We have a winner! Rafflecopter randomly selected the winner of our #Happiest5k giveaway.
And the winner is…….
Maybe it was growing up the oldest of four siblings or the oldest grandchild, but I never really felt like I had anything of my “own”. I always tried to share and I didn’t mind that. I was raised to believe that if I had 2 dollars in my pocket, I could give you one.
I think this made me obsessed with things and stuff.
Once I became working age, I wanted to work so that I could buy my “own” stuff.
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It started with an occasional gold trinket, or maybe some clothes from Abercrombie or American Eagle.
As I grew up my tastes progressed, Gap or Banana Republic became closet staples.
Burberry eventually caught my eye, along with Kate Spade and Tory Burch. They are a whole lotta gorgeous.
For a very long time, I felt like I always wanted something, and then that “thing” was never enough.
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When my son was born, I spared no expense with him. I have Burberry and Ralph Lauren to prove it. I got compliments galore on how well dressed he was, or that he looked like a “little man”.
My obsession with possessions progressively worsened after the death of my brother. I purchased things in an attempt to cheer myself up. Have you heard the expression, “trying to put a band-aid on a bullet wound?” It wasn’t pretty, pleasant, or pleasing.
I have spent the last year soul searching and in self discovery. Why didn’t “things” make me happy?
In the middle of a stack of self-help books I found an answer. A book asked me to recall the 5 happiest memories of my life, none of which involved “stuff”. In fact, when I recall my fondest childhood memories none of them involved gifts or presents. I certainly didn’t go without, but I barely recall anything my parents purchased. An Alf doll when I was 5ish because I broke my arm, and a pink banana boat seat bicycle with pink streamers that I wrecked racing my brother, are two of the sole presents that stick out in my mind.
Don’t take me the wrong way, I still love Kate Spade and Tory Burch as much as any girl. I realized my life needed to be about more than the things I owned.
What kind of an example was I setting for Gabe? My Grandfather and I were discussing the devaluation of holidays. Once upon a time, kids got presents just for Christmas and birthdays. It isn’t uncommon for children now to get random gifts throughout the year. Gabe is an only child, he might have gotten 2 new toys within a week “just because”.
I hate to shamefully discuss Gabe’s wardrobe. I live in Kentucky, and at 2 years old my son had several pieces of Burberry in his closet. I would freak out every time he wore them. Who wouldn’t be terrified of pizza stains on a $90 shirt? If he was wearing Burberry as a child, what would he expect when he got older?
I needed to stop placing emphasis on possessions, and more about memories.
I have seriously curbed my toy buying habit, and Gabe doesn’t need a new outfit every week.
Memories don’t require money.
We had an unexpected snow. It was several inches of frosty goodness. My boyfriend had his dad find an old Outdoor Tire intertube. It had to be patched with a bicycle tire patch and blown up, but it equaled hours of fun. We played in the snow for nearly 2.5 hours, running up and sliding down a long hill.
As soon as we made it back to the top Gabe would scream, “Mommy lets do it again!”
Jeremy helping Gabe climb back up the hill, and then doing it all over again.
Walk, Run, or just there to have fun? The Color Run 5k has it all.
Objective: Walk or Run 5 kilometers which is roughly 3 miles and have fun doing it.
You will want to wear white for the most colorful experience.
Did you make a New Year’s resolution to lose weight, get fit, or try something new?
A 5k race is great introduction to running, and for most people you can train for a 5k in roughly 8 to 9 weeks. But who said you HAVE to run it?
Last year, The Color Run hosted over a 170 events in 30 countries.
What’s new in 2014 for The Color Run? Every race entrant gets a colorful “goodie” bag. If you enter and participate in a 2014 The Color Run you will receive a designer t-shirt, a cool sweatband, a packet of color, a very happy temporary tattoo, a “brag” bracelet, and a colorful sling bag.
Can’t wait to enter a The Color Run race?
Do you want a race discount?
The Color Run has offered my readers a $5 discount on a paid race entry. Here are the details:
Didn’t I say something about a giveaway?
I have a pair of race registration entries to giveaway to a lucky reader. You have to complete a few simple tasks to earn entries to the Rafflecopter giveaway, and you can earn up to 4 entries into the raffle. Sorry folks, you can’t choose a race that has sold out. 
The Happiest 5k just got happier. Did you know that a portion of a race entries go to a charitable organization? The Color Run has donated over $1 million dollars between 80+ local and national charities. Your race entries aren’t tax deductible, but you know that you’re supporting a business which supports worthy non-profits. The Color Run also has a global charity partner, Global Poverty Project. Their mission is to help eradicate extreme global poverty. 
Find The Color Run on Social Media.
Follow The Color Run on Twitter here.
You can like them on Facebook here.
You can follow them on Pinterest here.
You can follow them on Instagram here.
Happy Magical Monday,
XOXO
~Jess
Every year many families “deck the halls,” but what if your seasonal decorations could help support charitable projects in your community? Bluegrass Junior Woman’s Club in conjunction with Pemberton’s Nursery are offering poinsettias, fresh wreathes, and garland. A large portion of the proceeds will go to the Bluegrass Junior Woman’s Club and the many projects we conduct in the community. Bluegrass Children’s Fund, Santa’s Shoppers, along with partnership organizations such as Bluegrass Domestic Violence (now known as Greenhouse 17), Ronald McDonald House of the Bluegrass, Hope Center, Children’s Advocacy Center, and many more local agencies benefit from the hard work of Bluegrass Junior Woman’s Club. We are unable to fulfill all of our commitments without the support of our community. We ask that you consider purchasing your live and fresh holiday decorations from BJWC this year.
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| Daniel Boone Festival Princess Candidates |
I was born in Barbourville, Kentucky, which is of little significance to most people.
It is a sleepy little town nestled in the foothills of the mountains. Knox County is home to Union College, the original Daniel Boone Festival, and two former Kentucky governors. The population of the County is just over 30,000, so it is very easy to know (or be related in some way) to everyone in this beautiful little town. The separation of church and state isn’t clearly defined, and the County is on a shrinking list of “dry” counties in Kentucky. Residents generally go to church Sunday morning and evening, along with Wednesday night. Church Revival and Vacation Bible School weren’t just options.
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| Union College Cheerleading |
Socioeconomic boundaries which often deter friendships in larger cities really aren’t an issue here. I have had friends since before I was born. The Maid of Honor in my own wedding was the niece of the Maid of Honor in my parents wedding many years before. It wasn’t uncommon that I had the same teachers as my Mom and Dad, or that my teachers were once students of my great grandmother.
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| My childhood friend who became my Maid of Honor |
There is very little I would change about my childhood. I ran barefoot up and down Kay Jay til my feet were calloused. I fished “crawdads” out of the creek and somehow managed to not catch hepatitis A. I wrecked or flipped a four wheeler, motorcycle, or go-cart more times than I care to count. I climbed hay bales and occasionally drove a tractor. I was raised by a village and not just my family. Trips around the world could never replace the time I spent with my family and friends.
One of the greatest advantages of small town living might be the friendships. Today Gabe and I will help a sweet little girl celebrate her 4th birthday. I’m sure there were more than a few people that never thought Monica or I would ever have children. She taught me to hula hoop at the Hooter’s in Richmond. We had all night conversations that occasionally involved copious amounts of alcohol, and
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| Monica and I |
resulted in random texts and phone calls to unsuspecting individuals. There were countless other adventures that were too random or mischievous that I wouldn’t dare make public. I can still recall the day she called to say she was pregnant. I would discover that I was pregnant, before her daughter was born.
Our lives have changed dramatically over the last few years but our friendship remains the same. We are both devoted mothers and silly friends. One day I look forward to telling Harley and Gabe “select” stories from before they were born. Gabe and I are both blessed to have this opportunity.
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| My grandparents “Maw” and “Paw” |
I spent most of my life dreaming about running away from this little town. I have traveled the world and lived in lots of exciting cities, but part of my heart will always remain here. I grew up in “Mayberry” or as close as you might imagine. The “Walton’s” were my neighbors. I know at least one Andy, John-Boy, Mary Ellen, Aunt Bee, Barney, Opie, and Zeb Walton. Life here might not be glamorous, but people make the best of what they have. I am starting to look forward to being home for a few months. I can spend time with my family and reconnect with old friends. This town and these people inspired the life I have.
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| Real country girls still ride in the rain |
The Andy Griffith Show and The Walton’s are no longer prime time television but places like Barbourville, Kentucky will always exist in rural America. I encourage everyone to find their roots and discover what keeps you grounded.
While I am home I would love to hear stories about growing up in Barbourville. If you have a story you want to share or know someone who does, please feel free to reach out.
Happy Social Sunday
XOXO
~Jess
Themed runs are a current trend. You have various color runs, night runs, mud runs, and even zombie runs. Bluegrass Junior Woman’s Club is proud to host Lexington, Kentucky‘s first foam run. The event is brought to you by the creators of Glow in the Night 5k. It will feature large inflatables, goofy obstacles, and lots of foam. The event titled Run Foam Run will benefit Bluegrass Junior Woman’s Club and the clubs special projects. BJWC is a local non-profit devoted to helping disadvantaged women, children, and families through various outreach project. The Santa’s Shopper’s program, Ronald McDonald House, Bluegrass Domestic Violence, and the Children’s Advocacy center all benefit from the hard work and dedication of BJWC members.
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| My late brother Brandon and his daughter Bella |
I dread May and December. My brother was murdered on May 25th, which fell on Memorial Day that year. Now I’m not sure which day to mourn my brothers passing, so instead I mourn both. December 15th was his birthday and shortly after is Christmas. I always have a six month cycle of mourning and grief. This year I promised to celebrate his life instead of mourning his death. I spent the days reflecting on all the incredible memories we shared. My sister got a beautifully scripted memorial tattoo in his honor. The text read, “Brandon, If love could have saved you, you would have lived forever.” In my heart he will live forever, he is alive as long as our memories are.
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| Photo Credit: Anna Peace |
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| Photo Credit: Jessica Urgelles |
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| Photo Credit: Jessica Urgelles |