It’s that time again! Here’s a little list of all the things I’m loving now. Enjoy!
The Influence Network. Here’s a brand new encouraging community for women to go and learn to make their online life mean something. Through online classes, forums and prayer, The Influence Network is a way to learn new skills online, find community and make lasting friendships. If you’ve ever struggled finding “your place” on the Internets, you don’t have to search any longer….tons of new friends are ready to love on you and support you today. I’ll be teaching a virtual class on The Influence Network and will keep you guys in the loop on that when I have more details!
Shiseido WrinkleResist 24. Jessica introduced me to this miraculous little jar and I’m so glad she did! I love how thick and luxurious this eye cream is and I’ve been using it every night before bed, no matter what. I kept switching my skin care routine around last year but finally have settled into something that works really well for my skin. Every evening, I use Philosophy Purity Made Simple face wash (with my clarisonic) followed by Philosophy “Help Me” cream, which I have deemed my secret weapon for all skin issues in life {seriously, I just bought three tubes in case they discontinue it for some horrible reason}. Then, I use the WrinkleResist 24 around my eyes. In the morning, I use Ole Henriksen “Protect the Truth” 50+ sunscreen if I’m going to be outside at all during the day. If I’m just in the kitchen testing recipes all day, I use Philosophy Hope in a Jar instead. I’ve been on this specific skin care routine for the past six months and my skin has never looked clearer.
Marmot Jena Jacket {in bright grass}. I had been wanting a bright puffy jacket for awhile and debated heavily between North Face, Patagonia and Marmot. I read all the reviews on the three, tried them all on and ended up going with the Marmot Jena Jacket for a few reasons. The first reason is that I fell in LOVE with this bright grass color. It’s definitely brighter than the photo and is probably the brightest thing that I own, but I just adore it. Also, in my opinion, the Marmot jacket fits a little better than the Patagonia “down sweater”. It’s a bit longer and seems more fitted for a female frame. Marmot is “shopping local” for me {they are based out of Sonoma County!} and I just love how lightweight and comfy this jacket is. Seriously, it’s less than a pound and one of the warmest things I own — it really does a great job at keeping the wind out! I know I’ll get a million uses out of it, between hikes, camping trips and even chilly date nights. It looks just as cute with jeans as it does with yoga pants!
I read this book over Christmas and loved it! It was such a sweet story about a daughter learning about her father’s secret life. I couldn’t put it down and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a good book to curl up with next to the fire.
This is the book we are about to start reading in the premarital class Adam and I are taking through our new church. I’m really excited about the class, which starts February 5th and goes for six weeks. We’re hoping to not only learn more about each other and become more effective communicators, but also make new friends in a similar life stage as us. I’ve heard really great things about this book!
Revlon Colorstay 16 hour eye shadow. Ladies, I used to be all about the MAC eye shadows but then I decided to give this Revlon kind a try to save some dough. All I can say is that when they say 16 hours, they actually mean 16 hours. This eye shadow really doesn’t smudge at all and holds up a whole lot better than my old expensive MAC shadows that smudged on my creases only a couple hours after applying. I am thoroughly impressed and between this and the lip butter {which I loooooove}, am a Revlon customer for life now.
I freaking love Downton Abbey. That is all.
Our Save the Dates!!!!! The wonderful Jessi designed ’em {they’re postcards!} and I couldn’t be more pleased. I sent most of them out the week before last and now I’ve moved on to the task of our invitations, which I’m getting custom designed from a local paper store in Austin. I think I’m actually supposed to see proofs today at some point and I’m so excited that I can’t stand it. They are going to be so.darn.cute. We really liked the postcard style for our Save the Dates because, let’s face it, postcards and easy and affordable.
Um…I can’t believe I’m getting married in four months? CRAZY.
Knitting! I used to knit in college and am trying to get back into it. All of our crazy travel last month gave me ample opportunity to pick back up my old hobby and I’m working on just a simple scarf to start. I forgot how calming it is! Now if I could just master purling, I’d be set.
I think that’s it for now! Other public service announcements include the start of a brand new She Reads Truth plan TODAY. We’re going to be doing the Soul Detox plan, available for free via YouVersion. This was actually the first plan we ever studied together last May and I’m pumped to go through it again, as it did a number on my heart {and soul!} the first time around. If you’re new or have no idea what I’m talking about, you can learn more on the She Reads Truth website.
I’m also {still} really loving StitchFix and Birchbox! I know I totally owe y’all a fashion post with my latest “fix” and I promise to get to that soon.
okayloveyoubye.
Butterfingers
January 21, 2013 at 3:36 amThe book sounds really good…..might have to read that next:)
I think I’m starting to get kinde thumbs!
Jenny @ BAKE
January 21, 2013 at 3:40 amThose save the date cards are gorgeous!
Madison
January 21, 2013 at 4:21 amYour save the date cards are AWESOME! Thanks for the tips on the eye cream–I am going to have to try it out. I am definitely on the hunt for an eye cream because a makeup artist once told me that under-the-eyes is where you show your age the most. Eeek! I need to get some! 🙂
Averie @ Averie Cooks
January 21, 2013 at 4:29 amI can’t believe you’re getting married in 4 mos either…it’s flown by! Wow!
The green coat is fabulous! I have a North Face that I’ve had for like 8-9 years and works great but if I didn’t, I’d want that Marmot! I have a pair of their gloves that I’ve had for at least 10 yrs and they’re still perfect! Such quality stuff!
Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat
January 21, 2013 at 4:44 amOoh all such great things! Thank you for sharing Jenna – I’m totally checking out the Influence Network.. and that Revlon eyeshadow!
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl
January 21, 2013 at 5:09 amThanks you for suggesting The Art of Hearing Heartbeats. I have been looking for some new good books to read and this sounds perfect. I am exciting to dive into a new book!
P.s. Your Save the Dates are SO cute!! 🙂
Caitlin
January 21, 2013 at 5:33 amHi Jenna,
I’m a long-time reader of you blog and just finished reading your book! I just wanted to encourage you and tell you I loved it! My husband and I recently moved to the midwest, but before that we were members of Reality Carpinteria (and then Reality Santa Barbara) for years. So when I saw you had linked Reality SF as your new church I was so excited! I hope you are enjoying the church and that you and Adam find wonderful community and accountability there! Blessings,
Caitlin
Alaina @ Fabtastic Eats
January 21, 2013 at 5:34 amI love your save the dates! They’re almost identical to mine! I cant wait to get them! Ill have to look into that marriage book, thanks for the suggestion!
carrie
January 21, 2013 at 5:42 amMy husband and I have been married 13 years and have four kids (6, 4, 4 and 5 months.) He just read through that Tim Keller book over the holidays (twice – that’s how good it was) and I’m about to start. So great to always keep working on your marriage. He also just read the newest Keller book about finding purpose in your work and loved it as well. Praying God’s blessing on you and your fiance as you journey into marriage – a wonderful ride!!!
Stacey
January 21, 2013 at 6:14 amHi Jenna!
I’ve been reading your blog for a (very) long time now, and can I just say that I absolutely love your heart!? 😀 I love that I can click over here and find awesome Christian books, or just great books in general. I love how true to yourself you are as well.
My fiance and I are getting married on Mothers Day (May 12th) this year, so it’s fun to see you guys going through the same stuff we are! We actually read ‘The Meaning of Marriage’ together when we first got engaged, it’s a really great book. I don’t think there was a page that went by without some sort of highlighting or underlining. I know that you and Adam will gain a lot from it as well. Good luck wedding planning, it’s so close! Yay, excitement!
I just wanted to say thank you for being a great writer and sharing your thoughts with us. Keep it up! 🙂
Dana
January 21, 2013 at 6:32 amadorable save-the-dates!
Jenna
January 21, 2013 at 6:33 amLove these posts! I can’t say enough about philosophy products and their fragrance is amazing
Kate @ quartercenturysouthernliving.wordpress.com
January 21, 2013 at 6:53 amI love your save the dates! They are perfect. I think that the postcard save the dates are great. It looks like yours turned out really well 🙂
Becky @ Olives n Wine
January 21, 2013 at 7:07 amI’ve been looking for a good eye cream! I’m going to have to give the Shiseido brand a try. Thanks for the recommendation 🙂
cathy
January 21, 2013 at 7:19 amI needed a new eye cream so thank you for the suggestion. That book about marriage is great & congrats on getting married in 4 months. Can you please share the brand & color of the polish you are wearing in the photo of you knitting. I Love it. Thanks.
joelle (on a pink typewriter)
January 21, 2013 at 7:20 amYou’re starting to make me think I should look into eye cream……. Is 26 too young for that? Or maybe I’m already passed the starting line?! Gah, I have no idea, but I guess it couldn’t hurt. 😉
I REALLY need to jump on the Downton Abbey bandwagon…….. it’s been sitting in my Netflix queque for ages.
Maryz
January 21, 2013 at 7:21 amI just got sucked in to Downton Abbey and absolutely love the show! Watching it on Hulu so, I spent the day watching a marathon!!
Lauren C
January 21, 2013 at 12:09 pmThat’s a good day!
The Frosted Vegan
January 21, 2013 at 7:44 amI LOVE that coat! It would be perfect for this terribly cold WI weather we are having right now!
Brooke
January 21, 2013 at 7:49 amI’m due with our first baby May 18th… 4 moths is going to FLY by!
Sherry
January 21, 2013 at 7:51 amAlways love all of your recommendations! I am OBSESSED with Downtown Abbey! Mr. Carson is my fave, he just makes me giggle with all his very English pomp and circumstance!
Jess.
January 21, 2013 at 7:51 amJust want to say I love your “favorites” posts. I’ve discovered so many awesome new things 🙂
Amy Walters, aDESIGNdock
January 21, 2013 at 8:08 amOoh…your save the dates are so delightful. Jessi did such a lovely job. Learning to knit has been on my bucket list for years. I’m getting closer to saying “I’m actually gonna do it”. This has pushed me even little more closer. One day!
And…I’m extremely pumped for the next 5 weeks of SheReadsTruth…I joined with SRT’s second study and missed out on Soul Detox!
Wonderful Favourite’s Jenna!
a farmer in the dell
January 21, 2013 at 8:27 amI LOVE Downton Abbey as well!
Joanna
January 21, 2013 at 8:31 amSo glad you mentioned the eye shadow. After buying MAC and other dept. store brand make up for years and years, I have been thinking maybe I should try some cheaper make up for certain things. You have now convinced me.
Diane
January 21, 2013 at 8:37 amI am sincerely curious-what is your stand on gay marriage?
tracey
January 21, 2013 at 10:20 amHa! Jenna barely replies to comments…and i’m alomost positive that she’s not going to reply to this one, either!
kim@hungryhealthygirl
January 21, 2013 at 8:45 amLove the jacket {great color} and the save the dates {too cute}! Will definitely check the book out because we have very similar taste in books and I always end up liking what you recommend!
Amanda @ Once Upon a Recipe
January 21, 2013 at 8:48 amI love these favorites lists! I might have to give that eye cream a try – I’m not loving the one I’m currently using and I’m almost out!
Jane {In the Pink and Green}
January 21, 2013 at 8:53 amI love all these things, but especially the Marmot jacket!! I actually just got a really similar Marmot down jacket at REI this weekend (except in bright turquoise!) and I love it! I really like the longer length and how flattering it is for being puffy! (Because I also tried on the Patagonia one and it fit so awkward on me as well!) It’s perfect for the cold, dry weather here in Tahoe!
Addy @ Six-Kick Switch
January 21, 2013 at 8:53 amJenna! Your list is my list! I’ve been using Hope in a Jar too, and I love it. And I am on board with you on Downton Abbey, puffer jackets, and Revlon eyeshadow. And I bought Tim Keller’s book for my parents for Christmas last year! You know what they say about great minds…;)
Melissa
January 21, 2013 at 9:12 amThanks for the #SheReadsTruth PSA! Starting the Soul Detox today 🙂 I just started Keller’s The Reason for God myself. Always heard good things about his books.
Raechel Myers
January 21, 2013 at 9:24 amLove your “favorites” lists! Pretty sure I clicked on almost all of the links to find out more 🙂
Also? Your Save The Date card was gorgeous!!
Amanda
January 21, 2013 at 9:55 amI use philosophy purity with my clairsonic too!!!!! Have you tried the miracle worker pads? They’re nice, the AM one smells pretty. I love my Clinique city block, I used it every day in the Bahamas and didn’t burn once.
Love your save the dates, I’m ordering sample for mine…..eeeeeeee.
Kate
January 21, 2013 at 10:09 amAlso starting the Soul Detox plan today. Thanks for the heads up!
Katie @peacebeme
January 21, 2013 at 10:23 amYou live the life Jenna!
Malkire
January 21, 2013 at 10:34 amSuch a fun post that covers so much. I am REALLY interested in the Influence network. Thank you for sharing. Also, you might already know about this but Ravelry.com is a great knitting resource with hundreds of free knitting patterns.
Stephanie @ Food Fit 4 Real
January 21, 2013 at 10:51 amLoved reading about all of your favorites, especially ones about skin care and make-up. I am always scared to spend lots of money on skin care products, in case they don’t work. It helps to have recommendations. On that same note, do you use a make-up primer? I work full time and my make-up needs to last all day so I was looking for one to use under my make-up.
Love your save-the-date cards. I did not know you were getting married in Austin, TX. I live in the Dallas area so my husband and I enjoye getting down to Austin for weekend getaways sometimes (especially since we have two young kids). We are heading there next weekend for a spa/relaxation retreat. Can’t wait!
Caroline L.
January 21, 2013 at 11:31 amOne of my favorite features to read! 🙂 Great picks as always… those save the dates are PRECIOUS!
Sarah @ Yogi in Action
January 21, 2013 at 12:08 pmCongratulations on only being 4 months away from your wedding. Are you as calm in real-life as you appear to be on your blog? I’m super impressed with how efficiently and calmly you appear to be planning your wedding- more women should take after you!
Lauren C
January 21, 2013 at 12:17 pmDownton Abbey… just fantastic! It’s like taking a vacation for an hour (or two on the nights PBS shows two episodes!)
Soul Detox… can’t wait to read it again. It was life-changing the first time around & I can’t wait to find out what God wants me to know this time.
Eyeshadow… I love these colors and have always tried to find the perfect combo of them. Clicking on the link shows the color is called Addictive; is that correct? Also – open question to anyone – do you know a good website, etc. that shows technique for applying eye shadow for a natural, daytime look? Yes, I’m a grown woman who still doesn’t know how to really put on eye shadow. I never know where the darker colors go on my lids.
Thanks All!
Fallon @ Watch Her Go
January 21, 2013 at 1:01 pmLove that green jacket!! So bright and fun for the winter months.
anne
January 21, 2013 at 2:03 pmLove Tim Keller! That is a great book.
sherri
January 21, 2013 at 3:39 pmmy hubby and i both enjoyed the art of hearing heartbeats. if you don’t already have it on your list, check out the unlikely pilgrimage of harold fry by rachel joyce. it’s a delightful read.
Sarah Elizabeth
January 21, 2013 at 6:22 pmThat jacket looks SO nice! I’ve been looking for a nice one for a while. I’m curious how it looks when on… it’s so hard to tell from the product photos online! I’m tempted to drop the $200 on it…
Hannah L
January 21, 2013 at 7:24 pmYou haven’t tried Revlon products until you’ve tried Revlon Colorstay Foundation (the new Nearly Naked foundation and powder are amazing too), and the Revlon Colorstay nail polish (base coat, and top coat included)! Revlon knows her stuff!!
Andrea @ The Skinny Chronicles
January 21, 2013 at 7:52 pmSo glad you have rediscovered knitting. It is the only thing that keeps me sane.
Molly @ RDexposed
January 22, 2013 at 4:52 amBright grass jacket required.
Had to.
Brittany @ Delights and Delectables
January 22, 2013 at 5:02 amMy hubby and I are reading that book right now, and we are going to use it for our premarital sessions with a couple he is marrying. We LOVE it. I know you will too.
Sarah @ Making Thyme for Health
January 22, 2013 at 7:14 amI have never heard of that brand of jacket before but it sounds really nice, I will have to check them out. It has been so cold here in California lately!
Your Save the Dates turned out adorable. I can’t wait to see a recap of the wedding, I know it will be beautiful. I have been to Austin several times and love that city. It’s a great place to get married!
Rachel S.
January 22, 2013 at 7:45 amMy husband and I took a pre-marriage class and it was the best thing we ever did. Ours had one session where the in-laws could come too. That was a fun one.
Ella
January 22, 2013 at 7:46 amThis was a fun little post 🙂 I love that you are reading the Meaning of Marriage. My husband and I have read that book individually and in group studies over the years and we learn something new each time (first as “newish”lyweds, then again when married 5 years, then again with a baby). We lived in NYC for 6 years and went to Redeemer, Tim Keller’s church. It was the best ever.
We did all kinds of marital counseling before we got married, including reading books (Love & Respect is another one I recommend) and a couple types of counseling (faith-based). I think this is a hugely important step and applaud you two for doing it! We also had a short engagement and it seems busy, but this part is vital! And it it just the beginning of continually touching base about your relationship with each other and God. It’s pretty amazing and humbling having someone to sharpen you every. single. day. Congrats to you two!!
domonique @ a bowl full of simple
January 22, 2013 at 9:59 amThe Art of Hearing Heartbeats is such a beautiful read! I second your recommendation!
Ashley@cupcakesncrunches
January 22, 2013 at 5:45 pmThose save the dates are adorable! Love the postcard idea!
I am going to try that Revlon eye shadow. I’m a MAC user myself, but I’m looking to save some money this year so I will be trying out Revlon! Thanks for sharing!
Sarah Elizabeth
January 22, 2013 at 5:51 pmOK, I just ordered the Marmot Jena jacket! It’s on sale here: http://www.buckmans.com/store/marmot-jena-jacket-womens-oscaritem_17347.aspx?fromfeed=1. I went for the electric blue =)
kelsey
January 22, 2013 at 5:52 pmI saw that you’re getting married May 25th! That’s my parents’ anniversary- they’ve been the model of a wonderful Godly marriage for my brothers and me- and they’re going on 40 years strong. It’s a great day!
Beth @ CraveableCleveland
January 22, 2013 at 7:02 pmI am SO in love with Downton Abbey too! How could anyone not be? It’s like a soap opera that’s so English it’s just classy 😉
Meredith @ The Coupon Bride
January 22, 2013 at 7:57 pmLove the save the dates…..AND Downton Abbey! I watched the entire first season on my flights to/from Europe over the holidays. It’s so addictive!
Chelsea
January 23, 2013 at 6:12 amI love these posts, Jenna – very fun!
Ali @ WHOLEistically Fit
January 23, 2013 at 10:24 amLove the gorgeous Save the Date! 😀
Kristin
January 23, 2013 at 6:08 pmGirl, you must have gotten my email because this is just what I wanted to see! I love these posts, so fun!!
jenna
January 23, 2013 at 6:45 pmI certainly did get your email — it was what inspired this post 🙂
stacy
January 24, 2013 at 8:09 amLove the post! I’m curious (along with cathy)…what is the brand & color of the polish you are wearing in the photo of you knitting? It’s gorge!!
Laura F.
January 26, 2013 at 9:00 amJenna- (or anyone who can answer)- Does washing your face with a clarisonic make a difference? Could I not just use this face wash by hand? Just curious. I have trouble with my face breaking out so may give this regimen a try, wondering if I need a clarisonic for it to be effective.
jenna
January 26, 2013 at 9:55 amI think so – it cleans your face a lot better than you can do by hand and since I’ve started using mine last year, my face is definitely smoother I have less breakouts.
Kelly
January 28, 2013 at 12:17 pmIf you’re prone to skin breakouts, I’d be careful. I was looking into getting one because I will admit I love shopping for beauty products but after reading a lot of reviews it sounded like it can be unnecessarily harsh on sensitive or breakout-prone skin. But I think it’s all pretty individual.