Home is Within.

 Happy Hump Day!

First things first, did you enter to win $235 to ASOS for your summer must-haves? If not, click here.

The middle of the week has come quickly due to the long holiday weekend. It is so welcomed.
I have finished moving into our new space and I am beyond thrilled to be done.
A nuance is the cleaning, unpacking, and the fact once you get to crunch time there is no time for procrastination any longer! Haha, I am sure I am not the only one who procrastinates especially when it comes to moving, am I?

But there are a few things you tend to think on when you move on from something.
Have you ever noticed?

How the house you leave has never been that clean since you moved in? :)

Or that it no longer feels like a home? 

Yes, cliche - but home is definitely where the heart is. 

Which leads me to believe,

 home is found on the inside. 

Wherever me and my family and friends can be together, feeling safety, security, warmth, love. 

Sometimes I drive past our old house that we grew up in, and it no longer has that warm welcoming feeling like it did to me for so many years. 

Why is that?

That street still holds those memories of bike races, basketball games, carnival games, secret girls clubs, swimming, and jumping on the trampoline with all the neighborhood kids.

It screams youth, scary stories, riding bikes to places we weren't supposed to be... 

It all comes flooding back to me when I drive down that old street.

But, still it doesn't feel like it used to be. 

It doesn't feel alive anymore. 

It doesn't feel like home. 

Peter Pan Black Blue Polka Dot Blouse - A friend M :)

Black Skirt - H&M

Black Mary Jane - I have had for years, not sure - but you can find similar here

Black Bangle - Likely F21

Where we are now feels like home. 

I thank God for discovering home is always with me. 

Home is where I bring it. Home is with Him. 

And they both live inside of me. 

I know that is why we discover that Christ lives within, and He is always with us. (Galatians 2:20)

You don't find Him in a church building because He lives there - it's because of those, even you, who brought Him with. I think that's a pretty amazing discovery. 

Have you ever visited an old home you lived in or grew up in? 

What are some of your biggest pains when moving?

Comment below, I'd love to hear. 

When we share our thoughts we find more things in common than differences. :)

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t w e n t y - s e v e n + h e a l e d.

Happiest of Hump Days to you! 

Why am I so joyous?
Because today marks another year for me,
its my birthday! 

I am celebrating 27 years of life!
Oh, it has definitely been an adventure...

I've had my share of good times and hard times, bad boys (hence the shirt) and good guys, happy-fests and sad moments. But through it all God has kept me, and I am so thankful to see another year of life.

Yesterday, I ran across a pretty cool link-up, "Hello, my name is.." over at Kerrie's space, Life on a mission. The purpose of the link-up is to rid ourselves of the labels we get in today's world and replace them with who God says we are to Him.

Today the label I am tossing out is broken and I am reclaiming what God says I am. 

Hello, my name is healed. 

Can I tell you an amazing testimony? 

10 years ago my father almost lost his life. He was so close to death, it was so scary. He was a pretty big man at the time, weighing in at over 300lbs. Then, he started dropping weight suddenly. I remember, I was a junior in high school and one night after dinner I was talking to him and his words didn't make sense. The fact that he was talking about things that I couldn't understand, made me so scared. I told my mom and I could see the worry in her eyes. I remember going into my room and crying because I didn't understand what was going on with him. His mind was starting to leave him. But my dad has always been a man of faith in Jesus. He held onto God's word no matter what it looked like to us. We made him go to the hospital, and you would not believe what we were told... 

If you know anything about blood sugar, then you may know what a normal reading is. We were told a normal reading should stay under 200. My father had a blood glucose reading of 1400. Yes, you read right. The doctors were astonished that he was not in a coma or dead. His body even started to shut down. Through it all my father held on to his faith in God's word. He continued to quote, "I shall live and not die." (Ps 118:17) And a miracle happened, over the next few days they were able to lower his levels safely, his body started to began functioning normal, and my father survived death. It was a medical mystery. The doctors could not believe what had happened right before their eyes. It would have been 10 years that my father would have been dead, but my Jesus said not so.

The past 8 years I have been told that my body doesn't work properly. That it doesn't produce blood cells that it is supposed to produce, that the fatigue, aches, and pains, inflammation, blood tests, MRI's, scans, and medicine will always be apart of my identity. That Lupus is here to stay. 

But, again God says not so.

"But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.
 All we like sheep have gone astray;We have turned, every one, to his own way;And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all."

-Isaiah:53:5-6

White - "I love bad boys tank" - H&M

Printed Pants - Len

Gold Bracelet - Thrifted

Black/Gold Bag - Thrifted

Black/tan sandals - I can't remember (bought these a few years ago)

I know that it is God's will for me to be healthy and whole. I praise the Lord and thank Him for healing all of me - the physical, spiritual, and mental parts of me. Only with Him, can I be whole!
The gift of life is so amazing and I am beyond excited to have another year that God has graced me to see. I am excited for what this new year and journey will encompass and know that by faith all things are possible!

Hope you have a great day!

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Weekend Recap + Win $25 to H&M - Fall Must Haves Giveaway {Enter Now!}

Happy Monday!

I apologize. You are probably sick of me telling you how much I love fall. And the changing colors of the leaves. Or the smell of hot cocoa (with marshmallows of course). Or how about my obsession with boots and fall scarves.. Or the sugary sweet treats... And candy! 

Over the weekend I enjoyed grabbing some halloween themed sugar cookies to pop in the oven, root beer (no caffeine, yay!), adding some festive decor to the house, and getting A involved in helping me make puppy chow. yuuuuummmm.

And because I have been annoying all you that love every other season but fall, I have something for you! 

In fact, today I have something fun for everyone! 

 I am linking up with a blogger friend of mine,

Aisha at Soul & Spirit to bring you our..

...Drumroll please...

Fall Must Haves Giveaway!

What's in it for you?

3 fall faves..

+$25 H&M Giftcard

+ Fall Paisley Scarf ($20 value)

+ Yummy Fall Scented Candle ($15 value)

How to Enter:

Mandatory
Follow me OR Soul & Spirit on Google Friend Connect
(If you already follow just leave a comment saying so!)

That's it!!

Get Bonus Entries:

+1 Like I'm Perfectly Human on Facebook
+1 Like True Soul & Spirit on Facebook
+1 Follow Lovelyladyjb on Twitter
+1 Follow Soul & Spirit on Twitter

+1 Leave a comment telling me what you would love to get from H&M!

**Make sure to leave a comment telling me about any bonus entries you earned**

Have a good day and Good Luck!
-J
We are accepting entries tonight through October 14th! The giveaway ends at 11:59pm CT on the 14th.

I am linking up:

[T]ransitions.

Happy Sunday! 

I am up late posting, because I feel like I have neglected you all for the past week.. My apologies. I had a great week starting in my new position, met up with some old and new coworkers, and hung out with family for my Mom's birthday! I will update you with photos shortly.

In other news, while it's still fairly nice out I find it hard to not fantasize about the fall in Minnesota. I mean don't get me wrong, we dream of the summer when we are stuck here in a foot of snow... But the fall months are absolutely gorgeous here. Not to mention, I just love throwing on a pair of flats or boots, jeans, t-shirt and scarf and feeling cute with no effort. Outfits that generate that type of success are usually a must, although at a minimum sometimes. 

Here's a few pieces that will help anyone transition into the fall season...

Vero Moda button front shirt, $36 / H&M top, $62 / H&M skinny fit jeans, $31 / Joie navy blue flat shoes / The Leather Satchel Co. brown satchel / Forever 21 ring / J.Crew tortoise glasses / 

[1.] Sweater Cardigan. Nice and warm, in fall tone can be thrown over a T-shirt and you feel fab. I am going to live in these this fall because they don't have to close and my belly won't allow for it anyways ;)
[2.] Neutral Blouse. I am all about mid sleeve blouses, these can be worn alone or with a cute cardigan over. It's good to dress in layers due to the ever changing weather here in MN.
[3.] Skinny Denim. Classic staple, I lean toward skinnies because they are easier to tuck into your knee high boots if needed and always look great with a pair of flats.
[4.] Cute but classic sunnies. I tend to go with round frames because of the shape of my head, remember I have a BIG head... I think a more cateye frame would also be a perfect match.
[5.] Satchel. Everyone needs a good over the shoulder bag. Invest if you haven't already, they are so much more friendly to carry than my huge bag (200 lb LV neverfull) and soo much cute to look at. Once the baby is here I'll be sporting a diaper bag, so I'm taking full advantage of the small bag this fall.
[6.] Couldn't say no to the cat ring. No words needed for this cutie.
[7.] Top it all off with a pair of fun flats. Plaids are definitely in this fall, with accessories such as scarves, shoes, and even jackets. Go for it.

Have a good day!

Steamy Weather + OOTD + Our True Work

Happy Monday!

Hope you all had a great weekend! 

It has been ridiculously hot here in Minnesota. I mean 95 degrees plus, which is not normal for us this time of the year. So on Sunday for church, I opted out of my favorite maxi skirt and decided this cute number from H&M would do the trick. 

Dress H&M. Necklace Thrifted. Black Sandals Heartbreaker. Smile Priceless ;).

On top of beating the heat, I met up with some girlfriends from work as my friend was giving away bags of clothes she no longer wears! SCORE! I found so many cute tops and dresses I can wear as my belly grows, so I'm very greatful and super pumped to share some of them with you. 

Also a hot weekend, doesn't end without some type of ice cream in the mix! Yum.

Over the weekend, I also learned some very important keys to life during the sermon yesterday. It involves our true work on this earth. 

Our work and purpose is not about making nice, going to church on the weekends, getting in a routine and serving Christ so that we "feel better" about ourselves. 

Our work and purpose is not about working a good job, having a close family, creating good memories with great people. Sounds good, but that's not what it is about. 

Our true work on this earth is about sharing Jesus with the world. Although, everyone is not going to accept Him (as the bible even states this); our work is to show others how great our lives can be with Him. Showing them how He is the great I am. He is the one true living God, and I am a living testament to his greatness. 

In fact, we all are. 

I have never lived better, and more accomplished life until I had Jesus on my side; and through out it all I have no worries. If any of you knew how I was, I was always a worry wart - couldn't sleep at night at one point I was so depressed from the worries and thoughts that consumed my mind. Now when I began to worry, I give it to Jesus and it always works out. 

 He is my peace in the time of a storm, He is my rock when no one is there, When I have no one to talk to - He is there and He understands exactly how I feel. I don't know where I would be without Him. I am so grateful that He chose little old me to share His word and to live for Him. 

I am excited and filled with true joy!

You all have the right to live a great, wonderful, mysterious, ever changing, beautiful life with Christ. He is the way, the truth, and the life. He is everlasting, he is a living God. AND He has a special plan for each and everyone of you if you seek Him. 

Happy Monday! 

Nautical Notes

Happy Monday!

I hope you are all doing well, I have taken a short hiatus over the past few weeks, as I am sure you were all aware of. It doesn't look like it will get any easier to write within the next two weeks. I have a couple of things coming up!! 

First, It's my grandma's birthday today! Happy Birthday Grandma! So many years, so much wisdom!

Second, I have FINALS... my second to last set of these, finally. I will have one semester after this and super excited to be done with school... 

Third, It's my birthday next Monday! AND in perfect birthday girl fashion, I will be enjoying turning a quarter of a century! OMG, I am getting old guys!!

On to other things...

Black Blazer - H&M

Striped top - H&M

Denim jeans - Gap

Black Boots - Heartbreakers

Necklace - H&M

I know you haven't seen an outfit post in forever... Two weeks is a long time!! 

And I absolutely love this striped shirt I got from H&M, it was like $10! Which is definitely a steal! I have been on the search for very transformable items, that can double in the workplace, and are still appropriate. That's my challenge. The weather hasn't been working with us here, we have definitely been getting all of the showers April has to offer us. Which is good for our environment, so that's okay. 

I can't wait til my outfit posts can be summery again, with spring dresses, florals and bright prints... 

Until then, I will continue to keep dry the best way I know how...  wearing my rain-boots and jacket. :(

Enjoy your Monday!

Make you want, all of her love.

She's a maneater.

make you work hard, make you spend hard.

Tank H&M. Sheer flowered blouse Thrifted. Jeggings Guess? Jeans. 

Peacock Earring, Teal Necklace, Bracelets F21. Nude shoes Heartbreakers.

I love the print on this blouse! I found it at a thrift store for $6! What a steal, huh? It zips in the back (not shown)... So I have recently found a sponsor for my first giveaway and very excited to let one my lovely readers get a cool gift for reading! I really appreciate all of the love I've been receiving from you all! Keep it up! I love it!!

I am currently up watching late night television. Not Jay Leno late, instead it's infomercials late. That's the worst type of late night television. No, I do not want to buy your shake-weight, or try out your shape-wear for 30 days.. 

My bed is calling. Goodnight loves :))

Diamonds are Forever...

Diamonds are a girl's best friend.

Black Diamonds Tank F21. Black Blazer H&M. White Shorts Old Navy. Studded cuff/necklace F21. Shades H&M. Black Booties Anne Michelle. Red lips.

Hola! Happy Friday, readers! 

I know I have been so busy this week that I pretty much have deserted you all. No worries, I am still alive and not much has changed except my lack of spare time. 

Well, here's my weekly recap:

I will let you know that my Monday ended much better than it began. My boyfriend's birthday was Thursday and it was his golden birthday. He didn't want to do anything (no, seriously), so while he was at work, I decorated the house and we had our own little party! It was fun! 

Decorations(left). Red Velvet Torte (top right). Jenga, Crown Royal, Birthday Crown and card (bottom right)

Overall it was a successful week! How was your week? That's all for now, have a great weekend! ;)

Live IN Love.

A few different ideas for the same look. Enjoy.

Tucked In or Out? You be the judge.

Lace top H&M. Brown skirt F21. Brown Belt/Necklace F21. Gladiator heels Anne Michelle. 

Live in Love bracelet - Lucky Brand Denim. Silver/Gold clamp bracelet Thrifted.

Handbag JPK Paris.

First off, Happy Hump Day!

The middle of the week is almost over and we are getting closer to the weekend! Cheers to all of you who are holding back from yelling at your co-workers (and/or boss), or those of you who took an extra 15 minute break at work! Let your hair down today, we're almost there!!

As for me, I have an little story about the "Live In Love" bracelets. If any of you have ever purchased Lucky Brand Jeans you would know that they used to put these bracelets in the pockets of every pair of jeans. As for me I have about 20 of them. I used to work at The Buckle where we sold denim, and upon people trying on the jeans and what not, they would be all on the floor of the store. Everyone I worked with had a few and we thought (and still do think) they were pretty cool! It's just a piece of leather with those words stitched in, but I love you how you can add it and it helps to make a bit of a statement.

So... What do you think? How was your "Hump-Day"?