beautiful. Check out the blog post on this tree at Moore Mintues,click here.

I'm truly inspired this year to make new stockings for my family. I love these plaid stockings.

You can purchase these beauties at Horchow. 

Must throw in some mantel luv. So many to choose from, so hard to pick just one. 

A great how-to from BHG. Click here for instructions.

How about what is trending this holiday season? 

Reindeer, Chalkboard signs, and Cone shaped decorated trees.

So I can go on and on. Please join the dark side with me on Pinterest if you haven't already. Please feel free to follow me on Pinterest. Let me know and I'll follow you back.

Have a wonderful holiday. 

Jess

Let's remember

On Friday, I was out with my husband and daughter doing some Christmas shopping. It was a rough day for me because I get anxiety when shopping in crowds.  My anxiety was a 10 out of 10, 10 being the worst and it didn't help that I was pissed off  at my husband and daughter.  The three of us were not getting along and were stressed out. At one point of our day of shopping, my husband and daughter decided to go into a pet store. I decided I needed a break from them for a few minutes. I decided to sit in the car and breath.  I went onto my personal Facebook account and noticed that many of my friends were saying how sad they were and were praying for the families and community of Sandy Hook, CT. I had no idea what was going on. I hit the CNN link and read about the awful tragedy that had unfolded that day in Sandy Hook, CT.

My thoughts of shopping, being angry with my family had instantly ceased. My thoughts were immediately on the families of the victims of this senseless act of violence. My family is my life, my children are my heart and soul. I can't imagine not waking up and not being able to talk, laugh and hug my children. My biggest fear is losing one of my children. I believe in God and in heaven but I'm will never be able to let them go.

My heart aches for all the parents that lost their little one on Friday. I cry for them. I pray for peace in their hearts. I pray these children's lives will not be in vein and that changes are made nationwide for the safety of all children. While I believe that every one has a right to own a gun but we need better gun control laws. We need to keep guns out of the hands of violent human beings that decide that they don't want to live and take others with them. I feel that these mass shootings are becoming too common.

I read a supposed statement made by actor Morgan Freeman. The statement is currently being called a hoax. I wish it weren't because it makes some valid points. We need to remember the children. I want to know all about the hero's that risk their lives to save others, the teachers, the children, the parents. I don't want to know anything about the killer. I don't want to know his name, what he ate for breakfast that morning, nothing. I have not watched the news at all. CNN, Fox, CBS, NBC, ABC and all the other news media need to focus more on the victims and not on the murderer.

To help out the families I have included a link to an article on Huffington Post that has links to were donations can be made. Click here: Sandy Hook donations.

Please hold your children a little tighter, tell them you love them more often, and appreciate every moment big or small. Pray for the families and community of Sandy Hook, CT. They need it.

Jessica

I did it. I'm officially a nurse. Four and a 1/2 years of hard work has paid off.  I am so happy that I will be working in a career that I have only dreamed about. I will miss my nursing school family. I grew so close to so many of them.

I still have to study for my boards so I can get that RN after my last name. Currently, I'm a graduate nurse or GN. I still have to apply for a job. I always let God lead the way. I'm sure he will place me where he sees fit.

Remember, you are never to old to learn something new and always follow your heart, it will take you to where you need to be.

Have a great week!

Jess

Knock, knock..

Knock, knock.. who's there?? Anyone still around? I know I dropped off the face of the blog world but well I had something really important to do.

Graduate!!!

 And well, guess what, I'm almost there. 3 more days in fact until I will have earned my bachelor's degree in the science of nursing. It has been a trying 4 years but these last 2 years have been extremely difficult. I had to sacrifice everything I loved to do in order to finish school. I, by the way am an awesome nurse. Just my opinion. I am so thankful though. I couldn't have done it without the support of my family, friends, and classmates.

So now what? Well, I'm happy to say that I will be posting more often. I keep saying to myself that I'm not going back to my old life but I'm starting a new one. Everything I do is new or renewed with a passion. I can't wait to start my new life. I will be crafting again, starting a new weight loss/healthy living journey, preparing to take the state boards, and returning to a level headed or close to it human being, and working as a registered nurse. So please join me in this new life, this new journey.

Jess

hey, it's just me.

Can't believe that it is February. Whoo-hoo! Only 10 more months to go in nursing school. Graduating is the most important focus in my life right now. I wish I had more time to do tons of things other than studying and going to clinical but this is where my life is right now. Wonder what my life will be like in a year from now? Will I be working? Will I have time to sew? bake? garden? decorate? Can't believe I'm almost to the end. Off to write a quick essay before class tonight. Hope you all are doing well.

J.

One Word

                    

Ok, why the big "check" mark. Well, around the blogger-sphere I have been seeing posts on one word that represents their year. Well, one to never not join a trend I have decided that my word of the year is going to be "Check". Why "check" you ask? Well, I have one more year of nursing school. In December I will have earned my bachelors in nursing. This is huge. The end is right there and I get see it. Awesome right? Well, I have a lot to do before I get there. A long list of projects, papers, exams, classes, clinical, and what not. Every time I complete them I will check them off my list. Every check mark is one more thing that is done, out of the way and getting me closer to graduation. 

I also am a major list making. I make a list everyday. Nothing feels so good as checking something off my list. Unfortunately, I never check off my entire list each day and am always adding to it. 

So what is your "word" this year? 

J.

Ahh..a break

Hey, I have some catching up to do. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy New Year. Well I have a small break in my school schedule this week. I finished my first year nursing school in December and have already started on the second with an online research class. I finished all the assignments ahead of time so I have a week off. Whoo-hoo!
Don't know what I will do? I didn't plan on anything because, well, I had no idea I would have time to do anything. So far I change my blog up a bit. New back ground, colors, font...etc. Well, off to blogland to get some inspiration!

J.

Just a little Christmas...

Right now I'm in the last three weeks of my first year of nursing school. I have papers and finals to complete and then a little break. I'm trying to get into the Christmas spirit but school is taking up all my time. So I wanted to leave you with a little bit of Christmas....

Busy day with my books

Artist: Sean, age 5. (He's now almost 11 now but this is my favorite decoration).

Just want to take the time out of my busy schedule of studying, test taking and more studying to thank you all who left me sweet comments or emailed me about my bedroom makeover. Thanks so much for stopping by and taking the time to check it out.

I have a big exam today. I'm studying my butt off. Can't wait to graduate next year. 14 months left. Thank you  Jesus!

Have a wonderful week.

Jessica

Bedroom Re-do!

So I had 2 weeks off this summer. Odd. I took advantage of the time and decided it was time to re-do my bedroom.  I spend a massive amount of time in here.  I sleep, study, workout and craft in here. It was time to make my space a place that makes me happy. I totally love the transformation.  I have to thank my husband and my mother for all their help.  So here we go.

First off, I won 2 black and white Chevron pillow cases this summer from The Mathew Family Happenings.  I love them. When I got them in the mail, it totally inspired me to re-do my room. So thanks Mary Kathryn. I heart them.

I went to my parents house for my first week off. They live down the Jersey Shore. My mother is a home decor nut.  We talked all about what I should do and we went to thrift stores in the area. A set of 3 crystal candle holders caught my eye in a house in Tuckerton, NJ. A woman has a house full of antiques and crystal. My mother hates fake crystal so when I said that I liked the candle holders she went over and looked at them.  They were real crystal but they were a little pricey. My mother, one never to pay full price for anything, started her haggling and bam they were now mine! Thanks to my mama! Love her. I love shiny, glittering, fancy, classy Yup,that is me. These now set off my wanting of crystals to be part of my room re-do.

So when I got home from Jersey. I went over to Lowe's and got the paint. Love Valspar High Def paint. I got myself 2 cans of Violet tinted painted. I'm not being paid by Lowe's to endorse Valspar but I truly think their paint is great. It covers so great. I got it in eggshell so that it would be easier to wipe down.  I love this color. Compared to the yellow that the walls were, I feel like I'm in a different room.

Help the Hungry with 50 Cent One Like=One Meal

Ok, you may or may not know 50 Cent, he's a world famous hip hop artist. "Hey Shortie, it's your birthday.. we gonna party like it's your birthday.." Ok, I'm a suburban white woman, I'll stop. lol. Either way, love Fiddy, as I like to call him. Even my mother likes him.

So anyway, why am I telling  you about Fiddy (50 cent)? Well the man is putting his money where his mouth is. What? For every One Like on Street King on Facebook, he will donate One Meal to the hungry. He's not asking you to donate your money, just Like Street King on Facebook. That's it folks. Please help him reach 100,000,000. Likes. Help him feed 1 million people. Please spread the word by posting it on your Facebook page, on your blog and telling your friends and family.  So just click this hyperlink: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=700201358712

Thanks so much.

Jessica

Visit Jessabells on Facebook too!

Halloween is not even here yet..

Here I am already thinking about Christmas. While Christmas is not my favorite holiday, as a matter of fact it is my least favorite I need to plan early. I know you're thinking what is wrong with this woman? The truth is Christmas is becoming so commercialized and stressful every year.

Last year my children literally picked out the majority of their gifts online and watched me hit the make payment button.  It killed me. Gone were the days when my children would be surprised and excited to open their gifts.  No need to rush down the stairs early in the morning to open the gifts.  It made me so sad last year. My kids get gifts all year long and at this point expect to get whatever they want when they want it. It is my husband and I who did this to my kids.  That is going to change though this year.

This year there will be no Christmas lists. Nope, not one! I don't care what they want. I want Christmas back.  I want my children to put Jesus in the forefront of their thoughts this year.  I want my kids to receive gifts that they didn't pick out but were purchased by my husband and I that were given thought. They will be sadly disappointed to see that their gifts will not cost hundreds either.

I will not be a prisoner to Apple, Xbox, Playstation, Sephora, and all the other brands my kids are heavily influenced by.  I'm looking to Etsy this year to purchase some of my gifts, so if you have an Etsy shop, just leave me a comment below. I will definitely check it out.

It feels like a weight has been lifted off of my chest. It feels good to come out and say it and I appreciate that you took the time to read my thoughts.

Have a great week. Back to school for me. Lots of studying.

Jessica

Weigh In Wednesday

Doing a quick pop in to say that today is Weigh-In Wednesday and I lost 2lbs!! I'm so happy.  I will share more tomorrow. I'm supposed to be studying right now.  I heart Weight Watchers right now!

Family time on the farm

Sometimes the hardest thing for me is not being able to spend quality family time together. Everyone is so busy all the time. It was nice to get together with my in-laws yesterday along with my husband and 2 of my 3 kids and go apple and pumpkin picking.

Here are a few pics to enjoy.

Strawberry Acres Farm in Coplay, Pa

 

My family getting ready to pick some apples.

These are Matsu apples. Due to all the rain in the last couple of months they are spotted. 

My daughter and husband taste testing the apples. The sign said that is was fine to sample the apples, just don't make it a meal. The apples got thumbs up from my family. I didn't taste test because my hands were full holding the box of apples and the camera. 

Here is our lot. We didn't get to many because I didn't want to over do it. I did pick up baking apples at the little store at the farm but can't for the life of me remember the name of them.

My daughter pulling my son up to the pumpkin patch.

My son finding me the perfect pumpkin. 

My son felt it was time to take a break so he sat on a pumpkin. 

Must say that the pumpkins were all so great that it was hard to pick the perfect one. We did get 2 though. I was told recently by a patient who owns a farm that pumpkins took a bad hit this year with all the rain. Most farms were bringing in pumpkins from different states because they were not able to grow enough to size without rot. 

My son and I. I just adore our time together. 

This is a view of the farm store. My son is actually jumping of a bail of hay.  

Thanks for stopping by.

Come back tomorrow for my first Weigh In Wednesday.