Modern Day Classic Beauty.

While I adore Audrey Hepburn and classic beauties... Lauren Conrad has been and will always be one of the most fashionable, well dressed women in today's society. I can't remember a moment of her being on the "Worst Dressed List" - or hearing entertainment hosts say "What was she thinking?"

She always looks put together. Always. And when I saw that she's adorning the cover of July's Marie Claire - I silently squealed. Yes, I'm that girl who runs out to purchase a magazine just because her favorite fashionista is on the cover {LC and Jessica Simpson are my girl crushes, guys - I can't help it.}.

But seriously, let's talk about how insane she looks in this shoot...

All photos courtesy of Marie Claire.

I loved this because it was a bit more saucy than other shoots she has done. Her makeup looks flawless and her hair makes me long for my bangs again {stupid Ohio humidity}.

Do you have a girl crush, a favorite fashionista, a celebrity who's style you adore and would love to emulate?

I'm linking up with Shanna. Because really, how much more random could this post be???

Happy Wednesday, y'all. I'm crossing my fingers that the storms this afternoon aren't as bad as they're anticipating. I do not want to lose power for 6 days again. 

  

The Story of My Life... and Hello, May!

So I've decided... that in loo of me not blogging much lately... I would challenge myself with joining Jenni - along with lots of other bloggers and do this...

And, HELLO BIRTHDAY MONTH!
I'LL BE 30 IN 19 DAYS!
HOLY CRAP!
Okay, I'm finished now. 
Onto the topic of the day...
The story of my life {shortened. By a lot.}

I was born during this wonderful month - almost 30 years ago. I was supposed to be born in April, but thought I'd stay an extra month in the womb. Hey, why not?! I grew up in small town USA. We didn't have a stop light, a gas station, we went to the same school from K-12. And I graduated with about 52 people. Everyone knew everyone. And sometimes that's a blessing... sometimes that's a curse. I have a younger brother, who's become one of my best friends in the world. And we were raised by two of the most amazing parents. After high school I went onto to Bowling Green State University and studied Apparel Merchandising and Product Development. I absolutely loved my college days. And there are days that I miss them. I went on to work for Abercrombie & Fitch for 3 years and when enough was finally enough {it takes a special  soul to work there} I began working for an amazing, local photographer. I started as a nanny for her two boys {in which I learned more than I ever thought possible} and am now her assistant in her Short North studio. I have loved learning about photography and am so happy that I'm still embracing my creativity every single day. And just recently I have opened up my own little online boutique, Nora & Jac. 
I wish I had a fabulous love life to write about - but I don't. I've had some amazing loves. Some heartbreaking ones. And some damn good times... but right now - my life, my friends, my family, my adorable niece, and my cat are the loves of my life. And I suppose that isn't such a bad thing. ;)
Was that 250 words? 
I'm excited to get back to blogging again, I tend to take these little breaks. Eh, life happens, right?!
P.s. There are some exciting things happening for Nora & Jac soon. Make sure you "like" my facebook page to stay up to date! 

Custom Mother/Daughter infinity scarves.

Sneak Peek of the new headband collection going into the shop.

Linking up with Shanna and Jenni!
Happy Wednesday, kittens!

A little of this... a little of that...

On Saturday we went to the new Hollywood Casino for my brother's birthday. So. Much. Fun. None of us won anything exciting... but it was something different, and I'll tell ya what... people watching, at a casino... it just doesn't get better. Just a little of everything. 

I had no idea what to wear to a casino, so I went with a good go-to outfit... skinnies+wedges+blazer = can't go wrong. And let me take a second to talk about these skinnies... the major perk of being relatively pocket size... is that I can wear kids clothes. Well bottoms and shoes. At Target they had these pants in the women's dept for $30... or $14 in the girls section. You better bet your bum that I got the girls pants. And they fit quite well... a bit shorter than I had wanted, but I could rock it. Admittedly, a large majority of my sandals and flats are also from the kids section. I just see it as I have more options when shopping... and I love it. 

So I realize I've been a bit absent - Thursday evening after work I got a phone call that my roommate had been attacked by a pit bull while walking her dog. This dog chased her down and attacked her from behind. Very scary. So I spent all of Thursday night at the hospital with her. The dog had gotten her real good on both arms and her hip. But she made it out with a few stitches - no broken bones, or surgeries to speak of. And I'm happy to report that after resting for the past 4 days, she's getting back into the swing of things. 

I'm the absolute worst person to have around if there's blood. Like a lot of blood. I can not handle it. And for that I apologize to those around me for that. So I did my best at just being there for moral support. 

And with that I was having a bout with some swollen tonsils. I've finally gotten that under control, but the sore throat, wasn't making me want to do much of anything. 

Tea can cure all, I believe.

I was busy working on orders and a getting a few new fabrics actually in the shop... and my sewing machine decided to bite it. So I'm working on fixing that so I can get back to the list of orders I have. 

Such is life, right?!

Happy Tuesday, kids. Hope it's a good one!

Just keepin' it real...

Headband: Nora & Jac // Army Jacket: Marshall's {years ago} // Polka Dot dress:  Marshall's // Fringe Booties: Target

...i forgot my smile. I was obsessing about standing and sucking in.
...my legs are disgustingly pasty.
...i've been criticizing myself since taking these pictures.
...that's normal, right?
...there were 30 taken... I barely liked two.
...Rachel Zoe is MAJ. Yea, I've said that before. Probably last Wednesday night... while blogging.
...peanut butter Snickers are my new guilty pleasure.
...lime in my water trumps lemon. By a lot.
...i'm as obsessed with the way I package my items as I am with the items themselves. Normal? No?
...this week has felt way long.
...i haven't ran all week... and really, really planned on it. Tomorrow, after work, I will run... for Boston.
...have you?
...i'm all about pointless, list posts this week.
...so. tired. I think there's a cold trying to take over my body, but I'm trying to fight it.
...blow out bar. Who's been? I want to go. Like yesterday.
...i need to do some major organizing of my sewing area.
...i just hit 100 likes on my Facebook page. I think that deserves a giveaway... who's game?

Have a fabulous Thursday, lovelies. I hope to come back tomorrow with something more thought provoking.  Please cross your fingers for me.

Right now...

I'm excited for this coming Saturday, we're hitting up the new Hollywood Casino for my brothers birthday celebration. {Happy Birthday, Bubba!!!!!!}

I've been loving those flat pretzel cracker things...seriously, why haven't I tried them before? And I took everyone's advice and got veggie cream cheese to dip them in. DELISH!

I'm beyond grateful for the love and support I have gotten for the new Nora & Jac products. It means the world. {So thank YOU!}

I'm missing Harper and can't wait to see her soon. Right now I'm just living vicariously through pictures I'm sent. 

I'm wishing there were a coffee shop next door to the studio. Or my apartment.

This weather is making me incredibly sleepy but I love it at the same time. Especially the storms. 

I'm loving the Mommy & Me sessions we are doing in the park. Makes me want my Mom to get her bum up here so we can do them... you're never too old!

I've posted a couple new headbands on my facebook page and instagram! 

I'm linking up with Shanna and Lauren.

Happy hump day, kids. 

Snickerdoodle Smoothie.

I'm watching this new dating show... Ready for Love - are you watching it?? I'm not sure how I feel about it yet, I'm a huge fan of The Bachelor... so it's interesting to watch another dating show with a completely different philosophy. And sometimes I just feel so bad for these girls... they get so into the dude on Day 1. Tears and all... already... and it's the first episode. 

I finally turned the sewing machine off and decided to pack up shop for the evening. Sewing is my happy place. I hate when I neglect it for so long... 

And - I completed week 1 of Couch to 5k tonight. This is only the 4th time I've started it... but baby steps, guys. I'm hoping I can actually stick to it this time around... 

Anyways...

That delicious smoothie up there... that's really what I'm here to talk about...

I am obsessed with green smoothies. They have become my breakfast go-to for the past few weeks. And honestly, I think they keep me fuller and have helped me stay on track with healthy eating. There's something to be said for a quick, healthy, and delicious breakfast to start your day off with!

This is one of my favorites...

Snickerdoodle Fake Out - Green Smoothie

What you need:

A handful of baby spinach

1 frozen banana

1 c. vanilla greek yogurt

1/3 c. ground oats {I grind mine in my coffee grinder - works amazing!}

Truvia to taste

Cinnamon to taste

1/2 c. soy milk

few ice cubes

Throw it all in the blender and let it go! I like a lot of cinnamon flavor so I add way more than necessary... just add as much as you'd like. Smoothies are so easy to make and adapt to your palate. I make this one without cinnamon too and it tastes so much like a sugar cookie. 

Have you tried a green smoothie yet? What's your favorite combination??

Linking up with Shanna.

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Better late than never...

I feel like it's been far too long since I've sat down and wrote a blog post. And I can't believe it's Wednesday already! {I know - I say that way too often, but seriously... the weeks and days just fly by sometimes}.

So let's play catch up and chat about my weekend... we'll pretend it's Monday but it really won't be... that works, yea? ;)

I went home on Friday and it was nice to get to spend the whole day with my Mom and Harper...

She's doing SO good at tummy time already!

I seriously just die over her cuteness every time I'm around her. She's growing sooooo much and soooo quickly. And she's just so dang adorable. I had no idea what being an Aunt would really be like until now... and I love every second of it and there are few things in this world that can brighten any of our days like this little face. 

My Aunt had texted me the day Harper was born and said "Congrats, Aunt Jackie - I know you are as excited as I was when my first niece was born..." now, 3 months later, I totally get what she means. So thank you Bub and Hollie for bringing this ray of sunshine into our lives. 

We also went out Friday evening for our friends' Dad's birthday. Such a nice night... good beers, good friends, good times. Can't beat that. 

Saturday was my Momma's birthday and we just hung out for the day, watched Harper for a bit, then went and did a little shopping... of course she buys clothes for H and not herself. She's silly. 

Y'all, how gorgeous is my Mom? She's so cute. We had decided to go in together and get her a ring for her birthday... so after researching for awhile I found one on Etsy that was perfect. They were stack able birthstone rings {I'm a dummy and didn't get a picture of it on her} but we got 4 of them for her and she LOVED it! 

Here it is on my pinky bc I have such fat fingers. But it turned out beautifully! 

I ordered this from Intentional Stones and Simbelmyne was a doll to work with. We chatted back and forth for a week about what I wanting and how quickly I could get it since I was on a bit of a time crunch and once I finally placed the order it was in my mailbox 2 days later. That is some amazing service. And it was such a gorgeous ring and Mom loved it! 

We had made dinner for her that evening and the six of us just sat around the table eating, talking, drinking cocktails, and laughing. It was another great evening. There so much to be said for quiet evenings. 

And well, the Easter bunny arrived on Sunday and we ate lots of delicious food, flew kites while drinking watermelon vodka punch {amazing}, and spent more time with family. 

So that was my weekend... in a few snapshots. How was yours?? I can't believe it's Wednesday and I'm talking about my weekend...smh!? 

I'm linking up with Shanna! 

Happy hump day!

The weekend and 5 things.

This weekend flew by. I don't know if it's because I had so much going on or if every weekend flies by and every Monday we say the same thing "Where'd the weekend go?" -- or maybe it's a combination of both... I'm going to go with that.

Friday evening I went home to have dinner with Hollie, Harper, and the boys. It was nice to just hang out, play a little bullshit and spend time with them. We can sometimes bicker and throw fits like children, but we're so blessed to have each other. And sometimes, I think we forget that... I know I'm guilty of it.

The ladies and I went out on Saturday to celebrate St. Patrick's Day, see Dot, Dot, Dot, and just have a girls day. It's been months since the three of us hung out - and years since it included our favorite band. It was so much fun, there were too many shots and beers involved but - YOLO - just kidding, I didn't really say that. But seriously... live in the moment, right?!

Sunday was very chill - grocery shopped, dishes, read... nothing too thrilling. But that's fine by me! The best part was scoring two pairs of skinnies at Walmart {of all places} for super cheap! And they fit so well!

How was your weekend?? Did you celebrate St. Patty's Day???

AND...

I was tagged by Holly and Lacey to do this 5 random things list...

So without further ago....

1. I really, really, really don't like Halloween. But - my friends do. And who am I to say no to a party?

2. I was once a "grooms-women" in one of my best friends wedding. It was pretty awesome.

3. I've been told I look like Miranda Lambert. I think it's just the blonde hair and heart shaped face.

 

4. I have discovered recently that I'm not really a wine fan. Gimme beer or gimme whiskey.

5. I love sewing children's clothes. I haven't done it in awhile though...

Now I'm tagging Hope, Nikki, Natalie, Heidi, and Jen. And all of you... what's something random about you???

I hope it's not a dreary Monday whereever you are... but seriously, I feel like it's always dreary here... Ohio, get your shiz together, pretty please.

Linking up with Leeann, Carissa, Molly, Brooke, and Sami.

Things you may not know...

I love the rain. I love storms even more.

I have never smoked a cigarette. Ever.

There's a song out there in the universe written about me.

{I'm very serious. But you'll NEVER know anything more.}

I didn't drink until my freshman year in college. 

I sleep with my feet outside the covers. 

I've been sewing since I was 10. 

I hate pickles, tuna, and mayonnaise. Because they smell. 

What's something weird and random about you?

Well kids, I'm off to watch The Bachelor Finale - The most dramatic finale in Bachelor history... uh huh, Chris Harrison... whatever you say. ;)

BTW, I'm team #bringdesback. 

Have a good Tuesday, kittens!

A few pretties on this cold, snowy day...

You know when you're too grumpy or pms-y to write anything nice, inspiring, or creative?

That's me today...

So I'll leave you with what I've been pinning lately... because that's my happy place... where I find inspiration to be creative.

Do you follow me on Pinterest? You should! {jacmaries}

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Isn't this color combo just amazing?

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I think next week I'll change it up from smoothies to these Strawberry Shortcake Muffins for breakfast!

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Leopard and purple. I'm in love with this combination. Now I won't be trying it with winter  clothes... but spring?! Yes, please.

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I need this.

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I've become obsessed with quinoa lately. And this recipe sounds delish. It'll be on the menu next week!

So my post has made me a little happier just looking at the pretties... I'm linking up with Shanna for Random Wednesday.


Happy hump day, snowcats! {I don't know... I've got snow on the brain...}

This is what we woke up to this morning in Ohio. It can go away now. Words can't express how over the snow I am right now.