Power of Pinterest

"Not so" New Addiction: Pinterest

By now, probably everyone knows what Pinterest is and how amazing it is! I was so excited to see that abc2news featured it on the 11 o'clock news last night!

I felt like everyone was being let into a secret circle that has now blown up over night!

I use my Pinterest page literally everyday- sometimes I feel like I'm cheating on Facebook with a new website...called Pinterest! For anyone (not sure if anyone is left) that does not know how to use Pinterest or what it is about I'll give you their definition :

Pinning 101

What is Pinterest?

Pinterest is a virtual pinboard. Pinterest allows you to organize and share all the beautiful things you find on the web. You can browse pinboards created by other people to discover new things and get inspiration from people who share your interests.
People use pinboards to plan their weddings, decorate their homes, and share their favorite recipes.

My definition: Online scrap book/visual board. Where all the crazy things I see on the Internet can be saved for later use!

For me, I've been using the site for motivation to keep in shape. Every morning I scroll to the Fitness section and read all the fun little motivators people have posted and I truly keeps me going. Nothing says get out of bed like this:

I'm also happy to report that I lost 5 lbs last week eating healthy and incorporating this Pinterest workout into my weekly routine! Seriously people you need to try this it goes by quick but is super effective.



Not only have I been using Pinterest to help with my fitness but I get great clothes ideas and ideas for meals. As helpful as the Internet is to find recipes it is one big ol' mess. Pinterest takes the old fashion recipe box and updates it to modern times. You can make a BOARD for all your different recipes and have it at your disposal. Talk about revolutionizing menu planning.

One catch, you must be invited to join- interesting concept and I'm not sure why they have it set up this way. If you don't have it and want an invite- leave me a comment and I'll shoot you over an invite!





Follow my Pinterest Boards here and post some cool things you have found!

Thanks all!

jHm

Grammy Recap

So I'm sure that everyone has something to say about the Grammy's last night. I'm not even one who watches or cares about this type of stuff but after watching the show I felt there was a lot to be said.

Now I shall begin my Grammy-rant:

1. Chris Brown- Yea yea he has a good voice and sweet dance moves..blah blah blah ... my real issue with him was an article I saw AFTER the grammys were over. This article showed different status updates after Mr. Brown (yes I am speaking like this) made his performance. If you don't feel like reading the article- it shows different girls writing things like "Chris Brown could beat me any day"... um hello ARE YOU CRAZY?!! Why would anyone ever even joke about something like that? Not only do I think these little girls are insane... but it is a slap in the face to anyone who has ever faced abuse. Mr. Brown seriously was deranged when he went on his violent spells- and attitudes like that make it seem like abuse is ok. I'm not sure what the solution is but I sure hope someone addresses the public with the fact that this is not ok.

2. L.L. Cool J- Not going to lie, thought he did ok. Mediocre at best but still good. I don't like when hosts try to steal the show. In my mind a mediocre host did exactly what he was supposed to do: HOST the show.

3. J-Hud - (we're on a nickname basis- me being J-Hack to her) I thought she did a great tribute to Whitney and I was so bummed to hear people bashing her. I think she is so sweet and pretty and has a voice to boot!  Go on with your bad self!

4. Nicki Minaj- Madame CRAZYPANTS was the inspiration for this post. I think she is completely off her rocker! I always knew she was out there but WHY must everyone bring religion into it. Perhaps I am especially sensitive being Catholic and being offended by her shenanigans, but can't you just sing and dance? I'm not sure why performers think that bringing religion (regardless of what it is) into their performance somehow makes it better. Which leads me to my final post about Adele.

- Courtesy of Celebuzz.com

5. Adele- She is the complete opposite of Crazypants and stood on stage in a simple black dress with just a microphone and sung her heart out! I usually feel like I want to cry when I listen to her songs but I suppose that is what she is going for- aka making her good at what she does. I'm so glad she did a sweep last night she definitely deserves it. No lip syncing, no shenanigans- just talent... take that Mr.Lagerfeld.

Now that they are over we can go back to our normal lives knowing that celebrities are crazy but that is how they entertain us and perhaps there would be less blog posts in the world if there were no crazy people to inspire them.

JHM

Life Throws You Curves

I find it ironic that yesterday I posted about making the most of this year. Today I was thinking about some information I received last night. Talk about a curve ball in my life- more so in a friend's but I feel because I am in her life I get to be included in the curve ball.

What do you do when someone shares with you literally life changing news? Do you cry? Do you say "it'll be ok" when you have absolutely no idea how it is going to turn out? After chatting with my friend I promptly put my gym clothes on and went to Body Flow (it's a mix a yoga/pilates- for anyone who doesn't have Les Mills classes at their gym) where for 60 minutes all I did was stretch and think. I thought about everything- this isn't real, maybe I imagined this conversation, what is going to happen, what is going to happen NEXT, etc.

I guess the moral in all of this is that you can only be the best person you can be and in my case it means being the best friend I can be. I'm sure there will be tough times but also exciting times to follow, however I think that it might take some time to sink in.

When in doubt...

JHM

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