Music According to Jes: Born Again

 

I'm back! With music at least for a start. I hope you enjoy!

I miss you,

-Jes

Hipsters Unite!

Instrgram is now available for Android users- I have heard that people are not able to find it in the Android Market yet so try connecting through Google +

To celebrate here are some of my favorite Instagram pictures of my niece Gwenyth :)
@Jbarmstrong87

She approves of my boyfriend Adam :)

I love her tiny hairs

My all time favorite!!

I just can't get enough of her.

Love,

Aunt Jes

Nurse Jello Shots

This weekend we celebrated my mother's graduation from nursing school! She is a registered RN and is actively studying to pass her state boards (which she is super stressed about but we all know she will pass with flying colors!) 

Might I add, that we COULD NOT POSSIBLY be more proud of you mom. As a single mother, my mom has spent most of her life making sure we were successful, and watching her accomplish this for herself has been an inspiration. She is such a caring and nurturing person, I know she will make the best RN out there. No one works harder than Nurse Norma ;)

To celebrate, I made syringe jello shots!

 

I used plastic syringes similar to these.

I prefer the syringe's that come with caps so that you don't have to prop them up in the fridge and they are easier to transport.

When making your jello, just add 1 cup boiling water, and 1 cup vodka (for the 4 serving packs).

If you use a bigger box of jello, just substitute the amount of cold water with vodka :) I used raspberry jello and strawberry vodka. Poor planning on my part to not get raspberry vodka as well but they turned out great!

They were a big hit!

Again, congrats to my beautiful mother Norma! 

 *Here she is pictured with her best friend Debbie who also deserves a congratulations! 

Aren't they cute?!

Love you mom,

Jes

Cabin Getaway: Gatlinburg Edition

Taking a half day of work today to head to Gatlinburg for another Cabin Getaway... Which in my opinion is the best kind :)

Instead of just Adam and I, this time we are joining a group of 12 high school and college friends, so it is sure to be an amazing time. Right now it is calling for rain but we will be exploring rain or shine. I will make sure to take plenty of pictures and post when I get home!

If you just can't possibly wait to see my mediocre photography of a potentially rainy Gatlinburg, follow me on instagram at Jbarmstrong87 for instant uploads. I know The anticipation is killing you.

@jbarmstrong87 on Instagram

Have a great weekend everyone!

P.S. GO BOBCATS!!!!!!

St. Patrick's Day: in a snapshot

I hope you are having a wonderful and SAFE St. Patty's Day :) 

My Beautiful sister Brandy and my beautiful niece Gwenyth :)

Jello shots! See how to make them HERE

Betty Crocker Reuben Casserole
Check out the recipe HERE. *Tip: instead of whipping up the instant mashed potatoes, I bought premade Bob Evans Garlic Mashed Potatoes. Saved 10 minutes! 

Another Jello shot pic because I think they are so awesome!

Oh, how PINTERESTing: In Every Shade of Green

When we were kids, we HAD to have favorite colors. It was just super important in the kindergarten hierarchy. My favorite color was green - Jungle Green in fact. It was always the first crayon out of the box to turn into a waxy nub. 

Today, my favorite colors still reside in the same color palette. Turquoise, sea foam green, mint, teal... love them all. I know this is my favorite because now that I have graduated from Crayola crayons to paint, it is always the first paint tube to run out. 

With St. Patty's Day right around the corner, I wanted to dedicate today's PINTERESTing Wednesday link up, to my favorite shades of green!

My newest nail polish color! In love - It's called Navigate Her.

I have ALWAYS wanted a mint green antique stove and/or fridge!

Love green tinted glass!

I am hunting for the perfect pair of teal skinny jeans! Have you seen any?

The nerd in me LOVES these!

Must make this crispy edamame!

Cutest snack ever!?

Mouth watering mint chocolate chip cookies!

I hope everyone has a safe and wonderful St. Patrick's Day! We are anticipating a beautifully sunny and 75 degree Saturday here in Dayton, Ohio so I cannot wait!

Thanks for stopping by!

JES

Homemade Jalapeno Poppers

With St. Patty's day approaching, we are starting to compile our list of great appetizers to kick off the day. This bite sized mix of salty, cheese, hot and green will make the perfect treat.

With only 4 ingredients, it is too easy :)

1 - 8 oz block of lite Philadelphia cream cheese

4 - cups shredded cheddar cheese.

10 -  Jalapeno peppers

1 - package bacon

First, preheat your oven to 375 degrees, set out the cream cheese so it can soften while you prepare the rest of the dish, and line a cookie sheet with aluminum foil. Next, wash the jalapeno peppers and cut in half long ways. Then core out the seeds with a spoon. The veins and seeds is where most of the heat resides,  but don't worry, these will still have a bite! 

*Remember while working with the jalapenos, keep your hands away from your face to avoid the sting of the jalapeno juice!

After the jalapenos are halved and seeded, you can begin mixing the cream cheese and cheddar cheese. Now that the cream cheese is soft, you can use a mixer on the lowest setting to mix in the cheddar cheese. I added about 4 cups to mine but add as much as you want! The cheesier the better ;)

Once you have your cheese mix, use a small spoon to fill your jalapeno halves and place on your cookie sheet.

Next, chop your bacon in half. I think it is easiest to cut it in half right out of the package.

Take the bacon halves and wrap one piece of bacon around your stuffed jalapeno pepper and stick with a tooth pick to keep it together.

Bake at 375 degrees for 25 minutes until the bacon is golden brown.

What green or St. Patty's day inspired treats are you making this year?

Enjoy!

Jes

Music According to Jes

This is an incredible year for music. Went to the Black Keys concert in Cincinnati last weekend, probably going to a Radiohead concert in June, just heard Weezer is coming to Cincinnati for a small music festival this summer, and I am anxiously waiting for the Lolla line-up to come out.

Also, I live right across the street from an outdoor music venue!! My mind is going to explode with happiness. 

I hope you enjoy this month's playlist. Thank you to my friends Adam, Kelsey, and Denny for your suggestions! Suggestions are always welcome. I love sharing music so keep em coming! (obviously).

Instagram photos from THE.Black.Keys :)

 

 

 

 xoxox,

jes

Instagram

Since acquiring my iPhone Friday night, I have taken close to 30 instagram photos and I am only getting started! Follow me @Jbarmstrong87 and be sure to let me know you are a reader! I would love to see what you are inspired by through your photos.

Here are a few of my favorites so far:

P.S. it is 68 degrees here in Ohio and I am loving it! I can't wait to get off work! I am trying to plan a fun activity outdoors... slack line perhaps? 

 Have a wonderfully sunny day!

 Jes

oh, how PINTERESTing: 3

There is not much in this world that I enjoy as much as an awesome, new, silver ring (preferably adorned with  big turquoise rock)!

For today's PINTERESTing Wednesday, I wanted to share with you some of my favorites.

Linking up with the Vintage Apple for Pinteresting Wednesdays!

This one reminds me of my big sis - and I love the nails!

This inspires me to sneak out at lunch to stop by the Native American Jewelry Store down the road. 

Full of stones and treasures!

Have a fantastic Wednesday!

"Rock" on,

Jes