Last spring, I read a book called The Bright Years by Sarah Damoff, and it ended up being the book that gave me my quote of the year: “The work of the artist is to freeze time.” As someone who loves taking pictures wherever I go, there’s almost nothing more satisfying to me than hearing the click of my own camera. There’s something so pure about capturing a good picture — the kind of picture that takes a moment in time and freezes it into a forever memory. A good picture is one you can look back upon — days, weeks, months, or years later — and be transported right back into the thick of it. Back to the laugh you shared with someone you love. Back into the sound of the waves crashing the shore at the beach. Back to the little joys that sometimes seem forgettable and the life-changing moments that made you shed a happy tear or two or three. That’s why I love taking pictures… I have all these frozen capsules I can close my eyes and jump back into. What’s not to love about that?
Read MoreWhen I found out I was pregnant in late-March, I remember thinking to myself, “Oh this is going to take forever.” Six months later and it’s turning out to be the exact opposite — time is FLYING by. Last weekend, I officially entered the third trimester of my pregnancy — the third trimester (!!). It’s a crazy feeling to be in the home stretch. I’m overwhelmed, but overwhelmed in the best way. We’re so close to meeting our baby girl!
Read MoreAfter a busy, fulfilling week of traveling, I’m finally back home in NC and it feels so good. While it’s sad to pack your bags and wrap up a good trip, it’s also nice to get back to normalcy and routine in the confines of your own space. My boys were excited to see me, I was able to make dinner in my kitchen, and I actually felt well-rested after a good night of sleep in my bed. And while we’re on the go already today (because of course we are! — traveling to Outer Banks, NC for our anniversary weekend), I got a day and a half of good rest and I feel like a brand new woman.
Read MoreWelcome to 2025 where the first Just Jen Things recap of the year comes… more than halfway through the year. Good job, Jen, good job. In my defense — and I’m going to defend myself here because WHEW — life’s been feeling a little (okay, A LOT) “Lights! Camera! Bitch! Smile!” in 2025. Anyone else agree? Don’t get me wrong, I have plenty of things I’m both excited and grateful to have going for me right now, but damn, so many other things have made 2025 feel like the ultimate slog-fest so far. So it seems, my anthem of the year belongs to Taylor Swift’s I Can Do It With a Broken Heart — all the days of physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion, and yet I’ve had to put on that front because the only way out is through.
Read More