I'm Feeling the Effects Of The Holidays...Already

I don't know about you, but I'm really feelin' the effects of all the candy and sweets from last week. I kept telling myself, "You'll have time to work it off before family pictures at Thanksgiving", and now I'm regretting that. Especially since I'm limited in my workouts with tendinitist in my wrist AND a new tattoo on my foot which impedes my running.

Birthday tattoo!!

A photo posted by Janna renee (@jrbogert) on Oct 10, 2014 at 6:40pm PDT

In the nick of time, sweet Meghan told me about a #21 Day Challenge she is hosting with Herbalife, and she generously said that we could jump in late. So I'm wondering who wants to do it with me? It's basically for anyone wanting accountability while developing a new habit.  It's super simple-- order a container of Formula 1 (Meal Replacement Shake) in your favorite flavor, and then snap a photo of you + your shake DAILY for 21 days and share it on social media with the hashtag #alive21dayshakechallenge or just tag Meghan in it as proof. If we complete all 21 days, we will a) lose those sneaky lbs. and b) receive a coupon code for a discount off our next purchase. They are already $1.59 a shake waaaayyy less than shakeology, so a discount on top of that is pure insanity.

If you really want to go all in, Meg has a four week weight loss challenge buy-in that you can do with or without purchasing a dang thing!  It would be $35 to enter and $30 goes into a pot to be split among the winners. You get FREE nutritional info three times/week, weekly weigh ins, and you can lose the weight ANY way you want. They even have a sweet BMI/Protein Calculator that can tell you EXACTLY what you need to do to lose weight, and if you talk to Meg she has so many resources to help us. Who doesn't love free nutrition advice?

For me, it was a toss up between Pumpkin Spice and Pralines & Cream, which are the two most popular limited editions. In the end, I knew I could make a LOT of yummy recipes with the Pralines, so that's what I picked. Normally, I prefer whey protein {which they have} for after workout, but as a meal replacement, soy protein works just fine and that's what I was going for.

I can already say, I do NOT regret my decision. I haven't even gotten to all the recipes I found on Pinterest, and I'm already loving it. Exhibit A, is the Caramel Apple smoothie I whipped up. Tell me that doesn't sound like heaven. Having delicious options AND good nutrition that helps you with your goals feels like cheating.

Okay, so let me know if you are in. I need some amigos for inspiration, and helping you stay motivated is the best motivation for me. I'm willing to go above and beyond to help anyone that joins us, and Meg is AWESOME when it comes to this stuff. Email her IMMEDIATELY if you want to do the #21daychallenge, or just email her if you have any questions <megiles09@gmail.com>. I guarantee she will hook you up.

Define Your Own Perception, Part V

Did you know that it was time for the next round of Girl Behind The Blog?
Today I get to share how blogging has changed me and share my "spot".
It happens to be my favorite place to stop and smell the roses.

                                                             

That leads us to my other favorite way to stop and smell the roses.
That's right folks, it's time for Perception Is Everything!


First up, we have Kelly, and I am so incredibly proud to have her opening up to us!
She really took this little project of mine to heart, and allowed herself to show you a side that no one has seen of her. Just another reason why I can't help but love this girl.
GF's for LIFE!

Hi everyone! You might already know me, I’m Kelly & I write a fashion & lifestyle blog called Messy.Dirty.Hair. I am all about embracing the imperfections in life. Of course I wanted to be a part of Janna’s sponsor program because, well you know she’s amazing. It has actually been very hard for me to figure out what to write. I think it’s because I usually don’t get too personal on my blog. Not that I have anything to hide or that I want people to think I live this perfect life, but just because it’s not what my blogs about. However, since I love Janna so much I’m switching it up & getting personal.

I feel like my entire life has been about people thinking I’m something different than who I really am. When Janna says perception is everything, it really is true. For some reason I have always been perceived as this girl who lives this perfect life, with the perfect boyfriend & the perfect clothes. I can’t tell you the amount of times people have said to me – ‘your life is so perfect’ or ‘you’re so lucky to have such a perfect boyfriend’….blah blah. Newsflash people – I do not live the perfect life. I do not have the perfect boyfriend…ok maybe I have the perfect clothes but I’m paying for that…i.e. credit card bills….but that’s besides the point.

via

 No one has a perfect life, no matter how hard they may try to come off like they do. My entire life has been far from perfect. To be honest it’s actually been tough. For being only 27 years old I have actually already gone through way too much. However, I’m not going to sit here and list all the bad things that have happened to me throughout my life. I guess that’s because I don’t want anyone feeling bad for me. I don’t need pity. But I do want to show you that just because someone may look like they have it all in reality they probably are going through the exact same stuff you may have gone through.

I was bullied throughout my school years. Starting from kindergarten allllllll the way to the end of high school. I never ever made any sports team. I was always cut. I never won any school elections I went for. I wasn’t homecoming or Prom queen. My high school boyfriend verbally abused me, & then it got into physical abuse for 2 years. Right before college my parents got divorced. My family was splitting up. In college I was partying way too much & started developing an addiction to alcohol. I messed up a lot during that period of my life. I made a lot of mistakes during my alcohol induced haze. Mistakes that cannot be taken back…. It’s crazy I actually graduated with a Bachelor of Arts & Sciences in those 4 years …..& I’m going to stop right there. 
Yes, there is so much more I could tell you but I’m not going too.

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Plus why rehash the past? Yeah I have a pretty intense past but it’s what got me to where I am right now. My life still isn’t perfect by any means. And it never will be. It took me awhile to get over all the things in my past. Especially the f ups I made in college. But I realized if I didn’t go through all that I wouldn’t be where I am now. And I love where I am now….I have never been happier. But of course life will throw more curve balls at me, but this time I’m ready. The one good thing about going through all that crap is it makes you strong. And stuff that might have bothered you in the past doesn’t anymore.

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So I guess what I’m trying to say is looks can be deceiving. Just because it may look like someone has the perfect life, most likely they’re fighting some type of battle too.

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Thanks Janna for this. It actually felt really good to write this...
Oh & one more thing – Embrace the Mess.

Blog || Twitter || Facebook

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Sarah is my Blog Twin, and has been one of my favorites from the beginning. I think it's amazing that I have never met her, and yet we have made plans for "our" future...We are going to have some good times, I tell ya...Another funny thing, is that I thought she was short, but she is tall, and she thought I was tall, but I am short. I guess pictures don't tell all, after all!



I used to think...that I had to be married by 25.

Now I know... that setting timelines like that for yourself is unrealistic. People change so much in their twenties, and stressing out about getting married by a certain time is just ridiculous. (I just celebrated, yes celebrated, my 1 year of being single….and I'm 25 :) )

People see me as… being mean & intimidating. I kid you not, I can't tell you how many times I've heard that people think I don't like them before we become friends.....I guess I need to work on my facial expressions. ha

But I hope they know... that I'm really not like that. I love meeting new people and if you're not a raging biotch, then I'd love to be your friend :P

I blog because... ahhh there are so many reasons!! I love having a place to voice and share my opinion. I had no idea that you could make friends from blogging, but boy am I glad that you can because I've now got the best group of girlfriends :) Love y'all!! xo

Blog || Twitter || Pinterest || Instagram

I know that I keep saying how proud I am of my fellow bloggers, and especially the ladies that have graced my blog this month, but I just can't say it enough. I feel so blessed to be a part of the blog world and all that it entails. As a matter of fact, I don't think I would have had the courage to divulge my biggest secret if all of these ladies hadn't have opened themselves up to us first.

Thank you all for showing us how to rise above and learn from our circumstances instead of letting them define us. Every one of you has touched my heart more than you know, and I will be forever grateful. You have outdone yourselves ladies, and more importantly, you have made this month my proudest month in blogging. I will never forget...

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As this month is rounding out, I am ready to introduce some new faces 'round these parts, so let me know if you are interested in participating! You can comment, email me directly, or visit here for more info. Everyone has a story, and you can be heard by sharing it here!

Define Your Own Perception!

Welcome to the first installment of the "Perception Is Everything" Series!

Every Wednesday in the month of August will showcase two lovely bloggers that have all dealt with the negative and positive sides of perceptions. Whether the situations are good or bad, each one has grown from their experiences, and I hope that you can learn from them as well!

I am TRULY inspired by all of them, so I can't even explain how excited I am to be showcasing them weekly as my sponsors.

First up, is the HILARIOUS Tabitha, who just happens to be the sexiest soldier I know!

(Other than my hubs, obviously...)

Somehow this girl can pull off polished AND rough around the edges at the SAME time.

I guess that's what makes her so intriguing and sucks us all in.

Tell me if you agree...

So...I joined the AF when I was 19, sooo pretty young. 

College didn't work out the first time around, something about the Dean asking me to not come back next semester. Loser. The War had just started and I can honestly tell you, though I was feeling Patriotic, it wasn't the only reason I ended up in the recruiting office. None of that matters because its off topic, for now. 

So here I am, 19, female, long brown hair, mascara obsessed and not ugly. 

Oh hello Drill Sergeant, NOT. 

To say it was easy is a lie. To say it was the hardest thing in my life, is also a lie. I will just say mental toughness will take you far in life.

 I lasted about three days before I just lost it and started yelling at the other sixty girls in my flight.
 I was tired of doing unnecessary pushups and flutter kicks. 
I hadn't showered, or had the luxury of actually tasting the food I was shoving down my throat, and there was just too much vagina. What I didn't know, however, was that the rooms were mic'd. 
The Drill Sergeants had heard EVERYTHING I'd said. Oops. 
It ended up well though, because my mouth got me put in charge and then the rest of Basic was blur. I was too preoccupied in making sure my girls had their ish together that time just flew by. I did however still make time to paint my toenails in the bathroom when everyone else went to bed.
 A lady has to have standards. 

 It's me when I first joined the AF! Aww...

 Anyhoo, ten years later I'm still in the AF.

 I've been deployed four times, and I've had to earn my spot countless times. Because looking at me, listening to me obsess about the Nordy's sale.... doesn't really shout Soldier. 

But I am one, and a pretty dang good one at that. 

I've got the record/awards to prove it, and I take this honor very seriously. Take that Uncle Sam. 
And another thing, I know so many fabulous women in the military. The stigma that we're all fat/butch/stupid is totally last season. I will admit some women are, but mostly we're wonderful, and sadly forgotten. Military wives are great at showing love/support to their husbands, I'm not saying that Military Husbands aren't, it's just way less common, and from experience it's just as hard for a woman to be away than it is for a man, and the women over there fighting for us all today deserve some love.
 I have a friend in Afghanistan right now that has missed her only daughters 3rd and 4th birthday as well as her first and last day of Preschool, and I'm sad she's missed those special moments, but grateful to have her serving, because she's wonderful.
 The end, soap box over and out! xoxo

BLOG || TWITTER

Did that make you tear up like I did?

That is EXACTLY why I have had all the ladies send girly stuff in the care packages. I want to make sure that they are appreciated, and that is thanks to Tabitha.

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Now, for our second chica, we did a little fill in the blank.
Meet P!nky, a feisty, pink wearing, kickball playin', sweetheart of a gal.
I chose this picture of her, because it showcases her dedication to kickball and to pink.
I totally love that she is rockin' pink shades on TV, talking about sports.
That's my gurl, and yes, she's just that cool.

I used to think... I had a plan for my life and it would go according to said plan.

Now I know... life is a crazy journey and I just need to enjoy the ride.

People see me as... a crazy, outgoing, silly, loud, funny girl.

But I hope that they know... I can be very shy and am really very sensitive.

I blog because... I wanted to have an online diary. However, I also now blog because I've met so many people and I LOVE the blog community!

I have met her IRL and have talked about her many times, so you probably know her, but if you don't...go check her out!

BLOG || TWITTER

Both of these women inspire me with their combo of strength and femininity. 

They prove that you don't have to be one or the other, and it's ok to just be you. They are gorgeous and can kick your butt at the same time.

That's pretty bad @ss.

I hope that you enjoyed our first installment and come back every Wednesday!

The ladies inspired me in so many different ways, and I can't wait to share it with you all.

One Week!

Well, hello Monday. We meet again.
Only today I have to be at work at 8AM.
That is TWO HOURS earlier than normal.
Sheesh.
Good thing I rested up yesterday!



I talked to the hubs (duh), did a bit of sprucing up around the house, got some Vitamin D in the backyard, and was close to finishing this project:

I got that sweet little shelving unit on clearance at Target, and just WAIT till you see what it looks like now...I posted a picture on twitter, if you want a sneak peak.
I must say...even I am surprised at how gorgeous it's turning out. Plus it feels good to be working with my hands again. It's been far too long.

Unfortunately, I didn't get any help from this bugger:

He was imbibing on the peanut butter.
I told you that Coconut Peanut butter was addicting!

It's a good thing he's so cute, because he does NOT pull his weight around the house.
Puppy kisses can only get you so far, buddy boy.
Yeah right. Who am I kidding?
Those are the only kisses I'm gettin' this year!

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Now for the bi'ness end:

As I announced a few weeks ago, I am going to open up for Sponsorship!
But your $$ is no good here....
If you are interested in sponsoring my blog for the month of August, all you have to do is choose one of the following prompts and submit a short writing piece if you are so inspired.
I would like to feature your talents and together we will show that Perception really IS Everything.
I know, I know, I 'm a cheeseball, but read the prompts and you will see what I mean!

Prompt #1:

Share an experience with my followers of a time where someone perceived you in a way that surprised you or was not true, and how that affected you negatively or positively.

Example: I could share about the fact that everyone perceives me as a "dumb blonde" or ten years younger than I actually am. I could then explain how it used to bother me, and now I find it entertaining.

Prompt #2:

Share an experience where you misjudged someone, and what you learned from those false perceptions. This could be that you trusted someone that ended up hurting you, but I'd prefer that you judged someone negatively that ended up being the wrong assumption.

I'd like to showcase the negative side of perceptions, but will accept both entries.

Example: I almost believed the judgments of others, and didn't give my best friend a chance.

Now I realize that I would be lost with out her!

Prompt #3:

Share the positive side of a negative experience you faced.

Example: Enduring my husband's deployment is hard, but I am happy that I love someone so much that every minute is worth it.

I am giving you a heads up, because there is only one week left before the deadline!
I have a few submissions in, and several on the way, but the sizes and amount of sponsors will be determined when all submissions are in.

To enter email me directly, jannabogert@yahoo.com, with the following:

Your name

A photo of yourself

Your blog button

Your answer to the prompt of choice

Subject line: August Sponsors

All entries will be accepted until July 22nd, 11:59PM.
[For the procrastinators- I don't get up until 7AM]

I'm pretty darn excited about this, and have already been inspired by the entries.
It is going to mean so much to me to share your experiences, and to help promote your blogs.
Remember, one week!

Weekend Update & A Surprise!

So funny story, I have been wanting link up with Sami, Dana, and Leeann, since they started this fun little link up. It just hasn't happened due to boring work and horrendous fires.
Didn't feel right to celebrate that...ya know?

Well, the fires are still going and I still had to work, but I'm in the right mindset now.

#1 I was supposed to have Saturday off, but my GF wanted to do a fundraiser for Breast Cancer, so of course I agreed to work her shift.

#2 The fires aren't going to be fully contained or put out until mid July, which is nerve wracking, but we have hope.  As the community has banded together, we are all being lifted up in the spirit of solidarity and it is quite a beautiful thing.

Borrowed from the "I Love Colorado Springs" Facebook page:

"Here is a reason to love Colorado Springs....Since the trajic events of the Waldo Canyon Fire began, the community outreach has been amazing...last I heard, the community has already donated more than 1/2 million POUNDS of food and supplies to Care & Share. The citizens of this community are an amazing reason to love this city!"


In other exciting news, I bought myself a new toy:

These babies run at over $100, and I found it on Groupon for $30!
I have a sweet Dyson already, but now I can use the Shark for the tedious tasks like the stairs and in-between-vacuum puppy hair. It also does hard flooring, which is good because I HATE sweeping.
Yes, I know that I have reached that point where appliances make my weekend.
Still totally ok with it. Haha.

Now for the big surprise!
I'm not sure if you will find it as exciting as I, but that's ok.
In order to build up a little excitement, I will give you some backstory.
{Or just skip to the surprise. Whatev}

We all know that there are some bloggers fortunate enough to have lovely sponsors each month that pay for their blogging addiction support their blogs monetarily.
I am NOT one of those bloggers.
I am quite happy when I am asked to do a product review or host a giveaway, but that's about as far as it goes. However, I have been blessed to meet WONDERFUL bloggers that ask me to sponsor their blogs or we trade buttons and/or guest posts. Thus far this has been totally ok with me, and I have actually struggled with the thought of asking for monetary sponsorship or adding advertisements to my blog. Not that there is anything wrong with that, but I'm just not sure if I am ready for that or ready to lose the simplicity of my content. I like being able to post what I want, when I want, not having to worry about dedicating myself and my blog to sponsors, reviews, ads, and giveaways.
Does that make sense?

I have also struggled with getting back to the roots of why I began blogging, which was to document our life and as a creative outlet.  I know I'm not the only one, which I discovered through Julie and other bloggers, so I made a pledge to myself that I will make some changes within myself and my
blog. Then, the perfect inspiration came along that would help me with all of my struggles!

Ashley, my friend and Travel Blogger, had a genius idea for a giveaway, and I decided to borrow it for my own version. Now that I have rambled, here is the skinny:



I am opening my blog to Sponsors for the first time EVER!
Guess what it will cost you...

Source: Uploaded by user via Janna on Pinterest

Nothing but a little bit of creativity ;)

If you are interested in sponsoring my blog for the month of August, all you have to do is choose one of the following prompts, and submit a short writing piece, along with a photo of yourself, and your blog button. Sounds easy (and hopefully fun), right?

Prompt #1:
Share an experience with my followers of a time where someone perceived you in a way that surprised you or was not true, and how that affected you negatively or positively.
Example: I could share about the fact that everyone perceives me as a "dumb blonde" or ten years younger than I actually am. I could then explain how it used to bother me, and now I find it entertaining.
Prompt #2:
Share and experience where you misjudged someone, and what you learned from those false perceptions. This could be that you trusted someone that ended up hurting you, but I'd prefer that you judged someone negatively that ended up being the wrong assumption.
I'd like to showcase the negative side of perceptions, but will accept both entries.
Example: I almost believed the judgments of others, and didn't give my best friend a chance.
Now I realize that I would be lost with out her!
Prompt #3:
Share the positive side of a negative experience you faced.
Example: Enduring my husband's deployment is hard, but I am happy that I love someone so much that every minute is worth it.

Source: tumblr.com via Janna on Pinterest

After submissions are in, I will choose the "winners", which will rank as such:
#1 will be the "Large Ad" Sponsor
#2 and #3 will be the Medium "Ad Sponsors"
And dependent on the the number of entries, I will decide how many "Small Ad" Sponsors there will be, and then feature ALL of the entries on Perception Is Everything!
That means that everyone is a winner. Woohoo!

To enter email me directly, jannabogert@yahoo.com, with the following:
Your name
A photo of yourself
Your blog button
Your answer to the prompt of choice
Subject line: August Sponsors

All entries will be accepted until July 22nd, 11:59PM.
Please inform me of ANY questions you have, and I would LOVE to hear if you are participating.
We all claim to love writing so much, so I am excited to see what the participants come up with, and who will be up for the challenge!
Are you?

Feel The Love.

Unfortunately, my trip is coming to an end today.

Sad face.

But I guess all good things must come to an end, right?

At least now I get to come home and tell you all about it ;)
Here's a teaser:

It felt really good to be around people that know and love my hubby enough, to help me make a sign for him out of paper towels in the middle of pre-gaming for the O's game.
Love these three!

For now, I wanted to share more of the fabulous new faces gracing my sidebar.

I can honestly say that I love each and every one for oh-so-many reasons.

It would mean the world to me, if you go show them some love.

Not to mention- you will DEFINITELY want to follow all of them.

But don't take my word for it. Go see for yourself.



Hi! I'm Jessica & I blog over at Lovely Little Things!
I'm a small girl with a big passion for life!There is really no limit to what you'll find on my blog. I blog to stay creative, to appreciate the little things in life & to inspire others. You'll find anything from health/fitness to beauty/style...and even the occasional picture of my crazy kitten :)
 Come on over and say hello!

My name is Whitney, and I am: 26 years old.
I blog at Everything Happens For A Reason, which is my life motto. My blog is basically a virtual journal of my life. I am a southern girl married to a California boy. We are newlyweds, who got married this past June 11, 2011. Something that you can always find on my blog: pictures. I'm obsessed. It's the photographer in me. I absolute love fashion, makeup, shoes, purses, and shopping. Two of my vices? Diet Coke and social media. Love it.

My name is Anna and I blog over at A Sweet Southern Mess!
I love being from West Tennessee and all that being southern entails! Camo, sweet tea, fried foods, fishing/hunting, and bless your heart! It's all me and I wouldn't have it any other way! I am an elementary education major with a very high level of excitement to soon be a teacher! My absolute loves are the Lord, crafting, cooking, and glitter! My blog entails everything about my life, experiences, thoughts, and of course the other bloggers that I meet! I love to make new friends and I'm always trying to make a difference in the world!

And last but not least, Alana was lazy told me to "wing it" and be creative for her.
It's a good thing that I like her or I would have just left her out of this little spotlight.
I kid, I KID!

She's a 20-somethin' from Oklahoma, and like all of us, she blogs about her life.

She has a fun little link up called "Two Truths And A Lie" that I have had fun participating in, and she usually shares some hilarious phone pics. I don't know how she runs into the most random people and situations. I really liked her right off the bat, because you can tell this girl is real and real funny!

(Not funny lookin', however. Just to clarify.)

Well my dears, let's hope that I don't have any flight delays!

I have a meeting to attend the moment I land, so no time for nonsense.

Have a GRRREEEAAAT Monday!

Hello SUMMER!

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

Do you all have a ton of fun things planned?

I know Pinterest is abuzz with BBQ shenanigans and Patriotic decor.

I will be working, but I will most DEFINITELY be remembering the true spirit of the holiday.

That's right my dears, this holiday is more than just the kickoff of Summer.

Source: google.com via Janna on Pinterest

"In peace sons lay to rest their fathers, in war fathers lay to rest their sons."

But I do not want you to be all sad. 
It is not just to mourn the loss of the soldiers. 
It is to celebrate the sacrifice they make 
for all of us.


That means PARTY DOWN people!
If I can't do this, you should be:

One of my lovely "sponsors" bloggy friends asked me to guest post tomorrow because she will definitely be partyin' it up, so I will be over there talking about the infamous Incline. It is so hardcore that we didn't even make it to the top! Just wait till you see it...


Please visit Alana, if you don't already lover her ;)

Oh, and I won my THIRD Giveaway! I'm on a roll!

Thanks Michelle!

I will definitely put that Amazon Gift Card to use!

My last piece of advice today, is to practice safe fun this weekend! No drinking and driving, don't burn the burgers, and no kiddies alone by the pool.  Have a safe and WONDERFUL weekend!