No Time Like the Present

The beginning of the year is always such an inspiring time. People are trying out new ideas and adventures hoping to keep their resolutions. But what makes someone successful when starting a new regime? I really wanted to get serious about healthy living and a happy lifestyle.

Sometimes I think we get stuck in a rut, mine seems to be the 2/2.5mile plateau- hence my new years resolution to run a 5K every month to force myself to push through. Everything also seems to be in your head- eating, working out, being happy. I've decided to venture out of my comfort zone and force myself to be honest about everything. Sweets still count as calories regardless of birthdays/holidays/etc ( I always loved the "calories don't count on ...." rule) and stressing out over little things gets you absolutely no where. As a city living - yuppie, it's so easy to get sucked into bad habits- going  out to eat all the time, missing your workouts for happy hour and getting involved in too many things. I want to make this year about myself- in doing so I hope that I will be a better girlfriend, family member and friend. "Everyone" always says when you are truly happy with yourself you will be truly in all other aspects of your life.

Surprising enough, one tool that has been so helpful is Pinterest (follow my pins everyone)! For the past week or so, every morning I wake up I scroll to the fitness section and read all the pins and it is seriously so inspiring to look at. I start the day with the knowledge that there is no more cheating and I better get to exercising because looking good 'aint easy!

I wanted some opinions on workouts/ food plans etc:

Weight Watchers- anyone done this? Does it work?
Crossfit- What is the intensity like? I've never been one for shedding blood to work out- is it as intense as the website makes it out to be?
All Natural Diets- this seems really difficult but worth it

Any person(s) been on a lifestyle track (NOT A DIET) that they have kept and did it work?

Keep on pushing everyone!

JHM

I'm Back!

Hello Blog World!

So I decided to take a break from blogging seeing that over the past year I got a new job with new hours... consisting of about an average of 10-11 hour days (that I actually work the whole day! eek!). Although with 2012 in mind, I think that it might be nice to get back into keep track of all the wonderful things that happen in my life!

So here is a wrap up of the past 10 months (wow ... worst blogger ever!)

1. Got a new job in fundraising... it honestly makes me so happy that I have never once (ok, maybe once) said that I don't want to get up to go to work. I think this job has not only transformed me into a hard worker but also given me the inspiration to know that this can become a lifetime career in some capacity! HELLO CAREER WOMAN! Big thanks to my old bosslady Deven for teaching me and mentoring me through my first real job! I'm so happy to have you in my life!



2. Celebrated 3 amazing years with the love of my life! Who knew that meeting at a fraternity party seven years ago would lead to the best years of my life. I love you Brandon, thanks for putting up with my craziness!

2008 2011



3. Started a book club! I would see the book club that Southern Vogue was in and all the fun pictures she posted so it inspired me to start one here in Baltimore with my group of gals! Thanks Melissa!

4. Watched my brother go to college at Virginia Commonwealth University! (talk about cry fest 2011). I am so proud of you for going to a new college in a new city knowing no one and becoming big man on campus! Love ya!

1993 2011



5. Helped my best friend overcome a serious relationship hardship and watch her become a stronger and happier person! Love you Em!





6. Made a conscious effort to go out in the city, try new restaurants and enjoy my twenties- everyone says you can't get that back! (Brandon and I ate A LOT of sushi and sang a lot of karaoke)



7. Ran my first 5K (which rounded out my two 2011 new years resolutions - get a new job and run an organized race). Not going to lie, I still hate running with a passion but it gave me the drive to keep going and 2012 new years resolution is to run a 5K (organized or not) every month- 2 5Ks already in January!

8. Took on a position in the Junior League of Baltimore as Membership co-chair. Our League is small so this opportunity was so amazing. Not only have I networked but I have also learned a lot about how to run a business (balance a budget, eek!). Thank you to all of my mentors for letting me make mistakes gracefully!



9. Watched my Dad retire from 18 years as CEO and over 40 years with his company. I am so proud of you and everything you have done! Enjoy taking naps and I am really enjoying our Sunday golf games. I'm excited for the fun years to come. Please don't annoy Mom too much :)



10. Experienced a lot of engagements and was asked to participate in two weddings! I am so excited to be a part of these wonderful days! Love all the amazing couples!


Here are some things that I would love to accomplish over 2012:

1. Keep on running!
2. Work hard on all my relationships and cherish those who are close to me!
3. Spend more time with my Mom and Dad!
4. Be successful in my job!
5. Save money so I can actually throw a dart onto a map and go there (bucket list)
6. Help my high school raise money in order to install their new turf field stadium (want to donate?? go ahead- tell them Jennifer sent you!!)

I hope everyone makes 2012 the best year yet!

xoxo,

JHM

Time Flies!

Well it certainly has been awhile!!

The past three weeks have been so unbelievably overwhelming it is so nice to have this down time for what seems like the first time in eternity.

I recently transitioned into a new job and it has been 360 degree difference from my previous company. I used to have set projects, long-term or day, that I would work on; now I have a lot of reading and prep work for my campaign to come. I used to drive 30 minutes to work, be there by 7:30 and leave by 4:30. Now I only have to drive 15 minutes (YES!) and I am in by 8:30 and out by 5--or so I thought.  After work we have been either meeting with different committees or working on a Phone-A-Thon. Which brings me to my next point...

Normally everyone is annoyed by telemarketers/fundraisers but I have to admit I had talked to a lot of really nice people. I was a little nervous at first about asking people for money for this fund because lately people have been quite opposed to many things. Despite possible differences in opinion people for the most part have been so friendly and when they could not give to the fund they explained nicely and move on. People always say you know how to act once you have been on the other side (I think everyone should either work in retail or be a restaurant server/bartender at some point in their life to learn a little respect) and I now will make it a point to answer the phone for fundraisers even if it is only to tell them I wont be donating. Being nice truly goes a lot farther than many people think.

This weekend we will be using up BFs birthday gift from Try It Racing where he will be in the driver's seat of an authentic race car to drive 15 laps and then ride 5 laps with a professional driver. I am not one for race cars but he loves it so it will be a great experience for both of us! Pictures to come! Before we go I plan on laying out at the pool all day! Time to get bronze before we head to Florida for Summer vacation!!

Tata

JHM

Hoppy Easter Every Bunny :)

Hi All!!

Hoppy Easter!! I hope that everyone had an amazing weekend. Being Catholic I obviously appreciate this holiday for more than just the baskets and seersucker! But that's not to say that I don't love all the treats and fun that come with it.

We went to our local parish downtown (thanks to Mumsie and Dad for coming down here) and then we headed over to Little Italy to Ciao Bella for an Easter brunch and we had an amazing time. We were literally the first ones at the restaurant promptly at 12! We had one on one service with the bar manager who was not only knowledgeable but friendly and funny! My parents were eating that up! The food was off the charts- which I think around here is a lot to say with Italian, because there are so many amazing Italian restaurants on every block. We had great drinks and food which made our Easter that much better.

We will be heading back to Ciao Bella for my parents' anniversary and I can't wait because I know we will have an amazing time!

After our brunch we headed over to spend time with BF's family for some dessert, which I have been waiting patiently for 40 days!! I certainly made up for it today: with cake and candy and about a whole bag of jelly bellys :)

I am so fortunate for my family and friends and the wonderful town we live it! I hope everyone else was able to have an amazing Easter with their families and friends!

Tata!

JHM

Spring Fever- Maryland Pink and Green Giveaway!!!

Good Morning All!

As I become more settled in the blog world I see giveaways just about everyday. I normally don't bother because 1. I have terrible luck at winning and 2. I'm usually running a muck so I never have time to do all the steps to win the prize! But this time I'm making TIME!

Bethany over at Maryland Pink and Green is hosting a giveaway for one of the most fabulous spring pieces I have seen yet- the Monogrammed Derby Hat from Marley Lilly. I just started following Marley Lilly about six months ago and I am in love with just about everything. They have a wide variety of things (aka pretty much every single thing you could ever want Monogrammed) and their prices are perfect for an "out of college yuppie" like myself. 

Now I hope everyone heads over to her blog to check it out BUT I really hope that she chooses me. I mean there are two events next Saturday alone that this hat would be perfect for-- Hunt Cup or the famous croquet match between Navy and St. Johns in Annapolis and then we have Preakness just around the corner. Bethany choose me, I promise to take tons of pictures!!

Best of luck everyone and Happy Spring!!!

JHM

Blustery Blog Day

It is a Blustery Day in Baltimore everyone!!

Since it has rained enough to fill about a million Olympic sized pools I am staying under the covers watching Lifetime. Last night we celebrated my good friend leaving for Colorado at Asahi Sushi in Fells Point. It is a BYOB sushi place which I think is awesome because it is cheap and delicious!

We made our way to some of the bars in downtown Fells and had a great night! It was nice to hang out with my group of friends from college because despite the fact that we live close we all have busy lives so it is such a treat to see them. This morning I went to breakfast with my friend from NJ and her parents which was really good but unfortunately we picked a bad day to be outside. As of right now there is quite the storm brewing...hence being inside and writing on a Saturday.

I am now just waiting for BF to get home from NYC so we can hang out and relax.

I will make sure to take cover in all of this rain!

Tata!

JHM

One Door Closes... Another One Opens!!

Happy Sunday All!

I think I love April! Most people think... um April? there is so much rain why would you ever like that. You are spot on... but with the rain comes the warmer weather us "Baltimoreans" have been waiting for!! After a frigid winter season I am ready for some sun, boats, dresses and sandals!

I think another reason that I love April so much is the fact that in the past 10 days SO MUCH HAS HAPPENED!

Last weekend I headed up to NYC for our tradeshow and Mumsie came along as a traveling partner, which was really nice. We stayed at the Paramount Hotel in Times Square which was right in between Times Square and Hell's Kitchen (an area in NYC with TONS of restaurants- for those who have never visited). We ate at BECCO an amazing authentic Italian restaurant with a famous all you can eat pasta dinner and the next night we went to Sangria 46 for Tapas! NYC has some of the best food in the world (in my opinion) my parents are former NYCers so Mumsie was super nostalgic! ...If you are heading to NYC anytime soon, let me know I'll shoot over some great suggestions.

We also made sure that we made a stop over at the Lilly Pulitzer Madison store and then at the Junior League of NYC headquarters, which is located in the historic Astor building.

This week was also particularly excited because:

1. I got a great new job!!! I currently work in Marketing and was hoping to transition into fundraising and when the opportunity presented itself I decided I would take it! I will definitely miss my boss because she is probably one of the smartest and most amazing people I've ever met but it was time to move forward. 

2. My best best friend bought a house and got engaged all in one day!! YIPPEEE! Congratulations to Megan and Josh! 

On Saturday my brother was nice enough to help me volunteer for the BARCS (Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter) at their Easter fundraising table at a local dog park! He even woke up early after a night of dancing at his girlfriend's prom, what a great guy!!

Interested in volunteering or donating?? Head to their website!!

Thanks for being a great sport little brother!!

Talk about sensory overload! It really has been an amazing month and it's only the 10th!!

Hope everyone is having an amazing month!

Tata!

JHM