Celebration Giveaway!

Tomorrow marks 365 days since the first time I hit publish. Unreal. You know how they say that time seems to be going by super slow in the present, but when you look back on it as a whole, it’s as if you blinked and it was over? I swear that happened.I feel like I have so much to say and share, so I’m going to be selfish and spread this celebration out a bit, I hope you don’t mind. If you’re here for the good stuff (the giveaway), I won’t blame you for skipping down to the bottom.

As for the rest of you, here’s one last look at my list! It’s not finished by any means and not everything I set out to accomplish has a neat little check mark next to it, but I’ve decided I’m okay with that, because this past year has been about so much more than this list.

1. Start a blog. I seriously can’t thank you all enough for reading. I never could have imagined how rewarding blogging could be. I’m passionate about this little hobby of mine and it’s been such a great experience watching it grow and transform over the past year.
2. Run a 10k and three 5ks. I ran my first half marathon followed by my second half marathon and rounded things off with a 5k. That’s 29.2 race miles total which surpassed my goal of 15.3 if you break it down, even if I still haven’t officially ran a 10k.
3. Learn how to braid my hair. 
4. Make a point to keep in touch with my family out of state more often (call, text, Facebook, send letters, anything really…). 
5. Complete a photo-a-day challenge (in it’s entirety).  These photos are now buried somewhere deep in my Instagram, but they’re there!
6. Go skiing at Snow Creek in Weston, MO.  
7. Start using reusable grocery bags. It’s a work in progress to remember to bring my bags along with my grocery list.
8. Volunteer my time. Time. Why isn’t there more of it? 
9. Earn a raise (mama needs some new shoes!). 
11. Grow a plant.  Aside from one of the succulents dying on me, the rest of my DIY terrarium seems to be doing just fine. Thank goodness I don’t have children.
12. Go on a mini vacation/weekend trip. Dallas. Check!
13. Lose the last 10lbs my body is holding onto because I can’t stop eating cheese and bread. I’m proud of myself for losing another10lbs in the last twelve months. It’s been a long process and I’m not quite where I want to be, but I’ll get there. If you’re curious, you can read my full weight loss story here – shocking, I know.

14. Have a movie marathon with my Dad, with classics like The Breakfast Club. We didn’t get around to this and honestly, it’s my fault. My sweet Dad didn’t know this list existed until just a few months ago and he really wanted to do it over the weekend of the Fourth to “make sure we got it checked off.” Needless to say, the weekend was jam packed and it didn’t happen. Soon, Dad! 
15. Start meditating once a week, even if it’s for 15 minutes (hummmmm). Not gonna lie, I don’t always do this. But when I start to feel more stressed than usual, I make time for it!
16. Go to the drive-in movie. 
17. Save more money. 
18. Go to a concert at Grinders. 
19. Run/walk/jog/elliptical my way through 1,000 miles. I traveled 753 miles. Close, but no cigar. 
20. Attend a trampoline class at Sky Zone in Kansas City and drag all of my friends along. 
21. Try a yoga class. 
22. Become CPR certified. 
23. Update the pictures in frames around my apartment. I’ve made a few updates and I just got the sweetest photo of my Dad and I from when I was little and it’s sitting on my desk.
24. Get a skin cancer screening at the dermatologist.  I blame the DMV on this one. I had scheduled an appointment for July 7th, but it took me 9 HOURS to tag my new car in Missouri and I ended up having to cancel it. Luckily, I’ve got it rescheduled for August, and it will happen. 
25. Attend a First Fridays in downtown KC.  Take a peek at the events I went to in May and June.
26. Make at least three of the many, many projects I’ve pinned on PinterestI’m a proud plant mom to two terrariums. As for the other projects? Well……you know that little excuse I made for #8? It can be applied here as well.
27.Write a letter to myself to read next year at this time. I’m excited to break that bad boy open. 

So there you have it. A whole years worth of blogging, planning, goal-setting and living. I’m excited to see what year 27 brings, but for now, it’s time to celebrate with a giveaway!

As a thank you to the extremely supportive Kansas City community, I’ve put together a giveaway with a few of my favorite local businesses. You have the chance to win a package that includes: A hair cut with Jordan from Skyline Downtown Salon and a “Blowout Before you Go Out” with a Junior Stylist at Skyline, a killer pair of earrings from Hello Cheeseburger, a Hobo crossbody bag from Tulip Boutique, a $30 gift card to Athleta Kansas City on the Country Club Plaza, along with an Athleta chi tank and a session with a performance stylist who will get you fitted for comfort and success, and last but not least, an airbrush tan from Positive Radiance Airbrush Tanning (which I’m rocking in the photos below, more on that later this week)! One of you is going to be seriously #winning.

athleta workout
skyline downtown salon
statement earrings
hobo crossbody bag
hobo crossbody bag
How cute is this crossbody bag?! Photos by Shanley of Eat it KC

What are you celebrating in your life right now? Big or small, I want to hear it! Leave a comment for one entry into the giveaway and be sure to follow along with these great businesses for more chances to win.  Contest ends Sunday at midnight CST. 
a Rafflecopter giveaway
I’ll be back tomorrow with a fresh list. See you then, friends!

Full disclosure: These items were gifted for the purpose of the giveaway, however, I truly love each business and I’m a huge fan of their products and services! And I may or may not have teared up a bit while writing this. What can I say, I’m a sap.

Leave a Comment

95 Comments

  1. cait wrote:

    Congratulations on one year of blogging! Time really flies, doesn’t it?

    Posted 7.14.14 Reply
  2. Congrats on your blogiversary!!! You did awesome on your list! This is a fantastic giveaway!!! We celebrated my mom’s birthday over the weekend, so I’d say I’m celebrating her:) I don’t blame you for tearing up while writing your post. It’s always amazing to see how much you’ve accomplished in a year. Cheers to the next year!!

    Posted 7.14.14 Reply
  3. Lorin Jetter wrote:

    CONGRATS ON YOUR ONE YEAR!!! That’s huge!

    I don’t live in KC but I’m entering anyway 🙂 I can use everything next visit home riiiiiight?

    Something exciting: I moved this weekend! Bigger apartment, better location. Happy happy happy. Miss you!

    Posted 7.14.14 Reply
  4. Caroline wrote:

    So excited to have just found your blog! (I just moved to KC!) Congrats on a year of blogging! I look forward to having your blog as one of my regular reads!

    Posted 7.14.14 Reply
  5. Monica G wrote:

    Happy 1 Year Blogging.

    Posted 7.14.14 Reply
  6. everydaychic wrote:

    Congrats on one year & all of the other amazing accomplishments!

    Posted 7.14.14 Reply
  7. Katie wrote:

    Great ideas, love them all!

    Posted 7.14.14 Reply
  8. Congrats on one year and happy 27th! What an awesome pack of prizes- you outdid yourself! 🙂

    -Ashley
    http://lestylorouge.com

    Posted 7.14.14 Reply
  9. Taryn wrote:

    Congrats on completing your 1st year! You should be proud and accomplished! As a recently started blog, I can only dream of getting to where you are now. I began following you about 5-6months back and I love your content and how your personality shines through your writing voice. Keep it up lady!

    http://www.onecraftymiss.com

    Posted 7.14.14 Reply
  10. Kelsi Graf wrote:

    So proud of you and all your successes over the past year! 26 was great, 27 will be even better! Love you!

    Posted 7.14.14 Reply
  11. bethaney wallace wrote:

    Whoop! Here’s to plenty more to go!

    Posted 7.14.14 Reply
  12. AnnicaNicole wrote:

    So proud of you for completing not one but TWO halfs! I’m going to challenge you to do the Garmin Marathon in Olathe! It’d be a great full for you and it’s close, plus it’s flat! If you say yes I’ll come back and run it with you!

    Posted 7.14.14 Reply
  13. Congratulations on your year of blogging and completing so much of your list!!! You’ve done some amazing things! I’m so glad I’ve become friends with you through our blogs so I’m celebrating Friendships today 🙂 Hope you also had a great birthday weekend YEAH!!!

    Xo Jana

    http://www.janastyleblog.com

    Posted 7.14.14 Reply
  14. I absolutely loved reading through your list! I might even have to steal a few ideas for myself 🙂 And huge congrats on one year of blogging!!

    Posted 7.14.14 Reply
  15. Meg Trafton wrote:

    Congrats Jess! 👍😀

    Posted 7.14.14 Reply
  16. Holly Pemberton wrote:

    Right now I’m celebrating a 5lb loss! 1/4 to my goal! Congrats on your blog anniversary! I found you thru my friend Jana, you girls always have such great things to say, reading a the fun things you do makes me feel like I’m at home. Keep up the great work!

    Posted 7.14.14 Reply
  17. Amy wrote:

    I just happened upon your blog! What a great achievement, both in your journey and in making it a year blogging!
    Right now I am focusing inward and finding at least 10 minutes a day for just me, it’s harder than I thought!

    Posted 7.14.14 Reply
  18. Samantha Anderson wrote:

    Congrats! Keep up the amazing work and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for you!

    Posted 7.14.14 Reply
  19. Erin wrote:

    Congrats on the year anniversary! I’m so excited to see all the good things to come this following year! 👏🎉😁

    Posted 7.14.14 Reply
  20. Rachel wrote:

    Congrats on your first year of blogging! What a great giveaway, wish I lived nearby to take advantage of it 😉 Congrats again darling!

    Posted 7.14.14 Reply
  21. Jennifer B wrote:

    Happy One Year! In my life currently, I’m celebrating the golden stage of my kids being a little older and more independent. It’s so nice to see them play together and have fun!

    Posted 7.14.14 Reply
  22. annie wrote:

    This is so exciting! Major congrats – I am celebrating a day off from work today 🙂 xoxo

    Posted 7.14.14 Reply
  23. Jessica wrote:

    It sure does! So crazy.

    Posted 7.14.14 Reply
  24. Jessica wrote:

    Thanks so much Whitney! I’m lucky to have supportive friends like you, thanks for occasionally snapping my outfit pics 😉

    Posted 7.14.14 Reply
  25. Jessica wrote:

    Thank you SO much Kari! That sounds like a lot of fun 🙂 I’m glad you understand my watery eyes!

    Posted 7.14.14 Reply
  26. Jessica wrote:

    Thanks ladyfrand! You sure can 🙂 Better send those pics soon!

    Posted 7.14.14 Reply
  27. Jessica wrote:

    Hi Caroline! Thank you so much! Yay – KC is awesome 🙂 Let me know if you need anything!

    Posted 7.14.14 Reply
  28. Jessica wrote:

    Thank you so much, Monica!

    Posted 7.14.14 Reply
  29. Jessica wrote:

    Thank you so much! I’ll see you tomorrow at Park Place 🙂

    Posted 7.14.14 Reply
  30. Jessica wrote:

    Why thank you 😉 I hope whoever wins enjoys everything as much as I do! I’m so happy that we met!

    Posted 7.14.14 Reply
  31. Jessica wrote:

    Thank you so much Katie! 🙂

    Posted 7.14.14 Reply
  32. Jessica wrote:

    Hi Taryn – that makes me so insanely happy to hear and you have no idea how much it means to me! I really appreciate it. I can’t wait to check out your blog 🙂

    Posted 7.14.14 Reply
  33. Jessica wrote:

    Thank ya! I’m so thankful for the people I have met since starting my blog 🙂

    Posted 7.14.14 Reply
  34. Jessica wrote:

    Thank so much girlfriend! I’m lucky to have friends like you! 27 started off with a bang 😉 and a lot of random burger condiments. Love ya!

    Posted 7.14.14 Reply
  35. Jessica wrote:

    Woohoo! Thank you!

    Posted 7.14.14 Reply
  36. Jessica wrote:

    Just reading that seriously made my stomach jump haha. Let me give it some thought 😉 Flat is better than hilly…

    Posted 7.14.14 Reply
  37. Jessica wrote:

    Thank you so, so much, Jana! It means a lot. I’m so happy to have met so many great gals, like yourself. It was fab…let’s get Little Freshie again soon 🙂

    Posted 7.14.14 Reply
  38. Jessica wrote:

    Thanks so much Meg! And good luck 😉

    Posted 7.14.14 Reply
  39. Jessica wrote:

    Go for it! Lists always keep me more accountable. I love reading what other people are working on. Thanks for reading and following along with me 🙂

    Posted 7.14.14 Reply
  40. Jessica wrote:

    Woo, that’s so awesome Holly! Jana is great 🙂 Thank you! Knowing people enjoying reading makes it that much better.

    Posted 7.14.14 Reply
  41. Jessica wrote:

    Thanks so much Meg! GOOD LUCK 🙂 Hope your week is great!

    Posted 7.14.14 Reply
  42. Jessica wrote:

    Hi Amy! I’m so happy that you’re following along now. I can definitely attest that finding time for yourself is hard to do. Time just slips away!

    Posted 7.14.14 Reply
  43. Jessica wrote:

    Thank you so much Samantha! It means a lot 🙂

    Posted 7.14.14 Reply
  44. Jessica wrote:

    Thanks baby E! We’re gonna rock 27…well at least I will until you catch up haha.

    Posted 7.14.14 Reply
  45. Jessica wrote:

    Thank you miss Rachel! And thanks for following along with me. I wish you did too! I’ll do something bigger again soon I hope 🙂

    Posted 7.14.14 Reply
  46. Jessica wrote:

    Thank you, Annie! Woo – those are the best!

    Posted 7.14.14 Reply
  47. Jessica wrote:

    Thank you Jennifer! I bet that is so much fun 🙂 My sister and I have such a special bond and I wouldn’t trade it for the world!

    Posted 7.14.14 Reply
  48. yourstylescout wrote:

    congrats to you!!! Wishing you many more blogging years to come!

    Posted 7.14.14 Reply
  49. AnnicaNicole wrote:

    I got talked into my first. I’ll virtually motivate you from Colorado haha. But seriously, think about it! It’d be better than running one here! Plus….the Garmin race has some seriously neat medals. Just sayin 😉 #racebling

    Posted 7.14.14 Reply
  50. Congrats on the blogiversary! Thanks for the fun giveaway! 🙂

    Posted 7.14.14 Reply
  51. Carolyn wrote:

    I love that you went back to the list a year later! It’s fun to reflect and see all you’ve done in the past year. Congrats on one year! Many more to come!

    http://heyprettything.com

    Posted 7.15.14 Reply
  52. Jess wrote:

    Jess! This is so exciting! Look at so much that you’ve accomplished in a year, not to mention establishing a kick ass blog! Keep up the amazing work 🙂

    Posted 7.15.14 Reply
  53. Congrats on the milestone! I fully support No. 21. There’s a free sunset class in KC on Wednesday! http://www.downtownkc.org/2014/07/11/sunset-yoga-complete-with-the-downtown-skyline/

    Posted 7.15.14 Reply
  54. Jenn wrote:

    My garden is exciting – really, it’s a lot of work but I’m pretty excited about the jars of green beans with no pesticides/herbicides organically grown and the other things that are filling my pantry and freezer to be used over the next year. It’s neat to actually plant some seeds and see stuff grow.

    Posted 7.15.14 Reply
  55. Jessica wrote:

    Thank you so much Sarah! And good luck to you 🙂

    Posted 7.15.14 Reply
  56. Jessica wrote:

    Thank you so much – I’ve really enjoyed it so far!

    Posted 7.15.14 Reply
  57. Jessica wrote:

    Hi Jenna! That’s so awesome! I love that you are so passionate about your career – the world needs more people like you.

    Thanks so much for reading along!

    Posted 7.15.14 Reply
  58. Jessica wrote:

    I agree! It crazy to think of an entire year passing by, but this list helps me focus in on what I accomplished. Thanks a whole lot for reading Carolyn! Dropping by your blog now 🙂

    Posted 7.15.14 Reply
  59. Jessica wrote:

    Woooop!

    Posted 7.15.14 Reply
  60. Jessica wrote:

    Thank you SO much! That means a whole lot coming from you 😉

    Posted 7.15.14 Reply
  61. Jessica wrote:

    Thank you miss Cara! Count me in. It’s my first time – you will be there, right?!

    Posted 7.15.14 Reply
  62. Jessica wrote:

    Hi Jenn! That is so cool. It’s rewarding to watch something you planted grow and flourish. I bet those taste even better, too 😉

    Posted 7.15.14 Reply
  63. Sydneyface wrote:

    I love the list update! and the new 23 before 28! congrats girl 🙂

    Posted 7.15.14 Reply
  64. Katie wrote:

    What a great accomplishment (and so many others!)! Congratulations. I’ve loved reading your blog over the past few months. So glad I ran across it. Here’s to many more years of blogging!

    Posted 7.15.14 Reply
  65. Carrie Berschman wrote:

    Congrats on crossing so many things off your list! & huge congrats on a full year of blogging! 🙂

    Posted 7.15.14 Reply
  66. Emily Keizer wrote:

    I love you so much for giving this gift for YOUR birthday celebration. You’re the best.

    I’m keeping my fingers crossed about this job interview. I can’t wait to celebrate with you once I get it…. The power of positive thinking, amirite?!

    Posted 7.15.14 Reply
  67. Jessica wrote:

    Thank you girlfriend! It has been so much fun 🙂

    Posted 7.16.14 Reply
  68. Jessica wrote:

    Thank you Katie, that means a lot! Cheers!

    Posted 7.16.14 Reply
  69. Jessica wrote:

    Hi Sloane! I’m so happy to hear that. I always want to stay relatable to the people who take time out of their busy days to read. I’m so excited that you’re following along!

    Posted 7.16.14 Reply
  70. Jessica wrote:

    Thanks Carrie! I can’t believe how fast it flew by!

    Posted 7.16.14 Reply
  71. Jessica wrote:

    It was the least I could do 😉 GOOD LUCK! And I’ll be crossing my fingers for your. Positive thinking is always the answer.

    Posted 7.16.14 Reply
  72. noelani wrote:

    Yea! What a list and what a great accomplishment. Congratulations on the year. Look forward to many more from you!

    Posted 7.16.14 Reply
  73. Katie wrote:

    I can’t believe you have been blogging for a year! Congrats on your success!

    Posted 7.16.14 Reply
  74. Erin Leigh Wynkoop wrote:

    Congratulations! I just love what you are doing, lady! 🙂

    Posted 7.16.14 Reply
  75. Whitney wrote:

    I’ve loved reading your blog!

    Posted 7.17.14 Reply
  76. Michelle Crenshaw wrote:

    Congrats, sweetheart! I am, as always, extremely proud of you! Love, Mom

    Posted 7.17.14 Reply
  77. Happy you birthday and blog birthday!

    Posted 7.17.14 Reply
  78. Jessica wrote:

    It’s been a whirlwind and I’ve loved it!

    Posted 7.17.14 Reply
  79. Jessica wrote:

    Thank you so much! I appreciate everyone following along and being so supportive.

    Posted 7.17.14 Reply
  80. Jessica wrote:

    Hello miss Erin! Thank you SO much. I hope you are doing well 🙂

    Posted 7.17.14 Reply
  81. Jessica wrote:

    Whitney – I’m so happy to hear that! Thank you for following along 🙂

    Posted 7.17.14 Reply
  82. Jessica wrote:

    Thanks so much Mom 🙂 Love you too

    Posted 7.17.14 Reply
  83. Jessica wrote:

    Thank ya lady! So happy that we met 🙂

    Posted 7.17.14 Reply
  84. Jessica wrote:

    I haven’t forgotten about you all! I felt torn on whether or not I wanted to do a local giveaway, but that’s how it ended up this time around. I’ll have something again soon, promise 🙂

    Posted 7.17.14 Reply
  85. Haley wrote:

    Jess! Cannot believe you’ve been keeping up with this for a year now… So incredible. LOVE reading this and always look forward to my email notifications 🙂

    Posted 7.17.14 Reply
  86. Jessica wrote:

    Hi Kalyssa! Thanks so much for reading. I would love to know what you plan to accomplish this year!

    Posted 7.18.14 Reply
  87. Jessica wrote:

    I can’t either! It’s so crazy to think about. I’m so happy that you enjoy reading, it means a lot to me! Thank you 🙂

    Posted 7.18.14 Reply
  88. Tisha wrote:

    Congrats on your one year, Jess! I love how dedicated and commited you are in so many aspects of life. It’s very inspiring. This giveaway is awesomesauce!!

    Posted 7.20.14 Reply
  89. Victoria Brown wrote:

    Congrats! Looking at your list and seeing so many checked off is inspiring!

    Posted 7.21.14 Reply
  90. Megan wrote:

    My baby is starting to sleep

    Posted 7.21.14 Reply
  91. Jessica wrote:

    That’s a reason to celebrate! Thank you so much for entering 🙂

    Posted 7.21.14 Reply
  92. Jessica wrote:

    Thank you SO much Victoria! The positive feedback from you in encouraging!

    Posted 7.21.14 Reply
  93. Jessica wrote:

    Thank you Tish – I’m thankful I have supportive friends like you! We better be seeing each other real soon 🙂

    Posted 7.21.14 Reply
  94. Lorin Jetter wrote:

    did you win??? I HATE YOU. Not really, but seriously jealous.

    Posted 7.21.14 Reply